43 Story Idea? Email Paul.Nolan@Farms.com Better Farming | January 2024 Livestock As the new year starts, many beef herds will be preparing their farms for the arrival of the 2024 calf crop. While all farms are different, raising healthy calves is a consistent goal amongst cow-calf producers. Better Farming has compiled some tips for a successful season – before, during and after calving. Preparing for calves Having supplies and plans in order before calving starts is an easy way to minimize the stress of calving season. Taking steps to prepare team members and the herd can avoid emergencies and sets the stage for healthier calves. Claire Windeyer, an associate professor at University of Calgary’s Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, researches cow-calf management and colostrum in Canadian cow herds and says that developing plans should be the first step in preparing for calving season. “One thing I think people should have in place ahead of time are their plans and protocols, and make sure everyone on their team knows the plan, whether you have a staff of 12 or two people,” says Windeyer. “Ideally the farmer works with a vet to do that, so they can review what did and didn’t work the previous year.” Windeyer says that handling systems should be assessed, and a strategy for record-keeping should be discussed. “How are we keeping track? Is it a calving notebook in a pocket? How do we transfer that data to a computer? “Make sure you have a good restraint system with lots of straw around the calving area. Make sure the chute still opens and closes before you need it.” Tammi Ribey is a cow-calf producer and retired vet from Bruce County. Her family calves out around 60 purebred Angus cows between January and March. They calve in a bank barn and have a routine to prepare it before calving starts. “We clean it out and bed it. We try to run our 60 cows as groups of 20,” says Ribey. “As the group fills up with 20 cows, we move the group from the calving pen to another area.” Leading up to calving season is also a good time to review your calving kit, restocking and refurbishing the necessary supplies. Calving kits should be easy to find and accessible near the calving area. “Our calving kit has nothing too weird,” says Ribey. “Chains – I usually keep three good chains in our kit. Two for the legs, and TIPS FOR CALVING SEASON SUCCESS Manage your herd before, during & after calving for healthy calves. By Emily Croft Focus on good barn or pasture management. Emily Croft photo
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