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IN THIS ISSUE
American Products and Services for American Cattlemen
Vol. 44 • No. 8 • August 2018
COLUMNS
6 PUBLISHER STATEMENT 18 8 INDUSTRY NEWS Trending news from around the cattle industry.
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VACCINATIONS; ARE YOU GETTING YOUR MONEY’S WORTH?
Maximizing the health of your herd by incorparating vaccines into the herd health plan is a crucial and reletively straight-forward way of reducing disease risk and associated losses.
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SELECTING THE HERD SIRE
The inputs from a single bull, for better or for worse, will impact many generations down the line. That’s a lot of pressure on a single animal; the selection task can seem daunting. Narrowing in on the right criteria can make the decision easier.
SOLIDIFY YOUR CALVES HEALTH ON SUMMER PASTURE
The easy and still most accurate answer that you hear over and over again is that prevention is the best way to deal with calf diseases and failing that, early detection and treatment is a must.
DURING 26 WINNING WEANING
“Effective weaning techniques will keep the cattleman producing as many calves as possible while retaining the over all health of his herd.” Raising cattle is full of it’s own joys, triumphs, tragedy’s, and all together difficult moments. But, like other things, what separates the “men from the boys” in rearing great calves is the way we handle the ever changing circumstances.
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PUBLISHER STATEMENT
Fair Season I looked at the calendar this morning and just shook my head in disbelief. As I sit here writing this month’s statement we are nearing the end of June. Maybe it is the whacky weather we have been having in the Midwest lately, but it seems like yesterday the kids had their last day of school and summer was just starting. Time flies when you are having fun! Do you want to know the best part about July? I have two favorites actually. First of all, nothing really beats the Fourth of July celebrations and fireworks… nothing more American then celebrating our independence with things that explode, am I right? My celebration usually consists of my favorite cut of beef on the grill as well as a few of my preferred drinks, which I will leave to your imagination. My second favorite part of July is all the county fairs are in full swing. Lots of time goes into prepping for the fair. Long hours doing some tedious tasks like washing, brushing, working on showmanship, etc and then pinning your hopes on a few minutes, or seconds, and believing all your time will be rewarded. It gives me great joy to see all the kids being so passionate about their livestock too.
American Products and Services for American Cattlemen
Vol. 44 • No. 8 • August 2018 President/CEO - Gale McKinney VP/CFO - Audra McKinney Group Publisher/COO - Patrick McKinney Publisher - Dustin J. Hector Controller - Robert Reedy Office Manager - Dawn Busse Art Director - Brandon Peterson Graphic Designer - Teri Marsh Advertising Account Executives Wendy Mills Kathy Davidson Mary Gatliff Lori Seibert Irene Smith Joyce Kenney Ed Juncker Circulation Coordinator Shawna Nelson Contributing Writers Bruce Derksen, Michael Cox, Jaclyn Krymowski, Steve Weisman, Aly McClure
In closing, I know there have been a lot of areas affected by Mother Nature since our last issue came out. If there is any way that we can help out we will gladly do so. One thing that has been evident in my time working at American Cattlemen is the strong bond that ties this industry together. When times get tough, this industry rallies around each other and supports one another. It amazes me watch-
Livestock Media Group 4685 Merle Hay Rd • Suite 200 Des Moines, IA 50322 877-424-4594 www.americancattlemen.com
ing strangers helping strangers for the good of the industry. So please, if there is anything we can do to help don’t hesitate to ask. From all of us at American Cattlemen we wish you a happy and safe fair season. May all your hard work and dedication be rewarded. As always, if you have suggestions or comments about topics you would like written about or areas covered, please email me at dustin@twinriversmedia.com.
Best Regards, Dustin Hector Publisher – American Cattlemen
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©Twin Rivers Media, LLC, 2018. All rights reserved. This publication may not be reproduced in whole or in part, stored in a retrieval system or transmitted in any form by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopy, recorded or otherwise without the prior written permission of Twin Rivers Media, LLC, 2018. The information and advertising set forth herein has been obtained from sources believed to be reliable. Twin Rivers Media, LLC, 2018 (“Publisher”) however, does not warrant complete accuracy of such information and assumes no responsibility for any consequences arising from the use thereof or reliance thereon. Publisher reserves the right to reject or cancel any advertisement or space reservation at any time without notice and for any reason. Publisher shall not be liable for any costs or damages if for any reason it fails to publish an advertisement. Advertisers are solely responsible for the content of their respective advertisements appearing in this publication and Publisher is not responsible or liable in any manner for inaccuracies, false statements or any material in such advertisement infringing upon the intellectual property rights of others. Advertisements appearing in this publication are not necessarily the views or opinions expressed by Publisher.
