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.

Mrs. Joy Graham has been a part of the program since the spring of 2016. Mrs. Graham resides in Clark County and runs a small herd of Limousin-influenced cattle. In 2016, the cows calved during a 143-day calving season from February 12 to July 4^th. Her goal was to move to a 60-day calving season in March and April. In order to control the calving season, we need to control the breeding season. Advanced reproductive techniques were used to shorten the calving season. Last fall, 20 of the 22 cows conceived (91%), and both open females were sold after the calves were weaned. The 2018 calving season began on March 1 and ended on April 29; a 59-day calving season.

The UK IRM Farm Program has made a tremendous impact on this farm. The calving season length has been shortened from 143 days to 59 days and increased revenue $70 per cow.