American Dairymen

NEMO Feed LLC. With Alvin Burkholder

Welcome back to the American Dairymen Podcast. Just ahead, we have Dustin Hector, He's the Director of Business Development and he chats with Alvin Burkholder, the CEO of NEMO Feed LLC. They will lead the interview off with Alvin sharing his personal and professional background, highlighting his early experiences on the family farm and the entrepreneurial journey that led to the founding of NEMO Feed in 2000. Over the past 25 years, NEMO Feed has grown from a small family operation into a full-service feed manufacturing facility in Bering, Missouri, now employing around 30 people and producing approximately 500 tons of feed per day. Alvin explains that NEMO Feed provides a wide range of nutrition and feed services throughout the Midwest, offering both conventional and non-GMO feeds for multiple species, including cattle, dairy, swine, sheep, goats, and horses. The company emphasizes high-quality production standards, strict protocols to prevent cross-contamination, and holds certifications for HACCP, organic, and non-GMO feeds. NEMO Feed works closely with independent nutrition consultants to ensure unbiased, farm-specific recommendations, and delivers feed through a broad dealer network across several states.The conversation delves into NEMO Feed’s specialized programs, such as the Degree Dairy Feed Program, which offers customizable nutrition solutions for dairy operations, from calves to lactating cows, with options for on-farm mixing and organic or non-GMO formulations. On the beef side, NEMO Feed has developed a premium dairy beef line, particularly for Holstein calves, focusing on efficient feed conversion and serving a diverse customer base, including many Amish farms.A key highlight is the Ranger Minerals Program, a comprehensive line of free-choice minerals for cattle, developed through extensive analysis of Midwest forage samples to ensure precise trace mineral supplementation. The episode concludes with appreciation for NEMO Feed’s commitment to quality and service, and a look ahead to future expansion plans to meet growing demand.
For previous episodes of the American Dairymen visit our website: https://americandairymen.com
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Hardware Disease in Livestock - Cattlemen and Veterinarians

Hardware disease in livestock is a traumatic puncture of the gastrointestinal tract, resulting in the spread of infection caused by the ingestion of a sharp, hard object, usually a piece of hardware (hence the name). These pieces of metal settle in the reticulum and can irritate or penetrate the lining of the stomach. It is most common in dairy cattle but is occasionally seen in beef cattle. It is very rarely reported in any other ruminants. It can be challenging to diagnose, but it can be prevented by administering a magnet orally around the time the animal reaches one year of age. Depending on where the infection spreads, the medical names for it include bovine traumatic reticuloperitonitis and bovine traumatic reticulopericarditis. 
Join Dr. Shynia Peterman and Gale McKinney as they discuss hardware disease and best grazing practices with Dr. Grant Dewell, offering valuable tips and practical information for producers. Care in pasture management is a critical component of your operations plan. Make sure to listen to this episode.
Dr. Grant Dewell received a DVM, a Master's in Agricultural Economics, and a PhD in Epidemiology from Colorado State University. He has practiced in central South Dakota, served as a Clinical Instructor at the Great Plains Veterinary Education Center, and has been the Beef Cattle Extension Veterinarian at Iowa State University since 2008. Dr. Dewell’s research interests are health management of cattle, animal welfare, and economic considerations for beef production operations.
Come back to American Cattlemen Podcasts for all your industry news. No one is in touch with the industry more than we are! Our information is fresh, not staged, and most of it comes from your fellow producers. Please share our podcast link with your friends and neighbors.
Cattlemen & Veterinarians, A Partnership in Bovine Health
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New World Screw Worm - Cattlemen and Veterinarians