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INDUSTRY NEWS
Cargill Expands FeedThrough Dewormer Offering with Launch of NutreBeef® Safe-Guard® Dewormer Mineral (Medicated)
Article and photos provided by Cargill
Deworming doesn’t have to be hard on you or your cattle with new NutreBeef® Safe-Guard® (fenbendazole) Dewormer Mineral (Medicated) now available from Nutrena® dealers nationwide. In one easy-to-use package, NutreBeef Safe-Guard Dewormer Mineral combines the proven efficacy Safe-Guard® from Merck Animal Health with a high quality, free-choice mineral formula from Cargill Animal Nutrition. “NutreBeef Safe-Guard Dewormer Mineral is extremely convenient,” said
Priefert’s New Product Line Article and photos provided by Priefert
Hay and Grain Feeder (HGF) Priefert’s single horse Hay and Grain Feeder features a welded metal hay rack over a feed tub, making it ideal for feeding hay and/or grain. The sides of this sturdy feeder are constructed from 18 galvanneal gauge sheet metal, while the inside of the feeder is constructed from 16 gauge galvanneal material. Convenient mounting brackets allow you to hang the feeder f r om up to 2” OD tubing or l u m b e r, making it the perfect feeder for use
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Anna Taylor, Ph.D., Beef Technical Specialist. “Simply replace your regular mineral with the dewormer mineral for three to six days when it’s time to deworm. When the medicated mineral has been consumed by your herd, return to your existing mineral program.” Safe-Guard goes directly into the gastrointestinal tract to attack the energy metabolism function of internal parasites. It is unique in that, once ingested by the parasite, it cannot be excreted. This means even if cattle only consume a partial dose of the medicated mineral daily, the Safe-Guard will accumulate in the parasite until it reaches the lethal dose. “We’re excited to partner with Cargill to offer producers this option for herd parasite control,” said Harold Newcomb, DVM, Merck Animal Health Technical Services. “Safe-Guard dewormer has been proven 95 percent effective in feed-through forms1 killing internal parasites right where they live – in the gut. By deworming in the pasture, NutreBeef Safe-Guard Dewormer Mineral eliminates the stress, risks and financial impacts of handling cattle.” Internal parasites eat at profitability. According to a study from Iowa
State University, decreases in gain and reproduction in non-dewormed cattle can result in financial losses up to $190 per animal. “A timely deworming program should be part of every producer’s herd health protocol,” said Taylor. “The labor often associated with deworming, such as running cattle through a chute becomes irrelevant with NutreBeef Safe-Guard Dewormer Mineral. Producers can ensure their cattle are getting the internal parasite control they need without requiring additional labor.” For more information on NutreBeef Safe-Guard Dewormer Mineral, or to find a Nutrena® dealer near you, visit www.NutreBeef.com or call 1-844-889-7712.
in paddocks, pastures, and more. The Architectural Grade Powder Coat Finish helps the product to resist rust, scratches, and fading to add years of life to your investment.
Weather Vane Feeder (WVF2) Priefert’s Weather Vane Feeder is ideal for pasture use with cattle. The molded plastic feed tub rotates with the wind to protect minerals from the weather. The durable tub has features 2 bins with a total feed capacity of 25-30 pounds. The tub is designed to tolerate extended exposure to harsh UV rays from the sun and to withstand freezing temperatures down to -40°F. The 53” wide steel base is designed to stand up to the wear and tear of pastured cattle. The Architectural Grade Powder Coat Finish helps the product to resist rust, scratches, and fading to add years of life to your investment.
Pasture Horse Feeder (PHFH) Priefer t’s Pasture Horse Feeder with Hay Rack is ideal for feeding horses in pastures or paddocks. The feeder features a hay rack over a durable double tub poly liner with a 10.5” pan depth, making this feeder a great option for feeding both hay and grain. The Architectural Grade Powder Coat Finish helps the product to resist rust, scratches, and fading to add years of life to your investment.
Consult your veterinarian for assistance, diagnosis, treatment and control of parasitism. RESIDUE WARNING: Cattle must not be slaughtered within 13 days following last treatment. For dairy cattle, there is no milk withdrawal. A withdrawal period has not been established for this product in pre-ruminating calves. Do not use in calves to be processed for veal.
