As we began to study and observe many, many Angus cattle from a wide variety of breeders, we saw early that there were many choices to make and roads to travel.  We saw herds where money seemed to be no object in the purchasing of foundation cattle, and while we were impressed with the results, we knew we could not play on that field. 

We were more impressed with the herds that seemed to be more balanced in their trait selection, breeding "up" from their own herds because purchasing expensive cattle was not an option.  Since we fit into that same mold, we knew that a lot of study of different lines of cattle for different traits had to be done.  EXT cattle have proven to be a significant force in our herd.  The EXT female is just tremendous.

Increasing in numbers took us to Wehrmann Angus in Virginia as a model.  The Rita cattle were quickly coming to the front of our studies, and we soon were introduced to Donnell Cattle Co. of Graham, Texas, as we began our embryo work.  Tommy is a great student of data, and we were soon able to select matings based on data and just not semen availability.  This helped us make tremendous progress.

One of our weaker links was the carcass selection we were making as we documented our progress with the ultrasounding of all heifers and bulls.  After the data came back from the Association, we saw the next step for us, and we are making that now.

In summary, small birth weight, maternal strength , rapid growth, and balanced carcass genetics are in place in our herd now and getting stronger.  In using our AI program to the greatest extent we can, we are able to make selection in the areas of need.  We are excited to be accomplishing this needed area so quickly.