DairyTalk 457: A $40,000 Problem: Are Dairy Farms Still Underestimating Calf Losses? - by Helmut Demmelhuber

This podcast episode examines the economic consequences of calf
mortality during a period of historically high replacement heifer
values. The featured analysis explains how even modest
pre-weaning losses can now translate into tens of thousands of
dollars in annual financial damage for dairy farms. Particular
attention is given to colostrum management, nutrition quality,
and clearly defined responsibilities within calf-rearing
protocols, areas where outdated routines may quietly erode
profitability. The article also argues that ongoing heifer
shortages are fundamentally changing how calf losses should be
evaluated economically. As replacement values continue to rise,
calf health increasingly becomes a strategic investment in the
herd’s future genetic and financial stability. Withcomments on a
"The Bullvine"-article (May 20th, 2026) by Andrew Hunt:
https://www.thebullvine.com