By Blake Jackson
University of Missouri Extension will host a two-day educational program aimed at helping cattle producers strengthen and rebuild their herds on May 5-6 at the MU Beef Research and Teaching Farm.
The program, titled “Retain With Intention: Building a Better Missouri Cow Herd,” will guide beef producers in making informed, long-term decisions that improve herd productivity and profitability.
Jamie Courter, MU Extension state beef genetics specialist, will lead the event alongside Jordan Thomas, beef reproductive physiologist; Eric Bailey, beef nutritionist; and Wesley Tucker, MU Extension agricultural business specialist.
The workshop will focus on helping producers evaluate and develop replacement heifers using genetics, nutrition, and reproductive management strategies.
“The goal is to equip producers with practical tools to identify, develop and manage females that will remain productive in the herd long term,” Courter said. “Rebuilding the cow herd is more than keeping back a few extra heifers. It’s about making intentional decisions that shape your operation for years to come.”
Courter noted that the hands-on program will give participants practical methods for assessing genetics, fertility, nutrition, and performance data when selecting replacement females. Producers will also receive a step-by-step framework for choosing heifers suited to their farm environment while improving herd longevity and long-term profitability.
Participants will learn how to evaluate heifers using performance records, genomic data, and visual assessment; create nutrition plans that support growth and early breeding success; design reproductive management strategies to improve conception rates; and calculate the economic impact of retaining heifers compared with selling them at weaning.
Sessions will run from 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. May 5 and from 7:30 a.m. to noon May 6. Registration is open Until April 28.
Photo Credit: gettyimages-vwalakte
Categories: Missouri, Livestock, Beef Cattle, Dairy Cattle