I started almost a year ago with some intensional plans since every thing I was hearing said it was inevitable.
The biggest prevention we did that Im hoping pays off is going to a calving season where calves start in late Dec on some and go through Jan, Feb, and every thing should be wrapped up first of March. Thats our best chance for cool to cold weather and a low fly load. I also know where to go and when to check for calves.
We have very few calves born with horns these days and its only out of the F1 factory.
On castrating and dehorning it will come down to prices. If prices pay to do it we will consider it. If they don't we won't. No love lost either way, its math.
Also plan to use some of the hot wire set ups to hold cattle in or out of places as needed to monitor.
Im pretty ocd about flies not being on cattle but Ive been looking at the walk through sprayers. They would go right where our bags are now. We may panel off more water sources for the specific purpose of making sure those cattle get sprayed. Luckily most our cattle are use to walking through the bags and stuff so it should not be a big shocker. Co-Ral, which we already use for ticks is labeled for screw worm so hopefully we can use it.
This is obviously my first run at it so we will get to put these theories to the test.
What I can say is good luck to the people like my family who shrug and grumble at every thing I do. They are about to have a hell of a time catching wild, year round calving, cattle and keeping them doctored now days, especially at their age. All those saved dollars could get real expensive real quick. The best thing they can do if this shows any sign of spreading is load every animal up and get out while the getting is good, sit on the money, let the grass grow, maybe sell hay or some thing, and live to fight another day. Be a good time to do some grass restoration or clean up or othe things. Decide when we get the all clear if you want back in at that point.
