Heifer

More Than Annoyance: Flies Can Impact Health and Profits

Tue, 06 May 2025 15:16:34 GMT

With fly season approaching, now is the time to evaluate and refine your fly management plan for 2025.

“If your 2024 control efforts underperformed, consider adjusting your approach,” says David Boxler, Nebraska Extension livestock entomologist. “The best control method will depend on several factors including efficacy, cost, convenience and your current herd management practices.”

He also reminds producers that horn flies can migrate from neighboring untreated herds, masking the effectiveness of your efforts and increasing fly pressure. For this reason, Boxer recommends a comprehensive, integrated fly control.

The horn fly is one of the most damaging pests of pasture and rangeland cattle across the U.S., Boxler says in a recent “ UNL Beef Watch .”

“Adult horn flies are blood-feeding insects that take an average of 30 blood meals per day,” he says. “Their populations can build rapidly and often exceed the Economic Injury Level defined as 200 flies per animal. Once fly numbers surpass this threshold, cattle experience reduced weight gain and milk production due to fly-induced stress and altered grazing behavior.”

Observing your cattle during summer months is key to detecting fly pressure. Boxler asks, “Are they constantly tossing their heads, swishing their tails or twitching their skin?”

These signs of fly irritation indicate a more effective control strategy might be needed.

“If you are seeing flies, ticks, lice or insect damage to your cattle herd, we know there is an economic impact; however, that impact can become far greater than production or weight gain loss alone,” says Ashby Green, DVM, Neogen senior technical services veterinarian. “Insect pressure affects grazing patterns of cattle, it affects their comfort and it can lead to health issues. Some of those health issues can be definite, such as anaplasmosis.”

The vectors responsible for spreading anaplasmosis include horse flies, stable flies and ticks. This condition has been reported in most states across the U.S., while the disease has been recognized as endemic throughout the South and several Midwestern and Western states.

“With horn flies, we’re looking at mastitis risk, so that’s going to impact both dairy cattle and also our cow-calf operations,” says Jonathan Cammack, Oklahoma State University assistant professor and state extension specialist. “A lot of times, horn flies will feed on the udders of the animals, and they transfer the Staphylococcus aureus bacteria because they land on the manure, then they go back to the animal to feed and bring those bacteria with them.”

Several other conditions are propagated by flies or ticks, including pinkeye, which can be spread by face flies and causes inflammation and ulceration of the eyes. Pinkeye-affected calves are, on average, 35 lb. to 40 lb. lighter at weaning compared to healthy calves, according to a University of Kentucky report.

Cammack says that due to flies, “We’re looking at probably $6 billion in losses annually to U.S. cattle production, and that encompasses everything from actual loss in production due to decreased weight gain or decreased milk production, veterinary needs associated with treatment of cattle with exposure to pathogens from some of these insects, and then also the control measures associated with managing those individual fly species.”

Ticks present economic risks as well. Cammack says that during a 100-day growing period producers can see a decrease in total weight gain in calves by about 20 lb. For stockers, over that same 100-day period during the summer months, they can experience a decrease in weight gain by about 60 lb.

“With what current prices are, 60 lb. could translate to a significant amount of money returned when we’re talking about the few dollars that it might cost for some tick control,” he says.

(Neogen)

Controlling flies and insects: Tips to implement
Now is the time to take steps to control flies and ticks, as populations emerge with the warmer weather.

In “ Stopping Flies in 2025: Tips to Battle These Economic Pests ,” Cassandra Olds, Kansas State University Extension entomologist, shares four steps to controlling flies

Know what flies you’re dealing with.
Reduce populations.
Eliminate breeding grounds.
Consider chemical control options.

Similar to Olds, Green recommends using a multi-pronged approach to insect control. Fly tags, feed-through insect growth regulator (IGR) products, pour-ons, back rubbers and dust bags can help diminish the population. A pour-on with an IGR destroys the larval development in flies and greatly reduces the fly population. For ultimate control using a pour-on, look to a unique combination of actives within one solution that includes an IGR, an adulticide, and a synergist that supplies relief to cattle from infestations and provides producers with a reliable solution that helps minimize handling, time and labor costs.

