Beef on Dairy
Beef-on-dairy crossbreeding has rapidly emerged as a strategic approach for dairy producers, allowing them to boost their farm’s profitability while advancing genetic progress within their herds. Explore how this growing trend can add value to your operation and position it for long-term success.
The integration of beef and dairy is not just creating financial opportunities and by leveraging genetics, nutrition and innovative supply chain solutions, dairy producers are setting a precedent for valuable cross-industry collaboration.
Alternative revenue sources are becoming more and more common to help producers financially stay afloat. The goal moving forward is clear: striking a delicate balance that ensures longevity and relevance in an ever-changing industry.
Recent developments have shown just how rapidly perceptions can change, with the pricing gap between beef-on-dairy calves and their native counterparts narrowing remarkably.
Reported cattle prices continue to post new highs — making us all wonder how the market can get any better than it currently is.
The economic decisions involved in heifer management are not just about immediate costs. They are a long-term investment strategy that can determine the future productivity and profitability of a dairy farm. Choosing which heifers to keep, which to sell, and how to feed and care for them requires a deft balancing act. Factors such as genetics, health and market demand all play a role.
Genetic excellence is a cornerstone of Fir Ridge Holstein Farm’s success strategy.
As the dairy industry continues adapting to market demands, there is hope that current positive trends will benefit producers for the foreseeable future.
Full Circle Jerseys is strategically transitioning its 5,000-cow herd from straight Jerseys to Holstein x Jersey crossbreds.
At Brey Family Beef, success is rooted in more than sales. It’s about building connections, supporting the community and proudly sharing the story behind every cut of meat.
Dr. Taylor Engle of Four Star Veterinary Services shares how producers can improve calf health outcomes by rethinking everything from pre-birth to bunk.
In the heart of central California, Lumar Dairy stands as a dynamic example of how commitment to heritage and openness to change can coexist and thrive.
The dairy industry has witnessed a notable rise in the integration of beef within its realm, marking a significant shift that prompts us to ask, “When is high too high?”
As dairy producers increasingly use beef semen to capitalize on calf value, longer gestation lengths are straining pre-fresh pens, pushing the industry to rethink cow flow, facilities, and future genetics.
Beef-on-dairy crossbreds show clear advantages in feed efficiency and carcass performance, but Michigan State University research reveals current market premiums often exceed their true economic value.
It requires a mix of proactive management and strategic planning to thrive in this ever-evolving market landscape.
The focus remains on leveraging existing operations to find value beyond the milk check.
Dairy replacement heifers and beef-cross calves are fetching record-breaking prices this spring, with Holstein springers hitting $4,200 and beef-cross calves surpassing $1,600.
A sneak peak of Farm Journal’s leading-edge survey insights illustrates strategic solutions that generate renewed confidence, ensuring a promising path forward for the industry.
From tariffs and export markets to domestic demand and innovative production strategies, navigating this landscape requires astute attention to market signals and strategic planning.
Feeding dairy-beef cross steers a low-starch, forage-based diet early in life may be the secret to fewer liver abscesses, healthier rumens, and heavier carcasses without sacrificing performance.
In the heart of the U.S., a dairy revolution is taking place — reshaping the landscape of the national milk industry. The epicenter of this transformation? Amarillo, Texas.
With dairy replacements in tight supply and beef-on-dairy calves worth a small fortune, monitoring the health and management of livestock is just as crucial as keeping a close eye on financials.
Dairy farmers are riding a wave of market uncertainty in 2025, with trade battles, feed price swings, and booming cheese production shaking up the industry. Experts Sarina Sharp and Katie Burgess break down the top trends shaping the year ahead.
With beef-on-dairy calves in high demand, giving them the best start is essential for both their health and market value. Dr. Gail Carpenter outlines five key priorities for dairy farmers to focus on to help set these calves up for success.
The U.S. bovine semen industry’s resurgence in 2024 signifies more than just a recovery. It represents a transformative wave of growth that is poised to impact livestock reproduction on a global scale.
As we move through 2025, the dairy industry is poised to experience significant transformations. According to Ben Laine, a senior dairy analyst with Terrain, there are three major structural changes that are intricately linked and set to shape the industry’s landscape: federal milk marketing orders, new cheese processing capacity, and trade dynamics.
An unprecedented shift in the U.S. dairy cattle population could signal uncertainty ahead in terms of milk production, cow numbers, and prices – for both the milk and the animals.
As market conditions fluctuate, dairy farmers have reached a crossroad – do they sell beef-on-dairy crossbreds as newborns, weaned calves, or raise them all the way to finish?
The beef cattle industry is evolving, and dairy producers are playing a pivotal role in that transformation.
The dairy cattle market is currently experiencing an unprecedented surge in demand, creating a bustling atmosphere in the industry. As the competition heats up, market players are closely observing what is currently trending – is it beef-on-dairy calves or the traditional dairy replacements and fresh cows?