~~ The east Kentucky Heifer Development Program which is located in Perry County and managed by the Perry County Cooperative Extension Service has returned more than 1.3 million dollars to east Kentucky beef cattle producers.     The 2017 E KY Bred Heifer Sale, which was number 19, had a sale average of $1,416 with the top selling heifer averaging $2,400.     Even though the sale averages have been down the last couple years, consignors still were able to see a profit in a declining market phase. This is just another testament to the program and how it increases the value of heifers going through it.     Since the establishment of this project in 1998, over 5905 replacement heifers has been develop through this program. There have been more than 245 different consignors participating in the program representing 18 eastern Kentucky Counties and four States besides Kentucky.     The program provides a location for consignors to get their own heifers developed who otherwise may not have the available land or knowledge to develop their own. This allows them to keep know genetics in their herds.       This program has the highest standards of any related Heifer Development Program in the State. The program also requires all animals to be farm raised, participants must source verify their animals, be PVP certified and have a farm premise number. In 2008 we implemented a pelvic age adjustment to one year of age, so all animals, regardless of age, have an accurate pelvic measurement. This program has reduced calving difficulties. Evaluations from previous calving seasons showed a substantial reduction in calving problems.     This program is making a dramatic impact in the overall quality and health of eastern Kentucky beef herds. Consignors have reported to me that because of this program they have virtually eliminated calving problems on their farm by screening their replacements using pelvic measurements and retaining heifers that have gone through this program. Several Consignors have reported that all their heifers and cows have come from this program. 100% of all participants now have a defined breeding season. Participants are also selecting a genetic superior bull for their herds. Consignors to this program have commented that they have increased their weaning weights by 150 pounds has a result of this program. Local Livestock Auction facilities continue to report seeing a major improvement in the quality of cattle coming through their facilities which they give this program most of the credit.      This program is still being used as an educational tool to train local veterinarians in using ultra-sound technology for pregnancy checking, using pelvic measurements has a culling tool to help reduce calving difficulties and to develop more successful estrous synchronization protocols. We changed to a 5-day CIDR synchronization protocol in 2013 which has resulted in an increase in AI conception rates.      This year we took the AI one step further by incorporating a sexed semen research trial. A first for this program.      It is also used to train vet tech. students from Morehead State University. Since the beginning of this program more than 245 of these students have received training on how to administer vaccinations correctly, how to evaluate a heifer for reproductive soundness, CIDR placement and bull BSE.     The future of this program is uncertain. Major changes will take place beginning for the 2017-2018 program. Now, consignors will have to develop their own heifers on their farms. All will follow the same regiment and health program. All will also use the same AI bull. A screening committee will monitor the development process. Hopefully 19 years of educating on how to develop quality replacement heifers will result in the continued success of this program.