American Dairymen

Herd Health Management Plans Cattlemen and Veterinarians

Welcome to Cattlemen and Veterinarians: A Partnership in Bovine Health. Today, join hosts Gale McKinney and Dr. Shynia Peterman as they discuss Herd Health Management Plans with Dr. Jason Banta with Texas A&M University. 
The conversation opens with timely news on trade restrictions related to disease outbreaks, reinforcing the ongoing importance of biosecurity for preventing the introduction of pests and infectious agents into herds, especially via newly purchased livestock.
Dr. Banta explains that proper herd health plans are critical for maintaining profitability and animal welfare because they reduce illness, treatment costs, reproductive losses, and overall mortality. He emphasizes that these plans should be tailored for each operation but universally include key components: biosecurity, vaccination, internal and external parasite control, and proper nutrition. Quarantine and testing of new arrivals are stressed as vital to preventing the spread of diseases like BVD PI and trichomoniasis. Dr. Banta advises working with veterinarians to determine the best vaccine protocols, highlighting that while some elements (such as Clostridial and respiratory viral vaccines) are foundational, protocols may need to be adjusted for local risks or herd-specific needs. The pursuit of a balanced approach to parasite control is also advocated, with strategies varying by region, rainfall, and forage growth patterns.
Nutrition is described as a frequently overlooked but crucial aspect of herd health, with energy and protein intake more vital to immune function than minerals. Nonetheless, having a balanced mineral supplementation plan is important, as excesses can be as harmful as deficiencies.
The podcast also addresses the importance of consistent record-keeping, suggesting technology or simple tools according to preference, and encourages producers to seek out educational resources and relationships with experienced cattle veterinarians. As part of holistic ranch management, herd health plans should be periodically reviewed and integrated with other operational plans, such as breeding, finance, and staffing. Overall, the experts encourage proactive development and regular updating of herd health plans, emphasizing the benefits of collaboration and continued learning for the long-term success of cattle operations.
Cattlemen & Veterinarians: A Partnership in Bovine Health
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Cattlemen & Veterinarians Managing Cattle in Winter Temperatures

Welcome back to Cattlemen & Veterinarians: A Partnership in Bovine Health. Today, Kade and Dr. Peterman discuss some techniques to help take care of your cattle in cold weather. 
The conversation highlights the paramount importance of adequate shelters and bedding for cattle as winter sets in. Dr. Peterman outlines how structures such as barns, three-sided sheds, and even simple windbreaks from natural or man-made materials can help shield herds from biting winds and cold. Good bedding, particularly straw, not only provides insulation but also helps prevent cold-related injuries like frostbite in vulnerable animals. Bed maintenance is discussed, with frequency largely depending on the number of cattle and how rapidly the bedding gets soiled—sometimes daily or weekly.
Nutrition is emphasized as a crucial aspect not to be compromised. Dr. Peterman stresses that cattle should enter winter with an appropriate body condition score, and as the temperature drops, high-energy feeds become vital. She explains that cold stress increases animals’ energy needs, and gradual dietary adjustments should accommodate these demands. Clean, unfrozen water is another critical need, calling for vigilance with ice and heating devices.
The episode further covers health monitoring, spotlighting signs of cold stress and reinforcing the importance of timely vaccinations, particularly for disease prevention in newborn calves. Listeners’ questions lead to advice on managing breed-specific genetic issues in Wagyu cattle, the careful acclimation required when moving cattle from warm to cold climates, and the comparative merits of dry lot wintering versus winter grazing systems. Dr. Peterman recommends nutritional testing and gradual feed changes for supplements like alfalfa and dried distillers grains. She concludes with tips for managing hazards like frozen ground to safeguard cattle health.
Cattlemen & Veterinarians, A Partnership in Bovine Health
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Importance of Parasite Testing with Dr. M. Wayne Ayers

