E1190 Where Will Tomorrow’s Dairy Herds Come From? U.S. Farmers Navigate Historic Heifer Crisis

Key Points Discussed:

1. Current State of the U.S. Dairy Industry

• Heifer inventory at 47-year low: 3.914 million head

• Springer prices exceeding $4,000 per head

• 70% of dairies now breeding to beef bulls

2. Beef-Dairy Crossbreeding Trend

• Economic benefits: Beef-cross calves selling for $1,200+

• Long-term risks: Depleting future dairy herd replacements

• Strategies: Sexed semen for top cows, beef bulls for lower tiers

3. HPAI (Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza) Impact

• 18% less milk production in first lactation for affected heifers

• 9% of exposed heifers showing ovarian scarring

• Regional variations in impact on conception rates and puberty onset

4. Regional Challenges

• California: Severe water shortages, high culling rates

• Texas: ...