doing this is through retained
ownership of cattle entering
the feedlot. By retaining
ownership of cattle beyond
the pasture gates, Triple T
is able to receive valuable
information on how cattle
perform in the feedlot and on
the rail. The farm is in their
thirteenth year of sending
calves to Gregory Feedlot in
Iowa. The performance and
carcass information generated
influences their bull selection
decisions. Their constant
quest for genetic improvement
focuses around bull selection
as they view this as their
fastest and most economical
way to make changes within
the herd. Their focus has
Sam and Ben Tuckwiller take a break during a busy afternoon
yielded positive outcomes
as they consistently produce
not abandon collection of phenotypic performance
calves that excel in carcass merit.
measurements.
Even though Triple T Angus has heavily utilized
Other challenges the trio remains conscious
retained ownership as a source of information
of are changes in technology, an example being
in addition to income, continued high feed costs
add-on equipment that could prove especially
and market vulnerability may force the family to
beneficial when it comes to the agronomic
consider other selection and marketing options.
aspect of the operation. These technologies
They are prepared to make those decisions as
they have explored selling more cattle as yearlings can be quite pricey and difficult for small farmers
to pencil. Additionally, they have not neglected
off the farm or using feed resources to feed
environmental concerns that have presented
calves longer. The adoption of newer technology
themselves in recent times. Ben expressed
like DNA testing may prove to be a important
concerns over potential future legislation and the
component of selection process, especially if
implications of determining rules, penalties, and
Triple T retains ownership of fewer cattle in the
jurisdiction of new rulings coming down the pike.
future. The Tuckwillers have incorporated DNA
testing to monitor genetic progress especially as
“It is a way of life I enjoy,” Sam says. There is
it pertains to beef quality characteristics. Even
no doubt that he is proud to continue the farming
though integration of this information is still in its
tradition with his two sons and their families. The
infancy at Triple T, they have been pleased with
Tuckwiller family is optimistic about the future of
the results thus far on three bulls sampled. The
Triple T Angus. Sam is quick to point out they
speed at which the DNA sample can be collected,
are ultimately marketing their grass resources
processed, and results returned to the producer
through beef cattle, and he feels this is important
is a perk, especially when you compare this to
to remember this as the family continues to look for
raising a calf to slaughter to retrieve carcass
ways to remain profitable in the beef industry.
information. This is viewed as another tool to
make selection decisions, but the Tuckwillers will
West Virginia Farm Bureau News
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