You can have all the brainpower in the world, but you must be able to transmit it. The one easy way to become worth 50 percent more than you are now, at least, is to hone your communication skills . . . both written and verbal." – Warren Buffett Source: BENZINGA, February 23, 2023. Link. … [Read more...]
5 key principles for composting farm waste
Spring weather will soon thaw frozen manure piles leaving producers with decisions about handling the manure effectively. Beyond a simple pile of manure, composting should be thought of as the biological decomposition of organic matter under controlled conditions, says Brian Dougherty. He explains the nuances of getting moisture, oxygen level, particle size, … [Read more...]
7 amazing facts about insects
Ants, honeybees, a 22-inch walking stick, ladybugs and more . . . Mosquitoes are the world’s deadliest animal.” Source: Interesting facts. Link. INSIGHTS: Consider using one of these examples as a conversation starter when you need to break the ice with a new person or group. … [Read more...]
AAEP Commission on Veterinary Sustainability: Compensation Matters
1,378 respondents completed a survey from the compensation subcommittee of the AAEP's Commission on Equine Veterinary Sustainability. This article shares some of the survey results and opportunities. The average salaries for those in the graduation years 2016–2019 was $88,973 for example. The charge of the committee is “To ensure that members understand what current … [Read more...]
Chewy expands private label mix with new wellness line
Commercial Content Vibeful is Chewy’s first pet wellness brand. It features 20 supplements and vitamins crafted to complement a wide range of daily wellness needs to meet the growing consumer demand. These supplements boast no artificial ingredients and come in a variety of soft chews, liquids and powders, and in flavors like chicken, salmon and peanut butter. Source: … [Read more...]
IBPSA Fast Bites – February 20, 2023
Women in the pet business, making the most of pay-per-click, promoting small business methods, preventing PTSD after pet loss, tax and insurance tips for small business, working smarter not harder and thoughts on the culture of <pet> domestication. Source: IBPSA Fast Bites, February 20, 2023. Link. … [Read more...]
6 best practices for workplace wellness
Steven Van Yoder says most employers are not following best practices when designing and implementing their workplace wellness efforts. He references the Workplace Wellness: Best Practices Study 2022 and a set of practices for designing and implementing effective employee wellness initiatives. <the study> findings are a first step in reframing workplace wellness from … [Read more...]
Make meetings places for honest conversations
Permission to say or ask anything is priceless, writes Paul Axtell. Giving permission and creating safety are two key areas that can increase freedom, candor and quality of conversation in your meetings. People don’t just want to belong, they want to contribute. Source: Harvard Business Review, April 11, 2019. Link. The quest for better meetings ultimately lies in leading … [Read more...]
How to answer, “What are your salary expectations?” (video)
Amy Gallo offers practical strategies for how to approach the salary expectation question along with sample answers to use as a guide. The article also includes a video from Tori Dunlap, founder of Her First $100K (5:26) on the topic. Source: Harvard Business Review, February 13, 2023. Link. You don’t have to give a number. Some states and localities have outlawed the … [Read more...]
The Bridge Club honors veterinary medicine’s Brightest Minds
Partnering with Blue Buffalo and the Viticus Group, The Bridge Club gathered votes from more than 5,000 veterinary professionals who voted in three categories. The winners are: Game Changer award winner – Dr. Fred Wininger Industry Influencer award winner – Dr. Adam Christman Wellness Champion award winner – Dr. Ashley Bourgeois Source: The Bridge Club, February … [Read more...]
3 things to know about consumer spending
At NRF 2023: Retail’s Big Show, National Retail Federation’s Mark Mathews and Jonathan Silver, CEO, founder of Affinity Solutions, discussed the forces propelling consumers to spend. Affinity’s data showed consumers didn’t curtail discretionary spending as prices for everyday items increased. Instead, they drew on savings and other sources of income to continue spending at … [Read more...]
IDEXX study reveals opportunities to increase veterinary practice productivity
Addressing ongoing veterinary practice capacity constraints, the IDEXX study, “Finding the Time: Empowering Veterinary Teams to Get the Most Out of Every Day,” sheds light on staffing challenges throughout the veterinary industry. The study provides strategies for creating additional capacity and ultimately supporting a happier, healthier veterinary team <the study> … [Read more...]
Worth a Glance – February 16, 2023
Last week’s AHD Bulletin – Animal Health Digest Bulletin, February 9, 2023. Link. Most read post(s) from February 9th AHD Bulletin – Studying PRRS virus and its ability to percolate through soils. Link. Place keeper: 2023 Veterinary Conferences provided by Galaxy Vets. Link. Zoetis provides perspective, resources to transition OTC antimicrobials … [Read more...]
Merck Animal Health receives U.S. FDA approval of expanded indication for Banamine® Transdermal (flunixin transdermal solution)
Complimentary Commercial Content BANAMINE® TRANSDERMAL (flunixin transdermal solution) is now indicated for the control of pyrexia (fever) due to acute mastitis with a short milk withhold of 48 hours. This new indication means BANAMINE TRANSDERMAL can be given with confidence to lactating cows. With simple, pour-on administration along the animal’s back, it saves time and … [Read more...]
Straw can pose mycotoxin risks in dairy heifer diets
Many U.S. dairy producers use chopped straw in their heifer rations to add fiber and bulk. Alltech feed quality evaluations show when a straw crop gets stressed or delayed in the field due to unfavorable weather conditions it can carry its own mycotoxin risks. The same is true for any straw that shows visible signs of mold. Source: Dairy Herd Management, October 5, 2022. … [Read more...]
