Proper heifer development is one of the key components to profitability in a beef cattle operation. However, producers in Eastern KY often face challenges when selecting heifers to develop and keep as replacements for their herd. Understanding the core principles of heifer development enables producers to incorporate management techniques that will ultimately improve the efficiency of their operation and the genetics of their herd. To help producers, a group of ANR agents offered "Developing Replacement Heifers", a 7 month, hands-on series that included the following topics: Economics, Facilities, and Management; Evaluation & Reproductive Health; Nutrition; Health Programs; Ultrasounding; Estrus Synchronization; and Artificial Insemination.

After surveys and follow-up discussions, agents concluded:

- Many producers were aware of the key aspects of developing replacement heifers, but were lacking the education and know-how that would allow them to apply the practices on their farms.

- About 50% of producers noted that as a results of the program, they were going to have their forages tested in the future and had already began offering loose, free-choice minerals rather than a salt block, to their herds.

- Many producers were unaware of how much more efficient their breeding program could become by scoring reproductive tracts, measuring pelvic area, ultrasounding, and synchronizing estrus in their replacement heifers.