The Southeast Missouri Show-Me-Select Replacement Heifer program offers 100 to 250 quality replacement heifers for sale the first weekend in May and December at Fruitland, MO.
This program is operated under the supervision of Extension Livestock Specialists. Contact a specialist near you to find out more about the program.
Heifers have met minimum standards for reproductive soundess, pelvic area, body condition and weight and are free of blemishes. Strict herd health guidelines and service sire requirements. Catalogs available first of April. Call with questions.
If you may be interested in the Show-Me-Select Replacement Heifer program you need to enroll heifers to be eligible for any SMS sale or to sell off the farm. Enrollment is not a committment to sell in SMS sales, but you cannot sell if you miss enrollment!
Show-Me-Select Board Approves Genomic Testing Requirement for Natural Service Sires
All bulls purchased after February 1st, 2019 for use as natural service sires in the Show-Me-Select Replacement Heifer Program™ must be DNA tested to have genomic-enhanced EPDs. All bulls used as natural service sires after February 1st, 2020 must have genomic-enhanced EPDs, regardless of when they were purchased. Seedstock producers classifying bulls as Show-Me-Select qualified in sale books must have genomic-enhanced EPDs on those lots.
Bulls purchased prior to February 1st, 2019 will be grandfathered into the program, as is the common practice with all natural service sires. However, this grandfather grace period will end February 1st, 2020. At that time for a bull to qualify for use in the program, it must have genomic-enhanced EPDs.
New Show-Me-Select Sire EPD Requirements Announced
At the January 4th Show-Me-Select Board of Directors meeting, new service sire EPD requirements were approved. All sires, artificial insemination and natural service, must meet minimum Calving Ease Direct (CED) EPD requirements. In addition to yearly updates, two changes were made.
First, no Birth Weight EPD requirement will be published. All commonly used breeds now have CED EPDs available.
Second, all breeds in the International Genetic Solutions (IGS) genetic evaluation are now set to a common requirement. In the summer of 2018, breeds within the International Genetic Solutions switched to a single-step BOLT multi-breed genetic evaluation. The EPDs for animals in the IGS genetic evaluation are directly comparable across breeds.
Looking at the 2019 requirement, the Red Angus CED 30th percentile was a 13. The 2019 Simmental requirement of the top 15th percentile for CED was a 12.8 (basically a 13). The board approved that all breeds in the IGS evaluation have a CED of 13 or higher.
Show-Me-Select producers were also reminded that all natural service bulls purchased after February 1, 2019 must have genomic-enhanced EPDs (GE-EPDs). Also, all natural service bulls used in the program after February 1, 2020 must have GE-EPDs
The Show Me Select Replacement Heifer Program is focused entirely on Missouri's farmers and is dependent upon active participation from regional extension livestock specialists and local veterinarians, each of which are critical components of the agricultural sector of this state. The anticipated outcomes of this program include:
Increased adoption rate by farmers in Missouri of management practices that offer potential to improve long term reproductive efficiency of their herds and resulting profitability.
Expanded working relationships among farmers, regional livestock specialists and veterinarians that will enhance information exchange and improve management of cow herds across Missouri.
Improved heifer development programs through a Total Quality Management approach.
Increased marketing opportunities for and added value for Missouri-raised heifers.
Creation of reliable sources of quality replacement heifers in terms of genetics and management.
This program is unique in that it is first and foremost, an educational program targeted at improving production efficiency through increased use of existing technology, coupled with the marketing component.
The Larges Portable Breeding Barn is housed at the Cape Girardeau County Extension Office and is available to rent for $50. This portable facility includes a semen thawing area with electric hook-up and two-stall breeding area. It promotes technician safety and easily and quietly handles breeding stock.
