Heifer Development Program

2007-2008 Ohio Beef Heifer Development Program Accepting Consignments

The Ohio Beef Heifer Development Program has extended the deadline to consign heifers. Consignent forms need to be completed and sent to the Ohio Cattlemen's Association as soon as possible. All heifers must be in place at the development centers by the end of November.

The Ohio Beef Heifer Development Program is now accepting consignments for 2007-08. As a result of the program’s initial success, the number of development centers has been increased with three cooperators identified for 2007-08. In addition to the current cooperator, Heifer Development & Breeding Services in Russellville, John and Mick Ritchie of Lancaster and Dennis Blakeman of Oak Hill will be working with the program to develop heifers. These cooperators will have the capacity to develop over 300 heifers. The anticipated timeframe for heifer deliveries will be in late October, depending on the cooperator selected.

Plans are also being made to hold a bred heifer sale in 2008 after the developmental period is complete. The sale, managed by the Ohio Cattlemen’s Association, will be a tremendous marketing opportunity for producers involved in the program as well as an excellent source of quality, value-added bred heifers.

The Ohio Beef Heifer Development Program can provide a potential solution to the challenge of raising replacement heifers from both an economical and management standpoint. This program allows producers to bring their replacement heifers to a central location to be developed. Producers will retain ownership in the heifers and pay a daily fee that covers the cost of feed, medicine, reproductive associated costs and labor. Each of the three cooperators will determine their own price for development. Heifers in the program will be artificially bred to bulls with proven genetics, focusing on calving ease and balanced traits. This year, for the majority of Ohio, pasture and hay resources are reduced and it will be more critical than ever to manage your operation. These cooperators specialize in heifer development and can provide a great opportunity for any program.

This program is being provided by The Ohio State University Extension Beef Team and the Ohio Cattlemen’s Association, with support from the Southern Ohio Agricultural & Community Development Foundation.

To consign replacement females or for more information, see below for a consignment form or call the OCA office at 614-873-6736. All forms should be returned to Bill Doig, OSUE/OCA Beef Program Specialist, 10600 US Highway 42, Marysville, Ohio, 43040.

Ohio Heifer Development Program Consignment Form



Ohio Heifer Development Program Details: 
Enrollment: In order to qualify for the OBHDP, interested producers must complete a heifer consignment form and return to the OCA office. Heifers born between 9-1-06 and 4-30-07 will be accepted. Only heifers with known birth dates will be accepted. Pedigree information is encouraged. Estimated time of arrival at developmental center will be as early as late summer or fall of 2007 depending on the cooperator location.

Bred Heifer Sale: At the conclusion of the developmental period, consignors will have the option to place heifers in an exclusive bred heifer sale managed by the Ohio Cattlemen’s Association. Consignors are not required to sell their heifers.

Physical requirements:

Animal Identification: OBHDP heifers will be individually identified.

Blemishes: Heifers with active cases of Pinkeye are not OBHDP eligible.

Growth: Heifers must weigh a minimum of 1.8 pounds per day of age upon arrival.

Implants: It is recommended heifers not be implanted. If heifers are implanted, it is required that only FDA approved products for replacement heifers be used and administered according to label guidelines.

Development Guidelines: Breed Improvement Federation guidelines will be followed when possible throughout the developmental process.

Health requirements: The health requirements and procedures go beyond the regulatory requirements of the State of Ohio. These requirements have been established by the Heifer Development Committee and are mandatory for all delivered heifers.

OCA will provide vaccination and treatment record forms for each heifer nominated. All forms must be completed and delivered with the heifer(s). Your veterinarian must sign the vaccination and treatment record stating that the heifer(s) have been vaccinated and boostered. All shots must be given according to Beef Quality Assurance guidelines.

Any heifer deemed to be sick, unsound, and/or exhibiting physical abnormalities of any kind will be evaluated. The veterinarian and a representative of the Heifer Development Committee will make these decisions. All committee approved decisions are final.

Veterinary service for any heifer will be obtained when necessary and the consignor will be responsible for veterinary service fees, drugs and medication on their heifer(s).

Prebreeding evaluation: A pre-breeding pelvic evaluation will be done for all heifers. Pelvic area measurements will be taken as well as the reproductive tract will be evaluated.

Reproductive management: Estrus synchronization and artificial insemination will be used. Heifers will be artificially bred during a sixty (60) day breeding season. Heifers will be bred to calve between 22 and 26 months of age. Heifers will have 3 possible attempts to conceive. Consignors will be contacted if the heifers do not conceive during this period.

Sire requirements: All heifers (whether returning to the owner or offered for sale) will be bred to a bull in the top 25% of the breed for birth weight EPD and with an accuracy of .80 or higher. Owner must have bulls approved by the OBHDP committee.

Heifer inspection: The screening committee reserves the right to reject any heifer not meeting recommended criteria.

Heifers meeting requirements as outlined will receive an Ohio Beef Heifer Development Program ear tag. Misrepresentation or false advertisement of OBHDP will result in exclusion from future program participation.

Pregnancy: A confirmatory pregnancy exam will be performed less than 120 days from the breeding date on all heifers prior to release to the owner.

Cost of Development: Cost will be determined by the respective heifer development centers and the OBHDP committee. Costs will include labor, feed, yardage, estrus synchronization, semen & health. Additional costs (due to sickness or other related event) will be charged to the owner of the heifer. Anticipated costs will range from $1.50-$2.00 per head per day depending on the volatility of the feedstuff market.

Careful management and care will be exercised at all times. Veterinary services will be used when necessary at the expense of the owner. However, neither the Ohio Beef Heifer Development Program nor anyone associated with The Ohio State University or the Ohio Cattlemen's Association will assume liability for the cattle in case of loss. These parties have no obligation to procure casualty insurance on heifers enrolled in the program. However, consignors are encouraged to consider casualty insurance on their heifers prior to delivery to the station.

Be sure to check back for additional information about the heifer development program.

Locations of Developmental Centers:

Heifer Development & Breeding Services
John, Diana & Carlos Day
8035 Buchanan Road
Russellville, Ohio, 45168
937-205-5714

Lazy 8 Farm
Dennis Blakeman
1664 Cherry Fork Road
Oak Hill, Ohio, 45656
740-682-7465

JR Farms
John and Mick Ritchie
4904 Hamburg Rd SW
Lancaster, Ohio, 43130
740-969-2518

For more information, contact Bill Doig at 614-873-6736 or by email at bdoig@ohiobeef.org
 
10600 U.S Highway 42 | Marysville, Ohio 43040 | Ph: 614-873-6736 | Fax: 614-873-6835 | beef@ohiobeef.org