AI school

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AkersShowCattle

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Apr 26, 2010
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40
I am looking to go to AI school or try to catch a couple classes to learn how to breed cows. Any suggestions on where is best to go? Also, any advice? I am a younger girl who just ended my junior show career and now feel like it's time to go into the breeding aspect of things. Thanks!
 

King Cattle Co.

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Feb 5, 2012
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29
I did the same thing after my show career. I went to the school at Cattle Visions in Missouri. They are very knowledgeable and easy to work with. and I think that it is very reasonable priced. that has  been about five years ago, and iv'e had pretty good averages of cows caught.
 

okiegirl

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Nov 20, 2011
Messages
221
Location
Oklahoma
I went to the Coba/Select Sires AI school in Tyler Tx.  Great group.  Was small and lots of individual attention.  Plus I got 3 days away from the hubby and kids, and two nights in a hotel room by myself.  I call that a mini vacation, lol <party>
 

Limiman12

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Jan 8, 2012
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469
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SW. Iowa
About twenty years ago I took a class through the area semen rep, can't remember the company but remember going to a sale barn and palming a lot of cows......  It was wrestling season, and I made it back just in time for a dual meet, always kinda felt sorry for the kid I wrestled that night cause I sure didn't smell like roses!
 

Maineline

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Jul 31, 2010
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I went to Bovine Elite in College Station last September, it was a very good clinic and I highly recommend it.
 

leanbeef

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Jan 7, 2012
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Tennessee
I think any of the reputable companies that offer training would be valuable learning experiences. I would look for opportunities in your area unless you just want to take a trip. I took advantage of a class that was offered where I was in school several years ago, and even after the training, I still wasn't comfortable breeding my own cows. We had a guy who had a breeding route & was really affordable, and I just couldn't take the chance of having a bunch of open cows because I wasn't efficient enough to get em bred. One fall, I found out he was quitting, and I HAD to breed my own. I stuck the first one & i've been breeding for about 15 years now. You won't be good at it until you get practice & experience.

My point is I don't think it matters where you go to school. Any of them should offer you the foundation you'll need. It's up to you to build on that afterwards.
 

firesweepranch

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Jun 17, 2010
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1,685
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SW MO
My 13 year old daughter (at the time, three years ago) went to ABS breeding school. She was the smallest, youngest but I think, got the most out of it. ABS does a great job, three intense days at the stockyards, so we got to see a lot! She has the best averages, I think, out of all of us. My husband went to ABS several years ago (maybe 5?), and is also very good at it. When he took it, they were all at night so he did not have to miss work, and it was over 5 days, if I remember correctly!
I agree with Leanbeef; you need to put your arm in a lot of cows to feel comfortable about it. But with all three of us here breeding, sometimes that is difficult! I get the least amount of breeding time, but I bred dairy cows years ago (like 25) so I can step back and let them do it  (thumbsup)
 

obie105

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Oct 17, 2011
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780
I took one for college credit when I was in school. Look into that too.
 

mainegirl

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Sep 30, 2008
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288
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Toms Brook, VA
I went to Graham School in Kansas this past June. It was amazing! Its a week long and they also teach preg checking and cattle herd practices, how to deal with different birthing situations, etc. Definitely worth the time and money!
 

leanbeef

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Jan 7, 2012
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Location
Tennessee
mainegirl said:
I went to Graham School in Kansas this past June. It was amazing! Its a week long and they also teach preg checking and cattle herd practices, how to deal with different birthing situations, etc. Definitely worth the time and money!

I've seen the Graham School advertised, and if I was going again without any of the experience or classes I've had, I'd definitely look at that one. It's more comprehensive than anything offered by the semen companies. I also had a class in college, and you get introduced to all of it, but not thoroughly enough or with enough practical experience to go out and starting DOING it. I still wish I was better at preg checking...that'll come in handy if you can learn that, too. I can breed cows all day long, but I still have to get somebody to confirm pregnancies for me.
 

mainegirl

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Sep 30, 2008
Messages
288
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Toms Brook, VA
You really do learn alot and they really take the time to make sure you understand everything they are teaching. I've been around cattle all my life and was amazed at all of the things I learned and was able to manage my herd MUCH better! It was also nice to meet people from all over the country and learn how they work cattle in their region. Its absolutely amazing how different they can be. Met some very nice people and made some connections and lifelong friends. Definitely plan on going back in the future for a refresher course...which is free of charge! :) Will only have to pay for trip fee, hotel, and food!
 
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