Education

School’s Out, Farm Safety Is In

Thu, 28 May 2026 16:41:56 GMT

School’s out, which means a lot more kids and teenagers will be helping around the farm this summer. For many farm families, summer also brings more hired help onto farms, including teenagers who may not have grown up around livestock, machinery or day-to-day farm work.

While farm kids often become comfortable around equipment and chores at a young age, familiarity can sometimes make people overlook risks. For youth with little agricultural experience, those risks can be even greater. Farms remain busy worksites filled with hazards many other jobs do not have, from large animals and machinery to heat stress and chemical exposure.

The National Children’s Center for Rural and Agricultural Health and Safety (NCCRAHS) encourages farms to match jobs with a child’s age, experience and physical ability. Tasks adults handle every day can quickly become dangerous when youth take on work beyond their skill level.

The following safety reminders can help farms prepare young workers for a safer and more productive summer on the operation.

Supervision and Training

A lot of farm tasks become second nature for adults, which can make it easy to forget how unfamiliar they may feel to younger workers. Whether it’s a child helping after school or a hired teenager spending their first summer on a farm, taking extra time to walk through jobs and explain possible risks can go a long way.

Assign chores appropriate for the youth’s age and ability
Provide adult supervision based on the task and experience level
Demonstrate tasks before youth attempt them
Have youth safely complete a task several times before working alone
Encourage questions when youth are unsure how to handle a situation
Inspect work areas for hazards before work begins

Equipment and Clothing

Equipment and facilities also deserve a close look before youth begin working. Guards, shields and ventilation systems should be working properly, and adults should inspect work areas for hazards beforehand. Loose clothing, untied hair and improper footwear can also increase injury risk around machinery and livestock.

Ensure machinery is mechanically sound with guards and shields in place
Make sure ventilation systems are functioning properly
Require gloves, eye protection, hearing protection, or masks when needed
Avoid loose clothing and drawstrings around equipment
Require non-slip shoes or boots and tied-back hair

Heat and Health Precautions

Long hours in the heat can quickly lead to dehydration or heat exhaustion, especially for younger workers eager to keep up with adults. Having water nearby, scheduling breaks and teaching youth how to recognize warning signs can help prevent dangerous situations.

Keep drinking water close to the work area
Provide regular rest and stretch breaks
Teach youth to recognize heat exhaustion and hypothermia symptoms
Maintain clean handwashing and bathroom facilities
Train youth to clean and sanitize PPE and clothing after work

Animal and High-Risk Tasks

Livestock handling is another area requiring extra attention. Even calm animals can react unpredictably, particularly in stressful situations or unfamiliar environments. Experts recommend reserving work involving aggressive or unpredictable animals for older, experienced individuals.

Keep youth away from dangerous or unpredictable animals
Reserve work involving bulls, boars, or animals with newborns for older youth
Limit ladder and elevated work to older, trained individuals
Keep exceptionally dangerous tasks reserved for adults, including:
- Working in manure pits
- Working around flowing grain
- Using chainsaws
- Handling pesticides or hazardous chemicals

Summer on the farm often creates some of the best memories for kids and teenagers. But while the work can be rewarding and fun, farms are still busy worksites where accidents can happen quickly. Taking extra time to slow down, explain tasks and keep safety top of mind can help make sure summer stays productive, positive, and safe for everyone involved.

Practical Nutrition Strategies to Maintain Rumen Health in Weaned Calves

Wed, 27 May 2026 15:00:59 GMT

At weaning, calves are suddenly introduced to new feeds, new environments and new feeding behaviors — all while the rumen microbial population tries to adapt to completely different nutrient sources. Many of the problems that show up after weaning, including inconsistent gains, digestive upset, acidosis and increased disease susceptibility, can often be traced back to instability within the rumen and lower gastrointestinal tract.

Greg Eckerle, technical services manager with Novonesis, says one of the biggest challenges is managing the transition away from forage-heavy diets without overwhelming the rumen too quickly.

“They’ve been on a high-forage diet, and we’re going to start introducing feedstuffs like corn, distillers grain, gluten feeds,” Eckerle explains.

Rapid dietary changes alter fermentation patterns, disrupt microbial populations and create inconsistent feed intake patterns that can become difficult to correct once calves begin cycling through digestive setbacks.

What Early Rumen Dysfunction Looks Like in Weaned Calves

Identifying early signs of digestive instability remains critical during the first weeks after weaning.

Early warning signs of rumen instability may include:

Loose or bubbling manure
Gray-colored feces
Mild bloat
Reduced bunk attendance
Sluggish behavior
Inconsistent intake patterns
Calves isolating themselves from the group

Eckerle notes manure consistency is the first indicator he watches for when evaluating calf gut health during transitions. In some situations, calves may need to be temporarily pulled back onto a higher-forage ration to stabilize rumen function before resuming the transition process.

How Gradual Feed Transitions Support Rumen Adaptation in Weaned Calves

Eckerle emphasizes maintaining high-quality forage early in the weaning period remains one of the best ways to stabilize intake and support rumen adaptation.

“Alfalfa is still probably one of the best weaning forages out there,” he says. Alfalfa offers high protein, vitamins and minerals that support rumen development and growth.

While calves may eventually transition toward more energy-dense rations, gradually introducing those ingredients gives microbial populations time to adapt to increasing starch levels and changing fermentation patterns. According to Eckerle, that process should happen slowly rather than through abrupt ration changes.

“It’s going to be about a 10- to 14-day process where we’re slowly moving those animals forward,” he says.

He also notes the importance of ration consistency. Newly weaned calves are highly capable of sorting feed ingredients, often selecting more palatable concentrates while avoiding longer forage particles. Maintaining appropriate chop length, forage quality and bunk consistency can help reduce slug feeding behavior and support more stable fermentation.

Emerging Understanding of Gut Health and Acidosis in Weaned Calves

When we think about rumen health and weaning, rumen acidosis is often the focus. However, Eckerle says newer research is pointing toward a broader gastrointestinal component.

“A quality direct-fed microbial is going to help keep the gut balanced and keep the rumen in line,” Eckerle says.

Direct-fed microbials and probiotics are increasingly being used during transition periods to help stabilize microbial populations and maintain rumen pH. According to Eckerle, disruptions lower in the gastrointestinal tract may contribute to rumen instability more than previously recognized.

When calves experience digestive upset, the resulting reduction in intake can quickly create a cycle that is hard to break.

“They’ll drop off intake for three days, and then they’ll pick back up and have a rollercoaster of events take place,” Eckerle warns.

This rollercoaster includes repeated setbacks in intake, gain and overall calf performance.

How Microbials May Support Rumen Stability During Weaning

The goal of microbial technologies during weaning is not simply to add bacteria, but to help create a more stable digestive environment during a stressful transition. Eckerle explains that many of the microbial populations needed to digest starch and ferment feed are already present within the rumen. The challenge is supporting the right balance of those organisms as diets change.

Some direct-fed microbials contain both lactic acid-producing and lactic acid-utilizing bacteria designed to help stabilize rumen fermentation and reduce major pH swings during feed transitions. Reducing harmful bacterial activity may also support calf health.

“The bacteria themselves aren’t the problem. It’s their endotoxins that become the problem,” Eckerle says.

Maintaining gut integrity may have impacts beyond digestion alone, especially during stressful post-weaning periods when calves are already immunologically challenged.

As interest in direct-fed microbials continues to grow, Eckerle encourages a focus on products supported by research rather than simply selecting products based on the number of bacterial strains included. Strain selection and compatibility are important, and products should be evaluated based on demonstrated stability, efficacy and supporting research.

Why Hydration Is Critical for Gut Health and Feed Intake

Water management is another frequently overlooked component of rumen health during weaning. Newly weaned calves commonly experience periods of reduced feed intake, making hydration especially important for maintaining rumen function and preventing larger digestive disturbances.

“If we don’t have quality access to water, it generally creates a bigger negative cascade of events,” Eckerle warns.

Tank cleanliness, water availability and easy access become particularly important during periods of stress when calves may already be reluctant to eat or explore unfamiliar environments.

Ultimately, maintaining rumen stability during weaning comes down to creating consistency in intake, hydration, fermentation and microbial balance.

“Having that overall healthier animal is good from a production standpoint, good from a welfare standpoint and good from an overall cost perspective,” Eckerle concludes.

Low-Stress Lessons: A Rancher’s Artistic Approach to Animal Behavior

Wed, 20 May 2026 18:10:53 GMT

A first-generation Texas rancher has uncovered different tactics to improve low-stress cattle-handling techniques for ranches of all sizes.

Kim Jungkind was living the life of a trauma nurse in Philadelphia when her father-in-law passed away, leaving her and her husband the family ranch in Texas. The Jungkinds didn’t have any knowledge of ranching but took on the challenge and quickly learned.

Previous arrangements were made that the other side of the family, who were ranchers, would take over the ranch.

“It seemed to be a good plan,” Jungkind says. “But at the funeral, the experienced ranchers decided to give the responsibility to us.”

She approached ranching and animal behavior with curiosity. After all, her mind was a clean slate, never having heard, “This is how we’ve always done it.”

Jungkind says, “I think being curious is important to gain a really different perspective. There are always insights and new information available, and tapping into those insights can really help your cattle business.”

Her background as an emergency/trauma/heart transplant nurse and artist brought a special skill set to ranching as well.

“Nurses are very good observers,” Jungkind explains. “I just transferred those abilities and started really focusing on the cows — they seemed emotional and curious.”

However, her first experiences with cows weren’t ones that led her to believe cows were either of these things.

“The few times we had been to the ranch, my father-in-law told us to stay away from the cows because they could hurt us.”

Her curiosity led her to try playing music for their cattle, and the results were interesting.

She says, “I tried different kinds of music and watched how they reacted. When I played rock or jazz, they moved away or even ran. When I played Bach, they came closer and closer. They actually wanted to lick the boombox.”

It was the low, soft tones that the cows preferred.

Being an artist, she also hung a variety of quality artwork in the corral. The cows quickly let her know which ones they preferred, which led her to discovering and researching their preference for the color yellow.

“They went straight for one painting of yellow daffodils,” Jungkind shares. “That’s when I started asking why. After some research, I found they can see yellow very well — and they’re naturally drawn to it.”

Jungkind applies these discoveries on her ranch by playing music for cattle during stressful events. An area rancher took her findings with the color yellow and switched to only using yellow sorting flags.

She says, “A yellow flag on the end of a sorting stick catches their attention and creates a less stressful experience. It’s a simple change, but it makes handling easier on both the cattle and the producer.”

Next time you evaluate your cattle-handling scenarios to reduce stress, stay curious and observant of how they respond to colors, noises and human energy.

Listen to the full conversation on the Casual Cattle Conversations podcast.

Mineral Strategies During Heat Stress: What To Watch This Summer

Mon, 18 May 2026 15:01:32 GMT

Summer nutrition challenges are no longer limited to keeping cattle cool. As temperatures climb and forage conditions fluctuate, heat stress alters feed intake, grazing behavior, water consumption and, ultimately, mineral status across the herd.

In cow-calf production systems, those changes can show up in subtle ways first: inconsistent mineral intake, rough hair coats, reduced thriftiness, pica or cattle simply “looking off” long before overt disease appears.

Greg Eckerle, technical services manager with Novonesis, notes that successful summer mineral programs depend on understanding how environmental stress changes both animal behavior and nutrient availability.

“Maximizing the potential of what we’re putting out there to meet that animal’s needs is imperative,” Eckerle says.

Heat Stress Changes Intake Patterns

One of the biggest nutritional challenges during summer heat is reduced intake. To cope with heat stress, cattle naturally spend more time near shade and water, and less time actively grazing. This behavioral shift can dramatically affect mineral consumption patterns, particularly in regions facing prolonged heat and humidity.

Because of this, mineral feeder placement becomes critical. Positioning supplements between loafing and watering areas can increase encounters with mineral sources during the hottest parts of the day. Introducing salt blocks or highly palatable delivery methods, such as lick tubs, can also help maintain consistent intake when cattle are eating less overall.

External stressors can further compound nutritional demands.

“The big one for the United States cow-calf industry still remains to be the horn fly,” Eckerle explains. “They will take away more energy because they are big blood feeders.”

These pests worsen stress during already challenging environmental conditions, making targeted fly control a vital component of summer nutritional management.

Drought Changes Forage Quality and Mineral Availability

Heat stress rarely occurs in isolation. In many regions, rising temperatures trigger drought conditions that rapidly degrade forage quality and alter mineral availability throughout the grazing season.

As plants mature or become drought stressed, digestibility drops and anti-nutritional compounds can become problematic. Water quality simultaneously deteriorates as ponds shrink, often causing sulfur concentrations to spike. These environmental shifts directly interfere with trace mineral absorption, driving up the need for more bioavailable sources.

“Looking away from oxide sulfates trending toward an organic or hydroxy trace mineral will be important as we move into those drier periods,” Eckerle advises.

While forage testing provides a useful baseline for evaluating changing pasture conditions, results should always be interpreted within the context of rapidly shifting weather patterns. Regional differences matter, too: Northern grazing systems may hold forage quality further into the summer, while southern regions typically face earlier forage decline and prolonged heat exposure.

