Kudos to High Plains Journal for this well-rounded, fact-filled look at what it takes to be a veterinarian. HPJ readership includes 49,000 paid and audited subscribers plus another 70,840 persons in pass-along readership. It is likely your customers will have seen this frank depiction of veterinarians. Source: High Plains Journal, February 15, 2016. Going to vet school is … [Read more...]
Cheap petroleum helps animal health
Current low gasoline prices may soon be the norm, according to investor and economist Dennis Gartman. Whether commuting to work or paying for fuel related to livestock production, lower fuel prices eases the challenges of paying for animal care. Source: Agriculture.com, February 8, 2016. Two years ago crude oil stayed consistently around $110 per barrel. Last year prices … [Read more...]
Spending on pets up in 2015
Americans spent almost $61 billion on pets in 2015 – a 4.4 percent increase from 2014. This article notes cautious optimism about the future of the pet industry and cites areas of success and others that are experiencing challenges. Source: Reuters, February 22, 2016. The amount of money being spent on pets has increased every year since 1994, according to the American Pet … [Read more...]
Swine Disease Matrix prioritizes pathogens of threat
Much is written about disaster planning. Yet, producers and veterinarians are seldom prepared for disease outbreaks or disasters. The Center for Food Security and Public Health at the College of Veterinary Medicine of Iowa State University announced a comprehensive set of tools to address this. Fact sheets offer information about each disease are ready for immediate use in the … [Read more...]
Editorial – Things that keep vets up at night
The results of dvm360’s triennial survey are out. The survey makes clear veterinarians are concerned. They feel the same changes we feel and more. Addressing their concerns with proper action remains a strong challenge. Enterprising reps will set aside the detail book and use these survey results to have solution-centered dialogues with their accounts. “B” accounts will … [Read more...]
Second bacterium linked to Lyme disease
Researchers at the Mayo clinic have discovered a second bacterium, related to Borrelia burgdorferi that can cause Lyme disease in humans. Borrelia mayonii infections do not act quite the same as B. burgdorferi which is associated with a bulls-eye rash. Source: NPR, February 10, 2016. The new species hadn't appeared during routine tests on thousands of other samples over the … [Read more...]
Trader Joe’s going cage-free by 2015
Trader Joe's has thrown its weight behind the growing cage-free egg movement, making it one of few grocery chains to do so. Our AHD team checked egg pricing at a Kansas City grocer, then compared price increases between regular eggs and cage-free. Store brand Eggland’s Best Store brand – cage free Eggland’s Best – cage free Grade A Large Grade A Large Omega 3 … [Read more...]
Understand the milk replacer label
Learn about five areas on the milk replacer tag or label to understand milk replacer choices and their value. Adam Geiger, walks through label sections and their meaning in this article. It is a good reference for sales representatives and veterinary teams who service dairy producers. Source: Hoard’s Dairyman, January 25, 2016, page 62. (direct link unavailable) Consider … [Read more...]
Editorial – Generational overload
Media sources are full of information about boomers, gen Xers, millennials and recently the iGens, or Generation Z. Depending on which date ranges you use, I live with a boomer, a gen Xer, a millennial and an iGen. We’re all different, have different attitudes and approach communication, problem solving and planning differently. I’ve found that engaging in safe, open discussion … [Read more...]
Prevent winter colic
Colic tops the list of winter equine health challenges. Water, diet and movement are critical. Equine veterinary teams and dealers will appreciate this resource when working with horse owners. The content is also appropriate for websites, newsletters and blogs. Source: EQUUS, February 8, 2016. Cold weather may conspire against your efforts to keep water flowing to your … [Read more...]
Build more profitable relationships with small customers
Pareto’s economic law or, the 80/20 rule, when applied across account analytics often places good, small customers into a “call less often” category. In essence, we call on the 20 percent of the customers whose historical contribution was 80 percent of the revenue. Source: Modern Distribution Management, February 2, 2016. Making money with smaller customers is possible, if … [Read more...]
Heartworm prevention requires compliance
While exercising today, I heard a familiar buzzing sound. It was a mosquito. In February. It’s a a stark reminder that heartworm prevention needs to be in place 12 months a year. This article and handout linked to it can help restart compliance discussions. Source: DVM 360, February 2, 2016. Whether your clients just don't realize the risk and serious implications of … [Read more...]
Heads up, sales! Change is nigh!
To be successful in the future, sales departments will have to understand that the sales process has taken a back seat to the buying process, writes Carlos Hidalgo. Sellers must understand the perspectives of leads and become subject matter experts, he adds. Finally, sales and marketing departments must understand the importance of working together to generate and define … [Read more...]
Injection biosecurity, rethink the routine
This article underscores the need for single-needle dosing in dairy herds. Not a common practice, Mark Thomas, DVM BA BVP, shows health and total-cost benefits. He reminds readers of the public pressure and scrutiny of herd health practices and calls for industry leaders to set expectations for a standard of care. Source: Dairy Herd Management, December 2015, page 20. Many … [Read more...]
ABM Agri Media Council’s research
For marketing managers and reps, Jack Semler provides a quick overview of past "Media Channel" study results examining media usage habits of farmers and ranchers in 2010, 2012 and 2014. The study shows that a general shift to digital preference is clear, while key decision makers are still reliant on people and printed materials. Source: Agrimarketing : July August 2015 page … [Read more...]