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 |
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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 |
