The 2017 USDA Agriculture Census report states that Livestock, Poultry, and Products account for 65% of the agriculture sales for Anderson County Farmers with cattle and calves sales totaling approximately $6.7 million in revenue. The Extension Agent led a discussion with the local Cattleman’s Association concerning programming and prioritizing pregnancy checking for beef cattle producers within the county. Pregnancy checking was deemed a top priority for the Anderson County Cattlemen as efficiency in production during more difficult economic times is critical for cow-calf operator longevity.

Tail bleeding with lab response as well as an on-farm pregnancy test pregnancy checking program for beef cattle was planned by the extension agent, University Specialists, and Veterinary Diagnostic Lab Technicians. The utilization of multiple protocols and the implementation of new technology allow producers to choose which testing is more suitable for their operation. The program includes assistance with procedures, syringes, needles, blood tubes, test kits, and postage while the farmer provides payment for testing. This is done with a hands-on, on-farm approach to ensure proper education of producers as well as quality control for the samples.

During the 2021-2022 breeding season 5 producers with roughly 300 cattle implemented a new pregnancy checking protocol to insure pregnancy in their herds. With the program in its first year and completion of the program taking place, this spring producers were asked several questions about the programming. 100% of the producer's involved plan to incorporate some form of pregnancy checking within their operations every year in addition to helping market this opportunity to other producers in the community. All producers stated this program has helped them decide on culling cows with more confidence ensuring higher likeliness for long-run cow-calf herd efficiency. 

Participants described their gratitude for the program and made recommendations for future programming to coincide with pregnancy checking. They are interested in learning more about the financial benefits of pregnancy checking, contingency strategies for open cows, and management considerations to increase the likelihood of pregnancy.