Water Remains the Foundation of Summer Nutrition

While mineral formulations receive significant attention during summer stress, Eckerle emphasizes water management may ultimately have the largest impact on herd performance. Poor water quality, elevated sulfur levels, toxic algae blooms and inadequate access can all worsen heat stress and further suppress feed intake.

Clean, accessible water sources are the ultimate defense during high-stress periods, as dehydration triggers a cascading wave of nutritional and health issues.

As Eckerle notes: “Water is the first limiting nutrient for all living things.”

How to Adjust Mineral Programs During Heat Stress

Because pasture, water and intake patterns shift rapidly during a scorching summer, mineral programs cannot remain static. Producers and veterinarians should actively collaborate throughout the season to:

Evaluate forage and water quality shifts regularly
Monitor daily mineral intake patterns
Assess cattle behavior, grazing habits and physical appearance
Troubleshoot early signs of declining performance
Align mineral formulations with current, real-time environmental conditions

Periods of intense heat are also the right time to audit practical management setups — ensuring optimal feeder placement, aggressive fly control, easy water access and highly palatable mineral options.

Signs of Mineral Deficiency to Watch For

While bloodwork and liver biopsies provide definitive diagnostic data, Eckerle says practical herd observation is a producer’s most valuable daily tool.

Changes in coat condition, hair loss around the ears or tail switch, unusual grazing behavior or bone chewing can all signal developing deficiencies before major production losses occur.

“Animals are really good at finding salt in the ground,” Eckerle says.

Behavioral clues like dirt eating or bone chewing frequently point to phosphorus or salt deficiencies, particularly when overall intake drops during prolonged heat spells.

Successful summer mineral management requires keeping a close eye on both cattle behavior and changing pasture conditions. As heat, drought and water quality fluctuate, your supplementation strategy must evolve alongside them to safeguard performance, reproduction and herd health through the toughest months of the year.

The Forage Insurance Policy: Why Diversity is Your Best Defense Against Drought

Thu, 14 May 2026 16:14:26 GMT

Periods of dry conditions often bring renewed interest in alternative forages, annual crops and cover crop mixes to maintain feed supplies and reduce reliance on perennial pasture alone. While no single strategy eliminates drought risk, diversifying the forage base can function as a practical “insurance policy” by spreading risk across species, planting windows and rooting depths.

Rather than relying on a single forage system, producers can improve resilience by incorporating a combination of perennial forages, annual crops and strategically selected cover crops that respond differently to moisture stress and temperature variability.

Thinking in Systems, Not Seasons

A diversified forage program works best when it is planned as a system rather than implemented in reaction to current conditions.

Perennial pastures provide a base level of production in most years, while annual forages can be used to bridge forage gaps during drought, after failed crops or when seasonal pasture growth slows.

Integrating these components allows producers to:

Extend the grazing season in the spring and fall.
Distribute your operation’s forage production across multiple planting dates.
Capture moisture and nutrients when perennial growth is limited.
Maintain flexibility in stocking rate adjustments during dry years.

Herbicide Carryover and Field History

Before establishing any annual forages or cover crops, herbicide application history must be reviewed carefully. Residual herbicides from previous cash crops may limit establishment or create grazing and harvest restrictions for forage use. This includes products applied during the previous growing season and, in some cases, earlier applications depending on the chemical and soil conditions.

Always consult current herbicide labels for rotational, grazing and harvest restrictions prior to planting alternative forages or cover crop mixes. If crops are not listed, it may be appropriate to perform a bioassay prior to planting to ensure the safety of your crop.

Matching Forages to Risk and Moisture Conditions

One of the most effective ways to manage drought risk is to match forage species to expected moisture availability and planting timing.

Using both cool- and warm-season annuals across an operation can reduce the likelihood of complete forage failure during a single dry period.

Cool-Season Annuals
Cool-season annuals typically provide early or late-season forage and may include species such as:
1. Oats, barley, triticale, cereal rye and winter wheat.
2. Peas, forage radishes, turnips and hairy vetch.
These species often perform best when planted early or late in the growing season, allowing them to take advantage of cooler temperatures and available soil moisture.
Warm-Season Annuals
Warm-season annuals generally provide mid-summer forage when cool-season pasture growth slows. Examples include:
1. Sorghum-sudangrass and forage sorghum.
2. Pearl millet, foxtail (including German and Japanese types) and proso millet.
3. Teff.
Once established, warm-season species are typically more water-use efficient and better adapted to hot conditions.

Strategic Use of Perennials

Perennial forages remain the foundation of most grazing systems. Although their productivity can decline substantially during drought, management strategies such as rotational grazing, deferred grazing and stockpiling can help extend pasture use during dry conditions.

Including deep-rooted perennial species, such as alfalfa on suitable sites, alongside grass-dominant pastures can also improve drought resilience. Differences in rooting depth and growth patterns allow these species to access moisture from different soil layers and respond differently to stress.

Soil Water Use and Recovery Periods

Diversified forage systems should account for how different forage species use soil moisture and how quickly they recover following grazing or drought stress. Rapid-growing annual forages can provide timely feed but may draw down surface soil moisture quickly. Perennials typically use water more gradually but often recover more slowly once moisture becomes limiting.

Combining annuals and perennials can help balance these effects by distributing water use across species with varying root systems and growth habits. Incorporating adequate recovery periods into grazing plans is especially critical during dry years to maintain stand persistence.

Establishment Timing and Flexibility

Planting flexibility is a key advantage of annual forages. Warm-season species can be planted after frost risk has passed, while cool-season species fit well into early-spring or late-summer planting windows.

In drought-prone conditions, delaying planting until a meaningful rainfall event may improve establishment success compared to planting in dry soils. Although this approach can reduce early-season forage availability, it often results in more uniform emergence and improved stand longevity.

Nutrient Management Considerations

Nitrogen management should be adjusted according to forage species, yield potential and available moisture. Under drought conditions, excessive nitrogen application can increase the risk of nitrate accumulation in certain forage crops, particularly grass species such as oats, sorghum and sorghum-sudangrass hybrids.

Soil testing, previous crop nitrogen credits and realistic yield expectations should guide fertilization decisions. In some situations, reduced nitrogen rates or no additional nitrogen may be appropriate when moisture is expected to limit growth potential.

Grazing Management and Risk Distribution

Diversification involves not only what is planted, but how forages are managed and utilized. Practices such as rotational grazing, stockpiling and flexible stocking rates allow producers to shift grazing pressure among forage resources as conditions change. Having multiple forage options available reduces dependence on any single pasture or crop and allows for more measured forage use during dry periods of environmental stress.

Drought is an inevitable part of forage production systems, but total reliance on any single forage type increases vulnerability to weather extremes. A diversified forage base — built from a combination of perennial pastures, annual forages and strategically selected cover crops — can improve flexibility, extend grazing opportunities and reduce production risk across variable growing seasons.

— Kim Ricardo, SDSU Extension forage specialist

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High Bull Prices? Why AI is the Cost-Effective Genetic Alternative

Thu, 14 May 2026 14:01:35 GMT

Short on bull power? Artificial insemination (AI) might be the better option for a variety of reasons.

“Bull prices are pretty high, especially high-quality bulls, versus semen prices have remained pretty steady,” explains Jaclyn Ketchum. “So you have access to genetics that you maybe wouldn’t have had access to if you don’t use AI, but then also at a more reasonable price.”

Ketchum ranches with her family in southeast Montana and has taken over the family’s custom AI business. However, prior to this endeavor, she studied reproductive physiology, obtaining a master’s degree at the University of Missouri and her doctorate at Texas A&M.

She reminds producers that the list of benefits from AI differs depending on the type of AI protocol used.

“There’s a list of benefits for AI in general and then there’s a whole list of other benefits for fixed-time artificial insemination with synchronization,” Ketchum says.

Three general benefits of AI include:

Access to bulls with more genetic potential at a lower cost than natural service sires.
Greater bull-to-cow ratio for cleanup.
Access to sexed semen. Sexed semen allows producers to be more consistent in producing high-quality replacement females and high-quality steers.

AI also reduces risks such as bull injuries or failed breeding soundness exams, which can cost producers thousands of additional dollars each year.

AI with synchronization, also known as fixed-time AI, takes the benefits of AI in general to a whole new level because calves have both genetic and age uniformity.

“They’re going to be more similar in age when it comes to weaning time,” Ketchum says. “And then you have a greater set of immunity because they’re getting vaccinated at similar ages.”

Overall uniformity is attractive to feedlots and bred-heifer buyers as well.

She says, “If you’re selling bred heifers, you can breed those heifers to a really popular sire, which will then increase demand for those when you go to sell them. So there’s a whole gamut of benefits from fixed-time AI.”

To fully reap the benefits of AI, producers must set themselves up for success.

“A lot of people would love to just show up on AI day and say, ‘It’s going to be a wonderful day. We’re going to get all these cows bred.’ But in reality, it’s everything leading up to that day and everything following that day that really dictates how successful that event is,” explains Ketchum.

Communication between the producer and AI technician, supply provider, semen provider and employees or day workers is all-important.

“The synchronization protocol typically is three days minimum, if not more,” explains Ketchum. “You might need a crew for all of those days, so communicate which days and times they are needed.”

Once all the supplies and extra supplies are taken care of, facilities also need to be in working order.

Ketchum explains, “If you don’t go through your facility and make sure that your chute’s working and that everything’s set up to work where everything flows really well and then something happens and your timing gets off, then that impacts your AI date as well.”

Managing expectations also matters when determining how successful an AI event was or wasn’t. Keep in mind experience levels of technicians, if timing was off for the protocol or if weather events occurred.

“Hot is really bad for conception rates,” says Ketchum.

However, there’s only so much producers can do if the weather shifts or a storm rolls in.

AI is a valuable tool for cattle producers across the world. Producers are sure to reap the benefits if effort is taken to prepare the cattle and crew prior to breeding day.
Listen to the full conversation on the Casual Cattle Conversations podcas t.

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AgriSafe Network Offers 'Total Farmer Health Tools' To Support Mental Well-Being

Tue, 12 May 2026 20:06:04 GMT

With over 95% of U.S. farms operating as family-owned businesses, the line between workplace stress and home life is often nonexistent. To combat rising rates of depression and anxiety on the farm and across rural America, the AgriSafe Network is expanding its “Total Farmer Health” program to provide specialized crisis support and peer-to-peer resources.

Tara Haskins, program director, says the goal is to provide a safety net that supports the unique cultural landscape of agriculture — where a neighbor’s “check-in” can be just as vital as a professional intervention.

“We really feel strongly that we apply a total farmer health model,” Haskins says. “We realize that physical health is just a part of it. The social, the occupational, and the spiritual — all those aspects of health also play a role in farmer and rancher health.”

A Model Built For The Modern Farm

Founded 25 years ago by rural nurses and public health professionals, the AgriSafe Network is a national 501c3 nonprofit that bridges the gap between healthcare and agriculture. The organization’s Total Farmer Health model deliberately places the family at the core of its mission.

“The family plays a very unique dynamic in agriculture, so we felt like that needed to be at the center,” Haskins told AgriTalk Host Chip Flory on Tuesday.

The model addresses a constellation of “buckets” that circle the family unit, including occupational hazards, sleep deprivation, and spirituality. By categorizing resources this way, AgriSafe helps farmers identify how specific stressors — like a poor harvest or a physical safety hazard — trickle down into their emotional well-being.

Navigating The Crisis Across Rural America

For those in immediate distress, Haskins emphasizes that different tools serve different needs. The national 988 number is a vital catch-all. In addition, AgriSafe offers The AgriStress Helpline, a suicide and crisis line specifically for agricultural communities in 11 states. It’s available at (833) 897-2474.

“Those are really geared toward helping people in crisis in the moment and are available 24-7 by call and text,” Haskins says. “It helps keep them out of the hospital and can help bridge them to resources.”

However, therapy isn’t the only answer. Haskins points to the American Farm Bureau Federation Togetherall program as a premier example of peer-to-peer support.

“Farmers can talk to farmers about their issues; it’s amazing how important peer-to-peer support is,” she says.

How You Can Help A Neighbor

One of the greatest hurdles in rural mental health is knowing what to say when a friend or colleague admits they are struggling. Haskins advises that the goal is never to “fix” the problem, but to provide that individual with a safe harbor.

“First and foremost, anytime someone discloses their troubles, I think a good first step is to always thank them for trusting you to have that conversation,” Haskins says.

She offers three key strategies for supporters:

1. Listen to understand: “We need to focus our listening to understand, not listening to respond,” Haskins says.
2. Honor the silence: There is no need to fill every gap in a conversation with words. Silence gives the person space to process.
3. Validate the feeling: Simple phrases like, “It sounds like you’re dealing with a lot right now,” communicate empathy.

If you are the one noticing changes in a family member, neighbor or friend — such as withdrawal or uncharacteristic behavior — Haskins suggests using a gentle, observation-based opening: “I’ve noticed you haven’t seemed like yourself lately. I just want to check in.”

For those seeking professional help, AgriSafe maintains the AgriStress Provider Directory. This database features behavioral health professionals who have completed “Farm Response” training, ensuring they understand the specific cultural and economic pressures of the agricultural lifestyle.

“They’re well-positioned to really level up in a conversation with someone that’s in agriculture,” Haskins says.

