Operating a successful farm or ranch today requires more than strong production skills and long hours in the field. Modern agricultural operations function as complex businesses that face legal, financial, regulatory and risk management challenges that can significantly impact long-term viability.

What if having a safer workplace would help attract veterinary graduates to pursue their board certifications in large-animal practice? What if eliminating preventable work-related injuries could add 21 days of productivity to a large-animal veterinarian’s annual route?

Veterinarians are in high demand, especially in rural communities. Large-animal vets are in even higher demand, and the shortage affects all those who raise livestock.

Whether your veterinarian is coming out to examine a sick animal or for a herd working event, there are some simple best practices you can implement to help make their time on your farm as efficient as possible.

If the local farming community’s coffee row were surveyed about the beef industry’s major players, the rancher, feedlot operator and packing plants would likely dominate responses.

It’s really important to make a conscious effort to analyze this past year’s herd health and objectively reflect on what worked and what didn't. Doing so will help guide decisions for an even better year ahead and maximize the success of your operation from an animal health perspective.

When someone hears “estate plan” they generally think “will.” However, for today, I want to focus on the other estate documents beyond a will – there are many!