Now enrolling: Show-Me-Select Replacement Heifer Program

LEWIS COUNTY, Mo. — Cattle producers interested in improving the quality, consistency and marketability of their replacement heifers are encouraged to enroll in the Show-Me-Select Replacement Heifer Program (SMS), Missouri’s premier heifer development initiative. Backed by research and supported by University of Missouri Extension livestock specialists, the program emphasizes reproductive soundness, health, genetics and overall herd management.

Enrollment deadlines are Feb. 1 for the spring breeding season and Sept. 1 for the fall breeding season. Regional Show-Me-Select sales are held in Palmyra each spring and fall.

Heifers enrolled in the program must meet specific requirements related to nutrition, health, reproduction, and disposition to earn the official Show-Me-Select ear tag. This tag serves as a symbol of verified quality that gives buyers added confidence when selecting replacement females.

Preparation of a SMS heifer starts at weaning with vaccination requirements and evaluation for structural soundness and blemishes. An MU Extension livestock specialist must be onsite for the pre-breeding (30-60 days prior to breeding), pregnancy exam (maximum of 90 days after the start of breeding) and the pre-sale exam (within 30 days prior to the sale). Eligible sires must be registered with their respective national breed associations and must have a complete Expected Progeny Differences (EPD)profile.

For information about enrollment or sale participation, producers may contact Brenda Schreck, MU Extension Livestock Specialist in Lewis County, at 573-767-5273 or by email at schreckb@missouri.edu.

For more information about the Show-Me-Select Replacement Heifer Program:

• Visit the northeast region SMS webpage: https://nemobeef.com
• Follow the northeast region SMS on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/nemobcia
• Visit the state program webpage: https://extension.missouri.edu/programs/show-me-select-replacement-heifer-program