Performance minded cattle producers have a goal to produce better beef and genetics by collectively using the best genetic and management tools currently available. The Alabama BCIA assists its members in reaching this goal by providing access to the Red Wing Cow/ Calf Computer Software in their county or state extension offices. By working with Extension agents at the local and state level, producers can enter cattle data and receive reports with performance information along with personal assistance to guide them in evaluating and managing herd improvement. Reports help members make good management decisions and provides a method to track health information for BQA and source verification, and carcass data for the Pasture to Rail Program. Red Wing Cow/ Calf can be used to build a performance database that can help make management and genetic selection decisions to guide the direction of the cattle operation. Participation in the program can be an excellent educational experience in the direction of herd performance and genetics and how they both can be improved.
Counties with the Red Wing Cow/Calf Management Program 
 
 

When bull testing programs were initiated in the 50's and 60's, it was not commonplace for breeders of purebred cattle to measure performance in their cattle. Breeders did not have the guidelines on what traits to measure or the tools in which to take the measurements. Auburn University provided the technology and expertise in teaching producers how to accurately record important performance measures. One of the programs Auburn University personnel and extension specialists developed was bull testing stations. The idea was to have breeders bring promising bulls to the University and put them through a feeding test period to measure genetic differences for post-weaning traits. This was one of the best ways of identifying superior sires.
     In Alabama, beef producers are fortunate to have a strong bull testing program. A strong bull testing program benefits both purebred and commercial producers. Most importantly, it allows producers to have a non biased program, which will evaluate the genetic merit of individual bulls and allow that genetic material to be used in the Alabama Beef Cattle Industry. Alabama is even more fortunate in that they are able to support two types of bull testing programs: forage and concentrate.
       The BCIA sponsors two feed tests each year, the North Alabama Bull Evaluation and the Auburn University Bull Test. BCIA is also sponsoring one forage test this year, the Wiregrass Grazing Evaluation. Two consignment bull sales are held during the year including the Fall Round Up Sale and the EPD Sale. Nine replacement heifer sales are also held throughout the year to supply marketing options and performance tested open and bred heifers to cattle producers. 
Health Requirements for entering a bull into a test.
Sale Results 2001-2002