Note: This site is for reviewing legacy plan of work data from 2007-2011. If you are looking for the current plan of work interface, visit pow.nmsu.edu.

Applied Reproductive Management for Cattle (Quay County)

Plan Goal

Provide educational programming in Beef cattle selection and reproduction through the New Mexico Beef Cattle Performance Association and the Annual Tucumcari Bull Test.

Situation Statement

Beef cattle performance has been measured in more traditional methods such as weaning weights, daily gain, and feed conversion ratios. In the past these traits were only guessed at and left to chance whether they got passed on to herd sires and their progeny. With technology that chance has been significantly reduced. Genes can now be marked and identified in sires to ensure such qualities.
Through recent technologies like the new 56 gene marker panel, producers can make an accurate decision on what bulls to select for their respective herds. The Tucumcari Bull Test is the oldest and most progressive bull test in New Mexico. Combining pedigree records, feed performance, and DNA markers, producers have a wealth of information to choose from in selecting the right Bull for their operation.

Target Audience and Actions

Participants will include the New Mexico Beef Cattle Performance cooperators, NM Livestock Board, New Mexico Cattle Grower's Association and area producers. Along with the Annual Bull sale, periodic data will be furnished to cooperators in forms of newsletters, emails, and other media outlets. Educational programs will highlight Beef cattle management throughout the year in events such as Tucumcari Ag. & Home Ec. Seminar, County Fair, and Pre Bull Program. Educational material will be extended to bull sale attendees through pre & post program events. In addition, this reporting agent will serve a supporting role to specialist efforts in programming.

Short-Term Objectives

Provide educational opportunities to producers through workshops, newsletters and various media outlets on Beef cattle performance and selection. Work cooperatively with NMLB, NMDA, NM Beef Council, State and National pure breed beef associations in educational efforts of herd sire selection. Share reproductive management data and show how producers can fit criteria into production decision practices & management.

Medium-Term Objectives

Increase awareness of Bull test criteria and take active roles in the follow up of bull performance in local herds. Keep in contact with producers through one on one, surveys, or program meetings on customer satisfaction of herd sires purchased at Tucumcari Bull Sale. Evaluations will be summarized on a seasonal basis.

Long-Term Objectives

Measure objectives through applied practices and adoption of beef breed selection criteria to beef herds. Producers adoption of practice and retention of return buyers. Establishment of calf marketing program for purchasers.

Evaluation Plan

Keep records of bull buyers and the overall performance of post sale bulls. Measure longevity performance and overall customer satisfaction of bulls bought through Tucumcari Bull test. Measure through retrospective post evaluations on measured knowledge gained in bull selection, herd improvement, and marketing calf program. Evaluations will be taken at Pre-Bull Sale program on pertinent topics covered for that year. Customer satisfaction surveys, producer adoption of practice surveys will be collected through emails, surveys and one on one contact documentation.