SDSU Extension will host the third annual Heifer Development webinar series, "Building Your Genetic Base," beginning Feb. 23, 2017.

The webinar series will run February 23, March 2 and March 9. All sessions will start at 12 p.m. CST/ 11 a.m. MST and run for one hour.

Taylor Grussing, SDSU Extension cow/calf field specialist, encourages interested viewers to register. The webinar can be viewed live or later. Each webinar session will be recorded and emailed out to registered participants.

Driven by change
SDSU Extension launched this third series to respond to current technology trends and changes in the industry, Grussing explained.

"With many bull sale catalogs filling the mailbox and technology always at our finger tips, it's often easy to get overwhelmed when contemplating genetic decisions for the cowherd," Grussing said. "Which bull do I buy, how much do I pay for him, should I use genetic tests to analyze my herd? All of these tools can benefit the cowherd; however, sorting through them takes time, money and dedication to herd goals."

The webinars will go over how to use EPD's and cover the basics of genetic selection for herd bulls and females. In addition, first-hand experience from two producers who are using new technology to make genetic progress in their herds will be shared in session two.

Grussing will help tie all the information together by discussing how breeding the right bull to the right dam will lead to improved genetics in replacement females.

"The decisions we make at breeding season are not fully realized until nearly two years later when offspring are being bred or reach the auction market. Therefore, we need to utilize the genetic tools and technology that is available at our fingertips to make the best breeding decisions we can. This webinar will go back to the basics of how important genetic selection is to building a sturdy genetic base to support cowherds into the future" Grussing said.  

Webinar schedule

Topic: How to Use EPD's when Selecting New Herd Sires

Presenters: Dr. Joseph Cassady, SDSU Animal Science Department head and professor

Topic: Applying Genomic Technology in the Cowherd

Presenters: Brandon Peterson, owner and operator of Peterson Angus from Alcester, S.D., and Troy Hadrick, commercial cow/calf producer from Faulkton, S.D.,

Topic: Bull Selection for Heifer Development Programs

Presenter: Taylor Grussing, SDSU Extension cow/calf field specialist

To Register
A one-time registration fee of $15 will provide access to all three webinar sessions. To register, visit the "Heifer Development Webinar: Building Your Genetic Base" registration link at iGrow.org/events. Registration will remain open through March 9, 2016.

Source: SDSU Extension