Managing replacement heifers is always a challenge — but today’s record-high cattle prices make the decision even more complicated. Cow-calf producers are weighing whether to retain calves for herd development or capture a premium by selling them. Either way, opportunity costs play a major role. Rather than offering advice one way or the other, the…
This article was originally posted on the Beef Cattle Research Council’s website on September 13, 2023. Understanding the cost of developing replacement heifers is crucial for informed decision making. The most significant factor in heifer development cost is the opportunity cost of foregoing revenue from selling calves at weaning. Each heifer kept for the breeding…
Tips for wintering replacement heifers One of the most illogical things we do as beef producers is overfeed or pamper our heifers through their first winter in hopes more will become pregnant in the spring. Then we say, “Oh, by the way… don’t expect to be spoiled like that ever again!” and we are genuinely…