The average yearly expense of owning a herd bull is $722 per annum. Producers with managed breeding windows utilize the bull's services for only 2 months of the year, while they maintain his health and nutrition for the duration. Bulls come with not only economic costs, but also opportunity costs. To maintain only one herd bull limits genetic opportunity and also increases the risk of injury. In 2017, a member of the local Cattlemen's Association expressed interest in attending a school for artificial insemination. Upon further investigation, multiple producers shared the same interest.

In March of 2018, the Pendleton County Agriculture Agent arranged for a local young farmer who is an AI Technician, to partner with his parent company to offer a three day intensive hands on workshop in the art of artificial insemination for bovines. The course features in-depth classroom instruction to understand herd health requirements to take a holistic approach to efficient breeding management. The highlight of the course are the labs and practicums that offer the participants the unique opportunity to practice the art & science of artificial insemination to develop and hone their skills for greater success on their own herd. 

Courses of this merit are typically offered at "home-base" locations which are on average a minimum of 3 hours away from the county, requiring additional expenses of lodges, meals, fuel, etc. By offering this program locally, it is eliminating barriers to the farmers who don't have time to leave the farm or time to take off from their off-farm employer.

The course was offered again in 2019 and registrations are currently underway for our third annual offering of a local AI Certification Course. To date 22 participants have graduated from the course that is a offered at a discounted rate of $300. The producers are not only making an investment in their beef herd, but also an investment in their technical skill toolbox that will serve them well for years to come.

At the end of the course, producers are asked to complete a survey. 60% determined that it was more economical to bring in a professional, due to the technical skill required, of the 22 participants, 18 have scheduled the young farmer to breed their cattle in April and May. Utilizing AI has the potential to save the producer over $500 per annum, while also improving the genetic merit of their herd. 

In addition to an improvement in production and breeding efficiencies, four of the participants took leadership roles within the County Agricultural Council, County Agricultural Diversification, and became board members for the Cattlemen's Association.