In 2015 a new concept in beef cattle production was introduced by the University of Kentucky Extension IRM Team. It was called the Integrated Reproductive Management Program. This program is a multidisciplinary program that assist producers by educating them on making changes or improvements in their individual operations to ultimately increase farm profitability. These practices include, having a defined calving season, herd health program and a sound nutritional program.

     Three Perry County beef producers, representing 150 brood cows, are participating in this program.

     This is a long-term project that combines education in the classroom with an extensive hands-on, learn by doing approach.

     On a regional basics this program has made tremendous impact in the six years of it being implemented.

      214 farms are enrolled in the program, 3 of which are from Perry County. This represents 5400 cows. Forty-nine producers moved from a year around calving season to a controlled calving season. 35 producers moved from an extended calving season to a controlled calving season. 25 of the producers with a controlled calving season increased their reproduction rate efficiency by using synchronization protocols for natural service and artificial insemination for both spring and fall calving. The average conception rate increased by 10%. They saw a 20% increase in heifer AI conception rate and added an average of 160 pounds on weaning weights.

     The cooperators in the program have weaned, on average 183,374 more pounds annually than the beginning of the program which resulted in an annual increase in revenue of $278,655.

      In Perry County we assisted the cooperators with implementation of Individual production plans. Farm visits were conducted to ensure that the production plans were followed. The ANR Agent assisted in Heifer evaluations and scored pelvic areas for calving ease. We also made recommendations on culling unsatisfactory and unproductive animals.

     Evaluations from this program actually show a slightly higher success rate that the regional averages. We achieved a 94% pregnancy rate. This is a 14% improvement from the beginning of the program. 78% of the cows in the program calved in the first 30 days of the calving season, and the calving season was reduced by 56 days. Having a shorter calving season can increase the value of the calves by $77.00 from an uncontrolled calving season.

     One of the Perry County participants said that this program has helped is operation in several ways. He said it allowed for a tighter grouping of calves, stricter culling standards for animals that is not making him maximum profits. He said he had also improved his herd genetics through artificial insemination and better natural bull selection and stated that the wealth of information he has received is priceless.  This producer was so impressed by the results obtained from artificial insemination that he became certified to do his own artificial insemination. He has also made major improvements in his handling facilities and through the aid of a USDA Grant, has constructed a feeding pad with a hay fence-line feeding structure and grain feeding system. Total improvements have exceeded $45,000.

     One of the Perry County producers has switched from a spring to a fall calving season and reported this has resulted in weaning weight increases and increase profits.