Boost your dairy’s income with beef breeding

By Scout Nelson

Incorporating beef into their operations allows today's dairy farmers to make considerable earnings and provide milk, cheese, and butter. Farmers are being forced to carefully assess their beef-on-dairy mating tactics due to the high value of these calves, with week-old calves selling for almost $1,000 in some locations. Selecting the best beef semen can drive up these already exorbitant costs.

Robert Weber, professor and department head at the Eastern Kansas Research and Extension Center at Kansas State University, outlines three crucial considerations for dairy farmers when selecting semen for their beef-on-dairy programs:

Understand Industry Dynamics: As market conditions and consumer preferences evolve, it’s essential for producers to align their beef-on-dairy breeding programs with current and future market demands.

Partnering with genetics consultants, using specialized mating decision tools, and staying updated on industry trends are key steps to making informed decisions. Weber emphasizes the importance of understanding the latest research and selection indexes tailored for beef-on-dairy pairings, which have become increasingly refined in recent years.

Map It Out: Breeding decisions should reflect the broader goals of the farm. Weber advises farmers to consider their specific breeding objectives, whether they focus on maximizing milk production, ensuring high fertility, or enhancing beef traits like growth rates and carcass quality. If the goal is to produce beefier calves with better market potential, selecting beef semen is a strategic choice.

Evaluate Traits: When making mating decisions, both sire and dam traits should be carefully considered. Weber points out that advancements in breeding practices now allow producers to select beef traits that complement the genetic potential of Holstein and Jersey cows, optimizing marbling and consistency. It’s crucial to establish criteria for selecting suitable dams, considering factors like calving history, genetic merit, and production records, to ensure the most profitable crossbreeding outcomes.

By integrating these strategies into their operations, dairy farmers can maximize the value of their beef-on-dairy programs, enhancing both profitability and sustainability.

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