VT Beef Extension and Education

Welcome to VT Beef Extenstion

Welcome the VT Beef Extension and Education Web Site

 

Tri-State Cow/Calf Conference

The Tri-State Cow/Calf Conference is set for September 22 - 23, 2009 in Gray, Tennessee. This conference will be held at the Appalachain Fairgrounds. Farm tours are scheduled for Tuesday, September 22. The conference begins on September 23rd, with registration at 7:45 a.m. Please see the downloadable brochure for more information.

Weaning Nutrition and Management

One time-tested method of adding value to a calf-crop is to retain the calves post-weaning at a minimum through a 45-d preconditioning program. The 45-d length is required to participate in many special sales or programs and is viewed as the “gold standard” of having cattle ready for a forage based stockering program or directly into a feedyard. Beyond post-weaning management, many other ingredients are necessary for a successful program which maximizes your potential for added value.  full article....

 

BEEF EXTENSION DEPARTMENT CONTACTS

Dr. Scott Greiner Genetics/Bull Test Stations
540-231-9159
Dr. Mark Wahlberg Growing Cattle and Mineral Nutrition
540-231-9161
Dr. Mark McCann Beef
540-231-9153
Joi Saville Beef Extension Associate
540-231-2257
Jean Eaton Office Manager
540-231-9163
Brenda Caldwell Program Support Technician
540-231-5253
VT Extension Office Fax
540-231-3713

VQA Sire EPD Specifications Fall 2008- Spring 2009

The Virginia Quality Assured Program has established a strong reputation as a source of high quality feeder cattle.  This favorable reputationis the result of several factors, including program standards for animal health, genetics, and best management practices. 

VQA Purple Tag requirements include a yearling weight Expected Progeny Differences (EPD) these EPDs vary by breed and change with genetic trends within breeds. The minimum EPD requirements for bull born fall 2006 and spring 2007 have just been released. Producers purchasing yearling and senior yearling bulls should consult these specifications.

For complete information on EPD's for VQA .....

Please bear with us as we build and refine this page. Any comments about items you want to see included in this page are welcome.

Current News and Information

 

Beef Management Calendar - Dr. Scott Greiner outlines the beef management calendar for the month of September. full story...

Virginia Simmental Field Day - is scheduled for October 7th at the historic Stuart Land and Cattle Company in Rosedale, VA. The field day will be from 2:00 to 6:00 PM. full story...

15th Annual Hokie Harvest Sale - is scheduled for Friday, October 30, 2009. Forty head of cattle are slated for sale. The beef cattle sale begins at 6:30 PM. full story...

Virginia Hereford Association Makes a Big Comeback- The increasing popularity and interest in the Hereford breed was quite evident at the 2009 Virginia Hereford Association Field Day. Around 150 people from Maryland, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Virginia, and West Virginia recently traveled to Virginia Tech for the opportunity to sit in on educational seminars regarding the Hereford breed, view Hereford and black baldy cattle from breeders across the state, and simply visit with other fellow Hereford enthusiasts. full story...

First and Second Steps when it comes to Taking Control of your Cow/Calf Operation - Dr. Mark McCann discusses the tougher economic conditions that usually stimulate a greater interest in belt tightening and becoming more efficient whether it is household or farm expenses. full story...

Replacement Heifer Development Steps- Dr. Mark McCann discusses a few management items that exert a greater influence on the productivity of your beef cattle herd over time more such as replacement heifer selection and development. full story...

Beef Quality Assurance: The Future of Beef Marketing!- Joi Saville discusses the importance of BQA and what it means to cow/calf producers. full story...

2009-2010 BCIA Bull Test Season Kicks Off - Joi Saville talks about the 2009 - 2010 BCIA season and some of the changes and enhancements to the program. full story...

Across Breed EPD Tables - Tables with adjustment factors for various breed EPD's is available for producers use. full story...

 

 

VA Premium Assured Heifers -Quality Replacements with a Genetic Edge

VA Premium Assured Heifer Sales can be found this fall.

 

 

 

 

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