Extension Livestock Specialist
The first sale of Show-Me-Select bred heifers this spring will be May 15, 7 pm at Joplin Regional Stockyards (JRS) near Carthage. The SMS sales at Fruitland and Farmington were originally set for May 1 and May 8 but the COVID-19 situation forced them to re-schedule to June 5 and June 12 respectively.
Many are synchronized and artificially bred which improves their marketability due to their service sire’s expected progeny differences (EPD) accuracy. In addition, the AI breds likely settled on the first service, which usually indicates high fertility in the future.
The service sires have met calving ease standards for their breeds which makes them acceptable to use on virgin heifers.
The heifers were measured for pelvic size and met the minimum requirements for SMS heifers. These two features help reduce the chances of difficult deliveries of their first calf. Surveys of buyers of SMS heifers indicate the assist rate is less than 10%.
Other features of SMS bred heifers include: a strict immunization protocol including Brucellosis calfhood vaccination; heifers tested negative for BVD-PI; screened for blemishes such as pinkeye scars; screened for muscling, frame, body condition, structural soundness and temperament.
Other features of SMS bred heifers include: a strict immunization protocol including Brucellosis calfhood vaccination; heifers tested negative for BVD-PI; screened for blemishes such as pinkeye scars; screened for muscling, frame, body condition, structural soundness and temperament.
The heifers are guaranteed bred at the time of the sale. If a heifer is proven by a veterinarians exam to be open 30 days after the sale, the consignor will replace the heifer or make a financial settlement with the buyer.
Some heifers will have genomic tests available which qualifies them as Show-Me-Plus. A few will also be tagged as Tier Two heifers if their sire met certain accuracy amounts for calving ease, weaning weight, carcass weight and marbling.
The SMS program began in 1996 to improve beef heifer development in Missouri via a Total Quality Management strategy. The marketing opportunities through these special sales add value to heifers for the sellers and gives buyers a chance to purchase high quality heifers that are not culls.
The JRS sale will be on DVAuction and bidders must receive banking approval at least 2 days prior to the sale. Contact the yards at 417-548-2333 for details.
In addition to the previously mentioned SMS sales, the following locations will also have sales: May 16 – Kingsville Livestock; May 22 – South Central Regional, Vienna; May 30 – F & T Livestock, Palmyra. Details on those sales are available from the sale location or contact their Extension field specialist in livestock.
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