Feedlot and Carcass Advantages with Balancer® Genetics
Today, feeders favor buying cattle with genetics that predict performance both in the feedyard and on the rail. To help breeders select for these more favorable animals, the American Gelbvieh Association offers both a Carcass Weight (CW) and Feeder Profit Index (FPI). The industry demands an animal that grades Choice or higher, while posting a Yield Grade 1 or 2 carcass. A combination of marbling and a lean meat yield is often not an easy target to hit. Using Gelbvieh and Balancer genetics can help get you there.
Meeting Modern Industry Demands
Carcass data from 107 steers fed in 2017, on an aggressive implant program and harvested at 15 months of age.
2017 AGA Commercial Producer of the Year Adam Sindt
“The Gelbvieh and Balancer bulls have improved the consistency and uniformity of our calves. We like the growth, performance and disposition of the Balancer calves. We have been selling our harvest-ready cattle on a live basis, but in April 2017 we sold some of our home-raised cattle on a grid, and were pleased with the premiums. The cattle were 12-14 months old at harvest and graded 92.5% Choice and Prime and 90% were Yield Grade 1, 2, and 3.” – Steve and Adam Sindt, R&J Farms,
Franklin, Nebraska
National Farmers Organization Bobby Hendrickson
“Gelbvieh-influenced cattle can handle more days on feed and can be pushed to heavier weights without sacrificing feed efficiency and yield grade due to their ability to minimize the number of Yield Grade 4’s and 5’s.” – Bobby Hendrickson, Regional Representative, National Farmers Organization,
St. Cloud, Minnesota
“These Balancers are one of the best kept secrets in the cattle industry.” -Adam Sindt “My Balancer sired cattle graded 90% Choice, fewer YG 4s and more carcass weight, adding up to more profit.” – Scott Hamilton, Hamilton Farms, South Dakota.
Genetic Trends
Today, feeders favor buying cattle with predictable performance potential both in the feedyard and on the rail. To help breeders select for these more favorable animals, the American Gelbvieh Association offers FPI™ and Efficiency Profit Index (EPI). Genetic trends for both of these indexes show Gelbvieh and Balancer® cattle becoming more favorable in the feedyard.
Well ranking sires for FPI, which stands for feeder profit index, have higher marbling and carcass weight than their contemporaries. The current average for FPI is $71.68 of potential profit.
Efficiency Profit Index aids producers in selecting more feed efficient cattle that have acceptable amounts of gain. Over time, the AGA genetic trend for EPI has significantly increased to an average of $102.35.