For several decades genetic evaluations have played an integral role in advancing the genetic potential of U.S. dairy cattle. Genetic evaluations have identified the best bulls so that producers can use those bulls to make better offspring in an effort to raise the genetic potential of their milking herd.

Several years ago genomic technology advanced to a point where it was economically feasible for use by commercial dairy producers, including testing of females. This technology opens up vast new opportunities to make significant improvements in productivity and profitability. Now producers can identify the best females in their herd and create even better offspring when those females are mated to the best bulls available.

Genomic tests help dairy producers in a number of ways:

• Help identify genetically superior animals at a young age. Producers can determine which animals have traits that favorably impact profitability, like milk production, fertility, or longevity, when animals are just a few days old.
• Provide greater reliability. Genomic test results are significantly more reliable than available parent average, which is the average of the genetic values from the sire and the dam. Reliability of genomic predictions are generally close to 70 percent for most traits in Holstein cattle, while parent average reliability is generally around 25 percent in many commercial dairies.
• Manage parent verification and inbreeding. Accurate parentage information is vital in any genetic improvement plan, regardless if the herd is a closed herd or if a significant number of animals have been purchased or added from outside the herd. Genomic testing helps dairy producers verify parentage and directly evaluate inbreeding which can be important when designing mating strategies.

Using genomic technology helps dairy producers predict the future of the females in their herd with confidence when those animals are very young. This creates a solid foundation for the development of selection and breeding programs that help speed genetic progress, improving herd productivity and profitability.

U.S. Agriculture Deputy Secretary Krysta Harden announced the implementation of new Farm Bill measures and other policy changes to improve the financial security of new and beginning farmers and ranchers. Harden also unveiled www.USDA.gov/newfarmers, a new website that will provide a centralized, one-stop resource where beginning farmers and ranchers can explore the variety of USDA initiatives designed to help them succeed.

"New and beginning farmers are the future of American agriculture," Said Deputy Secretary Harden. "The average age of an American farmer is 58 and rising, so we must help new farmers get started if America is going to continue feeding the world and maintain a strong agriculture economy. The new policies announced today will help give beginning farmers the financial security they need to succeed. Our new online tool will provide one-stop shopping for beginning farmers to learn more about accessing USDA services that can help their operations thrive."  

USDA's New Farmers website has in depth information for new farmers and ranchers, including: how to increase access to land and capital; build new market opportunities; participate in conservation opportunities; select and use the right risk management tools; and access USDA education, and technical support programs. These issues have been identified as top priorities by new farmers. The website will also feature instructive case studies about beginning farmers who have successfully utilized USDA resources to start or expand their business operations.  

Read the full press release here.