Calves

Nalivka: Beef Markets and Record-High Prices Going Forward

Fri, 15 May 2026 13:06:37 GMT

As Memorial Day weekend approaches, there is the question of market highs as we head toward the grilling season. I think it is worthwhile to look back at a year ago this time.

During the first week of May 2025, the Choice Cutout averaged $345/cwt., the Select Cutout $332/cwt. and the Comprehensive Cutout $342/cwt. Those prices peaked at $414/cwt. (+20%), $387/cwt. (+17%) and $409/cwt. (+20%), respectively.

This year during the week of May 9, the Choice Cutout averaged $390/cwt., the Select Cutout $388/cwt. and the Comprehensive Cutout $391/cwt. This year’s prices are 13%, 17% and 14% higher for each of the respective cutout values than a year ago.

Cutout Category	May 2025 Avg	May 2026 Avg	% Change
Choice	$345	$390	+13%
Select	$332	$388	+17%
Comprehensive	$342	$391	+14%

Is there a limit to how much current beef demand can drive those prices? My response is, “yes” and we are not too far from that limit.

The Government Question: Let Markets Be Markets

Record-high beef prices are the topic of discussion in cattlemen’s meetings, among market analysts, restaurant procurement, government, and state and federal legislatures with the discussion ranging from “Can prices go much higher” to the government assessing how to “Reduce prices for the consumer.”

My reaction when the government enters the discussion is that we do not need any government entity whether the administration, USDA or Congress to get involved. Markets operate best according to nonmanipulated supply-demand fundamentals, those very drivers that got us to the point of record prices in the first place. Manipulating the market toward the goal of lowering prices for the consumer is not an option, whether it be trade-related or any other manipulation.

(Sterling Marketing Inc.)

For the last 12 months, we have discussed and discussed when rebuilding of the cattle herd will begin. The consensus from all this expert analysis and discussion is that rebuilding will be slow. Why? My response is that the industry and the people involved have changed from those of past cattle cycles.

Farmers and ranchers are older and many no longer have family members who have come back to the ranch after graduating from high school or college. This is a critical factor for those existing full-time cattle ranching operations. These full-time cattlemen whose family members did not come back to the ranch are growing older and slowing down.

But the real driver to cattle numbers is the part-time cattleman — those who also have a cropping operation with pasture to raise a few cattle or people who don’t farm or ranch full time but have pasture, work at another job and want a few (25 to 50 head) cattle.

I believe these part-time cattlemen have declined significantly.

(Sterling Marketing Inc.)

Opportunity Cost: The Barrier to Heifer Retention

Aside from changing demographics of cattlemen, there is another critical issue to herd building and one which has been a driver in previous cattle cycles — record-high prices. While today’s prices are certainly a godsend to full-time cattlemen already in the business, those same record-high prices make the proposition of buying cows to get into the business a challenge, to say the least. And, for that matter, record-high prices can also be viewed as a record-high opportunity cost when a heifer is retained.

(Sterling Marketing Inc.)

The High Cost of Haste: Why Early Pasture Turnout Could Cost You $6 a Pound

Fri, 08 May 2026 15:13:36 GMT

It’s May. The cows are restless at the sight of green grass just on the other side of the fence. Your lawn is a bright green, and pastures are becoming green. Before you decide that the pasture looks good enough to turn cattle out on, think again. This year, that decision carries more weight than ever.

Iowa State forage specialist Shelby Gruss recently joined “ Beef Collective ” host Patrick Wall on the podcast to talk through what producers should be thinking about as they prepare for spring turnout. At the top of the list: don’t turn out too early, and don’t underestimate what that decision costs you in the long run.

“The No. 1 thing it takes to grow grass is grass,” Wall notes.

Why Early Turnout Backfires

In the spring, grass looks more mature than it really is. Visually, that vibrant green signals that the grass is ready to be grazed on. Turning cattle out too early puts underdeveloped plants under pressure they cannot handle yet.

“We also think that way because spring is when our grass grows the best, typically,” Gruss says. “Typically, we think, ‘Oh, we’ll get ahead of it by doing this.’ But we’re actually just starting off on a bad foot in general.”

That above-ground growth sets up pastures for success. Turning out too early, combined with continuous grazing of the same plants, does not give grass a chance to fully develop.

“If we turn out too early, especially this year, with producers saving more heifers and trying to expand, we’re going to put ourselves behind the eight ball before we ever hit peak growing season,” Wall says.

What “Ready” Actually Looks Like

Gruss recommends a minimum 10-inch height benchmark for grass in continuous grazing systems. That height gives the plant enough leaf area to continue photosynthesizing even while cattle are actively grazing. In operations that use rotational grazing, cattle can be turned out on shorter grass but must be moved more quickly to avoid eating the grass down in one pasture.

“The plant uses photosynthesis; you have to have above-ground growth to support the whole plant,” Gruss explains.

Sunlight captured in the blades of the grass is transformed into nutrients and energy to support healthy grass. When cattle graze a plant too low, they strip away the leaf area the plant needs to capture sunlight. Without that above-ground growth working to support it, the plant essentially has to start over. That recovery draws from the root reserves, weakening the plant over time and reducing overall pasture production.

“If we’re constantly hitting it, we are not giving that plant an opportunity to grow and keep producing,” Gruss says.

Hay as a Management Tool

In this season, carryover hay is widely available and affordable. Feeding hay to keep cattle off grass can be used as a bridge strategy.

“A cow is smart enough — and dumb enough — that if you put dry hay and green grass in front of her, she’s going to nub down whatever’s growing before she touches the bale,” Gruss adds.

Before turning cattle out on grass, ensure they are full and not ready to eat everything in front of them. This will slow down their excitement to graze on grass while supporting the grass growth, recommends Gruss.

For producers tempted to split the difference, Gruss suggests a stair-step approach. Turn cattle out for a limited time, bring them back in and shut them off the pasture, then feed hay until the grass is ready to handle the pressure of the herd grazing.

The Financial Stakes

“Every pound that calf gains on the side of that cow this year has been historically worth about $5 to $6 right now per pound. You can’t make any hay that’s ever worth $5 to $6
a pound,” Wall says.

Producers who mismanage spring turnout risk shortening their grazing season, reducing the number of grazing days available in the most valuable time in the cattle market in a generation. Using a stair-step approach supports the grass for grazing throughout the whole season.

Have a Plan

No season goes perfectly. Between weather and the market, many factors are out of our control. Choosing when to turn out cattle to graze this spring, however, is within our control. Producers who have thought ahead of the season and prepared a backup plan will have the most gain while protecting their pasture.

“Grazing is the cheapest option that we can have,” Gruss summarizes. “If we manage them like we manage our corn or soybeans, we’re going to get the most productivity that we can.”

Your Next Reads:

Why Cattle Vaccination is a Lifetime Investment in Reproductive Success

Thu, 07 May 2026 15:24:31 GMT

Cattle vaccination is more than a seasonal chore; it is a lifetime investment in reproductive efficiency. According to Dr. Becky Funk, a veterinarian at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, producers must move beyond “automatic” vaccination and adopt an intentional, long-term strategy.

Funk was a featured speaker during the Beef Reproduction Task Force’s 2025 Applied Reproductive Strategies in Beef Cattle Symposium. She says producers should view vaccination as a long-term strategy, not just a short-term fix for the breeding season.

What is the Metabolic Cost of Vaccinating Cattle?

Vaccines are not free, either in cost or impact on cattle. There is a metabolic cost that impacts their immune response, affecting overall performance.

“Research has shown that even a single immune response requires significant energy,” Funk says. “In young calves, that energy demand can represent a meaningful portion of their daily maintenance needs.”

Why is Colostrum the Foundation of Lifetime Immunity?

Every vaccine given should be intentional, not automatic. At birth, colostrum is the foundation of immunity. Building a strong immune system for calves is critical for their productive life.

“Calves that don’t receive adequate colostrum are more likely to get sick or die early, and those that experience illness early in life are often less productive in the long term,” Funk says.

Shifting to Reproductive Protection

A lifetime of immunity is hard to reach without a strong start. By the time a heifer is ready to be bred, her immune system has already been shaped by early decisions.

“As heifers enter the breeding herd, vaccination programs typically shift to reproductive-focused vaccines,” Funk adds.

What is the Difference Between Killed and Modified-Live Vaccines?

Depending on the animal, the right vaccine matters. According to Funk, heifers and cows require different approaches.

Killed Vaccines: These are often safer for pregnant animals because they do not contain live pathogens, but they do not stimulate as strong of an immune response. As a result of dead pathogens, the immune system is more stimulated, causing a larger impact on their metabolic response. They often require a booster.

Modified-live vaccines (MLV): These contain weakened live pathogens that replicate in the animal. While they offer stronger, more complete protection, they carry a risk of causing abortions if used improperly in pregnant cattle. While MLVs can offer stronger protection, they carry more risk if misused.

Defining Your Vaccination Goals

Funk recommends selecting vaccines based on what you are specifically trying to protect:

Conception: Ensuring the cow is ready to breed.
Pregnancy: Preventing early embryonic loss.
The Fetus: Protecting the unborn calf from pathogens like BVD.
The Newborn: Ensuring the cow produces high-quality colostrum to protect the calf after birth.

Different goals result in different vaccines used. All equally important but depend on the operation.

Built Over a Lifetime

Health is a long-term investment in a cow’s productivity. Choosing the right vaccines and using them at the right time, plays a critical role in their life. That process begins before birth and continues throughout the animal’s life.

“The goal is to build a herd that’s resilient over time, not just protecting them for one breeding season,” Funk summarizes. “We’re not just vaccinating for today; we are setting these cows up for the rest of their productive life.”

Your Next Reads:

Stopping Flies in 2026: 4 Steps to Battling These Economic Pests

Wed, 06 May 2026 14:24:43 GMT

With fly season approaching, now is the time to evaluate and refine your fly management plan for 2026.

“Every year, stable and horn flies cause significant economic losses, but a good fly control program can minimize this impact,” says Cassandra Olds, Kansas State University Extension entomologist. “Although often grouped together, these are very different flies that need different control approaches.”

Dr. Ashby Green, Neogen senior technical services veterinarian, says, “If you are seeing flies, ticks, lice or insect damage to your cattle herd, we know there is an economic impact; however, that impact can become far greater than production or weight gain loss alone. Insect pressure affects grazing patterns of cattle; it affects their comfort and it can lead to health issues. Some of those health issues can be definite, such as anaplasmosis.”

The vectors responsible for spreading anaplasmosis include horse flies, stable flies and ticks. This condition has been reported in most states across the U.S., while the disease has been recognized as endemic throughout the South and several Midwestern and Western states.

Jonathan Cammack, Oklahoma State University assistant professor and state extension specialist, says, “With horn flies, we’re looking at mastitis risk, so that’s going to impact both dairy cattle and also our cow-calf operations. A lot of times, horn flies will feed on the udders of the animals, and they transfer the Staphylococcus aureus bacteria because they land on the manure, then they go back to the animal to feed and bring those bacteria with them.”

Several other conditions are propagated by flies, including pinkeye, which can be spread by face flies and causes inflammation and ulceration of the eyes. Pinkeye-affected calves are, on average, 35 lb. to 40 lb. lighter at weaning compared to healthy calves, according to a University of Kentucky report.

Cammack predicts flies are costing the U.S. cattle industry $6 billion annually in losses.

“That encompasses everything from actual loss in production due to decreased weight gain or decreased milk production, veterinary needs associated with treatment of cattle with exposure to pathogens from some of these insects, and then also the control measures associated with managing those individual fly species,” he explains.

David Boxler, Nebraska Extension livestock entomologist, says if previous control efforts underperformed, consider adjusting your approach.
“The best control method will depend on several factors including efficacy, cost, convenience and your current herd management practices,” he summarizes.

He also reminds producers that horn flies can migrate from neighboring untreated herds, masking the effectiveness of your efforts and increasing fly pressure. For this reason, Boxler recommends a comprehensive, integrated fly control.

Olds shares these tips for stopping flies, or at least reducing their impact:

Step 1: Know What You Have

“The first step in developing a good fly control program is knowing who you have,” Olds explains.

(Kansas State University)

Horn flies feed 20 to 30 times a day and stay associated with their chosen animal 24/7, with females only leaving briefly to lay eggs. Stable flies in contrast only feed once or twice a day, remaining on the host for a short period of time (3 to 5 minutes).

When not feeding, flies are resting in shaded areas such as building sides and vegetation. This short feeding time means producers often underestimate their stable fly burdens. While both flies affect pastured cattle, horn flies are not a problem in confined settings such as dairies and feedlots. This is because horn flies need fresh, undisturbed manure as a breeding site while stable flies can develop in any decaying plant matter such as hay bales, feed bunk spill over and decaying grass.

“Their populations can build rapidly and often exceed the economic injury level defined as 200 flies per animal,” Boxler adds about horn flies. “Once fly numbers surpass this threshold, cattle experience reduced weight gain and milk production due to fly-induced stress and altered grazing behavior.”

Step 2: Reduce Populations

Olds explains with either fly species, using non-insecticidal control methods is essential for slowing insecticide resistance. For horn flies, pasture burning in spring kills any flies overwintering, which can significantly reduce fly populations emerging as weather warms. A healthy dung beetle population will also significantly reduce your fly numbers for free.

