Gelbvieh Breeders Awarded for Performance Data

The American Gelbvieh Association is proud to recognize seven members for achieving Bronze, Silver or Gold status for the association's Gelbvieh Performance Advantage (GPA) program for the 2010 management year. The GPA program was initiated in 2009 as a tool for AGA members to document and promote the performance aspects of their programs and the Gelbvieh breed.

To attain GPA status, the AGA member must record performance data, use sires that meet or exceed established performance criteria, and implement technologies such as DNA testing and A.I. in their programs.

"We ask a lot of our members when it comes to data collection and we wanted to recognize those programs that collect more than just the required data," said Susan Willmon, director of breed improvement for the American Gelbvieh Association.

The programs qualifications are based on records kept and data recorded in the previous calendar management year. Herd size is factored out of the qualifications such that the different levels are as attainable for smaller herds as well as larger ones.

Part of the challenge of breed improvement is to watch for trends in different performance data.

“As technology evolves or targets within the industry change, the American Gelbvieh Association needs to be able to track traits within the Gelbvieh breed to stay on target for the demands of the industry,” states Willmon. "Having breeders embrace new technology such as DNA markers, as well as standard points of evaluation such as udder scoring, help us build our database such that research towards new EPDs or profit indexes can be built on a solid foundation of historical data.”

Congratulations to the American Gelbvieh Association members who have attained GPA status for the 2010 management year. The AGA looks forward to the continued growth of this program as more members document and enhance the performance aspects of their programs. Look for the GPA logo as a sign that the AGA member program offers the Gelbvieh Performance Advantage. Specific details can be found at http://www.www.gelbvieh.org/membership/memberprograms.html.

*Indicates consecutive year of attaining GPA Status.

Gold Status Qualifiers

*Jay Heetland, 4H Farms, Lincoln, Mo.

Silver Status Qualifiers

*4T Ranch, Jeff and Connie Tabor, Columbus, Kan.

*Adkins Gelbvieh, Gerald Atkins, Iroquois, S.D.

Boyer Ridge Century Farm, Judy Lamb, Moravia, Iowa

Guenther Family Cattle, Corey Guenther, Wyoming, Iowa

*MLM Gelbvieh, Marlin Meyer, Superior, Neb.

White Oak Farms, Myron Bahm, Fordland, Mo.

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