Calf Price

[pointer_hunter]

BIL just called and said he finally got a price from the dairy farm his sister works at. He was looking to put a few calves out on the pasture. They want $180.00 each for new borns. I was just wondering what the prices were like in other areas. I thought that with all the weather conditions and farms selling out, the prices would be a bit lower. I realize I am north of all the hot spots, but that's about $100.00 more then what I was expecting.

[arabian knight]

That is why I buy Jersey Calves. As then I only have to pay 30 Bucks for a 3 to 5 day old Bull Calf~! They state better then beef ones do anyway IMO. may take a little bit longer to get them up to wt. but then what the heck I didn't spent that much on them either.

[pygmywombat]

We paid $125 for a 3 day old Holstein bull calf nearly a year ago. I wanted to get a Guernsey or Jersey, but the farmers we know that have them all try to calve in the spring and we were looking in late August, so no luck.

[mtman]

they are 65 here but i never understood why people buy milk cow for beef there is to much waste
you can have a 1000 pound dairy cow and a 800 pound beef cow and end up with the same amout of meat i think

[Up North]

Originally Posted by mtman

they are 65 here but i never understood why people buy milk cow for beef there is to much waste
you can have a 1000 pound dairy cow and a 800 pound beef cow and end up with the same amout of meat i think

We can't just pop them all over the head. Something needs to be done with dairy bull calves. Here I hear Holstiens are going for $200 each. This summer I got $100 each for my big Ayrshires and crossbreds and $75 each for the puny ones. I did have one Normande/Holstein I sold for $150.

Heather

[Jennifer L.]

Don't forget that a lot of the better looking Holstein bull calves go back to feed in veal barns. So if you see some pricey bull calves sometimes they are going for that.

In general, calf prices have been up the last few years.

Jennifer

[arabian knight]

Originally Posted by mtman

they are 65 here but i never understood why people buy milk cow for beef there is to much waste

Well for one thing they are lots cheaper. And like I said a Jersey is sweeter meat then a beefer, and is more tender. I rasie them up to about 800 pounds live wt. and get about 55 % of that back in meat.
I don't think there is many beefers that get over 60% of live body wt. back as meat

[john in la]

This is a reprint of our local auction on 8/18

Bottle calves
Heifers………
Nice Holstein…..$375. (only had 1)
Had one nice Holstein but had a small limp $230.
Holstein Jersey X….$175 to $325 depending on size and spunk.
Holstein beef X…..$90. To $170 depending on size and spunk.

Bull calves
Holstein…..1 small for $105. But average was $130 to $145
1 totally blind bull calf $20.
Holstein X…$60 to $130

Holstein Steers
Lot of 8.…470 lbs each….. .875
Lot of 15.….. 570 lbs each… .90
Singles sold for .83 to 1.15

Bad Heifer yearling .60

Beef cross 200 to 300 lbs (The big ear and Angus crosses sold highest.)
Bulls 1.20 to 1.30
Heifers .85 to 1.35


Remember!!!!!!!!!!!!!
A straight off the farm calf is worth more than a auction calf because of the reduced risk of being sick.

[tyusclan]

I've just bought 5 Holsteins over the last few weeks for $75.00 each. The Jerseys usually go for $35.00. I have two of those that are 10 months old now, and 1 that's about 6 months old.

[.netDude]

2 dairy's near me in western NY want $175 and $180 for their holstein bull calves. They say that's what they get at the auction.

[dcross]

Getting $200 (cash) here. I believe that's for week olds.

[ozark_jewels]

We've been selling our two week old Jersey bull calves for $100-$125.

[phantompark]

On tuesday I bought a 3 day old 3/4 Jersey 1/4 holstein bull calf right from the farm. Very spunky, bright eyed good body condition for $30.