What are the hidden effects of heat stress on animals, what threats does it pose to the sustainability of the U.S. meat industry and what can be done to mitigate these effects?

By the time today’s cattle leave the feedyard, they are heavier and have been there longer than ever before. This shift has created new opportunities for efficiency and carcass value. Today, the success of feeding cattle can be largely determined long before the animal ever sees a bunk.

We all know the drill. Inbound calves arrive and we might treat a random animal that arrived ill. Then things are pretty calm … until about day 21. Then it all breaks loose. Animals that had escaped scrutiny suddenly appear quite ill, or worse, at death’s door.

Beef-on-dairy cattle and native beef animals often require different health and nutrition protocols when entering the feedlot. Knowing your cattle and their source can prevent a lot of headaches when in receiving and feeding.

Agriculture has been one of the most dangerous industries for decades. That's why a team of researchers and safety experts have developed the Feedyard 15 Program, a free safety training curriculum available for cattle feedyard operations.

The journey from pasture to plate is fraught with challenges, particularly during the initial receiving period when cattle are most vulnerable. The receiving phase, typically encompassing the first 45 days after cattle arrive at a feedlot, is critical for ensuring their health, well-being and subsequent productivity.

Today’s beef industry is moving through uncharted territory. Record prices are being recorded for finished animals, weaned calf dollar amounts have never been higher, and more younger calves are entering feedlots than ever before.

Zoonotic diseases – also known as zoonoses – are caused by germs that spread between animals and people. No matter where people come into contact with animals, harmful germs are sometimes carried by animals.

Safety is important. We all know that, but cattle feedyards can be dangerous places to work. In addition to working with cattle, which can be unpredictable, workers use horses and tractors; machinery in the feed mill; trucks, all-terrain and utility-task vehicles and other vehicles; and are exposed to challenging weather conditions.

Depending on who you talk to, attitudes toward the use of implants in beef cattle production are very different. Most finishing yards are using implants today unless cattle are enrolled in a non-implant, natural or organic program that prohibits their use.