Lizzie Schafer of the Taylorville FFA Chapter in Illinois had her interest in bovine reproduction sparked when, at the age of seven, she held a cow’s tail as it was artificially inseminated. She has engaged in producer conversations at cattle production sales and shows, discussing successes and failures in bovine reproduction. This led her to reach an agreement with Schafer Stock Farm to use recipient cows, elite donor females, and their facility and equipment to conduct bovine reproductive research. She has recently studied to determine if lower quality grade embryos had a higher probability of being female progeny. Schafer is supported by her parents, Suzanne and Aaron, and her FFA advisors, Sue Schafer, Lori Parks and Katie King. Zoetis sponsors this proficiency.
She explains the details of her project with Broadcast Desk Intern, Lydia Johnson.
Podcast: Play in new window | Download