“Start your 2026 cattle operation recordkeeping off on the right foot by purchasing your Redbook,” says Patrick Davis MU Extension Livestock Field Specialist. Recordkeeping is important in making management decisions and this pocket size record book called the “Redbook” can aid in recordkeeping. Contact your local MU Extension Livestock Field Specialist to get details about purchasing a book for $8 per book.
“Cattle producers can store all types of information in these books,” says Davis. The calf information section contains ten boxes to enter cow ID, calf ID, birth date, birth weight, calf sex, calving ease, etc. There is space for around 425 head of entries. Furthermore, the 2026 calendar can be used as a planner. Cattle producers can also store data such as pasture usage, artificial insemination breeding records, herd health records and more.
“This book is an educational tool,” says Davis. Educational information includes calving ease scores, body condition scores, calf death loss scores, animal ID international year/letter code, Beef Quality Assurance (BQA) best practices, gestation table and more.
“To get the most out of the Redbook data, transfer it to an electronic format or record keeping system,” says Davis. This transfer allows data analysis to make management decisions for optimum operation performance and productivity. Also, data transfer reduces chances of being damaged or lost.
Redbooks are produced by the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association and distributed to MU Extension Centers for sale through cooperation between University of Missouri, MU Extension and the Missouri-Show-Me SelectTM Replacement Heifer Program. Book supplies are limited so if you are interested contact your local MU Extension Livestock Field Specialist to get details about purchasing a book.