“Both back rubbers and dust bags can be highly effective if managed correctly. Keep in mind, when these are put out to withstand the elements, including moisture and rain, it’s key to keep the dust fresh or the oil recharged in your back rubbers. Otherwise, they will diminish in their ability to control flies quickly,” Green advises.

Cammack stresses the importance of accurate dosing by the individual animal’s weight and following label guidelines.

To best control flies and insects on cattle operations, “the easy and effective way is the best way,” Green summarizes. “It’s up to you and with the help of your veterinarian to help create that combination.”

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Calving Tips: Dealing with Protective Moms

Fri, 04 Apr 2025 21:48:39 GMT

As spring calving season continues, producers continue to monitor and assist when needed as their next calf crop hits the ground. Dealing with protective moms can be a challenging situation, two industry leaders and a producer share their tips on how to prevent and cope with the situation when faced with an unruly cow.

The first 24 hours is a key time in the newborn’s life. Ron Lemenager, Purdue beef specialist, says calves older than 24 hours are typically hard to catch, so if you plan to process the newborn, it should be done as soon as possible after birth.

“Outside of colostrum, I don’t often talk about some of the other chores that might need done in that time period,” says AJ Tarpoff, Kansas State University Extension veterinarian. “Simply because it’s different for every operation.”

Work as a team: It’s hard to know if you are in danger without someone watching your back. One person can entertain the cow, while the other can tag or accomplish what is needed.”

(Angie Stump Denton)

Depending on your management program, producers may choose to perform some of these tasks in the first 24 hours: tagging, castrating, dehorning, taking birth weights, giving selenium injections or recording calf information in a calving book.

It might be necessary to use nutritional supplements/injectables depending on the operation and cow status. Tarpoff encourages producers to discuss proper products and protocols to use at calving with your veterinarian prior to the first calf hitting the ground.

Commercial cattle producer Tyler Tobald, JTAC Farms, Glasco, Kan., shares his process for newborn calves.

“In the first 24 hours after calving, I will usually put ear tags into the calf,” he says. “If the calf is a bull, I band it. Then, I give the calf some oral vitamin A, D, E, B12 gel while I use a leg band to get its weight. We rotate our calving areas in different parts of the pasture and attached field. After I’m all done tagging, I enter the calf into CattleMax and record any other notes about the cow and calf that I deem important to know for the future.”

Obviously, cow behavior can be a factor when processing a newborn. Just like the video published with this story, sometimes a protective mom decides she is not happy with a producer touching her calf. Tobald says his goal is to keep a cow’s stress levels down as much as possible.

“I check the pair out on a side-by-side,” he explains. “When I roll up, I try to be as quiet as possible and not just zoom up on them. After that, I try to be as quiet as I can. I don’t hoop, holler, talk or anything that will add stimulation to an already stressful situation. I also always keep the cow in front of me as best as possible. The last thing I want is for an amped up 1,300-lb. animal behind me where it can sneak attack me.”

Tobald says his philosophy on dealing with cows, even the over-protective ones, is using the most important of the Roadhouse Rules: Be nice until it’s time to not be nice.

“Thankfully this is a very rare occurrence,” he says. “I make notes of any cow that is over-protective, so I know what I’m dealing with when I approach them in the future. But if the cow gets more aggressive the next year, then the calf doesn’t even get tags and gets loaded into a trailer with the cow and they go to the sale. Life is too short for crazy or mean cows.”

Lemenager explains that right after a cow gives birth, her hormones are raging.

“That’s part of the process that helps her bond to that calf,” he says. “She also needs to stimulate the calf, so it gets up and nurses. If any part of that natural process is interrupted, the cow can become very aggressive.”

Tarpoff shares these tips for dealing with overly protective mother cows.

Have some type of physical separation from mom. This might be a fence, panel, gate, truck, side-by-side. “The only truly safe location is to have a physical barrier between you and the cow while working with the calf”
Work as a team. “It’s hard to know if you are in danger without someone watching your back. One person can entertain the cow, while the other can tag or accomplish what is needed.”
Be efficient and thoughtful with the calf manipulation. “It only takes one painful bellow from the calf to set the cow off. Save potentially painful manipulations until last (ear tags or castration).
Be smart. “Don’t assume cows are faking a threat. When in doubt, always take the safe approach. The chore can always be completed later if the cow is on the fight. Keep records and plan to handle the situation when she calms down.”
Stay safe. “If we get injured, we put stress on the rest of our family and operation.”

