Dairy Management Inc. and state and regional checkoff teams around the country are showcasing dairy’s resilience and community impact during the Covid-19 pandemic in celebration of National Dairy Month. The efforts began on World Milk Day, June 1, with a Raising Gallons video < link > DMI created in partnership with state and regional checkoff organizations. The video … [Read more...]
Archives for June 2020
Here’s the beef. . . well maybe
Darrell Peel, Oklahoma State University ag economist, says beef markets are moving past the worst of the disruptions that caused upheaval recently. Beef markets were thrown into turmoil in March as food service markets, such as restaurants, were sharply curtailed and beef demand suddenly rose in the retail grocery sector. He discusses the supply chain, price fluctuations and … [Read more...]
Iowa DVMs offered free training on foreign animal diseases
The Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship is offering a free, online, continuing education program for veterinarians licensed in Iowa titled IowaFADefense. The focus of IowaFADefense is to increase the state's ability to rapidly detect, respond to, and contain foreign animal diseases. The diseases covered in the program are: African swine fever, classical swine … [Read more...]
Never seen a screwworm? Here’s why.
Except for occasional reintroductions, primarily in imported dogs and horses, the screwworm has been eradicated in the U.S. Eradication started in the 1950s with the joint vision of ranchers working with USDA in a multidecade effort that included Mexico and Central America. This fascinating article sheds light on what it took to get rid of screwworms. As importantly, it focuses … [Read more...]
The 4 parasites horses hate
Sponsored Content from Bimeda U.S.A. Take a look at how modern deworming approaches are preventing the evolution of super parasites and the techniques to employ to keep horses healthy. This special edition covers: The four worst parasites for a horse What’s the future of parasite control? Know the most effective deworming techniques The most effective deworming … [Read more...]
Rabbits, RHDV and what you need to know
The most recent report indicates that RHDV has spread over 1,000 miles in the last six weeks with no end in sight. Since people, insects, birds, and other animals, including pets, can spread the virus to a healthy rabbit, there are many safety precautions rabbit guardians should take to help protect their rabbit, including vaccination. Even if a rabbit is indoors-only, they … [Read more...]
1 in 10 veterinarians surveyed considered suicide due to student loans
Travis Hornsby shares information garnered from a survey of his community of borrowers. The group is much more likely to have six figures of debt and have graduate degrees. We asked him to give us a bit of comparative perspective against other professions. Source: Student Loan Planner, May 19, 2020. Link. Veterinarians also have one of the highest student debt burdens of … [Read more...]
3 keys to post pandemic retailing
Mark Kalaygian shares three factors for pet specialty retailers to consider when devising a strategy for doing business in a post-pandemic environment: Recession realities New weapons for brick and mortar locations Craving contact Source: Pet Business, May 26, 2020. Link. INSIGHTS: Stop, look and listen to Kalaygian’s assertions. Veterinary clinics that have … [Read more...]
What MAP means for veterinary clinics
Minimum advertised pricing is one of the positive outcomes of a more aggressive OTC retail environment. While veterinarians may dislike having to change their focus from cost-based margin, MAP offers a much improved and level playing field at the customer’s pocketbook. Source: Veterinary Advantage, March 2020. Link. In today’s world, vendors need to have their products … [Read more...]
Subscription wellness plans: a long-term answer?
Bob Lester, DVM, shares his experiences and perspectives on subscription wellness plans. Subscription preventive care plans are not discount or loyalty programs. They are not pet insurance. Instead, they are a fundamental way of approaching veterinary practice. They empower clients and the veterinary team with a laser focus on delivering preventive care so that pets can live … [Read more...]
Renewal and recovery after Covid-19 (podcast)
Industry consultants Peter Weinstein, DVM, MBA, and Karen Felstad, DVM, CPA, MS, CVPM, CVA, discuss the tectonic shifts the veterinary profession is going through. They explore what the profession is learning, what habits should remain broken and which replacements should become entrenched in the daily routines of veterinary practices. They cover nine areas : … [Read more...]
Pooled global research confirms distancing and masks reduce Covid-19 risks
There has been plenty of confusion on Covid-19 prevention. Researcher have completed a massive review of 172 studies in 16 countries on coronavirus disease transmission. They concluded that keeping at least one meter apart plus wearing face masks and eye protection are the best ways to cut the risk of COVID-19 infection. They shared frequent handwashing and good hygiene are … [Read more...]
Time management or emotional management?
According to traditional thinking – still espoused by university counselling centers around the world, such as the University of Manchester in the United Kingdom and the University of Rochester in the U.S. – procrastinators have a time management problem. Source: BBC, May 14, 2020. Link. When someone finally recognizes that procrastination isn’t a time management problem but … [Read more...]
Millennials do want to work
Millennials have been tagged as socially responsible and more focused on experiences than acquisition. The Deloitte Global Millennial Survey 2019 takes our understanding of generalized millennial behavior further. Source: The Deloitte Global Millennial Survey 2019, May 20, 2020. Link. This year, we saw a palpable deterioration of optimism and a wide variety of both … [Read more...]
Doing the right thing, colorblind
As if the coronavirus pandemic wasn’t enough, the death of George Floyd in Minneapolis has thrown gas on societal fires. Today’s commentaries and media coverage of riots are too reminiscent of days past. Source: Purpose Unlimited: Link. In the days of segregation, my mother, my father, and a young baseball player named Billy, provided me with a lesson in race relations that … [Read more...]
The life of a fire ant queen (video)
Speaking of fire ants, here’s a short animation from TED-Ed that explains the lifecycle of a fire ant queen. From mating to death, it details the queen’s life in a way that is memorable for adults and youngsters alike. Source: YouTube, January 16, 2020. Link. Mating frenzies, sperm hoards, and brood raids: the life of a fire ant queen – Walter R. Tschinkel. Also see: … [Read more...]
Flooding making fire ants meaner
Sea level rise and flooding are making fire ants bigger and meaner. Their bites are getting worse, too. According to a recent Louisiana State University study, freshwater and saltwater increase the already aggressive nature of red fire ants. Source: NOLA.com, April 22, 2020. Link. Coastal flooding caused a 72% increase in the volume of venom sacs in individual fire ants 24 … [Read more...]