Unlocking Your Herd’s Next Level: Why Heifer Selection is Key in Today’s Market

With spring rolling through North West NSW, we’re seeing a solid, firm tone in local markets like Gunnedah. Restocker demand has kicked up, particularly for quality breeding stock and young cows with calves, as producers look to build back with confidence. But with every dollar on feed counting and land management top of mind, keeping the right females in your herd isn't just good practice, it's what keeps your business resilient for the long haul.

Most of us wouldn't buy a bull without taking a close look at his genetic stats. Yet when it comes to selecting replacement heifers, a lot of commercial operations still rely strictly on visual checks at the crush.

Phenotypic assessment: checking structural soundness, temperament, and overall frame, will always be critical. But adding genomics to your toolkit allows you to see under the hood. It takes the guesswork out of identifying which heifers carry the genetic potential for superior fertility, maternal traits, and carcase performance before you spend seasons running them.

How to Get Started in 5 Simple Steps

Combining genomic data with your traditional crush-side assessment gives you better accuracy, faster genetic progress, and greater peace of mind when deciding who stays and who goes. Here’s a practical way to break it down:

1. Write Down Your Breeding Objective

Before you head into the yards, know what you’re breeding for over the next 5 to 10 years. Are you looking to boost fertility, improve milk production, or target specific heavy-feeder weights? The best heifer is simply the one that fits your specific goals.

2. Run Your Visual & Performance Checks (Phenotype)

Remember the basic rule: Phenotype = Genotype + Environment. Genomics doesn't replace physical inspection. Start by weeding out heifers with structural flaws, poor feet, or tricky temperaments. Track basic metrics like weaning weights if growth is a key driver for your herd.

3. Pick the Right Genomic Tool

There are several commercial testing products available today, each tailored to different breeds and goals:

• neXtPredict Heifer: Designed for Angus producers, offering base genomic breeding values, parentage verification, and hands-on guidance from neXtgen Agri to interpret your results.
  
• Angus HeiferSelect: Available to Angus Australia members, providing predictions reported in percentile bands for key commercial traits.
  
• GenSELECT Heifer: Built specifically for commercial Hereford females, offering targeted insight across 11 core traits.
  
• Neogen Igenity Beef: Ideal for Bos Taurus crossbred and composite herds, delivering 1-10 scoring across MBVs via the International Genetic Solutions (IGS) database.
  

4. Take DNA Samples at the Crush

Sampling is straightforward, all it takes is a quick Tissue Sampling Unit (TSU) ear notch, ideally done at weaning or calf marking while cattle are already in the race. Match the TSU tube ID to the heifer’s visual tag, store the samples in a cool, dark spot, and mail them off. Keep in mind results can take up to 10 weeks, so plan your joining calendar accordingly!

5. Combine the Data & Make the Call

Once your test results arrive, line up your physical checks against the genomic index scores:

• Focus on your top and middle-tier index performers that meet your physical must-haves and key trait minimums (like low birthweight).
  
• Identify the bottom 10–20% on the index. Selling these heifers early saves valuable feed or allows you to target them for terminal matings.
  

Whether you’re tweaking your joining strategy or looking to capitalise on the current market momentum, making smarter culling decisions early pays dividends down the track.

Got questions about market trends or looking for advice on your herd? Drop in for a chat or reach out to the James Bradford Rural team today!