Episode 8: AI in the Arctic — Building Better Cattle with Hailey Edwards

Hailey Edwards takes us deep into the world of raising cattle in Alaska's most extreme environments, where temperatures plummet to -60°F in winter before soaring to 90°F in summer. Growing up on a family dairy that collapsed during industry-wide failures in 2000, Hailey pivoted to beef production and developed specialized knowledge that few ranchers in America possess.

The realities of Alaskan agriculture are startling. With 95% of food imported and only enough stored food to feed the population for approximately ten days, the state faces unique food security challenges. COVID-19 exposed these vulnerabilities, triggering panic buying and renewed interest in local production. Yet building agricultural systems in Alaska isn't simply a matter of importing models from Texas or Iowa.

Hailey shares the extraordinary challenges of raising cattle where hay seasons last just three months, allowing only two cuttings annually. This compressed growing season extends beef production cycles to 30 months—nearly double the timeframe in the lower 48 states. Transportation costs further complicate matters, with importing a single cow from Montana potentially costing $7,000.

As an AI technician serving remote communities, Hailey sometimes travels 1,000 miles round-trip to service just a few cows. Her work through Granite Mountain Breeding Services provides vital genetic diversity to isolated herds where "the family tree can quickly turn into a Christmas wreath." Her approach combines scientific knowledge with practical wisdom as she helps producers select genetics suited to Alaska's harsh realities.

Haley's most powerful insight resonates throughout our conversation: "You can't outbuy a learning curve." No amount of capital investment can replace the knowledge gained through experience in Alaska's unique conditions. Success requires patience, adaptation, and cattle that thrive on marginal forage with minimal inputs.

Connect with Hailey's work and discover more about building resilient cattle genetics for challenging environments through the links in our show notes. Subscribe for more conversations with ranchers revolutionizing cattle production through sustainable practices.

Connect with Hailey Edwards and Granit Mountain Breeding Services:

Facebook:  https://m.facebook.com/hailey.mcnabb.3/

Website: https://granitembs.com/

Bos Sires: https://www.bossires.com/haileyedwards

Check out Bos Sires:

Website: https://www.bossires.com/

Bos Sires Catalog: International New Bos Sires Catalog (English)

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