“Dung beetles are very susceptible to macrocyclic lactones so avoid using injectable and pour-on avermectins (abamectin, eprinomectin, ivermectin etc.),” Olds says.
Because horn flies die within hours of being removed from cattle, non-chemical walk-through traps can be effective if animals pass through it regularly.

Step 3: Eliminate Breeding Grounds

Round hay bales result in significant wastage, which when mixed into the manure-contaminated mud around bales provides a prime breeding site for stable flies.
Olds explains each round bale can produce 200,000 stable flies.

“Reducing hay waste and spreading/drying areas around finished bales is key to reducing stable fly numbers,” she says. “In feedlots, minimizing feed spillage and waste is critical to remove breeding sites for stable and house flies.”

Parasitoid wasps are available from multiple sellers and should be released around fly breeding sites. These are very effective if released before fly populations emerge and released repeatedly through the fly season.

Be careful using insecticides if using parasitoid wasps as they are very small and sensitive to these chemicals. Keeping vegetation surrounding pen areas short and exposed will remove sheltered resting areas, making life more difficult for the flies.

Step 4: Consider Chemical Control Options

Olds stresses chemical control options should be used as a supplement not the basis of a fly control program.

(Kansas State University)

“For horn flies, insecticidal ear tags are an effective method of control if correct rotation is used,” she adds. “Rotate the chemical class of your tag annually, in year one using pyrethroid-based products, year two use organophosphate-based products and year three use macrocyclic lactone tags. Repeating this three-year cycle will reduce the selection pressure on the fly populations, slowing down the spread of resistance.”

Olds also shares these tips for effective tagging: “Tag both ears and place the tag directly into the ear. For the tag to be effective, it must come into direct contact with the animal’s skin, which is greatly reduced when daisy chained.”

Little of the tag touches the body when attached to another tag.

(Cassandra Olds, Kansas State University)

She also instructs producers not to tag young calves and adds mature bulls with thick necks might not benefit from tagging unless the tag can touch the skin.

“Although the box may label products as effective for four to five months, field trials have shown that tags only remain effective for 90 to 100 days,” Olds says. “If possible, wait until fly populations are noticeable before tagging animals to get control over peak fly activity period. After 90 days, remove the tag to reduce the risk of insecticide resistance developing.”

(Neogen)

To increase coverage, pour-ons of the same chemical class as the ear tag can be used to increase coverage.

“Be aware that a macrocyclic lactone pour-on will impact dung beetle populations,” Olds says. “Make sure animals are dosed accurately according to weight and ensure head to tail coverage. Due to their low contact time with the host and preference for the legs, topical insecticidal treatments are generally not useful against stable flies.”

Spraying the legs can provide some relief, although it should be used sparingly as most sprays are pyrethroid-based, not allowing for effective annual rotation. Baits and premise sprays can be useful in controlling both house and stable flies, look for areas where flies are found resting such as building walls, fence posts and inside sheds and shelters.

Another option is feed through insect growth regulators (IGRs) to control horn fly. Olds says it is important cattle consume the correct amount, which can be difficult under free-choice conditions.

“Under-dosing will result in resistance developing over time, reducing product efficacy,” she says. “Although labeled for stable fly control also, when manure containing the IGR is diluted in the mud and hay, it is no longer effective.”

Often marketed as dung beetle safe, Olds says evaluations of these claims in most species have not been carried out, and their true impact remains unknown.

“Insecticide resistance to IGRs can and does happen; to slow this, rotate annually between Methoprene-based (Group 7A) and diflubenzuron-based products (Group 15),” she adds.

The Veterinary Entomology website , veterinaryentomology.org/vetpestx, provides a searchable database that can help producers select the right products. Producers can select from type of animal, insect and application method.

“For on-animal use, select the best product to allow an annual rotation between pyrethroid (Group 3A), organophosphate (Group 1B) and macrocyclic lactone (Group 6) groups,” Olds says.

Green also recommends using a multi-pronged approach to insect control. He says fly tags, IGR products, pour-ons, back rubbers and dust bags can help diminish the population.

“Both back rubbers and dust bags can be highly effective if managed correctly,” Green advises. “Keep in mind, when these are put out to withstand the elements, including moisture and rain, it’s key to keep the dust fresh or the oil recharged in your back rubbers. Otherwise, they will diminish in their ability to control flies quickly.”

Cammack stresses the importance of accurate dosing by the individual animal’s weight and following label guidelines.

To best control flies and insects on cattle operations, “the easy and effective way is the best way,” Green summarizes. “It’s up to you and with the help of your veterinarian to help create that combination.”

Is the Grass Ready? Rethinking Pasture Turnout Beyond the Calendar

Tue, 05 May 2026 11:07:21 GMT

As soon as pastures green up, beef producers start thinking about turnout. They don’t want to keep feeding harvested feeds any longer than needed.

Pasture turnout is an important time in a cow herd management calendar. It is critical to make sure both the forage and cattle are ready before opening the pasture gate.

Extension specialists explain it is important not to turn out just because the calendar date says it is time. Turning out too soon can result in reducing the forage production potential for the entire grazing season.

What Should Producers Consider Before Turnout?

Aaron Berger, University of Nebraska beef systems educator, says there are three things to consider ensuring a successful and safe pasture turnout:

1. Forage readiness
“The first and most crucial step is assessing grass conditions,” Berger says. “Producers should ensure there are at least three leaves present.”

This is important during drought conditions, when grass availability may be limited. Berger says turning out cattle too early can exacerbate feed shortages and potentially damage pasture vegetation.

Ron Lemenager, Purdue beef specialist, says forage height is important. He explains cool-season grasses should be at least 6” tall.

“Leaf material is critical for photosynthesis and plant recovery after grazing,” he says. “The early-season forages are typically high in water, potassium and soluble nitrogen content but low in energy. We used to refer to this as ‘washy grass.’”

The challenge here is that cattle cannot eat enough dry matter to meet their energy requirement. This is especially true for replacement heifers coming off a gaining diet to reach approximately 60% of their mature weight by the beginning of the breeding season. When turned out to lush early-season pasture, they can crash on energy and go into negative energy balance.

“This results in a reduction in the number of heifers cycling and early embryo death,” Lemenager says. “If the breeding season coincides with this energy crash, fewer heifers will become pregnant until they adapt.”

Kansas State University Extension veterinarian A.J. Tarpoff says it is important to scout pastures before opening the gate: “Be sure to check forage availability and make any stocking rate adjustments, if necessary.”

2. Water source evaluation
Water availability and quality are paramount. Berger reminds producers to carefully inspect water sources, especially during drought years.

Stock ponds, dams and dugouts may not be recharged as usual, potentially leading to poor water quality. Water with high solid content can be unsuitable for livestock consumption, making thorough assessment critical.

3. Noxious plant identification
Berger says scouting the pasture for potentially harmful plants is essential. Drought conditions can make cattle more likely to consume plants they would normally avoid. Identifying and addressing these potential hazards can prevent livestock health issues.

Get Ahead of Weeds

As winter gives way to spring and pastures begin to green up, it is critical to have a plan in place to control weeds before they become a problem. Abe Smith, Corteva Agriscience range and pasture specialist, encourages producers to get ahead of weeds this spring to set their operation up for success.

“We see long-term impacts throughout a season that if you don’t get to weeds early, we see residual effects of that later into the season,” Smith says. “This has impacts in terms of seed production or getting additional weed seeds produced if they don’t remove those weeds early in the season.”

Smith says the true benefit of managing weeds in range and pasture is really maximizing the amount of forage that producers have available, and the economic benefits play out pretty simply if producers look at pastures as pounds of grass.

“Pounds of grass correlate to pounds of beef at the end of the day,” he says. “I have generally used the math that if we remove a pound of weeds through control measures from the pasture, we can put a pound or more of grass back into the pasture.”

Lemenager says soil condition is another factor to consider.

“If it is cool and soils are water-logged, the root system is compromised,” he explains. “Additionally, hoof action on wet soils will result in pugging (deep depressions). The challenge here is that weed seeds that have accumulated and laid dormant over the years but [are] buried below the germination zone. When soils are pugged, these weed seeds are now closer to the surface and germinate.”

(Lexy Tenpenny)

Be Sure the Cow Herd Is Ready

Along with the forage, it is important to make sure the cows are ready for turnout. Tarpoff shares four tips producers should consider before sending cattle to pasture:

Perform spring herd health program
Tarpoff reminds producers of the importance of doing bull breeding soundness exams before putting the bull to work. He also encourages producers to do pre-breeding vaccinations, consider synchronization options and plan for common pasture ailments such as foot rot and pinkeye .

Make a plan for internal and external parasites
Now is the time to decide how you are going to tackle flies, ticks and internal nematodes. Berger reminds producers there are several options available to help control flies and to consider the option that works best for your management plan.

Establish summer mineral program
Tarpoff encourages producers to prepare mineral feeders and calculate needs and delivery intervals.

Check cattle identification
Be sure cattle are identified before turnout. This can include brands if required in your area or tags. Along with identification, Tarpoff shares these strategies for protecting cattle from theft: Lock gates, and don’t leave cattle penned up overnight in an easily accessible location. He also encourages producers to communicate with neighbors who share a fence line when turning out about what types of cattle are going and how the cattle are identified.

Minimize Grass Tetany Risk, and Look Out For Bloat

Lemenager encourages producers to watch for two potential health issues that can occur at grass turnout: grass tetany and bloat .

Early season lush pasture grasses are high in water content, potassium and soluble nitrogen but low in magnesium and energy content. It should be noted that pastures containing legumes provide a grazing diet that is somewhat higher in magnesium.

“ Grass tetany can be a problem, especially in older lactating cows that are less efficient in mobilizing magnesium from body stores,” Lemenager explains. “Feeding a high-magnesium mineral for several weeks prior to turnout is a standard recommendation to minimize the incidence of grass tetany.”

He reminds producers that magnesium, usually in the form of magnesium oxide, is not palatable. Therefore, it is important that mineral intake be monitored.

Lemenager says legumes are beneficial to diet quality, providing nitrogen for companion grasses and increased forage production, but lush legumes can cause bloat . As legumes advance in maturity, the risk for bloat does decrease.

(Farm Journal)

Good Fences Matter

Tarpoff says it is important to walk fence lines and scout pastures.

“Be sure to check forage availability and make any stocking rate adjustments, if necessary,” he says.

Berger adds it is important to look for fence damage, especially from winter weather and to ensure fenced-out areas remain inaccessible. He also says it is beneficial to consider potential fence-line interactions with neighboring herds.

Tarpoff encourages producers to have an open line of communications with neighbors. It’s a good idea to share, when turning out, what types of cattle are going out (yearlings, pairs, bulls) and how the cattle are identified — tags or brands.

“This open communication helps identify strays earlier,” he adds.

Through following these strategies with accurate planning and preparation, pasture turnout can be stress-free for both the producer and the cow herd.

Your Next Reads:

BQA at the Chute: 10 Tips for Spring Calf Processing

Mon, 04 May 2026 12:58:30 GMT

Spring calf processing is a critical window for establishing herd immunity, but its success depends entirely on the details. By following Beef Quality Assurance (BQA) principles, producers can maximize vaccine efficacy and protect carcass value through precise needle selection, proper injection site placement and strict adherence to the “one-hour rule” for modified-live vaccines.

“It will soon be time to process spring-born calves, which brings up the topic of best management practices and following BQA principles for all treatments,” says Chris Clark, Iowa State University Extension and outreach beef specialist, in a recent Growing Beef Newsletter. “The overall concepts are pretty simple, but it takes attention to detail to get the most out of each treatment and to ensure our product is as safe, wholesome and palatable as possible.”

Clark shares these 10 simple reminders for spring processing:

Follow label directions for all treatments, including injections, implants, pour-ons, insecticide ear tags, etc.
Administer all subcutaneous and intramuscular injections in front of the shoulder in the injection site triangle of the neck.
Select the appropriate needle diameter and length based on the weight of the animals being treated, viscosity of products being injected and routes of administration. Needles should be small enough to minimize tissue damage but large enough to prevent bending and breaking. The diameter should be appropriate for the viscosity of the product, and the length should be appropriate for the route of administration. For young calves weighing less than 300 pounds, 18-gauge needles are reasonable for most vaccines. For subcutaneous injections, ½ inch to ¾ inch needle length should work well, and for intramuscular injections, ¾ inch to 1 inch needle length should be appropriate. Keep in mind the greater the needle gauge, the smaller the diameter and vice versa.

Recommended needle size based on animal weight, viscosity of product and route of administration.
(BQA Field Guide)
Practice injection technique and pay attention to the angle of injection and the feel of the needle within the tissue. Subcutaneous injections should be applied at approximately 45 degrees to the body and intramuscular injections should be applied at approximately 90 degrees to the body. With experience, you can learn to feel whether you are in that subcutaneous space or whether you have entered the underlying muscle.
Change needles frequently. At a minimum, needles should be changed every 10 to 15 head. Additionally, a new needle should always be applied before refilling a syringe and any bent or burred needles should be immediately replaced.
For reusable syringes, clean well after each use by thoroughly rinsing with hot water. Refrain from using soaps and disinfectants because residues of these substances can damage vaccines and reduce vaccine efficacy.
Handle vaccines with care. When using modified live vaccines, mix only what you can use in an hour. Keep vaccines at steady, reasonable temperatures and take care to avoid freezing, excessive heat and exposure to UV light. Reconstitute modified live vaccines with sterile transfer needles and roll or invert gently to mix rather than shaking vigorously.
When possible, choose subcutaneous routes of administration over intramuscular routes. Some products are labeled to be given either way and when you have the choice, choose subcutaneous. Any insertion of a needle or injection of a substance into muscle tissue will cause tissue damage, potentially impacting the quality of that product.
Document complete processing/treatment records, including animal or group identification, treatment date, products administered, withdrawal times, earliest date animals would clear withdrawal times, dose administered, route of administration, name of person administering drugs and any prescription information.
Do not mix different vaccines or drugs in the same syringe or use a syringe to administer different products without washing in between. Try to place injections at least 4 inches apart from other injections to avoid product mixing/interaction within animal tissue.

