Show-Me-Select replacement heifer sale in Palmyra set for Dec. 14

PALMYRA, Mo. — Six regional sales are scheduled later this year, including one in Palmyra, for heifers enrolled in the University of Missouri Extension’s Show-Me-Select Replacement Heifer Program.

“Show-Me-Select is a program that benefits sellers and buyers,” Thiago Martins, state extension beef reproduction specialist, said in a press release.

“Sellers are rewarded for raising heifers under a total quality strategic plan developed by the University of Missouri Extension. Buyers get replacement heifers with high productive and reproductive potential. Buying Show-Me-Select replacement heifers is a long-term investment that pays off as the heifers remain longer in the herd.”

Fall Show-Me-Select replacement heifer regional sales:

• Nov. 15, Carthage
• Nov. 23, Kingsville
• Dec. 6, Fruitland
• Dec. 13, Kirksville
• Dec. 13, Farmington
• Dec. 14, Palmyra

Martins said Show-Me-Select certifies the quality of heifers and provides predictability on productive potential of heifers.

“When purchasing heifers of unknown origin, judging the quality of the heifers by appearance alone can be challenging,” he said. “Sometimes a good-looking group of heifers may not be the most productive or have sustainability potential, resulting in financial losses.”

Show-Me-Select uses the latest research on health, nutrition, genetics and reproductive science to ensure Missouri counties continue to be national leaders in providing quality beef, Martins said. Show-Me-Select heifers have been sold to buyers in 21 states since the program began in 1997. More than 900 Missouri farms have participated.

Another marketing opportunity within the program is Show-Me-Plus, a secondary classification certifying that Show-Me-Select heifers are sold with additional genomic information to the buyer. That information is delivered in the form of genomically enhanced expected progeny differences (GE-EPD) or commercial genomic test results.

“The value of Show-Me-Plus is the ability to provide insight into a heifer’s genetic potential – not only for fertility but other economically important traits,” said Jamie Courter, assistant professor and state beef extension specialist. Show-Me-Plus heifers will be among those for sale.

Show-Me-Select sales are held in the spring and the fall at various locations throughout the state.

To date, MU’s investment in implementing the program has resulted in an estimated impact of $200 million statewide.

Learn more about the program at https://mizzou.us/sms.