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VACCINATIONS
VACCINATIONS; ARE YOU GETTING
YOUR MONEY’S WORTH? By Michael Cox for American Cattlemen
A
lthough many modern vaccines are offering protection against seven or more life-threatening diseases in a single shot, producers should not become complacent around proper vaccine management and administration, simply because the products are so user friendly.
The desired benefits of vaccines will only be fully realized if they are stored, handled and administered correctly.
Storage
Regardless of whether a modified live vaccine or a dead vaccine is being administered, the product should be stored in a safe environment at the appropriate temperature until the time of use. Most vaccines require storage at refrigerator temperature, and cattlemen should consider using coolers when moving vaccines and working cattle outdoors. Exposing vaccines to freezing temperatures, direct sunlight or the heat of a farm truck during summer can alter the nature and effectiveness of the vaccine. The vaccine should
be within expiration date and ‘fresh’; it is best practice to only rehydrate small quantities of vaccine at a time for immediate use.
Administration
With calf preconditioning and weaning taking place over the coming months, it can be tempting to work livestock once, and administer all vaccines, wormers and any other animal health treatments on the same day. However, ‘stacking’ vaccines and other products can overload the animal’s immunity responsiveness and reduce the desired benefits of vaccinating. In particular, using several gram-negative vaccines at once can create endotoxic reactions in cattle.
Producers are encouraged to administer gram-negative vaccines one week apart, if more than two vaccines are to be used as part of the herd health plan. Most preconditioning programs recommend vaccinations for IBR, BVD, PI3, BRSV, 7-way clostridial vaccine, Mannheimia haemolytica and Haemophilus somnus. Other vaccines may also be required depending on the disease status of your local area and the health status required by future buyers of the livestock. If using a modified live vaccine for IBR in breeding females, care must be taken to complete the vaccination program at least 30 days before breeding. As IBR has negative effects on ovaries and follicular health, so too does the Modified Live Vaccine for IBR, as the vaccine mimics infection and ‘primes’ the immune system to create antibodies. Once the 30-day period has passed after the initial MLV IBR shot, ovary and follicular health return * Continued on page 12
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VACCINATIONS
to normal. Cow-calf pair producers should take extra precautions if using MLV IBR on nursing calves; as viral shedding from vaccinated calves can cause the negative ovary effects previously mentioned if Momma cows are ‘un-primed’ and have not being vaccinated themselves.
Avoid Stress
Cattle should be worked in a lowstress manner as increased cortisol levels in the blood can negatively effect the body’s ability to make antibodies. Calves should not be weaned or moved from pasture to feedlot on the same day as vaccination. Shedding from viral vaccines can occur if calves are stressed after vaccination. The calf may become sick and full immunity will not have been achieved; leaving the animal at risk of disease later in life. If you are unsure of the vaccine status of newly purchased animals, research from University of Arkansas suggests that it may be beneficial to allow new animals a period of two weeks to ‘settle’ into their new home before giving vaccines, rather than administering shots straight off the truck. Researchers found that delaying a MLV IBR vaccine by two weeks helped to increase average daily gain in weaned calves and also improved immune response levels, compared to animals that received the vaccine on the day they arrived to the feedlot.
it may not technically necessary to give the second booster shot in some cases, the second booster shot develops stronger immunity, especially if vaccine failure happened during the initial shot. Correct site of administration is also important and is an area that can change as manufacturers develop easier to administer vaccines. Some products that have required intramuscular injection in the past have changed to subcutaneous injection. Producers should double-check the product label in-case of changes to injection site. Beef Quality Assurance programs recommend that injections be given in the neck or behind the shoulder. Shots into the rump are to be avoided as abscesses and meat quality can be effected in the most valuable cuts of meat. Giving shots into clean, dry skin with small 16 to 18 gauge needles will limit stress on the animal and adverse reactions. Given the potential for major losses from the disease we vaccinate against, it is important that we get full value from any vaccines we use and follow label instructions correctly. Storing and administering vaccines properly in a low-stress environment will allow strong antibody production and increased levels of immunity.
Boosters
Administering booster shots at the correct time-interval is crucial to developing a strong immunity response. Advice from Michigan State University Extension recommends that vaccine booster shots be administered two to four weeks after the initial shot, even if not specified on the vaccine label. Extension specialists claim that although
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SELECTING YOUR HERD
SELECTING
THE HERD SIRE By Jaclyn Krymowski for American Cattlemen
T
he sire is the single most influential individual in the herd. “(What) we think about when we change a cattle herd…we’re very focused on females but we all realize it’s the bulls we buy that make the change,” says Dr. Dan of Angus Genetics Inc. in a seminar titled “Selecting bulls for the beef herd.” Unlike several factors impacting production and management, genetic influence is permanent. This is especially true for operations that retain replacement heifers.
