An Analytical Look Back

This is finally the last thing we get to do for our class, and it has flown by. We waited about eight months for or trip and it seems in a blink of an eye it was over. I had a great time, but the one thing I want to analyze and compare and contrast is the seedstockers over there. The one that was the most fun for me was Webb Black Simmentals, partly because they were so dang excited to see us, and mainly because my family and I raise Simmentals too.

The First thing I noticed is the Webbs would really love to start selling their genetics over here in the US. Their annual bull sale has grown each year tremendously, and in talking with them it would really put the cherry on top if they could sell to American producers, but since they use our genetics we already have what they got. Talking with the ranch manager they are trying to come up with something new that will impress producers here.

Webb's Prize Bull

They kept on saying that their programs over there is just a few years behind our genetics here, and they would love to catch up , but that will be difficult of them in my opinion because it all goes back to the consumer. Over in Australia their consumers want a different taste for their meat, they want a leaner cut. Over here we like that marbling. They have founds success with our genetics that’s not what I am saying, but right now we are both producing a little different type of meat, and that is what the consumer wants..

Their feeding programs differ from ours as well. It is quite a bit cheaper for them to feed improved pastures and benefit from them. We typically sell yearling bulls where they typically sell bulls older than that and up to 2 years of age. It is too expensive for them to import all the grain that we use. So it is easier for them to feed pasture, and that works for them, because that is the beef they raise for the consumer. We like that grain fed beef so it is hard for me to wrap my head around the fact the grain fed isn’t as popular.

There are definitely differences but the similarities are there too. It is interesting and appealing to see what they do, can’t, or won’t do. All-in-all one of the best experiences of my life. Here is a link to check out the Webb Black Simmi website: http://www.webbblacksimmentals.com.au/

Michael and I talking with Lynn Harrison the Webb Ranch Manager