Protein Producers Summer 2019

PROTEIN producers Summer 2019

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YOU CAN’T AVOID

WEANING S T R E S S. Y O U C A N O U T S M A R T I T.

Protect your calves against bovine ® respiratory disease (BRD) with Zactran (gamithromycin).

Stress can leave your cattle susceptible to performance-robbing pneumonia. With ZACTRAN, you get a potent combination of six factors that helps you protect the genetic potential of your calves – and your profitability. Get the facts to see what makes ZACTRAN the smart choice. ZACTRAN.com Important Safety Information: For use in cattle only. Do not treat cattle within 35 days of slaughter.

Because a discard time in milk has not been established, do not use in female dairy cattle 20 months of age or older, or in calves to be processed for veal. The effects of ZACTRAN on bovine reproductive performance, pregnancy and lactation have not been determined. Subcutaneous injection may cause a transient local tissue reaction in some cattle that may result in trim loss of edible tissues at slaughter. NOT FOR USE IN HUMANS. KEEP OUT OF REACH OF CHILDREN. Merial is now part of Boehringer Ingelheim. Zactran is a registered trademark of Merial. ©2018 Boehringer Ingelheim Vetmedica, Inc. BOV-1089-ANTB0418

THE SMART CHOICE

1 2 3 4 5 6

Susceptibility Speed Site of infection Staying power Safety Saves money

150 mg/mL ANTIMICROBIAL NADA 141-328, Approved by FDA For subcutaneous injection in beef and non-lactating dairy cattle only. Not for use in female dairy cattle 20 months of age or older or in calves to be processed for veal.

Caution: Federal (USA) law restricts this drug to use by or on the order of a licensed veterinarian.

READ ENTIRE BROCHURE CAREFULLY BEFORE USING THIS PRODUCT. INDICATIONS ZACTRAN is indicated for the treatment of bovine respiratory disease (BRD) associated with Mannheimia haemolytica, Pasteurella multocida, Histophilus somni and Mycoplasma bovis in beef and non-lactating dairy cattle. ZACTRAN is also indicated for the control of respiratory disease in beef and non-lactating dairy cattle at high risk of developing BRD associated with Mannheimia haemolytica and Pasteurella multocida.

CONTRAINDICATIONS As with all drugs, the use of ZACTRAN is contraindicated in animals previously found to be hypersensitive to this drug.

WARNING: FOR USE IN CATTLE ONLY. NOT FOR USE IN HUMANS. KEEP THIS AND ALL DRUGS OUT OF REACH OF CHILDREN. NOT FOR USE IN CHICKENS OR TURKEYS. The material safety data sheet (MSDS) contains more detailed occupational safety information. To report adverse effects, obtain an MSDS or for assistance, contact Merial at 1-888-637-4251.

RESIDUE WARNINGS: Do not treat cattle within 35 days of slaughter.

Because a discard time in milk has not been established, do not use in female dairy cattle 20 months of age or older. A withdrawal period has not been established for this product in pre-ruminating calves. Do not use in calves to be processed for veal.

PRECAUTIONS The effects of ZACTRAN on bovine reproductive performance, pregnancy, and lactation have not been determined. Subcutaneous injection of ZACTRAN may cause a transient local tissue reaction in some cattle that may result in trim loss of edible tissues at slaughter.

ADVERSE REACTIONS Transient animal discomfort and mild to moderate injection site swelling may be seen in cattle treated with ZACTRAN. EFFECTIVENESS The effectiveness of ZACTRAN for the treatment of BRD associated with Mannheimia haemolytica, Pasteurella multocida and Histophilus somni was demonstrated in a field study conducted at four geographic locations in the United States. A total of 497 cattle exhibiting clinical signs of BRD were enrolled in the study. Cattle were administered ZACTRAN (6 mg/kg BW) or an equivalent volume of sterile saline as a subcutaneous injection once on Day 0. Cattle were observed daily for clinical signs of BRD and were evaluated for clinical success on Day 10. The percentage of successes in cattle treated with ZACTRAN (58%) was statistically significantly higher (p<0.05) than the percentage of successes in the cattle treated with saline (19%).

The effectiveness of ZACTRAN for the treatment of BRD associated with M. bovis was demonstrated independently at two U.S. study sites. A total of 502 cattle exhibiting clinical signs of BRD were enrolled in the studies. Cattle were administered ZACTRAN (6 mg/kg BW) or an equivalent volume of sterile saline as a subcutaneous injection once on Day 0. At each site, the percentage of successes in cattle treated with ZACTRAN on Day 10 was statistically significantly higher than the percentage of successes in the cattle treated with saline (74.4% vs. 24% [p <0.001], and 67.4% vs. 46.2% [p = 0.002]). In addition, in the group of calves treated with gamithromycin that were confirmed positive for M. bovis (pre-treatment nasopharyngeal swabs), there were more calves at each site (45 of 57 calves, and 5 of 6 calves) classified as successes than as failures.

The effectiveness of ZACTRAN for the control of respiratory disease in cattle at high risk of developing BRD associated with Mannheimia haemolytica and Pasteurella multocida was demonstrated in two independent studies conducted in the United States. A total of 467 crossbred beef cattle at high risk of developing BRD were enrolled in the study.

ZACTRAN (6 mg/kg BW) or an equivalent volume of sterile saline was administered as a single subcutaneous injection within one day after arrival. Cattle were observed daily for clinical signs of BRD and were evaluated for clinical success on Day 10 post-treatment. In each of the two studies, the percentage of successes in the cattle treated with ZACTRAN (86% and 78%) was statistically significantly higher (p = 0.0019 and p = 0.0016) than the percentage of successes in the cattle treated with saline (36% and 58%).

Marketed by Merial Limited 3239 Satellite Blvd., Duluth, GA 30096-4640 U.S.A. Made in Austria ®ZACTRAN is a registered trademark of Merial. ©2016 Merial. All rights reserved. Rev. 01/2016

PROTEIN producers 2019 Volume 7 Issue 2

Editor: Kelly Terrell Associate Editors: Brandi Bain, Lisa Taylor

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

American Animal Health Animal Health International Arm & Hammer Boehringer Ingelheim Daniels Manufacturing Co. Diamond V DOCTalk Elanco Lallemand Midwest NetPro Neogen Newport Laboratories Norbrook Zinpro Zoetis Cover Photo Credit Thank you to Senator Tom Hansen for the picture from Hansen 77 Ranch in North Platte, NE.

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D&D Feedlot West Proctor, Colorado Photo Credit: Chelsea Deering

We want to showcase unique photographs from our readers here!

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

Welcome Welcome to the Summer 2019 edition of Protein Producers. Congratulations to owners, managers, and caregivers for continual focus through an exhaustive winter and spring season. Never take for granted how unselfish our teams are during times of adversity. We are blessed to work with dedicated heroes who do what needs to be done regardless of the consequences.

