Dr. Jerad Jaborek: Beef-on-Dairy Calf Prices | Ep. 20

In this episode of The Beef Nutrition Blackbelt Podcast, Dr. Jerad Jaborek from Michigan State University examines market prices for newborn beef-on-dairy crossbred calves and straightbred dairy calves. He explains how tight cattle inventories and strong feeder demand drove calf values higher from 2020 through 2025, why percentage premiums have narrowed, and how breed type and calf sex affect pricing. He also discusses what a future beef herd rebuild could mean for these values. Listen now on all major platforms!

"Limited cattle inventory can strengthen demand for newborn calves, pushing beef dairy cross prices higher when feedlots compete for available feeder cattle."

 Click here to read the full research articles:

Market price differences between beef-dairy-cross calves and dairy bull calves from Kentucky and Pennsylvania auctions

Effects of corn silage inclusion rate in the finishing diet on performance, carcass characteristics, and liver abscess incidence of Holstein and Beef × Holstein steers.

Meet the guest: Dr. Jerad Jaborek is a Beef Feedlot Systems Extension Educator at Michigan State University. Dr. Jaborek earned a Ph.D. and a master’s degree in Animal Sciences from The Ohio State University. His research helps producers understand how biological performance and changing cattle markets influence feeding and purchasing decisions. Learn more from Dr. Jerad Jaborek on The Beef Nutrition Blackbelt Podcast, available on all major platforms.

Liked this one? Don’t stop now — Here’s what we think you’ll love!

What will you learn: 

• (00:00) Highlight
• (01:12) Introduction
• (02:09) Study purpose
• (03:28) Calf price trends
• (05:22) Breed differences
• (08:06) Crossbred heifers
• (09:34) Market outlook
• (11:29) Closing thoughts

The Beef Nutrition Blackbelt Podcast is trusted and supported by the innovative companies:

* Pro Earth Animal Health

- DietForge

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