Protein Producers Spring 2016

PROTEIN producers

Feedlot Cow-Calf Swine Dairy Equine Spring 2016

respiratory disease Commercial vaccines contain a generic selection of disease organisms from around the country.

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PINKEYE ®The Newport Laboratories Logo is a registered trademark of Newport Laboratories, Inc. ©2015 Newport Laboratories, Inc., Worthington, MN. All rights reserved. NL4826R (09/15)

PROTEIN Producers 2016 Volume 4 Issue 1

Editor Kelly Terrell Content Developer Lisa Taylor

THE PAC TEAM Dr. Wade Taylor Technology identification and deployment Dr. Tom Noffsinger Animal handling, staff development Dr. Doug Ford Reproduction, lameness Dr. Corbin Stevens Diagnostics and clinical evaluation Dr. Nels Lindberg Leadership development, field research Dr. Kip Lukasiewicz Animal handling, field research, facility design Dr. Jim Lowe System design and management, team education Dr. Shane Terrell Feedlot lameness, field research Dr. Kev Sullivan International veterinarian Animal handling, heat stress management Garrett Taylor Information management Kelly Terrell Marketing and communications Jose Valles Bilingual education & training, research monitoring Ted Howard Animal stewardship, horsemanship Lisa Taylor Business and data analysis

Service. Synthesis. Solutions. pacdvms.com

Cattle Receiving Procedures McClymont Feedyard Holdrege, NE Jesse Landin, Manager 4 pacdvms.com

We want to showcase unique photographs from our readers here!

Please submit your photographs to Kelly Terrell at kelly.terrell@pacdvms.com.

16

12 Contents Medicated Feeds and 12 Understanding Veterinary Feed Directives

22 Case Review 20 Clinical Mannheimia haemolytica in Beef Cattle

Part 2 - Day to Day Variation

15 Beef Fact and Fiction

22

16 Teamwork

24 Chuckles from Down Under

for the Horses: 17 Speaking Why We Vaccinate

Foote Receives Farm Journal 25 Brad Media’s 40 Under 40 Award

and Wagyu Cattle 18 Ultrasound Boost Small Feedyard’s Profits

26 Newest PAC Members

Sustainability in 2050: Adapting Industrialized Farming to Ecosystem Realities

27

Spring 2016

37

35

27 Choosing Your Facility’s Location

34

Are You Stuck? Or Moving Forward?

Matters as Weaning Time 28 Marbling Approaches

35

NCTA: Educating Agriculture’s Workforce

Valley Feeders Wins 30 Nodaway 2016 National Beef Quality Assurance

36

Cartoon by Doug Gaswick

31 PAC’s 2016 Annual Beef Summits

37

Getting to Know the PAC Team: Jose Valles

32 One Sweet Shootin’ Gun

39

Upcoming Events

Feedyard Award

Jarret Corn Feedyard owner Jarret Corn Cattle Company Plains, Texas

I GOT BACK 30 BUCKS A HEAD. I ALSO GOT BACK MY FAMILY. Using DRAXXIN® (tulathromycin) Injectable Solution has helped Jarret’s operation deliver fewer re-pulls, re-treats, chronics and mortalities. That’s because DRAXXIN provides long-lasting treatment and control of all four major bovine respiratory disease (BRD) pathogens. Plus, using DRAXXIN helped accelerate Jarret’s shipment days. “Having cattle here 15 days less reduces feed costs. The $2-per-head savings per day over 15 days returns $30 back in our pocket,” Jarret says. “And with the time I’ve saved doctoring and pulling, I’ve been able to reconnect with my family.” Talk with your veterinarian or visit draxxin.com/jarret.

Important Safety Information: DRAXXIN has a pre-slaughter withdrawal time of 18 days. Do not use in dairy cattle 20 months of age or older. Effects on reproductive performance, pregnancy and lactation have not been determined.

On your phone, use the bar code scanner app to scan this code and watch a video about Jarret Corn’s operation.

All trademarks are the property of Zoetis Inc., its affiliates and/or its licensors. ©2013 Zoetis Inc. All rights reserved. DRX13015

Welcome

The short days of winter are becoming longer, and the promises of a fresh start are showing up in the calving pastures. Cow-calf producers have spent countless hours planning, organizing records, evaluating body condition, feeding, fixing fence, fertility testing bulls, administering pre-breeding vaccinations, de-worming, putting up hay, preg checking, moving cows, putting out mineral, and did I mention fixing fence?

All of this hard work will be rewarded as we begin to see new baby calves nursing and playing on sun-warmed afternoons. Spring is a special time for all of us involved with agriculture; it is a new beginning and a reminder that miracles occur every day if we choose to recognize them. A few of my most vivid memories in practice involve spring calving and include those 2:00 am deliveries or assisting heifers giving birth for the first time. It is with this same excitement, diligence, and planning that the PAC team brings you this newest edition of Protein Producers.

This edition continues the theme of providing information pertaining to multiple disciplines of production by having educational sections related to cow-calf, swine, dairy, feedlot, research, facility design, and bilingual training. Our goal is to provide interesting educational material to our clients that can be used in the real world of production as they continue to grow their businesses.

If you have specific topics you would like included in the next edition of Protein Producers, please bring those to our attention by visiting our website at pacdvms.com and our contact information is listed.

Follow us on Twitter @PACVets

One of the current and important topics in livestock production today is the implementation of Veterinary Feed Directives, or VFD’s. Dr. Pete Anderson will continue a series explaining how to appropriately add this documentation to various production systems.

As we prepare to implement VFD’s with the goal of improving the judicious use of feed grade antibiotics, it will be essential to have timely communication and education.

These training sessions will need to involve veterinarians, nutritionists, management, and the people carrying out the directives. This is a great opportunity to work on improving communication within an organization.

The PAC team is excited to once again provide educational opportunities for our clients in 2016. Because we have more information than we can fit into a single event, we have decided to have an additional meeting.

There will be a stockmanship clinic in Kearney, Nebraska, on May 11th and our annual PAC summit in Oberlin, Kansas, on July 13th. We hope all of you can send team members to one or both meetings; we are excited to share with you new innovations and techniques to improve your businesses and educate your caregivers. Please consider joining us for two days of education and fellowship.

From all of us on the PAC team, we hope you enjoy this edition of Protein Producers and that it helps bring clarity to your business goals and provides inspiration.

Dr. Corbin Stevens

pacdvms.com

PROTECTS DAYS LONGER THAN

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Vista Once and Once PMH® SQ also provide 16-week protection against Mannheimia haemolytica and Pasteurella multocida – the only products with duration claims against these respiratory bacteria.

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It’s the only name that matters when protection matters most.

1 Vista product labels and Bovi-Shield Gold One Shot product label 2 Pyramid 5 + Presponse product label merck-animal-health-usa.com • 800-521-5767 Copyright ©2016 Intervet Inc., doing business as Merck Animal Health, a subsidiary of Merck & Co., Inc. All rights reserved.

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Contributors Dr. Pete Anderson

Director of Research, Midwest PMS, LLC Principal, Ag Knowledge Services agknowledgeservices.com

Dr. Matt Fehr

Partner at Animal Medical Center, Great Bend, KS Certified in animal chiropractic Works with both small animal and equine surgery, as well as cow/calf herd work and consultation myamcvets.com

Dr. Doug Smith

Division Chair and Assistant Professor of Animal Science and Agricultural Education Livestock Judging Coach at the University of Nebraska at Nebraska College of Technical Agriculture ncta.unl.edu

Thank you to all sponsors for supporting PAC & Protein Producers.

American Animal Health Animal Health International Boehringer Ingelheim CPEC Daniels Manufacturing Co. DOCTalk Elanco Lallemand Merck Animal Health

Production Animal Consultants

Thank you to the PAC members for contributing multiple stories and insights to Protein Producers.

Cover Photo Credits: Thank you to Katie Jorgensen for the picture, taken at Jorgensen Farms in Exeter, Nebraska.

Merial Micro Beef Technologies Newport Laboratories Norbrook Nova Microbial Technologies Nutrition Physiology Company Whisper Veterinary Stethoscope Zinpro Zoetis

pacdvms.com 11

Understanding Medicated Feeds

Part Two – Day to Day Variation By: Dr. Pete Anderson, Midwest PMS, LLC Introduction: As the cattle feeding industry prepares for application of Veterinary Feed Directive (VFD) regulations, cattle feeders and veterinarians will need to know more about how much cattle eat, how medications are delivered in feed and what is necessary to work under the new regulations. This Technical Update is part of a series to help with that understanding.

Medicated feed additives must be fed according to label restrictions approved by the FDA. Labels specify that feed additives are delivered to cattle either on a grams of medication per ton of feed basis (g/t), or a mg of medication per head per day basis (mg/hd/d).

Some labels include both measures and most labels include a range around one or both measures. One way to think of it is a g/t label means “dosing the feed” and a mg/ hd/d label means “dosing the cattle”.

To properly administer medications either way, a cattle feeder must know how much feed the cattle will eat. Part One of this series detailed predictable difference in feed consumption due to known factors like sex and placement weight.

On average steers eat more than heifers and heavy cattle eat more than light cattle as depicted in chart 1, using data from the Midwest PMS performance database. It is clear from this example that a diet formulated to deliver the proper amount of medication to a pen of light heifers, could miss the mark for a pen of heavy steers, or vice versa.

There are other known factors that have predictable effects on feed consumption. For example, cattle that consume flaked corn will eat less on average than those eating dry rolled or high moisture corn.

Another source of variation is seasonality with cattle generally consuming more feed when there are more hours of daylight.

There are also sources of variation that cannot be pre12 pacdvms.com

Chart 1

Chart 2

and Veterinary Feed Directives dicted. Not all cattle of the same sex and weight consume the same amount of feed. Chart 2 shows the population distribution of feed intake for 750 lb heifers or 850 lb steers.

These bell-shaped curves are typical of a normally distributed population. The highest point on each curve represents the most common occurrence.

Most cattle eat around the average amount. But the tails of the curves are meaningful, too. Some cattle eat much more or less than average. For example, consumption of 26 lb is far above average and near the upper end of the steer curve but that single data point still represents over 26,000 head of cattle.

This normal variation must also be considered when determining the proper amount of a medicated feed in the diet of cattle. If diets are formulated based on either the average or the most common intake level, cattle that consume much more or less than that amount of feed will not get the correct amount of medication.

As if all of the previous sources of variation don’t make feed complicated enough, we will now introduce another source – variation across days.

All of the data above are based on the average consumption for a pen of cattle, determined at closeout by dividing the total quantity of feed consumed by the total number of head days. But the cattle did not eat exactly that amount every day, they varied from one day to the next, so formulating diets to deliver medicated feed based on that average could miss the mark, too.

Differences in feed consumption across days are due to the process of starting cattle, the increase in weight as cattle grow, normal variation from one day to the next and changes in season (temperature and daylight) while cattle are on feed. On top of that, events like re-implanting and re-vaccination or weather events like storms or heat, can dramatically change feed consumption.

Starting cattle on feed is among the most important management challenges for cattle feeders and the nutritionist and veterinarian consultants that advise them.

When cattle arrive at a feedyard, most are not prepared to consume high energy finishing diets so they need to transition from a roughage based diet to a grain based diet. This transition period allows the cattle to adapt, and the rumen microbial population to shift to species of bacteria that can handle grain.

Chart 3

pacdvms.com 13

A typical transition period takes 20-25 days and includes 4 or 5 steps (intermediate diets) from a starter diet that is mostly roughage to the finishing diet that is 80% or more grain.

This transition is a challenge because bunk readers are trying to react to and predict feed consumption behavior of cattle that just arrived and are in a new environment.

Not all cattle react the same so there is both art and science involved. Plus, the health challenges are typically greatest during the step-up period because cattle are exposed to new pathogens and are still developing immunity.

Chart 3 tracks feed consumption for three pens of cattle.

These were yearling steers fed in the same SWKS feedyard with the same starting on feed program.

The chart includes feed intake data for each of the first 40 days and then 10 day intervals thereafter. The lines are a little bumpy for a couple reasons. First, the starting program in this yard involves diet changes on day 2, 5, 10 and 14 (the steps in the step-up) and cattle often eat a little less the day after the diet has been changed. Second, even the best feed callers (and this yard has one of the best) cannot always accurately predict how much a pen of cattle will eat on any given day.

For example, pen A was a pen of very healthy 928 lb steers that were aggressive eaters. They consumed over 13 lb of dry feed on their first day in the yard, 18 lb the next day and kept going. On day 8 they got 27 lb and that was a little ahead of them and they backed off when the diet was changed.

After a few down days due to the diet change, and another small dip when the finish ration was introduced, they resumed a steady climb that continued for the entire feeding period and ended with an average consumption of 27.3 lb.

They also had ADG of 4.99 and feed conversion of 5.48 so they used all of that feed efficiently.

Now look at Pen C. These were 924 lb steers started a few weeks later. Their consumption was more steady, increasing feed intake most days with a small dip when the finish diet was introduced and steady again after that.

This pen was eating much less than Pen A until day 40 or so, then increased throughout the rest of the feeding period and eating about as much in the last few weeks. They ended with an average consumption of 26.2 lb, ADG of 5.01 and F/G of 5.24.

Pen B was a more finicky bunch. They were fed 9.5 lb the first day but did not clean it up so were reduced to 6 lb the next day. They then increased pretty rapidly but settled on a lower level of peak consumption than the other pens shown. That makes sense because they weighed 778 lb on arrival and would be expected to eat a couple pounds less than the bigger steers in the other pens.

Note also the dip around day 40, due to re-implanting, which affected this pen more than the others. Pen B aver14 pacdvms.com

aged 23.4 lb of consumption for the entire feeding period with ADG of 4.40 and F/G of 5.37.

Feed consumption increased in each of these pens as their weight increased, but in different ways. From day 30 to 130, feed intake of Pen A increased by 3.4 lb and the increase was steady and consistent. Pen B increased 1.5 lb in that time frame and that increase was steady, except for the re-implant dip already noted. Pen C increased by a larger amount, 4.7 lb, with more ups and downs.

Weather also affects day to day consumption with heat stress, cold stress and even wind often reducing feed consumption.

Management events, like re-implanting and re-vaccination can affect intake of some pens but not others. Changes in diet formulation or source of ingredients, or a change to new crop corn, can also affect consumption across the yard.

Experienced feed callers can take the changes or events into account but it is not practical to adjust diets or supplements each time to alter feed additive levels.

Summary: Proper diet formulation requires a good estimate of how much feed cattle will eat. To properly prescribe medicated feed additives, and to meet the requirements of the Veterinary Feed Directive, veterinarians, nutritionists and their cattle feeding clients will need to understand the factors that affect feed consumption, including known biological relationships and normal variation.

Variation across days must be considered as well. Subsequent updates will discuss how to most precisely hit feed additive targets, considering all of these sources of variation.

Beef Often times only one side of a story is told…..

Fiction

Fact

Are cattle bad for Environment?

The Facts!



“A staggering 51% or more of greenhouse gas emissions are caused by animal agriculture” –PETA



Agriculture produces 9% of greenhouse gas emissions, ruminants contribute 3% -AIA



Shift towards a vegan diet is vital to save the world from hunger, fuel poverty and the worst impacts of climate change -UNEP



Grasslands cover more >25% of the earths landmass, these are not suitable for crop production -Journal of Animal Science –JAS



Livestock farming poses a significant threat to the earths biodiversity –One Green Planet



Cattle’s efficiently convert forages from grassland into high quality animal products plus grazing can promote environmental health if managed appropriately – JAS

Is eating Beef bad for my health?

The Facts!



Beef products are loaded with cholesterol and saturated fat which leads to heart disease, type 2 diabetes and obesity -PETA



HDL cholesterol can protect against heart attack and stroke -American Heart Association



“Cattle raised for food are implanted with hormones and therefore eating beef is like eating a hormone buffet” -PETA



There is a staggering 100 millions times more estrogenic activity in soy products than in beef from implanted steer –USDA

Are cattle treated poorly?

The Facts!



Cattle are often mistreated by producers -ASPCA



There is zero tolerance for the mistreatment of animals, also the abuse of animals is not economically favorable for producers -Temple Grandin



Slaughter is painful for the animal -HSUS



Before slaughter, animals are stunned and instantaneously rendered insensible to pain–Temple Grandin

Teamwork By: Ted Howard, Production Animal Consultation You don’t have to look hard to find information on teamwork. Material concerning teamwork floods our daily lives through our Facebook pages, the articles we read and in the media we watch. The legendary UCLA basketball coach, John Wooden is one of the most quoted and highly regarded coaches of all times. His sentiment of “much can be accomplished by teamwork when no one is concerned about who gets credit” is spot on. However, do we ever stop and ask ourselves what teamwork actually looks like in our own organization?

I am very fortunate to have been given the opportunity to align myself with PAC’s Stewardship Division. Working alongside some very genuine stockmen/women, in some great feedyards, has allowed me to witness all kinds of great teamwork efforts. The teamwork between departments in some of these yards elevates them way ahead of their peers in safety, health and gain of their cattle and employee satisfaction.

The best practices of teamwork I have seen are amongst those that respect each other and understand that each department’s function is crucial to the well being of the livestock. Cowboy crews that open gates for feed truck drivers and feed truck drivers that help set gates for the cowboys as they move cattle throughout the yard are demonstrating teamwork. The cowboys will wait at bunk gates for the feed truck drivers to complete their feeding pass prior to entering the feed alley are showing respect.

The communication between these two departments is very important. In yards where these departments work together, feed truck drivers will identify cattle that are down in pens or report anything abnormal to the cowboys. The cowboys in turn, will report any health issues that are feed related back to the feeding crews.

Cowboy crews will open gates for the maintenance crews 16 pacdvms.com

when they are entering the pens. Pen cleaners will stop their equipment when a cowboy enters and rides the pen. This is a very safe practice for the rider and horse. Some horses are new to the feedyard environment and are frightened of feed trucks and other equipment. It is crucial that all team members in a feedyard understand that every horse is different and that they react differently to each situation.

In yards with strong teamwork, I see maintenance crews shag cattle for the processing crew. Cowboy crews help with fence maintenance as time allows. The processing crews handle the cattle quietly from the home pen through the processing facility and back to the pen. This proper handling of cattle makes them easier to handle and sickness easier to detect for the cowboy crew. The cowboy crews help take processed cattle back to their home pens late in the day to allow the processing crew to continue processing and finish up timely. In yards that value teamwork, everyone leaves at the same time.

The leading feedyards also demonstrate teamwork between management and each department. Managers, who acknowledge and respect each person on their teams, are setting a very important example. A manager’s positive recognition helps build morale and instills the importance of teamwork throughout the organization.

Working with a good team makes for a much safer and enjoyable day for everyone involved. Perhaps John Wooden said it best when he said “a player who makes a team great is much more valuable than a great player”.

