177: Culling Decisions That Could Save Your Operation Thousands

Culling isn’t just about removing cows — it’s about protecting profit. In this episode of the CattleUSA Daily Podcast, Lauren Moylan breaks down the economics behind herd management decisions, helping producers identify when it’s time to let certain cows go. From open or aging females to chronic health problems and rising feed costs, she explains how to make culling a strategic, data-driven decision instead of an emotional one. Whether you’re managing replacements or trying to stretch feed through winter, this episode will help you make smarter, more profitable choices for your operation.

Links

Watch on Youtube - https://youtu.be/FsIEN5O8DfY

CattleUSA Insurance - https://info.cattleusainsurance.com/l/1102253/2025-06-04/288f5m

⁠CattleUSA Website - https://www.cattleusa.com/

Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/cattleusamedia

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/cattleusa.media/

Subscribe to our newsletter - https://www.cattleusadrive.com/

CattleUSA Media - https://www.cattleusamedia.com/

Lauren’s Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/_laurenmoylan/

Lauren’s Youtube - https://www.youtube.com/@Showboatmediaco

The Next Generation Podcast Website - https://www.thenextgenag.com/

Takeaways

Culling is a vital economic decision in herd management.

Coal cows can account for 15-30% of total revenue.

Holding onto non-productive cows wastes resources.

Open cows are a primary candidate for culling.

Age and declining productivity affect cow efficiency.

Chronic health issues can signal the need for culling.

Calf performance is a key indicator of cow productivity.

Rising feed costs necessitate timely culling decisions.

Strategic culling involves setting target rates and tracking data.

Culling decisions should focus on profitability and efficiency.

culling, herd management, cow efficiency, economic decisions, cattle farming, profitability, cow-calf operations, feed costs, replacement heifers, market timing