Heifer Retention in Down Cycle
Keith Vander Velde, Livestock Specialist
Heifer Retention in Down Cycle
-Most producers replace 15-20% of the Herd on an
annual basis
-Is now the time to retain all replacement quality
heifers
-Question is when is the most economical time to
retain heifers
-Important to look at two critical factors
1. Look at the stage of Cattle Cycle
2. Look at the cost of production
Keith Vander Velde, Livestock Specialist
Heifer Options
Raising Your Own Heifers:
Economics of raising a heifer
Keith Vander Velde, Livestock Specialist
Heifer Options
Raising Your Own Heifers: Cost to 1st calf crop
Value of Heifer in October -500 lbs x $.80=$400
Cost of Gain 500 to 750 lbs -250 lbs x $.40=$100
Breeding fee-AI or Natural service
=$ 20
May –November Grazing -$15/month
=$105
December-March Winter Feed $25/month=$100
TOTAL COST-$725
Keith Vander Velde, Livestock Specialist
Heifer Options
1. Keep all heifers
2.
Retain over winter at 1.75 lbs per day
3.
At 750 lbs YOU have two choices
a.
Breed all heifers to calving ease sires
b. Sell heifers as stockers for 100 day feeding
1.
Let the market values guide you on this decision
4.
In the fall or early spring market heifers if market profit potential exists
5.
Calve out heifers and retain ownership
Keith Vander Velde, Livestock Specialist
Heifer Options
1. Heifers provide more marketing options
2. Heifers sell for less net dollars due to price discounts
over steers
3. Heifers retained in down cycles are normally in peak
production in an up cattle cycle
Keith Vander Velde, Livestock Specialist
Heifer Retention
Opportunities Exist to Purchase Superior
Genetics as market values-Good Operators
will upgrade their genetics during this period
Keith Vander Velde, Livestock Specialist