One statement that always rings true: Expect the unexpected. When it comes to working with livestock, those unexpected events often require special equipment, and there are few worse feelings than realizing you don’t have the supplies needed to remedy the situation. In this edition of “From the Field,” we had the opportunity to chat with regional managers Rod Geppert, Casey Jentz and Kurt Kangas regarding pinkeye, porcupines and many things in between. Here’s what they have to say!

Wildlife and the wilderness

Every region is unique, but you never know when the struggles common in certain areas might be of importance to producers in a completely different geography.

Though many areas may not receive enough moisture for mud to be an issue, some producers in Region 6 have supplies on hand in the event cattle find themselves in a sticky situation.

“It depends on the year, but if water recedes in a dugout or river bank, cows can get stuck pretty good in certain types of soil. If you’re on horseback or [have] just got the side-by-side, we’ve got to make sure there’s a rope or cable available,” says Rod Geppert, regional manager for Region 6. “If those cows aren't used to this area, they can get pretty silly. It’s like, ‘Oh, I’ve walked across mud before.’ But, no, you don’t ever want them to walk across that.”

For these instances — and probably many more if given a moment to brainstorm — keeping a 50-100 ft. length of rope or cable outfitted for pulling on hand can be a lifesaver, Geppert says.

Another issue producers in other states may not foresee involves a rather prickly rodent. Though not a common occurrence, curious bovines can have disagreements with porcupines that result in unpleasant consequences.

Ensuring supplies are stocked to remove quills, treat inflammation and prevent infection is advised.

Fencing

No matter the care taken to build and maintain fence, livestock and Mother Nature will put it to the test. Keeping supplies on hand to fix fence is something a vast majority of producers have already worked into their maintenance plan. Keeping a go-bag of sorts for the side-by-side or pickup could make life a little easier when fenceline issues are discovered.

“This time of year — particularly when you’ve got some green grass somewhere and brown grass is probably where the cows are located — cows tend to wander,” says Kurt Kangas, regional manager for Region 10. “Fencing materials, fence stretchers, a good pair of pliers and stuff to fix water tanks are always popular items to have in a pickup, side-by-side or bag.”

Knowing your fencing type and having additional supplies (including a good pair of leather gloves) on hand can pay dividends when wildlife, curious calves or a neighboring bull decide to wage war on fences. If you’re using electric fencing options, keeping insulators, ground rod clamps and other small supplies on hand can save a trip to the farm supply store.

Health concerns

Regardless of your location in the country, every producer deals at some level with insect control and treating cattle where working facilities may not be conveniently located.

Planning ahead, chatting with other producers and your veterinarians about common issues treated in your area, and having a prestocked medical case is one way to ensure medical issues don’t catch you by surprise regardless of season.

“If you don’t get anything else in your side-by-side, you should carry fly spray supplies. Flies are a big concern,” says Casey Jentz, regional manager for Region 4, who has personal experience battling a stubborn form of mycoplasma pinkeye in the past. “We’ve got a couple medications that are always on the shelf to treat things like pinkeye and foot rot.”

But what happens if working facilities aren’t close by and a producer notices a handful of animals are showing signs of pinkeye, foot rot or another illness? One option for delivery in that case could be a vet gun.

“A lot of people are packing around vet guns, and I think that that saves a lot of time,” notes Kangas. “Where before you might see a couple sick calves when you're out and send somebody back on horseback to doctor those animals, now — if you’re a decent shot — you can avoid needing to send another person back after you’ve already been through the group.”

At the end of the day, cattle producers will go above and beyond to care for their herd. With a little preparation, a good relationship with their local veterinarian and knowledge shared amongst local cattlemen, having a well-stocked pickup, side-by-side or saddlebag can better prepare producers for unexpected challenges.

Editor’s note: “From the Field” is a regular Angus Beef Bulletin EXTRA column featuring advice, industry news and Angus updates from regional managers of the American Angus Association. For information on how to contact your regional manager, visit  https://www.angus.org/assoc/RM. [Lead photo by Lynsey McAnally.]

Angus Beef Bulletin EXTRA, Vol. 16, No. 8-B