Breeding Heifer Value
If a first-calf heifer pair is worth $2,150, then a bred heifer would be worth approximately $2,050. The national average price for a bred heifer may be under $2,000, but some cattlemen pay over $3,000 for the right replacement.
Calves Pricing
The cost of a calf varies. Day-old calves are cheaper but require more work and die more. Older calves weigh more and cost more. Dairy calves price by age; beef calves by weight. Bottle calves usually cost $150-$300. Sick, low-weight bottles are worthless. Weaned calves, 3-6 months old, cost $500-$800 depending on breed.
Weaned Calves Market
550-pound weaned calves average $150 per cwt this year, ranging $135-$165. Breakeven is $140 says CattleFax. Best producers breakeven around $100.
Calf Sales
Calves sell for $900-plus revenue in steer calf. Remember, only half the calves are steers. Value of 550 lb bull calves is $155 per cwt initially. $15/cwt price slide follows.
Land and Livestock
American average is 1.8 cows per acre. About 8-10 cows on five acres. Holsteins at feedlot stage feed similar to beef breeds. Calf stage primes Holstein rumen for high-grain diet. They weigh 300-400 lbs then.
Holstein and Breed Pricing
An open Angus heifer calf costs $1,400-$1,800. A Hereford bull costs over $3,400. Breed heifers at puberty, a function of breed, age, and weight.
Price Fluctuation
In 2023, a calf sells for around $1000-$1500. Prices fluctuate, so check markets/buyers first. 2023, a 500-pound calf fetches $500-$800. Prices vary by breed, quality, market demand.
Holstein Heifer Pricing
Single born Holstein heifer calves $35-$50/head, $95+. Holstein breeding bulls 800- 1400. Market bulls mostly 84- 88. Choice Holstein steers and heifers 94- 101.50.
Holstein Market Trends
Based on the 2019 budget, slaughter cows (1,200 pounds) average $50 per hundredweight, while 550 pounds steers and 520 heifers average $145 and $130 per hundredweight respectively. Open Holstein heifers 70- 95 per lb. Single birth Holstein heifer calves 40- 90 per head. Top Holstein breeding bulls 805 lbs Red and White @ 1500. 710 lbs @ 1450.
Holstein Gestation and Breeding
Holstein gestation approximately nine months. Normal life six years. To achieve ideal calving, bulls with cows maximum 60 days, minimum 45 days. Decreased percentage if not enough days.