DairyTalk 457: A $40,000 Problem: Are Dairy Farms Still Underestimating Calf Losses? - by Helmut Demmelhuber

DairyTalk by Helmut Demmelhuber · May 31, 2026 · 22m

This podcast episode examines the economic consequences of calf mortality during a period of historically high replacement heifer values. The featured analysis explains how even modest pre-weaning losses can now translate into tens of thousands of dollars in annual financial damage for dairy farms. Particular attention is given to colostrum management, nutrition quality, and clearly defined responsibilities within calf-rearing protocols, areas where outdated routines may quietly erode profitability. The article also argues that ongoing heifer shortages are fundamentally changing how calf…