Hereford breeders gathered June 24 for the Wisconsin Hereford Field Day for a day of learning and networking with fellow breeders and Hereford enthusiasts. More than 100 attended the event hosted in Central Wisconsin which began with a tour of Next Generation Genetics in Endeavor, and ended at Pierce’s Hereford Haven in Baraboo.

The Wisconsin Hereford Field Day rotates between the four quadrants of the state featuring different Hereford ranches and operations. The tour allows Wisconsin Hereford breeders a chance to socialize, observe diverse cattle operations and learn more about what makes each one unique.

The Brancel family of Next Generation Genetics hosted the first stop on the tour, which included a judging class, cattle viewing, a demonstration from BioZyme, Inc. representatives and a discussion with Jack Ward, American Hereford Association (AHA) executive vice president.

“We were excited to be a part of the Central Wisconsin Hereford Field Day again,” said Sondra Brancel. “We were a small stop on the tour four years ago, and our operation has grown a lot since then. It was a beautiful day full of networking with fellow Hereford cattlemen and learning about improvements being made within our breed.”

Next Generation Genetics had approximately 60 head on display before the attendees were brought inside for a Certified Hereford Beef (CHB®) hamburger lunch. After the meal, participants heard from Ward on the importance of genomics, breed improvement updates and the new genetic evaluation software, BOLT.

“Jack did a great job of making genomics easy understand,” Brancel said. “The tour is a great place for Hereford breeders, new and old, to stay up-to-date about what’s happening in our breed. My family appreciates the importance of the science behind breeding selections. We wanted to bring more information on genomics and how they impact us to breeders, and Jack did that for us.”

Kevin Glaubius, director of nutrition and technical sales and Kevin Arand, area sales manager for BioZyme Inc., were on-hand to discuss mineral programs and products as well as answer questions from attendees. BioZyme also donated heat and stress tubs as door prizes for the tour attendees.

Crystal Blin, BioZyme marketing programs manager, gave participants additional information about their role in the Hereford Youth Foundation of America’s Feed the Future campaign and how breeders could get involved.

After lunch, the tour headed to Peirce’s Hereford Haven for a pasture tour, a lesson on economic practices and a brisket dinner.

“I was really impressed with the turnout at the Wisconsin Hereford Field Day,” Ward said. “The participants were really engaged in every aspect of the tour. It’s important for the AHA to share information and tools with members, and it’s important for them to implement them.”

Plans for a southern Wisconsin Hereford tour are in the works, stay tuned for more information from the Wisconsin Hereford Association this summer.