When it comes to sustainability, beef has received much criticism, writes C. Alan Rotz, PhD. His article covers the changes, challenges and improvements in beef production over the past 50 years. We’re sharing some key statements from the article. Over the past 50-year period: Yields of the major feed crops used for cattle production increased The number of beef cows … [Read more...]
Worth a Glance – October 15, 2026
Last week’s AHD Bulletin – Animal Health Digest Bulletin, October 8, 2026. Link. Most read posts from October 8th AHD Bulletin – Diabetes care looks different in cats and dogs. Link. Rats identified as overlooked H5N1 link between birds, other animals. Link. Veterinary preventive care, a pricing paradox. Link. Malone: The seal of approval. Link. High … [Read more...]
High nitrates confirmed across Upper Plains; ruminants may be at risk
Drought conditions are almost always associated with the possibility of elevated nitrate levels in forages. According to information by Dairyland Laboratories, many tested feed samples from Minnesota, Nebraska, North Dakota and South Dakota in 2026 have confirmed nitrate levels of more than 1,000 parts per million nitrate-nitrogen. Drinking water also needs to be checked for … [Read more...]
Managing mud in the feedyard
Cattle feeders often focus on the cost of inputs from preventatives and nutrition, but poor pen conditions can quietly erode feed efficiency, increase maintenance requirements and drive up cost of gain throughout the feeding period. Source: BEEF, October 2, 2026. Link. Feedyards that prioritize drainage and maintain functional pen mounds are often better equipped to … [Read more...]
Worth a Glance – October 8, 2026
Last week’s AHD Bulletin – Animal Health Digest Bulletin, October 1, 2026. Link. Most read posts from October 1st AHD Bulletin – New research reveals barriers to pet adoption. Link. Malone: Integrity in your hospital. Link. No avocado toast for your rabbit, bird, horse, sheep, goat or cow. Link. Dogs use a surprising method to understand human language. … [Read more...]
Review: Understanding ionophores
Includes commercial references Ionophores are feed additives used in beef production to improve energy efficiency and prevent diseases in cattle. They are not human-grade antibiotics and do not contribute to antibiotic resistance in cattle or humans. The majority of ionophores are fed to finishing cattle, but they can be fed to all classes of cattle. Note the chart of … [Read more...]
Reminder: Late season pasture fly control
As fall work progresses, animal health pros can help producers manage horn flies and face flies while reducing resistance development in the overwintering fly population. Many fly control products used in spring and early summer are at the end of their useful life, allowing fly populations to rapidly increase. Insecticide resistance in fly populations tends to develop in late … [Read more...]
Reminder: Livestock vaccine care and management critical to fall run success
A successful vaccination program begins long before a needle ever enters a calf and yet every year we learn of situations where vaccines have not been handled correctly. Paige Madison shares the importance of vaccine selection, handling, storage, equipment readiness and recordkeeping as the fall run gets going. Source: BEEF, September 15, 2026. Link. Storage, transport and … [Read more...]
Updated publication helps beef producers develop growth implant strategy
Few technologies offer a greater return on investment for beef cattle than growth implants, and a newly updated publication from Iowa Beef Center can help producers with these management decisions. The new publication focuses on implant brand names, active ingredients, intended use and whether a re-implant option exists for cattle in the "growing beef cattle in a drylot" and … [Read more...]
Monitoring cow and bull body condition throughout the year
Because of year-to-year variation in forage quality and weather stress, body condition can have important year-to-year variation even when fed what appears to be the same diet, writes Bob Larson, DVM. His assertions for evaluating body condition at various times of the year can help producers evaluate the genetic base of their herd. It supplies evidence as to how well the … [Read more...]
Split your barn or kennel network from your office network
Automatic feeders, cameras and climate controllers in the barn, kennels or other secondary locations often share the same network as the accounting software and email running in the office. One hacked device is all it takes to reach the operation's financial records. Splitting the secondary locations and office onto separate Wi-Fi networks, with a firewall between them, … [Read more...]
Ticks and flies: Time to reapply
No fly control or tick control measure should be considered a “one-and-done” strategy, writes Beth Reynolds. With summer in full swing, now is an ideal time to review what strategies were used for prevention, if those strategies actually impact ticks or flies, and the effective window for each. Reynolds’ review of prevention methods, habitat modification and reproductive … [Read more...]
Build cows that stay: Smarter heifer development for long-term productivity
Early conception during the first breeding season is one of the most important predictors of lifetime productivity and retention in heifers. Kacie McCarthy explains that long-term cowherd performance comes from managing heifer development as part of the whole system. Early conception, environment, nutrition, age at first calving and body condition all work together to influence … [Read more...]
Mexico and U.S. inaugurate new sterile fly facility in Chiapas
The U.S. and Mexico began construction of a 22,000-square foot New World screwworm sterile fly production facility in Metapa, Mexico, just 11 months ago and officially opened the facility on June 27, 2026. The plant will produce 28 million flies per week initially and 100 million by year-end to fight New World screwworm incursion. Source: BEEF, June 29, 2026. Link. … [Read more...]
Worth a Glance – July 2, 2026
Last week’s AHD Bulletin – Animal Health Digest Bulletin, June 25, 2026. Link. Most read posts from June 25, 2026 AHD Bulletin – SSDD does not produce different results. Link. Killing innovation. Link. It may be time to consider leptospirosis in cats. Link. The truth about MSG and dog food. Link. The horse industry’s social license to operate. Link. … [Read more...]
