Three years ago our office expanded the Beef Integrated Reproductive Management Program from 2 beef herds to 19 herds.  The objective of the study is to stimulate long term behavioral changes in management practices designed to increase reproductive performance.  The preferred production practices were demonstrated on each farm and the economic benefits were illustrated to help sustain the management changes.  Vaccination and de-worming protocols were all adjusted as needed.  Nutritional programs were modified as needed and the mineral program was adjusted as needed.  Lastly, the genetic program was modified with an emphasis placed on balanced traits and maternal performance.  Crossbreeding was emphasized using a three breed cross of Angus, Hereford and Simmental.  A reproduction plan was developed for each herd based upon calving intervals and calving season.   Each producer filled out a production data survey to establish baseline data  so that we may monitor and measure progress.  

Research shows that currently fewer than 10% of beef producers currently use estrus synchronization and Artificial Insemination.  Our goal when implementing this program was to determine the profitability of heat synchronization and Artificial Insemination in typical commercial cow calf operations.  Artificial Insemination offers the potential for increased return by having heavier calves, improved genetics, especially when keeping replacement females to go back into the herd, and a more uniform calf crop which can be group marketed.  

Decreased costs may be possible as the farmer would not have to keep as many bulls for breeding, there should be improved calving ease and concentrated calving.  While the greatest impact of Estrus Synchronization and Artificial Insemination are realized after multiple generations and it takes five years to see the actual impact of maternal genetics we are seeing positive returns from three years of data.  Our goal was to increase the pounds of calf weaned per pound of cow exposed, reduce mature weights of the cows and shorten the calving season.  Early data indicates Estrus Synchronization  and Artificial Insemination are profitable both in the short term and long term.

After three years of data pregnancy rate for herds in the program increased from 83% to 89% and weaning weights increased by 69 pounds per calf.  We have seen a 24% increase in revenue per farm averaging $3,291.02 per producer.