Montgomery, Ala. � The Alabama Beef Cattle Improvement Association (BCIA) recently named the 2010 Commercial Producer of the Year during their Annual Meeting and Awards Program held in conjunction with the 68th Annual Alabama Cattlemen's Association Convention in Montgomery on February 12.
Bambarger Cattle Farm owned and managed by John and Jim Bambarger were named the 2010 Alabama BCIA Commercial Producer of the Year. Bambarger Cattle Farm is a second generation commercial cattle operation located near Eutaw. The operation consists of an Angus crossed cow herd of approximately 75 cows. A long term performance goal of Bambarger Cattle Farm has been to establish a high-quality, uniform cow herd through decisions based primarily on performance records and through retention of the best replacement heifers. Performance records have been diligently maintained for over 10 years utilizing on-farm spreadsheets and the Alabama BCIA commercial record keeping program.
Through these performance records, much focus is given to the selection of herd sires and replacement heifers. Replacement heifers are selected by evaluation of both individual and dam performance records for traits that include weaning weight indexes and calving intervals. Steer calves are marketed annually through the Alabama Feeder Calf Marketing Association tele-auction each July. Replacement heifers are marketed with complete performance and genetic data through Alabama BCIA heifer sales in August or by private treaty to other cattle producers.
Short term goals of Bambarger Cattle Farm are to maintain a healthy, productive cow herd and to raise a calf crop each year with high marketability. Long term goals are to keep the land productive, keep improving the quality of the cow herd through good herd management practices, and to leave the land in good condition for the next generation.
John Bambarger of Northport currently serves the state cattle industry as president of the Alabama Feeder Calf Marketing Association and as a member of the Alabama BCIA and Tuscaloosa County Cattlemen's Association board of directors. Bambarger Cattle Farm will also be nominated by the Alabama BCIA for the Beef Improvement Federation's Outstanding Commercial Producer of the Year Award.
The Alabama BCIA is a non-profit organization seeking to promote, educate and facilitate the use of performance data, record keeping and marketing opportunities to improve the Alabama cattle industry. Formed in 1964, BCIA currently cooperates with the Alabama Cooperative Extension System of Auburn University under a formal agreement.
Don't forget to
BOOKMARK
Cattle Today Online!