Alvin C Warnick Reproductive Management School

This course is sponsored by the UF / IFAS Extension Service and is conducted in conjunction with area large animal Veterinary practitioners. It is part of a continuing multi-county effort to help South Florida beef producers market more pounds of beef per cow profitably.

The purpose of the course is to strengthen managerial capabilities of owners and operators of beef cattle ranches. This is an intensive course in reproductive management of the cow herd. Although the topic of pregnancy diagnosis is given extensive treatment, participants should not expect this training to make them proficient in that skill. Rather it is hoped that an improved understanding of the broad subject of breeding herd management will be achieved and that individuals enrolled in the course will be better equipped to work with their veterinarians in accomplishing breeding program objectives.

REGISTRATION

Registration deadline is Friday, October 9, 2026. However, space is limited and available on a first come first served basis. Spots are not reserved until payment is complete. This school fills quickly so register early. If you have any questions please contact Bridget Stice at bccarlis@ufl.edu

TENTATIVE AGENDA

Monday – November 2, 2026

1:00 Registration

1:30 Welcome; Introduction to Reproductive Management

1:50 Reproductive Physiology Overview (estrus cycle, hormones, follicle/ovulation, conception, heat, etc.)

2:20 Getting Cows Cycling for Reproductive Success

2:50 Low Stress Cattle Handling for Reproductive Success

3:20 Break

3:30 Pregnancy Diagnosis (concepts and methods)

4:00 Intact Tracts Lab

Tuesday – November 3, 2026

8:00 Morning refreshments and discussion

8:15 Lab – Blood Sampling for Pregnancy Diagnosis

8:30 Lab - Hands on Pregnancy Testing

9:30 Reproductive Management Decisions and Their Impact on Profit

10:00 Breeding Season Management

10:30 Natural Service Breeding Systems in the Cow Herd

11:00 Factors Affecting Conception Rates in Beef Cattle

11:30 Lunch (provided)

12:15 Introduction to Artificial Insemination in the Commercial Cow Herd

1:00 Lab – AI Tracts Lab

1:45 Semen Handling and Practical Considerations for AI

2:15 AI Equipment and Setup

2:45 Bull Selection and Management in the Cow Herd

3:30 Management of Longino Ranch for Production Efficiency

Wednesday – November 4, 2026

8:00 Morning refreshments and discussion

8:15 Lab - Hands on Pregnancy Testing

9:30 Ultrasound for Pregnancy Diagnosis Demonstration

10:00 Bull Breeding Soundness Evaluation & Demonstration

11:00 How Trace Minerals Influence Reproductive Efficiency

11:30 Strategic Nutrition and Body Condition Scoring for Current and Future Calf Crops

12:00 Managing Heat Stress and Environmental Impacts on Reproduction

12:30 Lunch (provided)

1:15 Herd Health and Its Role in Reproductive Success

1:45 Heifer Development & Management of Young Cows

2:15 Managing Open Cows and Culling Decisions

2:45 Using Records to Improve Reproductive Efficiency

3:15 Break

3:30 Putting It All Together: Managing for Reproductive Success in the Cow Herd

Thursday – November 5, 2026

8:00 Morning refreshments and discussion

8:15 Lab – Hands on Pregnancy Testing

9:30 Coping with Calving Problems and Dystocia Lab

10:30 Genetic Selection in the Cow Herd (heritability, heterosis, long-term decisions)

11:00 Roundtable Discussion: Management Practices for Success - Producer Panel

12:00 Program Summary and Evaluation

12:15 Steak Lunch (provided)

** Schedule is subject to change

Full refunds will be honored on or before October 2, 2026

The University of Florida is an Equal Opportunity Insitution