Thank you to the PAC education committee of Dr. Kip Lukasiewicz, Dr. Corbin Stevens, Dr. Dan Thomson, Dr. Shane Terrell, Dr. Randall Spare, and Lisa Taylor for organizing a successful PAC Industry Summit held April 24, 2019, in Manhattan, Kansas. The focus of the meeting was rural workforce development, and we were honored with more than 170 attendees including producers, pharmaceutical representatives, students, government officials, and industry leaders. The Upson Lecture preceded the Summit Meeting on the evening of April 23. Sam Cossio, General Manager of Easterday Ranches, presented his story outlining the amazing opportunities available in American agriculture. At the PAC Industry Summit, Dr. Corbin Stevens and Russell Plaschka from the Kansas Department of Agriculture presented an overview of the current rural workforce.

Dr. Randall Spare discussed rural veterinary shortages and opportunities. Brian Vulgamore of Vulgamore Family Farms shared his ideas and experiences on recruiting employees and creating powerful teams. Lieutenant General Mike Dodson (US Army, Retired) explained The Save Farm program designed to give our veterans opportunities in agriculture. It was an honor to listen to Mark Nutsch, former Major and Commander ODA-595, share “12 Strong: An Extraordinary Mission of Commitment, Purpose, Heroism and Hope”. Twelve Americans participated in a mission to attack the Taliban immediately following the 9/11 catastrophe and successfully formed strong coalitions that liberated an Afghanistan city. This amazing story of how so few

can accomplish so much in some ways parallels the story of American agriculture. Dr. Dan Thomson did a great job of moderating a panel of successful Hispanic contributors to American agriculture. Jose Valles, Socorro Martinez, Siddartha Torres, and Sam Cossio shared their stories of challenges and success in the beef industry.

The PAC team also organized a workshop on April 25 in Arapahoe, Nebraska. Sam Cossio and his management team from Easterday Ranches discussed effective workplace leadership concepts that result in extraordinary teams. More than 40 PAC customers, supervisors, and team members shared issues, challenges, and solutions during roundtable discussions.

On behalf of the PAC team, I want to thank our sponsors for the opportunity to provide education and inspiration. Most importantly, thanks to Lisa Taylor, Brandi Bain, and Kelly Terrell for their expertise and dedication. Thank you to everyone that took time to attend during this busy season.

Watch for information on our PAC Caregiver Enrichment Summit Series. This summer, we will have afternoon meetings for caregiver teams discussing BRD management, stockmanship, hospital management, feed delivery, leadership, and team building concepts. Meetings will be held in Great Bend, Kansas, on Tuesday, July 16; in Garden City, Kansas, on Thursday, July 18; and in Kearney, Nebraska, on Wednesday, August 28. Our goal is share education and a chance for teams to form new ideas.

Enjoy this edition of the Protein Producers magazine. This publication is an exciting way to touch base with our customers in addition to our regular visits.

Dr. Tom Noffsinger

Contributors Don Close

The Pot Roast

Don Close is a senior protein analyst with Rabo AgriFinance. In addition to sharing his insights and analysis with Rabo AgriFinance clients, he authors a bimonthly column for the National Cattlemen’s publication and is a regular speaker for state, national and international livestock groups across North America.

We want to showcase the talented chefs that read our magazine. In this issue we are featuring Arturo and Wrenn Pacheco who run cattle in the Flint Hills of Kansas while also maintaining a fun and unique cooking blog which can be found at cookingwiththecowboy.com. If you have a recipe that you would like to feature in The Pot Roast section of the magazine, please email us at kelly.terrell@pacdvms.com. Our goal is to continue discovering recipes from agriculture’s finest.

Jacob Mayer, P.E. Jacob Mayer is a Project Engineer for Settje Agri-Services & Engineering (www.settje.com) located near Raymond, NE. He is a licensed Professional Engineer and has a B.S. in Agricultural Engineering from Iowa State University and M.S. in Biological Engineering from Mississippi State University. He resides in rural Weston, NE with his wife, Katie, daughter, Kirkland, and son, Hatten.

He does not wear a pocket protector and does not know how to use a slide rule.

To subscribe to Protein Producers visit pacdvms.com and click on our Subscribe link!

Follow us on Twitter @PACVets

Thank You We want to thank the industry partners, publications and associations who have provided content to Protein Producers. Also, a big thank you to our readers for supporting us, offering content and helping us improve each issue.

We could not do any of this without all of you!

Disclaimer: The views, opinions, and information expressed in this magazine are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect Production Animal Consultation's policy or position.

Contents 6. Welcome Dr. Tom Noffsinger 25. Chuckles from Down Under

29. Newest PAC Members

Stewardship 11. Stockmanship or Horsemanship

Industry 15. Feeding Cattle for Resilency Under Stress 19. Grow Yards Grow Up

30. Parable: Word of the Year

39. Calendar

International 23. My African Adventure

Summer 2019 Leadership 27. Building Organizational Health: The 4 Disciplines of a Healthy Organization

The pot roast 32. Italian Beef Sausage and Veggie Pizza

Bilingual Training 35. Ganadería o Equitación 35. Construyendo Salud Organizacional: Las 4 Disciplinas de una Organización Saludable

Save the DAte

PAC Caregiver Enrichment Summit Series Tuesday, July 16th Great Bend,KS Thursday, July 18th Garden City, KS Wednesday, August 28th Kearney, NE Find out more at pacdvms.com/events

Stewardship

Stockmanship or Horsemanship By: Ted Howard Production Animal Consultation

“As I move amongst feed yards, I field the question, ‘What do you do, is it stockmanship or horsemanship?’”

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Finally, I can start an article without numb fingers and toes from our chilly winter. However I do have my hip waders on during the monsoon season in the Midwest. But enough about the weather. Instead of weather, let’s focus on the age old question that has been asked for thousands of years, “Which came first, the chicken or the egg?” Actually, let’s not, but the metaphor does set up my article on stockmanship or horsemanship.

As I move amongst feed yards, I field the question, “What do you do, is it stockmanship or horsemanship?” My elevator speech has come down to, “I teach stockmanship horseback.”

I am honored to know some great horsemen that can ask a horse to do most anything from sidepass to bow but would not be able to move cattle by understanding the different flight zones associated with each individual bovine. I also know some great stockmen that can move cattle anywhere they choose on foot; however they struggle with the same task once horseback.

Combining stockmanship with horsemanship takes concentrated effort and patience. Once you add a horse to the equation, you are now dealing with another being that you must communicate with effectively. The most successful stockmen are those that are mentally strong enough to control their own emotions.

Being able to stay mentally in control of the situation with horses and cattle is essential to a stockman’s success.

A stockman that can stay patient with himself and the animals he is involved with as well as his human teammates will

feel the most rewarded at the end of the day. Marrying the principles of stockmanship and horsemanship takes years and years to perfect with many opportunities to learn along the way.

As we move into our warmer months, our time to work on our horsemanship principles increases. It is during these times that we must focus on pressure and release with our horse in helping him to break at the poll and be soft in the bit to maintain a low headset. Once our horse can move off our leg pressure and be responsive to our requests, we can then perfect his part of the stockmanship equation.

Our cattle read the relationship we have with our equine partner as soon as we ride into the pen. A confident horse is one that is steady in his gait with a low headset. An unconfident horse is one that is tossing his head and fighting the bit. An unconfident horse is prancing and not steady in his gait. Our cattle notice this immediately, and their flight zone gets much bigger.

As a stockman that is horseback, we must be very patient and soothing to our horse. The trust between us must be developed outside the pen of cattle as much as possible.

