As weaning season rolls around, cattle producers face two major decisions:

1.  how to market steer calves; and
2.  which heifer calves to keep as replacements.

While selecting bulls often gets the spotlight, with tools like expected progeny differences (EPDs) and dollar value indexes ($Values) guiding the way, choosing the right females is just as important.

In fact, developing replacement heifers is one of the most costly investments a cattle operation makes each year. Not to mention, in the cattle market we are experiencing this year, making the decision to keep additional replacement females without a plan may leave money on the table.

So, how do you make choices when the usual genetic tools aren’t available for commercial females? It probably starts with a mix of experience, cowboy logic and a few powerful resources.

Beyond looks

Most producers begin with the “eyeball test,” looking for heifers that are the right size, sound in structure and calm in temperament. These traits matter, especially when matching cattle to your specific environment.

However, relying on looks alone can be risky. A deeper dive into performance history and genetics can help ensure your replacements are built to last.

Look back to move forward

Before selecting your next group of replacement heifers, take time to reflect on past breeding decisions. Which bulls were chosen with replacement females in mind? Traits like heifer pregnancy (HP), mature cow weight (MW), docility (Doc), maternal calving ease (CEM), and milk production (Milk) can offer valuable insight into how those daughters might perform in your herd.

But these genetic traits are only part of the story. Pull out your performance records and look at the bigger picture. Which maternal lines have consistently produced cows that have stayed in the herd past age 5 or 6 while calving on schedule? These are the females that quietly drive long-term success — and their daughters are often your best candidates for replacements.

Keep goals in mind

Most importantly, remember your operation’s goals. Are you focused on retaining females for a self-replacing herd? Are you marketing calves at weaning, backgrounding them or finishing them out? Your replacement strategy should align with how you make money.

For example, if you sell calves at weaning, maternal traits like fertility, milk and docility may take priority. However, if you retain ownership through the feedlot, growth and carcass traits might carry more weight.

Every decision you make should support your long-term vision. Selecting replacements isn’t just about building next year’s cow herd — it’s about shaping the future of your entire operation.

Culling with purpose

Culling records are just as important as performance data. If a dam weans a good-looking heifer but was removed from the herd early due to poor udder quality or other structural issues, her daughter may not be a wise choice for replacement. Don’t let short-term appeal override long-term function.

Also, consider mature cow size. Bigger cows may look impressive, but they often require more feed and can reduce stocking rates.

Balance is key. Select females that are efficient, not just eye-catching.