Cow longevity is a trait that can have great economic importance to commercial beef cattle producers. Typically, the costs associated with developing replacement females requires 8-9 years of productivity before a positive return on investment occurs. Thus, the increased costs associated with early culling of a female from the herd negatively impacts profitability.

 Beef producers in Ohio County and the Green River Area have identified the need to extend animal productivity by 2-3 years, thus increasing net income potential by as much as $1000 per animal. 

 To assist beef producers the Green River Area Agricultural Extension Agents collaborated with Southern Indiana and Southern Illinois agents to host the “Midwest Beef Summit”. The program focused on helping beef producers select and manage females suited for increased longevity in today’s challenging marketplace. Top beef geneticist and reproductive specialist from leading universities, across the U.S., provided producers information on considerations for improving the genetics in beef herd, fetal programming, improving structural integrity of replacement females, and enhancing cow culling priorities. 

 At the conclusion of the program, the 103 participants from Kentucky and four adjoining states, with 24 from Ohio County, were surveyed on knowledge attained:

• 91% felt they were better equipped to manage for profitability after the program
• Participants were able to correctly answer questions on the content presented 80% of the time
• 90% would be interested in participating in future Summit programs

Several participants commented “It was the best beef program I have ever attended, with top notch speakers”. This set the opportunity for agents to provide on-farm demonstrations with producers, to increase productivity in producers beef herds.

“I go to a lot of conferences throughout the year, and the content, manner in which it was presented and the way the day was structured, made it the best one I have ever been too.”  ( Chris Muegge, Carthage IN)