1881 – Details, episodes & analysis

A resource for breeders and commercial cattlemen – the AHA field staff cover the United states promoting Hereford genetics. Tune into this episode of 1881 to meet the team, learn about their industry backgrounds, and find out how they can assist your operation.

The Hereford breed is known for its heritage and history in the beef industry. The National Junior Hereford Association (NJHA) has played a crucial role in shaping the leaders of tomorrow by fostering the development of junior members. Each summer, the NJHA's hallmark event is the VitaFerm® Junior National Hereford Expo (JNHE). On this episode of 1881, Mike Simpson and Bonnie Coley-Malir share the storied history of the junior Hereford programs, culminating in the inception of the JNHE in 2000. As you journey to Grand Island, Neb., for the Grand Daddy of 'Em All, tune in to relive the proud heritage of the Hereford breed.

Hereford-influenced feeder cattle sales are proving to be a valuable tool for cattlemen to market their genetics. Jarrid Herrmann, Cherokee Sales Co. and Mitchell Livestock Marketing owner, joins the podcast to discuss his upbringing in the industry, shares the recent success of the Hereford-influenced sale held in Cherokee, Okla., and offers insight to producers looking to market their cattle. 

Olsen Ranches, Harrisburg, Neb., has been instrumental to the Hereford breed through the National Reference Sire Program. A fourth-generation rancher, Douglas Olsen, joins the podcast to share more about Olsen Ranches, giving listeners a deeper understanding of the NRSP. 

The American Hereford Association offers producers a wide variety of resources and tools to assist with their operations. In this episode, Stacy Sanders, director of records; Trey Befort, director of commercial programs; and Joe Rickabaugh, director of seedstock marketing, join Shane Bedwell, chief operating officer and director of breed improvement, to discuss how the AHA can assist members and commercial producers. From MyHerd search features to commercial and seedstock marketing, this episode offers valuable information for listeners.  

During two dynamic weeks in January — Cattlemen’s Congress and the National Western Stock Show — cattlemen and women exhibited Hereford genetics drawing a crowd of those seeking genetics to propel their programs forward. Tune in as Jack Ward and Shane Bedwell dive into the success of the beginning of 2023 and look ahead to continuing the tradition of the breed. 

We are ending the year the way we started it. Jack Ward, AHA executive vice president, was our first guest on the podcast and he joins Shane Bedwell to wrap up 2022. In this episode, Jack and Shane reflect on the impact the Hereford breed had on the industry this year and discuss what 2023 will bring. 

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The season of giving has arrived for the Hereford Youth Foundation of America. Amy Cowan, Director of Youth Activities and Foundation, shares about the work the foundation does to further scholarship, education, leadership, and research. Tune in to learn more about the foundation and its work to advance the breed.  

Concluding the coverage of the American Hereford Association educational forum, Kim Stackhouse-Lawson, Ph.D., Director of AgNext, Colorado State University, joins the podcast. Current Hereford research initiatives further leverage the Hereford breed’s strengths to serve the evolving beef industry and the next generation of consumers. Tune in to this episode to learn more about the broader definition of sustainability and how it applies to animal agriculture. 

Dr. Todd Bilby, Director of Dairy Technical Sales, Merck Animal Health, joins this episode to dive into the benefits of estrus synchronization in both cows and heifers bred through AI or natural service. Advantages include shortening the calving interval to increase pounds of beef at weaning and to improve replacement heifer fertility. Learn more about these benefits as well as the use of hormones to improve embryo transfer pregnancy retention.