Destocking is a prevalent practice during a drought. It is rarely easy and will still cost you most of the time. However, drought is a common consequence of ranching, so it will still need to be done. It is important to include plans for when droughts occur so producers are always prepared.
The object of making this decision is to preserve any potential forage growth when the rains come back. It requires maximizing the options available to you by keeping an eye on current and future forage supplies and animal demand. Making these choices early enough will be less severe than waiting too long.
Effective destocking requires a proactive approach. It’s crucial to align your overall goal with your guidelines. Now is the time to take a pragmatic look at your herd. Letting your personal views influence your decisions can end up costing you in the end. Here are some key considerations when looking at destocking:
