Milk prices made a health leap in December, but for the most part, dairy heifer prices did not follow suit. Trade was light over the holidays, and markets that did post reports showed flat to lower values for Holstein springers and heifer calves. The one exception was Pennsylvania, which enjoyed a modest $100-150 increase in springer prices compared to last month. The sledding may continue to be tough in the weeks and months ahead. In their December Dairy Situation and Outlook Report podcast, University of Wisconsin Economists Bob Cropp and Mark Stephenson predict that the current, significant growth in cow numbers, milk per cow and total milk production – coupled with dampened domestic demand – likely points to low milk prices through at least the second quarter of 2021.
| Springing Heifers | Heifer Calves | |
Location (sale date) | Supreme/Top | Approved/Medium | 90-120 pounds |
Turlock, Calif. (12-11-20) | No test | $1,050-1,275 | - |
Reedsville, Wis. (12-17-20) | $700-1,200 | $500-650 | $25-40 |
Jerome, Idaho (12-16-20) | $1,160-1,250 | $1,050-1,160 | No test |
New Holland, Pa. (12-23-20) | $1,000-1,200 | $750-975 | $17-25 |
