By Blake Jackson
Beef cow slaughter dropped by 19% in 2024 and a further 17% in 2025, as many producers chose to keep older cows longer in hopes of getting “just one more calf,” according to University of Missouri Extension agricultural business specialist Wesley Tucker.
“Meanwhile, high calf prices continue to lure producers into sending good heifers to the feedlot rather than retention,” says Tucker.
“Keeping older genetics in less productive cows while sacrificing young heifers will eventually bite us in the backside and lower the productivity of Missouri’s cow herd.”
To address these concerns, Tucker and fellow MU Extension specialists will lead discussions on herd changes at a May 5-6 conference focused on genetics, nutrition, and reproductive management. The event will take place at the MU Beef Research and Teaching Farm in Columbia.
Tucker explains that the “Retain With Intention: Building a Better Missouri Cow Herd” workshop will guide producers in developing a sustainable replacement strategy.
The program emphasizes multiple evaluation and marketing opportunities throughout the heifer development process.
“Profitable value of gain creates multiple marketing opportunities throughout the heifer development system,” Tucker said. “Heifers sent down an off-ramp along the path can still be profitable while creating flexibility in your system and helping you identify the replacements who will take your herd to the next level for years to come.”
Joining Tucker are MU Extension specialists Jamie Courter, Jordan Thomas, and Eric Bailey, who will provide expertise in genetics, reproductive physiology, and nutrition. The program is designed to help producers make informed decisions about replacement heifers.
“The goal is to equip producers with practical tools to identify, develop and manage females that will remain productive in the herd long term,” said Courter.
“Rebuilding the cow herd is more than keeping back a few extra heifers,” she said. “It’s about making intentional decisions that shape your operation for years to come.”
Complete the registration by April 28.
Photo Credit: gettyimages-jacqueline-nix
Categories: Missouri, Livestock, Beef Cattle