The Fipke angus value rating system is designed to quantify the real dollar value of individual animals based on EPDs. The EPD or expected progeny differences system tracks specific traits and the numbers which result are often used to compare individuals. The weaning weight (WW) number, for example, evaluates the 205 day weight of an animal in pounds. A weaning weight number of +25 means that that animal is likely to produce offspring that are 25 pounds heavier than the base line average. A number of +50 would indicate 50 pounds heavier at the same 205 day age. The Fipke total rating number is simply the total of the EPDs for weaning weight (WW), yearling weight (YW), milk production (M), and the number given for IMF or marbling as a percentage ( for example,+0.50 becomes 50) and the number for rib-eye as a percentage (+0.25 becomes 25). Birth weight does not have much value co-relation unless it is over +5.0 when it becomes negative or reduces value.

To illustrate, the top earning bull in the Fipke survey of 670 angus sales was GAR PREDESTINED. His EPD numbers are: WW +53, YW +101, Milk +29, Marb + 1.04 and RE +0.63 ( the last two numbers become 104 and 63). We add these numbers up and get a total of 350. This is the highest such number in the high accuracy proven sire category of active bulls. The Fipke rating number for the 2nd top earning bull, S S OBJECTIVE, is 342. The rating number for the 3rd bull, SAV NET WORTH, is 281. Most of the bulls in the survey of earnings have earnings rankings that co-relate to their rating numbers. Some old time famous bulls like N BAR EMULATION EXT have lower rating numbers,however, than their earnings would indicate. Some bulls have reputations as good cow makers that continue on through trends.  In general, the Fipke rating number translates the progeny dollar value of an animal.

The reason the Fipke number works is that it emphasizes the relative weight breeders give to specific traits in a modern program. Translating the GAR PREDESTINED components, as an example, gives 15% for weaning weight, 29% for yearling weight, 8% for milk, 30% for marbling and 18% for rib eye. The second highest rated cow in the Buck Lake herd at 298 is SCR MISS EXTEND 70528 with EPD numbers of +69 WW, +129 YW, +28 Milk, +.39 Marbling, +.39 RE. In 2008, as a heifer, she was ranked the #3 female in the entire breed for yearling weight and the #8 female for weaning weight. Spectacular production is still tempered with strong carcass values. The true art of the breeder is using science as a basis to put the ingredients into a balanced mix and create the superstars that old timers dreamed about.

Obviously, the trend to pay attention to carcass values in recent years needs to be tempered with common sense to avoid in-breeding that propagates genetic defects. Running after non EPD back country old lineages where every calf is a roll of the dice is no answer.  We avoid line breeding.  We believe that the recent genetic DNA developments will supercede all the old methods breeders turned to including the EPD system. We are embracing this cutting edge technology as one more tool to use in the art of breeding.  We are going to use this new science, as commercially offered by INGENITY, to track down the cleanest and best animals that we can find in our herd and in others. We want to prove our position towards raising the most valuable Angus cattle in Canada.