Episode Details
Back to Episodes
327: Why More Producers Are Turning to Gelbvieh and Balancer Cattle with Tom Strahm
Description
Lauren sits down with Tom Strahm of the American Gelbvieh Association to talk about the growing role Gelbvieh and Balancer cattle are playing in today’s beef industry. From maternal strength and longevity to feed efficiency and hybrid vigor, Tom breaks down why more commercial producers are implementing these genetics into their herds.
They also discuss crossbreeding strategies, heterosis, carcass quality, female productivity, and how Gelbvieh-influenced cattle continue to succeed in a wide variety of environments across the United States.
Links:
Gelbvieh: https://gelbvieh.org/
Nominate or request to be a guest - forms.gle/fRkvzRenh7mqkDXV7
CattleUSA Insurance - https://info.cattleusainsurance.com/l/1102253/2025-06-04/288f5m
CattleUSA Website - https://www.cattleusa.com/
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/cattleusamedia
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/cattleusa.media/
Subscribe to our newsletter - https://www.cattleusadrive.com/premium
CattleUSA Media - https://www.cattleusamedia.com/
Lauren’s Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/_laurenmoylan/
Lauren’s Youtube - https://www.youtube.com/@Showboatmediaco
The Next Generation Podcast Website - https://www.thenextgenag.com/
Key Takeaways:
- Gelbvieh and Balancer cattle offer strong maternal advantages
- Crossbreeding increases heterosis and overall efficiency
- Gelbvieh-influenced females are known for fertility and longevity
- Balancer cattle simplify commercial crossbreeding programs
- Producers can improve weaning weights and productivity
- Feed efficiency and red meat yield remain major strengths
- Gelbvieh cattle perform well across diverse environments
- Moderate mature size helps reduce input costs
- Hybrid vigor can increase profitability in commercial herds
- Crossbred females continue to play a major role in the future of beef production
Chapters:
00:00 Introduction + Tom Strahm background
03:00 The history of Gelbvieh and Balancer cattle
07:00 Crossbreeding, heterosis, and maternal strength
11:30 Why Gelbvieh females stand out in commercial herds
15:30 Feed efficiency, carcass traits, and performance
19:00 Choosing between Gelbvieh and Balancer genetics
22:30 Breed growth, commercial adoption, and future trends
26:00 Programs supporting commercial producers
Gelbvieh cattle, Balancer cattle, Gelbvieh crossbreeding, commercial cattle genetics, maternal cattle breeds, heterosis cattle, hybrid vigor beef cattle, commercial cow herd efficiency, Gelbvieh females, feed efficient cattle, beef cattle crossbreeding strategies, cattle breed comparison, commercial beef production, red meat yield cattle, cow calf profitability, American Gelbvieh Association, Balancer genetics, cattle weaning weights, maternal heterosis cattle, beef industry genetics