ClimateAugust 23, 2026
destocking
dee-STOK-ing
Definition
The act of reducing the number of livestock on a farm, typically by selling animals, to manage resources during periods of drought or feed scarcity.
Etymology
Derived from the prefix 'de-', meaning to remove or reverse, added to 'stock', which refers to farm animals. The term has been used in agricultural contexts since the 20th century to describe proactive herd management.
In the news
Farmers are advised to prioritize livestock for destocking early in response to predicted El Niño conditions, ensuring remaining animals are properly fed during the anticipated dry spell.
Fire crews, farmers preparing as NZ gears up for intense El Niño
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