Restocking and herd rebuild

In this episode, Liam Baker livestock officer with North West local Land Sercices us to unpack one of the biggest seasonal and business decisions producers face after a tough run: when to destock, how far to go, and how to think about rebuilding when the season starts to turn.Following a large destock across parts of the region, many producers are now looking at what comes next. Rainfall may bring optimism, but rebuilding a herd or flock is not as simple as buying numbers back in. It requires a clear look at feed supply, cash flow, breeding priorities, market conditions and the long-term direction of the business.The episode looks at the difference between reacting to a season and making a planned decision. We talk through why destocking is often a necessary tool to protect core breeders, pasture base and business resilience. We also discuss the importance of knowing what class of stock should stay, what can go, and what the plan is before restocking begins.A key theme is rebuilding with purpose. Strong markets can make restocking expensive, so it is important to avoid chasing numbers for the sake of it. Instead, producers should focus on the type of livestock that best suits their feed base, labour, joining window, cash flow and long-term enterprise goals.We also touch on the seasonal shift currently being seen across parts of Northern NSW. Even where there has been useful rain, short days and falling soil temperatures mean pasture growth may not yet match what the green pick suggests. Producers still need to budget for a feed gap, particularly as nutritional demand rises with calving and lambing.Contacts:Max Newsome– for livestock advice– 0427 007 190Local Land Services - 1300 795 299DisclaimerThe information contained in this publication is based on knowledge and understanding at the time of recording (July 2026) and may not be accurate, current, or complete. The State of New South Wales (including Local Land Services), the author, guests, and the publisher take no responsibility and will accept no liability, for the accuracy, currency, reliability, or correctness of any information included in the podcasts (including material provided by third parties). Readers should make their own inquiries and rely on their own advice when making decisions related to the material contained in this publication.