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, experiential 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.

Ervin Yoder is a commercial cow-calf producer in Clark County enrolled in the IRM Farm Program. In 2015, Mr. Yoder’s cows calved over a long period, less than 80% weaned a calf, and his breeding program did not include crossbreeding. The health program and nutrition programs were also subpar.

Appropriate changes were made in the overall management program and cattle handling facilities. AI was incorporated with an emphasis on crossbreeding, calving ease, and moderate growth. The results are below.

Enrollment into the UK IRM Farm Program has increased the productivity and profitability of this cow herd. In upcoming years, we will focus more on increasing weaning weight. Market value has increased substantially in his calf crop due to a more uniform calf crop. Mr. Yoder estimated the program has increased revenue about 20% and decreased cost by 25% (more efficient health, nutrition, and labor).