Hughes Cattle

We are constantly striving to improve carcass value. After all, the reason we raise cattle is to produce beef. But it is important to note that most genetic change needs to be slow and continuous. Pushing one trait too hard and too fast most likely will adversely affect another trait. For this reason, we try to avoid extremes in any single trait. In order to achieve the results we want, we breed for phenotype and for balanced maternal, performance and carcass traits. The two primary tools that we use in making mating and buying decisions are actual performance of the individual and visual appraisal. We use EPDs only as an indicator of the genetic trend/direction of a trait, i.e., below average, average, or above average. Basing buying decisions solely on EPDs can be deceiving.