Many beef producers think their vaccination program is their herd health program, but that's too thin a viewpoint, says Arn Anderson, who practices from his Crosstimbers Veterinary Clinic at Bowie, TX. Vaccination is only one part of a complete herd health program, Anderson stresses, ladling a lot of emphasis on the words "part of."

"But vaccines do not replace management," he adds.

Moreover, he says, a vaccination program can never overcome poor management. In fact, good management includes working with a local veterinarian to design a vaccination plan tailored to your location and specific to your farm/ranch.

"You can go to the Internet and type in 'beef vaccination plan' and you'll get one," Anderson says. But he warns that is not good management and may not help protect you from the problems with disease and mineral deficiencies or excesses on and near your farm.

To read more about vaccination recommendations, click here.

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