Based in Slocomb, Alabama, J.P. and Linda Kelley had a bold vision for the future of the Beefmaster breed – embracing advanced genetics and feeding systems you don’t often see in the Southeast. Once they unlocked that genetic potential possible through Vytelle ADVANCE™, and more recent adoption of feed efficiency technology Vytelle SENSE™, they were keen to share it with producers nearby and in neighbouring states.
Together with co-founder, Carey Slay, Kelley Genetics is paving the way for greater access to elite cattle genetics through their partnership with global leader Vytelle. In 2022 the business established a purpose-built, first-class facility that now operates as a convenient satellite facility for other producers in the region.
A shared vision: Partnering with Vytelle
J.P. and Linda were already invested in Vytelle’s hormone-free, all-natural IVF process with their own Beefmaster herd. They found the reproductive approach less stressful, more efficient and cost effective than the others – producers only pay for the top grade embryos that are actually produced – and they were keen to share it with others in a friendly, welcoming environment.
Kelley Genetics teamed up with the specialists at Vytelle and has quickly become a go-to for breeding services in the Geneva County region and far beyond, with their Ovum Pick-Up (OPU) days booking out fast every time.
Whether you’re trying IVF for the first time or coming back for multiple rounds – working with Brahmans, Beefmasters, and everything in between (Miniature Highlands even make an appearance at Kelley Genetics) – Vytelle and Kelley Genetics welcome all producers who are keen to take their genetics to the next level.
“We want everyone to be as successful as possible, just like we’ve had the good fortune to be,” J.P. says. “We try to go out of our way to make the cattle safe, make the collection really easy, and for it to be just seamless for us and the customers.
“We want our clients to have a special feel and for them to feel right at home. We just want to treat everybody the way we want to be treated,” Linda added.
And J.P.’s top tip for producers starting out with IVF?
“Make sure your cattle are on a solid nutrition and mineral program – it’s absolutely essential,” he says. “You need to be sure they’re getting everything they need. I just can’t stress enough how important that mineral program is if you want to be successful.”
Scaling success: What’s next for Kelley Genetics
Kelley Genetics is set to expand its herd – and its offerings – by installing Vytelle SENSE. The smart system tracks how much each animal eats and how much weight they’re putting on while in the pen, giving producers the data they need to spot top performers with traits that matter – both for the bottom line and the environment.
‘We’re ready to take our Beefmaster herd to the next level and that’s why we want to collect as much data as possible on all our animals,” J.P. explained.
“We’re going to start testing all our calves so that we can take our best genetics, push them to the top and multiply – and this way we have all the tools that we need to do that. Plus, we can make it available for other producers to use to test their own calves.”
Voices from the field
One thing every client says about Kelley Genetics and Vytelle? They show up. Whether it’s answering a late-night question, delivering results, or offering honest advice – producers know they’re in good hands.
“You couldn’t ask for better people to work with than the Kelley’s. They have nice facilities and they take care of their customers. I began looking into embryos four years ago and IVF with Vytelle has really paid dividends,” said Red Angus breeder Chanley Carter of CD Ranch based on the Panhandle of Florida.
“On our first experience with Vytelle at Kelley Genetics we only brought two cows and we got nine embryos out of the two, and six of the nine took to our surrogate. So we were super excited about it. We’ve learnt a lot about the importance of nutrition to improve the success rate and we enjoy working with J.P.; he’s super accommodating, responds to all my questions, and the facilities are so nice. It’s low stress on the cows and easy for everybody,”said Sabrina Wood, Southern Cattle Farms based at Vernon, Florida.
“I’ve been doing embryo work to improve my genetics on my cattle. I’ve been coming to Kelley’s for three years and I’ve had good success. I enjoy working with Mr Kelley – they’re good people,” said SimAngus producer Don Bradshaw, RDC Farm, Elba, Alabama.
“I travel to Kelley Genetics to collect eggs from my registered heritage Shorthorn cattle. This is the best place in the world to do business. Good people, good facilities, absolutely everything is just ideal,” said Zane Sunday, a heritage shorthorn producer at FoxFire Farms near DeFuniak Springs, Florida.