By Michelle Arnold, DVM, Ruminant Extension Veterinarian, University of Kentucky Veterinary Diagnostic Lab

The top ten New Year’s resolutions, first published in January 2022, serve as a good reminder of the management practices that almost always need fine-tuning in cow/calf operations. As winter gives way to spring, try to incorporate one or more of the following resolutions, updated for 2026.

In 2026, I resolve to:

1. Improve the water the cattle drink: Water is exceptionally important, relatively inexpensive and readily available, but it is often the most ignored nutrient. Water consumption varies depending on age, breed, stage of pregnancy or lactation, and outdoor temperature and humidity, but it can reach as high as 25 to 30 gallons per day during hot weather. Water-related healt

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