Springers Mixed Despite Lower Inventories

The total U.S. dairy replacement heifer herd is down about 14,000 head compared to the start of 2023.
The total U.S. dairy replacement heifer herd is down about 14,000 head compared to the start of 2023.
(Farm Journal)

Holstein springer values were flat or lower in 3 of 4 reported markets this past month, with only Pipestone, Minn. showing a springer price increase. This, despite an estimate in the most recent USDA Cattle and Calves Report that the total U.S. dairy replacement heifer herd is down about 14,000 head compared to the start of 2023. USDA dialed back its estimate of the 2023 dairy replacement heifer inventory by 263,000 head, which indicates a dramatic drop of 367,000 head from 2022 to 2023. USDA also pegs the number of dairy heifers that will freshen in 2024 at 2.59 million head, the lowest inventory ever recorded since the agency began tracking the data in 2001. Year-over-year, Idaho gained the most dairy replacement heifers at 25,000 head, while Wisconsin lost the most – 50,000 head – from 2023 to 2024.


 

Springing Heifers

 Heifer Calves

Location (sale date)

Supreme/Top

Approved/Medium

90-120 pounds

 

 

 

 

 

 

Turlock, Calif. (1-26-24)

$1,750-1,900

 $1,300-1,500

-

 

 

 

Reedsville, Wis. (2-1-24)

$1,200-1,800

$900-1,150

$70-90

 

 

 

Pipestone, Minn. (1-18-24)

$2,475-2,725

      $2,200-2,350

       No test

 

 

 

New Holland, Pa. (1-10-24)

$1,925-2,300

$1,950-2,025

       $50-90

For more on replacements, read:

Tags

Dairy - General Replacements Dairy Calves
 

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