A warm summer day is often a most desirable time on the ranch, especially when a “leisure” trip to check the pastures and cow-calf pairs is on the day’s agenda. But this relaxing trip quickly turns stressful when the first calf we encounter is teary-eyed, followed by another and another.

Calves have never been more valuable than they are today. The price of a 550-pound steer has doubled in the last three years! Preparing a calf for weaning has always been critical, but the cost of mistakes is increasing exponentially.

Summer’s warmth and sunshine should spell carefree days for young nursing calves, with pastures coming to life and the stresses of harsher weather in the past. Yet, behind this idyllic curtain, the threat of summer pneumonia lies in wait.

All producers aim to maintain the health of their herds. Because losses from sickness and death take a toll on cattle and producers alike, it can be helpful to periodically review farm biosecurity practices.

Bovine respiratory disease (BRD) is essentially pneumonia. Caused by specific bacteria and viruses, it is the most expensive disease in the beef industry.

Check out new products addressing animal health needs, calving and more.