Today's topic is the New World Screw Worm. This is likely the most widely discussed health issue in the livestock industry today. Our guest was Dr. Thach Winslow, a technical consultant for beef cattle at Elanco Animal Health. 
Hello everyone, welcome to Cattlemen & Veterinarians, a partnership with Bovine Health. Our mission is to provide producers with timely information and solutions regarding herd health issues. I am Gale McKinney, owner of American Cattlemen, and my co-host is Dr. Shynia Peterman, DVM, from Lyons Vet Clinic in Lyons, Kansas.
Dr. Thach Winslow resides in Virginia. In his role as a veterinarian, he works with cow-calf and stocker operations throughout the U.S. and is responsible for research and technical support for sales reps and producers. Dr. Winslow earned his bachelor’s degree in animal science from Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University and his Doctor of Veterinary Medicine from the Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine.
The New World Screw Worm, which burrows into live tissue and jeopardizes animal welfare, may once again pose a threat to U.S. cattle production.
Dr. Winslow led us through a detailed discussion of the most recent potential migration of the Screwworm Fly into the United States. Beginning with the history of the Old World Screwworm Fly and contrasting it with the New World Fly, our discussion addresses potential risks, USDA tracking and intervention, as well as common-sense guidance on reporting.
Dr. Winslow indicated he believed the USDA was implementing good monitoring and planning. The following paragraph from the USDA was suggested as a strong statement of the USDA’s vigilance in this matter.
“At USDA, we are focused on fighting the New World Screwworm’s advancement in Mexico. We have made significant progress with our counterparts in Mexico to enhance vital pest surveillance efforts and have intensified sterile fly dispersal efforts. These quick actions by the Trump Administration have improved the conditions to allow the phased reopening of select ports on the Southern Border to livestock trade,” said Secretary Rollins. “We are continuing our posture of increased vigilance and will not rest until we are sure this devastating pest will not harm American ranchers.”
While the Douglas, AZ port presents the lowest risk, based on the geography of Sonora and a long history of effective collaboration between APHIS and Sonora on animal health issues, the USDA intends to reopen additional ports in New Mexico. If it is proven safe to do so, in Texas, over the coming weeks. Additional port openings will be based on APHIS’ continuous reevaluation of the number of cases and potential northward movement of NWS, Mexico’s continued efforts to curb illegal animal movements, and implementation of further rigorous inspection and treatment protocols.
Please make sure to listen to this episode of Cattlemen & Vets. Dr Winslow is a very knowledgeable and engaging industry professional. He provides practical teaching points and advice on this highly watched industry health issue.
Cattlemen & Veterinarians, A Partnership in Bovine Health
For Future or Previous episodes visit our websites:
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Cattlemen and Veterinarians: A Partnership in Bovine Health Sponsored by:
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Pink Eye In Cattle - Cattlemen and Veterinarians

Pink Eye in cattle can be a devastating health issue to manage! We welcome back our guest, Dr. Meredyth Jones Cook, Professor of Practice in Livestock Production at the School of Veterinary Medicine, Texas Tech University. 
Dr. Cook was born in Texas and raised in Oklahoma, Missouri, and Kentucky. After spending many years in her dad’s mixed animal veterinary practice, she decided to attend veterinary school at Oklahoma State and focus on food animal medicine. After some time in private practice, she completed a residency to specialize in large animal internal medicine. She taught at Kansas State, Texas A&M, and Oklahoma State before joining the team at Texas Tech. She provides continuing education and consulting to large animal veterinarians, and she and her husband ranch together in Oklahoma along with their two daughters.
Dr. Shynia Peterman and Dr. Cook talked through the identification of pinkeye, as well as preventative measures and treatment options. These two professionals bring you a great discussion in an easy-to-understand conversation!
Additionally, we want to thank our listeners for some great questions. Here is some excellent advice from a fellow producer:
“We introduced more shade for our cattle, which helps reduce flies and has also contributed to a decrease in Pink Eye cases. We also have the cows congregating around manmade shelters, making it easier to spray for pests. Seems to be helping, and the cows are certainly more comfortable.”
Cattlemen & Veterinarians is a great partnership podcast that provides excellent feedback to both sides of the business. Make sure to download all the episodes!
Thank you for joining Dr Shynia Peterman and me today for this episode of Cattlemen and Vets, A Partnership in Bovine Health. Please share our podcast with your fellow producers. We are available on YouTube or your favorite podcast platform. See ya next time! Take Care!
Cattlemen & Veterinarians, A Partnership in Bovine Health
For Future or Previous episodes visit our websites:
American Cattlemen
American Dairymen
Cattlemen and Veterinarians: A Partnership in Bovine Health Sponsored by:
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Central Life Science

