Local Angus breeder recognized for owning proven bulls

Burl T Graves, Darrow, Louisiana, owns one bull listed in the Spring 2012 Sire Evaluation Reportpublished by the American Angus Association^® in Saint Joseph, Mo. National Cattle Evaluation (NCE) expected progeny differences (EPDs) are now generated on a weekly basis; however a biannual report is still printed. Issued in both the spring and fall, the Sire Evaluation Reportfeatures the latest performance information available on 4,800 sires, and is currently accessible atwww.angus.org.

"This report provides both Angus breeders and commercial cattle producers using Angus genetics with accurate, predictable selection tools for improving their herd," says Bill Bowman, American Angus Association chief operating officer (COO) and director of performance programs. EPDs are generated from the performance database of the American Angus Association, which includes information submitted by more 8,000 Angus breeders this past year through the Association’s Beef Improvement Records (BIR) program.

EPDs are listed for growth and maternal traits, as well as residual average daily gain (RADG), docility and carcass traits that integrate DNA information in addition to performance records. Decision-making tools also include $Values in the suite of bio-economic indexes designed to assist commercial producers in simplifying the genetic selection process.

The biannual Sire Evaluation Reportutilizes nearly 21 million measures used to generate more than 60 million EPDs for the Angus breed.

The American Angus Association with headquarters in Saint Joseph, Mo., provides programs and services for nearly 30,000 members nationwide and thousands of commercial producers who use Angus genetics. Go to www.angus.org for more information.