Because let’s be real—nobody wants to spend their summer swatting bugs. Not you, not your kids, and definitely not your cows.
If you’ve spent any time around the herd this time of year, you already know how relentless the flies and ticks can get. It’s like they show up overnight, bringing their entire extended family with them. And they don’t just bug the cows—they mess with your bottom line.
Ever watched a calf trying to nurse while it’s swatting flies off its face every two seconds? Or noticed a steer that looked great in the spring suddenly dropping weight, even though the grass is good? That’s the hidden cost of summer parasites. They steal energy, reduce gains, spread disease, and stress your cattle out in ways that can snowball fast.
We’re not just talking about a few flies here and there. We’re talking about full-on invasions that can turn your best pasture into a battleground.
But here’s the thing: you don’t have to fight them with chemical pour-ons and sprays every couple of weeks. There are natural, practical ways to deal with flies, ticks, and other summer pests—ways that not only support your cattle’s health but also bring relief and comfort to your herd, keeping your program moving forward without overloading it with products.
Whether you’re trying to go more sustainable, reduce chemical use, or want to try something new, we’re going to walk through the best natural tools and tips that real producers are using to stay ahead of the bugs, without falling behind on herd performance.
Let’s dig in.
Let’s be honest—breeding season asks a lot from our cows. Within 90 days after calving, we expect them to nourish a growing calf, recover from giving birth, and cycle back into estrus so they’re ready to breed again. That’s a tall order, especially when you consider how much their performance impacts the success of our entire operation.
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.
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.