Speaking for the Horses: Why We Vaccinate By: Dr. Matt Fehr, Animal Medical Center

Generally when I write articles such as this, I draw from my day to day experiences in veterinary practice for inspiration, and this one is no exception. A recent experience got me to thinking about why we vaccinate our horses. In general, the very basic reason why we vaccinate is to keep them from getting sick. We are trying to prevent them from developing the diseases that we vaccinate against. But is that it? Is preventing them from being sick the only reason?

I will admit that keeping your horse healthy is the number one reason you vaccinate it. However, if we broaden our perspective a bit, we can consider the entire population of horses that our individual horse comes into contact with.

We constantly talk about population medicine when we talk about the cattle we watch after every day, but we probably don’t spend enough time focusing on the entire horse population. For example, if you have a non-vaccinated horse, and you take that horse to a roping on a weekend and he contracts an influenza virus, then you bring that horse back to the yard and he becomes very ill. Now, your sick horse is penned with, or in close proximity to, every other horse in the yard. Hopefully the other horses are all vaccinated, but even a vaccinated horse can succumb to disease when faced with a high enough pathogen load. So now not only is your horse sick and possibly off work, but so are several others. Thus we are losing productivity as well as spending money treating multiple animals and possibly extra preventative measures to attempt to keep even more horses from getting sick.

We could discuss an attempt at eliminating some of the diseases from the entire population as we have essentially done with diseases such as polio in people and brucellosis in cattle…….but I fear there are too many reservoirs in the wild animal populations that will make that quite impossible. Viruses such as West-Nile being spread by birds and rabies being able to infect any mammal, force elimination out of the realm of possibilities.

The other “outside the box” reason for vaccination, and the one that stimulated this article, is prevention of zoonosis. I was recently called to look at a horse that had been down for two days. Upon arrival at the farm, I went straight into my normal examination as I would any other horse on any other day. I didn’t stop to put gloves on (as I was trained to do in school) for that “just in case” chance that the horse

had something I could contract. It was actually not until I was discussing the case with an internist friend of mine that rabies was put into my train of thought. Many explicit curse words went through my head as I thought about the possibility of this horse having rabies. There was no known rabies vaccination in this particular horse’s history and there were several people who had been in contact with the horse since it had become sick. Long story short, the horse died within two days and then tested positive for rabies. (Insert more explicit curse words.)

Being a veterinarian, I have previously been vaccinated for rabies and we routinely check our titers and receive booster shots as needed. My post exposure treatment consisted of two shots, three days apart. Not terrible in the grand scheme of things, but they were costly and who likes shots? Not this guy. However, the others who had been exposed to the horse did not have it quite so easy. They each received a series of 4-6 shots as well as a dose of IV IgG, which I was told would probably cost in the neighborhood of $8-10,000 each.

Why am I telling you all this? Because the entire incident could have been avoided by simply vaccinating the horse.

Rabies is one disease that is nearly 100% preventable. The vaccine is considered very protective and very successful at preventing the disease. In addition, if you contract rabies and become clinically ill, it is nearly 100% fatal. Essentially, you get rabies and you die.

West Nile is another zoonotic disease that we routinely vaccinate our horses for. Although it is not transmitted directly from the horse to a person, if your horse has it and a mosquito feeds from that horse then feeds on you, you get West Nile. West Nile is not nearly as fatal as rabies.

Although, those I have known that contracted it, said they sometimes wished they would die because the disease made them so miserable.

In closing, I highly encourage you to keep your horses up to date on their vaccinations, not just to protect them, but to protect surrounding horses as well as yourself. I’m sure you have heard the phrase “an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure”. This is a true statement! Treating a horse (or group of horses) for diseases that are preventable is much more costly than vaccinating them, not only in money, but performance, stress and potentially life. pacdvms.com 17

Ultrasound and Wagyu Cattle Boost Small Feedyard’s Profits By: Larry Stalcup Reprinted with permission from Calf News Tenderness pays, even if it means keeping cattle on feed an extra 100-150 days.

That’s the Wagyu way of feeding at Morris Stock Farm near Gruver, Texas. And ultrasound data collected on every animal helps identify cattle that will produce a Prime or High Choice carcass demanded by high-end steakhouses – demand that produces a $15-$20/cwt. premium.

Joe Morris, his wife Nancy, daughter Brandy, and his sister Sherry, run the 6,000-head feedyard. His father, Vance, started it in 1957. “My dad began custom feeding in 1962,” Morris says. “We’ve never missed a feeding since then and we’ve never been empty. Not many feed-yards can say that.”

The operation also includes several thousand farm acres, where wheat and native pasture provide grazing for Morris’s cow-calf and stocker program.

When the economy went south in 2009, they looked for a niche to offset the market downturn. Wagyu was the answer.

He began working with the Texas Wagyu Association (TWA), which has been a springboard for many producers, small and large. Some, in the weekend-ranchers category, may run four or five animals. Others are all-in with Wagyu bulls on breeds of females, from Angus to Holstein and beyond.

Wagyu refers to all Japanese cattle. “Wa” means Japanese or Japanese-style and “gyu” means cattle, says TWA. Wagyu are the cattle made famous by Kobe beef. Known for its extreme marbling and tenderness, Wagyu was not available outside of Japan until recent years.

The breed has now established itself in many places around the world, and has strong foothold in Texas.

“Wagyu beef has a higher ratio of mono-unsaturated fatty acid to saturated fatty acid, are more tender and tasty, and can improve marbling and quality grade in crosses,” TWA says. “Wagyu bulls are great for calving ease in heifers, with birth weights normally between 40 and 60 pounds.”

While custom feeding for others, Morris Stock Farm also produces Wagyu F1 and full-blood animals.

“This program has kept us open,” Morris says. “We have 18 pacdvms.com

a niche. I don’t have to compete with Cargill, JBS and others who get breaks on high volume purchases of medicines and other inputs. Last year we received cattle from 35 different producers from the Panhandle, South Texas, Louisiana, Arkansas and other states.”

Calves typically go on feed at about 500 pounds. “They are all-natural and receive a corn-based ration that includes an alcohol based product, Kobe Tech E,” Morris says. “It has been proven to aid in conversion, weight gain and marbling.”

Average daily gain is a little lower than what is typically seen. “We see gains of 2.2 to 2.5 (pounds per day),” Morris says. “Some Angus-cross cattle see 2.8. They will be on feed close to 300 days.”

Ultrasound Sorting All cattle are scanned by ultrasound at least twice, usually

by Lynn Allen with Cattle Performance Enhancement Co. (CPEC).

Ultrasound images with overlays show backfat, marbling and muscle depth (an indicator of ribeye size) measurements using the computer processing procedures developed and patented by John Brethour, one of the founders of CPEC and former Kansas State University meat science researcher. Wade Taylor, DVM, and Tom Noffsinger, DVM, are the other two CPEC owners.

“Cattle are first scanned at about 120-140 days on feed,” Allen says. “From that scan, we figure out where they are in marbling. We scan them again in another 80-120 days. From that data, we have a good idea what they’ll do with another 60-90 days on feed.”

A Beef Marbling Score (USDA) of 8.0 is Prime. Over 7.0 is near High Choice. If the cattle show Low Choice or below the first scan, they are usually sorted out and fed for normal marketing channels.

“They have to be Prime or High Choice because they are going to high-end markets,” Allen says. “With the ultrasound, we know which cattle will be ready to go to those markets.”

During a recent scanning session at the Morris yard, one steer topped 1,500 pounds with a BMS of 8.2. With a carcass that will likely push 900 lbs., and a premium of $15-20/ cwt. for Prime, that’s an extra $135-$180 per head.

right for your operation.

Talk to your veterinarian about prescription ZACTRAN. For more information, visit ZACTRAN.com.

®ZACTRAN is a registered trademark of Merial. ©2015 Merial, Inc., Duluth, GA. All rights reserved.

RUMIOTD1405 (01/14)

Morris says the feedyard “focuses on F1, a few F2s or full-blood Wagyu.” One animal fed for a TWA member finished with spectacular BMS 12, YG. The BMS 12 was based on an Australian grading score. It would correlate to a very high USDA Prime score.

Now, with so many Holsteins in the feeding picture due to low beef-cow numbers, Morris says some customers are looking at Waygu bulls bred to the dairy-breed females. We’re trying to fine-tune the ultrasound scans for Holsteins.”

He says most feeding customers have Wagyu bulls on Angus females. “It appears that the more Angus we get in them, the more they grade,” he says. One customer with Angus crosses is Rex Ralston of Gruver, who is also on the TWA board.

“We’ve been running Wagyu bulls about nine years,” Ralston says. “I started using them on heifers for easy calving. I ended up putting them on my commercial black females. We feed out 100-150 calves a year and we’re trying to add more. Most finish at Prime. That’s why we have stuck with them.”

He prefers to feed with Morris, both because it specializes in Wagyu and is within a half hour of his farm-ranch operation. “Also, I don’t think you have to feed these cattle 400-500 days like some do. Joe is able get them to grade at

least 100 days faster.”

Most of the Morris cattle are slaughtered through a local small packing facility. Beef is then marketed through several buyers that cater to the high-end markets. One is Foodshed Exchange, which connects chefs to primary food sources.

Morris says that since some customers may not be seasoned in Wagyu production, he works closely with them to help improve their efficiency. “Part of what we do is educate producers on what they need to do to get their cattle ready for the feedyard,” he says, adding that he also sends potential customers located too far away to facilities closer to their ranch. “I’ve had people call from Oregon wanting me to feed their cattle. I put them in touch with someone closer to them. They’ll do the same for me.”

