Wednesday January 18 Ag News

Cow/Calf College Postponed

Nebraska Extension’s Cow/Calf College at Clay Center for January 19th has been postponed to March 21st. If questions, contact the Fillmore County Extension Office at 402-759-3712.



Soybean Gall Midge and Endanged Species Workshop Opportunity

Nebraska Extension is looking for individuals (soybean growers, crop consultants, and ag professionals) across Nebraska, Iowa, South Dakota, and Minnesota that are interested in participating in the “Balancing Species Protection and Soybean Production” workshop in Lincoln, NE on Feb. 9th and 10th. This free workshop is an important opportunity to communicate the impact of the Endangered Species Act on ag production and to find solutions that work for farmers and the species in our communities.

The goal is to bring together a diverse group of stakeholders to discuss the impacts of national pesticide decisions on a local level and identify the potential consequences and co-benefits of conservation practices for pesticide mitigation measures, endangered species protections, and soil and water conservation. They will discuss current agricultural productivity stressors, including the soybean gall midge, and listed species needs to work towards developing local adaptive management solutions that can ultimately feed into national pesticide decisions. Having these conversations at a local level can potentially provide greater flexibility in managing new or emerging production issues.

Attendance is limited to 100 individuals, so do not delay if you are interested in attending.  If you are interested in signing up for the workshop, please contact Justin McMechan at justin.mcmechan@unl.edu.



NDA ANNOUNCES HILARY MARICLE AS AGENCY’S NEW DEPUTY DIRECTOR

Nebraska Department of Agriculture (NDA) Director Sherry Vinton has announced the hiring of Hilary Maricle for the position of deputy director. Maricle, who has extensive experience and education in agriculture, agribusiness, natural resources, and leadership, begins her position at NDA today, Jan. 18.

“Hilary is a multi-generation farmer/rancher in Nebraska, studied agriculture at the University of Nebraska in Lincoln and has devoted her career to ag education, mentoring and leadership,” said NDA Director Vinton. “With her extensive background and knowledge, Hilary understands agriculture and how important ag is to growing Nebraska’s economy. I can’t think of a better person to promote and support Nebraska’s ag industry.”

Maricle has a Bachelor of Science degree in Agricultural Sciences and a Master of Science in Leadership Education, both from UNL. She holds a Nebraska teaching certificate in ag education and has taught ag education in Spalding and Albion.  She taught ag business and was an Associate Dean at Northeast Community College and has most recently served on UNL’s Extension Leadership team.

Maricle is actively involved in public service and has represented Boone County on the Nebraska Environmental Quality Council and served as County Board Chair and Boone County Development Agency Vice Chair. Her professional affiliations and activities include the Ag Builders of Nebraska, American Farm Bureau, and Nebraska Farm Bureau.

“I have a deep-rooted passion for agriculture that I want to share with others, and I’m excited to be a part of NDA in my home state where agriculture is our number one industry,” said Maricle. “As deputy director, I will build on Nebraska’s current successes in agriculture and pursue future opportunities for Nebraska’s ag industry both locally and internationally to grow Nebraska’s economy. I look forward to learning more about the work NDA does for Nebraska’s farmers and ranchers and to help capitalize on the many opportunities we have to promote and support Nebraska’s ag industry.”

“Public service is a high calling, and I know Hilary will work hard each day to promote Nebraska agriculture and help us navigate challenges we face in the ag industry,” said Vinton. “I’m looking forward to working with her and seeing the strengths she will bring to NDA and the ag industry.”



Statement by Mark McHargue, President, Regarding Hilary Maricle Named Nebraska Deputy Director of Agriculture

"We want to congratulate Hilary Maricle on being named Nebraska's Deputy Director of Agriculture. The position is well-deserved and a natural fit for Hilary. We know Hilary will work hard to represent Nebraska farm and ranch families and promote agriculture to grow Nebraska’s economy. We are grateful to Hilary for her many years of service to Nebraska Farm Bureau. Hilary has served on her County Farm Bureau board, chairperson of both the Young Farmers and Ranchers Committee and Promotion and Education Committee, and member of the Nebraska Farm Bureau Foundation Board of Directors and Nebraska Farm Bureau State Board of Directors. We look forward to working with Hilary in her new role.”



PSC LEADERSHIP POSITIONS CHOSEN FOR 2023

Nebraska Public Service Commissioners, today, Wednesday, January 18, elected leadership positions for the coming year.

