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.

Ritchie Farms has been a part of the UK Farm Program since 2015. Mr. Ritchie resides in Knott County and runs a large herd (225 cows) of Limousin-influenced cattle. We have used estrous synchronization and AI to increase productivity and profitability on the Ritchie farm.  We have reduced the calving season by 33 days, increased pregnancy rate by 7%, increased weaning rate by 8%, had a conception rate to AI of 61% and increased weaning weight by 59 pounds.  

The UK IRM Farm Program has made a tremendous impact on this farm. Revenue was increased by $263 per cow.