More resources, training, and the provider directory are available at agrisafe.org. Also, learn more by listening to the conversation between Haskins and Flory on AgriTalk at the link below:

7 Reasons Your Deworming Program Isn’t Working

Tue, 12 May 2026 18:09:15 GMT

For many producers, deworming has become a routine part of herd management. Cattle are processed, products are administered and the expectation is that parasite control is handled for another season.

But across the industry, cattle continue to underperform despite regular treatment. In many cases, the issue is not a single product failure, but a combination of resistance pressure, hidden production losses and management habits that gradually reduce the effectiveness of parasite control programs over time.

On the most recent episode of “ The Bovine Vet Podcast ,” Megan Bollin, a technical services veterinarian with Norbrook, and Nancy Jackson, a field veterinarian for the Mississippi Board of Animal Health, outlined several reasons why deworming programs may not be delivering the results producers expect.

1. Subclinical Parasites May Be Hurting Performance Before You Notice

Parasites do not need to cause obvious disease to affect productivity. In many cases, the biggest losses are occurring quietly through reduced digestion, feed efficiency and weight gain.

“Those parasites are going in and doing damage to the lining of the abomasum, and so what normally should be a lower pH is actually becoming more neutral. That impacts protein digestion, nutrient absorption and even appetite. It reduces voluntary feed intake, and then that cascades into average daily gain, feed efficiency, milk production and reproductive performance,” Bollin explains.

Because those effects develop gradually, they are often difficult to recognize without measurement.

“They’re those silent robbers that are there. We can’t really see them, and that’s why it’s called a subclinical impact, but they’re doing major damage,” Bollin says.

Jackson notes some calves may visibly underperform, but many losses remain subtle enough that producers underestimate the impact.

“You can see it in some cases, calves just standing there, not grazing, not performing, but a lot of times producers don’t realize what they’ve lost because they’re not measuring it,” Jackson says.

2. Resistance Is Already Present on Many Operations

Reduced dewormer efficacy is no longer considered a future concern. Parasite susceptibility can now vary significantly between farms, even within the same geographic region.

“Even from one side of the county to the other, recommendations might be very different depending on pasture type, parasite exposure and treatment history,” Bollin says.

That variability makes it increasingly difficult to assume a protocol that works well on one operation will perform the same way elsewhere.

At the same time, few replacement products are expected in the near future.

“We’ve routinely given the same things over and over, and we don’t have any new molecules on the horizon,” Bollin explains.

As resistance pressure increases, reduced efficacy in existing products can have growing consequences for cattle performance and long-term parasite control.

3. You May Be Underdosing More Often Than You Think

One of the most common management issues contributing to reduced efficacy is underdosing. As cattle size has increased over time, dose estimates have not always kept pace.

“Our producers still think they have a 1,000-lb. cow, but cows have been getting bigger for years. So, we’ve probably been underdosing cattle, especially those larger animals and bulls.” Jackson warns.

Underdosing exposes parasites to a drug without fully eliminating them, increasing the likelihood that surviving worms contributes to future resistance problems.

4. Some Dewormers Are Being Used Like Fly Control Products

Convenience can also create problems when products are used outside their intended purpose.

According to Jackson, some producers are administering pour-on dewormers at partial doses primarily for fly control rather than at labeled doses intended to control internal parasites. Repeated exposure to subtherapeutic drug levels creates ideal conditions for resistant parasites to survive and spread.

5. Poor Record-Keeping Makes Resistance Harder to Detect

Inconsistent product tracking can make parasite control decisions much more difficult over time. Without knowing which active ingredients or drug classes have been used previously, producers may unknowingly rely on the same class repeatedly or struggle to evaluate whether a protocol is still effective.

“I’ll ask what they used, and they’ll say, ‘It was the blue one’ or ‘I got it off the shelf at the co-op.’ But we need to know the active ingredient to make good decisions,” Jackson says.

That lack of detail can make it harder to identify emerging resistance patterns before they become more significant problems.

6. Application Problems Can Look Like Resistance

Not every apparent treatment failure is true resistance. In some cases, the problem lies in how the product was administered.

“There are a lot of things that have to go right with a pour-on for it to work. If the animal is dirty, that product isn’t going to get absorbed. If it rains, it can dilute it. Oral products can be spit out. There are a lot of factors that can look like resistance but aren’t,” Bollin explains.

Without recognizing those factors, producers may incorrectly conclude that resistance is solely to blame.

7. Parasite Problems Don’t Stay on One Farm

The effects of ineffective parasite control can extend well beyond a single operation. As calves move through the production chain, resistant parasite populations can move with them, affecting downstream performance and management decisions.

“When those calves leave your place, you’re passing that parasite load on to someone else. If it’s resistant, it affects the feedlot and performance down the line,” Jackson warns.

That interconnectedness means small failures repeated across multiple operations can gradually reshape parasite pressure across the industry.

Why Parasite Problems Keep Building

Many deworming programs do not fail because of one dramatic mistake. Instead, they lose effectiveness gradually through repeated small issues: underdosing, inconsistent application, misuse of products and resistance pressure that goes unnoticed until performance has already been affected.

Routine treatment schedules alone are no longer guaranteeing consistent outcomes, particularly when the surrounding management practices remain inconsistent. This means parasite control is becoming less about whether cattle are treated and more about how those treatments are being used and how the results are being monitored over time.

To hear more from Bollin and Jackson on how deworming strategies may be falling short, and how strategies are evolving, listen to the full conversation on the latest episode of “The Bovine Vet Podcast.”

Cybersecurity: The Biggest Overlooked Threat to American Agriculture

Thu, 07 May 2026 13:23:52 GMT

On the surface, cybersecurity may simply look like spam texts and emails that have no impact on the day-to-day operations or even future of family farms and ranches. However, it’s this mindset that makes it even more of a threat to American agriculture.

Why Cybersecurity Matters to Family Operations

Understanding what cybercriminals are after is the first step of understanding this topic.

“If you go all the way back to any warfare or any sort of conflict, and the first thing that people go after in times of war is the enemy’s food supply,” says Chris Sherman. “In a peacetime, ag is a major target because of the money that’s going through it and information we are using.”

Sherman is the founder of TechSupport.Farm, an IT company built for agriculture businesses which specializes in protecting clients from cybersecurity breaches. Family operations, while often considered small, still have a large amount of liquidity compared to nonagricultrual small businesses.

“Normal mom and pop small businesses might have $50,000 in the bank and $100,000 tied up in equipment or assets,” explains Sherman. “But in the farm, we’re averaging about $500,000 in just the average checking account. Plus, we have well over a million dollars tied up in infrastructure, equipment and tools.”

The average age of producers also increases the risk of threats.

“You’ll see the senior generation having a role on the farm and they still control the spending. Unfortunately, the older demographic is far more susceptible to financial fraud than any other demographic,” Sherman says.

Money movements of significant quantities and age demographics are only two of three reasons agriculture is a target of cyber-criminals — technology infrastructure is the third.

Sherman says, “Essentially, we’re running multimillion-dollar operations on residential-grade hardware.”

Consumer-grade routers and cheap laptops don’t have the same quality cybersecurity practices as those designed for businesses handling large quantities of money and data.

Real Cybersecurity Breach Examples

Cybersecurity breaches in agriculture don’t often make national news, but that doesn’t mean they aren’t happening on both small and large scales.

“We’ve seen where a father and sons are working on a land deal and right before they leave for a weekend trip, they get spoofed eSign documents,” says Sherman. “They all signed them, left and came back to find out they lost all the money and the land deal.”

A larger-scale example shared by Sherman happened near Mankato, Minn., and did catch the federal government’s attention.

“Essentially, an entire cooperative was held with ransomware during the beginning of harvest,” explains Sherman. “Hundreds of trucks couldn’t unload, scales weren’t working and employees couldn’t clock in or out.”

These attacks are well-timed and well-orchestrated to cause massive disruption to businesses.

Action Steps all Family Operations Can Take

The good news in all of this is there are simple steps individuals can take to protect themselves and their operations.

A simple first step is to buy a website domain and use it to set up a paid email account that uses encryption.

Sherman says, “People need to think about free emails like mailboxes. Someone can open the mail, read it, put it back in the envelope and move on without anyone knowing.”

Next, setting up good passwords on all devices and using multifactor authentication are necessities.

“Our recommendation is to have passwords that are a minimum of 12 characters long. Have a couple uppercase and lowercase letters in there and make sure you have some numbers in there and some special characters,” says Sherman.

Following these requirements has a large impact on how easily the password can be hacked.

He explains, “Your password will go from being hacked instantaneously to seven minutes or into the years if you add numbers, special characters and uppercase and lowercase letters.”

Segmenting Wi-Fi also prevents breaches.

“Have Wi-Fi specifically for your farm operation and have Wi-Fi for your kids and employees,” explains Sherman. “Just like kids coming home from school covered in germs all over their hands, kids are the same way digitally.”

There’s no one-size-fits-all approach to cybersecurity, but these steps are a great start.

Learn more about what cybersecurity measures you need to take by listening to the full conversation on the Casual Cattle Conversations podcast.

Rejuvra® herbicide: Reduce wildfire risk. Restore healthier rangeland.

Thu, 30 Apr 2026 15:49:33 GMT

Across the western United States, invasive annual grasses like cheatgrass, medusahead, and ventenata reduce forage availability and increase wildfire risk. That is why cheatgrass management is about more than initial weed control. It’s about investing in the long-term longevity and productivity of the land.

Short-term suppression can feel like the practical choice, especially when budgets are tight. But short-term results don’t always deliver long-term value. What looks less expensive at the onset can lead to repeat applications, ongoing labor, and continued pressure on forage and land health. For ranchers and land managers focused on the future of their operation, the better question is not simply what a treatment costs today, but instead, what that treatment helps protect over time.

Rejuvra^® herbicide gives ranchers and land managers a longer window to protect forage, reduce repeat applications and invest in land health over time. It can offer up to four years of control of cheatgrass and other invasive annual grass species in one treatment by preventing germination and helping deplete the soil seed bank over multiple seasons. That longer control window gives native vegetation more time to recover, helps reduce invasive annual grass pressure and can limit re-establishment when desirable perennials fill the space.

This matters because cheatgrass does more than just compete for space. It can reduce forage availability, pressure native plant communities and contribute to the fine fuels that increase wildfire risk. Instead of spending year after year trying to hold the line, ranchers and land managers have an opportunity to make meaningful progress toward rangeland recovery.

The return is not only control of invasive grasses. Rejuvra helps restore desirable forage, increase forage availability and lessen grazing pressure on the land. In field trials, treated acres produced up to 3.5 times more perennial grass than non-treated acres, helping support a stronger forage base over time, although forage response is variable.

That kind of forage response can support a stronger grazing system and a better opportunity for the land to function as productive rangeland again. More desirable forage can help support grazing capacity, improve the overall condition of the range and contribute to a healthier habitat for the species that depend on it.

Another major threat to the long-term resilience of western rangeland is wildfire risk. Invasive annual grasses increase the fine fuels that can help fires spread quickly across the landscape. Additionally, certain invasive annual grasses come back stronger after a wildfire, while native vegetation takes longer to recover, increasing the length and viciousness of wildfire cycles. Long-term control of those grasses can help reduce wildfire risk while supporting healthier, more resilient habitats. In a region where wildfire can change the trajectory of working lands in a single season, protecting rangeland before that occurs is an important part of responsible stewardship.

The return on investment of Rejuvra is best measured over years, not season to season. One treatment can help protect forage and support healthier rangeland for years to come. Rather than relying on the typical one-year inputs, land managers should try Rejuvra and invest in restoration, resilience and long-term return.

For those looking to dig deeper, Envu^® is hosting a webinar in May titled Breaking Vicious Wildfire Cycles: How Proactively Controlling Invasive Annual Grasses Can Lessen the Intensity and Speed of Wildfires in the West. In the session, Envu experts will discuss how proactive invasive annual grass control can help reduce wildfire risk and support long-term rangeland health.

Register to learn more: https://events.teams.microsoft.com/event/d8cce317-2eea-4a48-a862-475ab422776f@c4dedb74-d916-4ef4-b6b5-af80c59e9742

ALWAYS READ AND FOLLOW LABEL INSTRUCTIONS. Follow label and stewardship guidelines to limit impact to non-target native species. Environmental Science U.S. LLC, 5000 CentreGreen Way, Suite 400, Cary, NC 27513. For additional product information, call toll-free 1-800-331-2867. Not all products are registered in all states. Envu^®, the Envu logo and Rejuvra^® are trademarks owned by Environmental Science U.S. LLC or one of its affiliates.

Cow-Calf Checklist: Are Your Cows Ready For Breeding Season?

Fri, 01 May 2026 13:40:41 GMT

Each month, cow-calf producers are faced with management tasks related to seasonal and production goals. Kansas State University Extension cow-calf specialist Jason Warner summarizes the top 10 management practices producers should check off their to-do lists in May.

1. For cows that are borderline BCS (4.0 to 5.0) going into breeding, consider:

Supplementing two to three weeks prior to and through first cycle.
Early weaning if BCS doesn’t pick up during the season.

2. For those synchronizing females for breeding, schedule your protocols well in advance and mark key dates on your calendar.

The estrus synchronization planner is a great tool!
Inventory your Artificial Insemination (AI) supplies and order products in advance.

