A dairy cow’s age when culled can vary depending on several factors. It is in everyone’s best interest for the cows to remain in the milking herd for as long as possible.

Dairy cows are generally culled at the end of their productive life, which can vary depending on several factors such as the cow’s ability to produce milk, health issues or challenges brought on by extreme seasonal conditions—such as drought or flood—when feed availability becomes limited. 

From a sustainability and economic standpoint, it is in everyone's best interest—farmer, animal, and industry—for cows to remain in the milking herd for as long as possible. Young dairy cows represent a significant upfront investment, as they do not begin producing milk until around two years of age. The longer a healthy, productive cow remains in the herd, the more efficient and responsible the farming operation.