Sarah sits down with Dr. Claire Windeyer to discuss calving; what to expect, when to intervene; tips and tricks. This episodes highlights information useful for all producers; new to the business and seasoned producers, there are tips for everyone.

In this episode of Canadian Gelbvieh Connection, host Sarah Van Schothorst sits down with Dr. Ryan Boldt, lead geneticist at International Genetic Solutions (IGS), to break down one of the most important tools in modern beef cattle breeding: Expected Progeny Differences (EPDs).

Together, they explore what EPDs are, why they were developed, and how they help producers make more informed breeding decisions beyond what can be seen through visual appraisal alone. Ryan explains how EPDs are calculated, the data that goes into genetic evaluations, and how the multi-breed evaluation system used by IGS helps improve the accuracy and usefulness of genetic predictions across breeds.

Listeners will also gain a clearer understanding of EPD accuracy—what it means, how it is determined, and how confident producers can be when comparing animals. The conversation also tackles a common point of confusion: the difference between individual trait EPDs and selection indexes, and when each approach is most useful in making breeding decisions.

Finally, the episode focuses on practical application. Ryan discusses how producers can use EPDs to align selection decisions with their production goals—whether they are building a strong maternal herd or focusing on terminal calves for market. Key traits such as calving ease, milk, stayability, growth, carcass traits, and feed efficiency are highlighted.

Whether you are new to EPDs or looking to better apply genetic data in your breeding program, this episode provides a clear, practical guide to using EPDs to move your herd forward.

Thank you to our sponsor for supporting this episode.

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Bull sale season is underway! Seedstock producers make a significant investment is DNA testing animals in their herd, commonly herd sire prospects for sale. The Canadian Gelbvieh Association has repatriated our DNA testing services to within Canada to ensure the best possible security, management, and utilization of this investment. This episode is meant to shed light on the changes the CGA has made and why we have made them. It is meant to help commercial and seedstock producers read DNA results and use the information in a way that may help them to narrow down the selection for new herd additions.

Lane Wall, intermediate junior participant, discusses the benefits of the Gelbvieh breed and the traits that add to the bottom line for any cattle producer.

Ash Davidson, senior junior participant, interviews Tyler Davidson from Davidson Cattle Company. Together with his family Tyler runs a commercial cattle operation. Tyler's roots run deep in the Gelbvieh breed and he continues to utilize the breed today in his own operation.

Today Jaime Davidson, intermediate junior participant, interviews Dr. Rodney Walliser, owner of the Horse Shoe Vet clinic in Swift Current. Dr. Walliser grew up on a mixed farming operation in Saskatchewan and he was always interested in becoming a veterinarian. Bunty Allen was the first Gelbvieh producer that introduced Dr. Walliser to working with Gelbvieh cattle. In his experience, Gelbvieh is a nice breed to work with. They discuss the mothering ability, milking ability and growth that make Gelbvieh a good choice for Canadian beef producers.

Mackena Kriger, intermediate junior participant interviews Jennifer Kriger a commercial cattle producer near Springside, SK. Together with her husband, Jennifer runs 130 head of commercial Angus, Simmental, Gelbvieh cross cattle. They discuss how Jennifer and her husband were introduced to the Gelbvieh breed and why they chose to continue using Gelbvieh genetics in their herd. A great listen on the details of their operation and why they like their Gelbvieh cross.

Kylee Sickler interviews Lori Maude, previously the communications director for the American Gelbvieh Association for 12 years. Together they discuss marketing of a cattle operation. They discuss the role of data and the marketing and financial value in the data. Check out the latest MARC data on heterosis performance comparing 18 breeds of beef cattle in the US. Gelbvieh cows have a 22.7lb weaning advantage over the other breeds. In an industry where pounds pay, this can make all the difference.

Chayse Hollman, intermediate junior participant, interviews Michael York, a veterinarian specializing in reproductive technologies in the US. They discuss the regrowth of the North American cow herd and the impact that Gelbvieh and Balancer cattle can have on the industry. Utilizing crossbreeding is having a positive impact in the beef on dairy industry and profitability on the resulting calves. Gelbvieh would be a great sire source for dairy producers to increase yield on their calves.

Kaitlyn Kunze, intermediate junior participant, interviews Grant Scheirlinck from Southwest Genetics. Grant is an artificial insemination technician, selling semen for six companies; BoviGen, Alta Genetics, Select Sires, Semex, Genex, ABS. He also delivers nitrogen and teaches AI schools in the winter time. Together they discuss the availability of Gelbvieh semen at these companies and where opportunities may exist to expand Gelbvieh semen availability. Grant explains the benefits of utilizing A.I. breeding and they discuss the merits of the Gelbvieh breed and how the breed has everything producers need to be profitable throughout the entire beef production chain.