by Taylor Grussing, South Dakota State University

Weaning time is here, and with that, the decision to retain or sell heifer calves is front and center. The cattle cycle continues to be strong for both steers and heifers compared to years past, and herd rebuilding is slow or yet to start in some regions. Record-low cow inventory has increased the value of all cattle, and this should continue until the rebuild occurs or consumer demand decreases. Therefore, the opportunity cost of retaining heifers is something to strongly consider before loading the truck. Regardless of selling or retaining heifers, there is opportunity to purchase bred females and increase the calves available to market next season in this strong market. Here are some ideas to think about when purchasing bred females.

First, consider what perks bred cows can bring to your herd and pay accordingly. Ask yourself these questions when determining what to pay for bred cows.

• Will the new females add value to the herd by improving genetics?
• Will females calve in a narrow window and complement your current calving season?
• Will these cows improve the current calving distribution?
• Does grass return on investment improve when it is being grazed by cow-calf pairs vs. replacement heifers?

Operational considerations

Purchasing bred females may allow one to maximize ranch productivity through new genetic programs. For example, buy crossbred females and enter them into a terminal breeding program. This set of females would maximize heterosis and provide a source of high-valued calves for sale each year. This increase in returns could fund the purchase of maternally focused replacement heifers or bred females as needed to maintain or expand the cow herd. The replacement rate in the crossbred cows should also be beneficial to herd maintenance, as increasing heterosis will improve reproductive efficiency and herd longevity.

If short-term investments are desired, cheap feed costs provide opportunity to custom-calve bred females or purchase bred females that will be offered for sale as pairs. Both options can be tailored to fit into an underutilized calving window and provide a fast return on investment if feed inventory and time exist. Check calving dates closely, and make sure adequate facilities and labor are available on the operation before purchasing. Follow a complete herd health plan and monitor calf health closely to have pairs ready to be moved around a month of age.

Purchase early-bred cows to increase the number of females calving early in the season and improve the herd calving distribution. According to the North Dakota State University (NDSU) CHAPS program, on average 60% of cows should calve in the first 21 days of the calving season. Increasing the number of cows that calve early in the season will increase the uniformity and weight of the calf crop come weaning, driving higher values when marketed. Calving earlier will also allow cows more time to return to estrus before breeding begins and improve early conception rates the next breeding season.

Lastly, pasture purchase and rental values are increasing nationwide. Therefore, maximizing pounds produced per acre can be improved by grazing cow-calf pairs on grass that would otherwise be reserved for replacement heifers that will not wean a calf for 18 months. Replacement heifers can be developed and bred efficiently in a drylot, providing another outlet to add value to cash crops through cattle.