dairy crossbreeding - Page 1

From the experts: A genetic planning guide for dairy producers

To create a successful genetic plan for your herd, establish a baseline, create a strategy and stick to it.

May 14, 2026

Progressive Dairy interviewed genetic experts from across the industry with one goal in mind: to arm you with the knowledge and questions needed to make an effective genetic plan.

The F1 conversation: Why or why not?

Though F1 animals can be valuable to your operation, there are limitations to breeding F1 bulls to F1 cows. Rather than utilizing F1 animals in your milking herd, consider using F1 animals to your advantage as a terminal beef-on-dairy animal.

June 18, 2025

Adrianne Trennepohl

In recent years, dairy crossbreeding has been a topic of conversation because it presents the opportunity to create a cow in one generation that is more efficient, makes fewer trips to the hospital pen and possesses better fertility. While the benefits of dairy crossbreeding can positively impact your herd, it does take the management of a focused genetic plan to incorporate.

An open mind keeps ten Brummelhuis Dairy innovating

An Alberta dairy farm innovates by crossbreeding cattle for durability and efficiency and using regenerative agricultural practices to create a resilient, productive operation.

April 23, 2025

Matti McBride

The colour “mocha” isn’t one used to describe dairy cattle very often, but it’s one of the many coat colours you might see at ten Brummelhuis Dairy in Olds, Alberta. In addition to crossbreeding, the farm embraces regenerative agriculture and produces milk organically.

An analytical approach: Three trends in the A.I. industry

This article explores three recent trends in the U.S. cattle semen industry, along with the potential disadvantages of these changes.

August 8, 2024

Sophie Eaglen

The cattle semen industry is undergoing significant changes, driven by the intersection of technology, market demands and innovative reproductive practices. Statistics from the National Association of Animal Breeders (NAAB) highlight ongoing and emerging trends.

Prepare for future beef-on-dairy markets

Market forces have created excellent opportunities for dairy-beef crossbred calves today. Is your dairy prepared for future market swings?

June 12, 2024

Jeremy Howard

Dairy farmers are reaping the benefits of current high prices for dairy-beef crossbred calves thanks to historically lower cattle placements and strong beef demand. It is not unusual for day-old calves to bring $600 to $700 or more, significantly more than full dairy calves.

Why are dairy-beef crosses so prominent right now?

The beef-on-dairy phenomenon seems to be here to stay. It’s worth looking at some of the industry dynamics that have led to the dramatic growth of this part of the national beef herd.

July 20, 2023

Zeb Gray

In recent years, the dairy industry has witnessed a significant rise in the number of beef cross calves being born. This emerging trend of crossbreeding dairy cows with beef bulls at a large scale has not been a linear process.

Maximizing the beef-on-dairy paycheque

Although they aren’t destined for the milking parlour, beef-on-dairy calves should still be set up for success like replacement heifers. Proper nutrition and care from day one all contribute to a better beef animal.

June 29, 2023

Dale Miller

Beef-on-dairy calves are an investment. These calves should be treated just as well as a heifer calf that will be raised for the dairy. A poor-quality, unhealthy calf not only hurts your bottom line, it also jeopardizes your reputation as a quality calf supplier.

Leading the Way: Building on success

July 19, 2021

Katie Coyne

In rural western New York, just south of Buffalo, Isaac Folts rises each day before school to head out to the barn to do chores. Unlike most youth, Isaac, who is 15, heads out to his own barn.

Norwegian Red overcomes inbreeding

June 30, 2021

Inbreeding in dairy cattle remains a struggle for the dairy industry, and with the intensive use of genomics; inbreeding is growing faster than ever in many breeds. Increases in inbreeding lowers production and has a detrimental effect by increasing stillbirths, reducing cow fertility, reducing disease resistance, and shortening herd life.