Compared to a year ago, dairy product values are up considerably, and replacement heifer values have followed suite accordingly. According to USDA’s Dairy Market News, the July 2022 All-Milk price was $25.70/cwt., an approximate 30% higher than a year ago. Milk cow prices and springer values have increased as well, although not to the same extreme. Cows are up about 20% to $1,710 per head, and top-quality springers have jumped about that same margin. Meanwhile, feed costs unfortunately continue to surge upward as well. Year-over-year, July 2022 corn is up about 15%, alfalfa hay is up 25%, and soybeans are up 10%. Overall, the index of prices farmers paid for commodities and services, interest, taxes and wage rates in July 2022 was up 12.6% compared to a year ago.
| Springing Heifers | Heifer Calves | |
Location (sale date) | Supreme/Top | Approved/Medium | 90-120 pounds |
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Turlock, Calif. (9-2-22) | $1,725-2,150 | $1,300-1,650 | - |
Lomira, Wis. (9-2-22) | $1,300-1,800 | $900-1,200 | $30-60 |
Jerome, Idaho (9-3-22) | $1,490-1,675 | $1,275-1,490 | $30-110 |
New Holland, Pa. (8-10-22) | $1,400-1,750 | $850-1,375 | $25-35 |
