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STOCKTON, Mo. – “The Missouri Show-Me-Select (SMS) Replacement Heifer Program provides education to cattle producers on heifer development strategies, specifically in management, reproduction, and genetics,” says Patrick Davis, University of Missouri Extension livestock field specialist.
The goal is to ensure a dependable supply of high-quality bred replacement heifers. The southwestern Missouri fall sale is set for 7 p.m. Friday, Nov. 20, at Joplin Regional Stockyards, 10131 Cimarron Road, Carthage.
Approximately 200 SMS-certified, spring-calving bred heifers from 12 consignors will be available for purchase. These heifers are expected to calve from late January to April 30, Davis says.
“These commercial bred heifers are either purebred or crossbred,” he says. Heifer breeds include Angus, Beefmaster, Gelbvieh, Hereford, Red Angus, Simmental and their composites. Heifer colors are black, black/white face, red, and red/white face. Many are crossbreds, which benefit from hybrid vigor and tend to have greater longevity, producing one more calf on average than purebreds.
“Many sale heifers have been artificially inseminated (AI) and carrying offspring from a high-accuracy AI sire,” says Davis. He recommends the purchase of heifers with an AI pregnancy from these sires, as it provides greater insight into their progeny performance. This approach also aids in selecting replacement heifers that can produce valuable offspring to strengthen the cattle operation’s profitability. Additionally, knowing the exact service date can improve the accuracy of calving dates, making preparation for the calving season easier.
Visit the Show-Me-Select website for more information about the program. For additional details about the program or the southwestern Missouri sale, contact one of these MU Extension livestock field specialists:
Patrick Davis, 417 417-276-3313, davismp@missouri.edu
Andy McCorkill, 417 417-345-7551, mccorkilla@missouri.edu
Ian McGregor, 417 417-466-3102, ian.mcgregor@missouri.edu
For inquiries concerning online bidding via DVAuction or new in-person bidding options, contact Joplin Regional Stockyards at 417 417-548-2333.