Strategic cowherd destocking to promote future rebuilding

For many cow-calf operations in central and western Nebraska, significant culling may be required to match cow numbers to the forage available, not only for 2026, but also for the next few years. For operations that have spent generations building the type of cow they want, there is a strong commitment to retain a core of foundation females from which to rebuild the herd when it rains again.

Considerations and possible strategies to retain a core of females to rebuild a cowherd.

1. Conduct a comprehensive herd assessment