The Beef Integrated Reproduction Management Program developed by the University of Kentucky Beef Extension Specialists has spread throughout the Commonwealth to include counties in the central and western part of the state. The goal of the program was to develop a more controlled calving season, to incorporate better record keeping, increase weaning weights by better genetic selection, and to educate farmers on increased efficiency and profitability by using these techniques.

Three Grayson County producers were brought into the system in 2017 to be a part of the program, representing 51 cows, 36 being commercial, and 15 being purebred Charloais. Producers were grouped into spring calving herds (27cows) and fall calving herds (24 cows).  Each of the three producers were part time producers. Producers worked with the county agent and beef specialists to determine which sires they would use based on genetic potential and current maternal traits.  In June 2017, beef specialists incorporated estrus synchronization and a timed Artificial Insemination (ESAI) approach, which was the first time for two of the producers in the program.

The results for the first calf crop from the spring calving program were promising. 27 cows were bred and 27 calved for a total of 28 calves. 25 calves were weaned. The calving interval decreased by 10 days compared to prior years, with 88% of calves being born via ESAI. The average weaning weight in ESAI heifers was 89 pounds compared to natural service heifers. ESAI bulls were average 44 pounds heavier. Calves were sold in the period of 2 weeks in October. Based on the Kentucky Department of Agriculture Livestock Market report, the average prices for bulls, steers, and heifers was $1.40, $1.51, and $1.49 per hundred weight respectively. So for example, if the difference in weaning weight for heifers was 89 pounds, 89lbs x (1.49 per pound) x 13 heifers = $1,723.93 increase in price. For bulls that would be $739.20 increase. Over time, this can be a significant amount of change for producers involved in this program. The fall calving herd will have information available after the first of the year.

In 2018, a new young producer was introduced into the program who purchased 24 Angus heifers. Along with those, that increased the amount of cattle in the program to 75 that utilized the ESAI system. Based on preliminary data, 80% of the 75 cows/heifers have been bred via ESAI and 20% were bred natural selection. This is typical for this type of program.

As a result of being more involved in extension program, they have utilized hay sampling program which has given them a better overall understanding of hay quality and when to supplement during winter feeding. One producer improved his routine vaccination program to giving modified live vaccinations, and another producer has increased his forage quality by utilizing new improved forage varieties such as Max Q Fescue and clover.

The results of this program look promising, but long term change will be determined in the next 5 years. The overall goal is to increase return on investment, and change some habits of reproduction improvement in the cow-calf operation in Grayson County, and across Kentucky.