Beef-on-Dairy & Terminal Cross Programs

The Beef-on-Dairy Revolution

Beef-on-dairy programs have transformed how dairy farms manage reproduction and generate calf value. By using beef genetics on lower-genetic-merit dairy cows, farms produce crossbred calves worth significantly more than purebred dairy bull calves while focusing dairy genetics on their best animals.

Why Beef-on-Dairy?

Economic Benefits

• Crossbred calves worth $100-400+ more than dairy bull calves
• Focus dairy genetics on top cows for replacements
• Use sexed semen on best heifers and cows
• Reduce unwanted dairy heifer calves

Industry Trends

• Strong beef demand drives crossbred calf values
• Feedlots increasingly accept well-managed crosses
• Genetic improvements in both dairy and beef sides
• Better calving ease with appropriate sire selection

Genetics Strategy

Sire Selection

• Calving ease: Critical for heifer and cow safety
• Birth weight: Match to dam size
• Growth and carcass traits: For calf value
• Popular breeds: Angus, Limousin, Belgian Blue, Simmental

Dam Selection

• Lower genomic ranking cows for beef breeding
• Cows that won't be kept for replacement production
• Animals with reproduction or health issues

Marketing Crossbred Calves

Channels

• Direct sales to feedlots
• Calf ranches and backgrounders
• Auction markets with feeder sales
• Marketing programs with premiums

Value Factors

• Genetics and breed composition
• Health status and vaccination programs
• Age and weight at sale
• Lot size and uniformity

Program Management

• Identify cows for beef breeding based on genomics
• Track pregnancies and calving for breed identification
• Manage calving ease risk appropriately
• Develop market relationships for consistent sales

Cost Considerations

Premium beef semen costs $15-30+ per straw. The value increase in calves—often $200-400 per head—far exceeds additional semen cost. Consider total program economics including genomic testing, sexed semen on top animals, and marketing efforts.