Price trends during 1979-1982 for selected types of veal and replacement calves are shown in Figs. These general budgets can be modified to fit your farm conditions. The break-even tables will help determine the most profitable production strategy during any given period of time. Table 1 shows market prices needed to cover all production costs while Table 2 shows breakeven prices necessary to cover only variable costs. Price Trends Analysis of data from the Livestock Market Division, Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection suggests that prices for veal and replacement bull calves usually peak in late spring, decline during the summer and reach their lowest levels in the early winter months.
Prices appear to be influenced in part by the cropping season.
Apparently, many producers delay marketing surplus calves when they are busy with field work, planting or harvest. As a result, prices tended to increase slightly when fewer calves were marketed and decreased later when more calves were sold. The low prices during the winter months probably reflected higher death losses among calves purchased during this time. 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.