The Southern Indiana Purdue Ag Center will host a commercial beef heifer selection workshop Oct. 24, 2026, from 1-4 p.m. eastern. The center is at 11371 E. Purdue Farm Rd., Dubois, Ind., 47527.

At this event, producers will have the opportunity to perform live animal evaluation with a set of heifers as a simulated “keep or cull” process. We will then hear from industry leaders about commercial heifer genomic testing and how those results can be used to make better replacement heifer choices. With this new information attendees, will then have the opportunity to reevaluate the heifers and see if the choices to become herd replacement changes.

Attendees will then get to hear from a panel of herd bull suppliers on how, if replacement heifers have genomic data, the bull provider might use this data to help guide bull buyers selecting genetics that will improve the weaknesses of the cow herd. This event will be a great mix of visual hands-on selection and discussion with folks that are using the technology.  

In these times of very high cattle prices, selecting the correct genetics that will move your cow herd in the right direction has more importance than ever. Not only for the resulting offspring but also for the financial commitment in purchasing those animals with improved genetic potential.

Purebred cattle producers have had more tools than commercial producers due to the support of the various breed associations for choosing replacement stock. These tools relate to expected progeny difference (EPDs). These are genetic predictions that can be used alongside the traditional phenotypic (visual) tools that have been used in the selection process. Commercial beef producers have been able to use both genetic and phenotypic selection tools for selecting herd bulls however, until recently, when choosing commercial replacement heifers, the only tools available have been phenotypic.

There is no fee to attend the event, though RSVPs would be appreciated by Oct. 21. RSVPS and any questions can be directed to Jason at towerj@purdue.edu or 812-678-4427.