Different strategies can help keep the producer and calf safe during newborn processing.

“Some ranchers use a cage on the side of their ATV,” Lemenager explains. “This allows for bringing that calf into the cage while handling it. Another option is to have two people working with the calf. One to care for the calf and the second to keep the cow away.”

If you are going to try to move a calf to another location, an option is a polypropylene plastic sled or a calf carrier on an ATV (calf sling). Lemenager says a cow will typically follow because she can smell and see her calf.

“Ideally, when working with a cow-calf pair, I try to keep the calf between me and the cow,” Lemenager says. “Most, but not all cows, are calmer and less aggressive when they can see and smell their calf.”

Lemenager summarizes a key to improving your cow herd behavior is to consistently use low-stress handling to help desensitize cattle to the presence of people.

Follow Tobald or JTAC Farms on Facebook or TikTok for more examples of low-stress handling and cow management.

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A Possible Recession Still Hangs Over the Ag Economy, But Positive Shifts Are Starting to Surface

Fri, 01 Nov 2024 19:49:39 GMT

In September, 75 percent of ag economists warned of an impending agricultural recession. October brought slight optimism to the Ag Economists’ Monthly Monitor, attributed to rising U.S. corn export demand and forecasts about cattle herd rebuilding. Yet, economists remain cautious about the potential impact of the upcoming election.

Harvest is winding down across the Midwest, and some farmers saw a record harvest pace in 2024. Harvest is typically the time of year the market sets harvest lows, but this year, commodities, like corn and wheat, came to life.

“I think over the last month, we’ve seen a little bit of a rebound or stabilization of prices, if you will. Some of that’s simply been fund short covering that is supported, some of it is a little better long-term picture for wheat and for corn, although for soybeans, it’s still looking somewhat bleak long-term,” said Arlan Suderman, chief commodities economist with StoneX Group.

The latest Ag Economists’ Monthly Monitor, which is a survey of nearly 70 ag economists and conducted by Farm Jounal each month, reflected that with short-term sentiments among economists seeing a slight improvement, but a bigger jump when asked to compare them to last year.

“We could have told you two to three years ago that, after a period of high prices, eventually we were going to have a recovery in production and that was going to suppress prices probably more than input costs. We knew that. I think when you take into account expectations heading into the year, has it deteriorated more than expectations? Probably not. We just know that we’re worse off today than where we were,” said Ben Brown, an agricultural economist with the University of Missouri.

Each month, the Monthly Monitor asks economists to list the factors that could impact crop prices over the next six months. In the latest survey, economists said:

South American weather
U.S.-China trade relations
Election outcomes
Global geopolitical risks
Biofuel demand

The Biggest Wildcard: South America

“The biggest thing that will l impact the markets is going to be South American weather. What happens in Brazil and Argentina and what’s the size of the soybean crop they’re going to get? Right now, it is raining. The crop is being planted late. Our people on the ground in Brazil are expecting a big crop if these rains continue,” Suderman said.

While the soybean crop could see suppressed prices if Brazil grows a big crop this year, the later-planted crop could eat into the supplies of corn.

“Even where we’re at today could have an impact on that second-crop corn, given that I anticipate that we’re going to see a very robust corn export picture even without a shrinkage in that second-crop Brazilian corn. I still think there’s an upside potential for the corn market, and it’s going to be based on the size of that second-crop corn in Brazil,” said Brown.

A Recent Surge in Corn Sales

The corn export demand picture has been strong, which is thanks to a surge in sales to Mexico. T hat’s one significant factor currently fueling corn prices .

“If we didn’t have it, corn prices would be a lot lower today than where they are,” said Brown.

“When we look at the export pace that we’re on right now, it’s stronger than what we normally have at this time of year, and it’s largely been because of Mexico. Mexico has been a very aggressive buyer of U.S. corn here, at what they perceive to be the harvest lows,” Suderman said.

