Show-Me-Select Heifer Sales Bring Value To Buyers, Sellers

JULIE HARKER

FULTON, MISSOURI

   Missouri cattle producers have an opportunity to get a good return on their investments through the Show-Me-Select Replacement Heifer Program’s regional sales, says Anita Ellis, University of Missouri Extension livestock specialist and sale coordinator for central Missouri.

   “We’re getting a lot of really quality animals out of the central region,” Ellis said.

   MU Extension’s Show-Me-Select Replacement Heifer Program uses the latest research on health, nutrition, genetics and reproductive science to ensure Missouri producers continue to be national leaders in providing quality beef, she says.

   Upcoming spring sales are May 20 in Vienna and Carthage, May 21 in Kingsville, and June 4 in Palmyra. For details, visit muext.us/SMS- sales(opens in new window).

   Rick Little says that his operation, Little’s Limousin, in Eldon, has been in the program four or five years.

   “There’s value in these heifers that’s not being captured if they just go to the feedlot,” he said.

   Little insists it’s not just about return on investments.

   “You’ve got to look at the future,” he said. “The program has strict protocols to go by – vaccination programs, pelvic measurements and so forth. It just allows you to buy heifers that have been checked and gives them a degree of uniformity. The people that are buying these heifers are purchasing a premium product. And by buying a premium product, it should enhance their herd, too.”

   Ellis says more producers are involved this year and the program is enrolling and tagging more quality heifers.

   “It’s really perpetuating those phenotypes and genetics that these producers have worked so hard for,” Ellis said. “And now, we’ve given them a marketing component, an educational program to utilize and sell those heifers and share it with the rest of Missouri.”

   Specialists meet with producers and their local veterinarian for three different heifer checks throughout the year to see if the heifers continue to qualify.

   Producers interested in the Show-Me-Select Replacement Heifer Program should call their regional MU Extension livestock specialist.

   “Even if you’re not sure it’s for you, just attending one of these sales coming up this spring and seeing what it’s all about,” Ellis said. “There’s even time before the sale starts to talk to the producers and find out a little bit more information from those that have been there and done that.”

   Program objectives include

• Improved heifer development programs through a Total Quality Management strategy.

• Increased marketing opportunities and added value for Missouri- raised heifers.

• Creation of reliable sources of quality replacement heifers based on management, reproduction and genetics.  ∆

   JULIE HARKER: University of Missouri

 MU Extension livestock specialist Anita Ellis, right, discusses sale lots with Rick Little for an upcoming Show-Me-Select sale.

 Anita Ellis carefully screens Show-Me-Select heifers for blemishes.

 Rick Little, left, and Anita Ellis observe Little’s heifers for an upcoming Show-Me-Select sale.