Some dairymen are looking for ways to grow their herd, while others are concerned about maintaining herd size. Yet, all producers are concerned about generating revenue and maximizing profit on their farm business.

A beef-on-dairy program is designed to maximize revenue and profit from the total calves born on a dairy, regardless of operation size. The program is based on total replacement females needed and the opportunity to obtain premium dollar from the dairy or crossbred calves that are born.

Implementing a beef-on-dairy program can be fairly simple. The dairy’s management team begins by involving genetic experts who analyze the operation and discuss the farm’s genetic goals.

During this evaluation process, a calf inventory calculator will typically be utilized. This tool uses herd reproduction information and semen usage (i.e., conventional dairy, sexed dairy and beef semen) and projects potential calf inventories. Some can even project the return value in dollars to the producer when implementing a beef-on-dairy program.

When a dairy moves forward with a beef-on-dairy program, a genetic specialist works with the dairy and utilizes a mating program to select top genetics for the herd. Many dairies will also utilize genomic testing on either all or part of the herd. This information is then incorporated into the mating program, which can give a more accurate picture of the herd’s genetics.

With the beef-on-dairy program, there is flexibility in how the dairy operation wants to use the system. Breeding top cows and heifers to elite bulls with sexed semen improves genetics returning to the herd. On the same token, dairies select less profitable cows to be bred to beef, with the resulting animals being sold for beef.

When the resulting crossbred calves are born, the farmer has full control if they want to sell the animals on day one or grow the calves to a certain level until marketing. Each option can give the farmer added value to his or her farm.

Some may choose to sell the calf on day one because they do not have the space or cash flow to feed the calf to finish. Other farmers that have the space, time and money may choose to keep the calf and feed it until marketing, either as a feeder calf or to full market weight to receive a higher premium.

Crossing beef genetics into dairy calves can help add value to bull calves and non-replacement heifers. The beef industry desires top-quality animals for feed efficiency and carcass merit.

The beef-on-dairy program can assist producers to increase their bottom lines. It is important to have a marketing plan for your dairy and beef cattle. When you use the right beef-on-dairy program, you can maximize profit with each calf born on your farm. PD

• Kate Welter

• Communications Coordinator
• Accelerated Genetics