Re-elected Commission chair for third year was District 1, Commissioner Dan Watermeier. District 1 is comprised of eight counties in southeast Nebraska. Commissioner Watermeier is in the fifth year of a six-year term.

Elected Vice Chair was Commissioner Tim Schram. A commissioner since 2006, he represents District 3, which covers Sarpy, Saunders, and western Douglas counties in eastern Nebraska.

Commission leadership positions are elected on an annual basis.



Governor Announces $40 Million for ISU Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory

Tuesday, Governor Kim Reynolds announced $40 million in funding to help complete Phase 2 of Iowa State University’s Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory (VDL).

The Governor has also proposed in her budget an additional $20 million from the Rebuild Iowa Infrastructure Fund (RIIF)--$10 million in FY24 and $10 million in FY25—to total $60 million in state support for the VDL project.

"The Veterinary Diagnostic Lab is absolutely critical to support and protect our state and country’s agriculture industry and food supply,” said Gov. Reynolds. “This investment will significantly expand the VDL’s capacity to support Iowa’s $32.5 billion animal agriculture industry and will keep this nationally-recognized lab on the forefront of cutting-edge technology. Iowa will remain a global leader in agriculture, combatting foreign animal diseases, and recruiting and retaining veterinary talent.”

“We are deeply grateful to Governor Reynolds for allocating these critical resources to construct Phase 2 of the Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory," said Iowa State University President Wendy Wintersteen. "This funding will help ensure the VDL can continue to provide cutting-edge services and support to Iowa’s livestock and poultry producers."

“The Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory is enormously important to Iowa’s nation-leading livestock industry and provides immeasurable expertise on worldwide animal health and food safety issues. I want to thank Gov. Reynolds for making this critical piece of infrastructure a high priority,” said Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig. “Our close partnership with the Veterinary Diagnostic Lab has been essential in implementing our response to the highly pathogenic avian influenza outbreak and we rely on their team’s recommendations as we enhance our preparedness for other foreign animal disease threats.”

Fully accredited by the American Association of Veterinary Laboratory Diagnosticians, the VDL provides quality diagnostic services for animal species, including necropsy, bacteriology, serology, histopathology, virology, parasitology, molecular diagnostics, and toxicology as well as offering analytical services. The full-service laboratories at the VDL process upwards of 100,000 cases each year and conducts more than a million tests annually.

Funding for this initial investment is being made available through the federal American Rescue Plan Act.



Certified Commercial Pesticide Applicator Prep Course to Be Offered

Iowa State University Extension and Outreach and Iowa Central Community College are offering a four-day workshop that will prepare attendees to become certified as Commercial Pesticide Applicators.

This course will focus on materials needed to take the Iowa Core Manual Exam and Categories 1A (Ag Weed Control), 1B (Ag Insect Control) and 1C (Ag Disease Control). In addition, this material will cover local context and real-life application of insect, weed and disease management. Course information will be presented by ISU Extension and Outreach field agronomists.

The workshop will take place from Feb. 28 through March 3, Iowa Central East Campus, Triton Room, in Fort Dodge, from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. each day.

“Agribusiness retail outlets are in need of a certified workforce to meet the seasonal demands of pesticide applications” said Aaron Saeugling, field agronomist with ISU Extension and Outreach. “This course will help develop that workforce for future employment.”

The curriculum and supporting materials are offered in the form of PowerPoints, worksheets, demonstrations and activities. Participant engagement will provide a variety of learning opportunities through activities, hands-on demonstrations and real-life scenarios.

Tuition for the class is $549 and includes the Core, 1A, 1B and 1C manuals. Tuition assistance is available through Iowa Central Community College. For more information, to register or to learn about tuition assistance, contact Melissa at 515-574-1972.



USDA Seeks Public Comment on Proposal to Strengthen Animal Disease Traceability Regulations

The United States Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) is proposing to amend animal disease traceability regulations and require electronic identification for interstate movement of certain cattle and bison. APHIS is also proposing to revise and clarify record requirements. These changes would strengthen the Nation’s ability to quickly respond to significant animal disease outbreaks. Major animal disease outbreaks hurt our ranchers and farmers and all those who support them along the supply chain, threaten our food security, and impact our ability to trade America’s high quality food products around the world. Rapid traceability in a disease outbreak could help ranchers and farmers get back to selling their products more quickly; limit how long farms are quarantined; and keep more animals from getting sick.

