KC startup pairs with blockchain platform to build trust, value in premium beef genetics
January 31, 2024 | Startland News Staff
A newly announced strategic collaboration is expected to help Lenexa-based Vytelle promote the value of feeder cattle, while simultaneously bringing more transparency to a critical market segment within the beef industry.
The initiative between Vytelle and BlockTrust Network — an API-driven platform that leverages blockchain technology to enhance trust within the beef supply chain — marks the first of its kind aimed to leverage their respective strengths targeting the feeder cattle market.
“We are thrilled to embark on this groundbreaking collaboration with Blocktrust,” said Kerryann Kocher, CEO of Vytelle, the fastest growing, independent IVF company and curator of the world’s largest feed efficiency database.
Collaboration is a step forward in building markets that acknowledge the value of premium genetics for Vytelle’s seedstock customers by increasing the demand for their progeny, she added.
Leveraging the power of the Vytelle’s industry leadership in characterizing feed efficient genetics, Vytelle will develop tools to characterize differences in feed efficiency among groups of feeder cattle via the Blocktrust Network’s permissioned blockchain, the company said. This information will provide buyers unique insights on the value of cattle, shining a spotlight on the premium value of calves sired by bulls from breeding programs that are driving genetic improvement in feed efficiency, a critical driver of profitability and sustainability in cattle feeding.
“Blockchain technology has proven to be a transformative force across various industries and Blocktrust Network is thrilled to bring a new level of transparency to the beef supply chain,” said Gregg Barfield, CEO of Blocktrust Network, which is headquartered in College Station, Texas. “The opportunity to classify cattle individually based on their genetics and performance through harvest will unlock markets and value for smaller producers to participate in quality-driven sustainable supply chains.”
Featured Business

2024 Startups to Watch
stats here
Related Posts on Startland News
CB Insights calls KCRise most active VC in Kansas; Fund credits work of small team, innovative portfolio startups
Kansans don’t fear hard work, said Darcy Howe. An investment in such a mindset has come with big returns for the KCRise Fund, newly proclaimed the most active venture capital fund in the Sunflower State, according to CB Insights. “Perhaps overused but Margaret Mead’s quote, ‘Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens…
Overland Park-based CAPS education network launching cross-cultural program in India
The Center for Advanced Professional Studies’ (CAPS) first international affiliate program in India has the potential to break down geographic barriers to provide students with exposure to real workplace experiences on a global stage, said Corey Mohn. “I think [the American School of Bombay] is really the perfect partner to get started with,” said Mohn,…
New $750K investment round for Lula comes with partner in apartment management
Closing a $750,000 seed round is even more impactful with a strategic partner like Worcester Investments, said Lula founder Bo Lais. “We did have three other private investors, that were minority investors with two of them local, but it’s [become] more than just investment with [with Worcester],” said Lais, CEO of the Overland Park-based home…
Chronic Cow uses big data to attack pain: ‘I can still live a good life,’ founder with MS says
Half of all Americans have a chronic illness, said former TeraCrunch co-founder Dr. Kevin Payne. That somber reality, paired with uninvolved physicians, makes quality of life difficult for patients and the focus of Payne’s new venture, Chronic Cow, he said. “From a medical perspective, all I can do as a patient is what my physicians…


