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.
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!
Whether or not you are involved in the Show-Me-Select program, conducting a pre-breeding exam is a good management practice. Pelvic measurements taken during this exam can help identify heifers that may experience calving difficulties. The pre-breeding exam is an ideal time to booster heifers for those diseases that cause abortion or cycling irregularity: IBR, BVD, Lepto, Vibrio.
New Service Sire Requirements
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.
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.
