For the past 4 years, Campbell County beef programs have focused on reproductive efficiency. This program has resulted in a significant increase in reproductive efficiency through the implementation of production practices such as MGA (feed additive) or CIDR’s (controlled internal drug releasing devices) to synchronize beef herds, replacement heifers and late calving cows. Continued use of blood testing has shown excellent pregnancy testing results.

During the 2017-2018 Extension program year, beef cattle leaders, (with the support of the ANR agent) moved the focus from beef reproduction to what we are calling “beef cattle efficiency.” As a result of the Ag Council and Cattle Association leader input/direction, the following beef efficiency programs were conducted in the 2017-2018 program year: Beef Quality Care Assurance Program, Master Grazer (4 part series) Developing a Reproductive Management Plan for Small Beef Herds, Wildlife Management on the Farm, Implants, Minerals and Ionophores, Fly Control, De-Wormers and Pink Eye Control, Managing Farm Ponds, Pasture Management Field Day, Beef Cattle Marketing Options, Northern Kentucky Master Cattleman’s Program (10 sessions) Replacement Heifer Management and Cattle Handling Facilities Tour. 

Most of these programs were very specific in the program focus/topics. This was intentional in order to move the knowledge gained and improve beef cattle efficiency to a higher level. 

 I continue to work with Dr. Les Anderson and Tom Moore (beef farmer) with a sexed semen demonstration. Beginning in early May, Tom stated having calves born from this research project. Early indications is that sex semen has a 5 to 10% less conception rate compared to normal frozen semen. Based on this study adjustments are being made to the timing of the AI breeding. We recently implemented a Cow Manager program on this same farm that monitors individual cow’s heat cycles through the placement of an ear tag that syncs with the farmers lap top computer and cell phone. This allows Tom to monitor cows showing heat without even seeing the cows. Both of these research projects are being implemented in KY at this Campbell County farm.