New BEEF cowherd genetics surveyNew BEEF cowherd genetics survey

Our 2024 survey results reveal information for both cow-calf producers and seedstock suppliers around the U.S.

Clint Peck

January 31, 2025

5 Min Read
Beef cattle
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We at BEEF magazine always want to know what’s of prime importance to the U.S. beef industry. In November 2024 we surveyed our readers focusing on the seedstock segment of the beef business.

While the information gleaned from the survey helps with our overall editorial focus, we feel the results on how cow-calf producers manage their farms and ranches and what they want from their seedstock suppliers are valuable to our readers. Here’s a recap of the survey results.

Of the 2024 BEEF survey respondents, nearly 80% indicated they run cow-calf operations with an average herd size estimated at 282 mother cows. While 13% run 50 or fewer cows, 4% run over 1,000 head.

Seedstock producers comprised 14% of those responding, but we recognize many operations dovetail between commercial and seedstock. These numbers were virtually unchanged from a similar survey conducted by BEEF in 2019.

Our survey results come from beef producers across the country, led by Texas (11%), Kansas (8%), Missouri (7%), and Iowa (6%), followed by Nebraska and Montana at 5% each. Otherwise, the respondents are evenly spread from Florida to Washington and Maine to California.

The majority of respondents completing the survey report they’re aged 55 or older, with 46% of those saying they’re 65+ years.

Related:Genetics for a better cow herd

Breeds and genetics

Most operations (84%) have British cattle genetics in their herds. Not surprisingly, Angus make up the bulk of the British genetics (70%) followed by Red Angus (20%) and Hereford (7%). Forty-eight percent of our respondents said their herds are comprised of a “high percentage” of British breeds or were straightbred British — a slight drift from those responding to the same question (55%) in 2019.

Of BEEF’s survey participants with operations running British-Continental crossbred cows, most incorporate SimAngus (60%), Balancer (21%), and Lim-Flex (7%) into their herds. Not many, only 13%, are planning to make genetic changes to their cowherd in the next five years. The majority of those 13% planning a shift in breeding say they’ll increase the percentage of British genetics.

Calves and calf marketing

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Almost half (48%) of respondents calve in the spring, while over one-third (35%) calve in both the spring and fall, and 17% calve exclusively in the fall. The typical calving season lasts 46 to 90 days.

Cow-calf marketing strategies are across the board, but auction markets play an important role in 74% of producers’ reported sales matrix. In 2024 18% said they retain ownership through the feedlot and 12% participate in direct trading of backgrounded calves (see calf marketing graph).

Related:RAAA hires A.J. Knowles as Beef Geneticist

Even with the high level of auction market involvement in marketing, one-third of respondents are using some form of value-based verification for their cattle. Most utilize preconditioning, source of origin, and verified genetics programs. Verifications involving NHTC (non-hormone), antibiotic-free, natural, and humanely raised are all heavily used. The use of grassfed and BVD-PI free (10% each) has dropped off slightly from 14% and 13% respectively in 2019.

Since 2019 their involvement in value-based marketing programs has not changed concerning the breed of bulls they purchase, or their seedstock suppliers. Most respondents (91%) raise their replacement heifers.

Breeding—AI and seedstock

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Over half (55%) of BEEF’s survey respondents utilize artificial insemination (AI). Of those using, two-thirds AI both their heifers and mature cows. AI appears to have increased slightly (5%) from 2019. Of those breeding by AI 60% use “fixed time” breeding, while 40% actively heat detect.

Producers report they turn out about 27 mature cows per bull and 20 heifers per bull. Seventy-six percent of the respondents purchase their male seedstock, while 23% raise their bulls. Only a sliver said they lease bulls.

Related:A New Year’s resolution for bull buyers: Know your herd

Bull buyers tend to be loyal to their sources. Three-fourths of respondents have worked with the same seedstock supplier for over three years. They’re evenly split on the method used to purchase bulls, at live auction or via private treaty.

Bull buyers heavily emphasize sires that carry “easy calving” traits. They also select for maternal traits—especially milking ability. Most want actual performance data on; #1-birth weight, #2-weaning weight, #3-scrotal measurement, #4-yearling weight, and, #5-disposition score.

Adjusted performance data for weaning weight, yearling weight, and yearling scrotal measurement were important—in that order. When asked about Expected Progeny Differences (EPDs), 82% want calving ease EPDs, 80% want calving ease-direct, and 68% want weaning weight EPDs (see EPDs Pt 2 chart).

Bulls, exams & services

As in 2019, and corresponding to the reported makeup of their herds, bull buyers largely wanted Angus, Red Angus, and Hereford genetics in their cowherds. SimAngus, Charolais, Simmental, Gelbvieh, Balancer, Shorthorn, Beefmaster, and Wagyu were on the upper level of breeds listed.

Prices paid for bulls varied greatly but the overall estimated average in 2024 was reported at $4,750—with some conditions. A breeding soundness exam (BSE) is very important to bull buyers. Sixty percent of BEEF’s respondents said the bulls need to be examined to ensure they can “perform” and that they are deemed fertile.

Beyond a BSE, buyers wanted tests for Bovine Viral Diarrhea (BVD) persistent infection (PI). It should be noted that once an animal tests BVD-PI negative that animal never needs to be PI tested again.

Nearly one-fourth (22%) of our respondents wanted their bulls tested for Johne’s disease. While this bacterial disease is much more common in dairy cattle, a 2020 USDA survey found that 7.9% of U.S. beef cattle herds have one or more Johne’s positive cows.

Testing for pulmonary arterial pressure (PAP) is also somewhat (11%) important, especially for ranchers concerned about brisket disease, or high altitude sickness, in cattle living at elevations of 5,000 ft. or greater.

Nearly 70% of respondents feel they have a good understanding of DNA information offered by seedstock suppliers. And 61% will utilize DNA data in their bull selection decisions.

There were a variety of services beyond a normal BSE and other health considerations that respondents want of their seedstock suppliers. They want paid or partial-paid delivery, and 27% want to buy their bulls remotely. Herd visits by seedstock suppliers along with genetics consulting is important as well.

They also expressed a need for some kind of warranty on their bulls through the breeding season and into the first full year of ownership. One-in-five respondents use genomic tests to select replacement heifers and 30% of respondents use a formal in-herd genetic evaluation on their commercial cows.

BEEF magazine appreciates the time the 2024 survey respondents took to share information about their operations. We hope we can return your efforts with the most valuable and timely editorial information in the beef industry.

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