Recent research from multiple labs suggests some of the most expensive stressors cows experience are the ones we don’t see.

No matter if you’re hauling a few miles down the road or a long haul across state lines, paying attention to key transportation principles is essential for getting cattle there safely and in good condition.

The 21-day cortisol surge in stressed cattle is a common problem that costs the combined beef and dairy sectors millions of dollars annually in mortality, morbidity, drug and labor costs, and impaired efficiencies in animals. And, yet, this inescapable reality is poorly understood and seldom planned for in producer protocols.

As an extension agent here in Virginia, I have the privilege of working with some of the best cattle producers around. Over the years, I’ve seen firsthand the challenges that come with raising cattle – from health and genetics to markets and handling.

Successful beef producers work cattle with tried-and-true strategies during hot, muggy summers. Innovative methods, such as working early in the morning or at night, can prevent excessive heat loads in cattle.