CALF News Aug./Sept 2018

15 CALF News • August | September 2018 • www.calfnews.net I N S E A R C H O F Who Owns Your Data and Where Is It? By Lisa Bard Contributing Editor I n today’s world, it seems that every industry is collecting more and more data on every possible metric – and in turn is using that data for a huge variety of things, including marketing, research and development, risk manage- ment, financial evaluation, performance evaluation and more. The beef industry’s seedstock sector has been collecting and recording phenotypic data for decades with the purpose of evaluating individual performance, predicting future perfor- mance and predicting the performance of the individual’s offspring. With the onset of genomic testing and the huge increase in genetic samples that can provide even more data, the ques- tion of who owns the data and where it is becomes very legitimate. At the recent 50 th anniversary of the Beef Improve- ment Federation’s Annual Research Symposium and Convention, industry experts addressed this topic. Wade Shafer, American Simmental Association (ASA) executive vice presi- dent, represented not only ASA, but also International Genetic Solutions (IGS), a collaboration between several U.S and Canadian breed associations. Shafer said IGS partners handle data ownership in a variety of ways. The Canadian partners “share data,” meaning the breeder owns their animal genotypes and shares data with their respective associations. Some American partners share data, and a few own breeder-submitted data. “As for IGS, all data submitted becomes a permanent record in the IGS genetic evaluation,” Shafer said. Shafer said he appreciates the collabo- ration that built IGS and hopes mem- bers of the beef industry can continue to work together. “I would like to see the industry maintain an open and free-flowing type of platform,” Shafer said.“I understand the importance of intellectual property rights and the need to innovate and continue to make progress, but I hope to find a reasonable balance between the two.” According to Dan Moser, president of Angus Genetics Inc. (AGI) and direc- tor of performance programs for the American Angus Association (AAA), the AAA long ago established agree- ments with their members pertaining data transfer and ownership. These agreements are even more vital than ever before, due to the vast amount of records and genetic samples AGI stores. When a genetic sample is submit- ted for evaluation, ownership is then transferred to AGI, who permanently maintains owner- ship as a “steward” of that sample. This is done so that further testing and evaluation can be performed on the animal if needed or if beneficial to the industry. “When a member sends in data to the American Angus Association, that data then becomes the property of the association,” Moser said.“But of course, the member retains a copy of that data, and they have the right to use that data in any way they see fit for their own marketing and research efforts. “Our job is to provide the best pos- sible tools and the best analysis of the data to put our members in the most competitive position possible.” John Genho, geneticist and owner of Livestock Genetic Services LLC, evaluates genomic information for com- mercial ranches as well as 10 different breed associations. Data ownership is important, but so is sharing that data for the mutual benefit of all. “I started working with King Ranch 15 years ago to develop a genetic evalua- tion program for traits they did not have EPDs [expected progeny differences] for,” Genho said.“They have a whole suite of traits they are selecting for and now have a symbiotic partnership with Santa Gertrudis Breeders International (SGBI).” King Ranch did what was best for their business and is still sharing data with SGBI. They don’t share all of their data but do share information important to the association. In exchange, SGBI provides King Ranch with data. “People respond to incentives, particu- larly economic incentives,” Genho said. “Data exchange only works if the one contributing the data gets something in exchange for sharing that data. “If you’re asking breeders to contrib- ute data and you can’t show them why it’s going to benefit them, then they won’t contribute. Nobody wants to share something if they don’t get value from that relationship.” The next frontier is the commercial sector, which is fertile territory due to Wade Shafer, Dan Moser and John Genho (left to right) field questions during the panel discussion on “Who Owns Your Data and Where Is It?” at the 50 th Anniversary BIF Research Symposium and Convention. Continued on page 43 