Consumers have a desire to feel connected with their food. Most are several generations removed from agriculture and are genuinely curious about where their food comes from and how it was raised. The Consumer Beef Tracker, a continuous online survey run by National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA) on behalf of the beef checkoff, identified that 58% of consumers had a “concern” with how cattle are raised. The tracker, which targets 500 consumers per month and is census balanced for age, gender and region, found that of those consumers who acknowledged a concern, most cited “animal welfare” as the main source of their apprehension.

The National Beef Quality Audit (NBQA) is one of the few ways the beef industry can assess both the fed beef supply as well as the supply of market cow and bull beef. Any savvy cattle producer is aware that the dairy industry plays a huge role in the beef supply. Not only do we see a large number of dairy steers entering the feedlot, but dairy cows also make a career change and ultimately contribute to our country’s beef reserve.

Sometimes it’s the small details that are the most important; take vaccine storage and handling for example. Just a slight misstep and the vaccine you’re relying on to protect your herd could be rendered useless. As branding season approaches and producers start to consider calfhood and pre-breeding vaccinations, it’s worthwhile to refresh your memory on proper vaccine management.

You’ve treated calves before, and you know the dose on the label is effective. But this one slipped through the cracks; he’s sicker than most you’ve treated. Why not give him a few extra ccs? It can’t hurt, right? Actually, it can.