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- Geaux Beef: Heifer Development Program
This program is currently held at the Hill Farm Research Station annually. Heifers weighing 550-800 pounds arrive around October 1st and are fed a maintenance ration in addition to grazing remaining warm-season pastures. Hay is also given as needed. Once cool-season pastures are ready (a mix of ryegrass and cereal rye), heifers are moved and continue to graze. Supplemental feed is not given unless needed while out on ryegrass. Heifers remain until May-June or when there is no longer adequate ryegrass for grazing. Data on growth, temperament, and other measures are collected and shared with producers throughout the program. Producers also have the option of having heifers artificially inseminated and exposed to a clean-up bull. 50 heifers were enrolled in the 2021-2022 program. Another 75 heifers will be accepted for the 2022-2023 program. There are vaccination and other health management requirements for heifers enrolled.
Positions are still open for the 2022-2023 Program. If interested, please read through the following steps and information for enrollment.
1. Heifers must meet all health and vaccinations requirements found under the Guidelines. (Heifer Development Guidelines 2022-2023pdf)
2. Producers can enroll no more than 5 head. The exception to this is if capacity is reached prior to enrollment, in which case there may be less than 5 spots remaining. The capacity for the 2022-2023 is 75 head total.
3. If your heifers meet the above Guidelines and you are interested in enrolling, contact Dr. Ashley Edwards at akedwards@agcenter.lsu.edu or at 512-818-5476. You must speak with her to receive the enrollment form and information.
4. Enrolled heifers must be delivered to the Hill Farm Research Station (Homer, LA) between 8:00 AM and 3:00 PM from September 28-30, 2022.
5. Cost for the 2022-2023 year will be a non-refundable $100 registration fee plus $1.00 per head per day beginning October 1 until the conclusion of the program in May. You will be billed monthly for the $1.00/hd/day fee and any medical expenses, should they arise.
6. Artificial insemination and exposure to a clean up bull will be offered for an additional $100 during the spring.
The LSU AgCenter and the LSU College of Agriculture