DairyTalk 237: Selling Calves, Buying Heifers: A Risk Many Farms Underestimate - by Helmut Demmelhuber

This article examines the growing economic tension between
high-value beef-on-dairy calves and the rapidly shrinking supply
of replacement heifers. While crossbred calves currently generate
revenues of $1,400 or more, U.S. heifer inventories have fallen
to a 20-year low, setting the stage for replacement costs of
$3,500 per heifer by 2027. The author cautions against short-term
thinking and recommends a 24-month planning dashboard to align
semen use with future herd requirements. The key takeaway is
clear: cattle breeding decisions are not tactical cash plays, but
long-term biological and financial risk management. With comments
on a "The Bullvine"-article (January 14th, 2026) by Andrew Hunt:
https://www.thebullvine.com