CLS With Kenley Zuga

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 sits down with Kenley Zuga with CLS. As a regional sales manager with CLS, Zuga brings extensive experience in animal science and dairy industry management to the discussion.Fly control is a complex challenge for dairy producers, with house flies and stable flies being the primary concerns in confined dairy settings. These insects do more than simply annoy cattle; they pose significant threats to animal health and farm productivity. Stable flies, which feed on blood, cause physical stress to animals, while house flies can transmit dangerous bacteria that lead to diseases like mastitis.The economic impact of fly infestations is substantial. Even a small number of flies - as few as 10 to 15 per animal - can significantly reduce milk production and cause considerable stress. Cattle spend energy fighting flies instead of producing milk, and the potential for disease transmission creates additional financial risks.Zuga emphasizes a comprehensive approach to fly control, centered on an integrated pest management strategy. The cornerstone of this approach is a feed-through product like Clarafly larvicide, which passes through the animal and prevents fly larvae from developing in manure. This method is complemented by additional strategies including farm sanitation, regular pen cleaning, and supplemental products like sprays, baits, and traps.The key to successful fly control lies in a multi-faceted approach. Producers must focus not just on killing existing flies, but on preventing future generations. This requires careful farm management, clean environments, and strategic use of targeted pest control products.By implementing a comprehensive fly control program, dairy producers can protect their herds, improve animal comfort, and maintain optimal milk production and farm productivity.
For previous episodes of the American Dairymen visit our website: https://americandairymen.com
American Dairymen Podcast is Sponsored By:
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Lameness and Hoof Problems in Cattle

This episode jumps into the topic of Lameness and Hoof Problems in Cattle. Our guest was Dr. Meredyth Jones Cook, Professor of Practice in Livestock Production at the School of Veterinary Medicine, Texas Tech University. Our guest today is Dr. Meredyth Jones Cook, Professor of Practice in Livestock Production at the School of Veterinary Medicine, Texas Tech University.Lameness and Hoof Problems in Cattle was a great discussion with Dr. Meredyth Jones-Cook. Dr. Cook was born in Texas and raised in Oklahoma, Missouri, and Kentucky. After spending many years in her dad’s mixed animal veterinary practice, she decided to attend veterinary school at Oklahoma State and focus on food animal medicine. After some time in private practice, she completed a residency to specialize in large animal internal medicine. She taught at Kansas State, Texas A&M, and Oklahoma State before joining the team at Texas Tech. She provides continuing education and consulting to large animal veterinarians, and she and her husband ranch together in Oklahoma along with their two daughters.Dr. Cook was such an enjoyable interview and provide easy to understand information that you can use in your operation.Dr. Peterman and Dr. Cook took on the following questions and provided great advice and feedback.Can you differentiate foot rot from other, more serious conditions that cause lameness in cattle?How can you determine when antibiotics are going to be beneficial in a lameness case and when more aggressive treatment is necessary?How can producers play an active role in preventing cattle from becoming lame?What are some various treatment options available for conditions such as septic joints, sole ulcers, and torn ligaments?Is there a correlation between hoof and joint health and pulmonary arterial pressure?Is increased lameness correlated to the increased size and weight of cattle?How much do genetics play a role in lameness and hoof health?Make sure and listen to this episode in its entirety and I would download it to keep as a resource. Great stuff!Lameness and Hoof Problems in Cattle
Cattlemen & Veterinarians: A Partnership in Bovine Health
For Future or Previous episodes visit our websites: 
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Cattlemen and Veterinarians: A Partnership in Bovine Health Sponsored by: 
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Cattle External Parasites - Cattlemen and Veterinarians