3. If you have a fall herd, schedule pregnancy checks and make culling decisions.

How were pregnancy rates relative to last year?
Do we need to re-think our fall and winter nutrition program for fall calvers?

4. Plan your mineral supplementation for this coming spring and summer.

Make an effort to measure intake regularly and adjust it as needed.
If using fly control products , start them at recommended times for your area.

5. Consider magnesium levels in mineral supplements, particularly for cows grazing lush, rapidly growing forages.

Wheat, rye, triticale, oats, bromegrass and other cool-season forages.
Risk of grass tetany is greatest for lactating cows and older cows.

6. Schedule bull breeding soundness exams well in advance of breeding.

Ensure younger and older bulls are introduced and their hierarchy is established prior to the start of breeding.
Closely monitor bulls the first few weeks of breeding for signs of injury.

7. Review your calf health protocols before spring turnout.

Consider implanting nursing calves and grass cattle.
Calculate the cost of gain versus value of gain for creep feeding .

8. Consider supplementing yearling replacement heifers around the time of breeding under the following conditions:

They have little post-weaning grazing experience.
Forage supply is limited at grazing turnout.

9. If pastures are drought-stressed to start the grazing season:

Consider delaying turnout or adjusting stocking rates.
Make plans now so you are prepared to early wea n if necessary.

10. Make and evaluate important production calculations:

Calving distribution (% firstcycle, second cycle, third cycle).
Calving intervals.

Successful Heifer Pregnancy on First Service Brings Lifetime Returns

Wed, 29 Apr 2026 15:31:28 GMT

Getting heifers developed, inseminated early and confirmed pregnant plays a significant role in the lifetime productivity of beef and dairy cows.

“Replacement heifers are an investment in the future of beef and dairy operations,” says Joe Dalton, University of Idaho professor and extension specialist in dairy cattle reproduction. “It takes two years to raise a heifer before she starts generating returns.”

Achieving a successful pregnancy from first service breeding, especially when practicing artificial insemination (AI), has the most potential to realize the greatest return on investment for their development.

“There is a difference between an animal that calves at 23 months versus 29 months of age,” Dalton says. “The longer it takes to get a heifer bred, the more it increases management costs and lowers their lifetime potential.”

Why Age Matters

Age at first calving directly impacts the productivity and longevity of beef and dairy replacement heifers. With current calf values, early calving heifers offer greater profit potential for beef and dairy producers.

“Earlier first calving in beef herds brings greater longevity and more lifetime weaned pounds,” Dalton says.

Ideally, beef heifers are selected from cows that calve early in the breeding season so they have more time to develop and can then be bred on first service to calve at the start of their first calving season.

“Heifers that calve early tend to keep calving early and produce more weaned pounds,” Dalton says. “Late-calving heifers rarely catch up or pay off on their $1,500 to $2,500 development costs.”

Most dairy farms don’t have the same seasonality as beef herds, since calving occurs year-round to keep a steady stream of cows in milk, but the same thinking holds true.

“The goal for dairies is to develop heifers that are approximately 22 to 24 months of age at calving,” Dalton says. “The data shows that dairy heifers calving in that age range have more longevity and produce more lifetime milk than older heifers at first calving, which can help sooner recoup development costs that can exceed $2,500.”

Set Up For Reproductive Success

For heifers to conceive on first service and stay productive, it begins with good management practices early in life.

“It all starts when the heifer is born,” Dalton says. “And that sounds like a cliché, but it’s not, because that heifer will carry all of her life experiences with her.”

Beef and dairy heifers require high-quality colostrum after birth to support their immune systems. Then health must be maintained through vaccinations, deworming and timely treatment of illnesses. Ensure nutrition supports growth to at least 55% of mature weight by breeding at 13 to 15 months of age.

“With nutrition, heifers need to stay in appropriate condition to have the best reproductive outcomes,” Dalton says. “Fertility is lower when they are under- or over-conditioned. It needs to be just right.”

Dalton recommends dairies have heifers at a body condition score (BCS) of 2.75 to 3.25 on a 5-point scale. Beef operations should have heifers at a 5 to 6 BCS on a 9-point scale.

“Having heifers at those benchmarks is really beneficial for overall fertility,” Dalton says.

Some breeding indicators have easy-to-read bullseyes (black surface ink) on them. Once the bullseye, or the equivalent surface area, is rubbed off the animal, that animal is ready to breed and is up to three times more likely to result in a confirmed pregnancy.

(Estrotect)

Breed Heifers On Time

Once heifers are developed to their target size goals, it’s time to begin a breeding program. There are some variances in AI breeding protocols between mature cows and heifers.

“The difference is that while heifers respond to synchronization protocols the same as cows, there’s a little bit of variation in heifers in the number of follicular waves,” Dalton says.

A vital component of a breeding protocol to ensure success is to utilize estrus detection through tools, such as an Estrotect Breeding Indicator, to accurately gauge estrus intensity.

“Determining when estrus intensity is at its highest is incredibly important to fertility because the pieces of the puzzle are all where they should be when it comes to hormones and the reproductive tract being ready for insemination,” Dalton says. “Data has revealed that high estrus intensity leads to increased pregnancy and decreased pregnancy loss for cattle.”

Estrus detection aids, such as breeding indicator patches, help monitor estrus activity and provide a quick visual indication when heifers reach high estrus intensity.

“Accurate estrus detection tells us a heifer is ready to breed,” Dalton says. “Synchronization protocols can combine estrus detection and AI or timed-AI for better pregnancy rates.”

Heifer-specific protocols have been developed by the Dairy Cattle Reproduction Council (DCRC) and the Beef Reproduction Task Force (BRTF) that can be accessed on their websites for specific details. A cattle reproductive specialist can also help identify which protocol will work best to breed heifers.

“By implementing quality management protocols, you’re better controlling the investment in developing heifers so they can become productive members of the herd,” Dalton summarizes. “For both beef and dairy producers, earlier age at first calving results in lower costs and higher lifetime productivity.”

For more information on accurately breeding heifers with breeding indicator patches, visit ESTROTECT.com .

Your Next Reads:

How to Manage Uterine and Rectal Prolapses in Cattle

Wed, 29 Apr 2026 17:49:28 GMT

Finding a cow with a prolapse is the kind of situation that raises urgency immediately. You call your veterinarian, but they may be 30 to 60 minutes away. What you do during that window can influence how straightforward the case will be once they arrive.

The goal is not to fix the prolapse yourself but rather to stabilize the situation and prevent it from getting worse. Erika Nagorske , a large-animal veterinarian with 4 Star Veterinary Service, shares the following advice for producers while they wait for their vet to arrive and address a prolapse.

Confine the Animal to Control Movement

The most important first step is containment. A prolapse becomes more difficult to manage when the animal is moving, circling or slipping. Movement increases contamination, swelling and the risk of further damage.

“Every situation’s different, but if her entire uterus is prolapsed after she’s calved, there are really big blood vessels attached to that,” Nagorske says. “If she’s running around like crazy and not confined, those blood vessels can tear.”

Keeping the animal calm and contained is the most effective way to protect both the tissue and the outcome.

Nagorske recommends, without working the animal too much, getting it in a small space or in the chute. Even a tight alley can work. The goal is to limit the animal’s ability to turn quickly or move excessively.

Good footing is also important, as slipping can worsen the situation quickly.

(Provided Photo)

Uterine Prolapse: Protect the Tissue

With a uterine prolapse, the focus is on protecting exposed tissue until the veterinarian arrives.

Keep the uterus as clean as possible and avoid unnecessary handling. If feasible, try to keep it off the ground using clean towels, plastic or bedding. Even small efforts to reduce contamination can make a difference.

Avoid repeatedly trying to reposition or push the uterus back in. That can increase irritation and swelling, making the veterinarian’s job more difficult.

Think of this stage as preservation; the less trauma and contamination, the better the chances of a smooth replacement.

Rectal Prolapse: Reduce Swelling Early

Rectal prolapses present a slightly different challenge. Swelling can increase quickly, which makes replacement more difficult over time.

“Throw table sugar on it to help it shrink up so by the time I get there, it’s not twice the size it was when you first called,” Nagorske says.

Applying granulated sugar directly to the prolapsed tissue helps draw out fluid and reduce swelling. This is a simple, safe step that can improve the likelihood of a successful correction.

As with uterine prolapses, avoid aggressive handling or repeated attempts to push the tissue back in.

Common Mistakes to Avoid with Cattle Prolapses

In both situations, a few common missteps can make things worse:

Do not let the animal roam freely.
Do not repeatedly handle or push the tissue.
Do not delay calling the veterinarian.

Stabilize, Then Step Back

The time before the veterinarian arrives is about control, not correction. Keeping the animal contained, protecting exposed tissue and taking simple, targeted steps can make a significant difference in how the case progresses.

A calm, controlled approach sets the veterinarian up for success and gives the animal the best chance for a positive outcome.

Stop Haying to Improve Your Bottom Line

Wed, 29 Apr 2026 12:58:15 GMT

Haying season is a traditional summer activity for ranchers, but in today’s economy, doing the work yourself versus buying hay might be hurting your bottom line.

“When you look at the numbers honestly, you may find you’re better off not making hay at all,” says Carson Roberts, extension specialist for forage and agronomy at the University of Missouri.

Time, equipment, interest rates and inflation shift with each generation. With feed as a top cost for cow-calf producers, knowing the true cost of hay production is imperative to running the ranch like a business.

“It’s all about getting above the business and looking down at it — and numbers are a really good way to do that,” Roberts says. “Know your numbers, not someone else’s numbers.”

There’s a lot that goes into calculating hay production costs. The first place to start is by separating enterprises.

“You need to separate your haying operation from your cattle operation — those are two different enterprises,” Roberts says. “Even if you’re feeding it yourself, put a real dollar value on that hay.”

After that, take inventory.

“Brainstorm everything — walk around your farm and take a picture of anything that has to do with producing hay,” he says.

From fertilizing to spraying to harvesting, there are many pieces of equipment and tractors to account for.

“Usually, if hay isn’t profitable, it comes down to equipment costs,” Roberts says.

This is largely due to increased equipment and repair costs.

“Today it takes about 28 calves to buy a new baler — 50 years ago it took 14,” he says. “We’re looking at equipment inflation running about 10 times faster than cattle prices.”

Using loan-free, older equipment isn’t free, either.

“If you’re running older equipment and doing your own repairs, you’re subsidizing your hay enterprise with your mechanic skills,” Roberts says.

Those mechanic skills take time and labor, which are often overlooked costs for business owners.

“Your time is most valuable doing the thing that makes you the most money,” he says. “If you’re a good cattle producer, you’ll make your most money producing cattle — not producing hay.”

The profitability of hay production is also dependent on the scale of the operation. For larger operators, the numbers might pencil out.

“At a large enough scale, owning equipment might make sense — but most producers aren’t there,” Roberts says.

To accurately calculate the cost of hay production on your operation, lean on local extension services that already have budgets or spreadsheets built for producers.

Once the numbers are calculated, what’s next?

“If you’re going to get out of haying, sell the equipment — it frees up capital and keeps you from going back,” Roberts says.

Purchasing hay also creates more freedom to feed what you want, instead of feeding what you put up regardless of quality.

“You can inspect it, sample it and know exactly what you’re feeding,” he says. “If half the hay got rained on, you can go find the producer whose hay didn’t.”

Sampling hay is well worth the cost to understand exactly what you are feeding. Outside of buying hay, increasing days spent grazing can have the biggest impact on the bottom line.

“You can make almost twice as much money per acre grazing as you can haying,” Roberts says.

Grazing isn’t limited to summer pastures. It can include stockpiled forages, corn stalks or cover crops. Cattle are more efficient at harvesting forage than haying equipment — let them do the work.

Learn more about how to transition from producing hay to purchasing hay on the “Casual Cattle Conversations” podcast .

Your Next Reads:

5 Ways Smart Collars Improve Grazing

Fri, 24 Apr 2026 11:31:22 GMT

Virtual fencing is suddenly everywhere in ranching headlines — but not every operation is a fit. In a wide-ranging discussion on the “ Future of Beef Show ,” Halter President Andrew Fraser walks through the practical questions producers should ask, from herd size and terrain to water infrastructure, labor and available cost-share programs.

Fraser, originally from New Zealand, with a background in management consulting, mining and tech startups, was the featured guest on episode 20 of the Future of Beef podcast. Halter spent about five years in research and development, and is now commercially active in New Zealand, Australia and the U.S. with more than 750,000 animals on the system.

“If we were being fancy, we would say that it’s an operating system for a farmer. But really at the heart of it, we are a collar for cows,” Fraser explains.

Beyond grass and fencing, Fraser sees Halter as a tool for addressing some of ranching’s most pressing human challenges: labor and succession. By automating low-value tasks like shifting poly wire and checking distant pastures, Halter lets employees focus more on animal care and land stewardship.

A Collar, an App and Virtual Fences

Halter’s system centers on a lightweight, above-neck collar and a phone app. Ranchers use the app to draw virtual fences or breaks on a map. The collars then hold or move cattle using sound and vibration cues, with a very mild pulse as a back-up.

When an animal approaches a virtual boundary, it hears a directional beep in one ear to encourage it to turn back. When it’s moving the right way, it feels a gentle vibration — something Fraser likens to a smartwatch buzz — as positive reinforcement.

