The_Ledger_Summer_2020

Data Collection Continued from page 12

AMERICAN ABERDEEN EVENTS

“Our biggest goal is to collect the right, high-quality data needed, become established with IGS, and move forward with identifying what we’re good at and what we’re trying to prove,” Walker says. American Aberdeen producers need not worry about whether the data capture practices they incorpo rate are the right ones or how their data will be used in genetic evalua tion. In relying on the processes other breed associations have established and taking advantage of a multi-breed collaboration such as IGS, AAA mem bers have a lot of experience and expertise at their disposal. The AAA, uniquely different from other breeds, may find their strengths lie with more novel, outside-the-box traits that are just as economically rel evant and useful in commercial beef production. Identifying these traits and incorporating them into a selec tion index that speaks to the breed’s strengths and how they fit with the commercial sector is well within the realm of possibility. The beauty of partnerships such as IGS is this can all be accomplished effectively and much faster. TL

Though some members may be apprehensive about a breed like AAA joining a large, multi-breed database such as IGS, Kemp says this is a chal lenge all partners initially face. “I understand that folks coming in from a smaller breed are initially going to be a bit fearful of how they stack up,” Kemp explains. “First of all, that’s something that every breed, regardless of size, deals with. Second ly, even if that’s a valid concern, the only way to tackle that concern is to have data at your disposal that allows for more powerful decision making. “Five years from now, that fear no longer exists,” he adds. Walker explains this will be a big step forward for the AAA and one that will require an extraordinary amount of commitment from its members. Due to the AAA having smaller critical mass than other breed groups, this will require much more attention to quality data capture among members. The ability to sort animals that can add more value to the breed will only continue to increase the breed’s cred ibility as well.

June

19-21

Kootenai Classic Livestock Show, Coeur d’Alene, Idaho

October 2

West Fryeburg Fair, Fryeburg, Maine Shetler Cattle Company and Effertz EZ Ranch Joint Aberdeen Production Sale, Bismarck, N.D.

24

November 11-12

Hawkeye American Aberdeen Extravaganza Sale, Online

December 5

Aberdeen Supreme Sale, Perkins, Okla.

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