■ Voluntary Classification:

This is a visual classification system based on the animal's physical conformation and breed character. It is not used to predict performance. The program was developed to help identify cattle with the most valuable traits (which can be visually appraised) and to eliminate bottom end cattle from the breed. The program is voluntary and members pay for the service. Cattle are personally inspected by a BBU fieldman for desirable conformation, structural soundness and Beefmaster breed character and are classified according to BBU's Standard of Excellence. The Typesetter Program identifies and recognizes bulls and females on the basis of classification scores given to their progeny.

Typesetters are designated on their breeding certificates with two asterisks (**)

■ BBU Approved Sale Program:


An Approved Sale meets strict guidelines established by BBU. All cattle to be sold are personally inspected by a BBU official. By assuring buyers that all cattle in the sale meet the physical requirements of BBU and the papers are in order, Approved Sales have greatly increased buyer confidence in BBU registered cattle. The large number of Approved Sales held each year offers excellent marketing outlets for Beefmaster breeders.

■ Weights and Measures PRogram

This is a simple, fast and effective performance testing program developed by BBU for use by its members. It includes computer analysis and printout of 205-day adjusted weight, 365-day adjusted weight, and sire and dam summaries. Information from the program is used in BBU's Sire Summary which is published twice a year. The Sire Summary includes EPDs for birth weight, weaning weight, yearling weight, scrotum circumference and maternal traits. Interim or non-parent EPDs are available on young animals not included in the Sire Summary. Since the early 1990s, participation in Weights & Measures has increased significantly, greatly increasing the amount and accuracy of performance information available both to breeders and buyers of Beefmasters.

BBU's Pacesetter Award is based on information taken from the Weights & Measures Program. This award recognizes bulls and females which have produced top performing calves. This award is designated on the animal's certificate of breeding with two asterisks (**) For more information and details, contact the BBU office for a Weights & Measures handbook or a current Sire Summary.
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■ Whole Herd Reporting Program

The optional Whole herd reporting (WHR) program at Beefmaster Breeders United (BBU) will also offer a helping hand to achieve the above mentioned selection criteria.  WHR reporting accounts for all animals produced in your herd.  This allows for a more complete performance database which in turn leads to a more accurate genetic evaluation.  WHR reporting entails an accurate inventory of reproducing females and the outcome of that process.  The females on inventory must have a weaned calf weight or a calf disposal code.  A birth weight observation would enhance the overall data base and genetic evaluation as well.

■ Beefmaster advancer Program

The BBU Board of Directors approved the registration of Beefmaster Advancer cattle on March 28, 2009 in Columbus, Texas. Beefmaster Advancer Cattle, by definition, are animals of fifty percent (50%) or more Registered Beefmaster breeding and fifty percent (50%) or less of other Registered and DNA genotyped non-Beefmaster Beef cattle breeding. These animals may be certified in BBU provided they are produced from breeding of one of the following:

Animals become Purebred Beefmaster cattle when they are 31/32 (96.875%) or more Registered Beefmaster breeding. Animals eligible for recording in the Beefmaster Advancer Program must come from parents that are enrolled in the BBU Whole Herd Reporting Program. Fees charged for certification by BBU for members of the Association in good standing shall always be the same fees charged others for Whole Herd Reporting and that all such fees shall be subject to review and change by the active members of
the Association at any duly convened meeting of the Association members. It is important that all breeders of Beefmaster Advancer cattle remember to follow the Lasater philosophy of breeding the six essentials. As the Beefmaster Advancer program moves forward we must continue to select for cattle with calving ease. We must also simultaneously select for fast early growth in our quest for low birth weight, moderate framed, easy calving females. The herd sires should be bred to leave daughters in the breed that excel in low birth weight, high weaning weight, easy fleshing ability and longevity. Strictly adhering to the Lasater six essentials will make that
success easier and faster to accomplish.

■ Upgrading Program

This program allows you to upgrade commercial cows to purebred Beefmasters through a three-generation top-crossing system. It allows you to make the transition to purebreds using your existing cow herd. The first step is to become a member of BBU. To do this, complete the enclosed membership application and return it to us with the annual membership dues of $100.00. When you
become a member, and you want to participate in the Upgrading Program, contact the office to obtain the Ranch Visit Request form, complete it and return it to us. Upon receipt of the form, one of our fieldmen will schedule a date to visit your operation and
inspect your cows. He will need to see each cow individually and will accept all those cows which he feels have adequate frame, correct structure, good udders and adequate muscling.

Those cows he accepts will be branded with a Bar C (-C) and a number brand if they are not already numbered, and will be recorded as Base Cows. This inspection will cost you $3.00 per head or 250.00 whichever is greater. Base Cows are then bred to a certified Beefmaster bull which has been inspected by a BBU fieldman. This inspection can be done when you have your Base Cows inspected. The heifer calves from these matings will become eligible for inspection as First Cross Beefmasters when they become at least 8 months of age. A fieldman will again visit your ranch at your request and inspect the heifers for approval as First Crosses. Those he approves will be branded 1C and you will apply for papers on them. The inspection will again cost you $3.00 per head and the registration papers will cost $14.00. You will then breed these First Crosses to a certified Beefmaster bull, and their heifer calves will be eligible for inspection as Second Cross Beefmasters when they reach 8 months of age.

Once again you will request a fieldman to visit your operation and inspect the heifers and brand those he accepts with a 2C. This inspection will cost $3.00 per head and the registration papers on the 2C heifer will cost $14.00. Once your Second Crosses have been approved and branded, they are basically the equivalent of a purebred Beefmaster, as both their male and female offspring are eligible for registration with BBU as purebred Beefmasters without inspection. As you can see, you can make this conversion at a relatively low investment and will be adding equity to your herd as soon as you make the initial inspection. The key to the success of the program, however, is the use of good bulls. You cannot use an average bull and expect aboveaverage results, especially as you move away from the hybrid vigor of a crossbred and into the more
concentrated genetics of a purebred.