At Pagel Family Businesses, the health and well-being of our cows come first. Our herd is monitored 24/7, with weekly health checks conducted by our trained staff. These checks evaluate milk production, cleanliness, overall comfort, and any early signs of illness. Every Pagel’s employee receives training in proper animal care and handling, ensuring that our cows are always treated with respect and compassion.

If a cow does become sick, strict protocols are followed. She is closely monitored, given extra care, and often separated from the herd to recover. Antibiotics are only used when absolutely necessary. In those rare cases, the cow is placed in a special hospital pen, and her milk is withheld from the food supply until she is fully healthy again.

Sometimes, treatment doesn’t require medicine at all. A method called cannulating allows us to transfer “good bacteria” from the stomach of a healthy cow to a sick one. This helps restore her ability to digest nutrients and regain strength—without antibiotics. The process is safe, effective, and harmless for both cows.

We also use advanced technology to support cow health. Our Alta Cow Watch system works like a Fitbit for cows. The collar records each animal’s behavior and movement, analyzes the data, and delivers real-time insights to our team via phone, tablet, or computer. If something seems off, the system immediately sends an alert, allowing us to respond quickly and provide the best possible care.

At every step, we combine traditional animal care with modern technology to keep our cows healthy, comfortable, and thriving.