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FACTORS AFFECTING SHOW-ME-SELECT REPLACEMENT HEIFER VALUES IN NORTHERN MISSOURI

Animal Science

James Humphrey
Field Specialist in Livestock
University of Missouri
Savannah

Abstract

The Missouri Show-Me-Select Replacement Heifer Program was designed to improve the reproductive efficiency of beef herds in Missouri and increase individual farm income. The program objectives include: 1) a total quality management approach for health and management of heifers from weaning to late gestation; 2) increased marketing opportunities and added value to Missouri raised heifers; and 3) the creation of reliable sources of quality commercial and purebred replacement females. During the past 13 years, over 83,000 heifers have been enrolled in the program. The marketing component of this program has seen over 21,000 of these heifers go through regional sales across the state of Missouri. Over the past 4 years Regional Extension Coordinators have been documenting factors affecting the marketing value of heifers at their respective sale locations. These factors include lot sizes, calving dates, heifer marketing weights and whether bred by natural service or by artificial insemination. Consignors of the Show-Me-Select Replacement Heifer Program are able to use this information with regard to future management decisions. Based on 2009 USDA-NASS data, we currently have 211,000 beef cows in Northwest Missouri; 209,000 beef cows in North Central Missouri; and 124,000 beef cows in Northeast Missouri. Based on these numbers, providing high quality replacement heifers that will be productive over the long haul is essential for the beef industry in Northern Missouri, and Missouri’s Show-Me-Select Replacement Heifer Program is a proven place to start. Authors: Humphrey,* J.R., Zumbrunnen, C.N., Patterson, D.J., Kennett, A.L., Schleicher, A.D., Erwin, Z.L., Deering, S.W.
  1. Humphrey,* J.R. Regional Livestock Specialist, University of Missouri Extension, Andrew County, Missouri, 64485
  2. Zumbrunnen, C.N. Regional Livestock Specialist, University of Missouri Extension, Sullivan County, Missouri, 63556
  3. Patterson, D.J. State Beef Extension Specialist, University of Missouri Extension, MU Campus, Missouri, 65211
  4. Kennett, A.L. Regional Livestock Specialist, University of Missouri Extension, Ralls County, Missouri, 63459
  5. Schleicher, A.D. Regional Livestock Specialist, University of Missouri Extension, Atchison County, Missouri, 64482
  6. Erwin, Z.L. Regional Livestock Specialist, University of Missouri Extension, Lewis County, Missouri, 63457
  7. Deering, S.W. Regional Livestock Specialist, University of Missouri Extension, Gentry County, Missouri, 64402