Interested stakeholders may view the proposed rule in today’s Federal Register at https://www.federalregister.gov/public-inspection/2023-00505/use-of-electronic-identification-eartags-as-official-identification-in-cattle-and-bison. Beginning tomorrow, members of the public may submit comments. All comments must be received by March 22, 2023. APHIS will review all comments and address them in a final rule.

Animal disease traceability, or knowing where diseased and at-risk animals are, where they’ve been, and when, is important to ensuring a rapid response when animal disease events take place. USDA is committed to implementing a modern system that tracks animals from birth to slaughter using affordable technology that allows for quick tracing of sick and exposed animals to stop disease spread. APHIS has worked extensively with stakeholders on this issue and electronic identification and records for livestock movement emerged from these discussions as valuable goals for safeguarding animal health. APHIS decided to pursue these changes through notice and comment rulemaking to ensure transparency and maximize public participation in the process.

The proposed rule would require official eartags to be visually and electronically readable for official use for interstate movement of certain cattle and bison. It would also revise and clarify certain record requirements related to cattle, including requiring official identification device distribution records to be entered into a Tribal, State, or Federal database, and available to APHIS upon request.

The key to protecting U.S. livestock health, producers’ livelihoods, and the U.S. economy in an animal disease outbreak is swift detection, containment, and eradication of disease. This proposed rule would allow USDA to do just that.



NCBA Statement on USDA Proposed Traceability Rule

National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA) President-Elect Todd Wilkinson, a South Dakota cattle producer and chairman of the NCBA traceability working group, today released the following statement regarding the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) proposed rule on electronic identification for cattle moving interstate:
 
“As USDA has worked toward a nationally significant animal disease traceability program, NCBA has remained engaged in the conversation with industry stakeholders and USDA to ensure the interests of cattle producers are represented and protected. It is critical that any program ultimately adopted by USDA allows for maximum flexibility and privacy. At the same time, USDA must also minimize the costs for producers and any business disruptions to the industry.
 
"Foot-and-mouth disease outbreaks across the globe continue to result in disruptions to commerce and depopulated livestock, the need for bold action is immediate and evident. However, NCBA is committed to working with USDA to ensure workable solutions are identified and ultimately implemented. Cattle producers can be confident that any finished product will protect our national livestock herd. We will ensure it provides maximum producer privacy and flexibility with minimal costs, exactly what our stakeholders have told us they expect from USDA.”
 
NCBA is reviewing the proposed rule in its entirety to determine whether it meets the criteria that NCBA’s policy has outlined below.
 
NCBA grassroots policy, which is brought forward and voted on by individual cattle producers, states that NCBA believes an effective animal disease traceability program should:
    Be compatible with private sector animal ID and verification programs backed by the USDA.
    Be compatible with the general traceability principles of the World Organization for Animal Health (WOAH).
    Recognize existing USDA programs for beef exports.
    Be built using infrastructure that supports other potential uses of ID.
    Utilize low-cost electronic official tagging devices paid for by federal and/or state funds, when possible.
    Require that cattle ID information for disease traceability be kept confidential and strongly protected from disclosure.
    Protect ownership information from disclosure to future owners.
    Protect producers from liability for acts of others, after the cattle have left the producer’s control.
    Operate at the speed of commerce.
    Not replace or impede existing state brand inspection activities.
    Work within a framework to accommodate all classes of cattle.



EPA Seeks Input from Small Entities on Meat and Poultry Products Effluent Guidelines Rulemaking Revision

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is seeking input from small businesses, governments, and not-for-profit organizations as it develops the Meat and Poultry Products Effluent Limitations Guidelines Rulemaking Revision, which is an essential step to reduce nutrient discharges in the nation’s waters.

EPA is assembling a Small Business Advocacy Review Panel to gather input from Small Entity Representatives (SERs). This Panel will focus on the Agency’s development of a rule that proposes to establish new or update existing industrial wastewater pollutant limits that would affect some of the approximately 7,000 meat and poultry products facilities across the U.S.

“Water is an essential resource for many industries, including meat and poultry processing,” said EPA Assistant Administrator for Water Radhika Fox. “EPA is committed to hearing directly from small entities that may be impacted by the rulemaking, as we work to protect communities across the country from the harmful effects of excess nutrients.”

