The devastating effect of winter storms Goliath and Jonah will hurt livestock producers for months. The former killed more than 50,000 dairy and beef cattle. The latter’s effect on dairy, swine and poultry won’t be known for weeks.
An untold number of veterinary hospital visits that were scheduled before the storms will likely never be rescheduled. Keeping those businesses open for post-surgical and boarded animals was likely achieved with a financial loss.
The storms’ effect won’t end after first quarter. Veterinary hospital teams, companies that service them, dealers and retailers must consider the impact of lost business and lost animals in their 1Q and 2Q financials. Not all lost doses and lost appointments will re-appear. However, there are opportunities that may spell business for veterinarians and reps selling treatment products apparent in this article.
Source: Dairy Herd Management, January 14, 2016.
Veterinarians and producers are expecting animal-health problems associated with the storm to persist for months. Beyond frozen ears and tails says Ted McCollum, PhD, AgriLife Extension beef specialist, the damage to cows’ teats and udders, could result in sensitivity, mastitis or partial loss of udder function as cows begin nursing this spring. McCollum recommends monitoring cow body condition into the spring, and keeping a watch on cows and calves to observe nursing behavior.
McCollum also notes that bulls could have suffered frostbite to their penis or scrotum, and he recommends full breeding soundness examinations well ahead of the breeding season.
INSIGHTS: I’m reminded of the saying, “When life gives you lemons, make lemonade.” Veterinary hospital teams, representatives and dealers have opportunities as the impact of Goliath and Jonas becomes evident. Communication with clients and customers will be critical to regional success. Sharing solutions farm to farm or practice to practice can open new doors of opportunity and increase your value to your customers.