Once our horse trusts us, it will be much easier to earn the trust of our cattle.

Let’s enjoy our summer months and embrace the opportunities to learn and fine tune our stockmanship and horsemanship skills. Remember, patience with ourselves is the most important thing we can do to be successful. In addition, as I continue to ponder the chicken or egg question, I have concluded that both taste good in an omelet.

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Office: 402-387-1891 Fax: 402-387-1961 Email: daniels@danielsmfg.com

FILLING THE GAPS IN DISEASE PREVENTION

When commercial vaccines may not be the answer, Newport Laboratories can create a custom one. We pinpoint the problem and produce a customized vaccine specific to the herd in need. And now that Newport Laboratories is part of Boehringer Ingelheim, you have the combined resources of two industry leaders ensuring your veterinary toolbox is never left incomplete. For more information, contact Newport Laboratories, Inc. at 800-220-2522.

The Newport Laboratories Logo is a registered trademark of Newport Laboratories, Inc. ©2018 Newport Laboratories, Inc., Worthington, MN. All rights reserved. BOV-1255-NPL0518

Industry

Feeding cattle for resilency under stress By: Dr. Neil Michael, Manager, Ruminant Technical Services, Arm & Hammer Animal and Food Production

Keeping every animal out of the sick pen is the holy grail of the cattle feeder—constantly sought after, but seldom achieved.

Considering the myriad of stresses facing feedlot cattle—trucking across perhaps hundreds of miles, adjusting to new pen mates and coping with inclement weather—it’s no wonder that cattle are susceptible to disease-causing pathogens. Although it’s impossible to prevent every stressor or eliminate all pathogens from the environment, producers can help cattle respond to these challenges by supporting immunity through gut health.

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Maintaining a healthy gut through proper nutrition goes hand-in-hand with vaccination to deliver an optimal immune response that can help cattle overcome stress, stay out of the sick pen and maintain optimal gains.

Gut: First line of defense The gut is a critical piece of the immune system. In fact, 70 percent of a bovine animal’s immune defense cells are associated with the gastrointestinal tract. As a result, the gut lining is a strategic opportunity for producers to provide real time protection and reduce the risk of disease-causing pathogens and toxins entering the animal’s system.

Whether a disease is caused by E. coli, aflatoxin, Salmonella or some other pathogen, the gut is the primary point of attack in the animal’s body. Although each pathogen’s effect on the animal is different, once ingested all target the gut lining. Therefore, the gut is the first line of defense against most diseases. Additionally, a healthy gut avoids energy drains from unnecessary immune responses so animals can maintain health and performance.

By managing immune response more proactively and effectively in the gut, cattle feeders may be able to enhance animal health and performance and reduce the need for antibiotic treatments.

Feeding for better gut health There is growing interest in using nutrition to enhance gut health for better immune response. Multiple research studies demonstrate that feeding Refined Functional Carbohydrates™ (RFCs™) can help maintain a healthy gut by managing the natural microbial populations and immune response in cattle digestive systems.

RFCs support the beneficial bacteria found in the intestine while blocking sites for pathogens to attach to the intestinal lining. These feed additives also support optimal rumen fermentation and digestion and reduce the effects of toxins, such as mycotoxins, in feed.

Maintaining a healthier gut by feeding RFCs helps maintain nutrient uptake, leading to better feed efficiency and animal performance because animals are able to devote energy to all functions, instead of fighting off infections or struggling to maintain feed intake.

Real-world trial results In one trial in Texas,1 two truckloads of heifers were fed either a control diet or one containing RFCs for the first 35 days after arrival at the feed yard. The newly received heifers experienced heat stress conditions in addition to experiencing the stress of shipping. At the end of the feeding

period, heifers supplemented with RFCs had these results compared with the control group: •12 percent higher average daily gain (ADG) in the first 14 days •8 percent higher ADG over the full 35-day feeding period •61 percent fewer cases of bovine respiratory disease (BRD) (Figure 1.)

•Reduced BRD treatment costs translated into a $9.90 per head economic advantage2 to using RFCs over the 35-day receiving period Reducing stress response Another trial at Clemson University3 showed how feeding RFCs helps animals cope with stress. Seventy-two Angus x Hereford heifers were abruptly weaned at 227 days of age and moved to pens in groups of four. For 60 days, heifers received a total mixed ration (TMR) containing either RFCs fed at 18 grams per head per day, or no RFC supplementation. After 60 days of feeding, researchers randomly selected two animals per pen and subjected them to two, four-hour truck rides followed by four hours of feed withholding—simulating real-world transportation stress conditions. Measurements showed that heifers receiving RFCs recorded: •Lower concentrations of cortisol in their blood compared with controls, both before and after transport. Cortisol is a hormone released from the adrenal glands and is a routine indicator of the level of stress an animal is experiencing •Reduced levels of C. perfringens, Salmonella and total E. coli •Increased body weight gain and feed efficiency Performance on the hoof and on the rail The benefits of enhanced immunity through feeding RFCs translate into performance benefits all the way to the packing house. A California trial4 compared performance and carcass weight of feedlot steers during a 336-day feeding trial. Researchers at the University of California-Davis

fed 168 calf-fed Holstein steers a diet based on steam-flaked corn, supplemented with RFCs at levels of either 1, 2 or 3 grams per head per day. Control animals received no RFC supplementation. Results showed that feeding RFCs at the 1 gram per day level (88 mg/lb.) resulted in: •Higher ADG—3.17 lbs. per day compared with 2.97 for controls •Greater dry matter intake (DMI) —average 18.5 lbs. per day compared with 17.2 lbs. for controls •34 lbs. higher carcass weight—average 842 lbs. compared with 808 lbs. for controls Healthy gut, healthier bottom line Ultimately, maintaining a healthy gut enables animals to devote energy to body maintenance and growth—instead of mounting immune responses that detract from nutrient uptake. It’s important to keep in mind that changing consumer preferences and government regulations may require cattle producers to adjust their antibiotic protocols now and in the future. By managing immune response more proactively and effectively, producers may be able to reduce dependence on antibiotic solutions. Natural nutritional tools like RFCs help support animal health and efficiency by supporting immunity and enhancing an animal’s ability to stave off infections. That means cattle can focus energy on

growth and gain, leading to greater financial health for your operation.

References 1 Ponce CH, Schutz JS, Elrod CC, Anele UY, Galyean ML. Effects of dietary supplementation of a yeast product on performance and morbidity of newly received beef heifers. Prof Anim Sci 2012;28:618-622. Research Bulletin B-77.

2 Adapted from the data of: Ponce, et al. Prof Anim Sci 2012;28:618-622.

3 McCarty KJ, Tipton, JE, Ricks RE, Danielo J, Thompson JS, Long, NM. Effects of post-weaning supplementation of immunomodulatory feed ingredient on cortisol concentrations and microbial populations in programmed fed beef heifers. (Submitted for publication 2019.)

4 Salinas-Chavira J, Montano MF, Torrentera N, Zinn RA. Influence of feeding enzymatically hydrolysed yeast cell wall+yeast culture on growth performance of calffed Holstein steers, Journal of Applied Animal Research, 2018;46:327-330. https://doi.org/10.1080/09712119.2017 .1299742

WANT TO AVOID RECEIVING PERIOD STRESS THAT LEADS TO BRD? Great minds think alike.

