The combination of winter winds, freezing temperatures and wetness can be devastating to a cattle herd, but veterinary herd health programs initiated before the onslaught of severe winter weather can prevent great loss to cattle producers, according to the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA). "The key to helping cattle endure weather stress is prevention," said Nolan Hartwig, DVM, extension veterinarian, Iowa State University, Ames, IA. "Prevention begins with complete herd health programs including condition scoring cattle in the fall, so the more susceptible animals can be prepared before winter take sits toll."