Cattle Chat

Latest Episodes:

445 - Artificial Intelligence for Animal Welfare: Detecting Pain in Cattle and Planning for the Future Oct 23, 2026

Show notes

This episode begins with a discussion of innovative research by Jake, a PhD student at Kansas State University, who is exploring whether artificial intelligence can detect pain in cattle by analyzing facial expressions. Using video recordings of newly castrated calves and non-castrated controls, researchers trained a machine-learning model to identify patterns associated with pain. While the system identified only about half of the painful animals, it was highly accurate when it predicted pain, suggesting promising future applications for automated health monitoring. The hosts discuss how camera systems placed near water sources or feeding areas could eventually help producers detect pain, illness, or lameness earlier than traditional observation methods.

The conversation then shifts to a listener question about mastitis in beef cows and heifers. The panel explains that although mastitis is less common in beef cattle than dairy cattle, it does occur and may be influenced by environmental factors such as dirty conditions, heavy fly pressure, or calves suckling inappropriate body areas. They emphasize looking for patterns involving age, pasture location, timing, and management practices rather than focusing solely on genetics, which likely play only a minor role.

In the final segment, the hosts discuss succession and transition planning for farms, ranches, and veterinary businesses. They stress the importance of beginning the process early, maintaining open communication among family members and stakeholders, and involving professional advisors such as attorneys and accountants. Special attention is given to challenges surrounding leadership transitions, inheritance decisions, and balancing the interests of family members who may or may not remain involved in the operation. The episode concludes by emphasizing that successful transitions require ongoing communication and evaluation long after the formal transfer of ownership or management has occurred.

444 - Learning Agriculture at the State Fair: From Calving Cows to Inspiring Future Veterinarians Oct 16, 2026

Show notes

Recorded live at the Kansas State Fair birthing center, this episode highlights the educational value of exposing the public to livestock production and animal health. The hosts discuss how the birthing center allows visitors to observe the calving process firsthand while learning about normal births, signs of labor, and situations that may require veterinary intervention. Through stories from veterinarians, listeners hear memorable examples of unusual calving cases, including prolapses, difficult births, and even a rare two-headed calf.

The episode also features conversations with fair attendees, livestock producers, FFA educators, veterinary students, and practicing veterinarians. One cattle producer describes how careful genetic selection and retaining ownership of cattle allow him to improve carcass quality and capture more value from his herd. An FFA advisor explains how state fair projects motivate students, build agricultural skills, and expose young people to opportunities in animal agriculture.

Veterinary students and recent graduates discuss career paths, emphasizing the value of hands-on experience, mentorship, and exploring different areas of veterinary medicine. The conversation highlights the diversity of mixed-animal veterinary practice, where a single day may involve cattle, companion animals, horses, or exotic species.

A recurring theme throughout the episode is workforce development and the importance of introducing young people to agriculture and veterinary medicine early in life. The hosts emphasize that creating enthusiasm through hands-on experiences, demonstrations, and educational outreach may be one of the most effective ways to inspire the next generation of agricultural professionals. The episode concludes with the successful birth of a calf at the birthing center, providing a live example of the natural processes and educational opportunities that make the exhibit such a valuable feature of the state fair.

443 - Managing Bred Heifers and Stretching Forage: Preparing for a Successful Calving Season Oct 09, 2026

Show notes

Sponsored by Elanco, with guest Dr. Frank White, this episode focuses on two critical topics for cow-calf producers: managing bred heifers and maximizing forage utilization during challenging grazing conditions. The discussion emphasizes that first-calf heifers are among the most nutritionally demanding animals in the herd because they are still growing, carrying a calf, and preparing for lactation and rebreeding. As a result, maintaining a body condition score of approximately six at calving is highlighted as a key management goal to improve reproductive success and shorten the postpartum interval.

The hosts discuss the benefits of managing bred heifers separately from mature cows whenever possible, allowing producers to meet their higher nutritional requirements and reduce competition from older, dominant animals. When separate management is not feasible, they recommend increasing access to feed and supplements to ensure younger females are not pushed away from resources.

A major portion of the conversation addresses forage efficiency during drought and periods of declining forage quality. The speakers explain that cattle producers are really feeding the rumen microbes, which require adequate protein to digest low-quality forage effectively. When forage protein drops below critical levels, intake and digestibility decline, reducing the amount of nutrition cattle can obtain from available forage. Strategic protein supplementation can significantly improve forage utilization by supporting microbial activity in the rumen.

The group also notes that protein supplementation does not always need to occur daily, as cattle can recycle nitrogen and often maintain performance with less frequent feeding schedules. However, they caution that animals requiring significant weight gain or body condition improvement may need more intensive nutritional management. Overall, the episode stresses the importance of planning ahead, monitoring body condition early, and using nutrition strategically to position cattle for long-term success.

