David Burton, University of Missouri Extension 6:03 a.m. CT March 4, 2017

David Burton(Photo: Submitted photo)

Using genetic testing helps make quality beef production and farm profits more predictable, according to University of Missouri Extension livestock specialists.

The upcoming Beef Cattle ReproGeneworkshop is designed to help producers take steps in beef cattle reproduction and genetics that go beyond breeding advances taught in the Show-Me-Select Replacement Heifer Program.

Options will be explained in the three-hour session (including a live demonstration), and a meal will be served. The workshop takes place from 4-8:30 p.m.March 16 at the Springfield Livestock Marketing Center.

Registration is required by calling the Lawrence County Extension at 417-499-3102.

Missouri herd owners can learn to produce more profitable cattle with better genetics.

The protocols now used depend on proven genetics of the bulls. EPDs, expected progeny differences, guide improvement.

With genomic testing, all heifers in a herd can be DNA-tested. This provides accurate predictions of future calf performance.

On the reproduction side, Dave Patterson will tell of new research that offers better conception rates from artificial insemination (AI). Split-time AI gets more cows pregnant. Also coming is the use of sex-sorted semen, which makes it possible to set the sex before insemination.

DNA samples can come from blood drawn from a calfs ear or the root bulb from tail hair. Many producers use convenient tissue sampling units that take a punch from the ear.

New technology allows breeding higher-value animals, selecting traits that improve pregnancy rates and carry-through to final product at the packing plant.

A series of workshops dealing with the direct marketing of farm products is planned for the Missouri State University Fruit Experiment Station, 9740 Red Spring Road, Mountain Grove, beginning on March 17.

The workshops are designed to assist producers of agriculture products as they work to add direct marketing to their farm business plan.

Session 1: March 17, 1p.m.is titled, Getting Started Planning the Business and Developing a Marketing Strategy.

Session 2: April 19, 1p.m.is titled, Direct Marketing Animal Products Rules, Regulations & Practical Tips. Also, Personal Experiences with Direct Marketing Beef, Lamb, and Pork, will be presented that same day.

Session 3: June 8, 2017, 5p.m.is titled, Direct Marketing Produce.

There are three options for attending this series.Producers interested in marketing animal products can enroll in sessions 1 and 2 for a fee of $20.Those interested in marketing horticultural products can enroll in sessions 1 and 3 for $20.Anyone who would like to attend all three workshops may do so for $25.

To reserve a seat in the series, call Wright County MU Extension at 417-547-7545.

David Burton, civic communication specialist for University of Missouri Extension, 2400 S. Scenic Ave., Springfield, MO 65807, can be reached at 881-8909 or burtond@missouri.edu.

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High-quality, profitable beef made possible by genetic tests - Springfield News-Leader