BEEF REPRODUCTION SCHOOL MAKING IMPACTS
Extension Education
Cindy Sanders
COUNTY EXTENSION DIRECTOR
Newberry
Abstract
\r\n Alachua County currently ranks 12th out of 67 counties in Florida in beef cattle, with approximately 48,000 head of cattle. The need for educational programs in the area of cattle reproduction is in high demand. The Extension Agent has offered six Beef Reproduction Workshops over the past six years. The objective of these programs was for producers to gain knowledge in beef cattle reproduction and based on this knowledge; adopt practices that will increase ranch profits. Educational topics taught are reproduction basics, bull management, reproductive health, expected progeny differences (EPD’s), breeding season management, and palpation to determine pregnancy. This class is taught on a yearly basis and limited in size to 18 participants. The class is conducted at various beef cattle producer operations in the county or at the University of Florida Beef Teaching Unit. The highlight of the program is the hands on cattle palpation. Learning the techniques of cattle pregnancy palpation will enable this management tool to be used on the ranch and assist the producer in making management decisions. A total of 108 beef cattle producers have completed the beef reproduction school. Based on evaluations and on farm visits with these producers 78% of these participants have adopted reproduction practices on their ranch including palpating for pregnancy. As a result of this program, 10 large beef producers have adopted using EPD’s for bull selection, which has increased their weaning weights by approximately 20 pounds per calf.
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Poster has NOT been presented at any previous NACAA AM/PIC
This poster is being submitted for judging. It will be displayed at the AM/PIC if not selected as a State winner. The abstract will be published in the proceedings.
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Authors: C. Sanders
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Sanders, C. Alachua County Extension Director/Livestock Agent, Florida Association of County Agricultural Agents, Florida, 32609