Success StoryUK IRM Farm Program Stimulates Dramatic Changes in Productivity and Revenue for Cattlemen in Whitley County – Jim Clausen



UK IRM Farm Program Stimulates Dramatic Changes in Productivity and Revenue for Cattlemen in Whitley County – Jim Clausen

Author: Leslie Anderson

Planning Unit: Animal and Food Sciences

Major Program: Beef

Outcome: Long-Term Outcome

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.

Clausen Farms has been a part of the UK Farm Program since 2015. Mr. Clause resides in Whitley County and runs a medium-sized herd (100 cows) of Angus-influenced cattle. We have used estrous synchronization and AI to increase productivity and profitability on the Clausen farm.  We have reduced the calving season by 31 days, increased pregnancy rate by 7%, increased weaning rate by 8%, had a conception rate to AI of 87% and increased weaning weight by 56 pounds.  


The UK IRM Farm Program has made a tremendous impact on this farm. Revenue was increased by $207 per cow.






Stories by Leslie Anderson


Electronic Monitoring Improves Cattle Productivity

about 1 years ago by Leslie Anderson

Some cattle producers strive for complete control of their genetic program and production efficiency... Read More


Controlling Gender Increases Productivity in Beef Cattle

about 1 years ago by Leslie Anderson

Cattle producers have long desired the ability to control the gender or their calf crop. For commerc... Read More


Stories by Animal and Food Sciences


Producing Beef for the Consumer

Producing Beef for the Consumer

about 1 years ago by Katherine VanValin

Beef producers can add value to their beef cattle by educating themselves and their consumers about ... Read More


Eastern National 4-H Horse Championships

Eastern National 4-H Horse Championships

about 1 years ago by Mary Jane Little

The potential for change is a core strength of all youth—a strength that can be built upon. This str... Read More