In 2021, the Red Angus Association of America launched the “Red Choice” program to promote improved heifer development, increase marketing opportunities for Red Angus females and create reliable sources of high-quality replacement heifers for cattle producers. The program embraces proven reproductive and genetic management practices which, in turn, lead to high-quality, long-lasting females that are ready to hit the ground running in commercial herds.
Based on the Show-Me-Select Replacement Heifer Replacement Program from the University of Missouri, the RedChoice program comes with several requirements that increase the overall quality of enrolled females such as minimum vaccination requirements, pre-breeding exams, utilization of reproductive technologies, parasite control and feet and leg scoring. The program culminates with sale eligibility wherein cattle producers can purchase premium Red Choice females for their herd with the confidence that those females have been managed and raised to the highest quality standards possible. The primary goal for these better-managed heifers is their retention in the herd of origin, where their extra value will be measurable over High-Quaity Red Angus Females
The Show-Me-Select Replacement Heifer Program provides cattle producers with tools to enhance reproductive andgenetic potential of their herds and improve ultimate profitability. The program transfers science-based knowledge that enables participants to make practical production decisions that impact their bottom line. The Show-Me-Select Replacement Heifer Program is an educational conduit for beef producers, veterinarians and allied industry, and is focused on enhancing the adoption of reproduction and genetic/genomic technologies across Missouri. The program, which began in 1996, is the only statewide on-farm beef heifer development and marketing program of its kind in the United States.
Nearly 150,000 heifers, from more than 900 farms, are enrolled in the program. The marketing arm of the program has reported sales of almost 37,000 heifers into 20 states nationwide, with gross receipts of more than $60 million. To date, MU’s investment in implementing the Show-Me-Select Replacement Heifer Program has resulted in an estimated impact of $200 million statewide.
Premium Red Baldy is a tagging program designed to take advantage of hybrid vigor by maximizing the best traits of both Red Angus and Her- eford and providing commercial producers with premium replacement females. The program will help producers access genetically verified females that have the best combination of longevity, fertility and adapt- ability to incorporate into producers’ herds.
Two Breeds - One Powerful Female
To qualify for Premium Red Baldy, females must be sired by bulls in the top 50% of the breed for Baldy Maternal Index (BMI$) or Profitability and Sustainability Index (ProS). Targeted breed percentages will range from 25%-75% for both breeds, with the bal- ance being the alternate breed. Females must be red-bodied with either a bald or brockle face. As the nation’s cow herd expands to meet beef demand, Premium Red Baldy females will rise to the challenges of producing more beef sustainably and profitably, without sacrificing quality. The Premium Red Baldy program has the ideal balance of maternal and carcass traits, which will yield cattle poised to increase the profitability of the commercial producer.
6
THE SHOW-ME REDS SALE
APRIL 27, 2025 • SPRINGFIELD, MO
Made with FlippingBook - Share PDF online