The cost of production, in all aspects of agriculture, continues to increase while prices remain stable or decrease. This scenario requires producers to analyze each decision as it relates to margin management. For cow/calf operations, the cost of replacement breeding stock often takes 9 years before a positive return on investment occurs. The need to cull typically coincides with the conclusion of this period, leaving salvage value as the only profit. Understanding genetic traits, the basics of successful reproduction, and how to effectively manage culling animals is key to maximizing profit potential an animal has when added to a herd.

Producers in the Green River Region identified the need to extend animal productivity by at least 2 years beyond the typical cull cow window. These additional years of service could translate to a net profit of more than $1,000 per animal. When the process of improved management and extended productivity is fully implemented, there is an additional net revenue potential of $10,000 per year for the typical 20 cow Kentucky herd.

University of Kentucky Agriculture and Natural Resources agents in the Green River Area partnered with agents from Southwest Indiana and Southeast Illinois to plan and host the Midwest Beef Summit. The program was designed to meet the needs of beef producers in the tristate area. Top beef geneticists and reproductive specialists from land grant institutions spoke at the daylong conference. Producers were informed of modern genetic traits and advancements, how to properly assist labor dystrophy, and characteristics of cows to cull or keep.

At the conclusion of the program, attendees identified significant knowledge gained regarding these practices. This set the opportunity for on-farm demonstrations to be initiated in an effort to reveal a long term outcome of extending the productivity of animals in the herd. According to survey results, additional programs of this nature are needed. Initial plans for the next program are underway.