Animal health vaccine usage is a confusing and misunderstood process by many cow-calf ranches throughout the U.S. With confusion comes many questions. Why have we chosen the vaccines we use in our beef cattle production systems?

The 1998 movie The Horse Whisperer starring Robert Redford hit the movie screens with a story of a man who “whispers” to horses. I have often thought of this movie and the perception that people can talk to animals.

I consider beef cow stress one of the top issues facing the cattle industry today, including how producers may induce stress in their daily management practices.

It is hard to believe where time goes. I often reflect at how it seems we blink in the cattle business and the next season is upon us. Currently, fall calving is completing, and spring calving is just around the corner.

The weaning of spring calves is upon us, and many decisions are being made this year regarding the best methods to minimize morbidity and mortality. Weaning is typically the most stressful time of a calf’s life, and each year seems to bring new challenges.