Beef
Mississippi Beef Cattle Production
Beef production is a significant component of Mississippi agriculture. The total value of production of cattle and calves in Mississippi is estimated at $318 million for 2022. Total cattle inventory in Mississippi on January 1, 2023 was 860,000 head, including 449,000 head of beef cows and 83,000 head of beef cow replacements. There were 15,980 beef cattle farms in 2022. Stocker cattle production is also very prominent with 400,000+ head of stocker cattle residing in the state annually. Beef cattle operations in Mississippi currently total approximately 15,980 operations.
BCIA Field Day and Annual Meeting
Fall 2023 BCIA Bull and Heifer Sale
The Fall BCIA Sale will be held on November 2 in Raymond, MS and feature both bulls and bred heifers.
Livestock Antibiotic Rules
For more information see this publication: Navigating Livestock Antibiotic Regulations
Cattle AI School
The Fall 2023 session of AI School is scheduled for October 19-21, 2023. The hands on school is limited to 35 participants, and is currenlty full. To be added tot he waiting list visit: Fall 2023 Cattle AI School
For complete details visit: Cattle AI School
Beef Quality Assurance Trainings Scheduled
Upcoming Meetings
Meal at 6:00pm * Certification classes start at 6:30 p.m.
Training options:
1-Complete the course virtually and receive the BQA manual and completion certificate electronically. (Free)
2-Complete the course virtually or in-person (where available*) and receive the BQA manual, completion certificate, vaccine cooler, and bumper sticker via mail ($20 per person)
*Check with your local cattlemen's association or county extension office to see if an in person option will be offered in your area.
*Pre-registration is required in advacne if materials are requested
To request a BQA meeting in your area please contact Dr. Huston or Dr. Karisch.
A certification fee of $15 is required and includes manual, vaccine cooler, and bumper sticker.Certifications begin at 6:30 p.m. For more information on the BQA program.
Master Cattle Producer Regsitration Hold
The Master Cattle Producer Program is currently undergoing a transition to an online learning management system and content is being updated, and as such there will be a delay in video and content availability. Please bear with us during this tranistion, and we will share the new site when it is available.
What do you need to know about VFD?

MSUES Cattle Apps
The MSUES Cattle Calculator App is now available for download for Apple and Android devices. Cattle Calculator allows beef cattle producers to make quick everyday calculations important for their operations. Calculations related to reproductive management, animal performance, and management decisions are available. Reproductive calculations include: calving date based on a known breeding date, breeding date based on a known calving date, number of days pregnant based on today's date and a breeding date, and a breeding season calculator which provides calving and breeding dates based on a set breeding season. Animal performance calculations include: Adjusted birth weight, weaning weight, yearling weight, average daily gain, and required gain. Management calculation include: dosage calculations for dewormers and medicines given an animal weight and manufacturer's recommended dosage, frame score calculations, trailer stocking density, and yield grade.
MSUES Cattle Calculator App download for Apple devices
MSUES Cattle Calculator App download for Android devices
eXtension Beef Cattle Clearinghouse
eXtension provides objective and research-based information and learning opportunities that help people improve their lives. It is an educational partnership of 74 universities in the United States. The eXtension Beef Cattle Clearinghouse focuses on practical beef production information.
Beef Extension Listserv Sign-up
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Publications
News
Mississippi cattle operations must constantly improve efficiency to remain profitable, as rising production costs are decreasing the benefit of high market prices. Brandi Karisch, beef specialist with the Mississippi State University Extension Service, said beef production is a significant component of the state’s agricultural economy, with a total estimated value of $318 million in 2022.
The E.G. (Gene) Morrison Brown Loam Branch Experiment Station in Hinds County, which has sat largely vacant for two years, now has a new purpose, updated facilities and a new life after reopening this spring. The research station, part of the Mississippi Agricultural and Forestry Experiment Station at Mississippi State University, is a 1,700-acre facility dedicated to cattle, forage and agronomic crop research. It is part of the Central Mississippi Research and Extension Center in Raymond.
VERONA, Miss. -- Producers come across issues each season that need to be addressed, whether they require new research on a problem or a commodity specialist who can help identify timely solutions.
For those people, February is the month to speak up. Specialists and scientists with the Mississippi State University Extension Service and Mississippi Agricultural and Forestry Experiment Station are available specifically for them at three different MSU Research and Extension Center locations throughout the state during annual Producer Advisory Council meetings.
NEWTON, Miss. -- Livestock industry professionals looking to learn more about grazing and forage management practices are invited to a beef cattle field day hosted by the Mississippi State University Extension Service.
Beef cattle producers and hay growers will be two target audiences for the field day, which will be at the Coastal Plains Branch Experiment Station March 30 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Attendees will be provided a tour of the 1,172-acre facility. The station is located at 51 Coastal Plains Road in Newton.
Brandi Karisch, Mississippi State University Extension Service beef specialist, has been named to a national board for the American Simmental Association, or ASA. Karisch was elected to this organization’s board of trustees to represent the eastern region.
Success Stories
Opening the right lines of communication is usually a prerequisite for anyone planning to start their own business.
Extension continues assisting one of Mississippi’s most successful beef producers
Beef cattle producer Jacob “Jake” Megehee identifies cattle producers’ needs and publicizes them at the highest levels. Elected officials and fellow cattlemen all over the country respect his personal success raising and selling beef cattle through Megehee Cattle Company.
Brahman cattle at South Farm, formally known as H.H. Leveck Animal Research Center at Mississippi State University, enjoyed a snowy morning when most of Mississippi saw snowflakes on January 11, 2021.
Vardaman producer named Farmer of the Year
When Joe Edmondson surveys his farming operation at Topashaw Farms, he thinks about his more than 40 full-time employees and the hundreds of seasonal workers who work the acres.
See what is new in Extension... Extension partners to promote beef quality assurance program, Extension recognized in Gulf Guardian Award Project, First Ag leadership class graduates, and Extension supports residents participating in U.S. Census 2020.