The CBDA Board of Directors feels that this new program is a huge step forward in keeping our breed competitive. As a performance oriented, terminal sire breed, it is extremely important to comparatively measure our growth, carcass and other traits using EPDs. It has become a must within the industry.

The key element to this program is keeping it simple for our members. Beginning with the 2011 calf crop, each current CBDA member will receive a pre-printed cow inventory worksheet from CLRC that will list all your breeding age females. This worksheet will ask for much of the same information as the current registration application, but look a little different. We ask that you fill it out completely. On this form you will be able to apply for animal registration as well as begin the performance recording process. The sooner you return the worksheet, the sooner your performance data will be entered. Calves can be registered when the worksheet is returned to CLRC, or at anytime afterwards (phone, email). Registration fees and CBDA memberships will continue to be paid to CLRC.

CLRC will enter all birth data into their system, and transfer performance info electronically to BIO. CBDA members will have the option of becoming a BIO performance program member. However, if you choose not to become a performance program member, we would still like to collect birth information from your herd. We also ask those not registering animals to complete the form as well. It will help strengthen the EPDs for the breed by having more records included. Additionally, there will be some of your herd history in the system if you choose to become a member at a later date. It is also important for the integrity of the program that you send complete info on all your animals, not just a select few.

Those who choose to become a BIO performance program member will receive a weaning worksheet from BIO after their birth information has been entered. If this is completed and returned to BIO you will receive a yearling weight worksheet. You can also enter information for scrotal circumference, hip height and carcass traits. BIO will collect all fees associated with the performance program.

What do you get for your membership?
Adjusted weaning weights, yearling weights, performance indexes, dam/sire performance summaries and herd production summaries. EPDs for all your animals. The Blonde performance program currently provides EPDs for birth weight, calving ease, maternal calving ease, weaning weight, yearling weight, milk, scrotal circumference, hip height, rib eye area, marbling and back fat.

There are additional services included and/or available from BIO.

What are the costs?
$0 for non-BIO members to send birth information
$192/year (plus tax) for herds with 30 breeding females or less.
$216/year (plus tax) for herds with 30 to 100 breeding females.
$264/year (plus tax) for herds with 101 to 250 breeding females.
$1/cow/year for entering info from paper forms (BIO members only)

If you have any questions regarding the new system please contact: