Beef cattle is a very important product for the state of Idaho being the second highest cash commodity in 2023 bringing in $2.7 million. With this note, the current inventory of beef cows in the United States is at its lowest point since 1962 according to a USDA report. Some of the reasons behind this decrease are the increasing size of cattle over the years and an increased efficiency in feeding cattle and producing a quality product. Other more recent reasons for this decline are drought, high input costs, and strong prices for cull cow markets. Limited numbers of beef heifers have been retained for breeding and instead have been entered into the beef supply chain. With these decreases, there are fewer replacement heifers around than there used to be. This places an even greater importance on selecting heifers that are of a strong quality with good genetics and physical characteristics. Each producer and their operation is different with a variety of management practices and goals. The University of Idaho Extension program acknowledges these differences and the importance of replacement heifers in the upcoming years. To meet this growing need, the Extension program will be hosting a Heifer Development Seminar in multiple locations throughout Idaho.

  Malad is proud to be one of the hosts for this statewide seminar on November 7 at the Oneida County Event Center. Speakers will include our state beef Extension specialists, Extension economists, veterinarians, and local Extension Educators. Topics for this course will cover EPD’s and genomics, phenotypic selection, nutritional programs for heifers, vaccination strategies, economic data and market outlook, breeding soundness exams and more! This course is on November 7 with check-in at 8:30AM and will last from 9AM to 3PM. The cost of this course will be $10 and a catered lunch will be provided. Please RSVP to Sawyer Fonnesbeck at 208-766-2243 or [email protected]. This seminar is a fantastic opportunity to learn lots, ask questions of experts, and rub shoulders with great people. Any questions about this program can be directed to Sawyer Fonnesbeck, Extension Educator in Oneida County (contact info above).