DocTalk

In this episode of DocTalk, Dr. Dan Thomson sits down with Dr. Jason Nickell, Director of Insights and Outcomes at Merck Animal Health, to discuss cutting-edge technology in the beef industry. Dr. Nickell introduces SenseHub, a revolutionary monitoring system that uses wearable devices to track cattle's biometric data, like movement and body temperature. Whether you're managing a feedlot or a cow-calf operation, this technology hel...

Join Dr. Dan Thomson at Kansas State University’s Beef Stocker Days in Manhattan, Kansas! In this special episode of DocTalk, Dr. Dale Blasi celebrates 25 years of Stocker Days, sharing insights on how K-State’s research and training at the Beef Stocker Unit help shape the future of the beef industry. From hands-on learning experiences for students to cutting-edge research for producers, this event offers valuable lessons for ranch...

In this episode of DocTalk, Dr. Dan Thomson dives into the importance of diagnostics in cattle health. From identifying early signs of illness to taking and submitting the right samples, Dr. Thomson explains how ranchers can work closely with their veterinarians to improve herd health. Learn about the role of diagnostics in preventing outbreaks, the importance of early intervention, and how new technologies like wearable sensors ar...

In this episode of "Doc Talk," Dr. Dan Thomson visits with Jeff Jones, the Aerial Asset Manager for Heinen Brothers Agra Services, to discuss effective pasture management strategies for cattle ranchers. They explore the importance of a comprehensive, year-long approach to pasture care—not just a one-time spray. Jeff emphasizes that controlling pests like **sericea lespedeza**, brush, and thistles requires a multi-year plan tailored...

Welcome to DocTalk, the leading channel for ranchers and cattle industry professionals! Join Dr. Dan Thomson and cattle health expert Dr. Tim Parks as they delve into the essential processes of preconditioning calves to ensure their optimal performance once they reach the feed yard.

🐄 In This Episode:

*   Understand the significance of early calf preparation, including key health and genetic considerations. *   Learn about the imp...

On this episode of DocTalk, Dr. Dan Thomson sat down with Robin Reid, an extension farm economist from Kansas State University, to discuss critical issues affecting farmers and ranchers today—land values, leasing, and ownership. As land markets experience significant shifts, driven by both agricultural and non-agricultural interests, understanding these dynamics is crucial for the profitability and sustainability of farming and ran...

In this episode of "DocTalk," Dr. Dan Thomson is joined by Dr. Brandon Nuttelman, a ruminant nutritionist and technical services manager for Merck Animal Health. Together, they dive into the crucial topic of implanting calves, whether in dry lots or on pasture, and the impact on their subsequent performance in the feed yard.Dr. Nuttelman shares insights from a comprehensive study conducted at the University of Nebraska, focusing on...

In this episode of Doc Talk, we delve into the world of Beef Quality Assurance (BQA) with Jesse Fulton, the Director of BQA for the state of Nebraska. With our commitment to shaping the future of animal health through pioneering science, connected technology, and insights-driven solutions, we bring cattle ranchers an insightful discussion on improving cattle care and operational efficiency.

Jesse shares his expert insights on the e...

🚜 Welcome to "DocTalk" with Dr. Dan Thomson! 🚜

Join us for an exciting episode straight from the heart of Nebraska's agricultural innovation. We're at the Eastern Nebraska Research Extension Education Center, a 10,000-acre hub of groundbreaking research supporting both beef and crop industries. Dr. Dan Thomson and Dr. Doug Zalesky discuss the center's unique approach, combining livestock and crop production research on a commerci...

Welcome to another episode of DocTalk! Today, Dr. Dan Thomson sits down with David Bruene, the Manager of the Iowa State Beef Teaching Unit, to discuss practical strategies for forage utilization and extending your grazing season. Discover how to improve your herd's bottom line with expert advice from one of Iowa's leading beef educators.

In this episode, you will learn: - The importance of planning for winter feed needs in the spr...

Welcome to DocTalk! Dr. Dan Thomson is joined by Dr. Cassandra Olds, a veterinary medical entomologist from Kansas State University, to dive deep into the challenges flies pose to cattle and how to manage them effectively.

🦟 Understanding Fly Problems: - Fly Worry: Flies cause significant irritation and production losses. They drain energy, reduce weight     gains, and milk yields, and can lead to secondary infections. - Types of ...

Welcome to "Doc Talk"! In this episode, Dr. Dan Thomson sits down with Dr. Mike Apley, Frick Professor of Clinical Sciences at Kansas State University, to discuss anaplasmosis—a bacterial disease impacting cattle. Here's what you'll learn:

1. What is Anaplasmosis?     - An overview of the infection and how it affects red blood cells. 2. Infection Rates and Signs    - Prevalence in herds, especially in Kansas, and identifying sympto...

Hey folks, welcome to another insightful episode of "DocTalk!" Today, we're joined by Dr. Matt Spangler from the University of Nebraska, a renowned expert in animal genetics. We’re diving deep into genetics, bull selection, and strategies to boost your herd's profitability.

Key Points:

1. Year-Round Bull Selection:    - Bull selection is a continuous process, not just a last-minute decision. Assess your ranch's       needs and prof...

Welcome to DocTalk! Today, we’re joined by Dr. A.J. Tarpoff, Beef Extension Veterinarian at Kansas State University. Dr. Tarpoff is here to discuss the Beef Quality Assurance Audit, a crucial program for our industry. We’ll delve into how this audit provides an objective snapshot of the beef industry, highlighting our strengths and areas for improvement.

In this episode, you'll learn about the comprehensive efforts behind the audit...

Welcome to another exciting episode of DocTalk! Today, Dr. Dan Thomson sits down with Dr. Yijie Xiong, a precision livestock management specialist and assistant professor at the University of Nebraska. Dr. Xiong is breaking new ground in the intersection of technology and livestock management, bringing innovative solutions to everyday challenges faced by ranchers.

In this episode, we dive into three key areas:

1. Virtual Fencing:* ...

Welcome back to "Doc Talk"! In today's episode, we're focusing on a reoccurring issue for cattle ranchers—pink eye. Join Dr. Dan Thomson and beef cattle medicine expert Dr. Brent Meyer as they dive into the causes, treatments, and prevention strategies for this common and costly cattle ailment. Dr. Meyer, a seasoned veterinarian and technical services expert with Merck Animal Health, shares his extensive knowledge and practical tip...

In this episode of "DocTalk," we join Dr. Dan Thomson and Dr. Dave Steffen at the University of Nebraska in Lincoln to delve into pathology in cattle, particularly inherited diseases. Dr. Steffen, with over 35 years of experience, specializes in perinatal issues, investigating birth defects and inherited diseases in cattle. He collaborates closely with major breed associations like Hereford, Angus, Simmental, and Red Angus, often s...

Welcome to Doctalk, where today we're visiting Heinen Brothers Agra Services, delving into their incredible work supporting pastures, crops, and cover crops. Scott Heinen shares his journey from farming aspirations to becoming a pilot, merging his passions seamlessly into aerial application. From Texas to Illinois, their services cover vast regions, timed with the shifting seasons, thanks to their innovative approach to personnel r...

Today on DocTalk, we delved into the essential practices of branding calves and preparing them for the summer months. Dr. Dan Thomson, our seasoned veterinarian host, emphasized the importance of this process for the health and well-being of our herds.

At the heart of our discussion was the significance of low-stress cattle handling techniques. Dr. Thomson underscored how this initial interaction with the calves sets the tone for t...