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Overview Letter from Kris Ringwall

TO:  Beef Cattle Producers Interested in the CHAPS Program
FROM:  Dr. Kris Ringwall, NDSU Extension Livestock Specialist
RE: Beef Performance Testing via CHAPS
 

Thank you for your interest in the CHAPS program. The CHAPS program is driven by a network of commercial and purebred beef producers from 28 States that focus on beef cattle performance records.

An example of the calf and cow reports generated by CHAPS is enclosed, or can be seen at www.chaps2000.com. The CHAPS program is a complete cow herd performance testing program. The CHAPS program was developed and is supported by North Dakota State University Extension Service. There are two options available to become involved in the CHAPS Network:

Option 1:

The CHAPS program is available as a Personal Computer Program for your own home computer. CHAPS requires an IBM-PC or compatible computer with a minimum of 32 megabytes of hard disk space and Windows 95 version or higher. The CHAPS program may be purchased for $50 by contacting:

NDSU Research Extension Center
1041 State Ave
Dickinson, ND 58601
(701) 483-2348 Ext 105.

 
Option 2:

Individuals who want to send their records to the North Dakota Beef Cattle Improvement Association for processing should request blank input forms for enrolling your calf crop. Financial support for the mechanics of running CHAPS is obtained by charging $ 1.00 per cow plus a $ 5.00 annual membership fee. The goal of the NDBCIA is to mail your CHAPS reports back within one week from the date the calf records were received. Blank input forms can be requested by contacting:

North Dakota BCIA
1041 State Ave.
Dickinson, ND 58601
(701) 483-2348 Ext 105.

CHAPS 2000 PROGRAM ENHANCEMENTS

 

1. CHAPS now meets all NCBA-IRM-SPA guidelines and generates a new Standardized Performance Analysis (SPA) page. 
2. Producers no longer need to individually weigh calves to get a CHAPS analysis.
3. Replacement females and purchased cows can be entered into the CHAPS program for a more complete inventory.
4. All previous CHAPS data files are completely compatible with CHAPS.
5. Help screens can be displayed on computer screen. 6. The CHAPS CD contains a copy of the CHAPS website. You will be able to access the web from the software.