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Most cattle buyers have preferences regarding health management of calves when they take delivery from a farm or ranch or purchase them through a marketing program.

The single-most important factor in the survival of beef calves immediately after birth is receiving adequate colostrum and the protective antibodies it contains.

Calves are born without any significant level of antibody protection and the only way a calf can access life-saving antibodies and other important immune factors is through the ingestion of colostrum from its mother in the first few hours after birth.

Somewhere today a family is watching its 2011 calf crop sell.

Whether it be through the sale barn, direct off the ranch or via video, selling cattle can be a nerve-wracking experience.

Fires that damage or destroys hay and barns – resulting in building replacement, feed replacement and lost revenues – cost area farmers thousands of dollars each year.

The Thompson Farm Field Day, Sept. 20, will feature talks on “Capturing Value from Genetic Improvements.” The program at the University of Missouri research farm west of Spickard, Mo., starts with registration at 8:30 a.m.

Cattle producers rely on vaccines to protect their cattle against diseases that negatively impact cattle health and production.

The cost of a comprehensive vaccination program is low compared to the potential dollar losses associated with the diseases themselves.