When Times Get Tough…Don’t Stop!

Supplementation programs will always be important building blocks for cow herd nutrition programs. During “belt tightening” times, getting the most bang for your buck becomes even more critical when selecting which, how much and what supplements to feed. It has been repeatedly proven that proper mineral, feed additive and protein supplementation will economically increase beef […]

Read More…

Prepare for the Worst During Fall Calving

Source: Oklahoma Cooperative Extension Service – Northeast District’s Timely Topics Motivational speaker Zig Ziglar is quoted saying “Expect the best. Prepare for the worst. Capitalize on what comes.” Most cattle producers do a really good job with management while expecting the best but sometimes we lack on preparing for the worst. There are steps that each […]

Read More…

Rations Tip for Starting Early Weaned Calves

By Julie Walker, Associate Professor & SDSU Extension Beef Specialist Dry conditions have encouraged some producers to wean earlier than normal (6 to 7 months). Research has shown that these calves can perform as well or better than calves still nursing. Pasture quality has a key influence on performance of nursing calves. However, under “normal” […]

Read More…

VFD: What you need to know from a veterinarians perspective

by Dr. Donald Sunday, DMV One of the most important pieces of legislation that will affect cattle producers, veterinarians, and the animal health industry is set to go into effect January 1, 2017. GFI 213 places the use of medically important antibiotics in feed or water under the supervision of licensed veterinarians. The Veterinary Feed […]

Read More…

Factors That Affect Free Choice Mineral Consumption

By Twig Marston, Technical Sales Field Manager When providing a free-choice mineral it is important to be conscience of the factors that will affect intake. Our expectations are always that all animals will consume the desired amount on a daily or a regular basis. However, age of animal, herd dynamics, feeder placement, forage availability, forage quality […]

Read More…

Keep an eye out for Anaplasmosis in cattle herds

Article courtesy of Donald Stotts, Oklahoma State University, donald.stotts@okstate.edu ENID, Okla. – The occurrence of anaplasmosis has been shown to be more widespread in the United States than once thought, underscoring the need for cattle producers to be aware of causes for and clinical signs of the disease. “This past year, confirmed cases of bovine anaplasmosis in […]

Read More…

Fescue: Can’t Live With It, Can’t Live Without It

Grass is a key component in any grazing operation, especially in the summer. Tall fescue is the most widely adapted forage in the U.S. It is a persistent grass that is easy to establish, tolerant of a wide range of management regimes, and produces good forage yields. However, it is a relatively low palatability forage […]

Read More…

The Importance of Mineral Supplementation

The major nutrient requirements for livestock are: water, energy, protein, minerals and vitamins. In many cases, producers do a good job of providing enough water and adequate energy and protein sources. However, many producers fall short in providing the best nutritional program possible by purchasing “cheap” vitamin and mineral source or failing to provide a […]

Read More…

VitaFerm HEAT Now Available in 3 Formulas

Heat stress impacts the performance of cattle with millions of dollars of annual economic losses. Animal responses to heat stress include reduced dry matter intake, decreased average daily gain, decreased milk yield, and decreased fertility and poor reproduction. Many producers also don’t realize that heat stress can begin a temperatures as low as 70 degrees. […]

Read More…