Pipestone Veterinary Services News

Heading into the winter months, livestock transportation can quickly become a nightmare.  For your pigs, dropping temps can mean decreased immune systems and increased susceptibility to viruses.  During the winter, transportation is one of many touch points where proper management practices can make a big difference when it comes time...

Premises ID Number (PIN) ear tags… In light of a new disease that has entered the U.S. in the last 24 months, everyone in the swine industry is more aware of what “disease traceability” means and how new diseases can impact our industry.  A new requirement by the packers &...

Finding a balance between carrying on family farming traditions and adopting new practices for the future can be a challenge for many farmers and livestock producers.  Gary Wedewer is the fourth generation to live on the farm in northeast Iowa that was started in 1882 by his great grandfather.  Decisions that Gary...

The grins on their faces aren’t just because they were excited to leave school campus during lunch hour, but these members of the local Pipestone FFA chapter are excited to be receiving a generous donation from Pipestone Veterinary Services (PVS).  Dr. Barry Kerkaert was proud to present the $7,000 check...

The temperature keeps dropping, and that means PRRSv, and now PEDv, season has arrived.  It can be painful to remember how hard PEDv hit the U.S. swine industry last Fall and Winter.  I am keeping my fingers crossed that some herd immunity will help lessen the blow this year, but...

Breeding your ewe lambs is a vital part of every sheep operation.  They should be your best genetics and the future of your flock.  Many purebred producers are reluctant to breed ewe lambs because they do not feel that they will mature to as large of a female. Commercial producers...

The present Ebola crisis in the world is frightening. I have submitted the following letter to the editor of the Lewiston Morning Tribune: Editor, Lewiston Morning Tribune: If I wish to import a horse into the United States from Liberia or any African country other than Morocco, the horse needs...

The North Star Sale is history, good sheep were presented that sold for reasonable prices. NAILE will soon be upon us and perhaps past by the time you receive this letter. I am looking forward to Louisville. My new book Pipestone's Veterinary Guide to Sheep and Goats has just come...

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...