Dr. Dan Thomson
The cattle industry is facing significant headwinds, and few understand this better than Dr. Dan Thomson, a third-generation bovine veterinarian, CEO of Production Animal Consultation, and host of Doc Talk on RFD-TV. In a recent episode of Ag Smarter Sessions by Ever.Ag, Dr. Thomson shared his experienced perspective on the evolving realities of managing feedlots and what it takes to stay profitable and sustainable in a rapidly changing environment.
Challenges in Today’s Feedlots
Feedlots are navigating a perfect storm of challenges. Dr. Thomson highlighted that labor shortages remain one of the most pressing issues. “Finding people who want to be in this business, especially in rural America, is harder than ever,” he noted. Attracting, retaining, and managing skilled workers are constant struggles that impact every aspect of feedlot operations.
In addition to labor, feedlot managers are grappling with a shrinking national cow herd, which has driven cattle prices to record highs. This creates significant financial risk for operators who must secure cattle, manage health, and ensure profitability in an increasingly volatile market. Adding to the complexity are environmental factors—unpredictable weather patterns and sustainability concerns that put additional pressure on already stretched resources.
Health risks compound these issues. As Dr. Thomson explained, when feedlots are scrambling to source cattle, sometimes they end up with higher-risk animals that bring elevated health concerns. Disease outbreaks, if not caught early, can severely undermine both animal welfare and profitability.
One Health: A Guiding Principle
One of the central philosophies guiding Dr. Thomson’s work is the One Health initiative—a triad approach emphasizing healthy animals, healthy people, and a healthy planet. “If we don’t have a habitat, we don’t have cattle. And if we don’t have an environment, we don’t exist,” Dr. Thomson noted. This initiative underlines how animal welfare, human health, and environmental stewardship are interconnected.
Veterinarians and feedlot managers play a critical role in this balance, from ensuring proper vaccinations and feeding regimens to maintaining cattle comfort and food safety. Dr. Thomson sees an increasing need for veterinarians to engage not only in animal care but also in broader conversations about sustainability and public health. “Our duties are drawing us more and more to focus on that balance,” he said, underscoring the profession’s evolving responsibilities.
Using Technology to Get Better Every Day
Dr. Thomson emphasizes that while the people in feedlots are among the best in the business, there is always room to do better—and technology is a key part of that progress. “We’re always trying to get a little bit better every day,” he said, pointing out that advancements in diagnostics, animal monitoring, and integrated data systems offer real opportunities to improve feedlot outcomes.
Rather than replacing people, technology can equip teams with better tools to manage animal health, operations, and risk. Tools such as improved diagnostics, wearable devices, and advanced data platforms can help identify issues earlier and enable faster, more effective responses. By bringing together people and technology, feedlots can become more efficient, healthier for the animals, and more profitable.
Looking ahead, Dr. Thomson sees significant potential in technologies that link feedlot performance data with supply chain demands. This integration would not only improve feedlot management but also strengthen connections with retailers and processors, creating a more responsive and sustainable beef supply chain.
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