Replacement cattle prices continue running at historically strong levels as dairy producers continue paying premium prices cross the market. From replacement cows to springing heifers and beef-on-dairy calves, values remain well above year-ago levels across much of the country.
Replacement Milk Cow Prices Hit Records
Milk cow prices continued climbing in April 2026, according to the latest USDA estimates. The national average price for milk cows sold for dairy herd replacement reached $3,130 per head, up from $2,980 in January and $2,860 one year earlier.
Several major dairy states posted even stronger numbers. Michigan averaged $3,360 per head, Wisconsin reached $3,320 and Iowa climbed to $3,300. Minnesota, Colorado, Florida and Vermont all landed near $3,200 per head.
| State | April 2025 | January 2026 | April 2026 |
| Arizona | 2,900 | $,200 | 3,400 |
| California | 2,700 | 2,800 | 3,000 |
| Colorado | 2,700 | 3,000 | 3,200 |
| Florida | 2,900 | 3,100 | 3,200 |
| Georgia | 2,730 | 2,990 | 3,090 |
| Idaho | 2,850 | 2,900 | 3,150 |
| Illinois | 2,730 | 2,930 | 3,050 |
| Indiana | 2,880 | 3,040 | 3,080 |
| Iowa | 2,960 | 3,150 | 3,300 |
| Kansas | 2,550 | 2,900 | 3,040 |
| Michigan | 3,070 | 3,220 | 3,360 |
| Minnesota | 2,810 | 3,050 | 3,200 |
| New Mexico | 2,500 | 2,800 | 2,950 |
| New York | 3,050 | 3,080 | 3,130 |
| Ohio | 2,930 | 3,040 | 3,070 |
| Oregon | 2,900 | 2,900 | 3,100 |
| Pennsylvania | 2,860 | 2,980 | 3,040 |
| South Dakota | 2,600 | 2,840 | 3,000 |
| Texas | 2,800 | 2,850 | 3,000 |
| Utah | 2,600 | 2,700 | 3,000 |
| Vermont | 2,970 | 3,100 | 3,200 |
| Virginia | 2,760 | 2,950 | 3,090 |
| Washington | 2,900 | 2,750 | 2,950 |
| Wisconsin | 3,130 | 3,170 | 3,320 |
| U.S. | 2,860 | 2,860 | 3,130 |
The strong market reflects ongoing pressure on replacement supplies. As more dairy producers breed cows to beef genetics, fewer traditional dairy replacements are entering the pipeline, making quality milk cows harder to find.
Heifer Prices Remain Strong
Replacement dairy heifer prices continue to run at historically strong levels, although some markets are beginning to show signs of leveling after the rapid climb seen over the past year. Top quality Holstein springers are regularly bringing between $3,500 and $4,400 per head, with many sales topping the $4,000 mark.
Withee, Wis. - May 6, 2026
Medium quality springers are commonly selling from around $3,000 to $3,500, while short bred heifers continue bringing strong prices depending on quality and stage of pregnancy.
Turlock, Calif. - May 8, 2026
Open Holstein heifers are also selling at levels well above historical averages. Larger heifers nearing breeding age have reached as much as $2,500 per head in recent sales. While some markets have started to level after the sharp run higher over the past year, demand for replacement heifers remains aggressive in many regions.
Pipestone, Minn. - April 16, 2026
Beef-on-Dairy Calf Prices Continue to Climb
Beef-on-dairy calves continue to generate strong interest from calf growers and feeders, helping support high prices across multiple weight classes. Recent sales showed beef-cross calves bringing between $17 and more than $23 per pound on a liveweight basis.
Cherry Creek, N.Y. - April 22, 2026
Prices for older beef-on-dairy feeder cattle also remain strong, with several weight groups of heifers and steers bringing solid values in recent sales.
| Steers Price Range ($) |
Market Shows No Sign of Easing
Replacement cattle prices are holding at strong levels across milk cows, heifers and beef-on-dairy calves, and most producers are still having to pay up to secure the animals they want. Beef-on-dairy calves remain a bright spot for many dairies, but that same trend keeps pulling more animals out of the dairy replacement pipeline, which adds pressure on heifer availability. With supplies still tight and demand steady across all classes of cattle, there is little indication replacement costs will ease anytime soon.
