How Are You Using the Data?

How Are You Using the Data?

From Behind The Beef by UltraInsights Processing Lab, Inc.

February 10, 2026 · 18 min · Season 1 · Episode 5

About this episode

Madison and Becky explore the significance of data management in cattle operations and explain key industry concepts.

In this episode of Behind the Beef , hosts Madison and Becky dive into the essential world of cattle data and the importance of data management for cattle operations. They provide a clear breakdown of industry terminology, explaining complex concepts like EPDs (Expected Progeny Differences), indexes, and contemporary groups in a way that is accessible to everyone from seasoned ranchers to those just curious about the beef industry. What's in this Episode: The Mission of Data Management: Learn how professional data services can alleviate the stress of record-keeping for busy ranchers, covering everything from birth weights to weaning and yearling data. Terminology Deep Dive: Madison and Becky explain why EPDs are more meaningful than visual appraisal or scale weight alone when making selection and culling decisions. Optimizing Data Use: Discover why bigger is not always better and why optimizing traits for your specific environment is more crucial than maximizing them. The Role of Ultrasound: Understand how ultrasound data fits into the larger picture of genetic evaluation and how it helps provide a more complete look at an animal’s potential. Long-Term Benefits: Madison and Becky…

People in this episode

Hosts: Madison, Becky

Topics covered

  • cattle data
  • data management
  • EPDs
  • genetic evaluation
  • record-keeping

Keywords

  • cattle operations
  • data services
  • selection decisions
  • ultrasound data
  • long-term benefits

Mentioned in this episode

Books & works: The Mission of Data Management, Behind the Beef

More episodes of Behind The Beef

Explore listener stats, chart rankings, contacts and more on the Behind The Beef podcast page.