Stress doesn’t get me down. I keep eating and gaining the way I should, even in the most stressful times. But I don’t do it alone.

CELMANAX™ gives me the Refined Functional Carbohydrates™ (RFCs™) I need to build resilience to challenges before they happen, so I can maintain my health. #ScienceHearted

To learn more about CELMANAX contact your nutritionist, veterinarian or ARM & HAMMER™ representative or visit AHanimalnutrition.com © 2019 Church & Dwight Co., Inc. ARM & HAMMER, CELMANAX and their logos and RFC and Refined Functional Carbohydrates are trademarks of Church & Dwight Co, Inc. CEB03193142FY

Industry

Grow Yards Grow Up By: Don Close, Rabo AgriFinance

Over the last few years, grow yards have become an increasingly important step in beef production. They have gone from being mainly used as residual housing to having a permanent, “always-on” role in the development of feeding cattle. The emergence of grow yards may seem to mark a subtle change in the cattle supply chain, but it will ultimately impact operations in all sectors of the industry.

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As a whole, the cattle industry will benefit from the change as: •Production of beef will be more efficient.

•More cattle will be delivered on spec and on time.

•Capacity can be built to buffer supply shocks along the cattle production chain.

A Transformation Is Operating in the Background Historically, the role of grow yards was limited. They were mainly used as reserve cattle housing when an imbalance occurred somewhere along the cattle production chain.

They were often used when stocker or feed yard numbers were out of balance – creating the need to house cattle – or when calves became extremely undervalued. So the periods in which grow yards grew in popularity were mainly driven by short- to medium-term economic incentives.

Some locations specialized in handling high-risk cattle.

A broader number of grow yards were used only during certain seasons or circumstances, leading to poor capacity utilization, which in turn provided a poor return on investment. That is no longer the case.

Grow yards now have ongoing economic benefit. Commercial feeders increasingly have marketing agreements in place that require cattle to meet specific feeding and management regimens with targeted out dates and finished weights. As a result, commercial cattle-feeding entities have embraced the use of grow yards as a central collection point for cattle that are pre-conditioned and ready to perform from day one.

This means that, these days, grow yard facilities are full, or nearly full, of cattle all the time. While the majority of cattle ownership is still with grow yard owners, more cattle are now owned by the end feeder. Taking earlier ownership of the animals assists in the implementation of risk management and allows the feeder better control of knowing when, and at what weight, cattle will be available for feed yard placement. This enhances their projections for performance and finished dates, which in turn improves their ability to meet requirements for formula and contract marketing commitments.

Commercial Feed Yards Are Facing Challenges In addition to the challenge of meeting the requirements in marketing agreements, commercial feed yards are also facing increased challenges handling cattle that require additional care. A shortage of skilled labor at commercial feed yards is a huge driver forcing the change in industry structure.

Another factor is today’s market environment of increased volatility, which is requiring feeders to have risk management programs that cover selling fed cattle and pro-

curing feeder cattle.

The demand for efficiency has most commercial feeders targeting placement weights currently in a range of 750- to 900-pound feeders. Partnering with grow yards enables cattle procurement teams to be in the market for substantially broader purchase weights of cattle, which has a number of benefits: •Expanding the weight class of purchases eases the competition that typically exists for targeted placement weights.

•It enables feeders to take advantage of seasonal movement of cattle and to capitalize on price weakness when supplies of a given weight class overrun the market.

•Having cattle of various weights in the pipeline eases the pressure on buyers to buy a determined number of cattle every week.

•Earlier ownership of cattle enables feeders to better determine cost and projected out dates on finished cattle, to better identify hedge opportunities, and to commit to future hook space when slaughter capacity is limited.

Grow Yards and Feed Yards Will Become Close Partners In my opinion, the relationships between grow yards and feed yards will become more aligned in the not-too-distant future. This will provide two main operational benefits: 1. The strengthened relationships will provide improved economies of scale with shared resources. The aligned relationships will give feed yards the ability to use the same nutritionists and veterinarians, enhancing cattle performance.

2. Close alignment will also avoid duplication of processing and create a seamless transition of cattle from the grow yard to the feed yard. Again, this alignment can improve cattle performance and health because it can reduce the stress on the animal of transitioning to a feed yard environment.

This in turn improves cattle performance, lowers the cost of gain, and actually improves cattle propensity to meet, or exceed, grading expectations because the cattle will have been on consistent, uninterrupted feed and pharmaceutical programs.

Challenges Will Come Forward The alignment between grow yards and feed yards will undoubtedly require work. Fair compensation is required, and the transfer of cattle ownership must be negotiated in order to sustain ongoing relationships. For grow yards owning the cattle on their operation, it will be critical to establish clear expectations of both buyers and sellers.

A challenge for grow yard operators, regardless of who owns the cattle, is limiting excessive death loss, which has to

be incorporated back into total costs. Specializing in transition cattle and high-risk animals makes death loss inherent to the business and an ongoing issue for the backgrounding sector. Both parties need to be clear as to how they will handle compensation for death loss, and the terms for accepting stressed or at-risk animals.

Grow yards managing customer-owned calves will need to find ways to get calves performing quickly. Most feeders using grow yards are limiting cattle to 150 days or a total gain of 250 pounds in order to avoid cattle getting too fleshy or too big. This also helps with their scheduling. Setting time or total-pounds-gained parameters has left grow yards with a limited time window to get enough performance to roll back costs per cwt.

Leaders Will Need to Be Proactive to Benefit from Changes Grow yards are often viewed as a low-cost/high-labor way for individuals to get started in the cattle business. They could also be an avenue for existing farms or cow/calf producers to grow, giving family members a chance to join the operation. Existing, small yard facilities are available in many regions near large commercial feed yards. New grow yard operators will need the skill sets to handle lightweight calves and high-risk cattle.

The evolution of grow yards into permanent, year-round

backgrounding operations will have an impact on all sectors of the U.S. cattle industry. For example, cow-calf operators can explore selling calves at different times of the year with more viable buyers on a consistent basis. Operators should be proactive in order to capitalize on the positive opportunities this long-term change can allow.

International

Sunrise over Kampala

My African Adventure By: Jacob Mayer, P.E., Settje Agri-Services & Engineering, Inc.

I have been blessed to visit wonderful places, work on unique projects, and meet incredible people early in my career, but undoubtedly the pinnacle occurred last fall when I flew halfway around the world to the African country of Uganda.

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Our company was hired to collect topographic survey data for seven potential sites for livestock development projects

by Ag Vision International (AVI; www.agvisioninternational.com). One of the founding partners of AVI, Andrew Uden, is a Nebraska native, and this adventure would have never happened if it was not for his entrepreneurial passion.

For those of you who were like me and knew basically nothing about my destination, Uganda is a landlocked country in Eastern Africa that straddles the equator. It is about the size of the state of Oregon but has a population similar to California. That population has an average age of only 17, and a typical farm laborer there gets paid around $2.00 per day. The climate features temperatures between 65 and 80°F all year round and receives 30 to 40 inches of precipitation annually. It is truly a land of untapped potential.

After 27 plus hours of travel, we arrived in the capital city of Kampala, which would become our home base for the next two weeks. Kampala is about the size of Minneapolis, Minnesota, and is the hub of Ugandan government and society. Traveling to Uganda was not nearly as interesting as moving internally through the county. The further away from Kampala we drove, the more the roads deteriorated. Many of the highways resembled a county gravel road and were simultaneously being traversed by hundreds of people walking along the shoulder, dozens of motorcycles hugging the edge, and straight trucks overflowing with bananas being passed by cars on both sides. Not to mention that since Uganda was a British colony, we were also on the wrong side of the road.

Most of the agriculture in Uganda is subsistence farming and almost none of it is mechanized. The sites we visited varied from existing working farms to patches of dense brush where I had to follow men with machetes cutting a path for us to move around. We are working on projects that include two dairies, one broiler farm, a farrow-to-finish swine facility, and three beef cattle operations. The owners of these farms are successful businessmen and women, government officials, and influential professionals. All of them have traveled internationally and most of them to the United States. They desire to improve their facilities, genetics, and management by integrating American practices, but they have an impressive foundation to build upon.

Even though I was on a work trip, work is not why I ended up in Uganda. As has happened so often in my life, God was leading my footsteps for other reasons. Our church, Christ Lutheran in Lincoln, Nebraska, supports an amazing place called The HOPE Center Uganda (www.hopecenteruganda.org). I was aware this mission effort existed, but then I had the chance to see it firsthand. HOPE Center Uganda is a small orphanage in Mityana, Uganda, that provides a safe place for abandoned and neglected children to grow

and learn about our Savior, Jesus Christ. It is difficult to type these words without getting emotional reflecting on our time there. To say it was life changing does not do it justice.

I have always enjoyed traveling, and this trip proved to be as interesting as it was challenging. There are two things I treasure the most about going to new places. The first is an opportunity to build new relationships with people, those I anticipate meeting and the ones that I never imagined crossing paths with. Agriculture is the common thread that brings us together, but it is people that make life worth living. And the second is that traveling always fosters a deeper appreciation of my family and the blessings I have right here at home. May you always stay safe in your travels, whether near or far, and may you always return back to the people who love you the most. Until next time, God Bless.

Traffic jam trying to get out of Kampala

Pasture tour with Jones Ruhombe. He uses a three breed cross on his cows (Santa Gertrudis, Charloais, and Boran)

Curious on-lookers checking out my surveying

Chuckles From Down Under Collected By: Jane Sullivan, Bell Veterinary Services

Getting in shape: A friend of mine had resisted efforts to get him to run with our jogging group until his doctor told him he had to exercise. Soon thereafter, he reluctantly joined us for our 5:30AM jogs on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays.

After a month of running, we decided that my friend might be hooked, especially when he said he had discovered what “runner’s euphoria” was.

“Runner’s euphoria,” he explained, “is what I feel at 5:30AM on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays.”

Courtesy of Neil P. Budge

An enormously wealthy 65-year-old man fell in love with a young woman in her twenties and was contemplating a proposal.

“Do you think she’d marry me if I tell her I’m 45?” he asked a friend.

“Your chances are better,” said the friend, “if you tell her you’re 90.”

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Leadership

Building Organizational Health Part 1 of 3 - The 4 Disciplines of a Healthy Organization By: Dr. Nels Lindberg Production Animal Consultation

The business of agriculture is the most noble business on the planet. Agriculture is driven by die-hard, relentless, tough, gritty, extremely hard-working people on farms, ranches, stocker operations, feedyards and more. We all get up and grind it out each day, working to produce food for the world. We all love our noble cause. But we are often lost in the insane level of work required to produce food for the world and lose sight of any sort of big picture. We do not have the time to put any focus on working on our business and developing the people we will need to execute long-term growth. We focus on the health of our animals 365/24/7, but when was the last time you evaluated your business (the animal) for sickness, identified a list of potential opportunistic areas (disease potentials), and came up with a diagnosis and a treatment plan for your business? pacdvms.com 27

This article is intended to stimulate your thought processes around this area and, more importantly, to provide a road map of why we do what we do every day and what greater success looks like.

The single greatest advantage to any organization is organizational health. Most organizations do not have good health because they think it is beneath them or even too simple to be an issue. Most leaders are cynical and condescending of anything touchy-feely related to achieving organizational health. But we must be humble and take a deeper look at creating a healthy organization, through the lens of world-renowned author and business leader Patrick Lencioni.

Organizational health is about integrity. We must be whole, consistent, and transparent. We must also have minimal politics, have high moral and ethical values, and work to have very little turnover. Lack of organizational health results in lack of performance. We can make cattle perform as well as anyone, but what is our organizational performance? It is easy for leaders to work on smarter, but most do not want to work on health! Working on smarter is comfortable for us. Working on politics, behavior, and habits of our teams is not comfortable for us. We just want people to show up, shut up, and work. But it does not work that way anymore. Our people want to hear from us; they want our continual care, guidance, and mentorship.

This article begins a three-part series on how to improve organizational health. Throughout this series, I want you to think about and take action for more discipline, common sense, consistency, transparency, simplicity, humility, and open doors. I want you to think less about egos, politics, ambiguity or secrecy, dysfunction, bureaucracy, closed doors, and making things complex and difficult.

The following are the four disciplines needed for organizational health: 1. Build a Cohesive Team. To do so, each member must be able to be completely open, vulnerably honest, and willing to passionately debate. Team members need to hold each other accountable, call each other out, and always keep the common goals in mind. Harmony and balance among a leadership team occurs when every member gives up all ego, personal interests, and individual desires for the good of the farm, ranch, or feedyard. When all members can speak up without fear of retribution and without fear of derogatory comments or action, the team becomes one. If any one member is insecure, complacent, arrogant, or authoritarian in nature, then a cohesive team will never occur because not everyone will be completely open and vulnerably honest.

2. Create Clarity. To do so, we must overshare information, have daily check-ins, and have leadership team meetings and whole yard meetings. We must constantly set and

share expectations on values, behaviors, daily actions, logistics, and where we are headed. Your leadership team needs to always be on the same page and communicate the same objectives in the same way to everyone. We often fail our teams when different leaders communicate different objectives to the same people, creating massive confusion and distrust.

3. Over Communicate Clarity. Repeatedly and enthusiastically. Repeat, repeat, and repeat. The goal is to be so clear and so transparent that cascading communication automatically occurs down through the chain with no misinformation or confusion. If there is ever any misinformation or confusion, that rests solely on leadership.

4. Reinforce Clarity. Reward those behaviors that support our purpose. When was the last time you “caught someone doing something good” and handed them $50 or $100? We are excellent at hammering on the mistakes and shortcomings of our team members, but how often do we reinforce clarity by rewarding good behaviors, actions, and attitudes?

We still have to reinforce with clarity our expectations daily, but if we reward the behaviors that support the purpose and mission of the operation, we will create small armies of people more willing to carry out our whole mission rather than just part of it. Your people will also become volunteer teams of culture builders!

The goal of this article and the remaining two in this three-part series is to prompt you to reflect on, assess, and resolve your operational goals, as well as to grow as a leader.

