Full Transparency on Herd Health

At Faithway Cattle, we’re committed to keeping you informed and giving you full transparency about the health and care of our herd. Ensuring the well-being of our cattle isn't just about raising healthy animals—it’s about producing high-quality beef while maintaining sustainable practices that prioritize both the environment and our cattle.

Here’s a look at some of the key health practices that make Faithway Cattle stand out:

Supplements for Optimal Health: Free Choice Minerals

Just like humans, our cattle require minerals and vitamins to maintain their health, and we ensure they get what they need. We offer free-choice mineral supplements that are available in three big compartments with lids. The cows can easily lift the lid and lick the minerals as needed. Cows have an innate ability to know when they need specific minerals, and we trust them to self-regulate. These minerals help support everything from bone health to immune function.

The Importance of Soil and Pasture Health

While supplementation is important, the health of our soil and pastures plays a major role in the overall health of our cattle. Good soil and healthy pasture grasses provide a natural source of minerals and nutrients, meaning less need for supplementation. In fact, we’ve observed that one of our pastures has higher mineral content than others. When our cows graze on this particular pasture, they naturally require less of the mineral supplements because the land is already so rich in nutrients. Healthy pastures equal healthier cows!

Antibiotic Use and Herd Integrity

At Faithway Cattle, we take a very cautious approach when it comes to antibiotic use. Antibiotics are only administered in life-saving situations, and when we do use them, we separate the affected animal from the beef herd. Once the animal has healed, we auction it off   and remove it from our beef program permanently. This commitment to antibiotic-free beef is just one of the ways we strive for excellence and build strong genetics in our herd.

Rigorous Testing for Antibiotics

We adhere to strict standards to ensure the quality of our beef. When our cattle go to the processor, they are tested for antibiotics in their spleen and liver. If any trace of antibiotics is detected, the carcass is condemned immediately. This rigorous testing ensures that only beef that is free from antibiotics reaches your table.

Understanding Our Herd: Cow Calf Operation

Let’s take a moment to clarify some common terms related to cattle.

• Heifer: A young female cow that has not yet had a calf.
• Bull: A male cow that is capable of breeding.
• Steer: A male cow that has been castrated and is raised for beef production.
• Breeding Cow: A female cow that has had at least one calf and is raised for breeding.

At Faithway Cattle, we keep some of our replacement heifers to become breeding cows to maintain and improve the genetics of our herd, but others are raised for beef. Our operation is a cow-calf operation, meaning we breed cows to produce calves for either future breeding stock or beef production. We also run a closed herd, meaning we do not introduce cattle from outside sources. This ensures we have control over the health and genetics of our herd and helps reduce the risk of disease.

Adaptive Herd Practices: Natural Selection in Action

Our herd is adaptive and constantly evolving. Cattle have a remarkable ability to adapt to changing environments of the bio region that they live in, which is part of their natural selection process. We encourage this adaptability by providing a diverse range of pastures and varying the types of feed they receive, and keeping a closed herd. This helps maintain strong, resilient cattle that thrive under different conditions on our farm.

Parasite Control: A Key to Cow Health

Maintaining the health of our cattle also means staying on top of their parasite management. We treat for parasites 3-4 times a year to prevent weight loss and malnutrition that can result from severe infestations. Without proper treatment, parasites can cause significant health issues and even death, as they compete for nutrients in the cow’s system.

One of the main ways we manage parasites is by rotating pastures. By avoiding overgrazing, we reduce the risk of parasite infestations, as overgrazed areas tend to have more soil and parasites, while higher grasses are less likely to harbor parasites. 

Quarterly parasite cleansing has been practiced by humans for centuries, with many methods used to maintain health. Just as our ancestors understood the importance of staying parasite-free, we apply the same principle on our farm. While there are various approaches to parasite control, we've found that an ivermectin-based treatment works best for our herd. This method has proven to be the most effective in keeping our cattle healthy and thriving, much like how individuals choose different practices to maintain their own well-being.

Final Thoughts: Commitment to Quality

At Faithway Cattle, we are dedicated to raising healthy, happy cattle in a sustainable and ethical manner. By focusing on proper supplementation, soil health, and rigorous health practices, we ensure our cattle produce top-quality beef while maintaining the integrity of our herd. Our commitment to full transparency means you can trust that the beef you enjoy is the result of years of careful management and dedication.

Stan and I appreciate you supporting Faithway Cattle!

-Vanessa