Show-Me-Select Replacement Heifer Program

Show-Me-Select® Replacement Heifer Program

An educational program for Missouri farmers aimed at improving heifer development through technology and management practices.

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Missouri Show-Me-Select Replacement Heifers The Show-Me-Select® Replacement Heifer Program uses the latest research on health, nutrition, genetics and reproductive science to ensure Missouri counties continue to be national leaders in providing quality beef. The program focuses 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.

This program is unique in that it is an educational program targeted at improving production efficiency through increased use of existing technology, coupled with the marketing component.

Program objectives:

Improved heifer development programs through a Total Quality Management strategy
Increased marketing opportunities for and added value for Missouri-raised heifers
Creation of reliable sources of quality replacement heifers based on management, reproduction and genetics

News & articlestab

News & articles

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Wanted a few good heifers

Published: Thursday, Sept. 24, 2020

Left: Red Angus heifers are increasingly popular at the Joplin Regional Stockyards, SMS sale.Right: Black baldies always attract attention at the SMS sale at Carthage.It will soon be time to process yearling heifers that are prospects for the ...

Show-Me-Select Sale of Tier Two heifers shows buyer confidence

Published: Tuesday, June 9, 2020

FRUITLAND, Mo. – The June 5 Show-Me-Select Replacement Heifer Sale in Fruitland saw a large turnout of Tier Two heifers, according to sale coordinator and University of Missouri Extension livestock specialist Erin Larimore.Buyer interest ran strong ...

Lively bidding at revived central Missouri Show-Me-Select heifer sale

Published: Tuesday, June 2, 2020

VIENNA, Mo. – The Show-Me-Select Bred Heifer Sale at Vienna’s South Central Regional Stockyards on May 22—the first SMS sale in central Missouri since 2003—saw a large turnout and active bidding, said University of Missouri Extension ...

Show-Me-Select fall-calving heifer sale draws first-time buyers

Published: Monday, June 1, 2020

PALMYRA, Mo. – The Northeast Missouri Show-Me-Select Bred Heifer Sale at Palmyra’s F&T Livestock Auction May 30 saw a large turnout and active bidding on most lots, according to University of Missouri Extension livestock specialist Daniel ...

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Publications

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Decreasing Generation Interval to Increase Genetic Progress

Publication date: Aug. 18, 2019

Summary: To see the greatest return on investing in genomic-enhanced EPDs, cattle breeders must decrease the average age of sires and dams.The factors which determine genetic change are straightforward and can be expressed in mathematical terms by ...

Hair Shedding Scores: A Tool to Select Heat Tolerant Cattle

Publication date: July 22, 2019

Summary: Hair shedding scores are an easy and effective way to measure cattle’s ability to cope with heat stress. In this fact sheet, learn the how, when, and why of hair shedding scores.Responsible beef breeding requires matching cattle genetics ...

The Random Shuffle of Genes: Putting the E in EPD

Publication date: July 11, 2019

Summary: Why are EPDs imprecise for young animals? How can genomics be used to track the random shuffle of genes?Even though expected progeny differences (EPDs) have been used by the beef industry for more than 40 years, many misconceptions still ...

Guide to Estrus Synchronization Products

Publication date: June 16, 2019

Estrus synchronization of beef cows and heifers is simple and easy, due to extensive research efforts at the University of Missouri and other institutions. Several protocols and other resources have been developed to allow beef producers to ...

Body Condition Scoring of Beef and Dairy Animals

Publication date: Nov. 1, 2017

Body condition scoring (BCS) of cattle allows cattle producers to assess the level of fat reserves of cows during various production phases. When regularly used, this information can be used to formulate management and feeding decisions.The aim of ...

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Resources

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Missouri Department of Agriculture

The Department of Agriculture's offers forms, licensing, programs, publications, rules and regulations to serve agricultural producers, processors and consumers of Missouri's food, fuel and fiber products.

A Steak in Genomics

A blog for stakeholders in beef production, genetics, and genomics -- by Jared Decker, associate professor in the University of Missouri's Division of Animal Sciences and MU Extension state beef genetics specialist

Better beef prices through improved animal husbandry

A handful of states have added or are planning heifer improvement programs such as one began 17 years ago in Missouri. MU's David Patterson, with other cattle experts, explain programs for improving beef heifers.

Breeding Barns

For many beef producers, the biggest challenge to carrying out an AI program is facilities. Anita Ellis, MU Extension Field Specialist - Livestock, shares how a portable breeding barn can help in this YouTube video.

CAFNR - College of Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources

Through research and scholarly endeavors, CAFNR strives to discover and disseminate new knowledge, scientific information and innovations through formal and nonformal educational programs.

College of Veterinary Medicine

MU is the only Missouri institution to award the doctor of veterinary medicine degree (DVM). It boasts a health center and medical diagnostic lab, connecting research and instruction.

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