Trichomoniasis—Trich for short—isn’t just another hard-to-pronounce disease. It’s a serious and costly problem that can infiltrate your herd and significantly impact your bottom line. We’re talking fewer calves on the ground, lower weaning weights, and a longer, more frustrating breeding season. And the worst part? You often don’t realize it’s there until it’s already done the damage.
Trich is a reproductive disease that spreads through breeding. It can leave cows temporarily infertile and cause early embryonic loss. That means open cows, delayed calving, and ultimately, fewer calves to sell at the end of the season. Bulls often carry it without any signs, passing it from one cow to the next without anyone realizing it.
But here’s the thing—Trich is preventable. Stopping it starts with awareness and a few simple, proactive steps. Whether it’s testing bulls before turnout, keeping a close eye on your fences, or tightening up your recordkeeping, you have the tools to protect your herd.
It may not be the most talked-about topic around the coffee pot, but understanding Trich and how to prevent it can save you thousands in lost production. So, before the breeding season gets underway, take the time to get ahead of it. A few smart decisions now can help you avoid a whole lot of headaches (and empty pastures) later.
In the sections that follow, we’ll break down exactly what Trich is, how it spreads, and the best steps you can take to keep it far away from your operation.
The weaning season is upon us once again, and for those of us deeply entrenched in the cattle business, we understand the profound significance of this time. It’s not just a rite of passage for the calves but a crucial test of our planning and management skills as ranchers. The satisfaction of seeing our calves take that next step is undeniable. Still, we also know that it can be a stressful period for both us and the calves.
Summer ranch work hits differently, doesn’t it? The sun’s beating down before you’ve even finished your first cup of coffee, and the to-do list doesn’t care how hot it gets. From hauling hay before breakfast to doctoring calves in the afternoon heat, summer doesn’t pull any punches—and honestly, neither should your gear.
Internal parasites are one of those hidden problems that every beef producer has to deal with. You might not always see them, but they’re constantly working behind the scenes—dragging down productivity, health, and profits. These parasites increase maintenance energy requirements, mess with nutrient absorption, and keep the immune system working overtime. All of that adds up to lost performance.
Water, often overlooked in its simplicity, is a fundamental necessity for raising healthy, productive cattle. It is not just important but absolutely essential for every aspect of their daily functions, from growth and reproduction to milk production and digestion. Without sufficient clean water, your herd’s performance will be compromised.
Summer pneumonia, sometimes referred to as pasture pneumonia, tends to develop late in the season for producers. It usually hits calves that are still on pasture and haven’t been weaned yet—typically between one and five months old. The frustrating part? It often affects calves that look perfectly healthy one day and are sick the next.
As a rancher, you’re the driving force behind the weaning process—and how it goes depends mainly on you. Weaning is when you start to see the results of all your hard work, from your breeding program to your daily care. But even now, the question remains: will this weaning season be a success? That answer lies in your hands.
Feeding supplements are a reality in any cattle operation—but let’s be honest, it’s not something most of us enjoy spending money on. Feed costs can take up a considerable part of your annual budget, sometimes more than any other expense. In tough years, especially during droughts, feed alone can account for as much as 70% of your total operating costs.
When that West Texas sun starts cooking the ground, and the temps soar past 100 degrees, it’s not just miserable for you—it’s brutal for your cattle, too. Imagine standing out in the middle of a pasture all day, wrapped in a leather jacket, with no breeze, no shade, and no cold drink in sight. That’s what your cows are dealing with during a summer heatwave.
In West Texas, cutting hay isn’t as simple as just hopping on a tractor and mowing down a field. For our experienced cattle producers and livestock growers, it’s part science, part instinct—and a whole lot of timing. It’s about reading your grass, keeping an eye on the sky, and knowing when your window of opportunity is about to swing open… or slam shut.
