Reproductive success governs production efficiency in beef cow-calf operations. The University of Kentucky Beef Integrated Reproductive Management (Beef IRM) team developed a multi-disciplinary program to help cattlemen adopt production practices that favor high reproductive rates in their cow herds. The educational model of this program combines traditional classroom with an extensive hands-on, learn-by-doing methodology. UK Extension employs this model as an effort to increase behavior modification. The UK IRM Farm Program is designed to be a long-term project (5-7 years) in order to accurately demonstrate the impact of controlling reproduction. 

Last year, 35 producers enrolled in the program using estrous synchronization to reduce the length of the calving season. These producers represented 30 different counties with a total of 1,540 cows. The calving season was decreased by 25 days and pregnancy rate increased 6%. Weaning weights increased 57 pounds. Revenue increased $3,573.01 per cooperator . Increased production efficiency, as a result of this program, increased gross revenue 30% for each producer.

The UK IRM Farm Program has made a tremendous impact on producers that did not have an established calving season. Cooperators increased the use of recommended production practices and increased revenue by over $3,500 per cooperator.