442 - Lessons from the Birthing Center: Calving, Education, and Inspiring Future Agricultural Leaders Oct 02, 2026

Show notes

Recorded live at the Kansas State Fair Birthing Center, this episode highlights the educational value of giving the public a firsthand look at animal agriculture and the birthing process. The hosts discuss how the birthing center has served as a popular attraction for decades, allowing visitors to observe calves, piglets, and lambs being born while learning more about animal health and livestock production.

The conversation explores the signs of impending calving, including behavioral changes, relaxation of structures around the tailhead, and the progression of labor. The veterinarians explain how they determine when a cow may need assistance and discuss common causes of calving difficulty, such as abnormal calf positioning. Throughout the episode, listeners receive practical insights into gestation lengths, fetal development, and the biological similarities between livestock and human births.

A major focus of the discussion is agricultural education and youth involvement. FFA advisor Mrs. Chase from Wellington shares how projects at the state fair help students develop agricultural skills, showcase their work, and gain exposure to industries they might not otherwise experience. The hosts also discuss strategies for encouraging students to consider careers in veterinary medicine and agriculture, emphasizing mentorship, hands-on experience, and a willingness to start with basic tasks and learn over time.

The episode concludes with a successful live birth at the birthing center, giving listeners a real-time example of normal calving behavior. As the newborn calf arrives and the cow immediately begins grooming it, the hosts explain how those maternal behaviors help stimulate the calf, encourage standing and nursing, and strengthen the bond between cow and calf. Overall, the discussion celebrates the value of agricultural outreach, hands-on learning, and helping the public better understand where livestock and food production begin.

Antibiotics, Antimicrobials & Recovery: New Insights in Beef Cattle Health Sep 25, 2026

Show notes

In this episode of Cattle Chat, the team discusses post-treatment intervals for cattle treated for respiratory disease, featuring graduate research from our guest Katherine Shirley comparing three- and six-day intervals. The results suggest that allowing cattle more time to recover before retreatment may reduce treatment failures and the likelihood of chronic issues.

The conversation also explores the distinction between antibiotics and antimicrobials, antimicrobial resistance, and emerging alternatives such as probiotics, prebiotics, essential oils, plant extracts, and other natural compounds. The group discusses research into alternatives for rumen health and liver abscess prevention, including promising work with sorghum extracts. Throughout, the experts emphasize that successful cattle recovery involves more than drug selection—it also depends on nutrition, environment, comfort, and proper nursing care.

This episode is sponsored by Virbac. Learn more at virbac.com

#440 - Setting Calves Up for Success: Early-Life Health, Vaccination, and Management Sep 18, 2026

Show notes

This episode is sponsored by Boehringer Ingelheim and focuses on the importance of early calf health and how management decisions made before and shortly after birth can influence lifetime performance. The discussion emphasizes that calf success begins long before calving, with proper nutrition, body condition, and vaccination programs for cows playing critical roles in producing healthy, vigorous calves. Dr. D.L. Step highlights the importance of preparing cows to provide quality colostrum and a strong immune foundation for newborn calves.

The group discusses how pre-weaning disease can have long-term impacts on growth and productivity, making prevention a key management goal. Beyond vaccination itself, the speakers stress the importance of proper vaccine handling, including correct storage temperatures, avoiding disinfectant residues in syringes, and using modified-live vaccines within the recommended time after mixing. Mishandling vaccines can reduce their effectiveness even when the correct products are selected.

The conversation also explores the role of stress management in successful vaccination programs. Calves respond better when they are handled quietly, maintained on an adequate nutritional plane, and processed in low-stress environments. The speakers note that vaccine response is influenced not only by the product itself but also by calf age, maternal nutrition, colostrum intake, and overall herd management.

A recurring theme is the value of recordkeeping, which allows producers to evaluate outcomes, identify trends, and continuously improve their health programs over time. Ultimately, the episode concludes that successful calf health programs rely on combining sound nutrition, effective vaccination practices, careful handling, and long-term management planning rather than relying on any single intervention.

Estrus Intensity Matters: Using Heat Activity to Improve Reproductive Success Sep 11, 2026

Show notes

This episode is sponsored by Estrotect and features Dr. George Perry from Texas A&M AgriLife, who discusses how estrus intensity influences reproductive performance in beef cattle and how producers can use that information to improve breeding decisions. While many producers think of estrus as a simple yes-or-no event, the discussion highlights that the intensity of estrus, measured by mounting activity or other indicators, can provide valuable insight into fertility. Calves and cows that exhibit stronger estrus prior to fixed-time artificial insemination consistently achieve higher conception rates than those showing weak or no signs of estrus.

The conversation explains that estrus remains important even in synchronization and fixed-time AI programs, where breeding occurs on a set schedule. Research has shown that cattle displaying estrus before insemination can have conception rates more than 20 percentage points higher than those that do not. This information can help producers make more strategic decisions about which animals receive sexed semen or higher-value genetics.

The group also emphasizes that management factors such as nutrition, body condition score, postpartum interval in cows, and puberty status in heifers often have a greater influence on estrus expression than genetics alone. Advances in estrus detection technology, including activity monitors and improved heat-detection aids, now provide producers with more detailed information than traditional visual observation methods.