Halter can also shift cattle between paddocks, replacing the need for riders, dogs or temporary electric fence to move a herd. Behind the scenes, the collars continuously track behavior such as grazing, ruminating, resting and walking, plus GPS location.

In dairy herds, Halter already uses this behavior data for heat detection and health alerts. In beef systems, it’s being used for grazing management, stock location and early warning of unusual behavior.

Training Cows with Sound, Not Shock

Fraser is quick to point out that Halter is designed around sound, not pain.

“Even our strongest pulse is 1/50 the strength of an electric fence,” he says. “So, this is not a significant shock, or anything like what cows are used to with hot wire or poly wire.”

Training a herd typically takes two to seven days. Ranchers start with an existing strip of hot wire, then gradually move it and pair the fence with sound cues, teaching cows to use sound instead of a visible wire as their boundary.

According to the podcast discussion, here are five ways a smart collar can change how producers graze cattle:

1. Turn Fixed Fences into Flexible, On‑Demand Paddocks

With virtual fencing, producers can draw the paddock on an app instead of building it with posts and wire.

“On your app, you’ll draw where you want your cows to stay, or your cattle to stay, and they will stay there,” Fraser explains.
Using the Halter system, producers can:

Tighten or loosen breaks day‑to‑day.
Change paddock shape, for example hub‑and‑spoke around water instead of rectangles.
Redraw setbacks along waterways or sensitive areas instantly as rules or conditions change.

According to Fraser, using Halter, producers can graze to the residuals they want, in the spots they want, without being locked into permanent fencelines.

2. Intensify Rotational Grazing and Boost Pasture Utilization

For all the technology involved — solar-powered collars and towers, satellite data, and machine learning — Fraser insists Halter’s value proposition starts with something simple: better grass management.

Because cattle can be kept in tighter areas and moved frequently with sound cues, rotational grazing becomes much more precise and practical. Fraser says producers “should be able to make the cost of Halter back from gains in pasture alone.”

By holding cattle in small areas and moving them often, Fraser says:

You push cattle to eat more uniformly — not just the “ice cream” spots.
You protect regrowth by not overgrazing favorite areas.
You can raise stocking rate or hold numbers steady with fatter cattle.

He gave an example of a Wyoming ranch that went from grazing approximately 800 to 1,500 head in a year, pairing Halter with better water infrastructure to fully use its grass.

3. Replace Chase-and-Pressure Moves with Calm, Low‑Stress Shifts

Instead of horses, bikes, dogs and yelling, with the Halter system cattle learn to move on their own in response to sound and vibration. Fraser explains the cues are beeps in one ear or the other to turn left or right. Apple Watch–style vibrations are positive reinforcement when they’re headed the right way.

This changes how producers graze by turning musters and shifts into scheduled, low‑stress, almost “hands‑off” events, which is better for cattle, people and time use.

4. Use Data on Behavior and Biomass to Refine Grazing Decisions

Smart collars and supporting tools give real data on what’s happening in the paddock, not just gut feel. Behind the scenes, Halter has invested heavily in data science and artificial intelligence (AI). Today, Halter uses on-collar machine learning to interpret behavior, plus satellite imagery and weather data to estimate pasture biomass and residuals.

Halter helps producers track where cows are, how long they graze, ruminate, rest and move. It can help calculate how many tons of dry matter are consumed.

“We’re able to tell you what the residual is when the cow goes in, what the residual is when the cow leaves,” Fraser says.

This helps ranchers understand herd-level dry matter consumption between moves. Looking ahead, Fraser is especially interested in individual cow feed efficiency — answering a question many ranchers have wondered about for years.

Right now, he said, producers know which cows are the heaviest or give the most milk, but not how much forage each one eats to get there. Halter hopes to help identify animals that eat less but still perform well, offering new levers for genetic selection, profitability and sustainability.

Today, consumption data is built from satellite data plus time in paddock plus behavior. He says the research and development aim is to go from herd-level to cow-level intake, so producers know which cows are genuinely efficient, not just big eaters.

5. Integrate Grazing with Water, Labor, Risk and Regulations

Fraser summarizes once producers can move virtual fences easily, grazing decisions connect more tightly to other constraints:

Water access: Producers can design hub‑and‑spoke paddocks around fixed water or move small troughs and redraw breaks to match.
Labor: Less time on poly wire and fence repair frees people up for land and animal work; Fraser notes that avoiding “boring tasks” is a big benefit.
Risk and emergencies: Ranchers have used Halter to move cattle in floods or fires when it’s unsafe or impossible for people to go in, and fences might burn or wash out.
Changing rules: When riparian buffer rules tightened in New Zealand, farms with Halter simply redrew the virtual exclusion zones. “If you had fencing, that would have been a huge cost to move all of that. If you had Halter, you just drew a different break on your phone,” Fraser says.

Those factors change grazing from a mostly fence‑ and labor‑limited system to one that’s more data‑, water‑ and policy‑aware, and much quicker to adjust.

Not a Fit For Everyone

Fraser was upfront that Halter falls short or isn’t a fit yet for:

Very small “hobby” herds — fewer than 50 head — return on investment doesn’t pencil out.
Extremely large, ultra-extensive ranches — tower-based communications still limit practicality.
True cow-level feed intake/efficiency today — still herd-level, with individual metrics as an research and development goal.
Full system integrations and “AI for everything” — they’ve done relatively few integrations so far and intentionally avoid AI where it doesn’t clearly help producers.

For an industry built on barbed wire and sweat, the idea that cattle might one day move mostly to the sound of a beep and the buzz of a collar is a big shift. But for Fraser, that’s exactly the point: use technology to make ranching more controlled, more flexible and more humane — without losing sight of what matters most on the land.

Your Next Reads:

The Hidden Cost of Overgrazing: How It Drains Your Watershed, Rainfall and Bottom Line

Fri, 24 Apr 2026 12:01:30 GMT

Overgrazing is a primary driver of water scarcity on rangelands. When livestock repeatedly remove too much leaf area, soil infiltration rates drop, causing rainfall to become surface runoff rather than stored soil moisture. According to Texas A&M AgriLife Research, heavily grazed sites can lose up to 10% of their annual precipitation to runoff — water that could have driven forage production.

Every drop of rain is precious. On healthy rangeland, most of that rainfall enters the soil (infiltration), is stored in the profile and then drives forage production. Under prolonged overgrazing, however, plant vigor declines, roots shrink, litter disappears and soils compact, reducing infiltration, increasing runoff and erosion and shrinking the water available for grass growth. Over time, that damages both watershed function and ranch profitability.

What Overgrazing Does to Water

Less plant cover → less infiltration. Texas A&M Extension work shows that rangeland sites with robust bunchgrass or oak-understory cover retain more rainfall and lose less to runoff than sites dominated by sodgrasses or bare ground. Heavily grazed watersheds at the Sonora Station have shown runoff approaching 10% of annual precipitation, water that could have been growing grass.
More bare ground and compaction → more runoff and sediment. Vegetation and ground cover are the two attributes managers can influence most to control raindrop impact, maintain soil structure and limit concentrated flow erosion; when cover is lost, rills and sheet flow move soil, nutrients and carbon off the pasture and downstream.
Hydrologic decline scales from paddock to watershed. AgriLife Research modeling in northwest Texas found heavy continuous grazing increased bare ground and reduced infiltration, elevating surface runoff, soil erosion and carbon export to streams, while adaptive multi-paddock (AMP) grazing reduced those losses at both ranch and watershed scales.
Stream water quality takes a hit. Edge-of-field monitoring in northeast Texas showed continuously grazed sites produced more than 24% more runoff than pastures under prescribed grazing and had significantly higher loads of nitrate/nitrite and total suspended solids, reflecting the combined effects of reduced infiltration and increased overland flow.

(West Texas Rangelands)

Why Infiltration Matters for Production

Every inch of rainfall that infiltrates instead of running off becomes soil moisture for roots, cooler soil temperatures and more days of active growth. Texas A&M’s classic “Improving Rainfall Effectiveness on Rangeland” illustrates how management that maintains cover and litter can shift water fate toward infiltration and storage, improving rain-use efficiency which translates to more grass per inch of rain.

From a forage and cattle performance standpoint, prolonged overgrazing repeatedly removes leaf area and growing points, which reduces photosynthesis, root mass and regrowth capacity resulting in the plant having fewer “tools” to capture and use the water that does infiltrate. Texas A&M AgriLife’s grazing series details how timing, intensity, and recovery periods govern these plant responses.

The Compounding Costs You Can’t See — At First

Reduced carrying capacity & higher feed costs. Lower infiltration and more runoff → less forage → lower stocking potential or higher reliance on hay and supplements. Over time, repeatedly “mining” residual cover shrinks both grass base and soil function.
More erosion & infrastructure risk. Concentrated flow cuts rills and gullies, damages roads and water gaps, and fills stock ponds with sediment; and these are costs that show up as repairs and lost storage. (NRCS hydrology guidance emphasizes cover as the first line of defense.)
Water quality liabilities. TWRI studies link poor grazing in creek pastures to higher bacteria and sediment delivery during runoff events; rotational/prescribed grazing and keeping livestock out of wet creek pastures during stormy periods reduce those loads dramatically.
Ecological drift. Overgrazed, drought-stressed sites can shift toward weedy/invasive species that livestock avoid, creating a feedback loop of selective overuse on the remaining palatable plants.

What to Do Instead: Practical Fixes that Pay

Match stocking to forage and recovery. Stocking rate is the “gatekeeper” decision; nothing else works if it’s wrong. Build flexibility to reduce numbers when growth slows, and plan for adequate post-graze recovery that changes with rainfall.
Manage timing, duration and distribution. Shorter grazing periods, longer rest and strategic water/mineral placement prevent chronic re-grazing of regrowth and spread hoof impact — core principles in the AgriLife Adaptive Multi-Paddock guidance.
Monitor cover, litter and bare ground. Simple photo points and transects documenting bare ground and litter depth are sensitive early-warning indicators of hydrologic decline; adjust grazing before the problem is expensive (AgriLife’s West Texas Rangelands site offers practical monitoring how-tos and also check out the Rangeland Analysis Platform for current production estimates).
Invest where infiltration starts: the soil surface. Where chronic traffic has sealed the surface, recovery requires rest + cover, not more grazing. NRCS and AgriLife hydrology guidance are clear: vegetation cover is the most manager-controllable driver of infiltration, compaction and erosion resistance on rangeland.

The Bottom Line

Prolonged overgrazing is more than a forage or drought problem; it’s a management problem that creates water scarcity. It trades infiltration for runoff, soil for loose dirt and carrying capacity for input costs. The fixes are well-known: destock, shorten grazing bouts, lengthen recovery and monitor cover and bare ground. Those steps rebuild infiltration, stabilize soils and turn the same rainfall into more grass and healthier soils.

Visit the West Texas Rangelands website for more information on rangeland management and current research on prescribed fire, wildfires, brush management and grazing management.

What is the Difference Between LRP and LGM Cattle Insurance?

Thu, 23 Apr 2026 18:10:24 GMT

With cash outlays for feeder cattle and replacement females at record highs, Livestock Risk Protection (LRP) and Livestock Gross Margin (LGM) have become essential tools for managing financial risk. Recent USDA updates have made these subsidized programs more accessible, now allowing producers to insure unborn calves and set price floors for multiple stages of production. According to Iowa State University’s Patrick Wall, these tools are designed to protect equity without limiting the upside of a strengthening market.

“Cash outlay for feeders, replacement heifer calves, yearlings, bred heifers and bred cows is certainly higher than ever in all sectors,” says Wall, ISU Extension and outreach beef specialist, in a recent Growing Beef Newsletter article. “No doubt, two important programs supporting the market are Livestock Risk Protection and Livestock Gross Margin. Recent updates have made these programs more attractive and less expensive to a much wider audience in the supply chain.”

Can You Insure Unborn Calves with LRP?

According to Wall, unborn calves can now be insured for a future sale date.

“This program can be utilized for both purchased bred females just arriving on farm as well as pregnant heifers and cows that have been part of the operation already,” he says. “The premium is subsidized by the government, much like traditional crop insurance.”

He shares these options:

If a producer has 100 cows to calve in April to May they can insure 95 unborn calves up to 599 lb. at weaning.
If a producer bought a group of bred heifers, they can insure their upcoming progeny to protect their initial investment.
“LRP does not insure the viability, health, weight or gavel price for any of those calves,” Wall explains. “You still have to manage them to the best of your ability. It does insure the futures price for feeder cattle will be at least what you insure it to be, on the date you specify. If the price actually goes up, there’s no penalty or premium increase; simply put those extra dollars in your pocket on sale day.”
If a producer wants to hold on to them post-weaning for another 90 days, they can insure them again for a future sale date.
If a producer wants to market some on-farm feed through the cattle by feeding them clear to finish, the producer can insure them a third time clear to market weight. “You’re setting the floor for the futures market,” he says. “The top side is still open should the market strengthen further during the feeding period.”

What is LGM?

“For the feedlot sector, margins matter,” Wall explains. “This program insures both the revenue side — fed cattle price — and the cost side — feeder cattle price and corn price — of a transaction, working in tandem.”