With each article, I challenge you to come up with three action items to execute, whether you are the manager, assistant manager, yard foreman, head cowboy, head of maintenance, or head of the mill.

What are your 3 action items? Write them down and tear this page out, or write them in your leadership notepad.

Take action! Remember, your organization will only go as far as you grow. You and your leaders are the “lid”.

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The remaining articles of this series are How to Build a Cohesive Team and The 6 Critical Questions Any Business Needs To Answer. And remember, we write these articles not just for your reading but to engage the thought processes of you and your teams as you come up with action plans to grow yourself, your teams, and your operation!

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Parable

Word of the Year Dr. Doug Ford, Production Animal Consultation & Dr. Greg Quakenbush, Geissler Corp.

The local John Deere dealership that my son and I sometimes frequent had a nice display of gun safes in their front lobby. I had not previously noticed that John Deere was in the safe business, but there was a great selection in all colors and sizes with variations of the famous John Deere logo across the front. As I expressed an interest in one of the safes, I asked the sales representative, “How much?” He quoted me what seemed to be a good price and then added what he thought would be a little extra incentive. He stated that he would list the safe on the invoice as an “air compressor” so that I could write the expense off my taxes. Though tempted, I looked at my young son and replied, “We would not be comfortable with the invoice not being truthful.” I thought it was important to include my son in the decision.

The sales representative’s response was interesting in that he stated, “Everyone else does it. What’s the harm? We do it all the time.” It would have been so easy to take the bait and send my son the wrong message regarding integrity.

Along a similar but more painful path, one of my clients recently bought a load of Holstein springers. As they began to calve, all of the offspring were bull calves. In that group of springing heifers, we also experienced an exceptionally high incidence of twins. The “invoice” in this instance stated that they were all checked, guaranteed bred and safe with calf. It was true that the heifers were checked pregnant, but an additional twist was that they were also sexed and checked for twins via ultrasound. Obviously the heifers were sorted, so guess which group arrived at the dairy?

When confronted, the seller was very defensive and evasive.

His final response was, “Well, I don’t know what could have happened, but you know that I would never cheat you!”

It is interesting to note how many people’s lives are personally and professionally incongruent in regard to truth telling. I have known cattle buyers who could be trusted with a $250,000 check and professionally account for every penny. But in their personal life, they could not be trusted with $10 worth of beer money. C.S. Lewis famously stated, “Integrity is doing the right thing even when no one is watching.” If you are one who desires to be a man or woman of integrity, here is the final exam: What do you do or how do you respond when no one else knows your actions?

Truth and integrity are codependent. Is a little white lie like the air compressor invoice or a more layered deception like the heifers really that big of a deal?

According to the Oxford Dictionary the answer to that question is “not really”. Each year, the Oxford Dictionary selects a word that reflects the consensus and condition of our culture. The Oxford Dictionary Word of the Year in 2016 was “post-truth”. Post-truth is defined as “...circumstances in which objective facts are less influential in shaping public opinion than are emotion and personal belief.” This culture-defining “word of the year” is stating that in essence truth, as we knew it, is dead. This “new” truth in the 21st century is not based on facts or reality, but rather on public opinion and emotion much like the trial and crucifixion of Christ. Now we know why “fact-based” science and the scientific method has been thrown in the dumpster. In some respects, look no further for examples than climate change, EPA regulations and the current settlement surrounding the herbicide Roundup. This also brings insight into better understanding our current chaotic political environment including presidential elections, Supreme Court nominations and Special Council Russian collusion investigations. Now it becomes more obvious why anarchy or lawlessness seems to be on the increase and law enforcement and our military are often harassed, hamstrung or forced to “stand down”.

Truth, absolute truth, is an attribute of the essence and character of God himself. Truth always begins and ends with our Creator. The Bible constantly speaks to the sanctity of truth and notes that lying is part of our fallen nature.

Satan has been identified as a “liar“ and “the father of lies”.

This then clearly shows us that the opposite of truth is not 1 holy . It is paramount that we not only speak the truth, but that we live it out daily as well.

Standing for truth, God’s absolute truth, will get you noticed but not always in a positive way. History is full of individuals who have stood firm and not denied the truth or the faith. Our country is currently becoming more divided, hateful and violent. At the bottom of this cultural rot, one will discover that the necessary foundation or cornerstone

of truth is being eaten away by feelings, emotions and other politically-correct termites. This is why we should not be surprised to learn that the culturally-defining Oxford Dictionary Word of the Year for 2018 was “toxic”.

It is easy to see that we are rapidly moving in the wrong direction. Currently the scoreboard looks like we are falling behind at half time with seemingly very little depth on our bench. However, the good news in this truth battle is that the One who identified himself as “The Truth” is for us and has not left us as orphans. He has sent a helper, the “Spirit of Truth”, to teach, guide and strengthen us. As deceit, lies, public opinion and other forms of “post-truth” seek to come against us, stand firm knowing that with Christ at our side, we are on the winning team, no matter the odds.

Digging Deeper Isaiah 5:20 (ESV): Woe to those who call evil good and good evil, who put darkness for light and light for darkness, who put bitter for sweet and sweet for bitter!

1 Corinthians 13:16 (ESV): Be watchful, stand firm in the faith, act like men, be strong.

James 4:17 (NLT): Remember, it is sin to know what you ought to do and then not do it.

John 14:6 (ESV): Jesus said to him, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.”

Romans 1:18 (ESV): For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who by their unrighteousness suppress the truth.

John 16:13 (ESV): When the Spirit of truth comes, he will guide you into all the truth, for he will not speak on his own authority, but whatever he hears he will speak, and he will declare to you the things that are to come.

Reference 1 God is Truth; Ligonier Ministries; https://www.ligonier.org/ learn/devotionals/god-truth/

pacdvms.com 31

The Pot Roast

The Best Italian Beef Sausage and Veggie Pizza We are big pizza eaters in our house! I mean, who doesn’t love pizza?! As a family, we eat most meals around our kitchen table.

However, when it is pizza night, the boys know we have a picnic in front of the TV. And y’all, this the BEST version of Italian Beef Sausage and Veggie Pizza we have ever made!

Ingredients 1 pizza crust

Italian Beef Sausage

1 lb. Italian beef sausage (recipe below)

2 tsp. thyme

1/2 red bell pepper roasted

1/4 tsp. oregano

10 brussel sprouts roasted

1/4 tsp. garlic powder

1/2 red onion

1/4 tsp. onion powder

1 8-oz. can tomato sauce

1/2 tsp. kosher salt

2 tbsp. pesto

1/8 tsp. crushed red pepper

1 16-oz. block mozzarella

Instructions Make the Italian beef sausage by seasoning the beef with the Italian spices and brown in skillet. While cooking, break the meat up gently and leave in bigger crumbles.

While the meat is browning, preheat the oven to 550 degrees. Then prepare the veggies by placing the red peppers and brussel sprouts on a sheet pan and drizzling with olive oil, salt, and pepper.

Slice the red onion and place in a skillet on low with olive oil to caramelize.

Place the can of tomato sauce in a small saucepan and add pesto. Let simmer.

Grate the mozzarella cheese.

