Springer Values Stronger, Calves Go Wild

Holstein heifer calf values are at moderate levels less than $200/head. Male and beef-cross calves, on the other hand, are through the roof.
Holstein heifer calf values are at moderate levels less than $200/head. Male and beef-cross calves, on the other hand, are through the roof.
(Taylor Leach)

Holstein springer values were mixed in four reported markets over the past month, topping out at $2,675 in Minnesota, but falling in Wisconsin and California. The real story for the month is in calves. Holstein heifer calf values are at moderate levels less than $200/head. Male and beef-cross calves, on the other hand, are through the roof. In both Wisconsin and Pennsylvania, newborn Holstein steer calves are fetching a hefty $300-450/head, and their beef-cross counterparts are seeing meteoric values for day-old calves as high as $750/head. According to industry consultant Nevil Speer, the impact of strategic beef-on-dairy breeding, and the current demand for calves from the beef sector, means dairy cows are officially doing double duty to make themselves profitable.


 

Springing Heifers

 Heifer Calves

Location (sale date)

Supreme/Top

Approved/Medium

90-120 pounds

 

 

 

 

 

 

Turlock, Calif. (10-6-23)

$2,150-2,220

 No test

-

 

 

 

Reedsville, Wis. (11-2-23)

$1,200-1,600

$900-1,150

$50-70

 

 

 

Pipestone, Minn. (10-19-23)

$2,400-2,675

      $2,150-2,400

       No test

 

 

 

New Holland, Pa. (10-25-23)

$1,700-2,175

$1,300-1,500

       $130-150

Tags

Replacements
 

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