Podcasts
Check back for the official launch date of the American Dairymen Podcast. We are excited to roll out the podcast that will be covering just about every topic that concerns the American dairy farmer.
Previous Episodes
New World Screw Worm – Cattlemen and Veterinarians
Today’s topic is the New World Screw Worm. This is likely the most widely discussed health issue in the livestock industry today. Our guest was Dr. Thach Winslow, a technical consultant for beef cattle at Elanco Animal Health. 
Hello everyone, welcome to Cattlemen & Veterinarians, a partnership with Bovine Health. Our mission is to provide producers with timely information and solutions regarding herd health issues. I am Gale McKinney, owner of American Cattlemen, and my co-host is Dr. Shynia Peterman, DVM, from Lyons Vet Clinic in Lyons, Kansas.
Dr. Thach Winslow resides in Virginia. In his role as a veterinarian, he works with cow-calf and stocker operations throughout the U.S. and is responsible for research and technical support for sales reps and producers. Dr. Winslow earned his bachelor’s degree in animal science from Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University and his Doctor of Veterinary Medicine from the Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine.
The New World Screw Worm, which burrows into live tissue and jeopardizes animal welfare, may once again pose a threat to U.S. cattle production.
Dr. Winslow led us through a detailed discussion of the most recent potential migration of the Screwworm Fly into the United States. Beginning with the history of the Old World Screwworm Fly and contrasting it with the New World Fly, our discussion addresses potential risks, USDA tracking and intervention, as well as common-sense guidance on reporting.
Dr. Winslow indicated he believed the USDA was implementing good monitoring and planning. The following paragraph from the USDA was suggested as a strong statement of the USDA’s vigilance in this matter.
“At USDA, we are focused on fighting the New World Screwworm’s advancement in Mexico. We have made significant progress with our counterparts in Mexico to enhance vital pest surveillance efforts and have intensified sterile fly dispersal efforts. These quick actions by the Trump Administration have improved the conditions to allow the phased reopening of select ports on the Southern Border to livestock trade,” said Secretary Rollins. “We are continuing our posture of increased vigilance and will not rest until we are sure this devastating pest will not harm American ranchers.”
While the Douglas, AZ port presents the lowest risk, based on the geography of Sonora and a long history of effective collaboration between APHIS and Sonora on animal health issues, the USDA intends to reopen additional ports in New Mexico. If it is proven safe to do so, in Texas, over the coming weeks. Additional port openings will be based on APHIS’ continuous reevaluation of the number of cases and potential northward movement of NWS, Mexico’s continued efforts to curb illegal animal movements, and implementation of further rigorous inspection and treatment protocols.
Please make sure to listen to this episode of Cattlemen & Vets. Dr Winslow is a very knowledgeable and engaging industry professional. He provides practical teaching points and advice on this highly watched industry health issue.
Cattlemen & Veterinarians, A Partnership in Bovine Health
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Pink Eye In Cattle – Cattlemen and Veterinarians
Pink Eye in cattle can be a devastating health issue to manage! We welcome back our guest, Dr. Meredyth Jones Cook, Professor of Practice in Livestock Production at the School of Veterinary Medicine, Texas Tech University. 
Dr. Cook was born in Texas and raised in Oklahoma, Missouri, and Kentucky. After spending many years in her dad’s mixed animal veterinary practice, she decided to attend veterinary school at Oklahoma State and focus on food animal medicine. After some time in private practice, she completed a residency to specialize in large animal internal medicine. She taught at Kansas State, Texas A&M, and Oklahoma State before joining the team at Texas Tech. She provides continuing education and consulting to large animal veterinarians, and she and her husband ranch together in Oklahoma along with their two daughters.
Dr. Shynia Peterman and Dr. Cook talked through the identification of pinkeye, as well as preventative measures and treatment options. These two professionals bring you a great discussion in an easy-to-understand conversation!
Additionally, we want to thank our listeners for some great questions. Here is some excellent advice from a fellow producer:
“We introduced more shade for our cattle, which helps reduce flies and has also contributed to a decrease in Pink Eye cases. We also have the cows congregating around manmade shelters, making it easier to spray for pests. Seems to be helping, and the cows are certainly more comfortable.”