The inputs from a single bull, for better or for worse, will impact many generations down the line. That’s a lot of pressure on a single animal; the selection task can seem daunting. Narrowing in on the right criteria can make the decision easier.
Know your needs
Things such as region or climate, economy, consumer demand and even labor can all have varying weights of importance that may influence genetic criteria. Harsh
climates may demand more traits directed at survivability or maternal capabilities. Operations chasing high premiums may find the need to increase marbling or yield grades. The list of possibilities and scenarios are endless. Whatever the situation may be herd goals should remain consistent, mindful that they are only achievable over a period of time. The last two or three sire generations used is where you’ll be able to see the change, notes Moser.
The payout for bulls makes a big difference on the bottom line. This is where knowing your market and what traits your specific operation needs to profit is so important. Moser used cow-calf producers selling at weaning weight as an example. Say two different bulls sire 20 calves each, with one averaging 570lb calves at weaning and the other only 550lb calves. After only 4 years of selling those calves at a liveweight of $1.80/ lb. will equate to a total of $2880 difference between them.
Know your tools
Hand selecting individual traits to improve a herd would be an impossible task. Breed associations make this feasible in the forms of EPDs, dollar indexes, and most recently genomic data. The traditional EPD pulls data from the pedigree, * Continued on page 16
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SELECTING YOUR HERD
performance, and recorded progeny into one number. “It’s really not a magic formula, it’s just very simple statistics that are used to come up with a prediction,” says Moser. EPDs only account for the outputs that create revenue. Dollar indexes have the advantage because include both the outputs and the expense of inputs, for a more accurate prediction of an animal’s expected value. The adoption of genomics is making young sires a more attractive option for cattlemen who want to be on
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the cutting edge of genetic advancements. Previously, young sires were always a higher risk because they lacked their own progeny data. The accuracy of tested animals is already very high and continues to improve, meaning these animals with no progeny can be purchased with confidence. Genomic testing may not be an option for every single bull considered for purchase. In this case, the risk is always minimized the more proven data a bull has. In the case of untested bulls, especially for the very young, EPDs are still the
best go-to option. “Even a low accuracy EPD on a yearling bull is better than any other information that you could have,” says Moser.
Fertility
A bull’s pedigree is only as good as his ability to get cows pregnant. Besides the obvious need for soundness of the individual animal, the bull’s reproductive capabilities can be his limiting factor. The average number of cows a bull can be expected to cover is typically about 25-30, per the industry standard. An experienced bull of optimal health and soundness can breed as many as 50 or more animals, according to some studies. However, there is no one indicator that can guarantee an individual’s fertility. A breeding soundness exam can provide a good idea of how a particular bull will perform each given year. The scrotal circumference measure offers the highest correlation to sperm production in yearling bulls. A threshold of at least 30 cm is seen as a rule of thumb, but studies have shown variance between breeds, environment, and age in months. If possible, sperm motility and shape should also be evaluated as part of the exam. Research shows for optimal fertility, samples have a 50% motility rate and with 70% or more normal sperm.
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CALVES HEALTH
SOLIDIFY YOUR CALVES HEALTH
ON SUMMER PASTURE By Bruce Derksen for American Cattlemen
S
o you’ve got your cows safely calved out making sure the little creatures they delivered received a bellyful of colostrum along with the proper level of TLC and are now looking forward to the summer season ahead. The calves are tagged and identified and are looking shiny and sleek. So how do you keep them that way through the long hot summer?
