Changing genetics involves time and money

“You need to set goals prior to making any changes,” says Randie Culbertson, Extension beef specialist with Iowa State University. “Talk to people who have done it before and learn from their experience.” In the beef industry, she says, most genetic changes are made through new bulls or replacement heifers. Culbertson estimates roughly 10% of the beef industry uses artificial insemination. “Some use the technology more than others,” she says. “In many cases, turning the bull out with the herd is the best way to make genetic changes.” Culbertson says while A.I. is an effective technology, it’s not for everyone. She says more labor is involved, and that needs to be worked into the cost of using it. “You have these huge operations out west with thousands of acres, and A.I. is just not going to work very well there,” Culbertson says. “With smaller operations, it may be more cost-effective.” She says many seedstock producers use A.I., while it is used less frequently with commercial pr