About Us
County Impact Statements - Benton County
Project Lowers Expenses of Replacement Heifers
John Freeman of Centerton (Benton County) estimates he saved about $1,200 or
$80 per head on feed costs during the eight months between weaning and breeding,
thanks to the Arkansas Beef Improvement Program (ABIP) "Growing Heifer Project".
John and producer Jim Singleton of Gravette, were selected to help document
the management necessary to develop heifers from weaning to first breeding. Once
heifers were weaned and evaluated, goals were set to achieve 65% of mature cow
weight by breeding time.
The project evaluated all feed sources including hay, pasture, concentrates
and mineral supplements. Heifers were weighed monthly and feeding programs
updated to maintain weight goals. Both project farms reached their weight goals
by spring breeding dates and will continue the projects in 2002.
In addition, project expenses were summarized for both farms to evaluate the
costs of producing heifers versus purchasing replacement heifers. The breakeven
cost for John Freeman was .71 to .76 cents per pound and for Jim Singleton was
.84 cents per pound, both well below market prices. In addition, their farm
raised heifers are of known genetics, health and vaccination history, valuable
assets for progressive herd improvements.
Producer John Freeman assists in pulling blood samples to
evaluate replacement heifers.
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Impacts
- Set measurable goals for development of replacement heifers.
- Evaluated total nutritional program and farm assets to maximize feeding
and reduce costs.
- Allowed culling of heifers as necessary based on performance and
potential.
- Resulted in breakeven heifer replacement costs below market, saving
producers money and increasing profitability.
- Heifers met weight goals and bred on schedule with minimal rebreeds and
delays in calving.
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