E290 Eliminate Dehorning Forever: Why 100% Polled Herds Outperform Gradual Adoption by $23 Per Head

This episode challenges the dairy industry's biggest financial mistake: gradual polled adoption. This explosive episode reveals why half-polled herds are bleeding money faster than fully horned operations and exposes the "transition trap" costing producers thousands annually.

Key Discussion Points

The $23 Per Head Economic Shock

• Direct dehorning costs: $17.36 per head in combined expenses
• Hidden costs: Treatment complications (1-8% vs 1-3% for polled cattle)
• The "half-polled trap": Paying premium genetics prices while still shouldering 50% dehorning costs
• 500-cow operation loses $8,600 annually from dehorning alone

Genetic Revolution Dismantles Old Excuses

• Elite polled sires now average $1,108 in Net Merit
• Cherry-Lily Luster-P: World's  ...