Controlling flies on your cattle is one of those frustrating challenges that can make you feel like you’re in an endless battle. No matter what you try, those pesky insects keep returning year after year. It’s like they’ve got a personal vendetta against your herd, making it seem almost impossible to get them under control.
As warmer weather approaches, the situation only gets more challenging. When the flies emerge from their dormant stage, they swarm in full force, eager to feast on your cattle. This sudden onslaught can seriously disrupt your herd’s productivity, leading to stress and reduced performance. It’s a real headache for any rancher trying to keep things running smoothly.
But don’t lose hope—while you may never completely eliminate flies, you can certainly manage them with an intelligent, multi-pronged approach. Instead of relying on just one method, combining several strategies can make a big difference. This approach empowers you, the rancher, to take control of the situation. With a bit of planning and persistence, you can keep these bothersome pests at bay and protect your herd’s well-being.
Calf dehydration is a serious problem that often sneaks up on producers. It’s easy to overlook until it becomes critical, but by then, the damage may already be done. The most common culprits are scorching summer heat and scours, both of which can strip a calf of fluids fast. The key to saving a dehydrated calf is spotting the signs early and acting quickly.
Knowing when to step in and help during calving can feel like walking a tightrope—it’s all about timing. Act too soon, and you might be stepping in when nature could have handled things on its own. But wait too long, and you risk running into serious problems that could cost both the calf and the cow their lives. Finding that perfect middle ground takes practice, a good eye, and sometimes a bit of luck. For many ranchers, it’s one of the trickiest parts of calving season.
Winter brings a unique set of challenges for livestock producers. As temperatures drop, pastures go dormant, leaving forages unable to meet the nutritional demands of your animals. This challenge means purchasing supplemental feed becomes necessary, but with feed prices often climbing this season, balancing animal health and budget concerns can feel like walking a tightrope.
What is the proper strategy for heifer development for my cowherd?
Early pregnancy detection is a powerful tool for increasing profits in your herd. As a producer, knowing early if your replacement heifers or cows are bred can save you a significant amount of money by preventing the wastage of supplements for non-producing cows.
Understanding shrinkage is a 
Internal parasites are a problem that every beef producer must face. They are a constant annoyance that can rob a beef operation of its productivity. They impair production by increasing maintenance energy costs, diet digestibility, and immune activity.
