Bred Heifer Prices?

[ALLFARMER]

Ya and 123 cows so we've got your quaint little
stump ranch beat. With a little rain next year well
add another 50 or 60. How's you expansion plans
or more like retirement plans?

[grassfarmer]

That's why you'll never make a go in the beef
business Allfarmer - your math aren't good enough.
You are well behind but you think your ahead, maybe
thats what makes you confuse profit and loss and
what's a viable proposition and what isn't?

[ASRG]

Allfarmer: They are bred 1000 lb. hfrs. $1350 is $1.35 lb.?
Feedlot buyers aren't going to pay $1.35 lb. for an obviously bred heifer. They might pay about $1-$1.05? Too much trouble to knock the calf out of her and poor gains? You've seen it, I'm sure? A heifer comes through the auction sale that is obviously in calf and right away she's not worth anything to the feedlot buyers....unless the price is right!....and those old buyers can "preg check" an animal by eye....probably as good as most vets!

[smcgrath76]

There is a difference between asking
price and selling price. With the value
of feed grains right now I don't think a
bred heifer at $1600 is a good deal at
all. There are still a lot of pretty
good cows on the move in the US at a
discounted price. That will put a bit
of a lid on bred prices. Additionally
this XL closure limits the escape plan
if a heifer aborts or otherwise loses a
calf. Until that is cleared up I can't
see breds going through the roof.
A lot of the bred heifers were bought
high and must be sold high, but that
don't necessarily mean the stars will
align. I think a good focus on cost
containment and a long term attitude are
probably still the best strategy.