Pinkeye, a highly contagious disease in cattle, can spread rapidly if not promptly addressed. This bacterial infection, which primarily affects the eyes, can lead to irritation, excessive tearing, and in severe cases, blindness. Given its mode of transmission through direct contact and flies, an outbreak can swiftly engulf an entire herd. Therefore, early detection and immediate action are crucial, as managing it becomes significantly more challenging once it takes hold.
While pinkeye can strike at any time, it often follows a seasonal pattern. Cases typically surge in the spring, peak during the hot summer months, and gradually subside by fall. This pattern is a result of the bacteria’s preference for warm, moist conditions and the environmental factors that contribute to pinkeye, such as dust, tall grasses, and an increase in face flies, which are more prevalent in the warmer months. Cattle with lighter-colored eyes, like Herefords and Charolais, are particularly at risk due to their sensitivity to sunlight, making pinkeye a significant concern during bright, sunny days. Understanding this seasonal pattern can help cattle owners prepare and take preventive measures in advance.
Once pinkeye sets in, treatment can be time-consuming and labor-intensive, requiring careful monitoring and medical intervention. Even mild cases can quickly escalate, so isolating infected cattle is crucial to prevent further spread. Quarantining affected animals not only protects the rest of the herd but also gives the infected cattle a better chance at healing without reinfection. The earlier you catch and treat pinkeye, the better the outcome—not just for the individual cow but for your entire operation.
Sulfur salt blocks have sparked plenty of debate among cattle producers. Some ranchers swear by them, believing they offer real benefits to their herd. In contrast, others argue they’re nothing more than an unnecessary expense. With so much conflicting information out there, it’s easy to see why the topic can be confusing. Do sulfur blocks truly help cattle, or are they just another product that sounds good in theory but doesn’t deliver? Making the best decision helps to take a closer look at what they actually do—and what they don’t.
Bovine Leukemia Virus (BLV) could be lurking in your herd right now—and you wouldn’t even know it. This silent disease is already costing the cattle industry millions, especially in dairy herds. While it often flies under the radar, BLV can have a profound financial impact, leading to lost production, higher vet bills, and the need to replace affected animals. Even if your cattle look healthy, the virus could still spread, putting your operation at risk.
Spring weather might feel like a distant dream right now, but it’s just around the corner. Before long, the ice and snow will melt away (if you get any), and your pastures will come alive with lush green forages. This seasonal shift is a welcome sight for many, signaling new growth and fresh grazing opportunities for your herd. But lurking behind all that greenery is a hidden danger. This silent threat can strike quickly and severely impact your cows’ health and production. This threat is called grass tetany.
Calf scours is a challenge that keeps cow/calf producers on edge, and for good reason. It’s the leading cause of financial loss in herds, hitting harder than any other health problem. What makes it so worrisome is how quickly it can show up and spread, much like wildfire sweeping through dry grass. To make matters worse, calf scours can be a bit of a puzzle, leaving many producers scratching their heads about what exactly they’re dealing with.
When people hear ‘grass tetany,’ they usually think of spring – lush grasses, green pastures, and cows grazing happily. But tetany can sneak up on you even in winter when you feed your cows hay or silage. However, it can also happen when cattle are fed harvested forages like silage or hay.
Minerals 
The fall season can be problematic for a beef producer. As you go into it after a dry, hot summer, the entire herd may be stressed. The combination of high heat, short grass, and low water tanks can stress cattle and make them more prone to disease.
Understanding shrinkage is a 
Despite the time and equipment costs, growing your own feed can be a powerful strategy. It allows you to maintain an inventory, reducing the risk of short supplies and protecting you from seasonal price fluctuations. Moreover, it empowers you to tailor energy and protein production to match your herd’s feed requirements, giving you a strong sense of control and confidence in your operations.