Welcome back to the American Cattlemen Podcast. Just ahead, we have Dustin Hector, and he sits down with Dr. M. Wayne Ayers with Elanco Animal Health, about the Importance of Parasite Testing your herd.
Dr. Ayers shares his extensive background spanning decades in veterinary medicine, encompassing experience in private practice, academia, and his current industry role. Dr. Ayers explains that testing helps producers identify which internal parasite species are present, determine the appropriate treatment strategies, and strike a balance between economic viability and animal health. The timing and type of testing, he notes, should be tailored to specific regional and seasonal conditions, such as climate, rainfall, and pasture type, since the parasite life cycle is tightly linked to environmental factors.
A key point raised is the use of composite fecal sampling, particularly from young calves, to obtain a representative herd-level assessment without the need for testing every individual animal. Sampling strategies and laboratory techniques, such as fecal egg counts and larval culture, are discussed as methods to identify parasite burdens and species composition. Dr. Ayers also emphasizes that as animals mature, their immune systems generally reduce susceptibility to heavy parasite loads, meaning routine deworming may not be necessary in older, well-conditioned cows. Instead, targeted deworming efforts should focus on younger animals and those with lower body condition scores, guided by evidence from periodic composite testing.
The discussion also addresses the critical issue of anthelmintic resistance, attributed in part to overreliance on existing dewormer molecules—many of which are decades-old—highlighting the necessity of stewardship to preserve their efficacy. Dr. Ayers advocates for data-driven management to optimize herd health while extending the usefulness of current parasite control tools. The podcast concludes with a mutual appreciation for the depth and complexity of parasite management and emphasizes an ongoing commitment to education, research, and responsible animal care for sustainable cattle production.
Importance of Parasite Testing with Dr. M. Wayne Ayers
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A.N. Martin Systems with Lydell Martin

Welcome back to the American Dairymen Podcast. Just ahead, we have Dustin Hector, he's the host of the American Dairymen Podcast and he chats with Lydell Martin with A.N. Martin Systems. 
Lydell shares his background, starting on a dairy farm and progressing into grain equipment and automation, ultimately leading him to develop innovative roasting systems for A.N. Martin Systems. Though he now works independently, he continues to consult and provide technical support for A.N. Martin Systems, focusing on serving the unique needs of dairy, crop, and feed producers.
The conversation delves into the evolution of soybean roasting in the dairy sector, emphasizing how motivations for roasting have shifted from primarily reducing protein costs to myriad benefits including lowering fat expenses and enhancing milk component production. Lydell highlights the significance of high oleic soybeans, which are notably different from standard varieties due to their lower linoleic acid and higher good fat content, making them more suitable and digestible for dairy herds.
Martin describes various roasting technologies, comparing the advantages and pitfalls of flame, hot air, and auger-type roasters. He explains the development of an advanced system that uses a mixing auger to ensure even roasting and longer retention times at lower temperatures, minimizing fire hazards while maximizing automation and labor efficiency. The system incorporates cooling and milling processes, with a preference for hammer mills over roller mills, allowing for customized grind sizes according to each farm’s requirements and feeding programs. Martin stresses the system’s adaptability and reliability, offering consistent quality while easing operational burdens on producers.
The episode concludes with the recognition that effective automation, safety, and flexibility are driving innovations in grain roasting and dairy nutrition, equipping producers to make more efficient and cost-effective feed choices for their herds.
A.N. Martin
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CRV with Dan Hushon and Michele Liston

Welcome back to another episode of the American Dairymen Podcast. Join us as Dustin sits down with Dan Hushon and Michele Liston, two leading experts from CRV, an organization renowned for its forward-thinking approach to dairy herd genetics and management. 
Michele brings over two decades of expertise working with large herds and driving reproductive success across progressive dairies, especially in the Texas Panhandle, sharing her experience in customizing breeding programs that yield long-term results. Dan, with a lifelong background in the dairy industry and years as a genetics consultant across the Mid-Atlantic, shares invaluable stories from his hands-on work with farmers and his deep-rooted commitment to improving herd profitability and sustainability.
This episode dives deep into what sets CRV apart—a unique blend of personalized service for U.S. producers and an unrivaled database of genetic and health information built over more than 150 years in the Netherlands. Listeners will learn how CRV harnesses comprehensive, meticulously documented data to help farmers make informed breeding and management decisions, using proven Dutch genetics to address challenges such as hoof health, locomotion, udder quality, and even specific issues like short teats. Dan and Michele break down the science and the practicalities, illustrating how outcross pedigrees and targeted genetic strategies can improve herd longevity and productivity while reducing health-related downtime.
Whether you’re a dairy professional looking for actionable takeaways, or simply interested in the evolving science of herd management, this episode offers a fascinating glimpse into how tradition, innovation, and global expertise are shaping the next generation of dairy operations.
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The Role of The Sale Barn Veterinarian

