National Cattlemen March 2025 | Page 9

Continued from page 7

Part of Earl ’ s initial success was from whitetail deer . In 1997 , a researcher from Texas called Earl to ask if he would begin gathering semen from whitetail deer in Michigan and surrounding northern states to be shipped south to Texas to enhance the genetics there . Earl traveled to many states to collect buck semen from intensely managed , captive deer herds . This enterprise took off , especially growing between 2005 to 2015 , and it provided a lot of business for Earl during the fall breeding season . That provided the revenue for Great Lakes Sire Service to build their own facilities .

“ When we bought this farm , the first thing I got was a welder and a bandsaw . I started building all my own gates ,” Earl said . “ For the next 15 years , any of the buildings we put up , I built myself .”

In February 2025 , Great Lakes Sire Service celebrated its 30th anniversary . They have expanded greatly in the last three decades ; today , Great Lakes Sire Service is one of only two custom semen collection companies that export U . S . bull semen to the European Union and the only one to export to China . It took years of quality service , many inspections , top-notch biosecurity measures and more to achieve access to those markets . They also provide to many other international clients from the Netherlands , Canada and Switzerland .

“ The goal was always to provide a livelihood for our family . I thought if we ever got to 75 or 100 bulls , that ’ d be more than we would ever achieve , now we are housing 200 and growing . The whitetail deer provided a huge opportunity for us , and we ran with it ,” Earl added .

Semen collection plays a vital role in the speed and success of beef genetic improvements . The technology available to producers today allows for the widespread use of high-quality genetics from elite bulls to a large number of cows , which would not be possible through natural mating alone . This technique ensures that the best genetic material is used to produce the next generation of cattle , accelerating the rate of genetic progress . Moreover , semen collection and AI enable producers to overcome geographical and logistical barriers , making it easier to access and utilize top-tier

As Cattlemen , we know the value of building a strong herd . Today , we need your help building our herd at NCBA . By recruiting those around you to NCBA , we amplify the voice that NCBA is able to have on Capitol Hill . NCBA fights for cattle producers ’ values daily in Washington D . C . with policies created by cattlemen , for cattlemen . Join NCBA ’ s Top Hand Club by recruiting friends , family , or neighbors to join the fight and become an NCBA Member today !

Thank you , NCBA Membership Team

Thank you to our Top Hand Sponsors !

Earl and Melissa Souva .

genetics from around the world . With this , highly desirable U . S . cattle genetics can be used to more efficiently produce a highquality protein that ’ s in demand across the globe .

Earl explained , “ Improving meat quality is the biggest component that foreign producers want U . S . beef genetics for . They are focused on using our genetics to improve meat and carcass quality .”

Like many other producers , continuity of the operation is on the Souvas ’ minds . They are beginning the initial steps of transition planning and gathering a team of experts around them to advise them on financial and business transition plans . The longevity of their business is important to them both as they ’ ve invested decades of their lives assisting cattle producers .

“ To really secure a long-term future for Great Lakes Sire Service and assist our customers , we ’ re going to have to embark on using new technologies . We will have to align ourselves with being able to provide more sexed semen ,” Earl said . “ We will incorporate a diversity of services rather than a volume of growth .”

Genetic technologies like these contribute to animal health and welfare in addition to promoting overall productivity and efficiency of beef production .

Here is what you need to know about becoming a Top Hand :

■ Recruit 3 or more new NCBA members and receive a quarterly gift sent straight to your door . Top Hand Club members are also put into a quarterly drawing where you can win BIG prizes !

■ Remember to recruit members individually . Group or affiliate recruits are not accepted as program credit .

■ Keep your NCBA membership active .

■ Make sure your new recruit lists your name on their membership applications .