EAPK Producer Profile – Beckie Hotz, Mariposa Farm

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My introduction to agriculture was through plants. I studied biology in college with a broad view of both animals and plants. Toward the end of college, I focused on the plant side of agriculture, specifically at the soil level. All these years later, I find this helps me stay focused on the value of pasture management.  After college, I taught outdoor experiential education for youth and led group treks in the mountains. Soon after,…

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Making Genetic Progress

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As breeders of purebred livestock, attention to genetic progress should be at the forefront of our selection programs. The equation below summarizes the components that contribute to genetic progress. indicates change in genetics ( stands for change, G stands for genetics). Genetic progress can be improved by increasing those components in the numerator (Accuracy, Selection Intensity, and Genetic Variation) and decreasing those traits in the denominator (Generation Interval). Each component is described in…

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