Reproductive management is the profit engine of the dairy. A strong reproductive program delivers a steady pipeline of replacements, providing flexibility in herd management decisions. A subpar system is a profitability drag on the dairy, resulting in longer lactations, reduced milk production and the purchase of replacement heifers.

Are you interested in making an extra $60 per heifer? What kind of difference would that make to your bottom line? Many dairies I work with have the opportunity to reduce heifer-raising costs by at least $60 per head. On some operations, potential savings is even higher. Dairies that routinely achieve pregnancy rates of 20 percent or higher in the milking herd often find their heifers are calving for the first time at 25 months old or later. That extra month beyond the recommended 24 months at first calving adds around $60 in feed costs alone, in addition to other costs associated with housing, labor and so forth.

Imagine if your tank average dropped by 15 percent one month. Or you had to dump 15 percent of your milk each pick-up. Think of that impact on your bottom line. Dairy producers may find themselves in a similar situation if they don’t practice food safety as actively with cull cows as they are with milk. Cull cows and bull calves can represent between 10 to 15 percent of gross farm income, according to most industry statistics. So while not as significant as the milk check, revenue from cull cows is an important income stream, and steps should be taken to protect it.