Gelbvieh and Balancer Cattle

Gelbvieh and Balancer Cattle have led the way in providing commercial cattlemen with genetic capabilities to increase weaning weight and improve their profitability.  Learn more in this episode of the American Cattlemen Podcast!

What a great interview with an exceptionally gracious guest, Mr Harold Bertz, Executive Director of the American Gelbvieh Association.

“Harold recently served as the Chief Operating Officer of the American Royal in Kansas City. He previously worked for the Red Angus Association of America for nearly ten years, focusing on increasing the acceptance of Red Angus cattle among commercial cow-calf producers and feedlots. The Burt's family farm, located near Mayview, Missouri, has been in the family for seven generations. He and his wife Melissa are also involved with her family's farm near Parker, Kansas. They have two grown children who are active in the beef industry. Harold, welcome to the American Cattlemen podcast.”

Please note that Harold and Melissa have family roots that run seven generations deep in Cattle Production History, a testament to their strong background in serving producers.

Harold and I discussed numerous topics, ranging from the origins of the Gelbieh breed in the USA to the strong genetic influence Gelbieh has through the Balancer genetic line.  Harold provides detailed insight for commercial producers in the area of heterosis and genetic improvement.

I find the Gelbvieh Association’s dedication to its youth program particularly interesting.  Harold understands that maintaining and fostering a strong youth program is one key to the cattle industry's future.

“Yeah, I think that's a constant battle for all of us in agriculture. Especially here in the beef industry. And, you know, I believe we've discussed the youth quite a bit. I think they do a tremendous job of telling our story. We have one of our contests in podcasting, and the youth create a podcast. And I think that, you know, I know the story that that my son is able to tell his peers about what he does on the farm and ranch is far superior to what I'm what I'm telling so I I think we've, we've done a good job in agriculture of creating a group of folks, a group of youth that are now becoming adults and active in the industry, that do a tremendous job of sharing our story. I don't think we can rest on that. I think we need to keep pushing forward and continue developing, making every generation better, because you're right. There is a small percentage of people who participate in the hands-on aspect of production agriculture. I think that that we have to be constantly aware, constantly moving, and be extremely agile as an industry, to keep telling that story and to keep pushing again what a quality protein we are and how much care and thought goes into creating that wonderful experience that they have, whether it's at their home or their favorite restaurant.”

I hope you take a few minutes and listen to this episode—excellent insights from one of our industry’s leaders.  Check out my interview with Harold Berz, Executive Director of The American Gelbvieh Association!

 

For previous episodes of the American Cattlemen Podcast please check out the website:  www.americancattlemen.com

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