The Panel will include federal representatives from the Small Business Administration (SBA), the Office of Management and Budget (OMB), and EPA. The Panel members ask a selected group of SERs to provide advice and recommendations on behalf of their company, government, or organization to inform the Panel members about the potential impacts of the proposed rule on small entities.

EPA seeks self-nominations directly from the small entities that may be subject to the rule requirements. Other representatives, such as trade associations that exclusively or at least primarily represent potentially regulated small entities, may also serve as SERs.

Nominate yourself as a SER. Self-nominations must be received by February 1, 2023.

In this rulemaking, EPA is considering potential new pretreatment standards, new or stricter limits on phosphorus and other pollutants, and may change the current subcategories or establish additional subcategories. The Agency intends to propose the rule in December 2023.

Learn more about the Meat and Poultry Products Effluent Limitations Guidelines and ongoing rulemaking here https://www.epa.gov/eg/meat-and-poultry-products-effluent-guidelines.



USDA Publishes Strengthening Organic Enforcement Final Rule

Today, the USDA National Organic Program (NOP) previewed the Strengthening Organic Enforcement (SOE) final rule. This update to the USDA organic regulations strengthens oversight and enforcement of the production, handling, and sale of organic products. This final rule implements 2018 Farm Bill mandates, responds to industry requests for updates to the USDA organic regulations, and addresses National Organic Standards Board (NOSB) recommendations.

“Protecting and growing the organic sector and the trusted USDA organic seal is a key part of the USDA Food Systems Transformation initiative,” said Under Secretary for Marketing and Regulatory Programs Jenny Lester Moffitt. “The Strengthening Organic Enforcement rule is the biggest update to the organic regulations since the original Act in 1990, providing a significant increase in oversight and enforcement authority to reinforce the trust of consumers, farmers, and those transitioning to organic production. This success is another demonstration that USDA fully stands behind the organic brand.”

What does the rule do?
SOE protects organic integrity and bolsters farmer and consumer confidence in the USDA organic seal by supporting strong organic control systems, improving farm to market traceability, increasing import oversight authority, and providing robust enforcement of the organic regulations. Key updates include:
    Requiring certification of more of the businesses, like brokers and traders, at critical links in organic supply chains.
    Requiring NOP Import Certificates for all organic imports.
    Requiring organic identification on nonretail containers.
    Increasing authority for more rigorous on-site inspections of certified operations.
    Requiring uniform qualification and training standards for organic inspectors and certifying agent personnel.
    Requires standardized certificates of organic operation.
    Requires additional and more frequent reporting of data on certified operations.
    Creates authority for more robust recordkeeping, traceability practices, and fraud prevention procedures.
    Specify certification requirements for producer groups.

SOE complements and supports the many actions that USDA takes to protect the organic label, including the registration of the USDA organic seal trademark with the USPTO. The registered trademark provides authority to deter uncertified entities from falsely using the seal, which together with this new rule provides additional layers of protection to the USDA organic seal.

Who is affected?
The rule may affect USDA-accredited certifying agents; organic inspectors; certified organic operations; operations considering organic certification; businesses that import or trade organic products; and retailers that sell organic products. To see if you are affected by SOE, please read the full rule available at: www.federalregister.gov/public-inspection/2023-00702/national-organic-program-strengthening-organic-enforcement

When must organic operations comply with the rule?
Organic operations, certifying agents, and other organic stakeholders affected by the rule will have one year from the effective date of the rule to comply with the changes.

Learn more about the final rule: www.ams.usda.gov/organic/SOE.  



Anhydrous Leads Fertilizer Prices Lower in Mid-January 2023

Most retail fertilizer prices continue to decline, according to prices tracked by DTN for the second week of January 2023. Seven of the eight major fertilizers are lower compared to last month. Of these seven, five were noticeably lower compared to last month. DTN designates a significant move as anything 5% or more.

Anhydrous was down 12% from last month. The nitrogen fertilizer had an average price of $1,245/ton. It's the first time the anhydrous price dropped below $1,300/ton since the second week of November 2021. That week the price was $1,220/ton. Potash was 8% less expensive compared to last month with an average price of $742/ton.  MAP was 7% lower in price compared to a year ago with an average price of $875/ton. Urea was 6% lower compared to last month with an average price of $732/ton. UAN32 was 5% less expensive than in mid-December with an average price of $650/ton.

