Market price differences between beef-dairy-cross calves and dairy bull calves from Kentucky and Pennsylvania auctions

ABSTRACT Objective Our objectives were to determine price dif-ferences between (1) dairy bull calves and beef-dairy-cross bull calves, (2) dairy bull calves and beef-dairy-cross heifer calves, and (3) beef-dairy-cross bull calves and beef-dairy-cross heifer calves. Materials and Methods Three auction reports con-taining data of beef-dairy-cross bull calves, beef-dairy-cross heifer calves, and dairy (primarily Holstein) bull calves sold in Kentucky and Pennsylvania from 2020 through 2025 were analyzed for yearly price differences between each breed × sex contemporary (n = 3) and location. Data available from the Pennsylvania auction were separated by feeder calf grade, with Number 1 and Number 2 calf data included and Number 3 and Number 4 calf data excluded from the analysis. Results and Discussion Across all 3 reports beef-dairy-cross bull calves demanded a greater average price ($/head) compared with dairy bull calves across all years studied, with the greatest price difference realized in 2025. However, with average mean prices increasing from 2020 to 2025, the percentage difference between the price of beef-dairy-cross bull calves and dairy bull calves decreased from 282% in 2020 and settled at 29% to 38% in 2025. Beef-dairy-cross heifer calves followed similar trends, with price premiums for the beef-dairy-cross animals increas-ing over the study period in absolute terms but decreas-ing from highs of 239% in 2020 to 17% to 32% in 2025. Beef-dairy-cross bull calves demanded a greater average price compared with beef-dairy-cross heifer calves across most years. When comparing beef-dairy-cross heifer calves and beef-dairy-cross bull calves, they had smaller price differences, with percentage differences being 4% to 11% in 2025. Implications and Applications Beef-dairy-cross bull calves have demanded a premium price compared with dairy bull calves and beef-dairy-cross heifer calves over the last 6 yr; however, the percentage difference has decreased in recent years. This analysis used the limited data avail-able, but more frequent and robust data are needed for a deeper analysis.