The easy and still most accurate answer that you hear over and over again is that prevention is the best way to deal with calf diseases and failing that, early detection and treatment is a must. It is far easier to send your calves off to pasture equipped with the necessary resources to fight against illness, than to take shortcuts and hope for the best. Once a calf becomes sick, it can be an uphill battle to get them back on the path to good health. The first consideration is to key in on exactly what you might face depending on variables such as whether you used this pasture in the past or have just acquired this grazing land. Have you done your homework and
re-visited earlier health challenges along with contacting previous owners about their experiences? Talk to your neighbors about their calf health issues and go over your own records to refresh your memory of past problems. Consult a veterinarian and get their opinion on typical health issues that can attack calves in your area and region. You only have one chance to get this right before you send your cow calf pairs down the road to summer pastures where you likely won’t have the control you enjoy on your farm. Together with your veterinarian, put together a vaccination program that can be administered before the calves
leave for the summer. There are basic health concerns and problems your calves will face including blackleg, foot rot, pink eye, bloat and pneumonias. Use a reasonably priced clostridial vaccination for blackleg strain diseases along with at minimum a version of a modified live or killed vaccine to help prevent viral infections. An intranasal spray to stimulate local immunity in the nasal passages is also an option. Remember some vaccines require a booster shot to be effective, so be realistic. Do you have the facilities and infrastructure to be able to round up your calf crop or is this challenge a non-starter? Without these booster doses a calf’s immune response will not be as aggressive, robust and long lasting. Will one dose be enough? If the pathogen in question is limited, maybe the answer is yes. Don’t forget to stock up on the treatment drugs you will need to fight pinkeye, foot rot, * Continued on page 20
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CALVES HEALTH
and bloat so they are at hand when you need them. Once you’ve processed your calves to the best of your and your veterinarian’s ability and sent them off to pasture, what then? Train yourself and your personnel using the myriads of material available and be vigilant in checking for early detection of health issues. Watch for calves that do not appear to be nursing, or show noticeable dullness in their actions. Diarrhea, snotty noses, coughing and fevers are conditions that require a prompt medical response along with the more obvious concerns like lameness and pinkeye. Make a priority plan of how to administer treatments to meet any health challenges quickly and efficiently, be it by the use of nearby corrals or the employ of experienced ropers. Ignoring
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what you hope is a minor health problem because you don’t have a way to provide medication, can be an expensive and ill -advised plan. Implement a data retention system that includes at minimum the calf’s identity, date of treatment and antibiotic used along with the actual health issue, so that proper follow up can be done the next time the herd is checked. Having a solid plan in place that includes a well- structured vaccination program, basic treatment drugs, infrastructure and facilities or experienced ropers to allow for timely response to illness, a good records management system for proper follow up and your veterinarian’s phone number close by for those unusual health concerns that may arise, will give you the best chance to maintain a healthy productive calf crop through the summer months.
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BUSINESS PROFILE
ENCORE STEEL BUILDINGS
NATIONWIDE PROVIDER OF STEEL METAL BUILDING KITS By Steve Weisman
W
hen George Scroggins started Encore Steel Buildings www.encoresteelbuildings.com in 2009, his goal was to provide customers with a quality product and customer service they could rely on. Over the past nine years, Encore Steel Buildings has become a nationwide provider of steel metal building kits with locations now in Little Rock, AR and Southaven, MS.
Encore Steel Buildings specializes in customizable prefabricated steel building kits for commercial, agricultural, industrial, or residential use. These are pre-engineered metal buildings of the highest quality, backed by industry-leading warranties. Scroggins, who brings over 30 years of metal building experience to the company, says positive relationships with the customers is extremely important. “We try to treat people fair, giving them a good quality product at a fair price.” Encore Steel Buildings has 11 sales 22
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professionals with extensive experience in steel buildings. They work closely with customers to help them
come up with the exact design and size building they want. According to Scroggins, “We have our own professional engineers right here, and there is no middleman. Our all-steel metal buildings are designed and sold directly to the customer, which saves the both time and money.” Scroggins proudly notes that all buildings are made of 100 percent American steel backed by industry-leading warranties.
The process
The process for producers interested in learning more about Encore Steel is extremely simple. Scroggins says, “People can go on our website to get an idea of what we offer. They can either give us a call (866614-9153) or email us at sales@encoresteelbuildings.net. One of our salesmen will visit with them to learn www.americancattlemen.com
what they are looking for and their location and also discuss price.” Next, Encore Steel engineers will work to design the building using the most sophisticated, computer-aided software to make sure that all codes are met. Conversations continue with the customer during this process, and a blueprint is completed and shared with the customer. When everything is agreed upon, the building is shipped with detailed directions so that the producer can erect the building or have their choice of contractors complete the construction.
The Encore ADVANTAGE: four reasons to purchase an Encore Steel building
Attention! Received personalized attention from trained employees who respond to your inquiry quickly with excellent metal building product knowledge. We will discuss your steel building needs and all options available for customization. Warranties! Some of the best warranties in the business with a 25-year warranty on all AZ 55 Galvalume roof panels, up to 40 years on painted roof and wall panels and an industry leading 50-year warranty on structural frames. Experience! We have the experience you should look for and require from your metal building supplier. With decades of experience Encore employees have the know-how to get the job done! Excellence! We take pride in our products and the relationships we form with our customers. You will be given the individual attention you
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need and the best quality and workmanship you deserve.
