The Beef Improvement Federation (BIF) recognized Red Hill Farms, Lafayette, Tennessee, as the BIF Seedstock Producer of the Year on June 12 during the group’s annual research symposium in Knoxville, Tennessee. This national award is presented annually to a producer to recognize their dedication to improving the beef industry at the seedstock level.
As a seventh-generation family operation, Red Hill Farms has focused on incorporating technology that allows them to produce quality livestock and provide the best selection tools to their customers. Their extensive data collection practices have enhanced genetic evaluations across multiple breeds, enabling them to meet the needs of their customers.
Red Hill Farms started as a successful swine seedstock operation adding beef cattle in 2002, initially with Red Angus cows. They have since incorporated Simmental, Angus and Charolais, to develop a herd of 500 mature cows. Their commitment to maintaining extensive performance records has ensured the production of quality bulls and females for their annual sales.
Red Hills Farms’ emphasis on data collection has allowed them to focus on improving economically relevant traits and utilizing economic selection indexes to expedite genetic progress in their herd. This focus on both genetic and phenotypic traits has been crucial to their success and contributions to the beef industry. Their willingness to adopt new technologies has allowed them to continually improve and provide high quality genetics to their customers. Red Hill Farms was nominated by the Red Angus Association of America.
“Red Hill Farms is a shining example of a seedstock provider whose extensive data collection practices will enhance genetic evaluations across multiple breeds,” says Katie Martin, director of communications for the Red Angus Association of America. “Their tremendous record keeping, and organizational skills have been paramount to maintain the volume of data they’ve compiled over the years.”
Dedicated to giving back to the agricultural community, Red Hill Farms hosts educational seminars to share their knowledge of animal breeding with their customers. Held prior to their spring and fall sales, these seminars aim to educate their customers on industry leading technologies and best management practices. Their goal is not only to educate their customers but also provide them superior genetics that will help increase profitability and enhance consumer appeal for U.S. beef and pork.
The award is presented by BIF and sponsored by Drovers.
Approximately 500 beef producers, academia and industry representatives attended the organization’s 56th Annual Research Symposium and Convention in Knoxville, Tennessee. BIF’s mission is to help improve the industry by promoting greater acceptance of beef cattle performance evaluation.
For more information about this year’s symposium, including additional award winners and coverage of meeting and tours, visit BIFSymposium.com.