Heifer replacement: a decision tool to determine if it is more economical to buy or raise your own replacement heifers

Abstract

In the production cycle of a cow-calf enterprise, the producer will face the decision of replacing their older cows. The producer deciding to replace older cows with heifers has the following options: raise their own replacement heifers, buy open heifers and breed them, or buy bred heifers. The options vary in price, timing, and expense. The tool created is a cost-effective analysis between the three options: buying bred, buying open, or raising their own heifers.