HATTIESBURG -- South Mississippi cattle producers are counting on (market) strength in numbers as well as the quality of their heifers to bring a more satisfying experience for buyers and sellers alike at an upcoming sale.

With the aid of Mississippi State University's Extension Service, a group of about 20 cattle producers are planning a bred and open heifer sale in the Jones County multipurpose arena, known as the Magnolia Center, at noon on Aug. 31.

Mike Keene, area animal science and forages agent with MSU's Extension Service, said the sale will have the potential to put added value on the cattle. Buyers will benefit from the higher-quality of these heifers compared to animals in a more traditional sale.

"These producers are using outstanding genetics to produce a better grade of replacement females. The sale will provide other producers with an opportunity to buy cattle with known genetics and that should improve the quality of their cattle herds," Keene said. "Finding top quality replacement females with a known background is a challenge."

Several different breeds of heifers will be available including Charolais, Brangus, Simmental, Angus, Black Baldies and Brahman crosses. The oldest heifers in the sale will be about 27 months old, with the majority of the bred heifers being less than 2 years old. Open heifers range from 7 months to 15 months of age.

For more information on the sale, contact Extension agents Keene at (601) 964-3668 or Chuck Grantham at (601) 426-5201.

Contact: Mike Keene, (601) 964-3668