Stop the Guesswork: Build a Targeted Parasite Plan

Wed, 01 Apr 2026 15:20:18 GMT

As grass greens up and cattle head back to pasture, many producers are “throwing darts in an open field” when it comes to parasite control, says Tennessee Hereford breeder Ryan Proffitt.

The real-world frustration of deworming programs is knowing if they are working, Proffitt says.

Norbrook Technical Services Veterinarian Megan Bollin explains fecal egg count testing, targeted treatment, concurrent deworming, maintaining refugia and smarter pasture management can turn parasite control guesswork into a targeted plan that protects herd health, preserves dewormer efficacy and ultimately adds pounds to the calf crop.

Both Bollin and Proffitt agree a pragmatic roadmap for modern parasite control is anchored in diagnostics, targeted treatment and strong relationships with veterinarians.

Bollin shares five practical strategies to get the most out of today’s dewormers and preserve them for tomorrow:

1. Sit Down with Your Vet.

She encourages producers to map out a herd‑specific internal and external parasite plan with diagnostics built in.

“Your local vet should be your key partner in designing a program that fits your parasites, climate and management style,” Bollin says.

2. Use the Right Product at the Right Time.

Use the correct class, correct dose and consider concurrent deworming when resistance is a known issue. Your local veterinarian can guide you on proper treatment timing to avoid wasting money.

3. Manage Pastures with Parasites in Mind.

Bollin says pasture management is as important as treatment. Pasture type, quality, topography and drainage should all be considered in your plan, knowing we can’t always do much to change them.

“Only about 10% of the parasite life cycle is in the animal; 90% is on pasture,” she says.

Larvae generally stay below 4” on the grass blade. She says it is important to avoid overgrazing pastures below this height and manage stocking density accordingly.

“When you get a big rain after a drought, the larvae that had been waiting in the manure pats can quickly become infective and significantly increase the risk of infection, especially in young calves,” she says.

4. Prioritize High-Risk Animals.

Calves, stockers, bulls and replacements should be prioritized with the strictest parasite control and monitoring programs.

“Calves, replacement heifers and bulls are typically heavier shedders and more susceptible to the effects of parasites than mature cows,” Bollin explains.

Proffitt notes that many producers historically concentrate on keeping mature cows dewormed while underestimating calves’ role as carriers.

“We don’t need to, and shouldn’t be, treating every animal like we always have,” Bollin adds. “That has gotten us in a pickle with resistance.”

5. Measure and Adjust Treatment.

Bollin says it is important to know where you started. Get a baseline fecal egg count, understand your resistance patterns and monitor the efficacy of your treatment program. So many variables change from year to year: climate, weather conditions, new animals and other stressors. It’s critical to routinely evaluate your deworming program and avoid blindly doing the same thing year after year.

(Proffitt Family)

Diagnostics Are Essential, Not Optional

Fecal egg count reduction tests (FECRTs) are the most practical method we have to determine if dewormers are still working and at what level.

Bollin explains the process includes:

Collecting rectal fecal samples and recording identification.
Treating animals with product or products of choice.
Resampling the same animals by taking rectal fecal samples, 10 to 17 days later, depending on the drug or drugs used.

The lab will count how many eggs per gram are in that fecal sample. There will be a pretreatment and a posttreatment sample. Bollin says the goal should be greater than 95% reduction.

Proffitt argues FECRTs are worth the hassle.

“If we don’t have a game plan on what we’re doing and we’re just rushing,” he says. “What did we win at the end of the day if we don’t know what we’re doing?”

Proffitt says testing tells him which cows he can skip treating, which saves him money.

Bollin explains in many cases mature cows 3 years and older, shedding low levels of eggs, on a good plane of nutrition, with no other stressors or health concerns (including liver flukes), should not need to be dewormed.

“This supports ‘refugia’ — intentionally leaving low-risk animals untreated to slow resistance,” she explains. “Because they’re mature, they’ve got a competent immune system that can actually fight off these parasites by themselves without a dewormer.”

To reduce costs further, Bollin says producers can pool fecal samples from multiple cows into a single submission.

(Deb Gustafson)

Beating Parasite Resistance Starts at the Chute

Bollin says dewormer resistance, long documented in sheep and goats, is being seen more frequently in U.S. cattle herds.

She says overuse, underdosing and treating every animal regardless of need are major drivers in resistance.

“All of these deworming products, when they were originally approved, had very high levels of efficacy. We’re talking 99% and above,” Bollin explains. “As we’ve continually used these products, efficacy has been challenged because resistance has increased.”

If you’re using products that are no longer effective in your herd, you’re spending money on drugs that don’t work, and you’re not getting the production benefits. One way to restore efficacy when resistance is present is to use concurrent deworming.

Why Concurrent Deworming Matters

Bollin says concurrent deworming is using two dewormers from different classes at the same time. She stresses producers need to work with a veterinarian to avoid unknowingly pairing two products from the same class, which doesn’t provide the intended benefit.

She explains the benefits of concurrent deworming are:

· Higher overall efficacy when two partially effective products are combined. “Say you’ve got two products, for example, each with 70% efficacy. By using them together, you can raise your overall efficacy to levels exceeding 90%,” she says.

· Broader spectrum of parasite coverage.

· Models would suggest a slowing of resistance.

· Only sustainable long-term when used in conjunction with a refugia program. This means we don’t treat every animal. We want to keep a few “good” worms around that are still susceptible to the drug.

Bollin gives the example of pairing a benzimidazole, or a “white dewormer,” such as fenbendazole, albendazole or oxfendazole, with a macrocyclic lactone such as ivermectin, moxidectin or eprinomectin.

She emphasizes the industry unfortunately doesn’t have a lot of studies looking at this, but a study published in 2025 highlighted the benefits of concurrent treatment with fenbendazole in situations where resistance to macrocyclic lactones is likely.

Dung Beetles Are Valuable Allies

Dung beetles break up manure pats, exposing eggs and larvae to sunshine and dry conditions. Some dewormers are more compatible with dung beetle health.

“Two of the dewormers that are not harmful are moxidectin and fenbendazole,” Bollin says. “Those are two molecules that are generally safe for dung beetles, and those could be a good option to pair together.”

Facility where researchers collect blood samples and weigh cattle before and after they are transported. Steers have painted numbers on their backs so their activity can be followed on camera.

(Stephanie Hansen)

Application Technique and Dosing Accuracy Matter

Bollin says accurate body weights, not visual estimates, are critical, explaining underdosing is a key driver of resistance.

“One of the biggest contributors to resistance is that we are just not giving them enough active ingredient,” she says. “If you don’t have scales, it is best to treat to the heaviest body weight in the group, so that you make sure that they’re all getting enough.”

She also stresses the importance of storing deworming products correctly.

“Leaving them by the chute in temperature swings can reduce efficacy,” she says.

Proffitt also reminds producers to read labels and understand rain windows with pour-ons and to avoid mud or manure on hides. Bollin notes that injectables can provide more certainty that the animal is getting the full dose, whereas oral drenches can be spit out and pour-ons can run off or be groomed off by penmates.

Both Bollin and Proffitt frame parasite control not as one more chore on an overloaded to-do list but rather as a strategic, data-driven opportunity to protect animal health, slow resistance and convert good management into pounds sold.

Your Next Read:

Determine Parasite Load and Follow With Treatment

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.

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 .

From Tweets to Limits: AI Is Rewriting Cattle Market Volatility

Tue, 21 Apr 2026 19:21:55 GMT

A stray comment about disease or a headline on social media can now send cattle futures limit-down — without a single human trader touching a button. That’s the new reality Pat Shields describes as he contrasts the $1.50 daily moves of his college days with recent $5 to $6 ranges in feeder contracts.

He explains, behind the scenes, artificial intelligence (AI) and automated systems scan for keywords, trigger trades and expand volatility. For producers, the takeaway is sobering — old rules of thumb about “normal” moves no longer apply, making structured risk management more important than ever.

Shields, Capital Farm Credit senior relationship manager, and Landon Nelson, Farm Credit Services of America commercial insurance services officer, discussed cattle market risk during a Cattle Chat session at CattleCon.

Risk management has long been associated with big feedyards and full-load futures contracts, leaving many smaller producers on the sidelines. According to Shields and Nelson, that’s changing fast.

Livestock Risk Protection (LRP), which allows producers to insure cattle by the head, is gaining traction with cow-calf and mid-sized operations looking for a realistic way to set price floors. They explain LRP is a practical entry point for producers who may not trade futures but still need to protect the equity they’ve built in a historically strong market.

For many cattlemen, the most profitable strategy in the last year was simply to stay wide open and ride the market up — a fact that makes it tempting to dismiss risk management as “money left on the table.”

Yet, as the panelists point out, LRP has quietly helped smaller operators sleep better, even when it didn’t pay out. By giving producers a guaranteed floor on 30, 40 or 100 head at a time, LRP provides a way to manage price risk without over-hedging or taking on more contracts than cattle in the yard.

Here are the eight key takeaways from Shields and Nelson’s risk management discussion:

1. Production and Risk Management are Two Different Games

Shields suggests producers treat raising cattle and managing price risk as separate “buckets.” A loss in futures doesn’t mean you lost overall if your cattle are properly hedged.

“A lot of people are really wanting to make money in the market, but the market moves different from your cattle, if you’re truly hedged,” he explains. “So you need to make that decision if you’re going to be a hedger, you hedge that thing, and then if you have to make a margin call, that’s all right, because you’re offsetting cattle you have that are making you money at technically the same rate, but you’re just out some interest on the margin calls, and we’re there for protection.”

He adds, “Keep the mindset of I want to produce this thing. I want to sell this thing, grow it as big as I can, make as much money off of it. But as I’m doing my risk management, they’re two different pockets. It’s not a loss in the futures market. It’s that you had your cattle hedged until you got them marketed or laid off.”

Practical takeaway: Raising cattle and trading or hedging should be viewed as two separate pockets, not one profit or loss. A loss in the futures market isn’t necessarily a loss overall if your cattle are properly hedged — the cattle are gaining value while you’re paying margin calls.

2. You Don’t Need to “Hit the Top” – You Need a Plan

The speakers warned against chasing “price perfection”— trying to call the exact top or bottom. For a small cow-calf producer, the priority is staying durable over time, not bragging about catching the best price one year.
Nelson encouraged producers to ask themselves:

Do we only react when prices move?
Or do we follow a repeatable risk management plan every year?

Practical takeaway: Even a simple, written rule like “we protect X% of expected calves at Y time each year” is better than deciding based on emotion every week.

3. Protect a Portion of Your Production, Not Necessarily All of It

Nelson suggests the idea of protecting a percentage of production, rather than all-or-nothing bets. Even in a bullish market, he says having 30% to 40% of cattle price-protected can give producers a financial “floor” while still leaving upside open.

Practical takeaway: As a small cow-calf producer, you might decide, for example: “We’ll put some form of price protection on one-third of our expected calf crop each year.”
This helps protect your cash flow and equity without having to perfectly time the market.

4. Match Your Risk Tools to Your Size and Reality

Protect a sensible percentage of production, match hedges to actual cattle owned and work with lenders to understand how much price drop your working capital can withstand. Shields emphasizes producers should match their price protection to their actual operation.

“You need to know what your plan is, what your operation is and match your price protection to what you’re actually doing in real life,” he says. “Otherwise, if you’re doing things like that, why own one? Just trade the paper and pretend to be smart and you can brag about that at the coffee shop instead of how much your cattle are losing.”

He gave the example of a producer who owned 1,000 head but was short 2,000 in futures —effectively he double-hedged, turning strong cattle profits into losses.

Practical takeaway for small cow-calf: Consider tools that work by the head or in small lots like LRPs or per-head-style coverage instead of big futures positions a producer can’t comfortably match with actual cattle.

Shields stresses producers always need to know:

How many head they actually have at risk.
What volume they have protected — and that it lines up.

5. Boring and Consistent Beats Emotional and Exhausting

Nelson describes how emotional decision-making — contemplating “should we hedge today” every day — wears producers out.

“If you manage your expectation for what you’re asking risk management to do for your operation, and take the emotion out of that, then if you put a plan behind that, risk management can stop feeling like such an exhaustion point,” Nelson explains.

A simple, rule-based plan reduces stress and second-guessing.

“Some of the strongest operators that I see are less focused on capturing the perfect price and instead they’re focused on durability in their business, over price perfection,” Nelson adds.

Practical takeaway: As a small producer, pick a few clear rules and follow them. When prices reach a profitable level relative to known costs, protect a portion. Don’t abandon the plan just because the market keeps going up after you locked in some floor.

