Cost of Dairy Replacement Heifers
UW-Madison Extension Dairy Program
Cost of Dairy Replacement Heifers
Economic Costs and Labor Efficiencies Associated with Raising Dairy Herd Replacements on Wisconsin Dairy Farms and Custom Heifer Raising Operations
The cost of raising dairy calves and replacement heifers is very significant on Wisconsin dairy farms. Calculating the costs associated with raising dairy calves and heifers is an essential part of dairy business management. To augment individual dairy calf and heifer cost of production analysis, the dairy industry also requires a set of benchmark cost of production data in which individual business costs and labor and management efficiencies can be compared. The objective of this project was to evaluate the economic costs and labor efficiencies associated with raising dairy herd replacements on Wisconsin dairy farms and custom calf and heifer raising operations.
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Take the Survey
Thank you for your interest in learning more about the cost of raising heifers. This survey, conducted by the UW–Madison Division of Extension, is designed to collect real farm data to better understand the true cost of raising heifers and support more informed decision-making. By participating, you contribute to a statewide effort to build a more accurate and current economic picture of heifer development—information that will ultimately benefit individual farms as well as the broader Wisconsin dairy community.
In addition to supporting this important industry-wide benchmarking effort, participating farms receive direct value. The questionnaire takes approximately 20 minutes to complete, provided your expense information is available. Members of our Dairy Team are happy to meet you on-farm and work through the questions together.
Once the questionnaire is submitted, you will receive an analysis of your average cost per animal and where opportunities may exist. After our initial data collection period concludes (estimated April 1, 2026), you will also receive a summary report showing how your farm compares with other Wisconsin and Midwest operations. These insights can help guide decisions on labor, nutrition, facilities, culling, custom-raising arrangements, and the overall replacement strategy.
Beyond individual results, your participation helps Extension develop stronger, data-driven outreach tools, economic benchmarks, and decision-support resources that will be shared with farms statewide. The more producers who participate, the more accurate and useful these resources become for everyone.
Step 1: Contact Us
Would you like a free financial analysis report on your cost of heifer replacements?
Would you like to take the survey on your own?
Step 2: Assemble Your Information
Before meeting with a Dairy Program expert, to more easily complete the survey assemble the following information:
- Cost of labor — recorded separately for owner(s) and employees
- Death loss percentage (stillborn–48 hours, 3 days–weaning, heifer death loss)
- Estimated cost of feeds (milk replacer, colostrum, forages)
- Estimated cost of bedding
- Estimated cost of veterinary services
- Estimated cost of health products (boosters, vaccinations, probiotics, etc.)
- • Estimated cost of fuel and electricity (for calves and heifers separately)
- Estimated cost of housing (for calves and heifers separately)
- Estimated cost of equipment used (for calves and heifers separately)
- Daily cost of custom raising, if applicable
Step 3: Enter Your Information
During your on-farm meeting a Dairy Program expert will guide you through the process of completing the survey.
If you are taking the survey independently, take your time and follow the prompts for each section.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here, you’ll find answers to common questions about Cost of Dairy Replacement Heifers.
What is the purpose of this survey?
The survey, conducted by the UW–Madison Division of Extension, aims to collect real farm data to better understand the true cost of raising heifers. This information helps build accurate economic benchmarks and supports informed decision-making for Wisconsin dairy farms.
When will the summary report be available?
After the initial data collection period concludes (estimated April 1, 2026), participants will receive a summary report comparing their farm to others in the region.
How long does it take to complete the questionnaire?
The questionnaire takes about 20 minutes to complete, provided you have your expense information available.
Can someone help me complete the questionnaire?
Yes! The Extension Dairy Team is happy to meet on-farm and work through the questions with you. Contact us to get signed up ↗️.
How does my participation help the broader dairy community?
Your data contributes to a statewide effort to create accurate economic benchmarks and decision-support resources. The more producers who participate, the more useful these tools become for everyone in the Wisconsin dairy industry.
What benefits do participating farms receive?
By participating, farms receive:
- A summary report after the data collection period showing how their farm compares to other Wisconsin and Midwest operations. These insights can guide decisions on labor, nutrition, facilities, culling, and overall replacement strategies.m is ideal for:
- An analysis of their average cost per animal and potential areas for improvement.
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