In this episode of Cattlemen and Veterinarians: A Partnership in Bovine Health, hosts Kaid Panek and Dr. Shynia Peterman, DVM, sit down with Matt Poindexter of Midnight Cattle Tags to explore practical ways cattle producers and veterinarians can make processing cattle safer, faster, and more efficient.

Matt’s background in the cattle industry has taken him from his family’s Missouri farm to an extraordinary experience helping develop beef cattle operations in Russia. After returning home, Matt became involved in backgrounding cattle and custom cattle tags before eventually helping launch Midnight Cattle Tags. What started as late-night tag printing and a desire to solve everyday problems has developed into innovative tools designed by people who actually work cattle.

A major focus of the conversation is Midnight Cattle Tags’ battery-powered ear tagger and tattooer. Matt explains how a hand injury originally inspired him to develop an easier way to apply cattle tags. Instead of repeatedly squeezing a traditional applicator, the battery-powered system allows operators to place tags with the pull of a trigger, reducing strain during long processing days.

The group also discusses cattle handling, workplace safety, efficiency, and the importance of developing a processing crew where everyone understands their role. Matt’s philosophy is simple: less is more. A smaller, experienced crew can often process cattle more calmly and efficiently while reducing unnecessary confusion around the chute.

Listeners also get a preview of products under development, including battery-powered syringes, ear notchers, chute-mounted coolers, and livestock management technology designed to improve medication tracking, inventory, billing, and communication with veterinarians.

Ultimately, this episode demonstrates how practical innovation can improve cattle processing for both animals and handlers. From reducing repetitive strain to improving workflow and animal handling, Matt, Kaid, and Dr. Shynia Peterman offer producers useful ideas for making the next processing day safer and smoother.

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