In anticipation of calving season, the Kansas State University Department of Animal Sciences and Industry and K-State Research and Extension will be hosting a series of calving schools between November and January.
The program will outline the normal calving process as well as tips to handle difficult calving situations. A.J. Tarpoff, extension beef veterinarian, said the purpose of the event is to increase knowledge and practical skills and increase the number of live calves born.
Experts will also 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 will also demonstrate proper use of calving equipment on a life-size scale.
“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 for help if things are not going well. It’s an excellent program regardless of experience level.”
He added that several of the meetings will cover such topics as proper bull/heifer selection and EPDs; winter cow nutrition; and injection site management.
The list of meetings include:
- Nov. 15, 6 p.m., Sherman County 4-H Building, Goodland. RSVP to Sunflower Extension District Office at 785-332-3171, or email Toni Belshe at [email protected];
- Dec. 4, 6:30 p.m., Oskaloosa City Hall, Oskaloosa. RSVP to the Meadowlark Extension District Office;
- Dec. 11, evening, 4-H Community Building, Yates Center. RSVP to the Southwind Extension District Office;
- Dec. 13, morning, Kingman County Expo Center, Kingman. RSVP to the Kingman County Extension Office;
- Dec. 13, evening, McPherson County 4-H Building, 710 W Woodside St. McPherson. RSVP by calling Terra at 620-241-1523;
- Jan. 9, Dole Specter Conference Center, Russell. RSVP to the Midway Extension District Office; and
- Jan. 16, Hy Plains Education Center, Montezuma. RSVP to the Gray County Extension Office.
More information is available online at KSUBeef.org.
