By Blake Jackson
The University of Missouri Extension's Show-Me-Select Replacement Heifer Program had a successful year in 2023, even with some challenges from drought conditions. The program helps Missouri producers raise high-quality heifers that are in demand by buyers across the country.
Strong sales despite drought
The fall 2023 sale season saw 928 Show-Me-Select heifers marketed through six sanctioned sale locations, with gross sales of $2,544,825. This represents a 9% increase in statewide marketings compared to 2022, and the average sale price per heifer rose by more than 20%.
"While much of the state was plagued by drought and an unstable market moving into the fall, statewide marketings rose 9% compared to 2022, while average Show-Me-Select heifer sale prices rose a little more than 20%, year over year," said MU Extension livestock specialist Zac Erwin. "This speaks to the reputation of the program that buyers and sellers continue to look at this as the gold standard for heifer development throughout Missouri."
Examples of program success
Several producers who participated in the program in 2023 saw positive results. For example, a producer in east-central Missouri who had been completing the program's requirements for several years but had not yet officially enrolled, sold 22 heifers in the fall sale and achieved the second-highest consignor average.
John Wheeler, a former cow/calf producer in Marionville, has been with the Show-Me-Select program since 2001. He said the program helped him improve the quality of his heifers and achieve higher sale prices.
"I had my second-best sale this past fall, earning $3,500 per head on average," Wheeler said. "It's a good program – you've got to stay in it through thick and thin. Start with good-quality heifers and stand behind those you sell. Repeat buyers are a big part of my business growth.
Impact on Missouri's economy
The Show-Me-Select program has a significant impact on Missouri's economy. By helping producers to raise high-quality heifers, the program helps to create jobs and generate revenue for the state.
"By 2021, more than 900 Missouri farms were enrolled, and heifers were sold to buyers in more than 21 states," said Thiago Martins, MU Extension state beef reproduction specialist.
The Show-Me-Select program focuses on three key areas:
- Improved heifer development: The program provides producers with the latest information on heifer nutrition, health, and management.
- Increased marketing opportunities: The program helps producers to connect with buyers from across the country.
- Creation of reliable sources of quality heifers: The program ensures that heifers are raised according to high standards, so that buyers can be confident in their quality.
Photo Credit: university-of-missouri
Categories: Missouri, Livestock