“Facts and data aren’t frustrating,” Shields adds. “Emotion is what frustrates you, and that’s what causes you to make silly decisions sometimes and to react too quickly.”

6. Don’t Let High Prices Lull You Into Complacency

The last few years have rewarded simply holding cattle — equity has gone up for many. But margins are starting to tighten and volatility is increasing.

Both Nelson and Shields agree just because being “wide open” worked recently doesn’t mean it will continue to work.

Practical takeaway: If you’ve built equity in your herd, start thinking about how to protect it. Small cow-calf producers often have most of their net worth in land and cows — losing one or two years’ calf checks to a big market reversal can be very damaging.

7. Modern Volatility Means Bigger, Faster Moves

Nelson notes that daily price ranges are much bigger than in the past. AI and algorithmic trading can react to a tweet, a news blurb or a rumor and move the market limit-down or limit-up without human traders pushing the buttons.

Old ideas of “normal” movement no longer fully apply.

Practical takeaway: Don’t assume “it can’t move that much that fast.” It can. Having some price protection in place when you have calves at risk is more important in this environment, especially if a bad year would really hurt your family operation.

8. Start With Simple Questions at Home

The duo encourages small cow-calf producers to consider these questions with their family or team:

What is our goal? This can include equity preserved, cash flow stable or growth.
What outcome will we be content with from this hedge/insurance?
How much can we stand to lose before our equity meaningfully erodes?
What portion of our herd or production should always be protected?
Are we making decisions from data and targets, or from fear and greed?

Nelson and Shields’ message to cattle producers is less about predicting the next market high and more about building businesses that can withstand whatever comes next. After several years in which simply owning cattle created unprecedented equity, they argue the real work now is protecting that wealth with risk strategies that match each operation’s size, goals and tolerance for volatility.

Whether it’s using LRPs by the head, protecting a consistent percentage of production, or assembling a team that includes the banker, accountant and family, their advice was clear: trade the chase for “price perfection” for a simple, repeatable plan that keeps you in business — year after year.

Your Next Reads:

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:

When Stress Tips the Scale: A Look at Calf Immunity and BRD Prevention

Mon, 13 Apr 2026 14:13:53 GMT

The first months of a calf’s life are a critical window for respiratory disease risk. Its immune system is still developing, making them especially vulnerable during periods of stress. Management decisions can shape how well they respond to vaccination and how resilient they remain during disease challenges.

Building Immunity Is Not as Simple as Giving a Vaccine

Preventing disease is always better than waiting for calves to show signs of illness. While proper animal husbandry and care are key to supporting calf health, vaccination remains central to managing bovine respiratory disease (BRD) and preventing permanent damage. To get the most out of any vaccination program, it’s important to understand how immunity develops.

“Just because we administer a vaccine doesn’t mean that equals 100% immunity,” says Matt Washburn, DVM, Boehringer Ingelheim.

Vaccination is a powerful disease prevention tool, but it does not override biology. The immune response depends on timing, energy and availability, and the overall stress load on the calf at the time of administration.

“I like to think of stress as a seesaw effect,” Washburn explains. “You’ve got immunity on one side and layers of stress on the other. Every time we add a layer of stress, that scale is going to start to tip. Things like transport, handling, commingling, nutrition and hydration are all going to affect how that calf responds to vaccination.”

While some stressors — like weather — can’t be controlled, other events, including processing, transportation and commingling, can be planned for. When multiple stressors are stacked together, even well-designed vaccination protocols can underperform if immune demand exceeds the calf’s ability to respond.

“Stressors are likely to decrease the immune response to any challenge that might be going on,” says Curt Vlietstra, DVM, Boehringer Ingelheim. “Just because it’s convenient to vaccinate when you have your hands on a calf doesn’t mean it’s ideal timing for building immunity.”

To build immunity against a challenge like BRD, a calf’s immune system needs to have time to respond to a given vaccine. When possible, vaccination should be scheduled far enough ahead of a stress event to allow immunity to develop.

“In an ideal world, we’re administering vaccines several weeks before a stressful event,” Washburn says. “From a stocker standpoint, that’s not a luxury always available. But it’s still important to understand that those few weeks are what’s going to offer the biggest bang for your buck out of a vaccine.”

While timing plays a critical role, it’s only one piece of an effective prevention strategy.

Understanding the Vaccine You’re Using is Important

The foundational details for vaccination, like timing, are relevant to all calves, but building a protocol that’s unique to your business and herd starts with a conversation with your veterinarian.

“It’s important to ask questions like, What’s the risk of adding another vaccine or the risk of pulling one out? Do we have gaps in protection?” Vlietstra emphasizes. “Having these important discussions with a herd veterinarian, or a professional services veterinarian like Dr. Washburn and me, sets up an understanding of what can realistically be expected from different vaccines in different groups of calves.”

Those conversations ultimately come down to immune capacity and product choice. Every additional antigen introduced into a high-risk calf increases immune system demand, which may already be managing stress, nutrition changes and pathogen exposure.

“Each vaccine you administer places its own demand on the immune system,” Washburn says. “When you’re talking about high-risk calves that already have a lot of stress on them, stacking a lot of vaccines on top of one another means they may not respond as well as you’d like.”

Vlietstra adds that immune demand isn’t just about the number of administrations.

“Sometimes, we look at one bottle and one syringe, but it’s important to think about what’s in that bottle,” he says. “Is it a three-way, a five-way, a seven-way? It’s not just how many shots you’re giving, it’s what’s in them.”

That’s where vaccine formulation becomes important. Differences in design — including the adjuvant type — affect immune stimulation, particularly in young calves that may still carry maternal antibodies.

“Historically, it was accepted as a fact that maternal antibodies would block an injectable vaccine,” Vlietstra says. “Now we know that the vaccine adjuvant MetaStim works alongside the preexisting antibodies, not against them.”

For operations evaluating vaccine options, vaccine formulation can influence how effectively calves respond, especially when maternal antibodies are still present. Washburn and Vlietstra explain products formulated with the MetaStim adjuvant, like Pyramid vaccines , are designed to stimulate a balanced, robust immune response in calves as young as 30 days of age.

Vaccination Results Can Vary Based on Management

The best prevention against BRD doesn’t begin at vaccination — it begins long before that. Early-life management decisions influence how resilient calves remain as stress comes and goes.

Vlietstra notes those first couple hours and days matter in terms of colostrum, bedding, hygiene and feed.

In stocker and feedlot systems, groups of calves will arrive with varying health backgrounds. That history plays a significant role in how well a vaccination program performs.

“Many feedlots or stockers tend to have one protocol, and give it no matter what kind of cattle are coming in,” Washburn shares. “The history of those calves matters — preconditioning, travel history, weather, where they came from. The same vaccination protocol can perform very differently, depending on those factors.”

Disease risk is dynamic, regardless of cattle type or age group. Because stress load, immune demand and pathogen exposure are constantly shifting, prevention programs can’t remain static.

Both Washburn and Vlietstra recommend regularly reevaluating prevention strategies to keep protocols aligned with real-world conditions. Your herd veterinarian can help evaluate calf history, stress load and vaccination timing to ensure respiratory disease prevention programs evolve with the realities calves face.

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

The 1.1 Million Head Gap: Analyzing the Impact of the U.S.-Mexico Border Closure

Tue, 07 Apr 2026 03:01:13 GMT

For more than 35 years, Mexican cattle have been a critical component of the American beef supply chain.

The U.S.-Mexico border has been closed since July 9 . A temporary phased reopening that began July 7 with the Douglas, Ariz., port was short-lived with a case reported July 8, 370 miles from the border, which was 160 miles northward of the sterile fly dispersal grid at that time.

Derrell Peel, Oklahoma State University Extension livestock marketing specialist, says, “Prior to the border closing in November 2024, U.S. imports of Mexican cattle had averaged 1.18 million head annually in the previous decade (Figure 1) and 1.12 million head per year in the previous 35 years.”

(Oklahoma State University)

Mexican cattle imports equaled 3.4% of the total U.S. calf crop from 2015 to 2024 and 3.1% since 1990. The brief border opening in 2025 allowed about 230,000 head to cross, 0.7% of the 2025 calf crop.

(Oklahoma State University)

Figure 2 shows the average seasonal pattern of Mexican cattle imports from 2019 to 2023.

“The typical pattern is bimodal with peaks in March and again in November/December,” Peel says. “Calves carried over from the previous year are typically exported in the first half of the year with relatively few exported in the heat of the summer. New-crop calves start to be exported in the final months of the year, carrying over into the next year.”

(Oklahoma State University)

Figure 3 shows the distribution Mexican cattle imports by port in 2023, the last year with a fully open border. The largest port is Santa Teresa, N.M., which accounted for nearly 43% of cattle crossing.

Peel reports, along with the Columbus port, New Mexico accounted for more than 53% of total cattle imports. The ports at Nogales and Douglas in Arizona represented another 27.5% of cattle crossings. The six ports in Texas accounted for a total of 19.2% of total Mexican cattle imports. The largest Texas port is Presidio/Ojinaga with 7.7% of the total.

Potential Phased Reopening: How Much and How Fast Can Cattle Imports Recover?

Peel says rumors are currently swirling that the border could open soon , probably with the phased plan to open ports from west to east over time. He says, if the border would reopen, the recovery will not be very fast.

“It will take several weeks for border facilities to restaff and have USDA-APHIS personnel in place to inspect and clear paperwork for crossing cattle,” he stresses. “It takes time (and cost) for Mexican producers to prepare cattle and the paperwork needed for crossing. It’s not clear how aggressive Mexican producers will be initially until they have a sense of how stable the border situation might be.”

By the time cattle can begin crossing, it will be close to the heat of summer, which is likely to limit crossings. Peel predicts if cattle are allowed to cross relatively soon, numbers of cattle imports could begin to recover significantly by fall.

Exactly what that recovery looks like, and the numbers expected are uncertain.

“Mexico has continued to adapt since the border has been closed, utilizing previously exported cattle in domestic markets,” Peel explains. “Mexico has developed significant cattle feeding and packing infrastructure in the past 25 or so years. More infrastructure investment is underway.”

Read more about the potential border reopening:

Should Beef Producers Be Concerned About Potential Phased Reopening of U.S.-Mexico Border?

Mexico is the eighth largest beef-producing country and the seventh largest beef-consuming country. Mexico is the number 11 beef exporting country and beef exports have grown more than 10 times in the past 20 years.

“U.S. imports of Mexican cattle are part of an increasingly integrated cattle and beef trade relationship between Mexico and the U.S.,” Peel adds. “Mexican cattle imports have been important for many decades.”

(Oklahoma State University)

In the 1980s, Mexico became a significant beef export market for the U.S. and is currently the No. 3 beef export market. More recently, after 2010, Mexico has become a significant source of U.S. beef imports, currently the No. 4 source of beef imports, see Figure 4.

“Cattle and beef trade between the U.S. and Mexico are interrelated markets ,so the current disruption in cattle movement across the border may have a variety of impacts in the future,” Peel summarizes.

Your Next Read:

Tighter Supplies and Border Closures: A Snapshot of Today’s Cattle Feeding Industry

Calf Survival Tips For Before, During and After Birth

Tue, 31 Mar 2026 17:13:10 GMT

Most discussions around calf loss begin at calving. But by then, much of the outcome has already been set in motion.

Across veterinary perspectives from different production environments, a consistent picture emerges. Calf outcomes are shaped over time, influenced by a series of decisions and conditions that build on one another.

It is important to note these patterns may look different depending on region — whether driven by cold stress, heat, drought or mud. The underlying process, however, remains consistent across systems.

Before Birth: Build Resilience Early

Calf outcomes begin to take shape during gestation. Nutrition, stress and overall maternal management all contribute to how the calf develops before it is ever born.

“Poor nutrition of the cow is a stress on the fetus … any stress on the cow can affect the development of the placenta and also of the calf,” says Dr. Katie Waine, veterinary pathologist at the University of Calgary. “Maternal stress around breeding and pregnancy can also have much longer-term effects on calf health, production and reproductive performance way off into the future.”

This concept, known as fetal programming, highlights how early conditions influence organ development, immune function and long-term performance. Calves may appear normal at birth while still benefiting from stronger developmental foundations established during gestation.

Key risk factors before birth include:

Inadequate maternal nutrition or poor body condition
Environmental or physiological stress during gestation
Inconsistent feed quality
Health challenges
Gaps in vaccination or biosecurity planning

Nutritional management during gestation plays a central role in setting the foundation for calf health. Cows entering calving in appropriate body condition are better positioned to support both fetal growth and colostrum quality. Reducing stress during pregnancy further supports placental function and fetal development. Consistent feed quality, stable environments and proactive health management all contribute to a stronger starting point for the calf.

At Birth: Support a Strong Transition

Calving represents a key opportunity to support the calf’s transition into early life. While it can reveal existing vulnerabilities, it also provides a chance to reinforce resilience.

“The effects of a difficult calving don’t stop at birth — they carry forward into immunity, vigor and overall survivability,” says Dr. Lisa Freeze, field veterinarian supervisor with the Government of New Brunswick.

A smooth calving process helps calves stand, nurse and absorb colostrum more effectively. Timely intervention when needed can prevent minor challenges from becoming larger setbacks.

“When calves are delayed during calving or we have to intervene late, they’re already starting life at a disadvantage,” Freeze says.

