| 45 Have confidence in what you purchase As well as using genomics Stokman Angus records every trait possible to ensure accuracy and reliability on the EBVs of the bulls it sells. Karen Phelps RURAL PEOPLE » Stokman Angus Data, recording and testing is fundamental to Stokman Angus. Jake Stokman says this is so that farmers can have confidence in what they are purchasing. “Before genomic testing EBVs were calculated 50:50 from the dam and sire. But genomic testing shows the huge variation of what a calf will take from either side. We won’t buy any breeding bulls that haven’t been genomic tested as we’ve been burned in the past by EBV numbers shifting hugely in reality from what they were supposed to be,” he says. At Stokman Angus every calf is Zoetis HD50K genomic tested as well as sire and dam verified. Jake says the result is incredible accuracy and means their clients can make informed decisions. “A decade ago people were concerned about buying yearling bulls as the data was not as reliable or proven as a two year old,” says Jake. “Genomic testing has changed the game with hugely improved accuracy and it shows. Yearling bulls that have been HD50K tested will have more accurate data than a two year old bull with all traits recorded. Zoetis says producers can know more about an animal’s genetic potential with genomics than if it had 10-20 progeny records in conventional genetic evaluation.” As well as using genomics Stokman Angus records every trait possible to ensure accuracy and reliability on the EBVs of the bulls it sells. Stokman Angus also carcass scans for all the carcass traits. Jake advises farmers to take a close look at a breeder’s records and traits observed to make sure they are recording the specific traits the farmer is seeking. Stokman Angus has its roots in an illustrious lineage. Jake’s mother, Sherrie, is of American descent, with Angus cattle coursing through her family heritage. The Sitz Angus ranch, nestled in the Rocky Mountains of Montana, has just celebrated 100 years of breeding Angus cattle. In 1997, Stokman Angus was established with a foundation of embryos from Sherrie’s cattle at Sitz Angus. The stud has since flourished, boasting 370 registered Angus stud cows. Mark oversees the overall farm management, while Sherrie handles administration, promotional activities, and cattle registrations. Jake advises farmers to take a close look at a breeder’s records and traits. After completing his degree at Lincoln University in 2020, Jake has returned home to the farm. He is gradually assuming responsibilities in farm management, providing valuable assistance to the stock manager, Craig Moyes. Meanwhile, Craig’s wife, Courtney, tends to the gardens and ensures the sale barn facility maintains its exceptional appearance. Stokman Angus holds its annual yearling, bull and heifer sale in September. All the bulls in the sale are of course HD50k genomic tested, carcass scanned and fertility tested for increased accuracy of the EBVs and ease of mind during mating. The 2024 sale will see the first progeny of Stokman Solution S329 hit the market. “Stokman Solution S329 is in the top percentage of almost every EBV trait and comes from an exceptional cow line,” says Jake. “He’s sold 3000 straws in Australia with more on order and 1000 straws into New Zealand. He’s been a very popular sire and has even improved from what we thought originally with the calf data coming back now with his progeny on the ground. It’s testament to genomic testing that he’s delivered more than even expected.”
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