Tennessee Cattle Business - May 2023

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Where do you think the phrase

“dropping like flies” came from?

140+ Head

WHOYOUGONNACALL?

STORY AND PHOTOS BY MELINDA PERKINS

It’s calving season and the cow you’ve watched all season has a nice udder and as the old folk say, “she’s springing.” One more check of the calving pasture for the day and there she is presenting with a life-threatening breach birth.

“WHO YOU GONNA CALL?” Not Ghostbusters. A call to your local veterinarian makes the most sense. I hope there is one available.

According to the American Veterinary Medical Association annual report, as of December 31, 2022, there were 124,069 veterinarians in the United States. Of that number, only 3.9%, or 3,606, are in food animal practice. This number is compared to 67.2%, or 62,453, in companion animal practice. A recent report from the Farm Journal Foundation indicates that while the food animal veterinarian shortage is not a new problem, it has reached a critically low point and needs to be addressed.

As indicated in the Farm Journal Foundation report, many cattle producers have experienced the shortage of food animal veterinarians. The effect on the cattle industry will only continue to grow with the upcoming changes to livestock antibiotic regulations. As Cornell University’s Clinton Neil, Ph.D., wrote in the Farm Journal Foundation report, food animal veterinarians are vital to maintaining a safe food supply, protecting public health, and safeguarding the prosperity of rural areas.

Prompted by his passion for large animal medicine and the shortage of food animal veterinarians, Dr. Mark Turney opened a state-of-the-art facility focusing on large animal medicine in Tennessee Ridge, Tennessee.

K&M Veterinary Consulting

Performing breeding soundness exams, palpating cows, and administering vaccinations are all routine practices for Dr. Turney, sole veterinarian at K&M Veterinary Consulting. The practice was established in September 2022 with the sole purpose of offering large animal veterinary services to Erin, Tennessee and other surrounding communities such as Clarksville, Dickson, Waverly, and Dover.

K&M’s state-of-the-art haul in facility is located on Highway 49 in Houston County, northwest of Erin. The facility includes an impressive low-stress cattle handling facility, ample room for overnight animal housing, and an equine exam room. They also have a well-stocked pharmacy that has anything from dewormers and antibiotics to medicines and supplies used for artificial insemination (A.I.). Additionally, the practice uses several advanced pieces of technology such as a unique ultrasound probe used for A.I. and rectal palpations, and a microscope used for advanced detection of internal parasites.

Sources: American Veterinary Medical Association, Farm Journal Foundation

“Unique is a good word to describe our clinic,” said Dr. Turney. “Other than a university, you won’t find a clinic that has the technology and equipment like we do.”

Although the physical clinic is in Tennessee Ridge, the reach and impact of K&M Veterinary Consulting extends much farther due to their ability to offer on-farm services and consulting for bovine, equine, and small ruminant clients.

Dr. Turney offers a variety of bovine services. He is most known for bovine respiratory disease (BRD) treatment and stocker cattle management. Additionally, he performs general herd health practices, offers foot trimming and cosmetic dehorning practices, and bovine reproductive services. K&M Veterinary Consulting can also perform in-house testing for Johne’s, bovine viral diarrhea (BVD), bovine leukosis, anaplasmosis, and blood pregnancy test. The practice also offers basic equine and small ruminant services including herd health and vaccinations, castrations, dental exams, basic lameness exams, and parasite management.

A Family Affair

Dr. Turney is a 2004 graduate of Ross University College of Veterinary Medicine. Dr. Turney’s wife, Rebecca, is also a veterinarian. The couple met during their studies at Ross University. Over the years, they have had the opportunity to work alongside each other as well as the opportunity to work independently and explore their individual interest in the veterinary medicine profession. Prior to establishing K&M Veterinary Consulting, the couple owned and practiced at the Houston County Animal Clinic, where Dr. Rebecca still practices today. In 2021, the couple had the opportunity to sell the Houston County Animal Clinic which then opened the door for them to establish K&M Veterinary Consulting. The practice is named after the couple’s daughters, Kaitlynn (16) and Madelynn (13).

As a family, they also own and operate a 400 head commercial cow-calf operation, have 1000 head of stocker cattle, and a small herd of Brahman females. The offspring from the cow-calf herd go into their stocker operation and the remaining number of stocker cattle come from other producers.

Here to Serve YOU

There is no doubt that Dr. Turney is passionate about large animal medicine and doing his part to fulfill the food animal veterinarian shortage. “The highlight of my career has been getting the opportunity to work in a rural setting, doing what I love, and serving my community,” said Dr. Turney. As a cattle producer in Houston County, Dr. Turney wants his fellow cattlemen and women to know that it doesn’t matter how big the operation or the number of head of cattle, it’s about the beef cattle industry. Dr. Turney’s focus is on making sure producers have the resources they need to succeed.

“We are thankful to have this large animal clinic and Dr. Turney,” said Laurie Rollins, UT Extension Agent for Houston County. “Houston County is a cattle county, and we are blessed beyond measure to have this state-ofthe-art clinic.”

K&M Veterinary Consulting is taking new clients. Clients are encouraged to bring their animals to the unique, state-of-the-art facility in Tennessee Ridge.

On June 11, 2023, over the counter (OTC) antibiotics for animals will require a prescription from your veterinarian. The Tennessee Cattlemen’s Association encourages producers to prepare by talking to a veterinarian, establishing a Veterinarian-Client-Patient Relationship (VCPR), scheduling routine visits with a veterinarian, and implementing treatment plans. For more information visit, www.ncba.org/producers/ updated-antibiotic-guidelines.

Tennessee Cattlemen’s Association Scholarships

Scholarship Overview

The Tennessee Cattlemen’s Association will award three scholarships of $600 to outstanding students who are pursuing careers in the beef industry. Fields of study may include: education, communications, production, research, or any other area involved with the beef industry. The purpose of this program is to identify and encourage talented and thoughtful students who will emerge as industry leaders.

Conditions of Eligibility

• Applicants must be a graduating high school senior, enrolled in a technical school program, or a full-time undergraduate student enrolled at a two or four-year institution in Tennessee for the entire 2023-2024 academic year. Scholarship money will be paid directly to the institution of learning to be applied towards the student’s expenses.

• Applicants must have demonstrated a commitment to a career in the beef industry through classes, internships, or life experiences.

• Previous scholarship winners are eligible to apply in subsequent years, but preference will be given to new applicants.

Judging Process

The Tennessee Cattlemen’s Association will administer the program and choose a panel of judges to review the applications, essays, and select the winners. Essays will be judged on the basis of originality, grammar, clarity of expression, accuracy, and genuineness. Judges decisions are final. The Tennessee Cattle Business reserves the right to publish all or any parts of the essays submitted.

Applications will be judged on the Essay (50%) and Activity in 4-H, FFA, and other agriculture organizations (50%)

Application Requirements

1. Essay – write an essay of 500 words or less on the following topic, “Where do you see the future of the beef industry going in the coming decade?”

2. References – obtain a letter of reference from a current or former instructor, or industry professional.

3. List participation in 4-H, FFA, and other agriculture organizations.

4. Must be a member of the Tennessee Cattlemen’s Youth Association, OR parents or grandparents must be a member of TCA.

5. Applications must be received by June 1, 2023.

Contact Information

Name ____________________________________________

Address City ___________________ State _____ Zip ____________

County Phone

Email

Are you a member of the TN Cattlemen’s Youth Association? ___ Yes ___ No; Membership # ____________

Are your parents or grandparents a member of the TN Cattlemen’s Association? ___ Yes ___ No; Membership # ____________

Institution of Learning _____________________________

Major(s)

Anticipated Year of Graduation ____________________

Please

Deadline: June 1, 2023

Tennessee CattleWomen’s Association Scholarship

Scholarship Overview

The Tennessee CattleWomen’s Association will award one scholarship of $600 to an outstanding student (male or female) who demonstrates good leadership skills, industry involvement, and a desire to pursue a career in the beef industry. Fields of study may include anything related to the beef cattle industry. The purpose of this program is to identify and support students who have excelled in the beef cattle industry as a way to help them emerge as industry leaders.

Conditions of Eligibility

• Applicants must be a graduating high school senior, enrolled in a technical school program, or a full-time undergraduate student enrolled at a two or four-year institution in Tennessee for the entire 2023-2024 academic year. Scholarship money will be paid directly to the institution of learning to be applied towards the student’s expenses.

• Applicants must have demonstrated a commitment to a career in the beef industry through life experiences, industry involvement, 4-H & FFA involvment, and coursework.

• Previous scholarship winners are eligible to apply in subsequent years, but preference will be given to new applicants.

Judging Process

The judging process will be overseen by the TNCW Scholarship Chairman. The TNCW Scholarship Chairman will organize a committee to review the applications, essays, and select the winners. Essays will be judged on the basis of originality, grammar, clarity of expression, accuracy, relevance of topic and the solutions offered. Judges decisions are final. The Tennessee CattleWomen’s Association reserves the right to publish all or any parts of the essays submitted on their website and social media.

Applications will be judged on the Essay (50%) and Activity in 4-H, FFA, and other agriculture organizations (50%)

Application Requirements

1. Essay – write an essay of 500 words or less on the following topic, “As beef cattle producers and enthusiast, how should we educate the consumer on our products and practices?

2. References – obtain a letter of reference from a current or former instructor, or industry professional.

3. List participation in 4-H, FFA, and other agriculture organizations.

4. Applicant must be a member of the Tennessee CattleWomen’s Association, OR their parent or grandparent must be a member of the Tennessee CattleWomen’s Association.

5. Applications must be received by June 1, 2023.

Please complete and mail to: Tennessee CattleWomen’s Association, c/o Scholarships 530 Brandies Circle Suite B, Murfreesboro, TN 37128 Deadline: June 1, 2023

Contact Information

Name Address

Are you a member of the TN CattleWomen’s Association? ____ Yes ____ No

Are your parents or grandparents a member of the TN CattleWomen’s Association? _____ Yes _____ No

Institution of Learning

Career Interest(s)

Anticipated Complettion of Studies (Year)