While the feed necessary to finish a given set of calves may already be purchased, its value can change. Likewise, futures markets on both fed and feeder cattle can be quite volatile.

“In some cases, all three segments of LGM can react negatively to each other,” Wall says. “This program insures that doesn’t happen for you, with a subsidized premium as well.”

Wall recently interviewed Tony Latcham of Stockguard Risk Management for the “Iowa Beef Collective” podcast . The episode summarizes both LRPs and LGMs and how to effectively use them, regardless of the size and scope of your operation.

Why Should Commercial Cattle Producers Track Birth and Weaning Weights?

Wed, 22 Apr 2026 17:28:15 GMT

Data is knowledge and knowledge is power, but are ranchers truly operating with the right pieces of data to make confident decisions in all areas of their operation?

“Most ranchers are making decisions without one of the most valuable pieces of data on their operation, which is actual weights,” says Dawn Anderson, CattleScales.com team member and Idaho rancher.

It’s easy to think actual weights are something only seedstock suppliers take throughout the year to report to breed associations; however knowing birth weights, weaning weights, yearling weights and mature cow weights is highly beneficial for commercial cattle producers as well.

She says, “Being able to track weights from birth through weaning and yearling gives you a much clearer picture of your herd.”

Dawn’s family tracks birth weight records to breed for ideal-sized calves for their environment.

“We look at birth weights closely — because too big or too small, both can cause problems,” she explains. “A small calf can lack the energy, and a big calf can struggle too — they’ve got to get up and get moving.”

As calves mature, knowing weaning weights or even pre-weaning weights eliminates marketing surprises on sale day and opens the door to more informed culling decisions.

“At weaning, we’re weighing both cows and calves so we can see if those cows are really pulling their weight,” says Anderson. “We use those weaning weights to help make culling decisions and evaluate cow performance.”

Cows that consistently produce low weaning-weight calves or calves with low average daily gain in backgrounding settings can easily be culled from the herd.

Average daily gains that are lower than in past years could indicate more than a genetic problem.

“If something’s off, it prompts you to ask questions — do we need to test feed, adjust the ration or change something?” Anderson says. “We’ll run cattle across the scale every 30 to 45 days just to see where we’re at.”

Another benefit of knowing weights on all classes of animals is reducing treatment costs and improving animal husbandry.

“Pharmaceuticals are costly — they’re really costly if they’re not effective,” Anderson expresses. “If you’re guessing at weight, you may be overdosing or underdosing, and neither one is good.”

In summer pasture settings, it’s not practical to bring cattle home to weigh them before treating them. However, even the knowledge of a previous weight is helpful in improving accuracy for treatment dosage.

There are a variety of scale systems producers can invest in either themselves or share with a neighbor.

“There’s not a one-size-fits-all answer when it comes to scale systems,” Anderson says. “We start by talking through what the producer’s goals are and what’s going to work best for them.”

Producers should know which animals they want the ability to weigh, when they want to do this and how they want to use the information to determine which system is the best fit for their operation.

She says, “A lot of operations are set up where that chute is where all the decisions are being made — that’s where the scale should be.”

However, there are alleyway or even portable options for producers weighing in multiple locations.

“There are options — that’s the biggest thing people don’t always realize,” Anderson says.

Regardless of the type of scale you invest in or how you decide to utilize weight data, remember it’s about more than just recording a weight to say you have it — it’s about confidence in your decision-making.

“Having accurate weights gives you confidence in your decisions,” Anderson summarizes.

Listen to the full conversation on the “Casual Cattle Conversations” podcast .

What Percentage of Beef Cows Need Help Calving?

Tue, 21 Apr 2026 14:23:20 GMT

Much like in human childbirth, not every delivery in cattle goes exactly as planned. While many calves are born without issue, some require extra help due to factors beyond a producer’s control.

On a recent episode of the Kansas State University’s Beef Cattle Institute’s “Cattle Chat “podcast , K-State veterinarians and beef cattle experts say a portion of calvings will naturally require assistance.

“Studies have shown that about 10% to 20% of calvings may require some assistance, and that is usually due to a mismatch between the pelvis of the cow and the size of the calf,” veterinarian Todd Gunderson says.

Another contributor to calving difficulty is malpresentation, which occurs when a calf is not positioned correctly for delivery. In a normal birth, the calf enters the birth canal front feet first with its head resting between its legs. Malpresentation can include calves that are backward, sideways or have their head or limbs positioned incorrectly, often requiring intervention.

Gunderson notes certain situations can increase the likelihood of these complications.

“When there are multiples, I would see more malpresentation cases in practice,” he says. “There is also some research suggesting the sire of the calf may influence the probability of malpresentation, but that has only been observational research — we don’t know for sure.”

That observation may help explain why producers sometimes see calving issues grouped together within a herd.

“That is why we may see some of these cases in clusters,” Dr. Bob Larson, K-State professor of production medicine, says. “If they share the same sire, the physical structure of that animal could play a role as well.”

Veterinarians say understanding these risk factors — calf size, pelvic structure, multiples and potential genetic influence — can help producers monitor more closely and intervene when necessary, especially during calving season.

Your Next Reads:

Moving Bred Cows? This Hidden Risk Window Can Cost You Pregnancies

Wed, 15 Apr 2026 15:22:25 GMT

A four-hour truck ride might feel routine. The timing of that move, however, can quietly work against you if cows are newly bred. This was the topic of discussion between Kansas State animal health experts on a recent episode of “ BCI Cattle Chat .”

Transport stress during early pregnancy is a management risk that often goes unnoticed. The issue is not just whether to move cows, but when.

The Critical Window

Early pregnancy is not equally stable from day to day. Specific windows carry a higher likelihood of pregnancy loss, and one stands out above the rest.

“There are a couple of times in pregnancy where we lose more fetuses, and one of those is maternal recognition of pregnancy, about two weeks after conception. That time is a really critical time, we lose a fair number of pregnancies right around that time so I don’t want to do anything to stress an animal then, like putting them on a truck for four hours,” says Bob Larson, professor in production medicine at Kansas State University.

That 14-day time point is roughly when the embryo signals its presence to the dam. Disruptions during this period can increase the likelihood of pregnancy loss.

This is not the only vulnerable stage.

“Probably the most loss is during that first two weeks. The next most is over days 28 to 35, and still some out to day 50,” Larson explains.

Taken together, much of the first 50 days of gestation carries elevated risk, with peaks at key developmental milestones.

Why Transport is a Problem (Even When it Seems Minor)

It is easy to assume only long hauls pose a threat. Distance alone misses the bigger picture.

“A lot of the risk or stress really comes from the gathering and loading, and in some ways, it hardly matters how far they go,” Larson says.

From a physiological standpoint, stress is cumulative. Gathering cattle, sorting and handling, loading onto trailers, the ride itself, and unloading all contribute to the total stress load. Even short trips can stack multiple stressors into a narrow window, especially when handling is rushed or facilities are limiting.

Is There Any Safer Time to Move Them?

If cattle must be moved around breeding, one narrow window appears more forgiving.

“There is one period of time when the cow is pretty protected, and that’s actually during the first week of pregnancy. That early embryo is still up in the uterine tube and is pretty protected up there,” Larson says.

During this stage, the embryo has not yet entered the uterus, which may provide some buffer against external stressors. The window is limited. Moving cattle later increases the likelihood of overlapping with more vulnerable stages of pregnancy.

Trucking Versus Walking: Not All Movement is Equal

Not all movement carries the same level of risk, and the way cattle are handled can significantly influence outcomes. Lower-stress handling appears to reduce the overall impact of movement, particularly over short distances.

“If you’re talking about walking cows slowly under low-stress conditions, one, two, maybe three miles somewhere, you’re probably okay,” Jason Warner, cow-calf specialist at K-State, explains. “Cattle handling is always an important aspect. So it’s not just distance or just putting them on a trailer, it’s how. Acting calmly with not a lot of dogs, not a lot of yelling, just really calmly. That’s a key component.”

This highlights an important distinction: while short, low-pressure movement may be tolerated, trucking often concentrates multiple stressors into a short period. Gathering, sorting, loading, transport and unloading all stack together, increasing the total stress load on the animal.

Practical Takeaways: Managing Stress and Timing in Early Pregnancy

Across all scenarios, the same principle applies: Minimizing stress during early pregnancy is essential for maintaining fertility. Whether managing bull turnout, coordinating pasture moves or planning transport logistics, early gestation is a high-risk period where even routine decisions can have measurable reproductive consequences.

From a practical standpoint, timing and handling decisions should work together:

Avoid moving cows around day 14 post-breeding
- This is the highest-risk window for pregnancy loss
Exercise caution throughout the first 50 days
- Risk declines over time but remains elevated
Move earlier rather than later when possible
- The embryo may be more protected the first week post-breeding
Focus on handling, not just distance
- Stress from gathering and loading is a major contributor
Prioritize low-stress stockmanship
- Calm movement reduces overall physiological strain

Transporting bred cows is not automatically a problem, but poor timing can be.

When moves overlap with early pregnancy, especially around the timing of maternal recognition, the cost may show up later as open cows and a stretched calving window. Management decisions made during this period carry more weight than they might appear.

The key question remains simple: Are you moving cows at a time when the pregnancy can handle it?

More Than Cowboys: Feedlot Immersion Event Showcases Diverse Career Paths

Tue, 14 Apr 2026 16:35:06 GMT

The modern feedlot is a sophisticated hub of technology, science and commerce. A recent feedlot immersion event hosted at Irsik & Doll’s Ingalls Feed Yard, Ingalls, Kan., brought together high school students from across the region to learn more how the cattle feeding sector relies on diverse expertise far beyond traditional pen riding.

More than 40 students from eight high schools attended the event on April 8. Organizers say their focus with the event is to strengthen the workforce pipeline while creating a new generation of informed beef advocates.

“Educational programs like this are very important for kids in high school and any age,” says attendee Braylee Kraisinger from Hugoton, Kan. “It helps us see more job opportunities that most people have never really thought about before. Programs like this are helping give kids a head start in understanding different industries and what it takes to succeed in them.”

She stresses there is so much more to a feedlot than cowboys and pen riders.

“There are hundreds of other jobs,” she says. “Everyone’s job at the feedlot is very important to make sure everything runs smoothly. Each job is connected in some way, and they all have to work together to be successful.”

(Rachel Waggie, KLA)

The Workforce Pipeline: Recruiting for a High-Tech Future

One of the main goals for the event is to highlight the jobs behind the scenes; everyone sees those jobs from the highway but getting as hands-on as possible with those careers in the back office and out of sight is the real purpose.

A major theme is career awareness: showing students that feedyards and allied businesses offer many different jobs, not just riding horses.

“Our initial goal was to have every station be a real experience of getting the students to do just a snippet of what that person does on a daily basis,” says Russell Plaschka, Kansas
Cooperative Council CEO and president. “As you know, you can see it, hear about it, but if they get to do the job it starts to stick and make an impression on career decisions.”

The event organizers developed a program to showcase the diverse career paths available in cattle feeding.

“Finding skilled employees is challenging, and I wanted to help strengthen the pipeline of quality talent for our industry,” says Trevor Cox, Zoetis strategic account manager. “Many young people don’t realize how many different kinds of careers are available in cattle feeding, so this event was a way to give back — by educating, inspiring and sparking interest in roles they might not have considered. Our goal was to showcase real, rewarding career paths and encourage the next generation to see themselves in this industry.”

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From Drones to Necropsies: Seven Stations of Complexity

Cox says students had a chance to see how feedyards aren’t just about cattle and cowboys — the industry thrives on diverse expertise, from technology and safety to nutrition, equipment and marketing.

Participants were divided into small groups and rotated through a series of stations around the feedyard exposing students to potential careers in cattle feeding and adjacent industries.

Highlights of the seven sessions include:

A feed mill tour focused on animal nutrition
An animal health and necropsy session facilitated by Zoetis’ Dr. Shawn Blood
Headcount’s demonstration of drone-based cattle counting
MWI’s session on its feed technology
KLA’s safety trailer where students learned about managing risk
Equipment showcases from Roto-Mix and Murphy Tractor
A cattle marketing discussion led by Irsik & Dolls’ David Ast and Daniel Berg

(Angie Stump Denton)

The Marketing Matrix: Understanding How Cattle are Valued

Attendee Kayden Holstein from Scott City, Kan., says, “The most interesting rotation to me was the marketing portion, because it provided a new perspective on how decisions are made and how cattle are valued within the industry.”

During the cattle marketing rotation lead by Ast and Berg, students got the chance to predict quality and yield grades as well as carcass value on a pen of finished steers.

(Angie Stump Denton)

Advocacy in Action: Creating Informed Beef Consumers

Brandon Depenbusch, Irsik & Doll vice president of the cattle division and one of the event organizers, summarizes, “While the primary goal is educationally focused — exposing high school students to feedyards and the related industries that support them — we also wanted to expose them to production agriculture practices so they become informed beef consumers and advocates.”

He notes they hope students can counter misinformation later in life and “speak intelligently” when others say negative or incorrect things about feedyards.

“Students were engaged and asked thoughtful questions throughout the event,” Cox explains.

(Rachel Waggie, KLA)

During a Q&A session following lunch Cox says students shared what they learned.