Key risk factors at birth include:

Prolonged or difficult calving (dystocia)
Delayed standing or nursing
Inadequate or delayed colostrum intake
Early-life stress or trauma

Focusing on calving ease, monitoring progress and ensuring early colostrum intake all support a stronger start. These early actions directly influence immune transfer and overall vigor.

“What we see with the sickness and death of calves all depends on how much pathogen they get exposed to and how resistant they are to it,” says Dr. Van Mitchell of Metzger Veterinary Services.

Supporting resistance through colostrum and minimizing early stress helps calves respond effectively to their environment.

After Birth: Manage Exposure and Reinforcing Success

After birth, management focuses on maintaining the balance between exposure and resistance. Even well-prepared calves benefit from environments that support their continued development.

In practical settings, multiple factors often interact. Recognizing these interactions allows producers to stay ahead of potential challenges.

“It’s rarely just one thing. A calf that struggles at birth, doesn’t get enough colostrum, and then is exposed to a challenging environment — those risks stack on top of each other,” says Dr. Allison Pylypjuk of Beausejour Animal Hospital.

Dr. Lauren Wilson of Peterborough Veterinary Services agrees: “Those calves that don’t receive adequate colostrum are much more susceptible to disease, and when you combine that with environmental exposure, that’s when we start to see problems like scours and pneumonia.”

The same principle applies in a positive direction. When calves receive timely colostrum, experience minimal stress at birth and are raised in clean environments, those advantages build as well.

Key risk factors after birth include:

High pathogen load in calving or housing areas
Overcrowding or poor stocking density
Mixing age groups, especially older calves with newborns
Delayed identification and isolation of sick animals

Clean calving areas, appropriate stocking density and thoughtful grouping strategies help limit pathogen exposure. These practices support calves as they continue to develop immunity and resilience.

“We can eliminate a lot of exposure to the pathogens by keeping our calving areas clean, keeping the sick animals away,” Mitchell says.

Managing these factors helps maintain momentum established earlier, allowing calves to continue on a positive trajectory.

A Proactive Approach to Calf Survival

Viewing calf outcomes as a cumulative process creates more opportunities for intervention. Each stage — before birth, at calving and after birth — offers a chance to support the calf’s success.

Rather than focusing only on problems after they appear, this approach emphasizes building resilience early and reinforcing it over time. The goal is not to eliminate all challenges, but to create conditions where calves are better prepared to respond. Consistent management, early attention and thoughtful decision-making all contribute to improved outcomes.

Calf survival is not determined in a single moment. It develops step by step, shaped by a series of actions that build on one another from gestation through early life.

9 Tips to Ensure Calving Season Success

Mon, 05 Jan 2026 16:40:40 GMT

Early preparation prevents last-minute stress during calving season. From equipment checklists to mastering observation, veterinary collaboration and proactive intervention, calving season success starts before the first calf hits the ground.

AJ Tarpoff, Kansas State extension veterinarian, encourages producers to prepare for potential calving challenges through inventory assessment, tool and supply readiness, facility checks and mindful observation.

From years of hands-on experience, cattle producer and extension educator Shad Marston from Canton, Kan., says the key to a successful calving season is: “Just being prepared so you don’t have those unexpected problems.”

Marston highlights the importance of preparing earlier than expected.

“We have to prepare, not just the time that the breeding book predicts they’re going to calve, but maybe a week or two ahead of that,” he says.

Review breeding notes and pregnancy forms in advance to identify which cows are due first. He says shorter gestations (especially with calving-ease bulls) can result in females calving a week or two early. To prepare, he separates heifers into a dedicated pen for better monitoring and exercise as calving approaches.

Marston adds another step in preparation is having contact information handy for your veterinarian and neighbors to call during emergencies.

To help mitigate the potential of calving problems, Tarpoff suggests producers make educated genetic matings.

“Use proper selection tools such as calving-ease sires on heifers,” he stresses. “We have better tools than ever — use them.”

Tarpoff and Marston share these nine tips to ensure calving season is a success:

1. Build a Reliable Calving Kit for Every Scenario.

Ensure all tools, equipment and supplies like chains, straps, gloves, lubricant and colostrum replacer are cleaned, organized and ready before calving begins. Store crucial items in a portable, easy-to-access tote.

Check out Tarpoff’s Calving Checklist:

Your Calving Prep Starts Here: The Essential Checklist

2. Prioritize Facility and Equipment Maintenance.

Inspect calving facilities and restraint tools ahead of time to make sure everything is in good repair — fix or replace anything left undone from last season before calving starts.

Tarpoff reminds producers to determine how they will restrain animals in the pasture setting.

“Whether it’s a rope, whether it’s a portable corral or whatever that might look like, is everything in good working order?”

Marston encourages producers to walk their facilities: “Are your lights working? Do your gates latch? Bedding down?”

He says cameras are also excellent if your barn connectivity allows.

“Whatever the cost, saving just one calf … would pay for a camera system,” he says.

Learn more about calving camera systems:

Is a Calving Camera System Your Next Essential Ranch Investment?

3. Cleanliness and Biosecurity Matter.

Maintain clean, segregated feeding equipment like esophageal feeders to prevent disease transmission among calves.

Tarpoff encourages producers to have two esophageal feeders — one for colostrum and one for sick calves.

4. Collaborate with Your Vet.

Have proactive conversations with your local veterinarian about regional risks, health products and intervention protocols well before calving season begins.

5. Observe Females Closely.

Watch for subtle physical and behavioral cues such as herd separation, changes in appetite, vulva swelling or locomotion changes that signal impending calving. Tarpoff suggests producers train their eyes to watch for subtle changes.

(Illustrations: Oklahoma State University)

6. Understand Intervention Timing and Have a Plan for Emergencies.

Knowing the stages of parturition is crucial for timely intervention. It is also important to have a plan so you can safely restrain and assist cows. Don’t hesitate to seek veterinary help when needed for complicated or high-risk situations.

Offering assistance is a matter of judgment and good judgment is the result of experience.

Know the “rule of an hour”: Intervene if a mature cow hasn’t made progress within one hour of the water bag breaking. For heifers, the process can take a bit longer.

“It can normally take a heifer two hours to go through the normal birthing process,” Tarpoff adds.

If you don’t know when Stage 2 began and process seems to be slow, it might warrant a vaginal exam.

He says it is important to understand when to call for extra help or veterinary support. Visual red flags to intervene immediately include: head-only presentation, head with only one leg, backward calf with hocks visible but not progressing.

When intervention becomes necessary, safety and assessment come first.

“Proper restraint is very, very important,” he says. “When it’s time to intervene, take your time and get a diagnosis of what’s missing.”

Tarpoff instructs producers to diagnose quickly and protect mom.

Marstons adds, if possible, have the cow up on her feet, restrained in a well-lit area that is safe for both you and the cow. It is much easier when both you and the cow are standing.

Start by cleaning the cow’s vulva, rectum and surrounding area, as well as your hands and arms with soap and water. Cleanliness is important.

Wear protective sleeves. Gentleness and lubrication are important.

“Hair causes an enormous amount of friction,” Tarpoff explains. “I regularly use large amounts of lubricant to reduce inflammation and swelling.”

Feel for the cervix. If not dilated it will feel as if your hand passes through or along a firm, tubular or circular structure. Once fully dilated, you should no longer feel the cervical ridge.

Can you feel the calf? A normal anterior presentation will permit you to feel the calf’s feet and nose with the spine of the calf resting just under the cow’s spine. If the presentation is normal and the water bag is still intact around the calf, you can allow up to an hour to permit the cow to calve unassisted. If the water bag has broken and the cervix is fully dilated, the calf needs to be delivered sooner.

If you detect an abnormal presentation, encounter something that doesn’t feel right or a situation you can’t manage, you will need to contact a veterinarian for assistance.

Tarpoff tells producers if they are not making progress correcting the scenario in a half hour, it is time to call for help.

“The earlier, the better outcome for the cow, the better outcome for the calf,” he says.

Tarpoff reminds producers if a calf is not breathing not to hang it by the legs; instead, place it upright, clear mucus from nose/mouth and stimulate.

“It’s the physical stimulation that tells the brain it’s time to start breathing,” he says.

Tarpoff also suggests using the Madigan squeeze for non-thrifty or “dummy” calves. He says the procedure is an option within 48 hours of birth that can “pop” some calves into normal vigor.

7. Minimize Environmental Stress.

Be proactive about shelter, windbreaks and bedding to protect calves from wind, moisture and cold. Remember that wet, windy conditions can be just as dangerous as extreme cold.

“During the winter, our No. 1 thing that robs heat is wind and moisture,” Tarpoff says, “so if we have a nice wind protection or a windbreak, calves can stay comfortable.”

Body temperature matters more than outdoor temperatures.

“Once you get below 100°F internal body temperature, that begins the stages of hypothermia,” he explains. “Once we get into the mid 90s, we see blood shunting from the extremities, leading to frost bit ears or tails.”

He says outside temperature can be a poor indicator.

“Forty to 50°F and rain can cause hypothermia quicker than 17°F and dry,” he says.

Warming options range from calf warmers/hot boxes to safe heat-lamp setups (non-sparking units) to improvised pickup-floor “heat box” arrangements. Warm-water immersion can work but must be done carefully.

Tarpoff instructs to start with lukewarm water then gradually increase toward 101°F to 102°F. It is important to disinfect bathrooms thoroughly after use to protect families from pathogens.

8. Prioritize Nutrition.

Ensure cows are in proper body condition, not too thin or obese, to promote easier calving and healthy, vigorous calves.

Marston says feeding strategy can help shift calving to daylight. Feeding late at night can concentrate births in early morning.

“I feed in the evenings … open the gate later … they want to eat,” he says. “Then, once they get full, they lay down and have a calf … a lot of the time, it’s six, seven o’clock in the morning.”

Read more about the importance of nutrition prior to and post calving:

3 Nutritional Questions to Consider Prior to Calving

Does Supplementing Bred Heifers Increase Calving Difficulty?

Feeding at Dusk: How Does This Affect Calving Times?

From Calving to Conception: Nutrition Strategies to Keep Cows on Track

9. Don’t Forget the Colostrum.

Following calving is key to get colostrum in the calf within the first two to four hours. By nine hours after birth the calf will have less than 50% of absorption.

Tarpoff encourages producers to keep quality commercial replacer on hand. If a producer freezes on-farm colostrum, this should be used the same season and thawed under warm running water, not microwaved.

If a calf is cold and has not nursed, Tarpoff says it is important to “warm first, then colostrum.”

Gut absorption improves after warming.

Read more about colostrum:
How Important is Colostrum?

Tarpoff suggests producers assess calf vigor especially after a pull or C-section: “Use the suckle reflex — good suction and jaw tone suggests the calf will get up and nurse.”

Marston adds: “If I have that cow down or standing in the chute, I’ll milk her out right then and tube the calf. Then I know it’s got colostrum in its belly.”

He stresses this is especially important if you must leave and can’t monitor nursing.

Marston shares this simple mantra as calving season approaches: Get mentally prepared, be ready and be observant.

“Be prepared because it’s not going to happen when you’re home all day, it’s going to happen when you’re busy,” he says.

Your Next Reads:

Beyond the Sale Barn: How AtTheYards is Digitizing Cattle Marketing

Wed, 25 Mar 2026 19:05:57 GMT

Ranching shows just how delicate the balance between tradition and innovation is to keep businesses profitable without forgetting where they came from. But, what if tradition holds us back in an area that highly impacts profitability — cattle marketing?

“In 1884 the Omaha Stockyards opened. In 1908 the Model T was invented, and nobody’s driving a Model T anymore — but 65% of feeder cattle still trade through sale barns,” says Jacob Sebade, cofounder of AtTheYards. “Sale barns offer a lot of benefits, don’t get me wrong, but finding a way that puts more power in producers’ hands is really important.”

Sebade grew up involved in the family feedlot in eastern Nebraska. After earning a degree in business and working for an accounting firm post-graduation, he ultimately found his way back to the family operation with a desire to solve cattle marketing challenges for both ranchers and feedlots.

For ranchers, Sebade recognizes how lack of speed to market and commission are difficult challenges to overcome with current marketing avenues available.

He says, “Speed to market — being able to market cattle when you want and how you want — probably has the biggest impact on a producer’s bottom line.”

Speed to market is even more important to ranchers when market volatility is brought into consideration.

Sebade explains, “With the volatility we’ve seen in the market, prices can move significantly in a week or two.”

Commission also stings when the bigger picture is evaluated.

“Two to 3% commission can easily be north of $50 a head, and that’s very material money over time,” shares Sebade.

On the flip side, feedlots also experience challenges acquiring cattle.

He says, “Finding cattle that you’re interested in is a constant search and find, search and find, search and find.”

Video auctions have made it easier to view and see cattle from across the country but still have challenges of their own.

“Everybody involved in the industry has a million things to do, so sitting there watching video auctions or constantly searching for cattle makes it difficult when you’ve got chores and a lot of other things going on,” says Sebade.

The crossroads of these challenges and two sectors of the beef industry is where AtTheYards comes to play.

AtTheYards is an online cattle marketing platform that provides speed to market, increased reach and more control for ranchers as well as a more efficient sourcing platform for buyers.

“AtTheYards uses custom templates where buyers set parameters for the cattle they want,” says Sebade. “When cattle are listed that match those parameters, buyers get a notification immediately.”

