Researchers are carrying on the lineage of a legendary bull named Lodge of the Wye, whose more than 60-year-old frozen semen was used to impregnate the current University of Maryland Wye Angus herd and carry on Lodge’s legacy. For over half a century, the herd workers maintained a cryobank that is still utilized today. Herdsman and UMD alumni, Henry Spies and WYE Angus Program Manager, Jeff Bricker, continue a tradition of excellence and breeding innovation through their dedication to tending the cattle and stewarding the land.
The Lodge of the Wye
Lodge of the Wye, a bull born in 1963, was lauded for his preferred genetic traits and massive size.
“At the time, Lodge was the first 1,200-pound yearling bull that had been born here,” said Bricker. “He provided performance and intensity, and the opportunity arose to modify the breeding program here and sustain the genetics of the herd.”
With advancements in reproductive technology, including in vitro fertilization (IVF), Bricker and Spies successfully reintroduced Lodge's genetics into the herd this year. A recent IVF procedure yielded 32 viable embryos, achieving an impressive 64% conception rate.
They explained that the availability of rare and old semen from Wye bulls is reliant on the evolution and economic feasibility of artificial insemination and embryo technology. To preserve the genetics of the program, they currently maintain more than 51,000 units of semen, some of which are sold each year at the annual bull sale.
“The successful use of the IVF procedure from Lodge will allow us to use more old genetics that we have here in the coming years,” said Bricker.
Herd story
The herd started in 1938 with 18 heifers and a bull calf.
In the infancy of the herd, American breeders were raising Angus according to the standards then dictated by the show ring — small, compact, “baby-beef” type animals. The herd manager at the time was looking for large-framed cattle and noticed the great size of Scottish-bred cattle. He particularly liked the “growthiness” of Scottish bulls.
Through the 1940s and 1950s, 25 bull purchases were made from Scotland, Ireland, England, and Wales. Since then, the herd has not added any “new blood” to their operation.
As a closed herd, the WYE Angus program managers are highly strategic in selectively utilizing genetic material.
“We must try to prevent inherent in-breeding. Prior breeders in the program’s history were strong proponents of linebreeding and would breed cattle very closely to incorporate desired economic traits,” said Bricker.
Moving forward, Bricker would like to model this breeding philosophy by breeding back-to-back bulls born several generations earlier to bring their traits forward.
“This philosophy is part of our breeding program today and one that we will be incorporating into the herd more vigorously in the coming years,” said Bricker.
Bricker noted that the prior Wye Angus Program Manager, Kevin Morgan, was integral in helping him learn how to manage the herd.
Rotational Grazing & Soil Health
Genetics are only as strong as the cattle themselves. To ensure high-quality nutrition is available for the herd, Spies brings his wealth of expertise in rotational grazing and soil health. He is an advocate for pasture management and focuses on enhancing organic soil matter which optimizes water retention and maximizes growth.
“We want their nutrition to be optimal,” said Spies. “From a genetic standpoint of getting nutrition right, it is very different than conventional nutrition because we have to look at the stage of grass.”
He said farmers should stay away from allowing the grass to go to seed or to the boot stage – where the seed head begins to form.
“If you are grazing very mature grass, you are not getting the same nutrition in that cow as if you've got nice growing grass,” said Spies.
By strategically managing grazing patterns, he aims to create a resilient and productive pasture system that benefits both cattle and the environment.
“You know, I have always thought this in my short time of farming that any farming practice should be measured on its ability to build soil,” said Spies.
Spies and Bricker’s hard work was demonstrated through a successful annual sale earlier this month. Lodge’s pick-of-the-litter sold for $17,500 at the sale.
Described by Bricker as a fraternity-like community, buyers of WYE cattle remain deeply connected to the program.
“We are picking back up from the 1960s and throwing it forward. It will be a couple of years for another result, but it is really rewarding to be a part of this,” said Bricker.
*Unfortunately, Mr. Bricker passed away before publication and our deepest sympathies are with his family.