70-70-0 cattle targeted by SimChoice

Seventy percent USDA Choice or higher, 70% USDA Yield Grade 1 and 2 with no "out" cattle has often been discussed as an important goal for cattle harvested in the US beef system. The last NCBA Beef Quality Audit presented industry averages at 57% Choice or higher, 52% Yield Grades 1 and 2 and a whopping 22% high discount "out" carcasses. With more than 1 in 5 carcasses discounted for excess fat, insufficient marbling, heavy or light weights and other defects, the number of dollars lost to the US beef business is immense.

"SimChoice is a new concept source and age verification program with a long term goal of identifying cattle that have superior marbling and cutability in combination, in other words the 70:70:0 the beef industry is craving," said American Simmental Association Director of Field Services Marty Ropp. Ropp further indicated, "With the cooperation of our new service partner Micro Beef Technologies through their CattleLog division, we are designing systems that can identify and then reward cattle with distinct end product value (70:70:0) as well as qualify for available age and source premiums."

According to Dr. Jerry Lipsey, executive vice president of the ASA, "U.S. Meat Animal Research Center reports confirm that Simmental genetics offer outstanding growth rates and rank first among Continental breeds for marbling. The ASA has an established reputation for scientific and innovative genetic evaluation and performance-testing. This new program will help preserve and promote the identity of SimGenetics."

In addition to data management, CattleLog offers USDA-approved age and source verification through its USDA-approved Process Verified Program, as well as options for natural verification. "If owners prefer, these verified cattle can be displayed on the CattleLog Listing Service, along with seller information and selling dates at www.cattlelog.com," Lipsey reported.

Additional information on SimChoice and other ASA services may be obtained by contacting Marty Ropp, Director of Fields Services at 406-581-7835; Janinne Story, Animal ID/Ultrasound specialist at 406-587-4531; by visiting www.simmental.org; or by calling your Simmental seed stock supplier.

Headquartered in Bozeman, Mont., the American Simmental Association maintains the breed registries for the Simmental and Simbrah breed of cattle. The organization has an active adult and junior membership of more than 8,000. For more information, please visit www.simmental.org.

9/24/07

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