Two fertilizers are only slightly lower compared to a month earlier. DAP has an average price of $868/ton while UAN28 is at $563/ton.

One fertilizer is slightly higher in price looking back to last month. 10-34-0 had an average price of $754/ton.

On a price per pound of nitrogen basis, the average urea price was at $0.80/lb.N, anhydrous $0.76/lb.N, UAN28 $1.01/lb.N and UAN32 $1.02/lb.N.

Most fertilizers are now lower compared to one year ago. This week, seven fertilizers are lower while only one is slightly higher. Both UAN28 and UAN32 are 4% lower, 10-34-0 is 5% less expensive, MAP is 6% lower, potash is 8% less expensive, anhydrous is 13% lower and urea is 20% less expensive looking back to a year prior. One fertilizer is still more expensive compared to last year. DAP is 1% higher compared to last year.



National Institute for Animal Agriculture Selects Second Cohort for the Advanced Training for Animal Agriculture Leaders Program

The second class participating in the National Institute for Animal Agriculture’s (NIAA) Advanced Training for Animal Agriculture Leaders has been selected and will convene in February 2023 for their introductory session.

NIAA is in its second year of providing an opportunity for animal agriculture leaders to gain next-level leadership and professional development training. What makes the Advanced Training for Animal Agriculture Leaders unique is its curriculum is specifically designed for the animal agriculture segment of the industry and participants co-design their experience.

The 16-month program is sponsored by the United Soybean Board and was created by NIAA to empower professionals in the early to midpart of their careers to build on previous leadership development experiences and collaborate with peers across the industry. The cohort attends five in-person meetings with additional virtual working sessions to focus on four areas of development: critical thinking, leadership development, connecting and relating skills, and operational excellence.

“Part of NIAA’s mission is to foster collaboration and cooperation throughout the industry. This program was intentionally developed to build upon existing leadership experiences, so professionals advance their skills - specifically, collaboration,” said Eric Moore, NIAA Board Chairman. “It was important to me to participate in the inaugural cohort and it has been an enriching experience for me and my fellow leaders.”

The second cohort represents a range of agricultural sectors to advance animal agriculture’s role in today’s food system. NIAA welcomes:
    Tressa Alderson, ABS Global/TransOva
    Jared Bramer, Kemin Animal Nutrition & Health – North America
    Amanda Butterfield, AmpliSource
    TJ Flax, Dexer
    Trisha Klement, Datamars Livestock
    Phillip Lancaster, Kansas State University
    Miriam Martin, North American Meat Institute
    Chandler Mulvaney, National Cattlemen’s Beef Association
    Jake Renner, American Gelbvieh Association
    Jennette Rietcheck, Norbrook
    Kayla Rink, Dairy Farmers of America
    Grant Sardella, ABS Global
    Jennifer Schmitt, Institute on the Environment, University of Minnesota
    Austin Snook, Merck Animal Health
    Sarah Thomas, The Ohio State University
    Brandon Treichler, Treichler Consulting Services
    Stephanie Ward, NC State University
    Jonathan White, United Producers NC
    Tim Bardole, United Soybean Board
    Shannon Ellis, United Soybean Board

To learn more about the program, it’s sponsors and how to participate in the next cohort, visit https://www.animalagriculture.org/leadership-program/.



Case IH Set to Accelerate Autonomy and Sustainable Farming Initiatives After CNH Industrial Purchases Minority Stake in EarthOptics

Announced today, CNH Industrial N.V. has joined a group of industry-leading firms and venture capital firms in the Series B funding round of EarthOptics, an innovative ag tech startup. Through its proprietary sensor technology, EarthOptics is able to precisely measure the health and structure of the soil. This partnership allows Case IH to accelerate the road map for autonomous tillage, reducing the need for inputs and helping farmers to implement sustainable practices by directly measuring carbon impact.

“Building on our sustainability promise, Case IH has taken an ecosystem approach partnering with an innovative young company and key industry leader to deliver breakthrough solutions for our farmers,” said Scott Harris, Case IH global brand president.

Improved agronomic solutions are essential to meeting the demands of the ever-growing world population. This partnership underscores the company’s commitment to agronomically superior solutions, allowing Case IH to deliver to its customers a complete technology solutions package and accelerate what is possible in tillage automation and, in the future, autonomy.

