Sandy Johnson, extension beef specialist, Colby; Jason Warner, cow-calf specialist; Glynn Tonsor, livestock and meat marketing specialist
Improvements in production efficiency have enabled the beef industry to produce more beef with fewer cows. The reduction in the number of beef cows in the U.S. has been occurring since the 1970s. Increased fed cattle harvest weights are part of the efficiency story. To date, consumer demand for beef has remained strong, and market prices for all classes of cattle have reached record highs. So, what considerations should producers have as they contemplate ownership options for beef cows and replacements in this market? How many heifer calves should they keep as replacements, or what can they afford to pay if they are purchasing replacements? Continue reading “Cost Considerations for Replacements”