Encore Steel also offers a wide range of optional features:
Overhead/sliding doors that are shipped complete with all installa-
tion hardware and a manufacturer’s warranty. Roll-up, bi-fold, and sliding doors are also available. Horizontal sliding windows virtually maintenance free that come in various sizes. Insulation in three options: Vapor-lock composition consist-
ing of polyethylene air bubble pockets sandwiched between thick layers of reflective coating. WMP-V, a traditional vinyl back fiberglass insulation that comes in a range of “R” values. Premium insulation system,
which is designed to fit snug between purlins to remain compression-free, and gives a finished look while providing a high “R” value. Other options include wall louvers, reinforced translucent skylights, ridge ventilators, stall systems and snow guards. Over the past nine years, Encore Steel Building has become a trusted nationwide provider of buildings and components designed specifically for each customer. “Much of our success comes from the customer service and customer relationships that we have. We get a lot of repeat business from repeat customers.” With a chuckle, Skroggins adds, “We’ve never had a cow complain about being under one of our roofs!”
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WEANING
WINNING
DURING WEANING By Aly McClure
“
Effective weaning techniques will keep the cattleman producing as many calves as possible while retaining the overall health of his herd.” Raising cattle is full of it’s own joys, triumphs, tragedy’s, and all together difficult moments. But, like other things, what separates the “men from the boys” in rearing great calves is the way we handle the ever changing circumstances. Thankfully, one of the more difficult ones, weaning, only takes place once per year, twice for some. While weaning is an essential task for cattle producers, it can be a tedious one. Balling cows and calves, escapes trying to locate each other, and making sure everyone is continuing to eat and drink can be a full-time job for a couple of weeks. But, thankfully, they all do eventually calm down and cope. As you plan for your up coming weaning here are some thoughts 26
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and tips to make it as smooth as a transition period as it can be.
Transitioning Into Weaning Timing
When you wean your calves is just as important as how you when your calves, there are many nuances to keep in mind. As a cattle producer, our job is to grow as many viable calves as possible. One of the ways we ensure this is through the weaning process. Pulling the calf off of the cow at the ideal time allows her body to gain condition, preferably before she falls below a 3.0, back and focus on her newest pregnancy and the changing seasons. It is important to have both animals primed for winter well before it begins.
Modified from: Pruitt and Momont, Cattle 87-9, “Effects of Body Condition On Reproductive Performance of Range Beef Cows” and from Virginia Cooperative Extension, 400-795, Body Condition Scoring Beef Cows. When you actually wean your calves is dependent on when your herd calves. Calves are weaned between seven and eight months of age. So if you have a late winter, early spring calving herd this would be June-July, and if you have a late summer early fall calving herd this would be February-March. During years of extreme weather patterns such as drought, there is an exception to earlier wean times, but overall you want your calves on the cows as long as possible before the cow condition falls to drastically. The calves need the nutritious benefits of their mama’s milk for at least the 7 * Continued on page 28
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BUILDING HIGHLY EFFICIENT ENVIRONMENTALLY RESPONSIBLE FACILITIES FOR THE BEEF INDUSTRY BEING RESPONSIBLE. As producers of the world’s greatest beef supply, we have the challenge of caring not only for our cattle, but the land, the water, our future, and our image.
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10926 N.E. 117th Court Maxwell, Iowa 50161 515.450.1945 iowabeefsys@gmail.com www.cattlebuildings.com
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WEANING
month period. Calves weaned at a relatively young age (5 months and earlier) can experience many set backs in their overall growth and health. If you are faced with this type of situation it is imperative that you supply milk supplementation to the calves until at least six months of age. This should only be considered during severe drought or herd feed shortages.
Methods
While there are many methods and ideas when it comes to how you separate your cows and calves, most of it has to do with your operation and what you have available to facilitate the process. It should be noted that the least stressful option, for the cattle, that you can allow is best for everyone. If you plan to start your calves
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on feed right away, placing them in a corral far enough away that they are unable to hear the cows balling can be an ideal situation. It takes the calves off milk and pasture immediately and their only nutrient options being full feed or hay and water. Depending on your overall herd goals, this can be the most stressful option as well, due to immediately and aggressively changing the calves environment. Because of the aggressive nature of this option, it is also likely that you will deal with more cows escaping to search for their calves. One way to cut back on calf stress in this situation is by placing dry cows with the calves. They will be comforted by the cows presence but unable to nurse. Cows, like humans, will search for their babies in the last place that they knew they were. One way to play on this instinct and minimize
your cow escape situation is to separate cows and calves in their current pasture, remove the cows to another place then remove the calves to wherever you will be weaning them. Once the calves have been removed, bring the cows back to the original pasture. They will search for their missing babies within this space. A method that can have reduced separation stress is when you separate the cows and calves in the same area divided by a strong fence. They can still see and communicate with each other but are forced to dine separately. The downfall is calves are flexible creatures and can crawl through small and low places, so you may be separating more than once. Nose plates are another great low stress option. By applying the nose plates on calves while in the pasture the cows will wean the calves from milk themselves. No one likes to be www.americancattlemen.com
poked. The calves will be forced to feed on grass, water, and any other supplements you provide while still being in the comforting presence of their mother. For a young calf and a pregnant cow, the least amount of stress induced is always better. You should preform castration, branding, and initial vaccinations well before weaning at 2-3 months of age to minimize stress at the time of the event. Overall the weaning process should last seven to fourteen days. By applying effective weaning techniques and preforming them during the ideal times, a cattle producer only increases his odds of producing more high-quality calves and preserving the health of his entire herd. Which is the goal in the end anyway, right?
