In this third episode of Behind the Beef, Madison and Becky tackle a common question from producers: "Is a 13-inch ribeye good or bad?". They use this as a starting point to explain why actual raw numbers matter less than how an animal compares to its "contemporary group".

• The "It Depends" Rule: Why a 13-inch ribeye might be poor for a group of heavy bulls but excellent for a group of young heifers.

• Contemporary Grouping: An in-depth look at the "backbone of EPDs". Learn how animals are grouped by the same calving season, sex, and management history to ensure fair genetic comparisons.

• Understanding Ratios: A breakdown of how data progresses from an actual measurement to an adjusted value (standardizing for age), and finally to a ratio.

  • The 100 Baseline: Learn why a ratio of 100 represents the group average, while numbers above or below 100 show how much better or worse an animal performed relative to its peers.

• Actuals vs. Genetics: Why you should never compare your raw data to a neighbor's. Becky explains how environmental factors like creep feeding or specialized show diets can inflate actual numbers without changing the underlying genetics.

• The Accuracy Mission: A reminder that while seedstock producers should strive for the "best" data, commercial cattlemen should focus on accurate data that improves the long-term genetic potential of their herd.

Whether you are looking at weaning weights or ultrasound carcass traits, this episode emphasizes that the most valuable data is that which removes environmental "noise" to reveal true genetic value.

Connect with us:

• Website: ultrainsights.com

• Socials: Follow @UltraInsights on Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube

• Questions? Email us at ui@ultrainsights.com

In this second episode of Behind the Beef, Madison and Becky break down the fundamentals of Expected Progeny Differences (EPDs). Aimed at both newcomers and experienced producers, this conversation treats EPDs as the "dribbling and passing" of cattle data - essential skills to master before diving into complex management plays.

• What is an EPD?: A look at the high-level data used to predict an animal's genetic potential.

• The Three Building Blocks: Discover how EPDs are generated using pedigree connectivity, performance data (weights and measures), and modern DNA technology.

• The Power of Accuracy: Understand the decimal-based accuracy scale (0 to 1.0) and why higher accuracy provides more confidence for critical breeding decisions, such as selecting bulls for heifers.

• Balancing Multiple Traits: Learn how to use Economic Indexes (like $B or API) to weigh multiple EPDs simultaneously, helping you meet long-term herd goals without getting lost in the numbers.

• Common Pitfalls: Why you shouldn't compare EPDs across different breed databases and how to use percentile rankings to see how an animal stacks up against the industry average.

Whether you're a seedstock producer or a commercial cattleman, this episode provides a clear starting point for using genetic data to improve your bottom line.

Connect with us:

• Website: ultrainsights.com

• Socials: Follow @UltraInsights on Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube

• Questions? Email us at ui@ultrainsights.com

This episode marks the premiere of Behind the Beef, an UltraInsights podcast dedicated to demystifying the world of cattle data. In this introductory conversation, hosts Madison Mether and Becky Hays discuss the vital role of data management in modern ranching and how it drives long-term success.

• The Mission of Data Management: Discover how professional data services help busy ranchers manage records like birth, weaning, and yearling weights without the stress of midnight computer sessions.

• Cracking the Code: An easy-to-understand breakdown of industry terminology, including EPDs (Expected Progeny Differences), indexes, and contemporary groups.

• Beyond the Image: Learn why ultrasound data is just one piece of the puzzle and how integrating it with broader metrics improves the validity of genetic evaluations.

• Better Decisions, Better Bottom Lines: Why "good" data isn't just about science - it's about making timely culling and marketing decisions that increase the value of your herd.

Whether you are managing ten head or a thousand, this episode offers a roadmap for moving from basic data collection to advanced, actionable insights.

Connect with us:

• Website: ultrainsights.com

• Socials: Follow @UltraInsights on Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube

• Questions? Email us at ui@ultrainsights.com