For smaller operators like the Morris family, remaining in business in times of a short feeder supply requires both cowboy ingenuity and finding the niche that fits their operation. “We’re all in this together,” Allen says. “In this Wagyu program, we’re identifying the higher marbling product that will bring a lot more dollars. Others in our industry may need to find their own special market, then develop a plan to service it.”

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Clinical Case Review: Mannheimia haemolytica in Beef Cattle By: Jose Valles and Lisa Taylor, Production Animal Consultation Mannheimia haemolytica is a primary bacterial pathogen of bovine respiratory disease (BRD) in beef cattle and therefore causes significant economic loss for cattle operations through decreased cattle performance and health status.

Previously known as Bacterium bipolare multicidum and Pasteurella haemolytica, this pathogen affects bovine and ovine populations worldwide.

Mannheimia haemolytica is a Gram-negative coccobacillus belonging to the Pasteurellaceae family. It is non-sporeforming, non-motile and facultative anaerobic. There are 12 serotypes of M. haemolytica; serotype A1 is most commonly isolated from the lungs of BRD cases.

There are two reasons why cattle get sick: 1) an overwhelming dose of a pathogen or 2) a suppressed immune system. Mannheimia haemolytica is a bacterium that normally inhabits the upper respiratory tract (nasal passages) of cattle without causing any negative health effects. However, when a calf ’s immune system is suppressed due to calf stress or a viral infection (IBR, BVD, etc.), the bacteria are able to colonize and cause disease in the lung after being inhaled.

Virulence factors of the bacteria such as leukotoxin and lipopolysaccharide cause pulmonary tissue damage, resulting in BRD. Respiratory disease associated with M. haemolytica infection commonly follows stressful events such as a viral infection, changes in diet, changes in weather, commingling of cattle, long-duration transport and weaning. Proper management prior to shipping that reduces stress or improves immune status of beef cattle is important in preventing BRD in feeder cattle due to M. haemolytica.

Cattle sick with BRD associated with M. haemolytica commonly exhibit clinical signs such as going off feed, depression, standing alone, difficulty breathing, fever, grunting, coughing, nasal discharge and weight loss (Figure 1). These symptoms may vary depending on the severity of the disease and if the calf has a case complicated another bacterial or viral infection (either primary or secondary).

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Figure 1: Depression, anorexia, and poor tolerance to exercise are clinical signs of Mannheimia haemolytica infections.

Recommended medical examination of cattle suspect of M. haemolytica infection includes rectal temperature, lung auscultation, visual clinical signs, feed intake, water consumption and movement. Cattle with BRD should be treated as soon as possible and then be closely monitored and provided supportive care.

The right cranial (towards head) lung lobe is the most commonly affected lung lobe in cattle BRD cases. Cattle affected by M. haemolytica commonly present acute fibrinous pleuropneumonia and cranial-ventral broncho-consolidation. This presents as a dark red area of the lung and the affected lung tissue is heavy and firm compared to the normal lung being spongy, pink and light. Common gross lesions found at necropsy include accumulation of fibrin, necrosis, and thrombosis of the lung lobes on the bottom/ front quadrant of the lungs. (Figures 2, 3) Presence of M. haemolytica in the lower respiratory tract can be confirmed with bacterial culture while the calf is alive or dead. Samples from live cattle can be collected by bronchoalveolar lavage, tracheal swab, or transtracheal wash. Tissue samples from the lung of a dead calf can be collected at necropsy and sent to a diagnostic laboratory for bacterial isolation. Nasal and tonsil swab samples may test

Figure 2: Edema, hyperemia, and infiltration of neutrophils seen in very acute Mannheimia haemolytica infections. (Below) Figure 3: Ventral consolidation and congestion seen in severe unresponsive Mannheimia haemolytica cases.

positive in healthy animals due to the bacteria’s commensal status in the upper respiratory tract. A newer diagnostic technology for diagnosing many BRD pathogens (bacteria or viral) at once is called multiplex polymerase chain reaction (multiplex PCR).

Early diagnosis and prompt treatment of cattle suffering from BRD are key in case success. Several classes of antibiotics are labeled for treatment of BRD; however, research has shown some isolates of M. haemolytica are resistant to particular classes of antibiotics. Working with your veterinarian is crucial to setting up case definitions and treatment protocols for antibiotic selection and judicious use in cattle feeding facilities. Supportive care is essential for all BRD cases.

Management practices aimed at reducing stress are the primary line of defense against disease outbreaks associated with M. haemolytica. Good animal handling practices as well

as proper timing and methods for weaning and transportation are essential. Direct shipment of calves from ranch to feedlot is ideal to reduce morbidity. Feed and fresh, clean water must be available at all times. In addition to appropriate pen spacing and conditions, adequate bunk and water tank spacing is very important. Increased biosecurity measures including sanitation and reduction of commingling are key for disease prevention.

Bacterin, live culture, and subunit vaccines for M. haemolytica are available. However, evidence on the effectiveness of vaccination for M. haemolytica is inconclusive; some studies suggest vaccination may actually be detrimental to cattle health. If vaccine is used, cattle should be vaccinated at least 3 weeks prior to transportation and may be vaccinated again upon feedlot arrival. In some cases, high risk cattle may be given a metaphylactic dose of antibiotic at the time of feedlot arrival to reduce respiratory morbidity.

Consult with your veterinarian to determine appropriate vaccination protocols and management practices for your operation.

References Campbell, J. 2015. Bacterial pneumonia in cattle. The Merck Veterinary Manual. Accessed February 16, 2016, from http://www.merckvetmanual.com/mvm/respiratory_system/respiratory_diseases_of_cattle/bacterial_pneumonia_in_cattle.html.

Campbell, J. 2015. Enzootic pneumonia of calves and shipping fever pneumonia. The Merck Veterinary Manual.

Accessed February 16, 2016, from http://www.merckvetmanual.com/mvm/respiratory_system/respiratory_diseases_of_cattle/enzootic_pneumonia_of_calves_and_shipping_fever_pneumonia.html.

Irsik, M. 2010. Bovine respiratory disease associated with Mannheimia haemolytica or Pasteurella multocida. Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences, University of Florida VM163.

Rice, J.A., L. Carrasco-Medina, D.C. Hodgins, P.E. Shewen. 2007. Mannheimia haemolytica and bovine respiratory disease. Animal Health Research Reviews 8(2): 117-128.

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Sustainability in 2050: Adapting Industrialized Farming to Ecosytem Realities By: Dr. Jim Lowe, Production Animal Consultation Growing up in the heart of the US corn and soybean belt, son of a vocational agriculture teacher and always around farms and farmers, from a very young age I have been fascinated with all aspects of how we provide food to the world.

Professionally I have had the good fortune to explore that fascination as a food animal veterinarian, pork producer, row crop farmer, scientist, and teacher - creating, using and sharing ideas across the entire spectrum of food production, processing and distribution.

Over the last 20 years as professional I have observed a mind boggling improvement in the output and efficiency of animal agriculture as we have applied industrial processes and techniques. While our current level of operational efficiency in animal agriculture is impressive, adapting our “fence row to fence row” approach to livestock production is necessary to meet the world’s food supply needs over the next 35 years in a sustainable way.

While we typically think of the term “fence row to fence row” when talking about corn farmers, animal agriculture, which I have been a willing and exuberant part of, embraces the same approach. Quite simply we have focused on short term maximization of economic returns that involves maximizing density of a single livestock species of a very limited range of genotypes in narrow geographic regions. While this approach has led to huge leaps in operational efficiency, it has created an ever increasing list of epidemic diseases which create huge economic losses, massive reductions in

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operational efficiency and a high degree of variability in our food supply.

Porcine Epidemic Diarrhea Virus (PEDv) is only the latest example. This vulnerability is the result of massive populations in close proximity, that are highly interconnected and which have a low degree of resistance to changes in existing or novel diseases. This means that any agent which is introduced quickly spreads across the entire population.

In ecosystem speak, new or changed disease agents are exotic species with little pressure in their new ecosystem to keep them in check.

As a scientist, clinician and producer I have a unique perspective on the constraints to address the disease challenges before us. I am in awe of the technologies employed in industrial crop production to quickly and accurately address challenges.

While the use of GMO technology and precision chemicals has been very effective for crop producers, animal agriculture will need a different approach to address disease pressure. The genetic complexity of animals, the lack of customer tolerance of GMO in animals, and slow rate of genetic change through even the most technologically advanced breeding programs limits our ability to use genetic based approaches to reduce the impact of disease.

In addition, the rapid emergence and change of pathogens makes the development of new vaccines and antibiotics difficult. Many novel pathogens are not suitable candidates for immuno-prophylaxis as they are immuno-evasive.

Increased societal pressure to limit antibiotic use with the aim of prolonging their effectiveness in humans limits the scope of antibiotics to control bacterial agents.

Fortunately we are at the forefront of a wave of novel technologies that will allow us to understand animal agriculture production systems in deeper and more meaningful ways. Advanced high-throughput genomics is one example of the next wave of biological science that will meaningfully impact our ability to control animal disease.

When these advanced genomics techniques are used on both the microbiome and the host and coupled together with measures of cellular biology to understand gene expression and metabolism, a holistic assessment of disease can begin.

By using these holistic approaches we can begin to understand how our animal rearing systems impact disease resistance at the host and population level allowing us to adapt management strategies to optimize production efficiency over the long run.

While these technologies can be revolutionary, it will take not only dedicated work by individuals but a new model of collaboration across a wide diversity of disciplines. This type of collaboration is happening, but traditional academic models and funding sources have not lent themselves to these collaborative research models.

I have been heartened that generally people are excited about building these diverse teams among academics, clinicians and industry. Non-traditional sources of funding,

while limited in scale, have been excited to be involved with these novel teams.

So what am I going to do to help build a sustainable way to feed the world by 2050? I am going to focus on building cross functional teams to address these complex problems.

Then we can build animal management systems that by design are more resistant to disease and provide a low cost, safe supply of meat in a way that preserves the planet we live on by using fewer resources per kilogram of meat produced.

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Chuckles From Down Under By: Jane Sullivan Peter and James were running through the jungle. Suddenly, a tiger appeared from a distance, running towards them. Peter took out a pair of Nike running shoes from his bag and started to put them on.

“Do you really think you will run faster than the tiger with those?” James asked.

Peter replied, “I don’t have to outrun it, I just have to run faster than you.”

A rabbi and a priest met at the town’s annual picnic. They were old friends and began their usual banter.

“This ham is delicious,” the priest teased the rabbi. “You really ought to try it. I know it’s against your religion but

you haven’t lived until you’ve tried Mrs Hall’s prized Virginia ham. Tell me when you are going to break down and have some.”

The rabbi looked at his friend with a big grin and said, “At your wedding!”

An elderly lady zoomed past a state trooper who was cruising along at a nominal speed. He gave chase and after he had brought her to a stop, he asked her for her license.

The woman looked at him sharply. “Young man,” she said, “How can I be expected to show my driver’s license when you people keep taking it away?”

Easy on cattle and your bottom line.

1

Titanium® vaccines have no impact on feed intake and result in little to no post-treatment side effects, so you can keep your cattle on track with health management solutions that don’t interrupt your day-to-day operations or affect your bottom line.1,2 It’s BRD protection that doesn’t impact performance, so you can be confident in every dose.

ELANCO.US/TITANIUM

A DOSE OF CONFIDENCE The label contains complete use information, including cautions and warnings.

Always read, understand and follow the label and use directions.

As measured by body temperature, feed intake, injection-site reaction or white blood cell count. 2Terhaar, B. 2001.

Evaluating the effects of vaccine-induced stress on productivity. Study No. TR-13. Published by Agri Laboratories Ltd. Do not vaccinate within 21 days of slaughter. Elanco, Titanium® and the diagonal bar are trademarks owned or licensed

by Eli Lilly and Company, its subsidiaries or affiliates. © 2015 Elanco Animal Health FYDH 35192 USBBUTIT00069

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Congratulations: Brad Foote Receives Farm Journal Media’s 40 Under 40 Award

Reprinted from Farm Journal, 40under40ag.com

Brad Foote, 38, manager of Imperial Beef, a feedyard near Imperial, Nebraska, believes in doing business right.

That means doing business with his neighbors face to face and sealing the deal with a handshake.

Those neighbors are the key to the feedyard’s success.

Nearly all inputs from hay and high-moisture corn to dry corn for flaking as part of a high-gain ration are locally sourced. Manure from the pens is returned to local farm ground. Even the calves and yearlings are sourced from local ranches.

“It’s a benefit to everyone,” said Foote. “We’re able to meet our needs and our neighbors find a ready and competitive market for their goods. It’s a win-win for all.”

“Imperial Beef provides a tremendous value-added benefit to the local Ag economy by providing an outlet for utilizing the local farmers’ and ranchers’ products right here locally rather than having all of this economic activity shipped out of the area,” said Doug Gaswick, controller for Foote Cattle Company.

As a long-time Imperial Beef employee, he knows firsthand the benefits of the Foote family approach.

“With retaining all of this economic activity in the region, a large number of jobs have been created, not only with the feedyard but for the entire local Ag sector, as well

as for our main-street businesses. Imperial Beef is a huge economic asset to the area.”

The cooperative concept does not imply Foote’s operation is a small affair. He and his family own and operate five feed-yards in western Kansas and southwestern Nebraska, with a total capacity of around 200,000 head. They buy 500950 pound steers and heifers and feed them for the fat cattle market.

“It’s important to realize efficiencies of scale,” said Foote. “We’re not growing any more land, so every acre has to be as productive as possible. That means getting more bushels per acre and more pounds per head.”

The Foote family, including Brad’s father, Bob, and brothers, Greg and Scott, entered the cattle business on the family farm near Bucyrus, Kansas, where they row-cropped and managed a backgrounding yard.

As the operation grew, they came to realize moving west offered more opportunities for expansion.

“We have a passion for feeding cattle,” said Foote of the family business. “It’s what we love to do. We strongly believe we need to be leaders in feeding the world a good product. We want to be part of producing a safe, healthy product for the world to enjoy.”

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Newest PAC Member

Braxton Allen Petr

Birthday: June 5th, 2015 Parents: Austin Petr and Kara Himmelberg

Newest PAC Member

Kord MaCrae Myers

Birthday: November 6th, 2015 Parents: RJ and Katie Myers

Daniels Manufacturing Co. World’s Finest Livestock Equipment For Over Fifty Years •

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Choosing Your Facility’s Location By: Dr. Kip Lukasiewicz Production Animal Consultation Selecting the site for the receiving, shipping, and processing facilities is often overlooked as an important consideration when planning the layout of your new feedlot or feedlot expansion or when relocating your existing facility.

Many times, pens and feeding facilities are built before determining the best location for receiving, shipping, and processing facilities. In this case, the best way to select a site for these facilities is to use an overhead view of your operation to evaluate the flow of cattle through the operation.

Facilities are often built so that the crew can be visually assessed from the office. However, this can be problematic because such locations are often in congested areas with high traffic that can interfere with the voluntary flow of cattle.

Cattle focus on one thing at a time; too much commotion and motion outside the facility will make cattle more fearful of or aggressive toward their surroundings.

Instead, the facility should be placed in an area that is central to your facility but somewhat on the perimeter of your operation. This makes the facilities easily accessed during receiving and shipping and also reduces distractions for cattle moving through the facilities.

Receiving and shipping facilities can be located with the processing facility as long as the two are separated to allow simultaneous operation without interference. For example, a single facility used for receiving, shipping, processing, and sorting might be designed so that shipping and receiving

are carried out on one end of the facility while processing and sorting are performed on the other end. Tasks can be executed at both ends simultaneously without interference.

Above: Shipping or receiving can be performed simultaneously with processing in a properly-designed facility.Loculiusse, vicaesimum incerei senim ent, iae rem in det in sinempratam ina, mantisquod more

The site for permanent facilities should accommodate natural flow of the animals. Placing the facility in an area with limited commotion, typically away from the feed mill and office, will help build the confidence of the animal and improve voluntary movement through the handling facility.

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Marbling Matters as Weaning Time Approaches By: Nicole Lane, Certified Angus Beef Marbling in cattle—the taste fat—was long considered the feedlot’s responsibility, until research pointed to opportunities all the way back to the ranch. Genetic potential is a key, and deposition of this intramuscular fat links to management decisions much earlier than those final months on feed.

In one of those critical points, a 60-day window before and after weaning, fat cells undergo a transition from increasing in number to growing in size. Decisions can affect both number and size (see Figure 1).

Jason Ahola, Colorado State University animal scientist delves into the details in his recent whitepaper, “Effects of the 60-day Window Around the Time of Weaning on Subsequent Quality Grade and Eating Quality of Beef,” available at www.cabpartners.com/research.

The full-scale analysis found marbling deposition can be influenced by diet and management during the window from pre-weaning through about 250 days of age. As a known time when fat deposition processes may be altered, those 60 days represent an opportunity.

“It appears if we can influence the number of cells, we can influence the amount of fat or marbling cattle put into those cells,” Ahola says. “This differentiation that occurs 28 pacdvms.com

around the time of weaning is somewhat dependent on what kind of feed the cattle are on, their energy balance and the amount of stress they are under.”

The fact that weaning is the most stressful event in a calf ’s life underscores this period’s critical nature for marbling deposition. Ahola’s paper covers a wide scope of influencers from nutrition to low-stress weaning, creep feeding, mineral supplements, castration, implants and weaning time.

He found two main practices with a proven positive impact: early castration and weaning early onto a high-energy diet.

Nearly all producers castrate male calves, but not all may realize research shows the earlier calves are cut, the better their carcass quality and value in grid marketing.

Those who wean early may not think about enhancing calf value or carcass quality, but weaning at 100 to 150 days of age (compared to the industry norm of 205 days) has been shown to improve marbling if weaned onto a high-energy ration. In turn, the probability of reaching Premium Choice or Prime is greater in early-weaned cattle according to several studies, but overall profitability of this practice over conventional weaning has not been studied says Ahola.

At any rate, the apparent advantages do not consistently hold true for normal weaned calves, for which starting on a high-energy ration has no impact on later carcass merit.

However, they do perform better than late-weaned cattle.

Studies have shown quality grade and back fat are not affected by late weaning age and data does not suggest a negative impact on carcass quality. However, cattle placed on feed earlier such as early-weaned or normally weaned calves have greater marbling than those placed on feed as yearlings.

In addition to early weaning, placing calves onto a high-energy diet immediately after weaning allows favorable marbling changes to occur, the research says. Providing high-energy diets to calves at a young, less than typical weaning age, enhances deposition of intramuscular fat, more so that simply weaning at an early age.

To harness the marbling genetic potential of the An-

gus breed, Ahola points to a combination of practices at the cow-calf level that create a low-stress environment for calves.

His recipe includes tactics proven to enhance marbling as well as strategies that have at least some evidence of a positive impact through reduction of stress.

Beyond prompt castration and early weaning onto a high-energy diet, Ahola found low-stress management such as fence-line weaning or use of a self-weaning nose flap, in combination with a vaccination program, worming, and mineral supplementation can help with marbling.

While not all of these practices have proven scientific links to marbling, several large studies have shown a link between treatment rates for illness and quality grade or marbling. The more times an animal must be treated, the more detrimental it is to intramuscular fat deposition.

“Set cattle up in such a way that they are considered to be low-risk cattle at weaning,” Ahola recommends.

Regarding growth technologies around the time of weaning or branding, research shows implants do not influence marbling deposition. However, giving a steer more than two implants over its lifetime has had negative impacts on end product quality.

The industry continually struggles to meet a growing demand for highly marbled beef, but Ahola suggests one

answer is an increased management focus on promoting intramuscular fat deposition prior to the feedyard phase.

“Our industry currently is under-supplying highly marbled beef to consumers,” he says. “If we are going to be more profitable and if we are going to provide our consumers with a better product, we need to increase the average marbling of our cattle.”

Research shows the way to cow-calf producers, through a marbling window to higher profitability.

Congratulations: Nodaway Valley Feeders Wins 2016 National Beef Quality Assurance Feedyard Award By: Ric Hanson, Reprinted with permission from KJAN.com The National Beef Quality Assurance (BQA) Program has recognized a local beef producer during the National Cattle Industry (NCI) Convention held in San Diego, CA. Nodaway Valley Feeders was the 2016 BQA Feedyard Award recipient. Nodaway Valley Feeders, a previous 2015 Iowa BQA Award recipient, is owned and managed by Todd and Kristi Drake of Nodaway.

Officials say National BQA Award recipients exemplify continual improvement within their operations, encourage fellow producers to implement BQA practices, operate sustainable cattle businesses, and display the beef industry’s daily commitment of proudly producing safe, wholesome and healthy beef.

The Drakes’ attention to detail, according to the NCI, ensures the highest quality beef is produced from healthy cattle. Management techniques at Nodaway Valley Feeders include, but are not limited to, acclimating newly weaned calves to their feedyard, implementing BQA Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) throughout their family’s operation, and working closely with local and consulting veterinarians.

In addition, the Drake family and crew incorporates BQA principles as part of their daily activities for their operation and are key cattle industry influencers who promote BQA principles.

Doug Bear, Director of Industry Relations for the Iowa Beef Industry Council and BQA State Coordinator, says “The BQA Program’s mission is to build beef demand by maximizing consumer confidence in beef while exceeding their eating expectations. The National BQA Awards are 30 pacdvms.com

a way to recognize the outstanding men and women from across the country who put great tasting beef on our consumer’s plate each and every day.”

Bear went on to say “This year’s five national award recipients are a testament to cattlemen caring for their land and livestock while being involved in their local communities. The Drake family is working diligently to implement the newest, safest, most efficient animal health, handling, daily management and record-keeping practices.”

For additional information on the national awards or the Iowa BQA program, visit www.iabeef.org and click on the For Producers tab.

Todd and Kristi Drake of Nodaway Valley Feeders with their family.

PAC’s 2016 Annual Beef Summits With record attendance last year and so many topics to cover we have decided to offer TWO summit meetings this year.

The first meeting will be held in Kearney, Nebraska on May 11th, 2016, at the Buffalo County Fairgrounds. The theme of the meeting is “Sharpening your Stockmanship and Team Skills.”

Registration will begin at 7:30am, with the first speaker at 8:30am. The morning will cover topics such as “Implementing Changes” with Dr. Larry Firkins, “Load Management Research” with Dr. Dan Thomson and our keynote speaker will be Dr. Sam Barringer.

For the afternoon will move to the arena where Dr. Tom Noffsinger, Ted Howard and Curt Pate will demonstrate and discuss stockmanship skills, starting with the basics in the early afternoon and then advanced stockmanship skills later that afternoon.

The second meeting will be held in Oberlin, Kansas on July 13th, 2016, at the Gateway Civic Center. The theme for the second meeting is “Healthy Start for Healthy Cattle.”

Again, registration will begin at 7:30am and the program will start at 8:30am. Topics discussed will include the anatomy and mechanics of the foot along with lameness prevention with Dr. Jeff DeFrain and Dr. Dorte Dopfer.

Dr. Mike Apley will give a VFD update and Garrett Taylor and Lisa Taylor will discuss visualizing and monitoring health data. Dr. Nels Lindberg will present leadership skills and how best to apply them in your personal and professional lives.

We are excited about the meetings and look forward to seeing you there! To register early visit pacdvms.com.

Cattle Performance Enhancement Co. FROM THIS

TO THIS

Lynn Allen, CPEC Sales & Marketing

P.O. Box 630 • Stratford, Texas 79084 806-753-7979 cell • lallen6423@aol.com www.cpec.us

One Sweet Shootin’ Gun By: Dr. Greg Quakenbush, Geissler Corp., & Dr. Doug Ford, Production Animal Consultation The first week of February I was invited by Dr. Bruss Horn to spay a large group of heifers 100 miles south of Oklahoma City. I have always heard about wheat pasture in Oklahoma and jumped at the opportunity to witness for myself this magnificent grazing system in action.

The trip was approximately 750 miles one way and when asked why you would drive that far, the obvious reply was, “I had two choices, go to Oklahoma or stay home and take down the Christmas lights.” (No brainer.) I arrived in Chickasha on a Friday evening and met Dr. Bruss for breakfast early Saturday morning.

We drove 1 hour south where we met Lee Wayne Stepp, his lovely wife Vicky, and our crew for the next 2 days. We unloaded our equipment and strategically placed my custom made spay chute in front of the alley.

I was excited when Dr. Bruss offered to wash and disinfect the KR spay instrument. I knew we would have a great time visiting about our common love: veterinary medicine and cattle.

I was surprised to learn that several junior and senior vet students who had done externships in our Colorado clinic would be driving down from OSU to spend time with us that day. It made me feel very special that they would take the time away from school to drive 2 plus hours to spend time with me, and reconnect.

I’m always amazed at the energy, friendship and laughter that happen when you co-mingle like-minded country people at a squeeze chute.

As our day came to an end, Lee Wayne and Vicky invited me to spend the night in their home, rolling out the red carpet like country folks always do. Vicky had worked all day at the chute, fixed lunch and supper, gathered our dirty plates and polished off the evening dishes with a cheerful smile on her face, insisting, “No you just sit there and rest, honey.”

After supper I was invited for a quick tour of the house and given instructions to make myself at home. As we toured the home I noticed a gun case with assorted rifles and shotguns. Our conversation turned to hunting for a brief moment, but we all just wanted to head for bed.

Six O’clock came too soon. Vicky had already been up, fixed the day’s lunch box and cooked a very nice breakfast.

With Lee Wayne at the head of the table, we joined hands to return thanks.

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As we ate breakfast, we shared more about our pasts and what we believed to be truth while solving the problems of this crazy world we live in. Somehow our conversation drifted back to hunting.

Lee Wayne talked about white-tail trophies, waterfowl, quail and tom turkeys. “But the real problem,” he said “is these dad gum feral hogs. They are everywhere and a real pain.” He explained how you would see thirty or so but you could only kill just one, maybe two if you were lucky. One shot and the herd was gone.

This is where the story touched my heart and what I feel is the real reason I was in Oklahoma spaying heifers 750 miles from home.

He said, “Dr. Doug do you remember that .243 rifle in the gun case? That rifle belonged to my dad. Dad was the hardest workin’ man alive. He expected the most in every situation and he wasn’t real free with a complement or an ‘Atta boy’.”

As Lee Wayne looked out the kitchen window he pointed across the section and recalled how one morning there were 30 hogs down by the pond across the fence. He described how his dad said, “Grab some shells and the .243; we’re goin hog huntin.”

“We piled in the pickup poised to put the sneak on them hogs,” Lee Wayne said. “As dad closed in on the hogs, I rolled down the passenger window, took careful aim, squeezing off my first shot, dead on. As the hogs scattered like the break in a game of pool, I took aim and squeezed off another round. It was a solid hit but it only crippled the 40# pig. My next shot finished off the wounded shoat.

Three shots, three on the target.”

“My anticipation was at an all-time high, with my chest puffed out and a big Daniel Boone grin on my face. I could almost feel Dad’s large rough hand of approval squeezing my neck and shoulder saying, ‘Son you gotta be the best shot west of the Mississippi.’ Suddenly my elation turned to heart-piercing disappointment. I couldn’t believe the words coming from Dad’s mouth; “Man that’s a sweet shootin gun!”

As I listened, Lee Wayne’s story caused me to instantly have feelings of regret at missed opportunities to encourage others. Even more revealing it picked open scabs from my past that I thought were healed. Times I had expected praise and approval and had walked away feeling worthless and less than edified.

In the last issue of Protein Producers Dr. Q illustrated that the power of life and death is truly in the tongue. A greater truth has never been spoken!

A man who can bridle his tongue has control of his life.

Are you the one who builds up, encourages, and is a blessing to a loved one, a friend, or a co-worker?

Negative focuses on the problems, positive always focuses on the possibilities. Stop and think; do your words speak life, truth and build others or do they tear down, discourage, destroy and cause strife or even death?

Philippians 2:3-4, (NASB) Do nothing from selfishness or empty conceit, but with humility of mind regard one another as more important than yourselves; do not merely look out for your own personal interests, but also for the interests of others.

Ephesians 4:29, (NLT) Don’t use foul or abusive language. Let everything you say be good and helpful, so that your words will be an encouragement to those who hear them.

“Wherever the road may lead, never miss an opportunity to listen to and encourage others.”

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Are You Stuck?

Or Moving Forward?

By: Dr. Nels Lindberg, Production Animal Consultation We are well into the New Year, 2016, and with every new year comes opportunity to intentionally choose to “get better” at what we do every day.

The difficulty in that is a.) we have to choose to get better in 2016, b.) we have to or should write down what getting better looks like to ourselves, and c.) we have to make those things happen.

The great thing is that with each new year, we have the opportunity to “hit the reset button.” 2015 may have been a horrible year. You may have lost a parent, lost a grandparent, got in an accident, got in trouble with the law, gotten a divorce, neglected spending good time with your wife or children, or worst yet, maybe even lost your spouse or a child. Or worse yet, you may have had a bad year in 2012 and still haven’t moved forward from that bad year. Maybe you have been “stuck” in a funk or a rut for a long period of time year.

The awesome part about all of this is there is hope and great opportunity to get after it, put one foot in front of the other, and move forward with confidence.

It isn’t January 1 anymore, but please remember, January 1 is the best time to sit down, reflect, give thought, and come up with some work and personal goals. The key is taking the time to do so, which takes commitment, as your goals just won’t appear on paper! And if you have been like me in the past, December 31 was a helluva night, and I wasn’t worth 10 cents the next day and didn’t accomplish a darn thing! Zero, nada, nothin! But, keep in mind, January 1 is a great day to not only write down your goals but to also sit down with your family and come up with goals for your family.

As an example one of my son Nash’s goals, for this year is to get better at sports and stop worrying so much. MacKenzie, my daughter, one of her goals was to help the dogs stop barking! How bout that! They gotta start somewhere!

And they have others but they wouldn’t let me share them.

You can only imagine, coming from 8 year olds!

So goals, what do they look like, or how do I write them?

They need to have four key aspects contained in them to be good solid goals. They must be specific, be measurable, have a time limit, and be written down.

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If you want to really challenge yourself and hold yourself accountable, you will share your goals with your wife, your team leader, and good friends. I would say this is the 5th aspect that really makes a person attain them, as none of us like to fail at something we put down on paper and share with key people in our lives.

I have asked a number of cowboy crews and yards to do this, specifically to write down three goals for themselves at the yard and 3 more goals for their personal lives.

I have gotten goals such as improve my cowboy case fatality rate from 8% to 5% by summer, reduce my untreated pen deads each month from 2 to 1, work to exercise 1 pen a day, improve my horsemanship by next fall, etc. I have also gotten goals like spend more quality time with my kids each day, not drink a beer or two every day, work to save my marriage, get my pickup paid off, etc.

Remember, we all have problems, we all have personal challenges and demons we battle within. But we all also have tremendous assets and positives in our life, and all things are possible through hard work, determination and perseverance.

It’s 2016! It’s a great year to RAISE YOUR STANDARDS! It’s a great year to EXPECT MORE OUT OF YOURSELF! Raise your standards in all areas of your life, and never accept anything less and darn sure not mediocrity! This world needs each of us to do so. Your feedyard or operation and team members need you to do expect more out of yourself, both at work and at home!

Be intentional, sit down, write your goals down, share them with someone (preferably your team leader and your significant other), and execute them! Get UNSTUCK!

NCTA: Educating Agriculture’s Workforce

By: Dr. Doug Smith, University of Nebraska Nebraska College of Technical Agriculture “NCTA: where is that located? Is that the tech school over at Curtis? What do you teach there?” These are some of the common questions I receive when I tell people I am from NCTA. NCTA is the Nebraska College of Technical Agriculture in Curtis, Nebraska. The college is part of the University of Nebraska System. NCTA offers two-year associate degrees in the areas of Agronomy, Agricultural Mechanics, Agribusiness, Agricultural Education, Animal Science, and Veterinary Technology as well as now offering an on-line Bachelors of Applied Science Degree through the University of Nebraska-Lincoln.

Many may have heard of NCTA, but are not sure exactly what the focus is on the Aggie campus. NCTA is a technical agriculture-based curriculum that provides a hands-on learning opportunity for students planning to return to a farm or ranch operation, or be employed in agricultural careers.

Some NCTA graduates progress to a 4-year degree at various institutions throughout the Midwest with most attending the University of Nebraska-Lincoln.

Within the Animal Science and Agricultural Education division, we develop knowledgeable students who can be a great asset to any operation they enter. NCTA provides Associate of Applied Science degrees in Livestock Industry Management and Equine Industry Management. Associate of Science Degrees are conferred in Animal Science, Agricultural Education, and Grazing Livestock Systems.

Course work includes specific classes which cover management, nutrition and reproduction. Our faculty empha-

size the most up-to-date information, skills and current technology. Students gain a broad understanding of their respective industries and career opportunities at networking activities, field trips, and off-campus seminars.

The experiential learning environment and knowledge gained at the NCTA farm, classroom, field labs, and livestock facilities gives each student a great start into their career. We know that they have much more to learn in their professions, and the great beginning on campus and through internships with mentors prepares these young adults for a successful future.

In livestock education, we focus mainly on beef cattle from conception to consumption. NCTA faculty are actively engaged in the industry and stay abreast of new technologies.

At campus, we operate a small feedlot as well as a small herd of commercial Angus cattle. Students assist at NCTA and with off-campus entities in calving responsibilities, health management, nutrition management, reproductive management, grazing, weaning, feeding, and transportation to harvest. Students also engage in discussions on marketing and educate consumers about our beef product.

Not only do we focus on the technical, production side, instructors also ensure that NCTA graduates have solid business knowledge. Students take courses in Farm Records, Farm and Ranch Management, Marketing, and how to build a business plan.

While on campus and experiencing the ins and outs of the industry, students also represent NCTA throughout the U.S. as members of competitive, traveling teams. Crops Judging, Livestock Judging, Ranch Horse, Rodeo and a Shooting Sports teams provide excellent teaching and leadership opportunities.

NCTA also supports discipline areas for contests at the National Association of Colleges and Teachers of Agriculture. My primary role is as coach of the NCTA Livestock Judging Team.

Many hours of practicing, miles on the road, building networks within the livestock industry, and mental preparation is what goes into a successful livestock judging team.

Students learn evaluation tools of four different species (beef cattle, swine, sheep, and goats). pacdvms.com 35

While learning the evaluation tools, students also gain the ability to make quick decisions and how to defend their evaluation of the respective species through oral reasons.

Many students have some nervousness about the oral reason part of the competition, but it builds character as well as the ability to justify their decision. Each student prepares to stand before their peers and discuss thoughts on livestock. These are strong skills which build quality employees for livestock operations.

I have had the opportunity to coach some great evaluators, currently and in the past. Student abilities and discipline has led some individuals to great careers. We focus on student preparation, expanding base knowledge to build a solid livestock manager and one who is successful as soon as he or she leaves NCTA. Students are interested in careers at feedlots, cow-calf operations, farms and other livestock opportunities and diversified enterprises.

NCTA is developing the future of the industry right here in Curtis, Nebraska through technical agricultural education. If we can help fill your employee needs, please contact us at 1-800-3CURTIS, view ncta.unl.edu, or email me at doug.smith@unl.edu.

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Dr. Smith discussing NCTA and its various programs.

Getting to Know the PAC Team: Jose Valles

I was born in a small town in Durango, Mexico. I grew up in a family dedicated to agriculture. My father planted beans and corn on the little farm ground he owned and helped take care of a small cattle herd.

As a young boy, I still remember being in third grade and rarely attended class because I had to work. I remember picking up all my schoolwork for the week on Monday and turning it in on Friday. During the week I would work in the fields picking beans, corn, or sometimes in the development of new farm ground. At the time, the pay was not great but every little bit helped. Looking back, skipping school was not the greatest idea, which probably explains a lot now.

My parents migrated back and forth to the United Sates from Mexico. Our stays in the U.S. were short and the little English I learned during the time here would vanish quickly because I never used it in Mexico.

The last few trips to the U.S. were life-changing experiences that I will never forget, but they inspired me to look for the opportunity that would allow me to achieve a better future.

It was in late September 2000 when I enrolled in Liberal High School in Kansas and met Areli, my wife for the first time. This was a big transition for me, but was the opportunity that I was looking for.

In high school I played sports and worked in fast food restaurants to buy my own sports equipment. I specifically remember senior year and everyone talking about college. It was a conversation that I didn’t want to be part of because I thought furthering my education was out of my reach.

Uneducated about financial aid and coming from a low-income family, going to a university was not an option.

After high school I attended Seward County Community College in my hometown and worked for Dr. Brett Jones, our local veterinarian and helped train racehorses.

While at the clinic, I was very intrigued in veterinary science and Dr. Jones was a great teacher and supporter. At this time, Areli was at Kansas State University and was helping me find a way to transfer there through a program called Developing Scholars. I moved to K-State in the summer of 2007 and met Dr. Dan Thomson the next morning, by the way, he was late to our appointment. After our short meeting, Dr. Thomson offered me a job and I worked for him until the day that I graduated with my Masters in Clinical Sciences.

During my time at the Beef Cattle Institute I met some of the PAC members but never thought that after graduat-

ing I would have the opportunity to be part of this amazing group of people. My roll as a member of PAC focuses mainly on research, bilingual education and training, and some consulting. I think back now and realize this was that one opportunity that I always wished for.

After graduating from KSU I married the girl with curly hair that I met my first day in high school. We moved to Kearney, Nebraska and started the life we always talked about as teenagers.

We have now been married for two years and are expecting our first son, Antonio Isaias in April 2016. We have a Yorkshire terrier, Lucas who will be 8 years old in March and is enjoying his last few days as an only child.

We are also happy to say that as the only Mexicans in our neighborhood, our neighbors are adapting well to us and we have truly enjoyed this journey. We look forward to the many opportunities coming our way and are blessed to be part of this amazing group.

Above: Jose and Areli Valles, Below: Lucas announcing the blessing of Antonio Isaias

THE WAIT IS OVER ENROFLOX® 100 NOW APPROVED FOR SINGLE-DOSE BRD TREATMENT & CONTROL enrofloxacin

ENROFLOX 100 ®

enrofloxacin

Single-Dose BRD Treatment & Control Same Active Ingredient & Dosing Regimen as Baytril® 100 in Beef & Non-Lactating Dairy Cattle Federal law restricts this drug to use by or on the order of a licensed veterinarian. Federal law prohibits the extra-label use of this drug in food-producing animals. Cattle intended for human consumption must not be slaughtered within 28 days from the last treatment. This product is not approved for female dairy cattle 20 months of age or older, including dry dairy cows. Use in these cattle may cause drug residues in milk and/or calves born to these cows. A withdrawal period has not been established in pre-ruminating calves. Do not use in calves to be processed for veal. Use with caution in animals with known or suspected CNS disorders. Observe label directions and withdrawal times. See product labeling for full product information.

www.norbrookinc.com

FOR VETERINARY USE ONLY

0815-495-I01B

The Norbrook logos are registered trademarks of Norbrook Laboratories Limited Enroflox is a registered trademark of Norbrook Laboratories Limited Baytril is a registered trademark of Bayer Animal Health

ANADA 200-495, Approved by FDA

Data Sheet (MSDS) or to report adverse reactions, call Norbrook at 1-866-591-5777.

PRECAUTIONS: The effects of enrofloxacin on cattle or swine reproductive performance, pregnancy and lactation have not been adequately determined. (enrofloxacin) The long-term effects on articular joint cartilage have not been determined in pigs above market weight.

For Subcutaneous Use in Beef Cattle, Non-Lactating Dairy Cattle and Swine Only.

Subcutaneous injection can cause a transient local tissue reaction that may result in trim loss of edible Not for Use in Female Dairy Cattle 20 Months of Age or Older Or In Calves To Be Processed For Veal. tissue at slaughter.

Enroflox 100 contains different excipients than other enrofloxacin products. The safety and Brief Summary: Before using Enroflox® 100, consult the product insert, a summary of which follows. efficacy of this formulation in species other than cattle and swine have not been determined.

CAUTION: Federal (U.S.A.) law restricts this drug to use by or on the order of a licensed veterinarian. Federal (U.S.A.) law Quinolone-class drugs should be used with caution in animals with known or suspected prohibits the extra-label use of this drug in food-producing animals.

Central Nervous System (CNS) disorders. In such animals, quinolones have, in rare PRODUCT DESCRIPTION: Each mL of Enroflox 100 contains 100 mg of enrofloxacin. Excipients are L-arginine base 200 instances, been associated with CNS stimulation which may lead to convulsive seizures. mg, n-butyl alcohol 30 mg, benzyl alcohol (as a preservative) 20 mg and water for injection q.s.

Quinolone-class drugs have been shown to produce erosions of cartilage of weight-bearing joints and other signs of arthropathy in immature animals of various species. See Animal INDICATIONS: Cattle - Single-Dose Therapy: Enroflox 100 is indicated for the treatment of bovine respiratory disease (BRD) associated Safety section for additional information.

ADVERSE REACTIONS: No adverse reactions were observed during clinical trials. with Mannheimia haemolytica, Pasteurella multocida, Histophilus somni and Mycoplasma bovis in beef and non-lactating dairy cattle; and for the control of BRD in beef and non-lactating dairy cattle at high risk of developing BRD ANIMAL SAFETY: associated with M. haemolytica, P. multocida, H. somni and M. bovis.

In cattle safety studies, clinical signs of depression, incoordination and muscle Cattle - Multiple-Day Therapy: Enroflox 100 is indicated for the treatment of bovine respiratory disease (BRD) associated fasciculation were observed in calves when doses of 15 or 25 mg/kg were administered with Mannheimia haemolytica, Pasteurella multocida and Histophilus somni in beef and non-lactating dairy cattle. for 10 to 15 days. Clinical signs of depression, inappetance and incoordination were observed when a dose of 50 mg/kg was administered for 3 days. An injection site study Swine: Enroflox 100 is indicated for the treatment and control of swine respiratory disease (SRD) associated with conducted in feeder calves demonstrated that the formulation may induce a transient Actinobacillus pleuropneumoniae, Pasteurella multocida, Haemophilus parasuis and Streptococcus suis. reaction in the subcutaneous tissue and underlying muscle. In swine safety studies, RESIDUE WARNINGS: incidental lameness of short duration was observed in all groups, including the Cattle: Animals intended for human consumption must not be slaughtered within 28 days from the last treatment. saline-treated controls. Musculoskeletal stiffness was observed following the 15 and 25 This product is not approved for female dairy cattle 20 months of age or older, including dry dairy cows. Use in mg/kg treatments with clinical signs appearing during the second week of treatment. these cattle may cause drug residues in milk and/or in calves born to these cows. A withdrawal period has not Clinical signs of lameness improved after treatment ceased and most animals were been established for this product in pre-ruminating calves. Do not use in calves to be processed for veal. clinically normal at necropsy. An injection site study conducted in pigs demonstrated Swine: Animals intended for human consumption must not be slaughtered within 5 days of receiving a that the formulation may induce a transient reaction in the subcutaneous tissue. single-injection dose.

Norbrook Laboratories Limited, HUMAN WARNINGS: For use in animals only. Keep out of the reach of children. Avoid contact with eyes. Newry, BT35 6PU, Co. Down, Northern Ireland In case of contact, immediately flush eyes with copious amounts of water for 15 minutes. In case of dermal contact, wash skin with soap and water. Consult a physician if irritation persists following ocular or dermal I01 March 2015 exposures. Individuals with a history of hypersensitivity to quinolones should avoid this product. In humans, The Norbrook logos and Enroflox® are registered there is a risk of user photosensitization within a few hours after excessive exposure to quinolones. If excessive trademarks of Norbrook Laboratories Limited. accidental exposure occurs, avoid direct sunlight. For customer service, to obtain a copy of the Material Safety

Enroflox 100 ®

100 mg/mL Antimicrobial Injectable Solution

Upcoming Events February

10th Illinois Cattle Feeders Day,

4th Driftless Area Beef Conference,

11th DeKalb Feeds/Corn Belt Livestock meeting,

22nd Duke University Provost Forum,

16th Ohio Swine Health Symposium,

23rd DeKalb Feeds/Corn Belt Livestock meeting

20th - 22nd Japanese Swine Producers US

24th DeKalb Feeds/Corn Belt Livestock meeting

30th Salina Farm Show,

24th Zoetis Canada, National Bovine Conference,

30th Low-Stress Cattle Handling meeting

25th DeKalb Feeds/Corn Belt Livestock meeting

31st Wulf Cattle Company,

Dubuque, IA, Dr. Jim presenting

Durham, NC, Dr. Jim presenting

Charles City, IA, Dr. Kip presenting

Cascade, IA, & Fairview, IL Dr. Kip presenting

Phoenix, AZ, Dr. Jim presenting

Kalona, IA, & Rochelle, IL, Dr. Kip presenting

26th American Association of Swine Veterinarians Presymposium, New Olreans, LA, Dr. Nels presenting

26th UNL Veterinary School, Lincoln, NE, Dr. Tom presenting

28th American Association of Swine Veterinarians

Rock Falls, IL, Dr. Jim presenting

Sioux Falls, SD, Dr. Kip presenting

Plain City, OH, Dr. Jim presenting

Industry Tour, Illinois, Dr. Jim presenting

Salina, KS, Dr. Tom presenting

Curtis, NE, Dr. Kip presenting

Morris, MN, Dr. Tom presenting

April 5th Lameness Prevention and Management,

Toowoomba, Queensland, Aus, Dr. Tom & Dr. Shane presenting

Annual Meeting, New Orleans, LA, Dr. Jim presenting

8th Low-Stress Cattle Handling meeting

March

9th Veterinary Symposia,

6th Veterinary Symposia,

Pocatello, ID, Dr. Kip presenting

San Diego, CA, Dr. Nels presenting

Phoenix, AZ, Dr. Nels presenting

7th High Plains Veterinary Clinic, Sidney, MT, Dr. Tom presenting

9th Mandan Veterinary Clinic, Mandan, ND Dr. Tom presenting

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Production Animal Consultation PO Box 41 Oakley, KS 67748 pacdvms.com

2016 PAC Summit Meetings Register Today!

With so many topics to cover, we are offering TWO meetings this year!

Kearney, NE - May 11th, 2016

Sharpening Your Stockmanship & Team Skills - Implementing Changes, Dr. Larry Firkins - Load Management Research, Dr. Dan Thomson - Keynote speaker, Dr. Sam Barringer - Stockmanship Basics, Dr. Tom Noffsinger - Advanced Stockmanship, Ted Howard & Curt Pate

Oberlin, KS- July 13th, 2016

Healthy Start for Healthy Cattle - Anatomy & Mechanics of the Foot, Dr. Jeff DeFrain - Lameness Prevention, Dr. Dorte Dopfer - Veterinary Feed Directive Update, Dr. Mike Apley - Visualizing & Monitoring Health Data, Garrett Taylor & Lisa Taylor - Leadership Skills, Dr. Nels Lindberg - Keynote Speaker, TBA

Each meeting will take a deeper look at the latest research, technologies and best practices to help you better serve the feedlot industry!

To register early, visit pacdvms.com We look forward to seeing you there!