2015 Producer Survey Results

Transcription

1 2015 Producer Survey Results

2 2015 CSA Survey Responders by Province 11% 4% 6% 17% 15% 47% 53 Surveys Returned BC 3 AB 25 SK 8 MB 9 ON 6 Maritimes 2 BC AB SK MB ON Maritimes

3 Percentage 35 1) How many cows do you breed annually? % 33% 10 21% % 4% 0% Over 1000

4 Percentage 60 2) How many bulls do you use for breeding? % % 12% 12% %

5 Percentage 70 3) How many of these bulls are Simmental? % 20 30% % 6% 2%

6 Percentage 80 4) How many years have you used Simmental bulls? % % 2% 6% Less than

7 5) Do you use other breeds of bulls? What other breeds do you use? 27% 48% 14% 13% 4% 12% Angus Charolais Limousin Hereford Other Breeds Only Simmental

8 Percentage 70 6) When do you market your calves? % 20 35% 10 0 At Weaning Background Until Spring 15% As Replacement Heifers 12% 10% Finish/ Slaughter At Sales 6% 4% Early in the Year Late Born Calves in Spring

9 Percentage 40 7) Why do you use Simmental bulls. Rank in order. 38% % 25 23% 20 19% 19% 19% % 8% 13% 12% 12% 6% 2% 12% 10% 10% 8% 12% 0 Maternal & Milking Replacement High Rate of Growth Disposition Market Acceptance All of the Above Equally Other Ranking 1 Ranking 2 Ranking 3 Ranking 4 Other Comments: Great replacement heifers/ bigger replacement heifers, crosses well with other breeds, profit, muscling, exceptional growth, hybrid vigor, large genetic pool, variation within the breed to target a variety of markets.

10 8) Which color do you prefer? 33% 10% 37% 54% 54% Black Red Blaze Faced Traditional Colored Color Doesn't Matter

11 9) What breed(s) is your cow herd base that you use your Simmental bulls on? 10% 16% 8% 6% 65% 10% 46% Simmental Angus Hereford Charolais Limousin Simmental X Angus Other Breeds

12 10) Do you use percentage or crossbred Simmental bulls? 19% Yes No 81%

13 11) How important is calving ease? 6% 2% 31% 61% Very Important Somewhat Doesn't Matter Other Comments: Some feel calving ease is more important in heifers and first time calvers opposed to mature cows. As well as not having any issues with calving since transitioning herd from fullbloods to red & black Simmentals.

14 Percentage 60 12) When selecting your Simmental bulls, which selection criteria do you use? Rank in order Birth Weight EPDs Eye Appeal Actual Performance Data Pedigree Scrotal Actual or Ultra Circumference Sound Carcass Data Ranking 1 Ranking 2 Ranking 3 Ranking 4 Ranking 5 Ranking 6 Ranking 7 Other Comments: Calving ease, relationship with breeder, polled vs. horned, structural soundness, disposition, hair, maternal, weaning weight, phenotype.

15 13) Is Carcass Quality important to you as a producer? 31% Yes No 69% Other Comments: Want more carcass data back.

16 14) Is disposition important to you? 2% Yes No 98%

17 15) Do you feel that Simmental cows/ or bulls have a quiet disposition? 6% Yes No 94% Other Comments: Some Simmental animals have a better disposition than others. Depends on factors like environment and age of animal.

18 16) Do you keep replacement heifers out of your Simmental bulls? 6% 94% Yes No

19 Percentage ) What do you think are the strengths of Simmental heifers & cows? Check those that you feel apply % 62% % 60% 54% 38% 10 0 Milking Ability Good Mothers Docile Fertile Buyers Acceptance Longevity 6% 4% High Performance & Growth Easy Calving

20 18) Do you feel Simmental bulls and females have sound feet & legs? 4% 4% Yes No Could be Better 92%

21 19) Do you feel Simmental bulls and females have the ability to stay in your herd for many years? 2% 4% Yes No Could be Better 94% Other Comments for #18 & 19: There were exceptions to both questions asked, and comments made about how feet and legs could be better in some Simmental cattle. Bad feet & legs are why some animals are culled from herds. Some breeders pay more attention to feet and legs when breeding and selling cattle.