Highlights from the 2023 Cattle Industry Convention & NCBA Trade Show
If you missed the NCBA convention or if you’re just curious about what happens when thousands of cattlemen and women from across the country gather, the photos and videos shared here will give you a sense of #CattleCon23. Source: National Cattlemen's Beef Association, February 11, 2023. Link. … [Read more...]
Chicken physiology creates unique vision traits
Chicken vision is substantially different from ours. Understanding the hows and whys can help explain some unique chicken behaviors. Daniel Johnson explains their monocular vision, separated eye functions, third eyelid, perception of ultraviolet light and more. . . . each eye sees different views and is designed for different uses . . the left eye excels at focusing on distant … [Read more...]
What to know about cats, chocolate toxicity and candy
Even if Valentine’s Day candy is gone by now, Easter candy is not far away. Cats do not have a taste sensor for sweets but two components in chocolate are dangerous to cats and dogs alike. The short answer is, “Yes chocolate is toxic to cats.” Different than dogs, at no point should you try to make your cat vomit.” Source: Catster, February 9, 2023. Link. Err on the side … [Read more...]
Effect of pre-appointment gabapentin in hyperthyroid cats
Handling or restraining noncompliant, fractious cats can make drawing blood and completing procedures difficult. Doing so may result in increased patient stress or anxiety and potential injuries for veterinary technicians and DVMs involved. Paul DeMars, DVM, DABVP, reviews a study on the use of gabapentin sharing these key pearls: Gabapentin (20 mg/kg PO) given to … [Read more...]
How to ensure plaque does not convert to tartar
Sarah Wooten, DVM, CVJ, explains the importance of brushing pets’ teeth as it turns into tartar in less than a minute. Consider this video for social media, newsletters or play it for clients during exams. Ideally, brush pet’s teeth every day, but don’t wait longer than 3 days . . .” Source: Linked In, February 8, 2023. Link. … [Read more...]
Rodent control as we know it may change
Upcoming legislation could cause agriculture to lose access to important products that control rodents throughout production, processing, storage and retail phases of food production. PORK editor Jennifer Shike shares the viewpoints of industry spokespersons. EPA’s proposal is quite wide-ranging, and it is going to impact any user of rodenticides and how rodenticides are … [Read more...]
Worth a Glance – February 9, 2023
Last week’s AHD Bulletin – Animal Health Digest Bulletin, February 2, 2023. Link. Most read post(s) from February 2nd AHD Bulletin – How to stop overthinking when you’re about to spiral. Link. Place keeper: 2023 Veterinary Conferences provided by Galaxy Vets. Link. Cow numbers drop to 61-year low Source: Farm Progress, February 6, … [Read more...]
Cows benefit from cud chewing
Too basic? Maybe. However, considering the current challenges with forage because of the drought the key takeaways are about particle size and length plus cow observation. Cud chewing is the regurgitation of feed that has already been consumed and swallowed. The regurgitated feed is re-chewed to an acceptable particle size and then re-swallowed. But wait . . . there’s … [Read more...]
Horse eye blink rates and stress
In the absence of stress, horses blink eight to nine times per minute. Eyelid twitches occur two times per minute, writes Nancy Loving, DVM. She shares key details from a study at the University of Guelph that monitored eye blinks and eyelid twitches as a non-invasive measure of stress in horses. Several stressors were used to test the validity of using blink rate as an … [Read more...]
Does spaying or neutering change behavior?
Don’t think spaying or neutering a dog is going to prevent or solve all his or her behaviors that you find problematic, writes Pat Miller, CBCC-KA, CPDT-KA. Statistical analysis of a huge population of spayed and neutered dogs says that it won’t. Source: Whole Dog Journal, September 21, 2022. Link. Also see: The latest on age and gonadectomy, AHD, March 29, 2022. … [Read more...]
Stop workplace gossip before it spreads
Workplace gossip can easily start conflict, as well as disrupt and distract team members. Karin Hurt shares ways to squash workplace gossip she and others use. The truth is, we get more of what we tolerate and less of what we ignore. If you’re working to build a high-performing, human-centered team culture, it’s worth the effort to stop the rumors and workplace gossip.” - … [Read more...]
Worth a Glance – February 2, 2023
Last week’s AHD Bulletin – Animal Health Digest Bulletin, January 26, 2023. Link. Most read post(s) from January 26th AHD Bulletin – Habits that annoy coworkers and ways to mitigate them. Link. Place keeper: 2023 Veterinary Conferences provided by Galaxy Vets. Link. KC Corridor’s Emily McVey wins 40 Under 40 in Economic Development Award Source: … [Read more...]
Dairy herd size keeps climbing
Changing economics and shrinking margins on dairy’s home front have been strong drivers in herd demographics throughout the United States. Cory Geiger shares some of the history of herd growth going back to a 1992 census of licensed dairies. In just 8 years, U.S. herd size has gone from 200 to over 300 cows per herd.” – Cory Geiger Source: Hoard’s Dairyman, January 10, 2023. … [Read more...]
10 things you may not know about ground beef
If you’ve ever wondered . . . the USDA dictates what can and cannot be labeled as ground beef and that information is published in the Code of Federal Regulations. They call those rules ‘standards of identity’ and they apply to labels of ‘chopped beef’ and ‘hamburger,’ as well as ground beef. Source: Mom at the Meat Counter. Link. … [Read more...]
Rabbit math: 1 + 1 = 42
Before the local farm supply store fills up with baby bunnies, this beginners’ guide to rabbit husbandry and management may help with decision making as Easter approaches. Source: Grit, May 2022. Link. INSIGHTS: Easter is April 9th which means rabbit breeding that takes place in the next two to three weeks will likely show up in stores by early March. Consider this as a … [Read more...]