ABSTRACT
Sire evaluation was developed by breed associations through the efforts of the Beef Improvement Federation. Breed societies believed that pedigree allied with the use of eye judgment for securing adherence to formalized breed type was the basis of successful breeding. Breed associations are seeking ways to remain relevant in the transition to the information age. In the early 1960s, computers produced three generations of pedigrees on the registration certificate. There are creative ways for traditional breed associations to function so that their breeders are benefited both monetarily and socially. Traditionally, breeders have incorporated into their initial population or herd enough genetic variation so that genetic change can be made. Breeders have selected intensely within their population or herd using the best predictors of parental performance available to them. Breeders that wish to contribute to their breed's relevance need to consider all avenues available to them to increase their rate of genetic change per unit of time.
