David Gazda
Association Perspective
The importance of relationships.
Recently I was invited to sit in on a brainstorming discussion attended by breed association representatives and those from academia, as well as commercial and seedstock Angus producers. During the afternoon discussion one commercial cattleman, when asked about the importance of a specific trait (characteristic) in bull selection in his region of the country, responded by saying it was of little or no interest, and added Angus genetics were utilized primarily to breed heifers and generate replacement females for their operation.
Another commercial producer from the same area echoed similar sentiments about this same trait, and offered an indifferent “not much.” Sire selection, he said, was based only upon four traits, and Angus bulls were used strictly as a terminal cross in their breeding program.
After listening to the second producer’s comments, I was convinced I had stood by the auctioneer’s speaker one too many sales at ringside and my hearing was now failing me. Being somewhat familiar with operations, their geographic locations, cow herd makeup, marketing programs, etc., I just assumed the trait being deliberated would have to be one of major consideration in sire selection for these programs — certainly in the one where replacements were being retained. Furthermore, what respectable cattleman would ever consider using Angus bulls as a terminal cross?
After the meeting, having time to digest the comments shared with the group by those two cattlemen, I reminded myself of the need to be well-informed to effectively perform the role of a regional manager. More so, the day’s discussion reaffirmed the importance of the role relationships between customer and genetic supplier so there is accurate knowledge of genetic requirements.
As a commercial producer, does your seedstock provider know what genetics complement your cow herd, environment or management? Do they know what genetics best allow you to reach your production goals or target market? More importantly, do they know what you need to make your program sustainable and profitable? Communication goes both ways.
Successful businesses subsist because they afford goods and services that provide the customer success and satisfaction. Look around, and I think you will find the most successful Angus programs today operate under this same simple principle. Are you doing all you can as a commercial-Angus breeder to ensure success?
Editor’s Note: Regional Manager David Gazda covers Region 4, including the states of Florida, Georgia, Alabama, Mississippi and South Carolina. Click here to find the regional manager for your state.
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