Veterinarian’s Corner: Life on the Farm and Maintaining a Healthy Pregnancy…For the People

Posted on September 24, 2019 in Starting Strong
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By Dr. Melissa Haag, Lodi Veterinary Clinic
Ensuring a smooth and healthy pregnancy for the calf and its mother is important, but it is also important to do the same for pregnant female farm workers. Here are four ways to accommodate a safe human pregnancy on the farm.

Beyond the Barn: Protect Animals and Employees with Safety Training Program – Chase Pagel, CP Safety Consulting LLC

Posted on November 21, 2016 in Starting Strong
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By Chase Pagel, CP Safety Consulting LLC
We always talk about the need to care for our cows so they can produce the best milk possible. We can go a step further and put together a great employee training program to define and demonstrate safety expectations as we provide this care. This allows employees to better understand how we want them to safely treat and care for our animals. In turn, our employees will care for calves, heifers, and cows with greater knowledge and pride.

Drug residues and regulations – Dr. Dave Rhoda, University of Wisconsin-Madison, retired

Posted on June 29, 2016 in Starting Strong
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By Progressive Dairyman Editor Peggy Coffeen
Ensuring food safety by preventing drug residues is what matters, but how can dairy producers make this a part of their everyday protocols?

According to Dr. David Rhoda with the Wisconsin Veterinary Medicinal Association (WVMA), the Food Armor® program provides the answer.

Beyond the Barn: Focus on Health and Prevention 12 Months of the Year

Posted on October 28, 2015 in Starting Strong
Bright pink socks in NFL games and pink ribbons pinned to jackets remind us that October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month.  This annual campaign has helped raise funds for research and reminds women of the importance of early detection.  But this focus on preventative care and a healthy lifestyle should continue long after the October

Farm Quick Tips: 10 Tips for Safety This Harvest Season

Posted on August 27, 2015 in Starting Strong
By Scott Hall, Vita Plus safety director Forage and grain harvests are approaching quickly.  Add in the responsibility we still have to care for our animals and this time of year can be very stressful.  Don’t add to it with the tragedy of a severe injury or death.  Here are 10 tips to stay safe

Beyond the Barn: Keep Kids Safe

Posted on October 27, 2014 in Starting Strong
Although fewer kids grow up on farms today, childhood farm accidents still happen all too frequently. As reported by the National Children’s Center for Rural and Agricultural Health and Safety, a child dies in an agriculture-related incident about every three days.  About 25 percent of those fatalities involve machinery, 17 percent involve motor vehicles (including

Beyond the Barn: Sun Safety Still Important on Shorter Days

Posted on August 24, 2014 in Starting Strong
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As signs of fall creep into our weather patterns, safety in the sun should still be a major priority when working outdoors.  This is especially true as you put in longer hours during the upcoming harvest and as you prepare your facilities for winter. According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC),

Beyond the Barn: Stock Your Summer Shelves

Posted on April 28, 2014 in Starting Strong
When it gets hot, hot, hot, we want you and your calf team to stay safe, safe, safe.  That includes staying hydrated, wearing weather-appropriate clothing, and protecting against the sun’s harmful UV rays. Here’s our spring shopping list to get your shelves stocked and ready for whatever the summer may bring. Rain gear:  Getting soaked

Safety is a Part of Your Business Too – Scott Hall

Posted on February 26, 2013 in Starting Strong
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By Scott Hall, Vita Plus safety director Farm safety has always been a concern to protect workers and family members. In the past, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has placed most of its energy on construction and general industry. This approach recently changed to place more focus on the smaller employers that may

Effective Management For Keeping Employees Safe

Posted on November 5, 2012 in Starting Strong
It’s no secret that farming is a dangerous occupation. According to Dr. David Douphrate, University of Texas School of Public Health, “agriculture is among the most dangerous and accounts for a large percentage of fatalities and injuries.” During his presentation at the recent Dairy Calf and Heifer Conference, Douphrate explained that agriculture, forestry and fishing

Calf Care Quick Tip: Think Safety in Winter

Posted on November 5, 2012 in Starting Strong
Feeding water in the winter is very important to raising healthy calves. Just remember to save yourself some hassle and dump the water before those pails freeze (within an hour). Dump away from the hutches and pathways where you feed the calves. Ice blocks and ice patches can make moving around the pens and hutches