Outlook for Livestock and Dairy

The October Monthly Monitor asked economists to list the factors that could impact livestock and dairy prices over the next six months. Economists said:

Herd size and tight cattle supplies
Outcome of the election
Health of general economy in the U.S. and consumer demand changes
Disease issues (H5N1, etc.)
Developments in China and other major importers
Consumer demand given high meat and dairy prices
Weather in the Corn Belt and Great Plains

When Will Beef Producers Start to Rebuild Their Herds?

October Ag Economists’ Monthly Monitor

(Lindsey Pound)

The October survey also asked economists when they think producers will start to rebuild their cow herds:

50 percent said in the first half of 2026
30 percent think it’ll happen the second half of 2025
20 percent said in the first half of next year.

“We’ve seen a slowdown of cow slaughter. That’s step one, but that’s not rebuilding,” said Suderman. “It really comes down to when do we turn this weather pattern around and start getting the pasture, the feed necessary in the West in order to incentivize rebuilding the cowherd? That is the problem right now.”

Other than weather, what else is preventing producers from starting to rebuild? Economists say it’s the average age of producers, replacement costs and heifer prices.

“I also think there is this economic pull on producers of ‘how can I justify retaining these heifers when they’re bringing the prices that they are?’” said Brown.

The Inflation Factor

When you look at what could impact both livestock and row crop producers over the next six months, a major wild card is interest rates. The October survey asked economists how much farm interest rates need to fall to find economic stability for farmers, and 46% said 2%.

Ag Economists’ Monthly Monitor

(Lindsey Pound )

But even with the Fed cutting the benchmark interest rate last month, interest rates have actually gone up, not down.

“The two-year break-even inflation rate is what the market trades. It’s expectations of what inflation’s going to average over the next two years. And over the last six weeks or so, we have seen it jump a full percentage point. That is a significant short-term jump, saying that reinflation fears are coming back in a hurry,” Suderman said.

Suderman points out the Fed can influence mid- and longer-term rates, but the agency can’t control them. And it’s concerns about inflation that are pushing those rates back up again.

“That could all change over the next couple of weeks, or it could be reinvigorated. I think longer term, what I’m looking for is a return to the interest rates that we saw in the ‘90s and early 2000. But I think there’s going to be a lot of volatility in getting there,” Suderman said.

Election Impact on Ag

October Ag Economists’ Monthly Monitor

(Lindsey Pound)

Ahead of the election, the Monthly Monitor asked economists which presidential candidate will be more effective at taming inflation. Fifty-three percent said Donald Trump.

When it comes to providing more certainty on farm policy and crop insurance, 61 percent of economists said Trump will provide more certainty.

However, when looking at policies that benefit biofuels, 53 percent of economists said Kamala Harris.

Today, there is no clarity on 45Z that’s causing soybean processors like Cargill and Bunge to possibly slow or even idle production by the end of the year.

“We have industry looking to shut down production of biofuel. If we don’t get the 45Z requirements here released soon, and that doesn’t look likely, unfortunately, that’s going to hurt demand for soybean crushing for soybeans per se,” Suderman said.

“The fact that we don’t have those today, I think, is impeding investment in the sector. And people are asking for that before they spend millions of dollars to do that. And I think that has been a hiccup,” said Brown.

Role of the Federal Government

Heading into a crucial election with not just the presidential race, but also the House and Senate, the October Ag Economists’ Monthly Monitor asked, “What is the most important role of the federal government?”

Forty-six percent of economists ranked financial aid as the top priority. Nearly 43 percent said it’s passing a farm bill.

October Ag Economists’ Monthly Monitor

(Lindsey Pound)

“There’s all this discussion that the safety net is inadequate relative to commodity programs, and there’s the potential for some rather large ARC and PLC payments to come,” said Brown. “But are they too late? That’s the question. Is it too late in the cycle? Does any type of ad hoc support through a farm financial package bridge that gap?”

The October survey of economists also asked them to weigh in on the fate of the farm bill. The majority of economists think Congress will pass a new farm bill in 2025, but 21 percent think it could be 2026 before it crosses the finish line.

Farm Bill Ag Economists’ Monthly Monitor

(Lindsey Pound )

Conclusion

The October Monthly Monitor reflects cautious optimism in certain areas of agriculture, marked by export strengths and potential price recoveries. But the optimism is shadowed by long-term rebuilding challenges, weather dependencies and the impact of the upcoming election.