When it’s time for dairy cows to make a career change and leave the herd, strategically planning their exit could enhance their final contribution in terms of meat quality, carcass yield, and overall profitability. At the same time, their departure could be improved in terms of their own welfare and the safety of their end products.
Market cow prices are currently robust, and removals from U.S. dairy herds have recently slowed for a variety of reasons. So, when the strategic decision is made to remove a cow, a little more strategy could maximize that decision. Among the factors:
Seasonality – Many producers choose to thin their herds in the fall to save on bedding and barn space through the winter. But Ohio State University Extension Educator Dustin Sonnenberg shared that a 10-year survey of USDA data showed market dairy cow prices are typically lowest in November and December. He said that is likely due to the concurrent sale of culled beef cows after weaning in the fall. The USDA history showed the months that historically have posted the highest prices for market dairy cows are March, April, and May.
Maureen Hanson
December 16, 2024 10:43 AM
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