VIDEO: Calf chat with Lucas – 3 critical components of fly control

Posted on July 28, 2022 in Starting Strong - Calf Care
In this edition of Calf Chat, Dr. Lucas Mitchell shares the three critical components of an integrated pest management (IPM) plan to reduce flies - and the stress and disease they can cause - in your youngstock operation.

Veterinarian’s Corners: How to Prevent and Treat Pink Eye in Cattle

Posted on July 28, 2020 in Starting Strong - Calf Care

By Brandon Scharping, Lena Veterinary Clinic
Pink eye is a painful disease for livestock and a frustrating disease for cattle producers. Although prevention can be difficult, various preventative health and management factors can reduce the risk of pink eye in your herd.

VIDEO: A Day in the Life of a Calf Raiser – Summer Bedding and Fly Control

Posted on August 24, 2018 in Starting Strong - Calf Care

With Sara Schilling of Schilling Farms LLC
In this segment of A Day in the Life of a Calf Raiser, Sara Schilling, Schilling Farms LLC, shares her summer bedding protocols as well as what products she uses for fly control. 

VIDEO: Calf Chat with Ann – Kill the Flies

Posted on August 23, 2017 in Starting Strong - Calf Care

This summer's weather has led to a bumper crop of flies.  In this edition of Calf Chat, Ann Hoskins, Vita Plus calf products coordinator, shares tips to limit the population through fall and prevent further fly issues in the the spring. 

Regional Calf Report: Eastern Iowa – Stacy Zitelman, Vita Plus

Posted on August 23, 2017 in Starting Strong - Calf Care

By Stacy Zitelman, Vita Plus dairy specialist
July brought many storms with damaging winds and heavy rainfall, followed by a few weeks of high humidity. Keeping calves dry, hydrated and stress-free has been a challenge for producers this summer.

Regional Calf Report: Southern Wisconsin – Frankie Rathbun, Vita Plus Columbus

Posted on April 20, 2017 in Starting Strong - Calf Care

By Frankie Rathbun, Vita Plus Columbus dairy specialist
Spring has arrived here in southern Wisconsin and we have been experiencing the wet conditions that come along with it. Based on the on-farm observations our team has made and discussions with veterinarians, I believe that respiratory disease has been the number one challenge as we enter spring. Along with that, an increase in Salmonella-related challenges have not only resulted in scours, but also have developed into respiratory issues in some herds. Salmonella can be transferred through saliva, milk, fecal-oral vectors, nasal contact and colostrum. Key factors that impact the spread of Salmonella are cleanliness and ventilation.

NEW! Calf Program Checklist: Fly Control – Ann Hoskins, Vita Plus

Posted on February 23, 2017 in Starting Strong - Calf Care

By Ann Hoskins, Vita Plus calf products coordinator
As spring approaches, it’s time to develop a plan to combat those pesky flies. The key to good fly control is getting ahead of them and staying vigilant throughout the season.

Regional Calf Report: Northern Wisconsin – Jessica Bryan, Vita Plus Kennan

Posted on April 28, 2016 in Starting Strong - Calf Care

By Jessica Bryan, Vita Plus Kennan dairy consultant
It is starting to look a lot like spring in the Northwoods of Wisconsin with the snow melt gone and the rainy weather bringing more moisture.  It makes it a little easier to think about the coming summer.

Stop the Flies Before Temperatures Rise – Ann Hoskins, Vita Plus

Posted on April 28, 2015 in Starting Strong - Calf Care
By Ann Hoskins, Vita Plus calf products coordinator It won’t be long before your time spent feeding calves is clouded with the buzzing of pesky flies swarming around your head. Getting ahead of the flies will help reduce the population long-term.  According to research from Purdue University, a fly can complete an entire generation –

Regional Calf Report: Southwest Wisconsin – Brittany Stewart, Vita Plus

Posted on August 22, 2014 in Starting Strong - Calf Care
By Brittany Stewart, Vita Plus Dodgeville dairy specialist Here in southwest Wisconsin, the hot summer weather finally showed up, but the cooler summer months have brought on a few challenges. Although spring came late this year, fly control was still a high priority. Fly control is key to keeping  calves comfortable and reducing the incidence

Video: Calf Care Quick Tip – No-mess Fly Control

Posted on June 26, 2013 in Starting Strong - Calf Care
Fly control is a top priority in the summer, but it can also be messy.  This fly control strategy uses recycled milk jugs to hold fly bait.  Visit our YouTube channel for more Calf Care Quick Tips.

Are Your Calves Feeling the Heat of Summer? – Ann Hoskins

Posted on June 26, 2013 in Starting Strong - Calf Care
By Ann Hoskins, Vita Plus calf products coordinator When heat stress hits on the farm, we often look to the cows first.  But did you know that heat stress can hit calves as hard as all the other animals on the farm? Heat-stressed calves may have reduced average daily gains or increased incidence of treatments. 

Regional Calf Report – Northwest Illinois – Richard Mensendike

Posted on June 26, 2013 in Starting Strong - Calf Care
By Richard Mensendike, Vita Plus Lanark dairy specialist Now that summer has finally arrived here in northwest Illinois, we’re focusing on a lot of the basic management protocols we need to follow to keep calves healthy in hot weather. Fly control seems to be the top issue on most calf raisers’ minds.  This trend started

Fly Control Starts Now – Ann Hoskins

Posted on April 10, 2013 in Starting Strong - Calf Care
By Ann Hoskins, Vita Plus calf products coordinator With fly season quickly approaching, have you thought through your plan of attack?  Some places still have snow on the ground, but the weather can turn quickly and having an established plan can save you lots of time and energy this summer. According to research from Purdue

Controlling Parasites Contributes to Heifer Welfare

Posted on November 9, 2012 in Starting Strong - Calf Care
When it comes to raising healthy heifers in a humane fashion, preventing infectious disease is only part of the battle. Internal and external parasites also can take a toll on heifers' wellbeing and limit their production potential as well. Parasite control comprises a significant portion of the Dairy Calf & Heifer Association's Gold Standards III,

Good Fly Control Starts Now

Posted on November 3, 2012 in Starting Strong - Calf Care
From Ted Holthaus, Central Life Sciences If you’re thinking you don’t have to worry about fly control for a few months yet, think again. According to Ted Holthaus, regional manager with Central Life Sciences, now is the time to make plans for fly control on your operation. Not only are flies a nuisance for farm