Weaning is arguably the most stressful event in a calf’s life. Stress at weaning can inhibit immune response, trigger health problems and shut off gains. Fortunately, cattle producers who understand stressing events can identify potential stressors and manage for a successful transition at weaning.

Beef cattle require minerals in the diet to support maintenance, growth, lactation and reproduction. Providing mineral supplementation is an important part of the beef nutrition program for maintaining healthy animals.

The USDA on July 20 revised the payment rate for its Livestock Indemnity Program (LIP), nearly tripling compensation for young calves lost to producers. LIP payments, which are distributed through FSA, are based on 75% of “average fair market value.”

Unless you’ve been living under a rock recently, you’ll know that in most places, for most folks, times are tough. According to the national drought monitor as of Aug. 2, 2022, 43.16% of the U.S. and 51.39% of the lower 48 states are experiencing drought.

They call them the dog days of summer. I always figured it was because a person felt like lying in the shade all day and barking at folks that bothered him, like an old cow dog.