Ag-Visors

In the last article I started a series on foot problems and lameness in cattle. We covered regular foot rot and basic anatomy. Let’s move on to a common lameness in dairy cattle, and one seen once in a while in beef cattle, hairy heel warts. This is an infection caused by a Serpien species of bacteria. It is found in wet and nasty conditions, commonly in manure. This bacterium invades the heels of the rear feet, commonly causing strawberry-looking lesions with hair growing out of them. Hence, the name hairy heel warts. Others have also called it strawberry foot rot.

With the New Year starting, we are hoping it will be a great and profitable year for all of us in agriculture. Along with hope, we need a little assurance, which takes planning. We need to look at what we want to do with our animals to make them more profitable.

The future is yours for the taking. If you are like me, you have heard this statement before, but what does it really mean? Everyone...

Flexibility. If there is one thing I’ve learned living the agricultural life, it is that flexibility is a must. The best laid plans can, and will, go out the window in a heartbeat, whether it’s the cows getting out, a freak ice storm, weeks without rain after weeks of downpours, or even political tensions half a world away affecting our commodity markets here at home. Flexibility and agriculture go hand in hand.

Animal health is important for any type of production. Without good health our animals will not return any profits. They will cost us in medicine...

Have you heard those scary radio ads by tax relief companies promising to help taxpayers in distress? The ads warn consumers about unexpected IRS bank levies to recover unpaid or disputed taxes. You are informed that “experts” can help stop the IRS levy and successfully settle your tax dispute for pennies on the dollar, or even obtain total “tax forgiveness.”

Winter is upon us. As the weather turns colder, nutritional needs for livestock increase dramatically. There are several things livestock owners have to consider...

As an agricultural lender and a small-scale beef cattle producer, I continually work to gain knowledge on updated production and management practices and marketing...

Have you ever wondered how your health affects your financial planning? Your overall well-being plays a crucial role in your financial planning journey. When...

This too shall pass is a proverb indicating that all material conditions, positive or negative, are temporary. How true for production agriculture.