The Second Heifer Evaluation and Reproductive Development Sale was held at the Tifton Bull Evaluation Center in Irwinville on April 24, 2001. A total of 185 heifers sold for an average of $936. There was a good crowd with a total of 28 buyers from Georgia and Florida.

Congratulations to Bobby Lovett of Lovett Farms for consigning the top two selling heifers. The top-selling heifer was a commercial Angus x Simmental that sold for $1,800 and was purchased by Andy Carter of Moss Oaks Farms in Lake Park, Ga. Ottowa Farms in Bloomingdale, Ga., purchased the second highest selling heifer for $1,600, also an Angus x Simmental crossbred from Lovett Farms. There were a total of 28 buyers with 5 buyers purchasing 10 or more heifers. The volume buyer was Jay Durham of Crenshaw Farm in Bishop, Ga., who purchased 33 head at an average of $1,072.

In all, 40 consignors entered 225 heifers in the program at the beginning of October. Heifers were heat synchronized and bred A. I. for two heat cycles to a calving ease Angus bull. A cleanup bull was put with the heifers for two more heat cycles. The A.I. conception rate was 75 percent, and overall pregnancy rate was 89 percent.

The test is designed to maintain a moderate growth rate so heifers will obtain at least 65 percent of their mature weight by 15 months of age. The heifers averaged 1.37 lb/d, which allowed the heifers to achieve their target weight by the beginning of the breeding season. In addition, heifers were evaluated for disposition, pelvic area, ribeye area, and frame score.

The Herd program would not be possible without the support of the Heifer Team. This group of Extension agents forms guidelines, promotes the program and does a large portion of the work.

Plans will begin soon for the 2001-2002 HERD program with heifers being delivered in the fall. If you are interested, contact your local Extension agent or Johnny Rossi at 912/386-3407 or e-mail at jrossi@uga.edu.