Having data on your cattle is quickly becoming the ante, just to play the game.  If nothing else is garnered from the ASA Strategic Planning Process, we learned, data will be a requirement.  In visiting cow/calf operators, packer buyers and feedlots, all are willing to try Shorthorn genetics; if I can prove to them with sufficient data that Shorthorn will improve their bottom-line.  Sufficient data for a breed means current and complete feedlot and carcass data on thousands of head.  But, buyers would much prefer establishing relationships with individual producers whose cattle have previous data.

So, what data should an individual collect?  Start with the basics; birth weight, weaning weight and yearling weight.  Too often I hear complaints about the accuracy of our EPDs, only to discover the complainant does not submit these data.  EPDs are our most accurate predictor of performance, but they only work if based on complete data from proper contemporary groups.  Collecting and recording this data is one of the burdens of calling yourself a purebred breeder. 

Accurate data recording and submittal takes discipline and effort.  In an attempt to recognize breeders for these efforts the Genetic Evaluation Committee developed the Whole Herd Reporting (WHR) Gold program.  The WHR Gold program recognizes breeders that submit at least 90% of birth weight records, 85% of weaning weight records and 50% of yearling weight records, as a percent of cows carried on their inventory.  Breeders are required to be on the WHR reporting system and carry at least 10 cows in their inventory.

17 breeders met these qualifications for 2004 and 15 in 2005.  They were recognized at the ASA Annual Convention banquet.  These breeders will also be allowed the use of the WHR Gold Breeder logo.  If you see these breeders congratulate them and thank them for their efforts in making the Shorthorn genetic analysis more meaningful. 

2004 WHR Gold Breeders

Brockmueller Shorthorns  Freeman, SD

Robert Miller  Fordville, ND

AAA Shorthorns  Revere, MO

Hidden Hills Farm  Isle, MN

Brookwood Farms  Ionia, MI

Meadow Lane Farms  Mayview, MO

Bern-A-Dale Shorthorns  Oakland, IA

Holt/Ragsdale Sutherland Shorthorns  Prospect, KY

Edward Spencer  Trilla, IL

Michael P Boettcher  Fairchild, WI

Dana Miller Family  Goshen, IN

Carrie Hart Fair  Grove, MO

Rolyn Shorthorns  Delavan, IL

Alan Leap  Flat Rock, IN

V8 Shorthorns  Boling, TX

H Clay Dean  Blue River, WI

Willow Creek Stock Farm, Verndale, MN

Y Lazy Y Shorthorns, Corvallis, MT

BAKENHUS POLLED SHORTHORNS	Columbus, NE
BROCKMUELLER SHORTHORNS*	Freeman, SD
DANA MILLER FAMILY*	Goshen, IN
EDWARD SPENCER*	Trilla, IL
HOBBY ACRES SHORTHORNS	Baldwin, KS
HOLT-RAGSDALE SUTHERLAND*	Prospect, KY
J & J HUMPHREYS	Walcott, IN
JERRY HARLOW	Tipton, IN
K-KIM CATTLE COMPANY	Pickrell, NE
LOVING POLLED SHORTHORNS	Pawnee Rock, KS
MAURICE & FAYE KORTHAUS	Prospect, KY
MEADOW LANE FARMS*	Mayview, MO
PEAK VIEW RANCH INC	Fowler, CO
VANDERWAL SHORTHORNS	Volga, SD
Y LAZY Y SHORTHORNS*	Corvallis, MT
* - denotes second year recipient