Once all toppings are prepped, start rolling out the pizza dough. If using a homemade crust, do this by placing cornmeal on your pizza pan so it will not stick.

Once the dough is ready to go, it is time to build your pizza. First, place the sauce on the dough and then top with a layer of cheese. Next, add the veggies and meat evenly over the entire pizza. Lastly, add another layer of cheese to keep all your toppings in place.

Place your pizza in the oven, and bake for 30 minutes.

Thank you to Arturo and Wrenn Pacheco for sharing your recipe and pictures. Arturo and Wrenn are custom grazers located in the Flint Hills of Kansas. Their grazing operation consists of grazing double stock steers and custom heifer development for their clients. Arturo has his PhD in ruminant nutrition and owns and operates his own nutrition consulting business, Pacheco Cattle Services. Wrenn is a professional photographer and operates Wrenn Bird Photography. Together they have two little cowboys, Leo and Ross. You can find more of their recipes at cookingwiththecowboy.com.

Bilingual Training

The following articles have been translated into Spanish:

Ganadería o Equitación

Construyendo Salud Organizacional: Las 4 Disciplinas de una Organización Saludable Translation provided by Jose Valles Production Animal Consultation

pacdvms.com 35

Ganadería o Equitación By: Ted Howard, Production Animal Consultation

Finalmente, puedo comenzar un articulo sin los dedos de las manos y los pies entumecidos debido a nuestro frío invierno. Sin embargo, tengo puestas mis botas de pescador durante la temporada de los monzones en el medio oeste.

Pero ya es suficiente sobre el clima. En lugar del clima, vamos a enfocarnos en la vieja pregunta que se ha preguntado durante miles de años, “¿Cual vino primero, el huevo o la gallina?” En realidad, mejor no, pero la metáfora prepara mi articulo sobre ganadería o equitación.

A medida que me muevo entre los corrales de engorda, planteo la pregunta, “¿Que es lo que haces, es ganadería o equitación?” Mi discurso de ascensor se ha reducido a, “Enseño ganadería a caballo.”

Tengo el honor de conocer a grandes jinetes que pueden pedirle a un caballo que haga casi cualquier cosa, desde caminar de lado hasta hincarse, pero no podrían mover ganado a través del entendimiento de las diferentes zonas de vuelo asociadas con cada bovino. También conozco a grandes ganaderos que pueden mover ganado a cualquier lugar que deseen a pie; sin embargo, se les dificulta realizar la misma tarea a caballo.

Combinar la ganadería con la equitación requiere de esfuerzo concentrado y paciencia. Una vez que se agrega un caballo a la ecuación, ahora está tratando con otro ser con el que debe comunicarse de manera efectiva. Los ganaderos mas exitosos son aquellos que son lo suficientemente mentalmente fuertes como para controlar sus propias emociones.

Ser capaz de mantener mentalmente el control de la situación con caballos y ganado es esencial para el éxito de un ganadero. Un ganadero que puede ser paciente consigo mismo y con los animales con los que esta involucrado, así como también con sus compañeros humanos, se sentirá mas recompensado al final del día. Conectar los principios de ganadería y equitación se lleva años y años para perfeccionar con muchas oportunidades para aprender a lo largo del camino.

A medida que avanzamos hacia los meses mas cálidos, nuestro tiempo para trabajar en nuestros principios de equitación aumenta. Es durante estos tiempos cuando debemos enfocarnos en presionar y liberar con nuestro caballo para ayudarlo a relajarse y ser suave en el bocado para mantener la cabeza baja. Una vez que nuestro caballo se mueve con la presión de nuestras piernas y responde a nuestras peticiones, podemos perfeccionar su parte de la ecuación de ganadería.

Nuestro ganado lee la relación que tenemos con nuestro compañero equino en cuanto entramos al corral. Un caballo confiado es aquel que mantiene un paso constante con la cabeza baja. Un caballo inseguro es aquel que esta sacudiendo la cabeza y esta peleando contra el bocado. Un caballo

inseguro cabriolea y no es constante en su paso. Nuestro ganado se da cuenta de esto inmediatamente, y su zona ve vuelo se vuelve mucho mas grande.

Como ganaderos a caballo, debemos ser muy pacientes y tranquilos con nuestros caballos. La confianza entre nosotros debe desarrollarse afuera de los corrales de ganado lo más que sea posible. Una vez que nuestro caballo confié en nosotros, será mucho mas fácil ganarse la confianza de nuestro ganado.

Disfrutemos de nuestros meses de verano y aprovechemos las oportunidades para aprender y afinar nuestras destrezas de ganadería y equitación. Recuerde, la paciencia con nosotros mismos es lo mas importante que podemos hacer para tener éxito. Además, a medida que continúo reflexionando sobre la pregunta del huevo o la gallina, he llegado a la conclusión que ambos tienen buen sabor en un omelet.

Construyendo Salud Organizacional: Las 4 Disciplinas de una Organización Saludable Dr. Nels Lindberg, Production Animal Consultation El negocio de la agricultura es el negocio más noble del planeta. La agricultura es impulsada por gente incansable, intransigente, fuerte, valiente y extremadamente trabajadora en granjas, ranchos, operaciones de ganado en pastoreo, operaciones de corrales de engorda y mas. Todos nos levantamos todos los días trabajando para producir alimentos para el mundo. Todos amamos nuestra noble causa. Pero a menudo nos perdemos en el nivel insensato de trabajo requerido para producir alimentos para el mundo y perdemos de vista cualquier panorama general. No tenemos el tiempo para enfocarnos en trabajar en nuestro negocio y desarrollar a las personas que vamos a necesitar para ejecutar un crecimiento a largo plazo. Nos enfocamos en la salud de nuestros animales 365 días al año, 24 horas al día, 7 días a la semana, ¿pero cuando fue la ultima vez que evaluó su negocio (un animal en este caso) por enfermedad, identifico una lista de posibles áreas oportunistas (potenciales de enfermedades), y elaboro un diagnostico y un plan de tratamiento para su negocio? El objetivo de este articulo es estimular sus procesos de pensamiento en esta área y, mas importante aun, para proveer un esquema de trayecto de porque hacemos lo que hacemos todos los días y como se ve un mayor éxito.

La única ventaja mas grande para cualquier organización es la salud organizacional. La mayoría de las organizaciones no tienen buena salud porque piensan que esta por debajo de ellas o porque es muy simple para ser un problema. La mayoría de los lideres son cínicos y condescendientes con cualquier cosa que este relacionada con el logro de la salud

organizacional. Pero debemos ser humildes y ver mas a fondo la creación de una organización saludable, a través del lente del autor y líder empresarial reconocido mundialmente Patrick Lencioni.

La salud organizacional se trata de integridad. Debemos ser completos, consistentes, y transparentes. También debemos tener políticas mínimas, valores morales y éticos elevados, y trabajar para tener poca rotación. La falta de salud organizacional resulta en falta de rendimiento. Podemos hacer que el ganado rinda tan bien como lo hace cualquier otra persona, pero ¿cual es nuestro rendimiento organizacional? ¡Es fácil para los lideres trabajar en la inteligencia, per lo mayoría no quiere trabajar en la salud! Trabajar en la inteligencia es cómodo para nosotros. Trabajar en la política, el comportamiento, y los hábitos de nuestros equipos no es cómodo para nosotros. Solo queremos que las personas se presenten, se callen, y trabajen. Pero ya no funciona de esa manera. Nuestra gente quiere saber de nosotros; quieren nuestro cuidado continuo, orientación y tutoría.

