Agriculture has been one of the most dangerous industries in the U.S. and worldwide for decades. Since 2015, Aaron Yoder, the Central States Center for Agricultural Safety and Health at UNMC research director, has led a team of researchers and safety experts to develop the Feedyard 15 Program, a free safety training curriculum available for cattle feedyard operations.

The journey from pasture to plate is fraught with challenges, particularly during the initial receiving period when cattle are most vulnerable. The receiving phase, typically encompassing the first 45 days after cattle arrive at a feedlot, is critical for ensuring their health, well-being and subsequent productivity.

Today’s beef industry is moving through uncharted territory. Record prices are being recorded for finished animals, weaned calf dollar amounts have never been higher, and more younger calves are entering feedlots than ever before.

Zoonotic diseases – also known as zoonoses – are caused by germs that spread between animals and people. No matter where people come into contact with animals, harmful germs are sometimes carried by animals.

Safety is important. We all know that, but cattle feedyards can be dangerous places to work. In addition to working with cattle, which can be unpredictable, workers use horses and tractors; machinery in the feed mill; trucks, all-terrain and utility-task vehicles and other vehicles; and are exposed to challenging weather conditions.

Depending on who you talk to, attitudes toward the use of implants in beef cattle production are very different. Most finishing yards are using implants today unless cattle are enrolled in a non-implant, natural or organic program that prohibits their use.

Efficiency of production, quality of product and sustainability are the intuitive goals of the cattle industry. Producers and consumers alike are interested in the economy of scale and acceptance of beef.

Feedlots must adopt innovative strategies to maintain their competitive edge while upholding the highest standards of animal welfare.

Studies have also determined that some 50% of feedyard workers are Latino. Combining the inherent risks of a feedyard with a language barrier that significantly hampers communication can set the stage for serious incidents and injuries.

As the population continues to grow, the demands of consumers and the workload on ranchers and feedlot operations also increase. It is critical now, more than ever, to save time and streamline expenses to keep your operation as efficient as possible.