Bottom Line
February, 20 2018
For many years, we have had the ability to produce more milk than the market can use. All kinds of technology have contributed. Heifer numbers will come into balance with demand one way or the other. But one thing if for sure, creating more Holstein and Jersey heifers than the market can stand is not a profitable venture. The use of beef semen on dairy cows and heifers will increase and that makes perfect sense. The largest marketer of Holstein genetics in our area has been using beef semen for several years. Even calves from their superior genetics don't have a market but the calf buyers stand in line to get their black calves. Feeding fewer heifers, getting replacements only from the herds top genetics, and increasing the average age of the milking herd, all contribute to the bottom line.