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CATTLEMEN’S SHOWRING
Cattlemens’Showring WE WANT YOUR
PICTURES!
Show us You CATTL r E!
Welcome to the Cattlemen’s Showring, a place for our readers to show off their cattle pictures. Each month we will take photos from Facebook or ones sent directly to us and feature them in this page. If you have any past, current, or future livestock photos with family, friends, or yourself included please send them our way. We will put them on Facebook as well as the new Cattlemen’s Showring. Send pictures to our Facebook inbox @americancattlemen or email them to us at info@twinriversmedia.com
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The SKIDRIL G20D Ultra-Driver easy, fast post driver Weighing less than 40 pounds and requiring no hoses, cables or external power source the G20 is the tool if you’ve got fence to mend or build. The gas powered G20 can drive T-Post, ground rods and round steel post up to 3”. Its even fun!
SKIDRIL has been providing fencing machines for nearly 30 years so you can count on the G20D Ultra-Driver.
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On-Off simplicity. Few moving parts.
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Simple 4-cycle OHV engine or powerful 2-cycle. Only $995 – 2-stroke and $1195.00 – 4-stroke Honda. (3 engine makes available.)
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Drive T-post, round post and more with up to 1800 impacts per minute. 40 ft.-lbs. of impact energy. ●
Air cushion dampening for virtually no recoil means no need for springs or extra parts.
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High efficiency, 1 qt./hr. Drive hundreds of post on one gallon of gas!
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Light weight and portable
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12-month parts and labor warranty
P.O. Box 8041 Greensboro, NC 27419
Call today and order yours! Tel: 800-843-3745 • Fax: 336-674-6690
www.americancattlemen.com
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Dry-Cast Feed Bunks Your Feeder LargeHay Commerci al and IndiSupplier vidual Feedlots
Feeders designed for strength & minimum waste
MODEL 9015
A HEAVY DUTY FEEDER Manufactured for the Dairy & Beef Farmer
With a double trough and a hay saver cradle on hinges 10' • 15' • 20' • 25' lengths
MANUFACTURED BY:
130 Salem Road, Kirkwood, PA 17536 •
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717-529-2971
www.americancattlemen.com
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Dry-Cast Feed Bunks Large Commercial and Individual Feedlots Standard Features Include: ◆ Steam-cured, acid-resistant concrete, reinforced with wire mesh for added strength. ◆ Round bottom provides easy access to livestock with less waste and no sore tongues from scraping a flat surface. ◆ Waste stays at bottom of the bunk, making it easy to clean. ◆ No leakage between sections with tight, overlapping joints. ◆ 30" inner diameter allows for plenty of capacity. ◆ Economical – initial low cost is the only cost. ◆ Delivery includes set-up.
Thanks to All Our Customers!
800-999-8151 620-241-4362
www.mcphersonconcrete.com
P.O. Box 369 McPherson KS 67460 www.americancattlemen.com
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• Easy to load and unload • Easy self contained hook
and pin connection
Dry-Cast Feed Bunks Large Commercial and Individual Feedlots
• Holds up to 32 panels • Available in 6’,8’,10’,
and 12’ foot lengths
• Rancher Series Hydraulic Chutes • Manual Chutes • Adjustable Alleys • Sweep Tubs
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NONELECTRIC
Cattle & Horse Drinker Continuous Fresh Water • Self-Cleaning • Does Not Freeze
800-451-2230 • www.CattleDrinker.com
LIKE US ON FACEBOOK! www.facebook.com/ americancattlemen
Rol-Oyl
MARKETPLACE
Guaranteed
CORRAL DESIGNS ~ CUSTOM DESIGN SERVICE CORRAL DESIGN BOOK $55 - 2nd edition 40 different layouts plus details of loading ramp, gates, chutes and crowd pen. 22 photos. CATTLE HANDLING VIDEO VHS $59. DVD $68 with additional Spanish video and picture cd.
