Accuracy and reliability are becoming required tools of the trade for many in agriculture. On a diversified farm near Blue Mound, T.J. Curtin has seen that reality in all areas of production – from growing corn and soybeans to raising registered Angus bulls.
He likens the cattle industry’s use of DNA technology to other agricultural advancements, such as the use of seed varieties in row-crop operations.
“In Illinois, corn is king,” T.J. said. “Seed-corn companies today offer us much more information on each variety, and that improves accuracy. Buying a bull is similar to buying a bag of seed corn, and if I can offer higher accuracy using genomic technology, then I am willing to do that.”
The Curtin family has been raising Angus cattle for nearly 80 years. Now in its fourth generation, Curtin Land and Cattle is home to 200-plus head of registered Angus cattle, a row-crop operation and a family trucking business. The Curtins sell about 40 registered bulls each year during the annual production sale.
The technology first captured T.J.’s attention three years ago when he attended a sale offering genomic-enhanced expected progeny differences (EPDs). The added accuracy with a simple DNA test is what led T.J. to try the technology in his own operation and he has used it ever since.
“As farmers we take risks all the time, but when we can lessen that risk, that is of great value,” T.J. said. “Commercial producers put a lot of trust in us as breeders, and now I can offer them higher accuracy for what cattle are going to do.”
Curtin is part of a growing number of cattlemen who are contributing genomic information into the EPDs produced by national breed associations.
DNA information incorporated into genomic-enhanced EPDs can be a powerful tool for cattlemen wanting to make more rapid herd improvement. In many cases, it’s similar to an added 10 to 12 progeny being reported on a given animal.
“Genomic information can help producers optimize selection, mating and management decisions for more profitable and sustainable herds,” said Kent Anderson, associate director of technical services for Zoetis. “With genomic-enhanced EPDs, producers can more confidently select genetically superior young sires before progeny information is available. Genetic testing isn’t just for seedstock producers. There are tests available that can help producers better select replacement heifers and feeder cattle for better returns.”
Due to the Curtins tight calving season, the parentage portion of the test that comes with the HD 50K test T.J. uses has helped with herd management.
“Calving for us is fast and furious – we will have around 150 calves in our first 50 days of calving,” he said. “Sometimes you can have two cows right next to each other that calved at the same time and by accident tag the wrong calf with the wrong cow – mistakes like that can happen. With the HD 50K test, we’ve caught a couple that have gotten switched and with genetic defects you have to be on the ball and get the parentage correct.”
Last spring, T.J. conducted a survey of his customers to determine whether or not they value genomic data when making a bull purchase. About 85 percent of respondents said yes, and he said that is all the reassurance he needs to know the technology is worthwhile.
“This type of technology is significant with today’s cattle prices because we need to identify cattle that will lead us to our goals more quickly,” T.J. said. “And we need to identify those superior cattle that can covert feed more efficiently and keep producing more beef with less cattle.”
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