“Three key takeaways for me were getting to see the marketing side of the cattle industry, learning how feedyards are increasingly focused on finishing cattle and seeing how advanced technology has become within feedyard operations,” Holstein summarizes. “I was especially impressed by how efficient and well-managed the mill was.”

Kraisinger adds three fact about feedlots that stood out to her were:

Lots of technology is used in feedlots. Technology is used from tracking feed rations to flying drones.
Safety is key in a feedlot. The most common injuries are due to slips, trips and falls. It’s important to make sure you have a safety harness on whether you’re climbing a ladder or going into a silo.
Employees need to work together and make sure they always have someone aware of where they are or what they are doing.

Both Cox and Depenbusch confirm they plan to make it an annual event and rotate it around to different locations in the region.

“It’s a small investment of time and resources with a big payoff for building the workforce our industry will rely on for years to come,” Cox says.

Sponsors of the program were Irsik & Doll, Zoetis, HeadCount, MWI Animal Health, Roto-Mix, Ascendance Truck Centers, Murphy Tractor, KLA, Kansas Cooperative Council and Kansas State University Southwest Research-Extension Center.

Don’t Be Fooled: Animal Rights Activists Pose as Family Farmers

Tue, 14 Apr 2026 16:43:41 GMT

Recently, several new activist groups have been using proclaimed farmers as prominent features in legislative campaigns aimed at preserving state “animal welfare” laws like California’s Proposition 12 . But who are these organizations – and are they really speaking for farmers?

Last fall, the Animal Agriculture Alliance noticed a trend of groups like Farm Action and Humane World Action Fund running ads claiming “family farmers” are in favor of upholding Prop12 and encouraging opposition to federal efforts to overturn the law. The ads claimed that Prop 12 “created a market that gives family-run farms like ours a fighting chance.”

Farm Action, a group with a purposely misleading name, is run by two former Humane World for Animals (HSUS) staff. The group endorses anti-animal agriculture legislation while claiming that they are working to “protect the future of family farms,” and organized a Congressional fly-in event last year to speak with legislators. Similarly, the activist-backed American Meat Producers Association, also led by a former Humane World for Animals (HSUS) staffer, was launched last year and has also been involved in similar efforts in D.C. to support Prop 12. The group said that they are working to “give a voice on policy issues and protect state laws that are good for family farmers,” while misleading lawmakers that these voices – heavily influenced by leadership that has strong ties to anti-animal agriculture organizations – speak for the entirety of producers.

These efforts in D.C. in support of California’s Prop 12 and in opposition to the EATS Act, now renamed the Save Our Bacon Act, were lauded by other anti-animal agriculture groups like Mercy for Animals, which wrote a blog in November about the “hundreds of farmers [sending] a strong message on Capitol Hill.” If you look deeper into the connections of these organizations, it’s hard to believe that these “farmers” would want to align themselves with groups that ultimately want to put all animal agriculture out of business.

In January, The Center for the Environment & Welfare issued a report breaking down some of the alleged “supporters” of California’s Prop 12 that were listed on a letter circulating on Capitol Hill. In the letter, Humane World for Animals had claimed that 5,000 farms across 39 states support Prop 12’s “animal welfare standards,” however, after a thorough review, it was found that this list included over 100 wineries, 150 honey producers, a goat yoga practitioner, and an urban garden – not a very accurate depiction of farmers that are actually impacted by these housing standards and supply chain restrictions.

Most recently, with the House Ag Committee passing a Farm Bill that includes preemption language related to Prop 12, we have continued to see animal rights activists scramble for support. Many groups have put out rapid “calls to action” on social media and through e-mail blasts asking their supporters to reach out to legislators. Some of these efforts seem to be aimed at major conservative commentators and policymakers, signaling attempts by activist groups to reach nontraditional audiences. A recent article in the LA Times claimed that “even conservatives are mad” about Proposition 12 and, while using an activist-provided stock photo from outside of the United States, referenced “intensive corporate-owned mega-farms.” In the article, an alleged farmer and “self-described conservative Republican” claimed that gestation stalls are not “proven to be good science.” This kind of content directly opposes the work that has been done in partnership by farmers, academia, and industry to make sure that pigs, whatever housing system they are in, are raised in environments that balance the best for their welfare and environmental sustainability, all while creating a nutritious, affordable protein for consumers.

It’s not hard to see why animal rights activists are trying to appear as representing farmers and ranchers. According to Gallup polling , farming and agriculture is America’s most trusted sector over the past 25 years. This new wave of organizations and tactics seems to be an attempt at distracting and confusing the public and policymakers, drowning out the perspectives of longstanding grassroots organizations who do count farmers and ranchers responsible for putting meat, poultry, dairy, eggs and seafood on American plates among their membership. It’s imperative that we look beyond the facades that these groups want you to see to understand their true intent. That second look at groups claiming to be aligned with farmers and asking for support could be hugely impactful to major legislative changes that seek to alter the future of our food supply.

Abby Kornegay is the director of issues and engagement for the Animal Agriculture Alliance.

Garlic in the Water Trough? What New Research Means for Fly Control in Cattle

Mon, 13 Apr 2026 18:28:13 GMT

For decades, producers across the U.S. and Canada have used garlic-infused minerals or salt as a natural fly control strategy. The biological rationale is straightforward: sulfur-containing compounds from garlic are absorbed, circulated and released through the skin to repel flies.

But when tested under field conditions, the results have been inconsistent.

A two-year Canadian grazing study evaluating garlic-infused trace mineral salt illustrates that variability. In one group, cattle receiving garlic had 47% fewer flies and 41% fewer defensive behaviors compared to controls. In another group, however, no significant difference was observed, despite the same supplementation strategy.

The authors point to several possible drivers, including environmental conditions, genetic differences and variation in supplement intake.

Other controlled work in the U.S. has produced weaker signals. In a 14-week field study in Louisiana, cattle consuming garlic through mineral only achieved about a 25% reduction in horn fly numbers, a level described as not meaningful relative to expected control standards.

Taken together, the North American literature points to a consistent pattern: garlic shows biological potential, but results are not reliable enough to stand alone as a primary control tool.

Intake May Be The Limiting Factor

Both of these studies relied on free-choice mineral or salt delivery, where intake can vary widely between animals and across time. Even when average consumption appears adequate, dose per head per day is not controlled with free-choice delivery, making consistent exposure difficult to achieve.

In practice, this does more than reduce efficacy — it makes outcomes unpredictable at the herd level.

This shifts the conversation from “Does garlic work?” to a more practical question: Can it be delivered consistently enough to produce a repeatable effect?

Delivering Organosulfur Compounds Through Water

A 2026 Australian study published in Tropical Animal Health and Production evaluated that question under commercial conditions. Instead of relying on free-choice intake, researchers delivered garlic-derived organosulfur compounds through drinking water in a grazing beef herd.

This approach directly addresses one of the most consistent limitations identified in North American work: variable intake across animals.

The study followed 266 beef cows split into treatment and control groups with the same stocking density with no changes to routine management. Both groups received the same base ration over the 16-week experimental period, but the treatment group received the garlic-derived supplement through water.

With intake standardized at the herd level, a clearer signal emerged:

Treatment group: ~80% reduction in fly counts within two weeks
Control group: ~20% increase over the same period
By week four:
- Treated: ~110 flies/head
- Control: ~350 flies/head
Seasonal pressure increased fly numbers in both groups:
- Treated: ~550% increase from baseline
- Control: ~6,500% increase

Behavioral Response Aligns With Reduced Fly Pressure

Behavioral indicators followed the same pattern as fly counts. Defensive behaviors — including tail flicking, head tossing and stamping — increased in both groups as fly pressure rose. However, the increase was substantially lower in treated cattle (68%) compared to controls (186%), indicating reduced irritation under similar conditions.

These behavioral changes reflect more than visible discomfort; they are tied to grazing time, stress and overall performance.

Relevance to Fly Control in North American Systems

While the study focused on buffalo flies, the implications extend to horn flies, the primary ectoparasite in U.S. and Canadian grazing systems.

Both species:

Remain on the host for most of their life cycle
Feed frequently on blood
Trigger similar behavioral and production responses

The underlying mechanism — repellency via metabolized organosulfur compounds — is expected to translate across fly species.

Where This Fits in Practice

Water-based delivery of garlic-derived compounds may have a role as part of an integrated fly control strategy, particularly in:

Extensive grazing systems
Herds with inconsistent mineral intake
Operations where labor limits handling-based interventions

North American research has shown garlic-based fly control can produce reductions in some settings, but results have been inconsistent. Across studies, variation in intake has been a recurring limitation.

This new study suggests when intake is controlled through water, the same compounds may produce a more consistent response at the herd level. At the same time, the findings should be interpreted within the study’s constraints. The trial lacked replication, did not measure individual intake and did not assess compound stability in water.

This work emphasizes how a product is delivered can be just as important as what is delivered when it comes to real-world performance.

USDA Updates New World Screwworm Response Playbook for Ranchers and Vets

Thu, 09 Apr 2026 12:35:24 GMT

The “ New World Screwworm Response Playbook” was developed as a resource to help animal health officials and responders manage and adapt their response if NWS is found in the U.S. The first draft of the Playbook was released in October 2025.

U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) released an updated Playbook to serve as a comprehensive guide to support coordinated, science-based action should NWS be detected.

“USDA continues to execute Secretary Rollins’ five-pronged plan to keep NWS out of the United States,” says Dudley Hoskins, USDA under secretary for marketing and regulatory programs. “While we are aggressively safeguarding American agriculture and working with Mexico to prevent further northward spread, we must also ensure that our domestic response plans are ready for immediate activation. Strong coordination with states, producers, veterinarians, sportsmen and other partners is essential to achieving that goal.”

Hoskins was a guest Tuesday on AgriTalk. He discussed NWS preventative and response measures, including the sterile fly dispersal efforts.

He explains the goal of the Playbook is to try to balance that constant posture of vigilance, prevention and emergency response coordination.

“We want to be as least disruptive to the industry and commerce as possible,” he explains.

Hoskins stresses APHIS is asking for feedback on version two of the Playbook as they continue to fine-tune the response plan.

“We’re asking that same community of states and industry partners to continue to review the playbook,” he explains. “We want to continue to have those discussions and and those deliberations to improve the can and hopefully perfect have to use it, and hopefully never have to use it.”

Refining the Rules: Key Updates to the 2026 Playbook

The updated Playbook outlines critical science-based strategies for federal, state, tribal and local responders, including how to:

Coordinate response operations
Reduce spread and prevent establishment of NWS in new areas
Manage the pest in infested animals
Implement NWS fly surveillance and control measures
Maintain continuity of business
Support efficient information flow and situational awareness

APHIS has released the updated New World Screwworm Response Playbook - strengthening preparedness via coordination with states, producers, veterinarians, wildlife & other partners.🤝
It guides rapid, science-based action should NWS be detected in the U.S.https://t.co/lgplvaNjDy pic.twitter.com/kq4wKbqkGY
— USDA Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (@USDA_APHIS) April 8, 2026

Collaborative Design: Incorporating Tribal and Industry Expertise

After sharing the draft Playbook in October 2025, APHIS worked to gather feedback from state animal health officials, federal partners, livestock and wildlife industry groups, tribal partners, veterinary organizations and other key stakeholders to prepare the updated version.

According to the APHIS press release , “Their expertise and operational experience were essential in shaping practical, field-ready guidance for real-world response scenarios.”

Based on this feedback, APHIS made several key updates to the Playbook including clarifying and expanding:

Terminology — NWS establishment, suspect, zones, types, phases, quarantines — treatment versus preventative NWS animal drugs and pesticide products
Agency roles, responsibilities and authorities
Animal movement requirements
Wildlife management, including:
- Improved description of roles, responsibilities and authorities related to wildlife
- Added and improved definitions of confined, farmed, and free-ranging wildlife
- Refined guidance on use of antiparasitic drugs and pesticide for use on/in wildlife
- Development guidance on wildlife surveillance

Accessing the Playbook: Resources for Producers and Responders

APHIS updated four supplemental guidance documents that were posted with the draft Playbook and added an additional eight supplemental guidance documents, all referenced in the Playbook .

(USDA APHIS NWS Playbook)

“To ensure continued alignment with state-level plans and industry practices, APHIS will continue to revise the Playbook as preparedness activities advance and evolve,” the release explains. “The agency will continue to work directly with states, territories, tribes, federal agencies, industry wildlife and other partners to refine response tools, strengthen coordination and support joint planning efforts.”

Your Next Reads:

Cut Feed Costs by Improving Pastures: Weed Control and Soil Fertility Strategies for Ranchers

Thu, 09 Apr 2026 12:00:43 GMT

Feed, it’s one of the biggest, if not the biggest, expense for many ranches. So what can ranchers do to reduce feed costs and still meet nutritional requirements of animals?

“The cheapest way to feed cattle is through grazing standing forage,” says Sam Ingram, field scientist for Corteva Range and Pasture. More specifically, ranchers should prioritize the forage resources they already have access to.

Ingram explains, “If we prioritize those forages… we can produce more pounds of beef on that given acre.”

In addition to practicing rotational grazing, implementing weed control and fertilization practices are key components of prioritizing forages.

Weed Control

A few weeds may seem harmless at first, but they have a significant economic impact when the difference in pounds of forage is measured after removal.

