Canadian Gelbvieh Connection

In this episode of Canadian Gelbvieh Connection, host Sarah Van Schothorst sits down with Dr. Ryan Boldt, lead geneticist at International Genetic Solutions (IGS), to break down one of the most important tools in modern beef cattle breeding: Expected Progeny Differences (EPDs). Together, they explore what EPDs are, why they were developed, and how they help producers make more informed breeding decisions beyond what can be seen through visual appraisal alone. Ryan explains how EPDs are calculated, the data that goes into genetic evaluations, and how the multi-breed evaluation system used by IGS helps improve the accuracy and usefulness of genetic predictions across breeds. Listeners will also gain a clearer understanding of EPD accuracy—what it means, how it is determined, and how confident producers can be when comparing animals. The conversation also tackles a common point of confusion: the difference between individual trait EPDs and selection indexes, and when each approach is most useful in making breeding decisions. Finally, the episode focuses on practical application. Ryan discusses how producers can use EPDs to align selection decisions with their production goals—whether they are building a strong maternal herd or focusing on terminal calves for market. Key traits such as calving ease, milk, stayability, growth, carcass traits, and feed efficiency are highlighted. Whether you are new to EPDs or looking to better apply genetic data in your breeding program, this episode provides a clear, practical guide to using EPDs to move your herd forward. Thank you to our sponsor for supporting this episode. Grow Your Life with Kim & Jackie. Follow their podcast channel on Apple or Spotify.

Lane Wall, intermediate junior participant, discusses the benefits of the Gelbvieh breed and the traits that add to the bottom line for any cattle producer.

Today Jaime Davidson, intermediate junior participant, interviews Dr. Rodney Walliser, owner of the Horse Shoe Vet clinic in Swift Current. Dr. Walliser grew up on a mixed farming operation in Saskatchewan and he was always interested in becoming a veterinarian. Bunty Allen was the first Gelbvieh producer that introduced Dr. Walliser to working with Gelbvieh cattle. In his experience, Gelbvieh is a nice breed to work with. They discuss the mothering ability, milking ability and growth that make Gelbvieh a good choice for Canadian beef producers.

Kylee Sickler interviews Lori Maude, previously the communications director for the American Gelbvieh Association for 12 years. Together they discuss marketing of a cattle operation. They discuss the role of data and the marketing and financial value in the data. Check out the latest MARC data on heterosis performance comparing 18 breeds of beef cattle in the US. Gelbvieh cows have a 22.7lb weaning advantage over the other breeds. In an industry where pounds pay, this can make all the difference.

Kaitlyn Kunze, intermediate junior participant, interviews Grant Scheirlinck from Southwest Genetics. Grant is an artificial insemination technician, selling semen for six companies; BoviGen, Alta Genetics, Select Sires, Semex, Genex, ABS. He also delivers nitrogen and teaches AI schools in the winter time. Together they discuss the availability of Gelbvieh semen at these companies and where opportunities may exist to expand Gelbvieh semen availability. Grant explains the benefits of utilizing A.I. breeding and they discuss the merits of the Gelbvieh breed and how the breed has everything producers need to be profitable throughout the entire beef production chain.

Today Brantley Horn, intermediate junior participant, interviews Don and Lorna Okell from Jen-Ty Gelbviehs. Together the discuss the evolution of the Gelbvieh breed and how it meets the demands of today’s beef industry and how youth involvement is helping grow and evolve the breed today.

Cameron Davidson interviews Cory Audette, the owner of Ranch House Meat Company in Shaunovan SK. Ranch House Meat Company is a butcher shop with retail store, doing custom cutting of cattle for Ranchers in the area. Cory provides his expertise on what makes for a good carcass and the traits that the Gelbvieh breed has that makes them a good choice for beef producers. One cool fact about Gelbvieh carcasses is they have the biggest ribeye in relation to the carcass size. Cameron Davidson, intermediate junior participant was awarded reserve champion for his marketing project. Congratulations Cam!

Today Shelby Horn, senior junior participant interviews Deanne Young who owns and operates High Country Cattle Services with her husband Rob, raising Simmental cattle. Together they discuss the direction of the North American beef industry and how Gelbvieh can play a role in commercial cattle operations by adding to the profitability and success for those producers.

Today Colby Hollman interviews Tannar Maschmeyer who owns and operates Maschmeye Cattle Co. They discuss the maternal instincts that maximize performance for the inputs provided, making Gelbvieh a profitable addition tothe cow herd. They discuss advocacy for terminal Gelbvieh performance in the cattle buying community and feedlot industry and how the breed is meeting today’s demand in the beef industry.

Today Kaden Hollman interviews Scott Severtson who owns and operates Severtson Land & Cattle with his wife Lisa. Scott describes the evolution of the Gelbvieh breed and his experience breeding up an Angus base cow herd with Gelbvieh. Scott dives into the demand for Balancer genetics and the importance of marketing Balancer cattle to the commercial cattle producers to increase market share. Scott gives his advise to new up and coming breeders.

Today Skyler Schmitz, senior junior participant, interviews Kelsy Schmitz, the Canadian Junior Gelbvieh Association past president. They discuss the benefits of Gelbvieh particularly for families and youth looking to get involved in showing cattle through 4-H or other junior events. Gelbvieh’s fertility, milking ability, and docility contribute to what makes Gelbvieh great for families and 4-H.

Victoria Kunze, senior junior participant, interviews Steve from Triple Hill Farms, north of Herbert SK. Steve with his wife Connie run a cow/calf herd and backgrounding feedlot where Gelbvieh influence cattle have been used to improve structural integrity and milking ability in the cow herd and feed to gain ratios in the feedlot. Victoria was awarded Reserve Champion Senior marketing master with this submission at the 2025 National Jr. Gelbvieh Show.