Note that the price relationships between the different types of veal calves were remarkably similar during 1979-1982. It appears that farmers can dramatically increase returns by marketing high-quality, heavier calves. The three example budgets in this bulletin represent typical production costs and returns. All three budgets use a birth weight of 95 pounds, the average birth weight of Wisconsin Holstein bull calves. These weight categories match those used by the Livestock Market Division of the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection.
Categories reflect the weights of calves marketed over several years.
The amounts of feed, feed costs, etc. used in the budgets are representative of a typical dairy farm. These figures should serve as general guidelines to help you determine your costs and returns. Refer to the worksheet directions for additional information. Return to management represents the expected return after all production costs, except management, are deducted. This covers all production costs, including labor and fixed costs.