Another one bites the dust
A couple of days before Christmas may seem like an odd time to post this blog entry but with the holidays upon us and Denver shortly after that, there is no time like the present. Besides, my daytime employer (OSU Extension) seems to find it necessary to do end-of-the-year reports and plan for next year. Go figure!
Our big push for the fall breeding season has passed and we are winding down with hopefully just a few rebreeds. To this point, breeding season has gone along relatively smoothly with just a few exceptions. We synchronize nearly all of our breedings with repeats comprising nearly all of our “unsynchronized” matings. Breeding season is definitely a team effort around here. Joanie, the girls and I take care of the donors and yearling heifers in Highland County and our herdsman, Jeremy Simpson, takes care of the A.I. cows and recips at Decatur. Phil Dotson of Winchester pitches in as our relief A.I. help.
Last week was very hectic as it was flush week for our donors. We set up 13 donors and most of the flushes were very successful. We put in all of our eggs fresh this time in our own recips as well as in our long-time E.T. cooperator, Craig Adams. Now it is time to wait patiently to see what kind of conception rate we get. We have used Roger Thompson (Thompson E.T. Services) for over a decade in our E.T. program and would recommend him to anyone. If you are interested in his services, he can be reached at 614-570-7098.
Through my position with OSU Extension, I had the opportunity to write a fact sheet on embryo transfer in beef cattle a couple of years ago. If you are interested in a relatively short outline of the embryo transfer process, you can check out this fact sheet at the following link: http://ohioline.osu.edu/anr-fact/pdf/ANR_17_08.pdf
The next major Angus event for us will be the National Western Stock Show in Denver. Lindsey and Lauren will be exhibiting a heifer each at the show. I get the opportunity to help judge the Angus Sale bulls for a second year with four other breeders from around the country.
Here’s hoping that you are able to spend quality time during the holidays with those people most important to you. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!
