McCulloh talks authenticity, avoiding distractions, breeding objectives and proven data.
When Brian McCulloh moved to Viroqua, Wis., in the mid-1980s, he had an idea about the type of cattle he wanted Woodhill Farms to be known for, and then spent his career making that vision reality.
“I didn’t have a grandfather or a father who had been in the business and was standing over me saying, ‘Nope, it’s not going to work,’” McCulloh says.
Growing up, he saw the almost single-trait selection for frame size, but knew the Angus breed was known for its maternal traits and carcass characteristics. So, he went to work with that breeding objective in mind.
With the advent of new expected progeny differences (EPDs) and genomics, the tools have changed the business.
"It’s easier to breed what you want. It's more difficult to stay focused on what you want,” McCulloh says.
The key has been avoiding distractions, believing in the data and then following the plan, he says.
McCulloh recently hosted his last sale, transitioning Woodhill over to new owners.
“When I was young, I was more bold,” he observes. “Now it’s time for the young people to make some of those bold decisions, and some of them are going to work and some of them aren’t going to work, and that’s OK.”
McCulloh says he’s as optimistic about the Angus breed as ever. To hear more about his outlook on the business, perspective over times or this chapter in his life, search for The Angus Conversation in your favorite podcast platform, or follow this direct link.