...WBCIA HISTORY...
In January of 1984, a group of beef cattle producers and several Cooperative Extension Service personnel gathered in Casper, Wyoming to form the Wyoming Beef Cattle Improvement Association (WBCIA). The organization was created to support beef cattle production in Wyoming by encouraging the use of improved cattle selection tools, cooperation with other state organizations, and through research and education opportunities. In August 2003, the WBCIA renewed their focus by implementing a 5-year strategic plan:
To improve Wyoming beef cattle to meet the current and future demands of the beef cattle industry and enhance the financial opportunity for Wyoming beef cattle producers.
• Maintain and improve the accuracy and efficiency of beef cattle production with major emphasis on selection of traits of economic importance
• Encourage education, research and development relative to beef cattle improvement
• Cooperate with the various associations and organizations for the promotion of beef cattle improvement and the beef industry
• Encourage the development of marketing strategies based on genetic merit The WBCIA is administered by a nine member Board of Directors who serve staggered 3-year terms. Two ex-officio members of the board include the University of Wyoming Beef Cattle Extension Specialist (serving as the Executive Secretary) and the Ag Marketing Specialist associated with the Wyoming Business Council’s Agribusiness Division.
The WBCIA membership consists of registered and commercial operations with all types and breeds of cattle. Associate memberships are available to all interested producers, operations, organizations and businesses.
The WBCIA Feedlot Test and Carcass Evaluation program was the first activity established by the board. This is an ideal tool for producers to better position their product for value-based marketing. The WBCIA Bull Test and Sale developed the following year.
The Wyoming beef Cattle Improvement Association also purchases and distributes IRM Calendar/Record books to members, participants and bull buyers to emphasize the importance of records. Finally, through their membership with the national BIF (Beef Improvement Federation), the WBCIA selects an Outstanding Seedstock and Outstanding Commercial Producer recipient each year, These award winners are then nominated for the nation-wide BIF Seedstock and Commercial Producer awards.
...Bull Test & Heifer Development...
The WBCIA Bull Test originated in Worland, with Bill and Phyllis Glanz feeding the bulls. After 10 successful years, the program was moved to Shoshoni where Bob and Paige Pingetzer established Pingetzer’s Bull and Heifer Development Center in 1995. After two years of hauling the bulls to a sale barn to sell, Pingetzer’s added a new sale facility in 1997.
The Bulls are fed a high roughage ration, consisting of corn silage, alfalfa hay, corn, oats, and supplement. They are fed to gain an average of 3.25 lb/day. This ration helps to identify outstanding genetics while promoting longevity.
In 2001, heifers were added to the sale. Registered heifers, followed by commercial heifers, both precede the sale of bulls. Another addition in 2001 was the option of ultrasound carcass data on all bulls.
Highlighting the end of the test are awards for high performing bulls. These awards are presented just prior to the bull sale. This gibes recognition not only to the outstanding bulls, but to the breeders as well.