Cattlemen & Veterinarians is a great partnership podcast that provides excellent feedback to both sides of the business. Make sure to download all the episodes!
Thank you for joining Dr Shynia Peterman and me today for this episode of Cattlemen and Vets, A Partnership in Bovine Health. Please share our podcast with your fellow producers. We are available on YouTube or your favorite podcast platform. See ya next time! Take Care!
Cattlemen & Veterinarians, A Partnership in Bovine Health
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CLS With Kenley Zuga
Welcome back to the American Dairymen Podcast. Just ahead, we have Dustin Hector, he’s the Director of Business Development for the American Dairymen Media group and he sits down with Kenley Zuga with CLS. 
As a regional sales manager with CLS, Zuga brings extensive experience in animal science and dairy industry management to the discussion.
Fly control is a complex challenge for dairy producers, with house flies and stable flies being the primary concerns in confined dairy settings. These insects do more than simply annoy cattle; they pose significant threats to animal health and farm productivity. Stable flies, which feed on blood, cause physical stress to animals, while house flies can transmit dangerous bacteria that lead to diseases like mastitis.
The economic impact of fly infestations is substantial. Even a small number of flies – as few as 10 to 15 per animal – can significantly reduce milk production and cause considerable stress. Cattle spend energy fighting flies instead of producing milk, and the potential for disease transmission creates additional financial risks.
Zuga emphasizes a comprehensive approach to fly control, centered on an integrated pest management strategy. The cornerstone of this approach is a feed-through product like Clarafly larvicide, which passes through the animal and prevents fly larvae from developing in manure. This method is complemented by additional strategies including farm sanitation, regular pen cleaning, and supplemental products like sprays, baits, and traps.
The key to successful fly control lies in a multi-faceted approach. Producers must focus not just on killing existing flies, but on preventing future generations. This requires careful farm management, clean environments, and strategic use of targeted pest control products.
By implementing a comprehensive fly control program, dairy producers can protect their herds, improve animal comfort, and maintain optimal milk production and farm productivity.
For previous episodes of the American Dairymen visit our website: https://americandairymen.com
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Lameness and Hoof Problems in Cattle
This episode jumps into the topic of Lameness and Hoof Problems in Cattle. Our guest was Dr. Meredyth Jones Cook, Professor of Practice in Livestock Production at the School of Veterinary Medicine, Texas Tech University. Our guest today is Dr. Meredyth Jones Cook, Professor of Practice in Livestock Production at the School of Veterinary Medicine, Texas Tech University.
Lameness and Hoof Problems in Cattle was a great discussion with Dr. Meredyth Jones-Cook.
Dr. Cook was born in Texas and raised in Oklahoma, Missouri, and Kentucky. After spending many years in her dad’s mixed animal veterinary practice, she decided to attend veterinary school at Oklahoma State and focus on food animal medicine. After some time in private practice, she completed a residency to specialize in large animal internal medicine. She taught at Kansas State, Texas A&M, and Oklahoma State before joining the team at Texas Tech. She provides continuing education and consulting to large animal veterinarians, and she and her husband ranch together in Oklahoma along with their two daughters.
Dr. Cook was such an enjoyable interview and provide easy to understand information that you can use in your operation.
Dr. Peterman and Dr. Cook took on the following questions and provided great advice and feedback.
Can you differentiate foot rot from other, more serious conditions that cause lameness in cattle?
How can you determine when antibiotics are going to be beneficial in a lameness case and when more aggressive treatment is necessary?
How can producers play an active role in preventing cattle from becoming lame?
What are some various treatment options available for conditions such as septic joints, sole ulcers, and torn ligaments?
Is there a correlation between hoof and joint health and pulmonary arterial pressure?
Is increased lameness correlated to the increased size and weight of cattle?
How much do genetics play a role in lameness and hoof health?
Make sure and listen to this episode in its entirety and I would download it to keep as a resource. Great stuff!
Lameness and Hoof Problems in Cattle
Cattlemen & Veterinarians: A Partnership in Bovine Health
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Cattlemen and Veterinarians: A Partnership in Bovine Health Sponsored by:
