I just messaged my neighbor. He goes to a few sales a week.
Last time I saw some sell was about a year or so ago and I couldn’t believe they were bringing $400-600 bucks. Ain’t no way them things dollar out with the price of milk replacer at $90 something bucks a bag. We usually end up with a couple bottle calves a year and don’t expect them to make a dime but it gives the kids something to do. At one time we kept and old Holstein around for a nurse cow but keeping her wet at the right time was a pain in the butt.
The drought had herds being sold off. Ranchers were looking for replacement calves and drove prices ridiculous.
I was buying bottle calves for $25, during the drought. Weaned were $100.
Milk replacer was $120.
Went to pickup 2 weaned bull calves and guy loaded the 2 and run 6 bottle calves into the trailer. Said, "take em, I don't want them."
4 of us are going to start some weaned calves this spring to butcher and a couple to sell to offset feed.
Not looking to make a profit but to get some great beef for the freezer.