Build Cows that Stay: Smarter Heifer Development for Long-Term Productivity

Jul 03, 2026

By Kacie McCarthy and T.L. Meyer

Setting replacement heifers up for cowherd longevity is more than achieving a first pregnancy. It requires building females that remain productive within the constraints of their production environment (forage resources, climate, and management).

Research across a range of development systems demonstrates that similar pregnancy rates can often be achieved under both traditional and extensive management programs. This suggests producers have flexibility to reduce development inputs while maintaining acceptable reproductive outcomes. However, one factor consistently drives long-term success: early conception during the first breeding season.

Early Conception: The Foundation of Longevity

Heifers that conceive within the first 21 days of their initial breeding season calve earlier, have more time to recover postpartum, and remain in the herd longer. These females also wean more pounds of calf over their lifetime compared to later-conceiving counterparts. As a result, early conception is one of the most important predictors of lifetime productivity and retention.

While early conception is critical, achieving it depends on how well the heifer development program aligns with the production environment.

Source : unl.edu

Video: Season 7, Episode 1: Managing Risk and Seeing Opportunities in U.S. Pork Production

Today’s episode features three guests discussing the similarities and differences between pork production in the United States and Brazil, along with strategies for managing risk in today’s industry while recognizing and acting on opportunities. First, Dr. Anne Caroline de Lara, executive manager of live pig production at Seara Alimentos, a JBS company in Brazil, is joined by Dr. Matthew Turner, head of operations for JBS Live Pork. Together, they discuss how labor, climate and ventilation challenges vary between Brazil and the United States, while underscoring their shared commitment to raising healthy pigs. They also point to lessons producers in both countries can take from one another’s systems and on-farm experiences. Then, Brady Reicks, risk manager at Reicks View Farms, shares his perspective on risk management, drawing from his background in markets and his transition into farming. He discusses how protecting margins varies by operation and offers practical approaches producers can use to make marketing and business decisions with greater confidence rather than hesitation.

Both conversations were recorded at recent industry events focused on swine livability, including the International Conference on Pig Livability and Iowa Swine Day.