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Dr. Jamie Courter is your Mizzou Beef Genetics Extension Specialist

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By Jared E. Decker Many of you have probably noticed that things have been a lot less active on the A Steak in Genomics™   blog, but you probably haven't known why. In January 2021, I was named the Wurdack Chair in Animal Genomics at Mizzou, and I now focus on research, with a little bit of teaching. I no longer have an extension appointment. But, with exciting news, the blog is about to become a lot more active! Jamie Courter began as the new MU Extension state beef genetics specialist in the Division of Animal Sciences on September 1, 2023. I have known Jamie for several years, meeting her at BIF when she was a Masters student. I have been impressed by Jamie in my interactions with her since that time.  Dr. Courter and I have been working closely together the last 6 weeks, and I am excited to work together to serve the beef industry for years to come! Jamie holds a bachelor’s degree in animal science from North Carolina State University and earned a master's degree in animal
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Heifer Sale Exceeds Expectations

by Eldon Cole, Livestock Specialist
Headquartered in Lawrence County, MO

The skidding cattle market the past few months resulted in considerable pessimism prior to the 33rd Show-Me-Select (SMS) Bred Heifer Sale at Joplin Regional Stockyards on November 20.  However, when the last of 293 heifers left the ring, the average price of $2477 brought smiles to most of the sellers.

The previous 32 sales results predicted an average heifer price just under $2000 per head.  That forecast is based on the week’s average price per head for a 550 pound, Medium and Large Frame, Number 1 Muscle steer at the Joplin and Springfield markets.  That average amounted to $1011 per head according to the Missouri Market Summary.

The SMS heifer average of $2477 divided by the steer average resulted in a 2.45:1 figure.  In the previous sales the highest ratio was 2.4:1.  Since the SMS sales began in 1997 at Joplin the smallest ratio was 1.65:1 in 1999.

There was a standing room only crowd at the sale along with 254 viewers on DV Auction.  Buyers came from Arkansas, Oklahoma, Kansas and Texas and they took 110 (38%) heifers out of the Show-Me state.

The high-selling heifers for the evening was 5 head from Gilmore Farms, Aurora.  They were F1 Angus-Hereford heifers bred AI to TH 122 711 Victor 719T, a Polled Hereford.  The buyer was David Diggins, Moundville for $3200.  Gilmore topped the overall consignment average with a $2975 price on 8 heifers.

Circle S Chicks, Dusty and Valene Sturgeon, Starks City had the second high consignor average at $2838 for their 40 head of Red Angus heifers bred AI to Bieber Makin’ Hay 9913.  Two buyers each took 20 head, Harold Haskins, Diamond and John G. Harris, Russellville, AR.

John and Janet Massey, Aurora consigned 10, Angus-Simmental heifers that claimed the third high consignor average at $2684.  Following close behind was 38, Angus-Hereford cross heifers from John Wheeler, Marionville that averaged $2651.

The volume buyers of heifers were Harris who took 27 head to Arkansas.  Following him, Haskins ended up with 22 head.

As usual, repeat buyers were abundant with 21 of the 39 buyers being repeat customers. The repeat buyers bought 162 (55%) of the heifers. The 160 head of AI bred heifers sold for $2604 per head. Those bull bred averaged $2325, $279 behind. Only 10 head were tagged Tier Twos and they averaged $2800. Tier Two indicates the heifers were sired by AI bulls who had attained specified EPD accuracy ratings for calving ease direct, calving ease maternal, weaning weight, carcass weight and marbling.

Show-Me-Select cooperators are presently breeding or soon will breed heifers for the May 20 sale in southwest Missouri. For details on how to participate in the value added program contact your University of Missouri extension livestock specialist. Rules and regulations may be found at: http://agebb.missouri.edu/select/prgmreq.htm

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