Replacement Dairy Heifers Tumble to 47-year Low

According to the USDA’s most recent cattle report, there are fewer heifers on the farm.  The report shows the number of heifers has dropped year after year, as dairy operations pivot to breeding dairy cows to native beef bulls in an effort to capitalize on record beef prices.  And it looks like that trend will not slow down anytime soon, as live cattle futures have pushed into the $200-per-cwt range and represent an all-time high.

In its latest estimate, published in late January, USDA projects there are 3.914 million dairy heifers in the 500-pounds-and-higher category.  Generally speaking, those dairy heifers 500 pounds and larger are either ready to enter breeding pens or those that are pregnant and will soon enter the milk barn.  That 3.914 million total is the lowest since 1978, when USDA calculated that there were 3.886 million heifers in that herd category.

If you have a story idea for the PNW Ag Network, call (509) 547-1618, or e-mail glenn.vaagen@townsquaremedia.com