He offers the following as an example: “If 40 buyers are looking for 600- to 800-lb. steers in North Dakota, and a rancher posts this type of cattle, all 40 buyers get notified.”

The process itself is straightforward, once the account is set up, a rancher can consign their cattle through the app or web-based platform. Once the cattle go live on the marketplace at 8:30 a.m. CST the following business day with notifications sent out to buyers at 8 a.m. CST.

Transactions take place in two ways. The first is the buyer utilizing the “Buy Cattle” feature, which means the buyer is agreeing to the terms of the transaction set forth by the seller in their consignment. The second is a buyer placing a bid on the cattle that generates a text message notification to the seller. The seller can then choose to accept the bid.

Additionally, AtTheYards is a marketplace that offers delivery options beyond just forward contracting. While it does allow for Ranchers to set future delivery windows, Ranchers can also choose a delivery window of “ASAP,” which means the cattle ship as soon as Possible after a transaction is agreed to, but no later than 10 days after a transaction happens.

The commission structure of AtTheYards is $5 per head to consign cattle and $10 per head to clear the money, or $15 per head all-in. When asked about a rancher’s risk in trying AtTheYards, Sebade mentions the consignment fee as being the biggest risk.

He says, “Paying the consignment fee and the cattle not trading is the main risk. To offset this risk, AtTheYards is waiving the consignment fee on every rancher’s first consignment.”

As you think about your current cattle marketing strategies, don’t be afraid to explore something new and ask questions.

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

The Cost of Early Turnout: Why Waiting for Green Grass Pays Off

Tue, 27 May 2025 17:02:58 GMT

When pastures green up in the spring, producers start thinking about turnout. They do not want to keep feeding harvested feeds any longer than needed. Three extension specialists say the challenge is producers can turnout too soon, which can result in reducing the forage production potential for the entire grazing season.

What should producers consider before turnout? Aaron Berger, University of Nebraska beef systems education educator, says there are three things to consider ensuring a successful and safe pasture turnout:

Forage readiness. “The first and most crucial step is assessing grass conditions,” Berger says. “Producers should ensure there are at least three leaves present.”

This is important during drought conditions, when grass availability may be limited. Berger explains turning out cattle too early can exacerbate feed shortages and potentially damage pasture vegetation.
Water source evaluation. Water availability and quality are paramount. Berger reminds producers to carefully inspect water sources, especially during drought years. Stock ponds, dams and dugouts may not be recharged as usual, potentially leading to poor water quality. Water with high solid content can be unsuitable for livestock consumption, making thorough assessment critical.
Noxious plant identification. Berger says scouting the pasture for potentially harmful plants is essential. Drought conditions can make cattle more likely to consume plants they would normally avoid. Identifying and addressing these potential hazards can prevent livestock health issues.

Ron Lemenager, Purdue beef specialist, says forage height is important. He explains cool-season grasses should be at least 6 inches tall.

“Leaf material is critical for photosynthesis and plant recovery after grazing,” he says. “The early-season forages are typically high in water, potassium and soluble nitrogen content but low in energy. We used to refer to this as ‘washy grass.’”

The challenge here is that cattle cannot eat enough dry matter to meet their energy requirement. This is especially true for replacement heifers coming off a gaining diet to reach approximately 60% of their mature weight by the beginning of the breeding season. When turned out to lush early season pasture, they can crash on energy and go into negative energy balance.

“This results in a reduction in the number of heifers cycling and early embryo death,” Lemenager says. “If the breeding season coincides with this energy crash, fewer heifers will become pregnant until they adapt.”

AJ Tarpoff, DVM and Kansas State University extension veterinarian, agrees with the importance of scouting pastures and determining forage availability.

“Be sure to check forage availability and make any stocking rate adjustments, if necessary,” Tarpoff adds.

Lemenager says soil condition is another factor to consider.

“If it is cool and soils are water-logged, the roots system is compromised,” he explains. “Additionally, hoof action on wet soils will result in pugging (deep depressions). The challenge here is that weed seeds that have accumulated and laid dormant over the years but buried below the germination zone. When soils are pugged, these weed seeds are now closer to the surface and germinate.”

Be Sure to Communicate With Neighbors

Tarpoff encourages producers to have an open line of communication with neighbors. It’s a good idea to share when turning out, what types of cattle are going out (yearlings, pairs, bulls) and how the cattle are identified, for example, tags or brands.

“This open communication helps identify strays earlier,” he adds.

Your Next Read: Unlocking Success with Cow Herd Health Metrics: A Scorecard Approach

Passing Down a Digital Map for the Next Generation

Wed, 18 Mar 2026 18:49:16 GMT

Transparency about ranch performance is a key factor in successfully transitioning a ranch from one generation to the next not only in the form of finances but also herd records.

“When records are passed down, you’re giving the next generation established trends they can learn from instead of starting from scratch,” says Jacqueline Lewis, CattleMax team member.

Lewis ranches with her husband and two daughters near Cheyenne, Wyo. Between her family’s operation and helping other ranchers maintain herd records, she knows firsthand how valuable an easy yet thorough record-keeping system is to family ranches across the country.

“You can’t manage what you don’t measure,” Lewis says. “The more solid your ranch records are, the more informed your decision-making is going to be, which undoubtedly will lead to production success and longevity of your ranch.”

Passing along herd records to upcoming generations is like providing them with the information to follow the right path even when you aren’t there.

Lewis explains, “Any time records can be passed along, you have that foundational sense of tracking trends that have been established for the operation … Records can serve as a map in terms of directional ideas for the next generation.”

Establishing an easy and effective system starts by defining goals.

She explains, “Once you figure out the direction you want to go, you’re going to figure out what you need to record. That’s what leads to informed decision-making down the road.”

After this, be cognizant of common mistakes when tracking records and put systems in place to avoid them.

Lewis says, “Time is probably the first challenge. Ranchers are wearing many hats, and record keeping feels like one more thing on the plate.”

Invest in a system that prioritizes the information you need and makes sense to you.

“Consistency is the key. Whatever works for you is what you’re going to use on a consistent basis,” shares Lewis.

Additionally, take the time to learn a new software or ask for help to ensure you are entering data as efficiently as possible.

Fragmented systems are also a common mistake that can impact time management.

“A fragmented system is overwhelming — records tucked in the barn, in a drawer, lost in a phone. The biggest question becomes, where do I even start?” Lewis says.

Fragmented systems can be avoided by giving multiple people access to one record-keeping location and making that location accessible from the pasture, corral and office. Spreading out the record-keeping responsibility also makes the process less overwhelming.

She says, “When record keeping falls on just one person, that’s a lot of pressure that doesn’t need to be applied to a single individual.”

Animal ID systems also can’t be ignored. Reducing duplicates and ensuring ownership and age can easily be noted from the visual ID simplify the entire process. Learn more about ID systems .

Creating or switching systems can seem overwhelming at first, but it doesn’t have to be.

“All you really need to focus on as you’re getting started is your active inventory — the animals walking around your pastures right now,” Lewis says. “Don’t worry about that historical stuff right away. There will always be rainy days to backfill it.”

The biggest piece of record-keeping advice — focus on the bigger picture.

Lewis says, “Record keeping shouldn’t be seen as a chore. It’s a means to confidence — confidence in your decisions and confidence in the direction of your ranch.”

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

The challenge of maintaining herd records is a familiar struggle for many cow-calf producers who grapple with balancing detailed documentation and practical, cost-efficient management. However, there are multiple solutions available to help transition from traditional paper to platforms that make data input and analysis more productive. During Smart Farming week, we shared information about about five record-keeping options available on the market today.
Voice-to-Record App Reinvents Cattle Management
Simplicity In Record-Keeping With an All-in-One Hub
Bridging Genetics, Management and Technology in Beef Production
Chute-Side and Simple: Breedr Delivers Cattle Management Integrated System
GEM: Precision in the Pasture

Using the D.A.R.T. Method to Identify Smoke-Stressed Calves

Wed, 18 Mar 2026 15:17:42 GMT

Wildfires occurring in western and central Nebraska mirror a broader trend of increasing wildfire frequency and magnitude across the western U.S. While the immediate impacts of wildfire are devastating to beef production and rural communities, the effects of wildfire smoke may also pose risks to both human and animal health.

“In the weeks and months following a wildfire event, producers should remain vigilant and monitor calves for signs of respiratory disease or illness,” explains Brock Ortner, Nebraska extension livestock system educator .

Combustion of biomass during wildfires produces carbon dioxide and water vapor but also generates ash, a mixture of inorganic compounds. Of particular concern is ultrafine particulate matter (less than 2.5 microns), which can travel deep into the lung alveoli and enter the bloodstream. In humans, these particles have been associated with inflammation and oxidative stress.

Limited research has examined wildfire smoke exposure in cattle. However, work conducted by Ranches and others (2021) in a small group of Simmental × Jersey calves reported increased concentrations of cortisol, an indicator of stress, following exposure to smoke from a wildfire approximately 10 miles away from the study site. In the same study, concentrations of ceruloplasmin, a marker of systemic inflammation, were elevated following the wildfire event. Antibodies including IgM and IgA were also increased, suggesting activation of the immune system.

Physiological stress and inflammation can negatively affect cattle performance and immune function. When immune defenses are compromised, calves may become more susceptible to respiratory pathogens. In the development of bovine respiratory disease (BRD), opportunistic bacterial pathogens — including Mannheimia haemolytica, Pasteurella multocida, Histophilus somni and Mycoplasma bovis — are normally present at low levels in healthy calves. However, when viral infection or physiological stress suppresses immune function, these bacteria can proliferate in the respiratory tract, leading to morbidity, reduced performance and potentially death.

Because stressors, such as wildfire smoke, may increase disease susceptibility, monitoring calves closely for early signs of illness is important. One practical approach is the D.A.R.T. method, which helps producers identify calves that may require further evaluation.

D — Depression:
Observe calf posture and behavior. Droopy ears or head carriage, lethargy, increased time spent lying down and separation from pasture mates may indicate illness. Because cattle are prey animals and tend to hide sickness, subtle behavioral differences may only become apparent after calves become accustomed to your presence.

A — Appetite:
Reduced appetite — whether at the feed bunk or during nursing—can indicate a health challenge. On pasture, reduced gut fill relative to herdmates may also signal decreased intake.

R — Respiration:
Healthy cattle typically take 10 to 30 breaths per minute. Increased respiratory rate, shallow breathing, or abnormal sounds such as coughing or raspy breathing may indicate respiratory disease. Nasal discharge or excessive eye secretions may also accompany illness.

T — Temperature:
Rectal temperatures of approximately 103.5 to 104.0 degrees Fahrenheit or greater are indicative of fever and warrant further attention.

Early detection and treatment of sick calves improve the likelihood of recovery and helps reduce performance losses associated with respiratory disease. Extra vigilance and responsiveness may mitigate negative health outcomes in the weeks and months following wildfire smoke exposure.

Your Next Read:
Tips for Care Following Wildfire

Who Is Who? Choosing the Right ID Strategy for Your Herd

Tue, 17 Mar 2026 17:13:29 GMT

Cattle identification is important at every sector of the industry, with many options and varying permanence. In new technological advancements, Electronic identification (EID) tags are becoming more popular with different management programs as well as freeze branding.

Freeze Branding

Rains Simmental located in western Kansas near Oakley uses freeze brands on their red and black Simmental cattle. They brand cattle with both their ranch/ownership brand and the animals’ individual tattoo number.

“We do their individual tattoo number brand on their left hip and then our ownership brand right under it on the left hip as well,” explains McKellen Rains. “We try to brand everything.”

The Rains family freeze brands the individual tattoo number and their ownership brand right under it on the left hip.

(Rains Simmental)

There are certain laws and protocols for branding in many western states where brand inspections are required for proof of ownership. Brands must be registered with the state and have different regulations in terms of locations and brand details. Other states, many in the Midwest and East, do not have brand inspection offices and do not require registration with the state.

“We’re looking to buy more spots on the left side,” Rains explains. “I’ve got three other brothers, so we’re looking to buy more spots on the left side and we can still use the same brand, but split up and have him on the shoulder, me on the ribs. That way, we don’t have to get another brand and stuff like that where we can just split it up and have the same ownership brand on the left side.”

(Wyatt Bechtel)

Hot branding is also an option, with the same regulations in brand states. There are pros and cons to both brand forms, but Rains prefers freeze branding because of the eye appeal and legibility.

“It just looks better. It comes in white if done correctly,” he adds. “We prefer the freeze brand just because it comes back in white, just easier to read. There’s nothing wrong with the hot brand. It’s just easier to read with a freeze brand over a hot brand.”

Overall, Rains likes that the freeze brand is a permanent form of identification. Cattle can often tear an ear and lose a visual tag. Rains also likes being able to see the animal’s tattoo number from farther away.

“It seems like you can’t have enough identification anymore,” he says. “It makes it easier for me, and for older guys and stuff like that, they like it because a lot of them guys struggle with reading tags. Just the ease of being able to identify an animal a lot quicker, and it’s permanent.”

(USDA)

EID Tags

Electronic identification tags contain a unique, scannable microchip that replaces the manual entry of ID numbers when processing cattle. Instant identification of an animal with a scan allows data to sync with management software immediately when compared to handwritten or typed record-keeping.

