Until recently, raising all heifer calves to breeding age or calving and selling them was not profitable. Using the concept of genomics, lower-ranking females in the herd have been bred to beef sires, resulting in a new profit center for many farms. Finally, we are learning to appreciate that the better we raise our heifer calves, the healthier they are, and they produce more milk during their first and later lactations.

I graduated college thinking I had learned everything I would need to know to be successful in a career in animal science. My first job as a calf-raising manager on a large calf ranch showed me that was far from the truth. I’m not saying college didn’t prepare me. It’s that I never would have expected to fail as much as I did.

In this episode, Taylor Wolfe, territory sales representative with DBC Ag Products, shares how we can navigate the challenges of calf raising to grow healthy, productive calves. She’ll share her perspective on what she sees and hears as she visits calf raisers across the Northeast.

Les veaux et génisses d'aujourd'hui forment le futur de votre troupeau laitier. Dorloter les remplaçants n'est pas seulement un bon choix; c'est essentiel pour la santé et la productivité à long terme de nos troupeaux.

Today’s calves and heifers will be your future milking herd. Pampering our replacements is not only the right choice, it's essential for the long-term health and productivity of our herds.