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‘Large numbers’ of cattle moving into Nebraska
With what he calls a “large number of cattle” moving into Nebraska from drought-stricken southern states, Nebraska director of agriculture Greg Ibach is reminding cattle producers of the state’s import requirements.
“We just want to remind producers that if they’re receiving cattle from other states—regardless of whether they’re coming from Texas or Oklahoma—any time a head of livestock crosses the state line they need to be accompanied with a health certificate, done by a local vet at their original home, that states that they’re healthy,” Ibach says.
Producers especially need to be aware, Ibach says, of the import requirements for trichomoniasis—or trich—a cattle disease that causes infertility and occasional abortions in cows and heifers.
At the same time cattle are coming into the state, there is also a lot of Nebraska hay being shipped south. And while high hay prices are tempting, Ibach hopes Nebraska producers will be prudent in deciding how much of their hay to sell.
“The drought could move north next year,” he says, “and hopefully they’re maintaining adequate resources of hay so that if we were to experience drought in the future, we would still have some hay to use as a cushion.”
Producers who are considering moving cattle from another state into Nebraska are urged to contact the Nebraska Department of Agriculture (NDA) State Veterinarian’s staff for more information about specific import requirements. The toll-free number is 800-572-2437.
Import regulations and orders can also be reviewed on the NDA web site.
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