Este articulo comienza una serie de tres partes sobre como mejorar la salud organizacional. A lo largo de esta serie, quiero que piense y actué para lograr más disciplina, sentido común, consistencia, transparencia, simplicidad, humildad y abrir puertas. Quiero que piense menos en los egos, la política, la ambigüedad o el secretismo, la disfunción, la burocracia, las puertas cerradas, y el hacer las cosas mas complejas y mas difíciles.

Las siguientes son las cuatro disciplinas necesarias para la salud organizacional: 1. Construir un Equipo Cohesivo. Para hacerlo, cada miembro debe ser capaz de ser completamente abierto, vulnerablemente honesto, y estar dispuesto a debatir apasionadamente. Los miembros del equipo deben responsabilizarse mutuamente, llamarse mutuamente la atención, y siempre tener en mente los objetivos comunes. La armonía y el equilibrio entre un equipo de liderazgo se producen cuando cada integrante renuncia a todo ego, intereses personales, y deseos individuales por el bien de la granja, rancho o operación de corrales de engorda. Cuando todos los miembros pueden hablar sin temor a represalias y sin temor a comentarios o acciones despectivas, el equipo se convierte en uno.

Si uno de los miembros por naturaleza es inseguro, complaciente, arrogante, o autoritario, entonces nunca se formará un equipo cohesivo porque no todos serán completamente abiertos y vulnerablemente honestos.

2. Crear Claridad. Para hacerlo, debemos compartir información, tener revisiones diariamente, y tener reuniones de equipos de liderazgo y reuniones con todos los empleados. Debemos establecer y compartir las expectativas constantemente sobre valores, comportamientos, acciones diarias, logística y hacia dónde nos dirigimos. Su equipo de liderazgo debe estar siempre en la misma sintonía y comunicarle los mismos objetivos de la misma manera a todos. A menudo le fallamos a nuestros equipos cuando diferentes lideres comunican diferentes objetivos a las mismas perso-

nas, creando una confusión masiva y desconfianza.

3. Sobre Comunicar la Claridad. Repetidamente y con entusiasmo. Repetir, repetir, y repetir. El objetivo es ser tan claro y tan transparente que la comunicación en cascada se realice automáticamente a través de la cadena laboral sin mala información o confusión. Si en algún momento hay alguna desinformación o confusión, eso cae únicamente en el liderazgo.

4. Reforzar la Claridad. Recompensar aquellos comportamientos que apoyan nuestro propósito. ¿Cuándo fue la última vez que “sorprendió a alguien haciendo algo bueno” y le dio $50 o $100? ¿Somos excelentes en recalcar los errores y las deficiencias de los miembros de nuestro equipo, pero con que frecuencia reforzamos la claridad al recompensar los buenos comportamientos, acciones y actitudes? Todavía tenemos que reforzar con claridad nuestras expectativas a diario, pero si recompensamos los comportamientos que apoyan el propósito y la misión de nuestra operación, crearemos pequeños ejércitos de personas mas dispuestas a llevar a cabo nuestra misión completa y no solo una parte de ella. ¡Su gente también se convertirá en equipos voluntarios de constructores de cultura!

El objetivo de este articulo y los dos restantes en esta serie de tres partes es para impulsarlo a que reflexione, evalué, y resuelva sus objetivos operativos, así como también que crezca como líder. Con cada articulo, lo reto a que presente tres puntos de acción para ejecutar, ya sea usted el gerente, el asistente del gerente, el capataz, el jefe de vaqueros, el jefe de mantenimiento o el jefe de la planta de alimentos. ¿Cuáles son sus 3 puntos de acción? Escríbalos y arranque esta pagina o escríbalos en su cuaderno de liderazgo. ¡Tome medidas! Recuerde, su organización solo llegara tan lejos como usted crezca. Usted y sus lideres son el “cuello de botella”.

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Los artículos restantes de esta serie son Como Construir un Equipo Cohesivo y Las 6 Preguntas Criticas que Cualquier Empresa Debe Responder. ¡Y recuerde, escribimos estos artículos no solo para su lectura sino también para involucrar los procesos de pensamiento de usted y sus equipos a medida que desarrolla planes de acción para el crecimiento de usted mismo, sus equipos y su operación!

pacdvms.com 37

OTHER BRD TREATMENTS WERE 50% AS EFFECTIVE AS DRAXXIN® IN SEVERAL STUDIES.

Treat bovine respiratory disease (BRD) the right way with DRAXXIN® (tulathromycin) Injectable Solution. DRAXXIN demonstrated 50% fewer re-treats and 50% fewer dead or chronic animals1 versus competitive products in several large pen studies.2 Which means your cattle stay healthier, and that helps keep your bottom line healthier, too.

BRD SOLUTIONS FROM ZOETIS

Get the numbers on DRAXXIN at draxxin.com.

IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION: DRAXXIN has a pre-slaughter withdrawal time of 18 days in cattle.

Do not use in female dairy cattle 20 months of age or older. Do not use in animals known to be hypersensitive to the product. See Brief Summary of Prescribing Information on adjacent page and full Prescribing Information at draxxin.com/pi.

1

Data on file, Study Report Nos. 1133R-60-05-491, A131R-US-12-028, 2132T-60-01-050, 1133R-60-02-376, 2132T-60-01-063, 1133R-60-03-388 and 11RGDRA01, Zoetis Services LLC.

2

Data on file, Study Report Nos. 1133R-60-05-491, 1133R-60-05-492, 1133R-60-05-493, A131R-US-12-028, 2132T-60-01-050, 1133R-60-02-376, 2132T-60-01-063 and 1133R-60-03-388, Zoetis Services LLC.

All trademarks are the property of Zoetis Services LLC or a related company or a licensor unless otherwise noted. © 2016 Zoetis Services LLC. All rights reserved. DRX-00120

Calendar July

August

16th PAC Caregiver Enrichment Summit Series, Great Bend, KS

6th Corporate Team Workshop, Denver, CO, Dr. Nels presenting

18th PAC Caregiver Enrichment Summit Series, Garden City, KS

19th Cattle First, White Sulphur Springs, WV, Dr. Nels presenting

25th Cattle First, Cheyenne Frontier Days, Cheyenne, WY, Dr. Nels presenting

28th PAC Caregiver Enrichment Summit Series, Kearney, NE

26th VET Leader One Day, Great Bend, KS, Dr. Nels, Dr. Dan and Dr. Randall presenting

Maternal Merit Igenity Score

10

Carcass Merit Igenity Score

6

Performance Merit Igenity Score

7

Peel back a layer - It might surprise you!

Neogen GeneSeek ® Operations • 4131 N. 48th Street, Lincoln, NE 68504 877-443-6489 • genomics.neogen.com • Igenity.support@neogen.com

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4/4/2019 2:54:26 PM

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

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FRIDAY, JULY 26TH IN GREAT BEND, KANSAS

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