best time to sell cow/calf

[greenhorn]

Our Jersey had a little heifer calf on June 5th. I'm afraid we need to sell them as a pair for financial reasons, but how old would be best for the calf to be before we do? I'm going to sell on Craigslist, so it will pretty much just involve a ride in a trailer (as oppossed to going to an auction) but thought I'd ask any advice. The calf is doing great, btw.

We have been trying to foster a Jersey bull calf, but she's not that interested in him and I've been bottle feeding him. I'm not milking her, except yesterday which involved all sorts of anti-kick tricks as she has become testy since the calf (her second). Oh, what to do, what to do!?!?!

[trbizwiz]

A month ago would probably have been best for private sales. Grass was green and interest was high in beef and dairy cows. As the weather warms and grass goes dormant intrest will wain a little. market price for the calf is usually best on 3 to 4 cwt calves, but that is more indicative of beef breeds. A dairy breed with a heifer at side may still bring conisderable interest. I know a few months ago I was buying calves from a local dairy. 1 day old jersey heifers were bringing $200 at 50 lbs, the bulls were bringing $35. You might be best served to ween the calf, calm the momma and get her into the routine of milking, then sell her to a homesteader, and sell the calf to another party. You will probably get more money that way. IF you have a testy momma that is not easy to milk you wont bring top dollar for her and the calf will be more of a throw in. But I definitely would not take less than $300 for the calf unless you want to sell her to me for $150. ;>

[farmgirl6]

Where are you located?

[greenhorn]

I'm in central Ohio near Columbus. Our grass is still very green out here

[tinknal]

I would say ASAP. Early lactation, so the buyer can expect 10 months or so of good production.