AMERICAN ANGUS ASSOCIATION - THE BUSINESS BREED

Maximize Maternal: An EPD and $M Update

Join us for regional town hall discussions focusing on new maternal research EPDs and their impact on Maternal Weaned Calf Value ($M).

By Jessica Hartman

August 1, 2024

An Angus calf standing between the legs of it's mother in a green pasture.

New research expected progeny differences (EPDs) for Teat Size and Udder Suspension will be released in August. The American Angus Association and regional managers will host regional town halls on Zoom to answer questions, hear feedback and drive discussion around maximizing maternal traits in the Angus breed.

Conversations will explore the three soon-to-be maternal research EPDs: Teat Size, Udder Suspension and Functional Longevity, and their future influence on the $M index. To jump right into discussion, the Association asks attendees to watch an update with the most recent details on these traits from Esther Tarpoff, director of performance programs, before the meeting. The update is available through this link: Maximize Maternal: An EPD and $M Update.

Regional town halls will take place throughout the month of August on Zoom. Members are asked to register for their region’s meeting ahead of the scheduled date and can plan for the discussion to last up to an hour. Members should come prepared to ask questions and participate in discussion with fellow regional members.

Regional managers will be joined by Tarpoff; Kelli Retallick-Riley, president of Angus Genetics Inc. and Association board members to help facilitate conversation and answer questions.

Members who are unable to attend their regional meeting can submit questions ahead of time to Jessica Hartman, communication specialist, at jhartman@angus.org. Please indicate your region in the email and then register for the event. A recording of the discussion will be shared with registered attendees following the meeting.

Members can register using the links below or watch their inbox for an invite from their regional manager. Regional town hall dates and registration links:

Reese Tuckwiller | CT, DC, DE, MA, MD, ME, NC, NH, NJ, NY, PA, RI, VA, VT & WV

Monday, Aug. 5, at 6 p.m. CT

https://bit.ly/RegMM_Reese

Will Harsh | CO & NE

Monday, Aug. 5, at 7:30 p.m. CT

https://bit.ly/RegMM_Will

Shawn Gray | AL, AR, LA & MS

Tuesday, Aug. 6, at 6:30 p.m. CT

https://bit.ly/RegMM_Shawn

Kurt Kangas | AK, MT &. WY

Tuesday, Aug. 6, at 8 p.m. CT

https://bit.ly/RegMM_Kurt