Now in its 20th year, the National Reference Sire Program (NRSP) is a program that allows Hereford breeders to test young sires in real-world commercial settings. Not only does this allow breeders to obtain high accuracy expected progeny differences (EPDs) and performance data, but it also allows them to test sires next to the top Hereford genetics in the breed. To date, the NRSP has tested more than 375 bulls for economically relevant traits of interest.

Mershon Cattle is a commercial cattle operation with a retained ownership-to-harvest program located in Buckner and Appleton, Mo. Mershon Farms and Mershon Cattle are award-winning operations and they believe in the importance of community service and active involvement in agriculture. This is one of the reasons they participate in NRSP.

This year, Mershon Cattle selected 43473029-BBF RELIANCE X51 B1, 43890166-WHR 4013 C144 BEEDMAKER 624FET, 43849411-EFBEEF X651 TESTED E116 and 43385182-NJW 135U 10Y HOMETOWN 63A ET — 43636764 -BEHM 100W CUDA 504C will be used as a reference sire.

The NRSP is a program that allows Hereford breeders to test young sires in real-world commercial settings. Because of the Association’s partnerships with various test herds like Mershon Cattle, breeders can make better-informed decisions relative to traits of interest.

“NRSP test herds continue to contribute to pushing Hereford genetics forward,” said Shane Bedwell, director of breed improvement and chief operating officer for the AHA. “We are excited about Mershon Cattle being on board for their second year in the program.”