Welcome back to Cattlemen and Veterinarians: A Partnership in Bovine Health. In this episode we discuss how The Role of The Sale Barn Veterinarian is one of the most essential aspects of bovine healthcare. Our guest today is Dr. Stacy Rugan. Dr. Rugan received her doctorate in veterinary medicine from Kansas State University and is a veterinarian and owner at Animal Clinic P.A., a rural mixed-animal practice in northeast Kansas. Most of her cattle clients are cow-calf or backgrounding feeders. In addition to extensive animal services, Dr. Rugan has a well-established reputation for canine reproductive services. In today's episode, Dr. Rugan and Dr. Peterman cover a wide range of topics, including:
Where is your barn located, and what range of cattle do you see mostly?
What is your role as a Veterinarian at the sale barn?
What are you looking for in contagious diseases?
How is it determined which cows get preg checked and which do not?
What animals need eIDs and why?
Why are health papers needed to cross state lines?
What kind of protocol would you follow when buying cows at the Sale Barn before putting them into the herd?
If I am buying calves for backgrounding through a barn, how should I handle calves from different farms?
What is the producer's responsibility as a buyer or seller in stock health?
Please enjoy this informative discussion. Don't forget to follow Cattlemen and Veterinarians: A Partnership in Bovine health on your favorite podcast platform so you don't miss a single episode in the series. Thanks for listening.
The Role of The Sale Barn Veterinarian 
Cattlemen & Veterinarians, A Partnership in Bovine Health
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Muddy Creek Tags

Welcome back to the American Dairymen Podcast. Just ahead, we have Dustin Hector, he's the Director of Business Development for the American Dairymen Media group and he its down with Zac Deeds co-founder of Muddy Creek Tags out of Hazard, Nebraska. Zac, who comes from an IT background, and his wife Ann, with roots in cattle ranching, developed their tag business during the challenging early days of the COVID-19 pandemic. 
The company's inception began with a casual conversation around a family table, where Zac and his in-laws jokingly discussed creating their own cattle tags. What started as a lighthearted discussion quickly transformed into a serious entrepreneurial venture. They spent months researching the industry, talking to producers, and understanding the frustrations surrounding existing tag options.
Driven by a passion for agriculture and problem-solving, Zac and Ann meticulously developed their tags, focusing on durability, readability, and customization. They faced numerous challenges in manufacturing, particularly in an industry where manufacturers are notoriously secretive about their trade secrets. By building relationships with experts and conducting extensive trials across different regions, they refined their product to meet diverse agricultural needs.
Muddy Creek Tags distinguishes itself through high retention rates, customizable designs, and a personal approach that prioritizes individual producer requirements. Zac emphasized the importance of efficiency for farmers, understanding that retagging cattle wastes valuable time and creates unnecessary stress.
In an exciting revelation during the podcast, Zac announced the upcoming launch of one-piece tags for both cow-calf and feedlot operators in early 2026.The conversation highlighted the challenges facing the cattle industry, including herd downsizing and economic pressures, while also celebrating the innovative spirit of agricultural entrepreneurs like Zac Deeds, who are dedicated to solving real-world problems for farmers and ranchers.
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AGPROfessionals with Chad teVelde and Valene Cauhorn

Welcome back to the American Dairymen Podcast. Just ahead, we have Dustin Hector, he's the Publisher of the American Dairymen Podcast and he sits down with Chad teVelde and Valene Cauhorn with AGPROfessionals. 
Chad teVelde, a senior professional engineer, brings extensive experience in dairy facility design, having worked on over 30 new dairy projects ranging from 800 to 15,000 cows. With roots in a family dairy in California and personal dairy operation experience, Chad specializes in creating cost-effective designs that directly impact a farm's bottom line.
Valene Cauhorn, a licensed professional engineer across multiple states, complements Chad's expertise with her background in agricultural and civil engineering. Raised on a generational farm in Idaho, she brings hands-on agricultural knowledge to her professional work, managing complex agricultural and commercial projects with strategic oversight.Chad and Valene get into the critical considerations for dairy producers looking to expand their operations. Key topics include site selection, permitting, construction challenges, and navigating Confined Animal Feeding Operation (CAFO) regulations. The experts emphasize the importance of comprehensive planning, understanding local requirements, and maintaining meticulous records to ensure smooth project execution and regulatory compliance.The conversation also explores the evolving landscape of the dairy industry. They discuss technological advancements, changing environmental regulations, and the increasing complexity of dairy farm management. The professionals highlight the need for producers to stay informed about regulatory changes, invest in sustainable practices, and adapt to emerging technologies.Throughout the podcast, Chad and Valene underscore the value of professional engineering services in helping dairy producers make informed decisions. They stress the importance of strategic planning, cost-effective design, and proactive approach to facility development and regulatory compliance.The episode provides valuable insights into the intricate world of dairy facility design and management, offering listeners a comprehensive overview of the challenges and opportunities in modern agricultural engineering.
AGPROfessionals
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Genetic Solutions to Assist with BRD

