After years of negative margins, it might just be profitable to raise and sell excess dairy replacement heifers again. USDA data indicates that dairy replacement heifer inventories have dropped nearly 15% over the past 6 years to reach a 20-year low. The demand side has replied to this tightened supply by paying up to 50% higher prices for Holstein springers compared to year-ago values. Holstein heifer calf values also remain healthy, and beef-cross calves remain the blockbuster market story of 2024 so far, topping out again at more than $1,000 per head in the last month.
| Springing Heifers | Heifer Calves | Beef Cross Calves | |
Location (sale date) | Supreme/Top | Approved/Medium | 90-120 pounds | 60-100 pounds |
|
|
|
|
|
Turlock, Calif. (5-10-24) | $2,000-2,700 | $1,600-1,975 | -- |
-- |
Lomira, Wis. (5-31-24) | $1,500-2,200 | $1,200-1,400 | $320-420 |
$680-1,055 |
Pipestone, Minn. (5-16-24) | $2,750-2,950 | $2,550-2,900 | No test |
$600-750 |
New Holland, Pa. (5-27-24) | No report | No report | $225-450 |
$785-1,000 |
