Select Sires and the J.R. Simplot Company’s Animal Sciences division are pleased to announce Simplot’s SimVitro® HerdFlex™– branded beef embryos are now available through all Select Sires member cooperatives nationwide, including All West/Select Sires!
Dairy farmers in All West Territory and across the country now have easy access to superior strategic breeding genetics thanks to this expanded partnership. Select Sires is the first and only provider of Simplot’s SimVitro HerdFlex-branded beef embryos.
“From start to finish, All West/Select Sires will be there to help producers in implementing a diverse breeding program, which can now include Simplot’s SimVitro Herdflex beef embryos. All West has already provided services to help producers implement a beef-on-dairy strategy and now in collaboration with Simplot, we are excited to also offer training, optimal pathways for revenue generation, and genetic progress through this partnership,” said California Director of Sales Greg Collins.
This partnership gives dairy farmers increased opportunity to sell 100% beef calves of high-quality born from pregnancies not needed for herd replacements. Simultaneously, dairies can advance elite genetics within their dairy herd and appropriately manage heifer inventories.
“Select Sires works side-by-side with customers to create a customized path for their genetic progress goals with a strategic breeding plan. HerdFlex beef embryos are the latest advancement in our long commitment to dairy farmers to help them reach their goal of constant improvement,” said Lyle Kruse, Select Sires vice president of U.S. market development.
Consistent genetic quality
As progressive dairy farms seek new marketing opportunities while improving dairy and business performance, HerdFlex beef embryos offer a way to accomplish their objectives. That’s because beef calves with superior genetics have the potential to earn a more desirable return on investment compared to dairy-beef crossbred calves or straight dairy calves. Resulting calves from these beef embryos offer additional benefits related to feeding and finishing.
These calves are of a consistent, superior genetic base, providing farmers and feeders a cost per gain advantage due to high carcass merit and marbling. Plus, the ready supply of embryos means animal availability year-round, delivering a consistent supply to the beef cattle market.
HerdFlex beef embryos are grade 1, high-quality and commercially produced specifically for placement in dairy cows. Each mating is to a proven Select Sires beef sire to maximize the resulting embryo’s genetic potential and value for key traits such as:
- Calving ease
- $Beef – which includes weaning and yearling weight, dry matter intake, as well as carcass weight, marbling, ribeye area and fat
Partnership of knowledge and experience
HerdFlex beef embryos are produced by Simplot, the largest beef cattle producer in the western U.S. with extensive farm and ranch holdings, including feedlots. Simplot has invested decades of research and improvement in making the commercial application of IVF embryos feasible for customers.
“Our HerdFlex beef embryos production capacity is poised to serve commercial dairies and their growing needs,” said Brady Hicks, manager of Simplot Animal Sciences. “Our mission is to help farmers cultivate their genetics and their livelihoods. Along with local Select Sires teams, we’re here to help farmers expand business opportunities.”
SimVitro HerdFlex embryos are backed by the trusted Simplot brand. The J.R. Simplot Company, a privately held agribusiness firm headquartered in Boise, Idaho, has an integrated portfolio that includes phosphate mining, fertilizer manufacturing, farming, ranching and cattle production, food processing, food brands, and other enterprises related to agriculture. Simplot’s major operations are located in the U.S., Canada, Mexico, Australia, South America and China, with products marketed in more than 60 countries worldwide.
For more information, visit our HerdFlex Page and talk with your local All West/Select Sires representative about how HerdFlex beef embryos fit into your breeding program.
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