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Replacement heifers – Money, management, and momentum

September 18, 2019

Do you raise your own heifers? Or do you prefer to purchase your replacements? Regardless of your choice, developing heifers costs money and requires careful management. Ideally, replacement heifers will go on to become long-term producers in the herd sothoughtful selection is critical. “Each producer has different resources and goals when they make the decision of whether they want to buy or retain heifers,” said Kathy Larson, a University of Saskatchewan economist. “Part of that decision needs to involve cost of production,” she advised during a recent BCRC webinar. Survey data shows that approximately 80% of producer respondents retain heifers, but Larson said the choice will be different for each producer and can vary from year to year. The following table outlines some key considerations between purchasing and retaining heifers. Table 1. A compariso....
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On-Farm Antimicrobial Surveillance Moves a Step Closer

September 17, 2019

Do you raise your own heifers? Or do you prefer to purchase your replacements? Regardless of your choice, developing heifers costs money and requires careful management. Ideally, replacement heifers will go on to become long-term producers in the herd sothoughtful selection is critical. “Each producer has different resources and goals when they make the decision of whether they want to buy or retain heifers,” said Kathy Larson, a University of Saskatchewan economist. “Part of that decision needs to involve cost of production,” she advised during a recent BCRC webinar. Survey data shows that approximately 80% of producer respondents retain heifers, but Larson said the choice will be different for each producer and can vary from year to year. The following table outlines some key considerations between purchasing and retaining heifers. Table 1. A compariso....
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