How much does a Holstein calf cost?

The national average price for replacement Holstein dairy heifers continues to hover at about $1,100 per head, well below the cost of production. In September 2021, all reported markets posted flat or softening springer values, dipping as low as $500 per head in Wisconsin.

How much is a Holstein bull calf worth?

Holstein bull calves, which fetched between $500-$600 per head in 2014, are now selling for less than $100 – in some cases dramatically lower. Typically, contracted Holstein steers have run at a $7 to $10 per cwt discount to beef breed steers.

How much should I pay for a calf?

A beef calf will usually cost around $700, while an older calf is often priced based on weight and use. Dairy calves tend to be cheaper than beef calves. Look at this adorable Holstein calf! Calves usually hit the market weighing around 500 – 600 pounds.

What is the average price of a Holstein cow?

Another group of “Approved” Holstein milk cows, 50 in total, averaged $1,224, according to USDA reports. While milk cows showed some strength at that auction, bred heifers still were sluggish. Most springers sold in the $1,000 to $1,100 range.

Why are Holstein steers so cheap?

While the bull, or steer calf was formerly thought of as a by-product of milk production, these animals now have significantly more value as beef. “In the past, that by-product has been extremely affordable because it wasn't needed,” said Felix. “The dairy farmer needed the lactation but didn't need the calf.

How Much Should You Pay for Bottle Calves?

Which is better Angus or Holstein?

Several research studies have shown that the taste and tenderness of Holstein beef is at least equal to beef from Angus steers. Researchers from Cornell University found Holstein steers had 5.28 percent less meat yield compared to small-frame Angus steers at the same shrunk weight.

What is a 500 pound calf worth?

The long-term average is roughly 55 cents per pound of gain. For example, if the price of a 500-pound calf is $1.40 per pound and the price of a 600-pound calf is $1.26, the value of those 100 pounds of gain is $56 or 56 cents per pound.

How much do Holstein steers sell for?

24 auction at New Holland Sales Stables, slaughter Holstein steers weighing 1,330 to 1,670 pounds brought $127 to $132 per hundredweight. To put that in perspective, at the same sale in 2013, Holstein steers brought an average of $108 per hundredweight, and in 2014, they averaged $148.

How much is a calf 2020?

Calves are assumed to be weaned and sold at an average weight of 550 lbs. In the fourth quarter of 2020, steers in this weight range were selling for prices in the upper $130's and heifers in the low $120's, on a state average basis.

How much is a cow worth 2021?

-- Bred cows: Herd liquidation and calf values will continue to move up prices for bred cows. Coming in at an average of $1,625 per head in 2021, those prices are expected to increase an average of $125 per head in 2022 to $1,750 per head. Trade could range from $1,600 to $1,900 per head.

How old is a 500-pound calf?

During this time their primary source of food is milk from their dam, and the grass or roughage (hay) that is available. At 6-9 months of age the calves are weaned off their dams and placed in a field or pen with other calves of a similar age and weight. Most calves will weigh 500-700 lbs at weaning.

How much profit does a calf make?

Weaning rate was estimated at 85%, meaning that it is expected that a calf will be weaned and sold from 85% of the cows that were exposed to the bull. Based on these assumptions and adjusted for the weaning rate, average calf revenue is $655 per cow.

Are Holstein steers profitable?

But her two years of feeding trials with Holsteins, and a third on-going, suggests dairy steers can be a profitable enterprise, she says. One of the first lessons Felix tries to teach newbie dairy beef feeders is that cattle raised for beef need grain, not forage.

Is there money in raising Holstein steers?

Mike states, “There is less manure to deal with, and the labor needed for the steers doesn't interfere with the labor for our cropping and dairy cattle.” The Enrights said that when the dairy economy has been good, the steers have provided “fun money.” Corey says, “The steers have benefited us financially in the long ...

How long do Holstein steers live?

We are not aware of any data to suggest the life span of a Holstein steer. However, under the conditions you mention, it should not be uncommon to have a steer live for approximately 15+ years.

Can you make money raising dairy calves?

On the high end of sales, you might spend as much as $100 for a calf, and its feed until weaning. So, unless you buy at the highest cost, and sell at the cheapest, you can turn some money around easily. At the low end of last year's sales, at $107 per hundred-weight, you would earn $145.

Can you eat Holstein bull?

Beef and dairy farmers alike attended Penn State Extension's recent workshop on best practices for raising Holstein bull calves for the beef market. Beef and dairy farmers alike attended Penn State Extension's recent workshop last month on best practices for raising Holstein bull calves for the beef market.

How much does a baby calf cost?

Typically dairy breeds are more available and, therefore less expensive. Prices will vary from $50 all the way up to $500 in extreme situations. An average price should be $150 unless there are other price factors. A good calf at a sale barn in April or May, could cost between $200-$300.

What is the best age to sell a calf?

Separating cows and calves at between 6-8 months old is common. However, Banta recommends calves should be weaned earlier if the cow is below a body condition score of four. The weaning program should last 45 days before calves are moved and sold, Banta said.

What weight is best for selling calves?

steer. For a lighter animal moving up to that weight, the price rolls back pretty fast. But if you take the animal from 600 to 750, that is the most valuable gain in the feeder cattle complex. It drops a little, but stays pretty high all the way up to 900 lbs.

How much is a live calf?

A 500-pound calf would cost about $700. Bred heifers cost a little more than 1.5 times the cost of a heifer. A bred heifer would cost about $1,300 to purchase.

What are the disadvantages of a Holstein cow?

Conclusion. Holstein cows can produce higher yield compared to Jersey and can gain additional energy to body tissue rather than milk. These cows have fertility problems, short productive life span, less cream in the milk, less butterfat content.

What is the easiest cow to raise?

Beef cattle are generally the most profitable and easiest livestock to raise for profit. Beef cattle simply require good pasture, supplemental hay during the winter, fresh water, vaccinations and plenty of room to roam.

Can you butcher Holstein cows?

Holsteins, Jerseys, and other dairy breeds are being used for meat once the milking is done. And it's turned out to be some of the best-tasting beef around.