Genetic Solutions to Assist with BRD
BRD—is one, if not the most costly, health issue in the cattle industry today. Our guests today are Ross Havens with Nichols Farms in Bridgewater, Iowa, and John Genho with Eldon Farms in Woodville, Virginia. 
This was an extremely interesting discussion with Ross and Jon regarding the Nichols Bull Program, called Shield, which is a genetic predictor for bulls that carry resistance to BRD. Nichols Farms has a Bovine Respiratory Disease (BRD) genetic prediction. The bulls will be represented with the Nichols Health Shield logo and are of the top 30% of the Nichols Genetic Evaluation for resistance to BRD. BRD costs our industry $900 million annually in economic losses from death, reduced feed efficiency, and treatment cost. Nichols Farms is working and researching to put some of these dollars back into our customers' pockets. The Health Shield is the probability (in %) of a calf not being treated for respiratory disease post weaning.
Nichols Farms is a family-owned business that has been providing superior beef genetics for generations. Our focus on breeding top-quality bulls started many years ago and has been passed down from one generation to the next. We take great pride in our work and are committed to raising the best bulls possible. Our team is made up of experienced professionals who are passionate about what they do. We work hard every day to improve our genetics and provide our customers with the best possible service. Contact us today to learn more about our history and how we can help improve your herd.
The acquisition of Livestock Genetic Services (LGS) enhances Neogen's in-house genetic evaluation capabilities, and complements the company's unparalleled global network of animal genomics laboratories. LGS has been a long-time strategic partner of Neogen's genomics business.
John Genho formerly owned Livestock Genetic Services, which was acquired by Neogen. Information regarding that acquisition follows. "One value of Neogen's genomic services is our ability to translate genomic information into timely, accurate animal trait information for cattle producers," said Dr. Stewart Bauck, Neogen's vice president of agrigenomics. "Adding Livestock Genetic Services, and its owner John Genho, will help Neogen accelerate the adoption of genomics world-wide by helping customers easily and quickly utilize genomic information in their commercial operations. This new capability will position Neogen as the only global agrigenomics business with a full end-to-end solution."
"After years of collaboration with Neogen, I am very pleased to be part of the much larger, very capable team of genomic professionals," said Genho. "Our business has grown to the point that becoming part of a world-leading provider of animal genomic services will provide my customers with the best possible services and support."
Genetic Solutions to Assist with BRD
Cattlemen & Veterinarians, A Partnership in Bovine Health
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FerAppease & Weaning Practices

We had a great interview with Dr. Rodrigo Carvalho Bicalho today discussing FerAppease and Weaning. Dr. Bicalho is a highly gifted speaker who presents information in a clear and easily understandable manner. 
Our guest today is Dr. Rodrigo Carvalho Bicalho, DVM, PhD, an accomplished veterinarian, scientist, and entrepreneur specializing in dairy production medicine and biotechnology. As the President and Chairman of Fera Diagnostics and Biologicals Corp., Dr. Bicalho leads innovations in animal health, focusing on diagnostic solutions and therapeutic products that enhance livestock productivity and welfare globally.
Dr. Bicalho earned his DVM from the Federal University of Goiás in Brazil and completed his residency and PhD at Cornell University, where he specialized in comparative biomedical sciences with a concentration in epidemiology and animal science. Throughout his career, he has made significant contributions to veterinary research, securing multiple patents for groundbreaking technologies, including vaccines and diagnostic methods that address essential challenges in livestock health. Dr. Bicalho has a prolific research portfolio of over 130 peer-reviewed publications.”
Our conversation with Dr. Bicalho focuses on FerAppease and its effectiveness during the weaning process. FerAppease® can and should be used every time animals are exposed to management and physiological stressors. Stressful management strategies include weaning, dehorning, castration, branding, transportation, commingling, and vaccination—stressful physiological events such as parturition, interruption of lactation (dry-off), and breeding. Its application has dramatically improved the weaning periods of many producers.
Did you know that stress shifts your cattle's metabolism into survival mode? Stress may lead to decreasing weight gain and feed conversion and worsening health outcomes. Stress is a major obstacle keeping the cattle industry from becoming a more profitable endeavor. You can overcome stress with FerAppease. The active ingredient of FerAppease is a synthetic analogue
of the Maternal Bovine Appeasing Substance (mBAS). mBAS is a naturally occurring substance that is secreted by the skin of the mammary gland of lactating animals, reducing stress in all cattle treated.
Following the segment with Dr. Bicalho, Dr. Shynia answers a broad array of questions from our listeners. She provides you with advice and even challenges you to become better at developing a strong weaning program.
Don’t miss this one!
Cattlemen & Veterinarians, A Partnership in Bovine Health
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Cattlemen and Veterinarians: A Partnership in Bovine Health Sponsored by:
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