Lukassen Cattle Co. in Nebraska began incorporating EID tags as traceability and data management became increasingly important for internal decision-making and external market access.

Between their two locations, they calve out around 1,000 Limousin and Angus-based cows.

“We emphasize practical management and long-term sustainability, developing cattle that work in commercial settings while maintaining maternal strength and feed efficiency,” Elyse Lukassen says. “A key part of our operation is delivering all-natural beef directly to consumers, offering true ranch-to-table beef with no added hormones.”

With the size and scope of their operation, using EID tags provides a more efficient and accurate management process.

“The transition to EID tags has supported our participation in value-added programs,” Lukassen says. “Programs like Non-Hormone Treated Cattle (NHTC) and Global Animal Partnership require detailed record-keeping and traceability, and electronic identification helps ensure compliance is both accurate and auditable.”

Like any new technology, there is an upfront investment, both in tags and in the necessary readers and software, Lukassen adds.

“There’s also a learning curve in implementing systems effectively,” she says.

They still use plastic visual-only tags for identification pen-side. Their registered cattle also are tattooed.

Jara Settles, Livestock Marketing Association (LMA) general counsel and vice president of risk mitigation, says large-scale beef and many dairy producers can find benefits in using EID tags in conjunction with management software.

“Scanners in a milking parlor, at the feeding area or integrated with a chute-side system can help them track production traits such as weights, pregnancy status, treatments, vaccinations, etc. This application of the EIDs allows the farmer or rancher to get the most value for those devices as the investment can be spread out over the entire productive life of the animal,” Settles says.

The downside of EID tags is usually cost-related as they’re significantly more expensive than visual-only tags. Settles says many producers do not have the technology necessary to read them or integrate them into their management system.

“From an auction market perspective, the application of EID tags to livestock for sale as mandated by the Animal Disease Traceability (ADT) program is an added cost to the consignor that does not realize any premium or added value,” she adds.

On May 9, 2024, USDA APHIS published into the Federal Register the Final Animal Disease Traceability Rule “ Use of Electronic Identification Eartags as Official Identification in Cattle and Bison ” making visually and electronically readable tags the only form of official identification for sexually intact cattle and bison 18 months of age and older, all rodeo, exhibition cattle and dairy cattle moving interstate. That rule became effective Nov. 5, 2024.

“The visual-only tags that were previously allowed under the Animal Disease Traceability program were very inexpensive to purchase and were usually provided free of cost to producers and auction markets by USDA. The transition from visual-only identification for animals currently covered by the ADT program to EID tags increased the cost per tag by as much as nine times,” Settles adds.

Since the transition to EID tags, LMA in coordination with several industry partners has sought funding for these EID tags so that this transition is not an unfunded mandate by the government.

“We have been appreciative of the hard work of livestock champions in D.C. who have ensured farmers, ranchers and livestock auction markets are not unfairly burdened by yet another expense they are unlikely to see benefit from in production. We hope to see continued appropriations of funds to pay for the EID tags for currently covered animals,” Settles says. “LMA would adamantly oppose any expansion of the ADT program to include cattle not currently covered by the program, commonly referred to as feeder cattle.”

GEM: Precision in the Pasture

Fri, 13 Mar 2026 12:31:58 GMT

The challenge of maintaining herd records is a familiar struggle for many cow-calf producers who grapple with balancing detailed documentation and practical, cost-efficient management. However, there are multiple solutions available to help transition from traditional paper to platforms that make data input and analysis more productive. During Smart Farming week, we will learn more about five record-keeping options available on the market today.

Genetic and Economic Management, better known as GEM, was created in the early 2000s by Benyshek and Hough Consulting Services, Inc. GEM is an online data entry and retrieval system that can be used by commercial and registered cattlemen. GEM has users with both small-scale operations and large operations with more than 10,000 head.

“It’s a multifaceted system,” Larry Benyshek says. “It interacts with breed associations for uploading and downloading data and people really like that, of course. They have everything on one platform, from their breeding records through their sale records.”

One feature registered cattlemen can use is registering calves with breed associations through GEM, making the process more efficient with data syncing between the two.

“You can then download back the new registration numbers they get, and they can download their EPDs every week — if they want — to the system,” Benyshek says.

GEM also has a location system where users can build locations within the program and keep track of inventories across their ranch. Records can be easily moved with cattle as they change locations. Then animals can be filtered and grouped by different criteria using records and data within the system.

“The other thing is our auction platform is really good,” Benyshek adds. “We have a lot of people that use the system to create their auction offering. We put that on GEM, and then on sale day they can do all of the paperwork from GEM. In other words, we check people in by bidder number, then there’s a person on the block who records those bids by bidder number in real time and then they’re immediately ready for checkout with an invoice.”

GEM has additional features like embryo records, semen inventory and a database with records on the people an operation works with or for.

“It’s got a lot of aspects that people like — it’s pretty encompassing,” Benyshek explains. “Some people use everything we’ve got. Some people use just parts of it.”

GEM pricing is a monthly fee based on the number of females aged 14 months and older in the operation with a minimum base price of $60 for 50 head or less. Each additional female is $0.40. Large commercial operations vary in pricing.

One aspect Benyshek takes pride in is GEM’s customer service and building those relationships.

“We keep about 110 to 125 clients routinely on the system, and we provide a lot of customer service. Just the other day I did a three-hour training session with a new client, and we use Zoom meetings to do all of that.”

Groendyke Ranch manager Paul Koffskey uses GEM from a commercial perspective. Groendyke Ranch manages more than 2,000 head in a commercial Angus cow-calf operation using Hereford and Angus bulls. In 2025, they were recognized as the American Hereford Association Commercial Producer of the Year.

“We use as much of [GEM] as we want,” Koffskey explains. “I use it more for performance-based information to go into making decisions on what goes in our commercial bred heifer sale every year and then our feeder calf sales as well.”

Koffskey emphasizes the importance of generating different reports with varying data and details.

“The report function to me is the best aspect,” Koffskey says. “It’s simple once you become familiar with it. From an efficiency standpoint, we’re able to identify animals or bulls or whatever the case may be that are not performing. We’ve increased weaning weights, yearling weights, shortened breeding seasons and increased cow productivity.”

Koffskey adds both Benyshek and John Hough are always available if there is a problem or to answer questions.

“Those two guys and their experience in this industry, they are just a wealth of knowledge,” Koffskey says. “If you’re not using GEM or CattleMax or any of the others out there, you’re leaving money on the table.”

More information on GEM can be found at benyshek-hough.com

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Simplicity In Record-Keeping With an All-in-One Hub

Wed, 11 Mar 2026 13:47:37 GMT

CattleMax is an online record-keeping service used by ranches to store cattle inventory, herd health records, breeding and pregnancy records, calving data, weaning data and sync data from breed associations.

Terrell Miller, founder and CEO of CattleMax, says the program is designed for commercial and registered cow-calf producers of all herd sizes.

“It’s currently used by ranchers worldwide in herds from 10 head to 10,000 plus,” Miller says. “CattleMax has been around for over 25 years and is designed in the U.S. by cattle ranchers. It’s supported by ranchers who use the software in their own herds.”

CattleMax was built to be a complete record-keeping system with features like pasture activity, hay production, equipment maintenance and tasks.

“The most used features across users include breeding, pregnancy and calving records; weights, health treatments and pasture movements,” Miller adds.

Commercial plans start at $12 for the first 50 head of cattle and increase with herd size. Registered plans start at $16 for the first 50 head and increase with herd size. Both commercial and registered operations with more than 1,000 head have additional plans with features better suited for large operations.

computer screen,cell phone blank mockup.hand woman work using laptop texting mobile.white background for advertising,contact business search information on desk in cafe.marketing,design

(Shutterstock and CattleMax)

Customer Feedback

Manager of Stalwart Ranches in Texas, Bill Cawley uses most of the features CattleMax offers to keep data and records on their registered and commercial cow herd.

“We run about 300 registered cows and about 3,700 commercial cows,” Cawley explains. “My favorite thing is that you can get reports to go to the [ranch] owner at just a touch of a button. You can get reports so that they actually know what’s going on like inventories. It’s not, ‘Let me find it, let me count it up.’ It’s just right there. We have EIDs (electronic identification ear tags) in all these cattle now. We can scan those and run off a list of calves in just a matter of minutes. It’s what everybody else in the world has in business, where you can run a report and don’t have to go through all your paper files to try to find something.”

Cawley adds having all their records on CattleMax makes taxes much easier for both the rancher and their accountant.

“We can run that report off and it’s in black and white, It’s easy for those guys to understand,” Cawley says. “There’s just so much that’s at your fingertips.”

(CattleMax)

Cawley has been using CattleMax for more than 20 years, so the program functions are simple for him to understand with many years of experience. However, he recommends CattleMax to ranchers and cattlemen because it is so user-friendly.

“It has what the everyday person needs on it, and you can get a little more technical if you want it to,” Cawley says. “Sometimes people don’t know what they’re looking at, and this is pretty self-explanatory for the most part. It’s been a really good company for us.”

The only limitation to CattleMax, like many record keeping programs, is that the animals need to be individually identified. Find more about CattleMax at cattlemax.com

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Understanding and Preventing Calf Scours

Mon, 09 Mar 2026 16:26:14 GMT

Neonatal calf diarrhea, or scours, is a common concern among cow-calf producers. Understanding why scours occurs is the first step in preventing the problem.

What Causes Calf Scours?

Calf scours outbreaks are the result of a contaminated calving and nursing environment. This environmental contamination develops following a period of pathogen (germ) buildup or amplification.

Cows shed relatively small amounts of these bacteria and viruses into the environment, often without showing any clinical symptoms. Other scours-causing pathogens, such as coccidia, can persist in the environment year after year.

As calves are born, they are exposed to these pathogens and begin the cycle of replication and shedding of disease potentials. They shed many times more germs than they were originally exposed to, which is why we call this “amplification.”

The first calves born may not show clinical symptoms of scours because the pathogen load may not be high enough to overwhelm the immune system. However, as more calves are born and stocking density increases, the pathogen load can become too much. This is when a scours outbreak occurs.

How to Reduce the Risk of Scours

Reducing the risk of scours can be accomplished by addressing different areas of management. One way to do this is by following the Sandhills Calving Method, or a modified version of it.

The concept is to place calves into similar age groups, calving on clean environments with each group. Ideally, calves should be within 10-14 days of age in each calving area. Late-gestation cows will then be moved away from new babies to calve in a fresh environment and begin another age group, and so on. This will allow reduction of pathogen shedding and exposure dose. The original concept can be modified to fit most operations by having an idea of calving dates and a little creativity.

Limiting stress during calving is another preventive measure. One example of stress includes weather concerns. Having a place for calves to get out of storms and mud may help. This can be accomplished by utilizing shelters or creating a calf escape area by adding a hot wire in the corner of the lot where calves can freely enter but cows remain outside the space.

Shelters can become sources of contamination if left unclean and wet. Because ventilation and sunshine are vital factors in keeping calves healthy, moving shelters or utilizing open-air concepts has been shown to be beneficial.

Testing is necessary to get a final diagnosis on what pathogens are causing problems, and often the condition contains two or more species of bacteria, viruses or protozoa. Age of calf is helpful in knowing what may be causing the problem as each pathogen affects calves at different time frames.

Understanding crucial management areas and establishing prevention protocols with your veterinarian are essential for your operation’s calf health plan.

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Bridging Genetics, Management and Technology in Beef Production

Wed, 18 Feb 2026 16:37:44 GMT

701x is a North Dakota-based agricultural technology company specializing in smart, connected, solar-powered GPS ear tags and management software for the cattle industry. It enables ranchers to monitor livestock health, location, breeding activity and behavior.

“There’s a lot of pressures on the ranching industry today, and there’s not a lot of technology or tools that can help them,” summarizes Sam Fisher, 701x vice president of sales and marketing.

701x was created by Kevin Biffert, a ranch-raised engineer, who saw the lack of effective technological tools available for ranchers.

“We have to develop a feature set that offers a lot more to the rancher,” Fisher adds.

(Photo: 701X)

Three Pillars: Registry Services, Herd Management, Devices

Fisher explains 701x’s offerings fall into three primary buckets.

1. Registry Services

701x acquired Digital Beef, a software solution for breed associations. This registry allows users to register animals, manage pedigrees and integrate performance data. He explains 701x is currently working on a rebuild of the registry product to make it a sustainable platform.

2. Herd Management Tools

“Think of this as your on-ranch record-keeping system ,” Fisher explains. “Digital calving book, chute‑side mode, breeding record system, even a financial section in there, all available for kind of on‑ranch records.”

701x is working to provide a unified, modern platform that streamlines data from herd management straight into registry services, minimizing manual entry and ensuring consistent, usable records.

Fisher says the 701x system eliminates double/triple entry of data; it makes data searchable and usable and replaces paper records with quick digital access.

Montana Angus producer Sara Stevenson says, “How I best describe 701x is the solution to a long-time problem I was looking for.”

701x helps her manage and communicate herd data. She explains the biggest historical challenge wasn’t collecting data but organizing it over many years and sending accurate information to the American Angus Association and other breed associations.

She says 701x has replaced scattered notebooks and multiple Excel files with one central, long-term system. It allows the Stevenson family to track every animal from birth to sale in one place, including:

Birth, weaning, yearling data and ratios.
Health events such as treatments, navel issues, deaths and injuries.
Fertility records.
Exact reason an animal leaves the herd — feet, fertility, open or death.