“If we remove weeds, we see an increase in forage production,” shares Ingram. “A rule of thumb is remove a pound of weeds and you can get a pound or more of grass.”

Two weed control options are mechanical and chemical. Mechanical options include tillage, hand pulling or clipping weeds, which can be time consuming and labor intensive.

Chemical options involve the use of herbicides to control weeds. A challenge with chemical control is finding a herbicide that controls weeds without harming other beneficial forages such as grasses and legumes.

“In the past, we’ve had producers tell us they won’t spray because they don’t want to sacrifice their clovers and annual lespedeza,” Ingram shares. “Fortunately, producers who had this reservation about herbicide application don’t have to have it now.”

The herbicide NovaGraz is a broadleaf weed control option that doesn’t kill off beneficial legumes such as white clover and annual lespedeza.
Ingram exlains, “It’s a really revolutionary herbicide that we haven’t had on the market to date.”

For those prioritizing hay forages, the nonresidual feature of NovaGraz is also favorable.

“The nice part of a non-residual herbicide … is that it gives producers flexibility,” Ingram says. “They can make a broadleaf application and still have the option to rotate that acre into another crop.”

It gives both the hay producer and buyer confidence.

Soil Fertility

Ingram says creating a plan to focus on fertility starts with soil testing.

“If you don’t have that test to show you what your nutrient levels are, you’re just guessing,” Ingram says. “Pick a time of the year to test and stick with that time because seasonally our nutrient levels can change.”

Next, producers should put those results to use.

“After you get the results, what are you going to do with them,” asks Ingram. “If it makes sense to add fertility, then let’s do that.”

One caveat of adding fertility is that you are not only providing nutrients for those forages and beneficial legumes, but also weeds. Weeds and grasses are in competition for the same nutrients to thrive.

“Some producers have to choose — am I going to do fertilizer this year or weed control,” Ingram says. “Now with UltiGraz, you have one pass with both fertility and weed control.”

UltiGraz combines both weed control and fertility, and it can be done in one pass to save time and input costs.

He says, “We’re controlling the weeds we don’t want, and the fertility is right there for the forages to take off.”

These are two solutions to maximizing forage production, regardless of the methods you use, remember the bigger picture.

Ingram says, “If we can improve forages through grazing management, weed control and fertility, that’s going to benefit producers.”

Listen to the full conversation on the Casual Cattle Conversations podcast. Learn more about weed control at RangeAndPasture.com/CattleConversation s.

Is Your Bull Ready for Turnout? 4 Steps to Ensure Breeding Success

Tue, 07 Apr 2026 18:02:32 GMT

What is a bull worth? What is his future calf crop worth?

“Significant investments are being made in bulls, and the prospects for income from current and upcoming calf crops appear favorable,” says Patrick Davis, University of Missouri Extension livestock field specialist.

Nevertheless, Davis advises cattle producers to implement effective management practices for bulls as they transition out of the breeding pasture and prepare for future breeding seasons to safeguard their investment.

Davis recommends four key management strategies to ensure optimal performance and success in subsequent breeding cycles:

1. Manage Body Condition Score (BCS)

Bulls should be at an ideal BCS of 6 at the time of turnout. Because one BCS unit equates to approximately 75 to 100 lb., producers should assess their bulls early and adjust nutrition to support necessary weight gain (often targeting 2.5 lb. of gain per day) to reach that “smooth appearance” before the season begins.

“A bull’s energy status, best measured by BCS, is important for breeding success,” Davis says.

BCS ranges from 1 (extremely thin/emaciated) to 9 (extremely fat/obese); ideal is 6 (smooth appearance) at turnout. For more information on BCS management, look at MU Extension guide G2230 .

2. Evaluate Structural Soundness

A bull must be able to cover large pastures and stay mobile. Producers should assess feet and leg structure, specifically examining claw shape and foot angle on a 1 to 9 scale. An ideal score is 5; bulls scoring between 3 and 7 are generally considered acceptable for breeding and for producing structurally sound offspring.

“Because bulls cover a lot of pasture and cows during breeding season, structural soundness matters,” he says.

Additional information can be found in the Red Angus Association’s foot and leg scoring guide .

3. Conduct a Breeding Soundness Exam (BSE)

Schedule a BSE with a veterinarian 30 to 60 days before the breeding season. This exam evaluates the reproductive tract and sperm quality to ensure the bull is fertile. This is also the critical window to administer vaccinations, dewormers and test non-virgin bulls for trichomoniasis to prevent herd-wide health issues.

4. Optimize Bull-to-Cow Ratios and Monitoring

Match the number of cows to the bull’s age and experience. A young bull can typically handle one cow for every month of his age, while a mature bull should follow a 1-to-25 ratio. Once turned out, producers must monitor bulls to ensure they are actively breeding, maintaining their physical condition, and remaining free of injuries.

For multisire pastures, Davis suggests selecting bulls that are similar in age and ensuring they are accustomed to each other before introducing them to the breeding pasture to minimize fighting and injuries. It’s also important to monitor the bulls during breeding season to confirm they are actively breeding, maintaining good condition and remaining injury-free. If there are signs of poor breeding success, such as cows returning to heat repeatedly, rapid weight or condition loss in the bull, or injuries, be prepared to replace the bull promptly.

Applying these strategies to your bull management protocol can protect your investment, promote breeding success and support a productive and profitable operation.

Your Next Read: Fat Matters: How Back Fat Impacts Bull Fertility

7 Common Questions and Answers About Embryo Transfer

Tue, 07 Apr 2026 10:49:47 GMT

As breeding season approaches, schedules become busier, so planning and efficiency are crucial.

Breeding season is a year-round planning process as discussed in the February episode of the “ Powered by Trans Ova Podcast .” During the podcast, veterinarians Tim Gibbs and Cody Bailey answer some commonly asked questions about embryo transfer (ET) programs.

What Causes Early Breeding Season Setbacks?

Starting too late or not having a game plan from the beginning tends to affect results.

Bailey summarizes, “It’s a recipe for failure.”

He recommends planning the whole season in advance, including:

What donors will be used?
When will embryos be made?
What embryos you will put in?
What recipient cows will be used?
Do you have a vet or technician scheduled to put embryos in?

Having conversations each year to discuss the process is important so you can decide what works best or how to make improvements for the next time.

Bailey explains most changes that could be made to improve conception rates are minor things that add up. Successful programs are all in the details, from mineral and nutrition programs to vaccine protocols and more.

He summarizes, “It’s really getting all those boxes checked.”

What Nutrition Mistakes Reduce Conception Rates?

Gibbs explains it is a good idea for all producers to have a nutritionist help with nutrition decisions. What tends to have negative impacts are big changes in diets. Moving from feedlot diets to pasture too quickly often sets cattle back.

Gibbs recommends continuing to supplement diets when turning out to grass until it has fully come up.

“That’s really the worst situation for a recipient is to have her going backwards nutritionally around breeding time,” Gibbs says.

Ensuring females are maintaining condition or heading in a positive direction is most beneficial.

What Should You Prioritize With Younger Recipients?

With cattle inventories being at a historic low and increased embryo production, recipient pools are low. Some producers are looking to use virgin or 2-year-old heifers to expand recipient numbers.

Gibbs explains the beef industry varies from dairy producers who often see more success with using virgin recipients. If using virgin recipients, it is important to manage their body condition closely and keep them in low-stress environments.

“The good thing is to set expectations that if we hit 50% conception rate on heifers, that’s a win,” he explains, as opposed to 70% being ideal in mature cows.

Two-year-olds also need special management, separating them from mature cows to lower competition rates for resources. Gibbs says first-calf heifers’ post-calving interval should be 90 to 110 days rather than 60 to 70 days used with mature cows.

Like virgin heifers, they still tend to have a less sensitive heat response and a lower conception rate.

What Health Protocols Ensure Success?

“It really depends on the individual client, the type of cattle used as recipients and where they’re located,” Gibbs says. “Ensure there is a herd health protocol in place that fits the location and operation.”

A vaccine program is crucial for all ages. Gibbs and Bailey both recommend vaccinating cows either before synching or waiting until preg-checking time. However, both say parasite control with pour-ons and dewormers is appropriate to administer at breeding time.

What Synchronization Protocols Are Recommended?

Both Gibbs and Bailey suggest the 7 & 7 protocol. Results have shown that more cows will express heats with this method compared to a 7-day CIDR (controlled internal drug release).

The window for heats is extremely tight, ranging from 48 to 72 hours. The constraint with this protocol is management if producers are short labor or time.

There is also a 30-day protocol that tends to work well with virgin heifers, specifically with artificial insemination. Both express reminders that producers understand correct procedures for what protocol they use.

How Do You Manage Environmental Changes?

Bailey emphasizes to always have a plan. With good weather comes good results, and inconsistent weather brings challenges.

Simple changes like increased feed for more energy in colder weather, bedding or windbreaks can all help reduce stress when cows are in heat.

“Just try to have a plan for when things are going to happen because they probably will,” Bailey stresses.

How Should Recipients Be Managed Post-transfer?

“Try not to make any big changes for four or five weeks after transfer day,” Gibbs suggests.

Stress issues are mitigated when everything is kept consistent. If any location changes are to be made, doing these the day of or the next day is best.

He explains that once days 17 to 24 of the cow’s estrus cycle are reached, stress should be minimized since this is the point where she will either stick or cycle back. When times arise where changes must be made, consult practitioners to make the best plan.

Your Next Read:
Why Embryo Products Make Sense for Commercial Cattle Operations

Education

School’s Out, Farm Safety Is In

Supervision and Training

Equipment and Clothing

Heat and Health Precautions

Animal and High-Risk Tasks

Practical Nutrition Strategies to Maintain Rumen Health in Weaned Calves

What Early Rumen Dysfunction Looks Like in Weaned Calves

How Gradual Feed Transitions Support Rumen Adaptation in Weaned Calves

Emerging Understanding of Gut Health and Acidosis in Weaned Calves

How Microbials May Support Rumen Stability During Weaning

Why Hydration Is Critical for Gut Health and Feed Intake

Low-Stress Lessons: A Rancher’s Artistic Approach to Animal Behavior

Mineral Strategies During Heat Stress: What To Watch This Summer

Heat Stress Changes Intake Patterns

Drought Changes Forage Quality and Mineral Availability

Water Remains the Foundation of Summer Nutrition

How to Adjust Mineral Programs During Heat Stress

Signs of Mineral Deficiency to Watch For

The Forage Insurance Policy: Why Diversity is Your Best Defense Against Drought

Thinking in Systems, Not Seasons

Herbicide Carryover and Field History

Matching Forages to Risk and Moisture Conditions

Cool-Season Annuals

Warm-Season Annuals

Strategic Use of Perennials

Soil Water Use and Recovery Periods

Establishment Timing and Flexibility

Nutrient Management Considerations

Grazing Management and Risk Distribution

High Bull Prices? Why AI is the Cost-Effective Genetic Alternative

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7 Reasons Your Deworming Program Isn’t Working

1. Subclinical Parasites May Be Hurting Performance Before You Notice

2. Resistance Is Already Present on Many Operations

3. You May Be Underdosing More Often Than You Think

4. Some Dewormers Are Being Used Like Fly Control Products

5. Poor Record-Keeping Makes Resistance Harder to Detect

6. Application Problems Can Look Like Resistance

7. Parasite Problems Don’t Stay on One Farm

Why Parasite Problems Keep Building

Cybersecurity: The Biggest Overlooked Threat to American Agriculture

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Rejuvra® herbicide: Reduce wildfire risk. Restore healthier rangeland.

Cow-Calf Checklist: Are Your Cows Ready For Breeding Season?

1. For cows that are borderline BCS (4.0 to 5.0) going into breeding, consider:

2. For those synchronizing females for breeding, schedule your protocols well in advance and mark key dates on your calendar.

3. If you have a fall herd, schedule pregnancy checks and make culling decisions.

4. Plan your mineral supplementation for this coming spring and summer.

5. Consider magnesium levels in mineral supplements, particularly for cows grazing lush, rapidly growing forages.

6. Schedule bull breeding soundness exams well in advance of breeding.

7. Review your calf health protocols before spring turnout.

8. Consider supplementing yearling replacement heifers around the time of breeding under the following conditions:

9. If pastures are drought-stressed to start the grazing season:

10. Make and evaluate important production calculations:

Successful Heifer Pregnancy on First Service Brings Lifetime Returns

Why Age Matters

Set Up For Reproductive Success

Breed Heifers On Time

How to Manage Uterine and Rectal Prolapses in Cattle

Confine the Animal to Control Movement

Uterine Prolapse: Protect the Tissue

Rectal Prolapse: Reduce Swelling Early

Common Mistakes to Avoid with Cattle Prolapses

Stabilize, Then Step Back

Stop Haying to Improve Your Bottom Line

Once the numbers are calculated, what’s next?

5 Ways Smart Collars Improve Grazing

A Collar, an App and Virtual Fences

Training Cows with Sound, Not Shock

1. Turn Fixed Fences into Flexible, On‑Demand Paddocks

2. Intensify Rotational Grazing and Boost Pasture Utilization

3. Replace Chase-and-Pressure Moves with Calm, Low‑Stress Shifts

4. Use Data on Behavior and Biomass to Refine Grazing Decisions

5. Integrate Grazing with Water, Labor, Risk and Regulations