Beef on Dairy

While dairy producers are rapidly embracing the concept of using beef semen to freshen their cows, the resulting crossbred calves are proving both a valuable opportunity and a challenge for the U.S. beef industry.

According to a recent article, meat is underpriced—but not in the way producers might hope. There is a “social cost” being ignored, researchers say.

Farmers and ranchers raising calves now have access to the free Calf Care and Quality Assurance (CCQA) program online. Certification through CCQA helps ensure optimal calf health and welfare.

One of the first lessons Penn State’s Tara Felix tries to teach newbie dairy beef feeders is that cattle raised for beef need grain, not forage.

Breeding a subset of the dairy herd to beef sires is a growing trend in the U.S. dairy business.

Simply producing a black calf if not enough if the dairy industry wants to make permanent inroads into successful crossbreeding.