About the Author

Heather Smith Thomas

Heather Smith Thomas ranches with her husband near Salmon, Idaho, raising cattle and a few horses. She has a B.A. in English and history. She has raised and trained horses for 50 years, and has been writing freelance articles and books nearly that long, publishing 20 books and more than 9,000 articles for horse and livestock publications. Find Heather online at heathersmiththomas.blogspot.com.

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Articles by Heather Smith Thomas

Preventing and Treating Cattle Scours in Calves

April 12, 2021 · Heather Smith Thomas · Cattle

The most common illness in young calves is cattle scours (diarrhea). There are many causes, including intestinal infection because of bacteria, viruses, or protozoa.

Tips on Properly Giving Cattle Injections

April 6, 2021 · Heather Smith Thomas · Cattle

Cattle injections are often necessary — vaccines, antibiotics, injectable vitamins, scours, etc. These should always be administered properly to be effective, minimize residues in the meat if the animal will be butchered later, minimize injection site lesions, and reduce the risks for adverse reactions.

Fenceline Weaning: Low-Stress Weaning Method

March 26, 2021 · Heather Smith Thomas · Cattle

Fenceline weaning is perhaps one of the less-stressful methods of separating cows from their calves. Weaning time has traditionally been traumatic for calves and mama cows and also the people weaning the calves.

Dealing with Diphtheria in Calves

March 15, 2021 · Heather Smith Thomas · Cattle

Diphtheria in calves is generally more serious — and more noticeable — than in adult cattle. Diphtheria is an upper respiratory disease and is an infection and/ or inflammation of the vocal folds of the larynx (voice box) at the back of the throat.

Starting an Orchard for Profit at Skipley Farm

February 12, 2021 · Heather Smith Thomas · Growing

About 10 years ago, Gil Schieber decided that starting an orchard for profit was something he wanted to try. He started his home orchard on seven and a half acres near Snohomish, Washington, 30 miles north of Seattle.

Best Beef Cattle Breeds

February 1, 2021 · Heather Smith Thomas · Cattle

Every beef cattle breed has pluses and minuses, and what might be a plus for one farmer could be a drawback in another situation. For instance, a breed that does well in a hot climate may not do well in a cold one, and vice versa.

Minimizing Heat Stress in Cattle

January 23, 2021 · Heather Smith Thomas · Cattle

Minimizing heat stress in cattle can make the difference between life and death in your herd. Hot weather, especially if it’s humid, can be hard on cattle, and they may be at risk for heatstroke.

Selecting Hay for Cattle

October 5, 2020 · Heather Smith Thomas · Fences, Sheds & Barns

During winter, drought or any other times that animals do not have adequate pasture, hay is the mainstay of diet for cattle.

The Best Cattle Waterers for Winter

October 3, 2020 · Heather Smith Thomas · Cattle

In some climates, keeping stock water ice-free can be frustrating during colder months. Tank heaters work well if a person has access to electricity, but some pastures are far from a power source.

Preventing Cold Stress in Cattle

January 20, 2020 · Heather Smith Thomas · Cattle

Cold stress in cattle adversely affects cattle health and well-being. Stressed animals are more vulnerable to illness.