Cattle HQ

Going Once, Going Twice…Here Come the Fall Calves

On today’s episode of Cattle HQ, Madison Kovarna sits down with Michael Drotzmann to take a peek behind the auction block. Michael is an Auctioneer and Field Representative with Stockmen’s Livestock Inc in Yankton, SD. The duo talks about how Michael found himself behind the auction block, tips for producers when getting ready to send calves, the importance of a strong relationship with your auctioneer, and so much more.

Waddle We Do? Rethinking Cattle & Conservation

In this episode of Cattle HQ, Madison Kovarna sits down with Adam Grimm and his daughter Madison Grimm to chat about how cattle and ducks may not be so distantly connected after all.

South Dakota is a literal honey hole when it comes to duck populations, breeding/nesting ground, and migratory routes. Often times ducks will use pasture, hay land, and crop fields as nesting sites depending on the species of duck. We as cattle producers and people involved with agriculture in South Dakota actually have a unique opportunity to influence ducks that end up all over the country. Madison Grimm founded a nonprofit organization called Second Chance Flight with a mission to rescue and raise ducklings from nests that are accidentally destroyed during routine farming operations like tilling and haying. Madison Grimm works directly with producers from collecting eggs to finding wetlands to release ducklings once they are ready. You can find more information regarding Second Chance Flight at secondchanceflight.com.

Ruminating on Microbiomes

In this episode of Cattle HQ, Madison Kovarna sits down with Dr. Ben St. Pierre from South Dakota State University to discuss all thing microbiome and cattle digestive system.

Microbiomes surround us in our daily life from the bacteria, fungi, and other little ‘bugs’ that live on the front porch door handle, to those that exist in the rumen of a mature cow. When developing rations for cattle, we are not just feeding the cow herself but also the billions of microorganisms that live in the rumen that are responsible for digesting feed. Madison and Dr. St Pierre chat about what in the world a microbiome is, the microorganisms that call the rumen home, and cannulated cow’s importance in the research world.

Hoof Challenges in the Feedyard

In this episode of Cattle HQ, Madison Kovarna sits down with Sarah Erickson from TELUS Agriculture to talk more about hoof health concerns in feedlot cattle.

Proper diagnosis of hoof health diseases is of upmost importance. While we’re not veterinarians, it’s important for producers and industry members to recognize and understand common hoof diseases. Madison and Sarah discuss common hoof health issues such as laminitis, foot rot, and toe tip necrosis and considerations in managing and identifying these illnesses. While foot health may not be the most glamourous subject, it’s definitely one worth paying attention to.

Beef Cattle Reproductive Research with Dr. Rebecca Swanson

During this episode of Cattle HQ, Robin Salverson introduces Dr. Rebecca Swanson, one of the newest faculty members in the Department of Animal Science at SDSU.  She has filled the role as the Assistant Professor of Reproductive Physiology.    

Learn more about her past, current and future research related to pregnancy efficiency. 

Contact Dr. Rebecca Swanson at rebecca.swanson@sdstate.edu or 605-688-5417.

The Journey to a More Drought Resilient Ranch

During this episode hosted by Robin Salverson and Madison Kovarna, listeners will learn about Dugan Bad Warrior’s journey to a more drought resilient ranch.

The Zuya Sica Ranch is located north of Dupree, SD along the Moreau River.  In 2016, Dugan’s journey began from running on large pastures to shifting his paradigm to soil health and managed grazing.  His journey is not over, he continues to educate himself so his ranch continues to the next generation.

Stockmanship and Stewardship

During this episode of Cattle HQ, Madison Kovarna shares information about an upcoming event being presented by Addie Stamps, SDSU Extension Livestock Production and Stewardship Field Specialist call the Stockmanship and Stewardship Conference.  

Listen to learn more about the conference as well as details on when it's being held.

Incorporating Sexed Semen into a Commercial Beef Herd

During this episode of Cattle HQ, Robin Salverson explores the opportunity of using sexed semen in a commercial herd by implementing the 60:40 program with Kenny Wells with ABS Global. Commercial beef cattle producers can leverage genetic potential by implementing sexed semen into their AI breeding program. 

Listen to learn more about how sexed semen can fit into your beef herd. 

Kenny Wells is the ABS Beef Genetic Program Development Lead

The Different Vaccine Types and How They Work in the Animal

The use of vaccines is a common practice on cattle operations, however, there are different types, modes of action and label recommendations which can be confusing.  During this episode of Cattle HQ, Dr. Russ Daly answers the following questions to help producers navigate the world of vaccines:     

• How do the different types of vaccines (MLV vs. killed) work within the animal?
• What is the purpose of the booster vaccination?
• Why do we booster?
• When do we booster?

Host Robin Salverson, SDSU Extension Cow Calf Field Specialist. 

Dr. Russ Daly is the Extension Veterinarian and Professor in the Veterinary and Biomedical Sciences Department at SDSU. 

Reference factsheet: https://extension.sdstate.edu/sites/default/files/2021-09/P-00221.pdf

Spring Turnout and Branding Time Considerations

Spring time brings green grass and spring turnout for many cattle producers in South Dakota.  How we manage those calves at spring turn out can impact them for their lifetime. 

During this episode of Cattle HQ, Robin Salverson uses her personal experiences in the branding pen to ask Addie Womack and Dr. Russ Daly why BQA best management practices should be followed at spring turnout.   

• How do springtime vaccinations set up calves for success?
• At what age do calves respond to vaccinations?
• Why does the location of injection impact the calf and the meat?
• How many bottles of modified live vaccines (MLV) be mixed up at one time?
• What happens if you draw up the wrong vaccine into the syringe?
• How should intranasal vaccines be administered?
• Plus more will be answered during this episode.

Addie Womack is the SDSU Extension Livestock Production and Stewardship Field Specialist and the SD BQA Coordinator.  Dr. Russ Daly is the Extension Veterinarian and Professor in the Veterinary and Biomedical Sciences Department at SDSU.