December 8, 2020
Calving Schools Slated for January
In anticipation of calving season, beef cattle experts from the Kansas State University Department of Animal Sciences and Industry and K-State Research and Extension are planning a series of calving schools beginning in early January.
A.J. Tarpoff, an Extension beef veterinarian, said calving schools aim to increase producers' knowledge, practical skills and the number of live calves born. Each day-long program outlines overall calving management, including stages of the normal calving process and tips to handle difficult calving situations.
"Our goal is for producers to leave better prepared for calving season," Tarpoff said. "We will discuss timelines on when to examine cows for calving problems, and when to call your vet for help if things are not going well. It's an excellent program regardless of experience level."
Speakers will share tips on when and how to intervene to assist the cow and how those times may be different when dealing with young heifers. Presenters also will demonstrate proper use of calving equipment on a life-size cow and calf model.
Tarpoff said the meetings will cover such topics as body condition scoring, colostrum management and animal health product storage and handling.
Meetings scheduled include:
Wednesday, January 6, Emporia. For more information, email Brian Rees, Lyon County Extension, at brees@ksu.edu.
Monday, January 11, Winfield. For more information, email Kelsey Nordyke, Cowley County Extension, at holcombk@ksu.edu.
Wednesday, January 13, Blue Rapids. For more information, email Anastasia Johnson Meyer, Marshall County Extension, anastasia@ksu.edu.
Thursday, January 21, Dodge City. For more information, email Andrea Burns, Ford County Extension, at aburns@ksu.edu.
More information about the calving schools is available online as it becomes available.