A cow must be sold while she is healthy enough to receive money from a cull sale. The exception to this would be upgrading to a higher producing, more profitable cow. The decision to cull a cow should be based on productivity and profitability, not emotion and attachment. Most western ranches cull cows between the ages of eight and ten. Culling age is mostly dependent on the type of environment, management for that environment, how well the cow is matched to the environment, and management objectives.
Salvage value is influenced by age and body condition of the cull cow as well as seasonal supply.
The bulk of cull cows hit the market during the months of October, November, and December after fall processing and pregnancy testing. Producers are almost guaranteed to get the bottom of the market if they sell during these times. By adding value to the cull cow, producers can increase the purchasing power for replacements. Retaining ownership on cull cows and feeding them for 45 to 60 days in a custom feed yard, is one option open to cattlemen. Young, open thin cows perform extremely well on a high concentrate ration and often times grade on the rail.