Launching Beefmasters in Turkey

In early 2021, 67 Beefmaster embryos were successfully exported from Texas for delivery to Kafkas University in Kars, Turkey. These genetics will form the foundation herd to help improve beef production in Turkey and adjacent regions.

“We are excited to participate in the initial use of these embryos to create the first Beefmaster calf herd, to be born next spring in Turkey.” said Collin Osbourn, Beefmaster Breeders United (BBU) Executive Vice President.

“The beautiful part about Beefmaster genetics is that you can put them on anything and the result will be an improved product. You can add Beefmaster genetics to it to get the longevity, the structure, the efficiency and it’s going to work within the first year,” said Larry Meacham, BBU President.

If you are a commercial cattleman and/or a Turkish farmer, you simply cannot afford NOT to be crossbreeding. The benefits of a crossbred cow to any commercial herd are undeniable and highly documented.

“We know that crossbreeding with Beefmaster genetics works in the United States and all over the world. We are eager to see the Turkey Beefmaster Project flourish and improve the Turkish beef cattle industry,” shared Osbourn.

Beefmaster and Beefmaster crossbred cows improve calving rates and calf survivability, with more calves born and heavier calves weaned. These improvements equal more pounds of calf produced over the cow’s lifetime, thus yielding a more profitable cattle operation. We know that Beefmasters will also help the Turkish farmer with greatly improved feed efficiency to make more weight with less feed and savings in cost and labor.

Congratulations to Kafkas University and the Turkish Red Meat Producer’s Association. We look forward to your visit to Texas in August to tour the Texas A&M Beef Cattle Short Course, attend beef genetic centers and Beefmaster ranches to learn more about our breed and its benefits for Turkey.

On Friday, June 25, 2021 a Beefmaster and Zavot Cattle Breeds Embryo Transfer launch meeting was held at Kars Kafkas University (KAU) in Turkey. BBU President Larry Meacham and Doyle Sanders, International Committee sub-chairman for Europe & Asia, represented the Beefmaster breed via video conference during the meeting.

Click here to view video of the meeting >