DairyTalk 533: High Replacement Rates Are Not Inevitable: Lessons from Top Dairy Farms - by Helmut Demmelhuber

DairyTalk by Helmut Demmelhuber · Jul 11, 2026 · 22m

This podcast episode is based on a technical article examining the economic importance of replacement rate management in modern dairy herds. At the center of the discussion is why cow longevity often has a greater impact on profitability than short-term increases in production. The article explains that many cows generate their greatest economic return during the third lactation and beyond, making premature culling an expensive loss of rearing investment. It also explores how genetics, herd health, and consistent management work together to extend productive life and improve overall herd…