Editor’s note: Following are several programs being conducted by the Beef Cattle Extension program at Cornell. If you are interested in the full “Beef Cattle comments”, contact Mike Baker, Beef Cattle Extension Specialist, Cornell University
Phone: 607-255-5923
Fax: 607-255-9829
E-mail: mjb28@cornell.edumjb28@cornell.edu
Web page: www.ansci.cornell.edu/beef/

1. EMPIRE HEIFER DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM

Heifers from 16 farms in New York and Vermont are participating in the 9th annual Empire Heifer Development Program (EHDP). The goal of the program is to feed and manage these heifers so that the majority is at the optimal weight for breeding on June 1. Research has demonstrated that heifers which are 65% of their mature weight at breeding will have optimal conception rates. The heifers were delivered on December 7 with an average weight of 633 lb. The average frame score was 5, which equates to a mature cow size of 1175 lb. On average, to reach 764 lb (65% of 1175), they must gain 0.7 lb/day through June 1.
The Empire Heifer Development Program is a Northeast management and marketing program geared toward all beef producers, large and small. Animals from both registered and commercial herds are accepted. Contemporary group information is provided to each producer, which includes: rate of gain, frame score, ultrasound measurements for ribeye, back fat and % intramuscular fat, reproductive tract scores, pelvic area and temperament score. Producers that opt to leave their heifers at the custom facility through the summer have the opportunity to have their heifers bred AI to high quality known genetics bulls. These heifers are pregnancy examined with ultrasound to determine reproductive status. A complete health protocol is followed to ensure that when each heifer is returned home they are equipped to stay healthy. Marketing opportunities include an open heifer sale in conjunction with the NY Beef Producer’s Association Bull Test sale, April 26 or the Bred Heifer sale held October 25.
If you have any questions about the EHDP, please contact Mike Baker, 607-255-5923 or Martha Wright, 585-770-4664.

2. NY BEEF PRODUCERS CENTRAL BULL TEST AND SALE

The annual New York Beef Producers Bull Test is off and running. Health has been excellent which has pushed performance to new levels. There are 55 bulls on test. To qualify for the sale they must pass a battery of tests resulting in only about 40-45 bulls entering the sale ring.