Raising beef cattle can be a fulfilling and potentially profitable endeavor for farmers and ranchers. However, before diving in, it’s important to understand the costs associated with purchasing and raising calves. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll break down calf prices, expenses, and factors that impact the bottom line when raising beef cattle.
Calf Purchase Prices
The first major expense when raising beef cattle is purchasing the calves themselves. Calf prices fluctuate based on supply, demand, and other market factors. Here are some typical price ranges:
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Newborn calves – $100 to $300 each. Newborn calves require extra care and have higher mortality rates.
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Weaned calves (4-10 months old) – $500 to $800 per head. Weaned calves are more stable and lower maintenance.
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Yearling calves (10-18 months old) – $800 to $1,200 per head. Older calves that have been weaned and wintered over.
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Calves sold by weight – $1.60 to $2.00 per pound. Heavier calves command higher total prices.
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Steers vs heifers – Steers typically cost $010 to $030 more per pound than heifers.
So generally, an older, heavier, weaned steer calf will be the most expensive type of calf to purchase The average 650 lb steer calf runs around $1,100 to $1,300 each
Recurring Expenses
In addition to the initial calf purchase price, there are ongoing expenses associated with raising beef cattle:
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Feed – The biggest recurring cost. Figure about 2-3% of body weight per day in dry feed. For a 500 lb calf that’s 10-15 lbs of feed daily.
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Veterinary care – Vaccines, dewormers, antibiotics, etc. Budget $15-30 per calf per month.
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Facilities/equipment – Barns, fencing, tractors, bailers, etc. Figure at least $50 per calf annually.
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Pasture rent – If you don’t own your own land, pasture rent will be a major expense. $20-60 per calf per month.
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Labor – Time spent feeding, penning, health checks. At least 2 hours per calf weekly.
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Miscellaneous – Transport, marketing, taxes, insurance, utilities. Budget $10-15 monthly per calf.
All in, recurring expenses often total $150 to $250+ per calf per month. The older calves get, the more they eat, and the higher the monthly costs.
Factors Impacting Calf Prices
Several variables influence the cost of purchasing calves:
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Age – Younger calves cost less but require more time and care. Older calves cost more.
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Weight – Heavier calves command higher prices as they yield more beef.
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Breed – Certain pedigrees like Angus or Hereford may fetch higher prices.
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Health – Robust, vaccinated calves justify higher prices than sickly ones.
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Gender – Steer calves cost more than heifer calves.
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Market conditions – Prices fluctuate based on overall beef demand and cattle inventories.
When calf prices are high, it’s tempting to expand herd size. But it’s critical to run the numbers and ensure expenses don’t outweigh revenues. Cost control and efficiency are key no matter the market conditions.
Final Takeaways on Calf Prices and Expenses
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Plan on spending $500 to $1,300+ per calf depending on age and weight.
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Ongoing monthly expenses tally $150 to $250+ per head.
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Pasture rent, feed, and veterinary care are typically the biggest recurring costs.
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Many variables like age, breed, and market factors impact calf pricing.
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Don’t overpay for calves based on market hype. Focus on efficient production.
With good planning and execution, raising beef cattle can be a rewarding endeavor both personally and financially. But it’s not an undertaking to enter lightly – be sure to do your homework on costs and have ample capital to get your operation off the ground.
FAQ
What is the average price of a beef calf?
It is an average of $140 per 100 pounds. A calf that weighs 500 pounds costs around $700. Compared to a heifer, a bred heifer costs more. A bred heifer can cost around $1,300.
How much is a 400 lb calf worth?
Quality Beef Calves: 300.00 to 550.00. Light & Poor Quality Calves: 50.00 & down. Beef Steers: Under 400 lbs: 150.00-205.00; 400 to 600 lbs: 140.00-192.50; 600 to 800 lbs: 140.00-182.50; Over 800 lbs: 125.00-151.00.
What is the average cost of a baby calf?
Prices will vary from $50 all the way up to $500 in extreme situations. An average price should be $150 unless there are other price factors. A good calf at a sale barn in May, could cost $300. Where do I get a newborn calf?
Is it worth raising your own beef?
How much does a beef calf cost?
When beef demand rises or supply tightens, prices typically increase. Overall, beef cows sell for anywhere from $500 for a newborn calf to over $3,000 for a top-quality, mature breeding cow. Read on for a more detailed breakdown. Newborn beef calves usually fetch between $500 and $1,000 at auction.
How much does a newborn beef calf cost?
Newborn beef calves usually fetch between $500 and $1,000 at auction. Higher-demand beef breeds like Angus may sell for prices exceeding $1,000 per head. Here are some of the main factors influencing calf prices: Breed – Angus calves often top sales. Other premium beef breeds like Hereford also sell well.
How much does a cow cost?
The average price of older calves is higher depending on their weight, running up to around $1,000. Bigger calves are more expensive because calves are typically sold by weight, meaning a larger cow costs more than a smaller cow.
How much does a bull cost per calf?
On average (key emphasis), his useful life will be three years. (Some bulls work much longer but others fail to ever service a cow.). Last, we’ll suppose he sires 25 calves per year. That works out to ~$40/calf. Conservatively assume it costs roughly $1250 annually to maintain a bull – that equates to $50/calf. Total assigned cost = $90/calf
Are dairy calves cheaper than beef?
On the whole, dairy calves tend to be cheaper than those raised for beef (with the exception of Jersey calves as they produce the creamiest, highest-quality milk for human consumption there is!). Let’s look at what sets apart both cattle types and the average calf prices at market.
How much does a beef heifer cost?
Heifers are adolescent female cows that have not yet produced a calf but are nearing breeding maturity. Beef heifers commonly sell for between $1,000 to $2,000 per head. Notable pricing factors include: Age – Older, larger heifers sell for higher prices than younger ones. Weight – Heavier heifers sell for increased prices per pound and per head.