Episode 26: The Gap Between Function and the Show Ring

Episode 26: The Gap Between Function and the Show Ring

-Full video episode available on YouTube-

What happens when the traits rewarded in the show ring drift away from the traits that keep cattle productive in the pasture?

In this episode, Patrick Powers is joined by Grant Vassberg and John Atkinson to discuss Grant’s recent trip to Thailand, where he judged cattle and got a firsthand look at how show ring priorities influence breeding decisions.

The experience sparked a broader conversation about how selection pressure shapes cattle populations over time. When breeding decisions begin to prioritize appearance, trends, or marketing, the traits that matter most in the pasture such as fertility, efficiency, structural soundness, and longevity can slowly fall out of focus.

From there, the discussion widens to examples from around the world including the Philippines, Brazil, and Australia, where industry incentives and breeding trends have pushed cattle in very different directions. Again and again, the same pattern appears. When selection pressure moves away from biological function, producers often end up compensating with more inputs, more management, and lower overall fertility, ultimately draining profit from the operation.

At its core, this episode explores the growing gap between what is rewarded in the show ring and what actually works in real production environments.

Watch the full video episode on YouTube:
https://youtu.be/1m3iNCWaVMg

Check out Bos Sires:
https://www.bossires.com/

If this episode made you think differently about function, fertility, or how selection pressure shapes cattle, share it with someone who is open to questioning the status quo.

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