Gearld Fry Grass Fed Beef Tour in Manitoba
August 5- August 7, 2008
A tour was organized for Gearld Fry from Arkansas, USA in Manitoba with 6 different tour stops
conducted throughout Manitoba (Arborg, Plumas, Grandview, Brandon, Cartwright, Oakbank).
Gearld is a self-taught specialist in livestock genetics and reproductive biology of cattle. Gerald
has over 40 years experience in artificial insemination, embryo transfer and linear measuring of
bulls, collecting and processing bull semen and running his own reproductive center. He
developed a reputation of being able to solve the whole constellation of reproductive problems in
cattle during 25 years of running the reproductive center. Over time he realized that cattle of a
certain phenotype, regardless of breed are more efficient. These cattle are easy-keepers and are
able to maintain their condition on grass and hay.
Gearld was brought to Manitoba to assist the Manitoba Forage
Council and Manitoba producers in the development of
selecting genetics for the development of the Manitoba Grass
Fed Beef Producers’ Association. Gearld’s main purpose is in
creating dynamic bulls capable of reproducing superior traits in
their progeny and cow herds that are functional on grass with
the end product being both tender and tasty with high retail
output. He showed producers how to reproduce this quality
with each breeding and calf born. The meat produced by these
animals could go into the finest eating establishments
worldwide.
Gerald pointed out in his workshop that a good bull and female
will show its masculinity in its head, neck and shoulders. Look
at things like the amount of muscle, the thickness of the skin,
coarseness of the head hair, position of the legs, and more. He demonstrated linear
measurements, where to take these measurements, and what these measurements mean. He also
showed producers physical traits that they should look for when judging animals to select for
grass-finished beef.
Approximately 100 producers attended
these workshops from across the
province. A provincial mail-out was
conducted in July with recognition of
the sponsors on this flyer. A follow-up
evaluation was also distributed for the
producers in attendance which the
comments are attached.
Gearld Fry taking linear measurements at Bragi Simmundson’s farm in Arborg, Manitoba.