Dairy Heifer Planning Budget

Editor’s note
The following abstract describes a publication that is only available as a downloadable PDF.

See the Dairy Budgets workbook (XLSX) for related information.

Ryan Milhollin
Associate Extension Professor, Agricultural Business and Policy

Scott Poock
Extension Professor, Veterinary Medicine and Surgery

Stacey Hamilton
Extension Specialist, Animal Sciences

Reagan Bluel
Field Specialist in Dairy

Abstract

Using this planning budget, farmers raising dairy heifers may estimate their costs and returns for 2027. Table 1 presents estimates for dairy calves purchased at birth, bred, and sold at 24 months in Missouri. Assumptions were based on price forecasts in October 2026. Inputs and feed requirements are summarized in Tables 2 and3. Use the “Your estimate” column to plan your operation’s costs and returns for 2027.

Topics

• Dairy heifer
• Farm budget

Pages

• 2