Stevenson emphasizes that bad or incomplete data is worse than no data, and 701x makes it realistic to maintain high-quality, multiyear records.

She shares these additional 701x advantages:

Time, stress and marriage-saving benefits. Before 701x, Stevenson says Maternal Plus reporting meant referring to years of calving books and tedious backtracking, causing weeks of work, frustration and “marriage” conflict. “701x eliminated the annual stress and fights,” she summarizes.
Data entry is now done chute-side or same day versus months later, which reduces errors and guesswork. The 701x system ties together EID (electronic identification) tags, wand, scale head and software reducing transposed numbers, missing digits as well as duplicate or outdated spreadsheets.
Digital workflow keeps accurate cow and calf pasture counts, as well as provides the ability to figure correct vaccine dose and mineral needs and get an immediate check of what animals were missed after working cattle. Stevenson admits they keep paper copies as backup, but the digital data saves their ranch money and time, improves accuracy and reduces stress.
Strong customer service and partnership. Stevenson compliments the 701x team for being accessible and willing to help when needed. She says 701x is not just a tool; it is a partner in their operation.

“What they’re really going for is that one-stop shop — the Apple of cattle data — and we are very happy with it,” Stevenson summarizes.

3. Smart Livestock Devices

701x offers two types of smart ear tag devices: the xTpro tag for bulls and cows and the xTlite tag for calves.

Fisher says the tags are a management tool providing tangible, practical benefits like GPS tracking, health and behavior alerts and reproductive data. The tags help producers improve breeding rates, reduce losses and gain actionable data, making the investment cost-effective over time.

The Stevensons use xTpro tags in donor cows and herd bulls to help:

Detect estrus in older donor cows that don’t show strong physical heat signs.
Track bull activity (steps, mounts) and correlate that with actual calves sired via DNA, revealing which bulls are working harder versus just being lazier. She says this leads to data-backed decisions about which bulls and cows are performing.

Dakota Gerloff of Gerloff Farms , Bland, Mo., manages about 400 seedstock cows and 120 commercial cows. The Gerloffs put xTpro tags in all their herd bulls. He says the biggest benefit of the tags is the peace of mind the system provides his family during breeding season.

While he typically checks his fall cows in person every other day during breeding season, 701x allows him to open the app and see how individual bulls are behaving throughout the day: how active they’ve been, whether they’ve been mounting cows and, generally whether they appear to be doing their job.

He says the tags are a valuable tool in an era when good labor is hard to find. Gerloff adds that he plans to tag his cow herd for heat detection and calving alerts, which could reduce manpower needs by providing timely notifications instead of relying solely on constant physical checking.

(Photos: 701X)

User-Friendly Purchasing and Setup

The company aims to make technologically advanced cattle management solutions simple, accessible and valuable to both seedstock and commercial beef producers. Producers can order products directly online through a marketplace. Ongoing support, educational videos and in-person field staff are available to streamline onboarding and maximize value.

Fisher says transparent pricing and simple online purchasing eliminate barriers for adoption.

“We focused on easy, easy, easy, easy,” he says. “You go to 701x.com, there’s a tab for the marketplace ... add to cart ... check out and it’s shipped directly to you.”

Fisher explains the tags come pre-integrated into the software ecosystem, which makes the setup seamless. Producers are supported by educational materials, responsive field staff and personal phone/video help as needed.

When inserting xTpro tags, place the buttons between the two main ribs of the ear. Apply the tag so the solar panel sits forward and up for best sunlight exposure.

(701x)

The tags are designed to be robust, solar-powered and connected by both cellular and satellite networks for maximum utility and minimal hassle. The system’s value is demonstrable through examples of loss prevention, breeding improvement and labor savings.

Fisher says customer feedback shapes product development and issue resolution, and all customers have open access to knowledgeable staff. 701x continually refines its algorithms and is developing new features like feedyard systems and more advanced monitoring to adapt to industry needs and drive future genetic improvements.

(701x)

A Seedstock Supplier Service for Bull Buyers

The Gerloff family hosts an annual bull sale each October selling 80 bulls. As a customer service, the Gerloffs tagged all 2025 sale bulls with 701x’s xTpro. If a bull sold for more than $6,500, the buyer was offered a one-year 701x app subscription.

Gerloff says the tag process went smoothly and praises retention and durability. He says they tagged the sale bulls 10 days before the sale. He was originally concerned about the bulls fighting and losing tags before sale day. He reports they didn’t lose any tags despite the tendencies of 20-month-old bulls.

Gerloff says more than half of the buyers who qualified to use the system have made a 701x account thus far. He also notes he has not received one negative call or frustration about the tag.

701x’s core aim is to help both commercial and seedstock producers be more profitable and sustainable by providing customers cutting-edge, practical tools that deliver real-world results.

“I really believe we’re building tools that actually matter,” Fisher summarizes. “Tools that will actually keep people in the beef business, keep families on the same piece of dirt that they’ve always ranched.”

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Respiratory Disease Treatment Options: Match the Drug to the Bug

Fri, 06 Mar 2026 13:58:31 GMT

“When it comes to any disease treatment, it’s imperative to match the drug to the bug — or in other words, use the correct class of antibiotic to control the disease-causing bacteria at hand,” says Dr. Shawn Blood, Zoetis beef technical services veterinarian. “The same holds for anti-infectives used to treat bovine respiratory disease (BRD).”

Currently, the four most common classes of anti-infectives used in cattle treatments are macrolides, beta-lactams, phenicols and fluoroquinolones. When it comes to controlling bacteria, each of these major classes of anti-infectives has a slightly different mode of action (MOA).

Four major classes of anti-infectives used for BRD treatment include:

1. Macrolides interfere with protein synthesis by reversibly binding to the 50S subunit of the ribosome and appear to bind at the donor site, which prevents the translocation necessary to keep the peptide chain growing.

Common active ingredients: Tilmicosin, gamithromycin, tildipirosin and tulathromycin
Works well against: BRD-causing bacteria such as Mannheimia haemolytica, Pasteurella multocida and Histophilus somni. In some cases, this class also may be effective against Mycoplasma bovis.

2. Beta-lactams impair the development of bacterial cell walls by interfering with transpeptidase enzymes. These enzymes are associated with a group of proteins in both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria called penicillin-binding proteins, also called PBPs.

Common active ingredients: Penicillin, cephalosporin
Works well against: BRD caused by Mannheimia haemolytica, Pasteurella multocida and Histophilus somni

3. Phenicols work similar to the macrolide class and affect protein synthesis at the 50s ribosomal subunit of the bacteria cell.

Common active ingredient: Florfenicol
Works well against: BRD caused by Mannheimia haemolytica, Pasteurella multocida and Histophilus somni

4. Fluoroquinolones interfere with DNA synthesis within the bacteria cell, which prevents cell replication.

Common active ingredients: Danofloxacin , enrofloxacin
Works well against: BRD associated with Mannheimia haemolytica, Pasteurella multocida and Histophilus somni

Image has been modified and was sourced from: https://openstax.org/books/microbiology/pages/14-3-mechanisms-of-antibacterial-drugs

(Zoetis)

What Does This Mean for BRD Treatment?

All the major BRD-causing pathogens can be controlled with one or more of the four major classes of anti-infectives listed above. However, there are a few key instances in which choosing the right antibiotic class can make or break respiratory disease treatment outcomes. These include:

Re-treating cattle. The current paradigm in BRD therapy is to switch classes of anti-infective if an animal needs to be re-treated after metaphylaxis or initial treatment. This makes it important to know which anti-infectives are in which class and their MOA — because you don’t want to use the same MOA in both treatments.
Treating BRD caused by M. bovis. Because M. bovis bacteria lack a cell wall, and beta-lactams work by attacking the cell wall, this class of anti-infective will be ineffective against BRD caused by M. bovis.

“With the complex nature of BRD, choosing an anti-infective with the right MOA can be a contributor to better treatment results. However, this information sometimes is not available immediately when an animal, or set of animals, becomes ill,” Blood says. “Your veterinarian can help you diagnose and execute a treatment plan of action based on MOA, evidence-based medicine and clinical response.”

This can mean more successful first treatments of BRD, fewer doses of antibiotics, more responsible use of antibiotics and economically significant savings on your operation in both money and time.

“It’s also important to remember that respiratory disease is a complex disease system — and there are many outside variables that can negatively affect treatment outcomes,” Blood says. “Work closely with your herd veterinarian to establish sound prevention practices that limit the risk of BRD in the first place.”

5 Tips for Grafting Calves

Wed, 04 Mar 2026 15:18:30 GMT

There’s more than one way to encourage cow-calf bonding, but hormones and smell are key to creating the bond.

Multiple scenarios, both cow and calf centered, can lead to the need to graft a calf on a different cow:

Calf dies during birthing process, don’t want to sell the cow
Cow dies during birthing process, don’t want to sell the calf as a bottle calf
Cow doesn’t milk or has a bad udder
Older cow calves, and she’s near the end of her productivity. At the same time a younger cow loses her calf
Twins

Kansas cow-calf producer Shad Marston summarizes grafting can take time, patience and sometimes money.

“It’s a management decision,” he explains regarding the choice of grafting a calf or letting a cow dry up. “I do think it is beneficial for a cow that loses a calf that you plan to keep to raise a calf, but grafting can be hard.”

Marston and two veterinarians — Dr. Lacey Fahrmeier of Stillwater Veterinary Clinic and Dr. Tony Hawkins of Prairie Valley Vet Clinic — share tips to help producers create the bond and successfully graft a calf onto a different mom.

1. Catch or Confine the Cow

To get a cow to let a calf nurse, Hawkins explains many times it is necessary to catch the cow in a chute or calving pen and help the calf latch on or nurse.

“Properly restraining the cow in a chute on the initial introduction is critical,” Fahrmeier adds. “This allows you to safely administer some pharmaceutical agents that can be extremely helpful in the process and minimizes the risk of the calf getting injured.”

2. Convince the Cow the Calf is Hers

Hawkins says a major hurdle many times for grafting is convincing the cow the calf is hers.

“Our goals are to get the cow licking the calf to create that bond and get the cow to let the calf nurse,” Hawkins summarizes. “There are some commercial products, such as Calf Claim or Orphan-No-More, which are flavored powders to sprinkle down the back of the calf to get the cow to lick. Also, dried distiller grains seem to work well.”

If you are grafting a calf onto a cow whose calf recently died, you can skin the hide from the deceased calf and tie onto the back of the calf you are trying to graft. This works well, especially for cows that had already developed a good bond with their calf that, unfortunately, didn’t make it.

Fahrmeier agrees draping the deceased calf’s hide on the orphan calf can really help trick the cow into accepting the new one.

3. Sedation Can Be a Valuable Tool

Her philosophy is “better living through chemistry” and encourages producers to use the tools available to make the grafting process less stressful for all involved — cattle and people.

“Lightly sedating the cow can be beneficial,” she explains. “My drug of choice for that would be injectable acepromazine. Consult with your veterinarian on appropriate usage of the product and dose. It is important to note that ace takes around 30 minutes to reach peak effect, so giving it in advance of introducing or nursing the calf is crucial.”

Hawkins agrees, adding: “Sedation is a valuable tool when grafting calves and should not be viewed as a last resort, especially if the cow shows any aggression toward the calf or kicks at it when it tries to nurse.”

Along with recommending Ace, he says oxytocin also works well to encourage bonding.

“An injection of the ‘love’ hormone oxytocin can also aid the cow in accepting the calf,” Fahrmeier explains. “Oxytocin is a hormone naturally produced in mammals that stimulates uterine contractions during labor and milk ejection from the mammary glands. In cattle, it is used to promote postpartum uterine involution and aid in the expulsion of retained placenta. It can also facilitate milk let-down. For milk let-down, it only requires a small dose (1 mL IM) and works rapidly after injection.”

One of the newest technologies on the market to assist with reducing stress and increasing maternal bond in cattle is the synthetic analogs of a natural maternal pheromone — Maternal Bovine Appeasing Substance (mBAS).

Fahrmeier says products such as FerAppease or SecureCattle can be applied topically to the nuchal skin (poll) and above the muzzle to help decrease threat perception by desensitizing the hypothalamus and amygdala and lowering cortisol.

“In my experience, treating the cow with a full dose (5 cc in both spots) and the calf with a half dose (2.5 cc) seems to help the process of grafting go smoother and quicker,” she says. “There is also some research showing increased milk let-down and production on dairy cows, so there may be benefit in that area as well.”

4. The Calf Needs to Be Hungry

Fahrmeier says after the medications have been administered, the next most important tip is to have a hungry calf.

Marston says getting a cow’s milk through the calf improves acceptance.

5. Be Patient and Give the Pair Time to Bond

Hawkins says the bonding process can be a multiple-day project until the bond is created.

Marston adds the grafting process tends to be easier with younger cows, while older cows tend to be more suspicious.

Fahrmeier suggests turning the cow and calf together and letting them continue to bond after the calf has nursed with the cow confined in the chute.

“You may need to continue to restrain the cow for a few more feedings, but usually this method results in an almost instant love connection,” she summarizes.

Marston says to know when it is time to quit trying and accept the grafting process failed. He says his rule of thumb is a day or two, but admits he has attempted the process for more than a week.

“I got pretty tired of it, but I’ve done it before,” he says.

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