“Innovation and sustainable advancements drive everything we do at Case IH,” said Monte Weller, Case IH global product line director. “We are proud to be part of EarthOptics’ vision for the future of agriculture and excited to help create more sustainable operations for those who feed the world.”

EarthOptics’ solution is able to take an accurate measure of the carbon sequestered in the field at a different point in time. This enables farmers to make informed decisions on their operation about their practices and potentially provide key data and validation for them to participate in the growing carbon credit market.

In addition to advancing sustainable farming practices, EarthOptics will enhance Case IH products and the ability to create technology solutions that allow farmers to: till only where needed; accurately map soil carbon captured; improve routine soil fertility and health measures; and dramatically reduce costs. This technology will have unprecedented benefits for the entire CNH Industrial agricultural segment and commercial plans will be the subject of future announcements.

“At Case IH, we are proud of the vital role we play in increasing farmers’ productivity as they feed the world with fewer acres, dollars and workers,” Harris said. “By accelerating and encouraging innovation in the future of ag technology, we are always looking for partners who can help us bring farmers full solutions that bridge sustainability, technology and automation.”



University Products Alerts U.S. Cattle Ranchers: 'FDA Set to Change Status of Antimicrobial Drugs from Over the Counter to Prescription Soon, Forcing Many Ranchers to Use Expensive and Difficult-to-Obtain CTCs – So Prepare Now by Vaccinating Your Herd Against Anaplasmosis'

University Products LLC recently alerted cattle ranchers to an official move by the FDA that will soon make it much harder to access antimicrobial drugs. The Center for Veterinary Medicine's (CVM) Guidance for Industry #263 goes into effect on June 12, 2023. The guidance applies to all food animals and animals not intended for food, and includes penicillin, sulfa-based drugs, boluses, intramammary mastitis tubes, and topical products. For decades, antimicrobials were used to treat seasonal diseases like anaplasmosis in cattle, but there are better options – like vaccines produced by University Products.

Additionally, as of February 21, 2023, the FDA will again hold veterinarians to federal requirements for a veterinarian-client-patient relationship which "requires animal examination and/or medically appropriate and timely visits to the premises where the animal(s) are kept." These requirements, temporarily put aside for the COVID-19 pandemic, can no longer "be met solely through telemedicine."

"In the past, before the FDA tightened antibiotic restrictions, ranchers treated anaplasmosis infections indiscriminately with an oxytetracycline or chlortetracycline supplied in feed and mineral supplements," said Dr. Donald Luther, University Products vaccine developer. "All of these treatments required a Veterinary Feed Directive (VFD). But even without restrictions, what decades of using these medicines have shown us is this: most cows do not eat enough feed for an effective dose and ultimately spread anaplasmosis to the herd anyway."

"It is difficult to know which cows have been infected and which cows are not until it is too late. And research has also found that this treatment is scattershot at best when used for anaplasmosis. But even worse, it has extremely harmful effects overall. Constant antibiotic use produces antimicrobial-resistant 'super bugs' that are almost completely immune to these medicines. So eventually, the whole cycle becomes a waste of time and money, while also breeding far more dangerous variations of illness. Frankly, the only effective treatment that makes sense anymore is vaccination."

Louisiana-based University Products produces the only clinically tested and effective vaccine against anaplasmosis that is approved for experimental use and has been successfully deployed in the U.S., Puerto Rico, and South America for over two decades.

"And just as importantly, we have to think of what consumers want," explained Dr. Luther. "The industry has changed, society has changed. As veterinarians, we can make all sorts of legitimate rational and evidence-based arguments about the therapeutic effects of antibiotics and their uses. How these medicines have revolutionized animal agriculture and food production in a wide variety of good ways. But as ranchers, we also have to face the bottom line. Customers don't want to consume cattle that have been routinely fed antibiotics. They have made that fact very clear. Fortunately, we have an alternative ready for widespread seasonal epidemics like anaplasmosis. We have a vaccine, and it works. We are also in the research phase for a vaccine to fight another tick-borne bovine disease: Theileria orientalis."

The University Products vaccine does not prevent infection, but when properly used, significantly reduces clinical signs in at-risk animals. The vaccine requires only two doses in the first year, with one annual booster each year thereafter and is safe to use in any stage of bovine pregnancy.