STOCKTON, Mo. – The Missouri Show-Me-Select (SMS) Replacement Heifer Program educates cattle producers on heifer development strategies in management, reproduction, and genetics to create a reliable source of quality replacement heifers,” says Patrick Davis, University of Missouri Extension livestock field specialist.

The spring sale for program participants in southwestern Missouri is 7 p.m. Friday, May 16, at Joplin Regional Stockyards near Carthage. About 119 SMS-certified bred heifers scheduled for fall calving (late August to Nov. 30) will be available for purchase.

“The breeds contributing to the heifers include Angus, Gelbvieh, Red Angus, Hereford, Simmental, Beefmaster and composites of these breeds,” says Davis. These bred heifers are either purebred or crossbred, with some being registered. Heifer color variations consist of black or black whiteface and red or red whiteface. A significant number of heifers are composite breeding or crossbred, enhancing their productivity through hybrid vigor, he says. Research consistently indicates that crossbred females exhibit greater longevity, producing an additional calf over their lifetimes compared to purebred cows.

“Many of the heifers have been artificially inseminated (AI) and are carrying pregnancies from high-accuracy AI sires,” says Davis. He advises cattle producers to purchase heifers that are carrying an AI pregnancy, as it provides insight into the expected performance of their offspring. Additionally, this practice assists in selecting replacement heifers that will produce progeny contributing positively to the cattle operation’s profitability.

“An SMS heifer is a sound, blemish-free heifer that sells as a bred heifer in optimum condition,” says Davis. These heifers follow a research-based development program from weaning to sale day, which ensures proper management in growth, reproduction and health. The heifer is bred to a bull whose offspring are likely to be born easily. The heifer undergoes multiple pregnancy checks to provide the most accurate calving date.

As cattle producers add replacement females to their herd, considering SMS heifers could be beneficial due to their development, which results in functional, healthy females that calve easily the first time and remain productive in the herd for a long time, Davis says.

Access the pre-sale catalog at https://tinyurl.com/bdej9fxk.

For information on the Show-Me-Select Replacement Heifer Program, visit http://muext.us/sms or contact one of the MU Extension livestock field specialists listed below:

• Patrick Davis, 417-276-3313, davismp@missouri.edu
• Andy McCorkill, 417-345-7551, mccorkilla@missouri.edu
• Ian McGregor, 417-466-3102, ian.mcgregor@missouri.edu

For details about online bidding through DVAuction or new in-person bidding, contact Joplin Regional Stockyards at 417-548-2333.