What the Show-Me-Select Heifer Sale at Carthage Is
This is the southwestern Missouri fall sale of the Show-Me-Select Replacement Heifer Program, run by MU Extension. The program teaches cattle producers heifer development in management, reproduction and genetics, with the goal of a dependable supply of high-quality bred replacement heifers. Only heifers that were enrolled and met every program requirement may be sold with the certified Show-Me-Select ear tag. The 2026 sale is Friday, November 20 at 7 p.m. at Joplin Regional Stockyards, 10131 Cimarron Road, Carthage, MO. Extension expected about 200 spring-calving bred heifers from 12 consignors.
What Is Being Sold
- Certified, bred heifers, purebred or crossbred, expected to calve from late January to April 30.
- Breeds include Angus, Beefmaster, Gelbvieh, Hereford, Red Angus, Simmental and their composites, in black, black/white face, red and red/white face.
- Many heifers have been artificially inseminated and carry calves from high-accuracy AI sires. Knowing the exact service date makes calving dates more accurate and easier to prepare for.
- At the 2023 Carthage sale, heifers carrying an AI pregnancy brought about $145 more on average than those carrying a natural service pregnancy.
How Buyers Take Part
- Attend in person at the stockyards at 7 p.m. on November 20, or bid online through DVAuction. In-person bidding options are new for this sale.
- Questions about DVAuction and in-person bidding go to Joplin Regional Stockyards at 417-548-2333.
- For questions about the heifers, call Patrick Davis, the livestock field specialist who coordinates the sale, at 417-276-3313. Other regional specialists listed for this sale are Andy McCorkill (417-345-7551) and Ian McGregor (417-466-3102).
What Every Certified Heifer Must Meet
These are the 2026 program requirements, so a buyer knows what the tag guarantees.
- At least 800 pounds on sale day, body condition score 5 to 8 on a 9-point scale, medium or large frame, muscle score 1 or 2.
- Pelvic area of at least 150 cm2 before breeding (a heifer under that may be re-measured at the initial pregnancy exam, when the minimum is 180 cm2), and a reproductive tract score at a prebreeding evaluation 30 to 60 days before breeding.
- A full vaccination program (IBR, BVD, PI3, BRSV, 5-way leptospirosis, vibriosis and 8-way clostridia at weaning, with leptospirosis and clostridia boosters at the pregnancy check), and treatment for internal and external parasites within 30 days of sale.
- Brucellosis vaccination before 12 months of age, and a BVD-PI test guaranteed negative.
- Sires with known ID, registration and complete EPDs, approved by a regional extension livestock specialist before breeding. Minimum calving ease EPDs apply, for example 7.0 for Angus and Hereford.
- A pregnancy exam within 90 days of the start of breeding, and a confirmation exam within 30 days before the sale. Heifers that fail to conceive or lose a pregnancy are no longer eligible, and consignors guarantee heifers are safe in calf at sale.
- Horns removed, scurs under 2 inches, no pinkeye or pinkeye scars, no severe leg problems, and hoof claw shape and set scores of 3 to 7.
For Consignors: Fees and Deadlines
| Item | Amount or date |
|---|---|
| Annual membership | $25 per producer |
| Enrollment | $2 per heifer, at prebreeding |
| Certification tag | $20 per heifer |
| Enrollment deadline, spring season | February 1 |
| Enrollment deadline, fall season | September 1 |
Heifers must be owned by Missouri residents. Purchased heifers must be owned at least 60 days before breeding. Enrollment forms must be submitted before the pregnancy exam.
What You Get
Buyers get bred heifers with documented genetics, health and reproductive soundness. At the 2023 Carthage sale, 85 heifers averaged $2,906, with a top price of $3,500 per head.
Where
Joplin Regional Stockyards, 10131 Cimarron Road, Carthage, MO. Sale time is 7 p.m. on Friday, November 20, 2026.
Questions
Can I bid without going to Carthage?
Yes. Online bidding is available through DVAuction.
When do the heifers calve?
From late January to April 30; spring-calving heifers must calve before May 1.
Who do I call?
Patrick Davis at 417-276-3313 for the sale, or Joplin Regional Stockyards at 417-548-2333 for bidding.
Official Links
- Regional sales, Show-Me-Select
- Show-Me-Select sale set for Nov. 20 at Joplin Regional Stockyards
- Show-Me-Select requirements
- Results from the 2023 Carthage sale
Other Upcoming Events Nearby
- Route 66 Pro Rodeo and Concerts
Two-day Memorial Day weekend rodeo with bull riding, saddle bronc and barrel racing, fireworks and country concerts. Held each year; the most recent date was May 23, 2026.
Joplin, MO Official event details - Show-Me-Select Replacement Heifer Sale at Kingsville
Regional Show-Me-Select replacement heifer sale held at Kingsville Livestock Auction in Kingsville, coordinated by David Hoffman. Held each year; the most recent date was 2026-11-21.
Kingsville, MO | Organizer: MU Extension Show-Me-Select program Official event details - Show-Me-Select Replacement Heifer Sale at Fruitland
Regional Show-Me-Select replacement heifer sale held at SEMO Livestock Sales, LLC in Fruitland, coordinated by Audy Spell. Held each year; the most recent date was 2026-12-04.
Fruitland, MO | Organizer: MU Extension Show-Me-Select program Official event details - Missouri Farm Bureau Annual Meeting
Missouri Farm Bureau members gather at Margaritaville Lake Resort for the 2026 annual meeting, with a trivia night on Dec 6. Scheduled Dec 5-8, 2026.
- Show-Me-Select Replacement Heifer Sale at Kirksville
Regional Show-Me-Select replacement heifer sale held at Kirksville Livestock, LLC in Kirksville, coordinated by Zac Erwin. Held each year; the most recent date was 2026-12-11.
Kirksville, MO | Organizer: MU Extension Show-Me-Select program Official event details
Listing checked Nov. 11, 2026 against this source. Details can change; confirm with the organizer.