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BOISE, Idaho \u2014 Genetic tools deliver the greatest value when producers know what they want their cattle to accomplish and consistently measure whether those cattle are meeting the goal.<\/p>\n
That was the message from Randall Raymond, DVM, director of research and veterinary services for Simplot Livestock, during the 2026 Beef Improvement Federation Symposium in Boise, Idaho.<\/p>\n
In his presentation, \u201cLeveraging Genetic Decisions Across the Value Chain: The Simplot Story,\u201d Raymond outlined how Simplot has used targeted crossbreeding, genomic information and data collected throughout the production chain to build more productive cattle and capture more value.<\/p>\n
\u201cIf a trait can be measured and it\u2019s heritable, we can, with discipline, put selection pressure on it and change populations,\u201d Raymond said.<\/p>\n
SEPARATE MATERNAL AND TERMINAL GOALS<\/p>\n
Simplot\u2019s system includes distinct maternal and terminal breeding programs. The company uses Angus and Hereford genetics to build its maternal base, while Charolais genetics provide terminal growth, muscle, red-meat yield, carcass quality and feed efficiency.<\/p>\n
The approach allows Simplot to emphasize longevity, reproductive performance and environmental adaptability in replacement females without sacrificing terminal performance.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe have to live with these females for their lifetime, hopefully 10 to 12 years,\u201d Raymond said. \u201cWe can change our terminal-sire bull battery overnight if we don\u2019t like what we have built. But the cow herd has to be consistent.\u201d<\/p>\n
The company is now in its 22nd year of targeted crossbreeding. Every black heifer is bred Hereford, while white-faced heifers are bred Angus. Genomic testing helps identify higher-merit heifers for maternal breeding, while the remaining females can be bred to terminal sires.<\/p>\n
The system also creates an easily recognized calf crop. Smoky calves are terminal animals, while black calves can be considered as replacement candidates.<\/p>\n
\u201c(We) make things simple so that we can execute the plan that we laid out,\u201d Raymond said.<\/p>\n
LET PERFORMANCE DATE GUIDE SELECTION<\/p>\n
Simplot\u2019s vertical integration allows the company to collect information from the cow-calf operation through the feedyard and packing plant. Those records are returned to the genetic evaluation system, which creates a feedback loop based on commercial performance.<\/p>\n
The company applies economic weights to traits including growth, feed intake, carcass merit, health and eating quality. Raymond said the weights are reviewed and adjusted when performance data show the cattle are not responding as intended.<\/p>\n
For example, early selection pressure reduced feed intake but did not increase average daily gain. Simplot adjusted its index to place more emphasis on gain. Over the past decade, average daily gain increased 6 percent, while dry matter intake increased 3 percent. This showed improved feed conversion.<\/p>\n
The company\u2019s feeder-calf profitability index indicates it has added more than $100 per calf through terminal-sire selection and disciplined use of genetic information, Raymond said.<\/p>\n
Health is also part of the economic equation. Simplot has selected for resistance to bovine respiratory disease and is studying congestive heart failure, which Raymond said could carry even greater economic importance because of when those affected cattle are lost.<\/p>\n
KEEP THE CONSUMER IN THE SELECTION INDEX<\/p>\n
Production efficiency is only valuable if the final product satisfies consumers. Simplot has evaluated sensory traits through trained and consumer panels, along with Warner-Bratzler shear-force testing.<\/p>\n
That research supports LOT 29, the company\u2019s premium beef program built around proprietary Simplot genetics. Cattle entering the program are genomically screened for traits including tenderness, marbling and other consumer-focused characteristics, Raymond said.<\/p>\n
The LOT 29 Prime and Upper One-Third Choice program combines USDA Prime with the highest tier of USDA Choice beef. Program specifications require Simplot Precision Genetics and include documented sire verification through individual animal identification, DNA profiles, breeding records and cattle movement records. The program targets marbling scores of modest or higher, along with fine-to-medium marbling texture, to deliver consistent tenderness and flavor.<\/p>\n
Simplot deliberately places more economic emphasis on marbling than current market signals alone would justify because consumer eating experience supports long-term beef demand and opportunities for branded-beef premiums.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe\u2019ve seen our protein competitors in the chicken and pork space chase growth and chase efficiency at the expense of eating experience,\u201d Raymond said. \u201cEating experience is important.\u201d<\/p>\n
For producers, Simplot\u2019s experience offers a practical lesson: Genetics create value when selection goals reflect the production environment, economically important traits and the needs of the customer. Progress also requires producers to verify results and change direction when the cattle reveal something different.<\/p>\n
\u201cOur success depends on having well-defined goals, having a lot of discipline, having models that are accurate and being willing to modify our models when your ground truth is telling you they\u2019re not right,\u201d Raymond said.<\/p>\n
Access the 2026 BIF Symposium presentation archive, which is continuously updated, at BIFSymposium.com. Raymond\u2019s full presentation is available on the BIF YouTube page at https:\/\/youtu.be\/QflV87CVeiI?si=xM6Hfcs3NVy3HCx7<\/a>.<\/p>\n KEY TAKEAWAYS<\/p>\n \u00b7 Set clear breeding goals. Genetic tools create the most value when producers identify economically important traits, apply consistent selection pressure and measure results.<\/p>\n \u00b7 Separate maternal and terminal priorities. Build replacement females for longevity, fertility and environmental adaptability while using terminal sires to improve growth, feed efficiency and carcass value.<\/p>\n \u00b7 Use commercial performance data. Feedlot, carcass and health records help producers determine whether genetic predictions are delivering results and when selection indexes need adjustment.<\/p>\n \u00b7 Keep the system practical. Simplot\u2019s easily identified maternal and terminal calves demonstrate the importance of building a breeding program employees can consistently execute.<\/p>\n \u00b7 Protect the eating experience. Growth and efficiency matter, but tenderness, marbling and flavor help sustain consumer demand and create opportunities for branded-beef premiums.<\/p>\n