The major advantage of AI is accessing the best genetics worldwide for a fraction of the cost. We average 90% first service conception over the past 17 years, so either jon has a poor tech or his heat detection skills are off. Yes, the average is 80% or so on heifers and 75% on cows. In Western Ontario, we have Gencor which is part of the Semex Alliance, which can provide both the beef breed semen and the insemination service, they are very prompt and easy to schedule--call before 7am and they arrive earlier in day but you'll definitely get same day service if you call before 10am. If the same isn't available in your area, it really shouldn't be hard to co-ordinate a synchronized breeding with several animals to do! Also, vets can certainly AI animals when we have the training,(mainly for proper thawing of semen) and the equiptment, but that would be an expensive option!
And unless you have a tank that leaks, they need replenishment with liquid nitrogen every 4 months, and ours is filled automatically, we don't have to call!