Cattle

By Dr. Curt Vlietstra Risk management is nothing new to livestock producers.  Whether your primary business involves raising beef cattle, selling milk, or raising replacement animals for your clients… many of your decisions are based on managing risks.  Think about it: If you knew that the top bull at a...

By Dr. Brett Kroeze Calf scours is a disease that many producers face in the first few months of life with their calves. The common causes of infectious scours in calves are rotavirus, coronavirus, BVD virus, coccidia, Cryptosporidium, Escherichia coli, Salmonella spp., and Clostridium perfringens.  Unfortunately, many of these pathogens do not have good treatment...

It is no secret that farming can be a difficult business to break into, especially if a young farmer doesn’t have a family member to farm with.  However, Kelly Lyons of Garretson, South Dakota, has turned an interest in cattle into a full time career thanks to a solid partnership...

By Dr. Curt Vlietstra While it might seem like this article is a case of “too little, too late,” take heart; Seven months from now, it will be time to prepare for winter again!  Historically, we’ve learned that the summer months are the worst for seasonal increases in somatic cell counts (SCC).  Truth...

As winter approaches, there are many steps that need to be taken to prepare your cattle.  Because we never really know how long, how cold, and how wet and snowy any given winter will be, the best approach is to plan for a severe winter, be ready to address any...

A college friendship led to new opportunities and a long term partnership for Pat McGunegill and Dean Stoltenberg. Pat grew up on a farm in Indiana and attended college in Waterloo, Iowa.  He became friends with Justin Stoltenberg from Jasper, Minnesota, visited the farm owned by Justin Stoltenberg's parents Dean and...

by: Curt Vlietstra, DVM Even though we had a brutal winter, and the normal spring warm-up seemed like it would never come, the heat of summer is inevitable in this area.  The combination of heat and humidity can be extremely hard on livestock, particularly cattle.  Both dairy and beef cattle...

The drive to improve their dairy farm and provide better opportunities for their family has led John and Berlinda VanderWal to farms in three countries – Netherlands, Canada, and the U.S. – with multiple expansions over the past 25 years.  With each move or new project, they look for ways...

by Dr. Brett Kroeze Stages Time Frame What is happening Tips Stage 1 Dilation 4-24 hours before parturition. Uterus muscle becomes more sensitive causing contractions and dilation.  The fetus is positioning itself for birth. Watch for behavioral changes such as isolation, discomfort, elevation and switching of the tail, and mucus...

This spring, the cattle market has hit a record high.  I am sure most of you never thought your herd would be worth what it is today.  With feeder calves bringing $900-$1200 per head and cull cows hitting a dollar a pound, it may be time to re-examine your calving...