American Dairymen

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.
For previous episodes of the American Dairymen visit our website: https://americandairymen.com
American Dairymen Podcast is Sponsored By:
Udder Tech, Inc.
Profile Animal Health
Central Life Sciences

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
For previous episodes of the American Dairymen visit our website: https://americandairymen.com
American Dairymen Podcast is Sponsored By:
Udder Tech, Inc.
Profile Animal Health
Central Life Sciences

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
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

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
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

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
American Dairymen Podcast is Sponsored By:
Udder Tech, Inc.
Profile Animal Health
Central Life Sciences

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
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

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:
American Cattlemen
American Dairymen
Cattlemen and Veterinarians: A Partnership in Bovine Health Sponsored by:
Elanco Animal Health
Central Life Science

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:
Elanco Animal Health
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:
Udder Tech, Inc.
Profile Animal Health
Central Life Sciences

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: 
American Cattlemen
American Dairymen
Cattlemen and Veterinarians: A Partnership in Bovine Health Sponsored by: 
Elanco Animal Health
Central Life Science