Culling Cattle in Times of Drought

Agricultural Division

Summer, 1998 - Agricultural specialists with The Noble Foundation in Ardmore,OK offer some tips to help cattle producers make the best decisions concerning their livestock during times of drought.

Culling Cattle in Times of Drought
After the forage inventory has been estimated and the decision has been made that a reduction in the size of the cowherd is necessary the following example may be helpful in deciding which classes of cattle to remove first. It is best to establish certain classes of cattle to be removed in phases. The decision to complete a de-stocking phase will be made on a one-two interval. The longer the period without rain and forage growth the more de-stocking phases that will need to be completed.

Phase 1
Seek out all possibilities of grass to lease locally.
Look regionally for any pasture to lease.

Phase 2
Sell all open cows.
Sell or wean all large calves and send to a custom care facility.
Sell or retain ownership and feed calves six-eight weeks of age.

Phase 3
Sell low or poor producers.
Sell older cows.
Sell non-conformers:

• cows calving late or irregularly.
• cows not uniform such as color, frame size, polled, etc.
• poor disposition.

Phase 4
Sell replacement quality cows through private treaty.
Cull based on:

• Genetics
• Age
• Disposition
• Color
• Breed

Advertise regionally.

Drought Survival Tips for Cattle Producers