How much does a cow cost in 2017? This is a tough question to answer since there are so many variables involved. Let’s start with the purchase price. According to the Cattlemen’s Beef Board and National Cattlemen’s Beef Association the average price for a slaughter-ready grade-A steer was $1287 in 2017. This is down from the record high of $1355 in 2015 but still up from the $1168 average in 2014.
There are a number of factors that go into this price including the age weight and quality of the animal. A heifer (female cow) that is younger and smaller will cost less than an older larger steer. The quality of the animal also affects the price. A steer that is graded Choice will fetch a higher price than one that is only graded Select.
So how much does it cost to raise a cow? The answer to this question also depends on a number of variables. The biggest factor is the cost of feed. According to the USDA the cost of feed per cow in 2017 was $619. This number can fluctuate quite a bit from year to year and even from month to month depending on the price of corn hay and other grains.
Other costs of raising a cow include:
Veterinary care
Minerals and supplements
Bedding
Transportation
Labor
These costs can range from a few hundred dollars to a few thousand dollars per year depending on the size and needs of the operation.
So what is the bottom line? How much does it cost to buy and raise a cow in 2017? The answer is: it depends. There are a number of factors that can affect the price from the size and quality of the animal to the cost of feed and other supplies.
How much does a cow cost in 2017?
On average a cow can cost anywhere from $1000-$2500.
How much does it cost to feed a cow per day?
It can cost up to $8 per day to feed an adult cow.
What do cows eat?
Cows are herbivores and their diet consists mainly of grass.
How much milk does a cow produce in a day?
A cow can produce approximately 8-11 gallons of milk per day.
How long does it take for a cow to reach maturity?
It takes a cow between two to three years to reach maturity.
How many calves does a cow have in her lifetime?
A cow can have between 12 to 15 calves in her lifetime.
How many years does a cow live?
A cow can live up to 20-25 years.
How much does a bull cost?
A bull can cost between $1500 to $4000.
How much does a heifer cost?
A heifer can cost between $750 to $2500.
What is the difference between a bull and a heifer?
A bull is a male cow that has not been castrated whereas a heifer is a female cow that has not yet had a calf.
How much does it cost to get a cow pregnant?
It can cost around $500 to get a cow pregnant.
How much is a pound of beef?
A pound of beef can cost between $4 to $5.
How many pounds of beef does a cow produce?
A cow can produce approximately 500-1000 pounds of beef.
How much does it cost to buy a cowherd?
A cowherd can cost around $10000.
How much does it cost to keep a cow?
It can cost around $600 to keep a cow.