Ultimately, the discussion concludes that estrus intensity is not merely a biological curiosity but a valuable management tool. By combining sound nutrition, synchronization protocols, and improved estrus detection, producers can make better breeding decisions that improve conception rates, calf performance, and the long-term productivity of the herd.

#438 - High Cattle Prices, Smart Investments, and Getting Started in the Cattle Business Sep 04, 2026

Show notes

This episode focuses on how producers can take advantage of strong cattle prices, both by improving existing operations and by helping the next generation enter the industry. The discussion begins with ideas for reinvesting profits into long-term improvements such as water systems, fencing, grazing infrastructure, land enhancement projects, and other investments that may take years to fully pay off but can improve productivity and quality of life on the ranch.

The hosts also explore diversification strategies, including alternative livestock enterprises, hunting-related income, and other complementary businesses that can provide revenue streams not directly tied to cattle markets. A key theme is balancing short-term opportunities with long-term sustainability through careful planning and strategic investments.

The conversation then shifts to the challenges facing young people who want to enter the cattle industry during a period of historically high cattle values. The group emphasizes that aspiring producers do not need to start large and should instead look for ways to leverage labor, management skills, and relationships to gain access to cattle, land, or grazing opportunities. Examples include leasing cattle, custom grazing stocker cattle, entering partnerships, or gradually building an operation through small-scale opportunities.

The hosts stress the importance of developing a written business plan, understanding costs and potential revenue, and seeking advice from experienced professionals such as lenders, extension agents, veterinarians, nutritionists, and other producers. Building strong personal networks and identifying mentors can be just as valuable as obtaining financial capital. Ultimately, the episode encourages producers to think strategically, invest wisely during profitable times, and recognize that successful cattle operations are often built gradually through planning, patience, and strong relationships.

#437 - Maintaining Beef Demand and Building the Next Generation Workforce Aug 28, 2026

Show notes

This episode explores two important topics for the beef industry: long-term consumer demand for beef and strategies for workforce development. The discussion begins with a listener question about how changing cattle inventories, feed costs, and finishing weights could affect beef quality and consumer demand in the future. The hosts note that while heavier cattle and extended feeding periods have contributed to quality improvements, genetic progress has played an even larger role in maintaining high levels of marbling and eating satisfaction. They emphasize that taste, freshness, safety, and price remain the key drivers of beef demand, making it essential for producers to continue delivering a high-quality product.

The group also discusses how shifts in feed costs and cattle numbers may influence production decisions, but they do not expect a dramatic decline in beef quality because of the industry's long-term genetic improvements and management practices. Food safety and Beef Quality Assurance programs are highlighted as critical components for maintaining consumer trust and protecting demand.

The second half of the episode focuses on labor shortages and workforce development in agriculture. Rather than expecting to hire fully trained employees, the hosts encourage producers to view workforce development as an investment, recognizing that inexperienced workers require training, mentorship, and time to become productive. They recommend creating internship or trial opportunities, partnering with organizations such as 4-H and FFA, and focusing on individuals who show enthusiasm and a willingness to learn. The discussion emphasizes that successful workforce development often requires patience, realistic expectations, and a commitment to helping employees build skills over time. Ultimately, the episode concludes that both sustaining beef demand and developing future employees require long-term thinking, continuous improvement, and a willingness to invest in future success.

#436 Finding Value in Every Class of Cattle: Records, Flexibility, and Management Decisions Aug 21, 2026

Show notes

This episode features Nebraska cattle producer Rylee Blomenkamp, who discusses how her family's operation manages a diverse mix of cattle, including feeder calves, yearlings, bred cows, open cows, bulls, and other opportunistic purchases. A central theme is the importance of identifying value in different classes of cattle and adapting management strategies to changing market conditions. Rylee explains that their operation succeeds by remaining flexible and taking advantage of opportunities that arise in local auction markets rather than focusing on a single type of livestock.

The discussion highlights the role of detailed recordkeeping in evaluating profitability across multiple enterprises. Rather than treating the operation as one large business unit, the family tracks expenses, feed costs, and returns for different classes of cattle, allowing them to determine where value is being created and which enterprises are most profitable. Experts emphasize that even cow-calf producers can benefit from separately evaluating replacement heifers, cull cows, and feeder calves to improve decision-making.

The group also discusses the importance of keeping cattle separated by age, size, and production purpose to better manage health and nutrition. Different groups require different feeding programs, health protocols, and marketing strategies, making thoughtful organization critical to success. Nutritional management is tailored to each class of cattle, from growing calves to bred cows and finishing animals, helping maximize performance while controlling costs.

A key takeaway is that successful producers combine strong records with practical experience, using both data and market awareness to guide decisions. Ultimately, the episode emphasizes that having a plan is important, but maintaining flexibility and adapting to changing conditions is often what creates long-term profitability and sustainability.

This episode is sponsored by Ambrook.

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