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.
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.
Winter can be a challenging season for cattle, but with the proper preparation, you can keep your herd healthy and thriving. As the cold months approach, it’s crucial to plan for everything from proper nutrition to shelter. By taking proactive steps today, you can avoid costly problems and ensure your cattle make it through winter in top condition. Now, let’s delve into what you must do to set your herd up for success.
With fall and cooler weather right around the corner, it’s essential to give your cows their best chance going into winter. Good winter management practices contribute to healthy and productive cattle and keep feed costs reasonable.
It’s hard to believe that we are almost to September, which means that summer is almost over. The temperatures will be getting cooler (
Having calves weaned early is often something that occurs during periods of low forage quality. Early weaning typically happens during extremely dry periods, such as what typically happens in many Western states. But what exactly does it mean to wean early?
