With calf prices at record highs, it’s more important than ever for producers to capture top dollar for every calf sold— without leaving money on the table. But which traits actually return the most value per head, and which are worth the upfront investment? What beef breeds produce the highest-performing dairy-cross calves with the most valuable carcasses? These questions and more will be discussed at the upcoming Beef x Dairy Insights program, held July 15, 16, and 17 in three Minnesota locations.
UMN Extension and the Minnesota Dairy Initiative invite all dairy producers, calf growers, and industry professionals involved in beef-sired calf decision- making to attend a session in their area.
UMN Dairy Extension Specialist Dr. Brad Heins will present findings from his latest research evaluating the impact of various beef sire breeds on preweaning performance, carcass traits, meat quality, and economic return. He will also share results from previous studies on early calf health management and its long-term effects. UMN Beef Educator Melissa Runck will cover how to select beef sires for more profitable dairy-cross matings, including market trends, outlooks, and return-on-investment considerations across different marketing scenarios.
Each program location will feature a local presenter covering topics such as early calf nutrition, optimizing value at auction, or effective management strategies for raising beef x dairy cross calves.
Date & Location:
• Thursday, July 17 – Stonehouse Supper Club, 123 West Main St W, Pipestone, MN 56164
Schedule:
• Social/Registration: 6:30 – 7:00 p.m.
• Dinner: 7:00 – 7:30 p.m.
• Presentations & Discussion: 7:30 – 8:30 p.m.
Please pre-register at the link below, or by calling the Pipestone County Extension Office at 507-825-1190. Thanks to generous sponsor support, this program is free to attend. A special thank you to Ag Partners, American Foods, Central Livestock, Haas Livestock, Plainview Milk Products, and Jasper Soy for their support of this program.
Registration Link:
https://z.umn. edu/2025BeefDairyInsights For more information, visit https://extension.umn.edu/ beef/beef-events for more information or contact Matti Boomgaarden by phone at, Murray County:507-836-1143 Pipestone: 507-825-1193 or by email at boomg022@umn.edu.
