Workshop assists farmers, ranchers with bull selection

NEWS RELEASE
Issued - February 25, 2010

ARDMORE, Okla. — Spring is a common time for purebred producers to offer bulls for sale through production, consignment and private treaty sales.

Since most commercial livestock operations use a spring calving system, this is also the time to purchase bulls for the upcoming breeding season. However, the bull selection process can be a challenging undertaking without the correct information and experience. Noble Foundation livestock consultants will discuss proven techniques to assist this process during a Bull Selection Workshop from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m., Thursday, March 11, at the Noble Foundation Pavilion.

"This workshop is designed to give producers basic information they can use to make appropriate bull selections for their herds," said Clay Wright, Noble Foundation livestock consultant. "Expected Progeny Differences (EPDs) are the most accurate tools we have to estimate the genetic potential of animals, and we will show agricultural producers how to use EPDs to improve their knowledge of genetics and select the best bull for their operation."

Workshop participants will work through a selection scenario for two common production enterprises: one in which replacement females are raised and one in which all progeny are sold. A live animal evaluation will also be provided.

There is no registration fee for this workshop, but preregistration is encouraged. For additional information or to register, call Tracy Cumbie at 580.224.6411 or register online at www.noble.org/agevents.

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For media inquiries concerning the Noble Foundation, please contact:

J. Adam Calaway

jacalaway@noble.org

The Samuel Roberts Noble Foundation, Inc. (www.noble.org), headquartered in Ardmore, Okla., is a nonprofit organization conducting agricultural, forage improvement and plant biology research; assisting farmers and ranchers through educational and consultative agricultural programs; and providing grants to nonprofit charitable, educational and health organizations.