Proper heifer development is one of the key components to profitability in a beef cattle operation. However, producers often face challenges when selecting heifers to develop and keep as replacements for their herd. Understanding the core principles of heifer development enables producers to incorporate management techniques that will ultimately improve the efficiency of their operation and the genetics of their herd. To help producers alleviate the stresses associated with selecting and developing replacement heifers, a group of ANR agents offered “Developing Replacement Heifers,” a seven-month, hands-on series that included the following topics: Economics, Facilities, and Management; Nutrition; Evaluation and Reproductive Health; Vaccination Programs, Ultra-sounding, Estrus Synchronization, and Artificial Insemination.  

Follow-up surveys conducted three months after the conclusion of the program indicated: 90% of producers developed a better understanding of the economics related to sound working facilities and management practices; 75% had made improvements or were considering making improvements to their facilities and management as a result of the program; 100% understand the benefits of hay testing, reading feed tags, and offering loose, free-choice minerals as a result of the program; 65% have a better understanding of body condition scoring, reproductive tract scoring, pelvic measurements, and utilizing EPDs to increase the genetic merit of their herd; 70% learned the significance of gauging the reproductive efficiency of their herd based on ultra-sounding and eliminating non-breeders; and 60% are utilizing, or considering utilizing, what they learned about estrus synchronization protocols to tighten the calving season for their herd.