Pictured: USLGE board member Jordan Schlake (far left) and Hereford breeders Tyler Kester, Kester Herefords (far right) and Madi Ridder, Falling Timber Farm (second left) meet with members of the Hereford Cattle Society
In early October 2024, representatives from the Nebraska and Missouri Departments of Agriculture and Hereford breeders from both states visited the UK with U.S. Livestock Genetics Export, Inc. (USLGE), a USSA member. Their objective was to build relationships with UK Hereford breeders, discuss the benefits of U.S. Hereford genetics for their herds, and promote the upcoming World Hereford Conference, scheduled for next year in Kansas City, Missouri.
A highlight of the trip was meeting the Hereford Cattle Society, which is responsible for promoting and registering Hereford pedigree cattle in the UK. According to Jordan Schlake, a USLGE Board member and Nebraska’s Agricultural Trade Representative, a key topic of conversation was the positive impact of U.S. genetics on the environment and productivity.
He said, “The Hereford Cattle Society recognized that U.S. genetics could help Hereford producers in the UK improve their feed efficiency and, ultimately, reduce the days it takes to get their cattle to market weight. This is essential in lowering the greenhouse gas emissions associated with cattle.”Jordan described the trip as successful in meeting its goals and “the first step in building long-term business relationships between the U.S. and the UK for Hereford genetics.”