Livestock Oilers Proven Effective for Fly & Lice Control
Brahma Frames ●
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2x as heavy as before & galvanized Accommodates all sizes of livestock
Send check or money order to: Grandin Livestock Systems Inc., 3504 North Shields, Fort Collins, CO 80524
970-229-0703 • www.grandin.com
Diers Ag & Trailer Sales
Scratches them where they itch, oils them where they scratch!
www.americancattlemen.com
Howard Lake, MN 320-543-2861 888-515-1320 www.DiersAg.com
August 2018
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F ST CO REERESS LivestockMineralFeeders NT FL RO Y WEATHERPROOF • BULL PROOF PORTABLE • DURABLE L
W E NE TICID C E PS INS STRI
ECONOMICAL • DEPENDABLE
US PATENT # 9,380.761 & OTHER US AND INTERNATIONAL PATENST PENDING
AmeriAg
www.ameriag.com 877-551-4916
Gateway Pipe & Supply Inc. Used Steel Pipe & Railroad Tank & Flat Cars
• • • • •
Irrigation Structures Pond Drainage Bridges
Culvert Special! RR Tank Car Shells 7' to 10' diameter
Phone: 618-632-6770 Matt or Jules Eversgerd Matt@gatewaypipe.com
Common Sense Mfg. • HEAVY DUTY hydraulic wire winder • Mounts to 3-point hitch or loader bucket • AVAILABLE IN GREEN
605-598-4157
www.CommonSenseMfg.com
www.steerfeeder.com
Charlies’ Cowdogs NEW RELEASE
How to Train & Handle the Cowdog TWO DISC SET
Registered Hangin Tree Cowdogs and Puppies for sale. Over 25 years of breeding, training and using Hangin Tree Cowdogs. ALL MAJOR CREDIT CARDS ACCEPTED Founding Member of the WRCA
Authorized Garmin Dealer
Charlie Trayer • trayer@windstream.net
www.CharliesCowdogs.com 940-453-6708 44
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Readers of AMERICAN CATTLEMEN also like AMERICAN DAIRYMEN
www.americandairymen.com www.americancattlemen.com
Registered Angus Since 2009 Featuring Herd Bull SAV Density 1307 Hebron Road St. Marys, WV 26170
John McKnight 304-319-1967
MISCELLANEOUS WANTED: Old barns or barn lumber or old city buildings/warehouses in WI, IN, IL and IA. Cell 309-2531317 www.barns-n-boards.com or email at Dndfox@aol.com.
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MACHINERY & PRODUCTS NEW HOLL AND BALE WAGONS: I sell a n d bu y S elf- P r opelle d & Pull-type two/three wide models — H/9880, H/9870, BW38, BW28, 1095, 1089, 1085, 1079, 1078, 1075, 1069, 1068, 1049, 1048, 1037, 1036, 1033, 1032, & other models, parts, and tires. Can finance/trade/deliver. Call Jim Wilhite 208-880-2889 anytime. www.balewagon.com
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REAL ESTATE 190 acres in 3 parcels in central Hillsdale C t y. MI near a state hw y. a n d s eve r a l la ke s . H a s tillable, wooded, lowland. Great farming proper t y, outstanding hunting for turkey, deer, rabbits, etc. Unlimited Acreage parcels are getting harder to find. Buy one, t wo, or all three. A rare opportunity! Call Larry at Faust Real Estate, LLC 517-270-3645.
www.facebook.com/ americancattlemen
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WANT TO BE MORE THAN JUST FRIENDS? Subscribe to American Cattlemen magazine today! 12 issues a year for just $995 (that’s only 3¢ a day). Less than a piece of jerky!
Duralite Trailers, LLC Sleek Aerodynamic Nose
All Riveted All Aluminum All the Time!
Dealers Wanted 1-800-437-8931 www.duralitetrailers.com Reader Service No. 5601
WWW.AMERICANCATTLEMEN.COM www.americancattlemen.com
www.facebook.com/ NC 11/21/12 americancattlemen Acreage 12/10/12 NC 1/3/13 August 2018 MFG 1/25/13 American
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American Products and Services for American Cattlemen
American Cattlemen 4685 Merle Hay Rd • Suite 200 Des Moines, IA 50322 877-424-4594 www.americancattlemen.com
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