Post-weaning diseases and how to prepare
Understanding how stress impacts cattle health and how to intervene to decrease stressors before weaning, at weaning and after weaning is fundamental in preventing post-weaning disease, writes Taylor Engle, DVM. He discusses low-stress weaning, vaccination, timing, handling and more. Source: BEEF, May/June 2026. Link. The prevention magic we are looking for, is the work we … [Read more...]
Body condition score at calving a key predictor of reproductive success
New information? No, but a timely reminder for producers who may have shifted their focus to other summer activities at turnout. Consider sharing this article with producers in newsletters, social media and leave a few copies at the coffee stop. With most spring calving done, assessing cows now is important to the next generation of calves. BCS at calving is one of the best … [Read more...]
Checklist to prepare for pasture turnout
This is a good time to review herd health programs, which should include fly control* and vaccines, says Randy Saner in his checklist of management decisions that need to be considered before pasture turnout. Consider sending articles to local producer clients as a reminder, especially considering the concerns over New World screwworm flies and the value of cattle in today’s … [Read more...]
Reminder: Cattle need fly relief NOW!
Horn flies, stable flies, house flies or horse flies must be controlled NOW, writes Mark Z. Johnson. It’s not rocket science as flies multiply rapidly and dead ones don’t reproduce. He reviews fly species and how to get after them before they take over. Source: BEEF, April 22, 2026. Link. The beef cattle industry loses millions of dollars each year due to external parasites. … [Read more...]
Replacement heifers have different needs than finishing heifers
When short on grass and hay, cattle producers may contemplate how to manage replacement heifers in a dry lot or in confinement. The Nebraska wildfires were the catalyst for Karla Wilke’s article, but it is good guidance to share with producers who face similar challenges. Source: BEEF, April 6, 2026. Link. Replacement heifers do not need the high-energy diet fed to finishing … [Read more...]
Monitor calf health following exposure to wildfire smoke
In the weeks and months following a wildfire event, producers should remain vigilant and monitor calves for signs of respiratory disease or illness, writes Brock Ortner. He explains what happens when smoke particles settle in the lungs, making watching for early signs of illness important. Ortner says one practical approach is the D.A.R.T. method, which helps producers … [Read more...]
Evaluate cow and bull body condition throughout the year
Year-to-year variations in forage quality and weather stress can show up in body condition scores even when what’s being fed appears to be the same diet. Robert (Bob) L. Larson, DVM, PhD, shares the importance of BCS checks throughout the year to support and maximize cow and bull outcomes. Source: BEEF, February 10, 2026. Link. When determining BCS, it is important to … [Read more...]
Livestock care during wildfire season
Benjamin Franklin’s warning, “An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure,” is relevant for cattle producers as wildfire season has already begun <Link>. Dean Ruhl offers tips for handling animals before a fire and caring for them afterward in this article. He reminds us that preparation is key. Maintaining property, like mowing fencelines and creating fire breaks, is … [Read more...]
Worth a Glance – March 12, 2026
Last week’s AHD Bulletin – Animal Health Digest Bulletin, March 5, 2026. Link. Most read posts from March 5, 2026 AHD Bulletin – Scoring system reveals parasites affect equine skin, coat condition. Link. Practicing radical acceptance. Link. Short online programs for overcoming depression led to improvements. Link. You are in charge. Link. Review: The … [Read more...]
Worth a Glance – February 25, 2026
Last week’s AHD Bulletin – Animal Health Digest Bulletin, February 19, 2026. Link. Most read posts from February 19, 2026 AHD Bulletin – Avoiding difficult conversations. Link. Yes, they really do make TV for cats and dogs. Link. Oral care at home helps pets stay healthy. Link. Command respect with your voice. Link. Most employees see their jobs as … [Read more...]
Lubbock Feeders set to close
Citing the restrictions on importing Mexican cattle because of potential New World Screwworm presence, Clint Peck shares the upcoming closing of Lubbock Feeders, a 50,000-head custom cattle feeding operation near Lubbock, Texas. Source: BEEF, February 22, 2026. Link. … [Read more...]
Ensure the bulls will be ready when their time comes
While January, February and March are typically a loafing period for breeding bulls, husbandry during winter remains important to ensure they are healthy when it’s their time. Beth Reynolds summarizes winter bull management in two categories: nutrition and breeding soundness. She says managing the impacts of cold weather on breeding soundness in herd sires requires being … [Read more...]
Late gestation cows. Get them the groceries
Livestock nutritionists will tell you that those last few weeks before calving are the most critical time for the nutrition for your cowherd, writes Clint Peck. Diets for gestating heifers and cows must support lactation, fetal growth and replenishment of body condition at varying times during pregnancy. Grazing alone will often not meet the requirements of pregnant cows for … [Read more...]
Animal Health International acquires Redbook Software
Redbook Software Inc., is a Colorado-based software company specializing in cloud-based financial operating systems for feedyards. This strategic investment enhances Animal Health International’s software portfolio by adding a mobile-first, scalable and user-friendly solution designed for cattle producers wanting real-time information. Source: BEEF, November 17, 2025. Link. … [Read more...]
University of Nebraska-Lincoln working to understand, reduce methane emissions
Reducing methane emissions can yield climate benefits quickly compared to other greenhouse gases due to its shorter half-life. A moderately heritable trait, methane production is influenced by several factors, including diet, feed intake, animal and microbial genetics and stage or phase of production. This article shares how researchers at UNL are exploring genetic tools and … [Read more...]