Cattle external parasites are a tremendous problem in cattle herds, and Summer brings on its unique challenges. Dr. Shynia Peterman and I are so excited to welcome you to the inaugural episode of Cattlemen & Veterinarians: A Partnership in Bovine Health!
Our purpose is to bring you information and resources from the industry's brightest minds to help you manage your herd health. Our format is casual, but don’t let that fool you; we dig deep to find the best solutions. We encourage our listeners to send in their questions and comments to gale@twinriversmedia.com.
Today’s episode topic is about external parasites in cattle operations. Lice, mites, ticks, flies, mosquitoes, and other pests can make a cow's life miserable and cost you money!
Our guest is Dr. Mark Alley. Dr. Alley is a managing veterinarian with the US cattle and equine Technical Services team at Zoetis. He joined Zoetis in 2014. His responsibilities include providing technical support to Zoetis territory business managers for cattle in the eastern United States. Mark is a native of Mississippi, having received his Doctor of Veterinary Medicine Degree from Mississippi State University in 1996.
Dr. Synia and Dr. Alley discuss external parasites in general, but then dig into various hotspots around the country, including Theileria orientalis Ikeda, a microscopic protozoan parasite that infects the red blood cells of cattle, causing anemia. The disease is primarily transmitted by the bite of an infected Asian Longhorned Tick (Haemaphysalis longicornis) or by blood transfer through the use of contaminated needles and equipment. The tick can feed on many animal species, including humans, but the blood parasite only affects cattle. Once a cow is infected, it may take 1-8 weeks before she shows symptoms of disease. The Asian Tick has been seen in large infestations across the US.
Dr. Shynia answers numerous questions from you our listeners. Make sure and check out her tips and solutions.
Cattlemen & Veterinarians: A Partnership in Bovine Health
For Future or Previous episodes visit our websites: 
American Cattlemen
American Dairymen
Cattlemen and Veterinarians: A Partnership in Bovine Health Sponsored by: 
Elanco Animal Health
Central Life Science

Beef and Greet Celebration

Welcome back to the American Dairymen Podcast. Just ahead, we have Gale McKinney, He's the owner of the American Dairymen, and he sits down with Larry Gran, the VP of Genetic Services for Jorgensen Land and Cattle, and Nichole Bechtel with Moly Manufacturing. Beef and Greet emerged as an innovative platform designed to bring beef producers together from across the United States. The primary goal extends beyond simply showcasing equipment and genetics; it's about creating meaningful connections among cattlemen, facilitating discussions about industry challenges, sharing potential solutions, and gaining new connections.
This year's event in Bentonville, Arkansas marked a significant milestone with record attendance, nearly doubling last year's participation from 75 to over 100 participants. The organizers are strategic about growth, aiming to maintain an intimate setting that allows for genuine interaction, with an ideal participant range of 150 to 200 producers.
The 2025 event promises an engaging agenda, including tours of the 808 Ranch and Vance Keaton's property, discussions about JLC's genetic programs, and an evening entertainment featuring singer-songwriter Claire Dunn. The organizers are committed to a regional approach, carefully curating participants who can contribute meaningful insights and learn from one another.Looking forward, the Beef and Greet team is exploring potential locations for future events, emphasizing the importance of accessibility and meaningful engagement. They are passionate about creating an environment where beef producers can network, share experiences, and collectively advance the industry.The podcast highlighted the event's organic growth, driven by a genuine desire to strengthen connections within the beef production community. By focusing on quality interactions and regional representation, Beef and Greet is positioning itself as a unique and valuable platform for cattlemen nationwide.
For previous episodes of the American Dairymen visit our website: https://americandairymen.com/podcasts/
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Dustin Sits Down with Noah Porter to Discuss Everything SmaXTec Does For The Dairy Industry

Today, we have the Director of Business Development for the American Dairymen Media Group and host; Dustin Hector & he sits down with Noah Porter, with SmaXTec. Dustin & Noah will sit down to discuss SmaXTec, what it does, what makes it unique, and Noah's role at the company. They will then get into how having an internal monitoring system helps dairy farmers catch health issues earlier.
Noah Porter hails from Wayne County, Ohio, and grew up in and around beef cow/calf operations. He went on to The Ohio State University to earn his undergraduate degrees in animal science, dairy science and ag business, followed by his master's in ruminant nutrition. Prior to joining the SmaXTec team, he worked for Select Sires and managed a dairy in Ohio. At SmaXTec, Noah's passion lies in helping dairy farmers use herd health monitoring data into actionable insights and profitable decision making. 
 
For previous episodes visit our website Podcasts - American Dairymen.
 
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Nutrition For Your Herd

Today, we have the Director of Business Development for the American Dairymen Media Group and host; Dustin Hector & he sits down with Dr. Kip Karges, with Lallemand Animal Nutrition. Dustin & Dr. Karges discuss why the spring season heading into summer is a critical window for nutrition. They will then get into why fiber digestibility is just as important as protein and minerals. With over 25 years of experience, Dr. Karges makes sure that this podcast is one you won't want to miss.
For previous episodes visit our website Podcasts - American Dairymen.
 
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