Every year around this time, some of us find ourselves filled with mixed emotions. As temperatures drop, we are pleased by the reprieve from sultry summer afternoons, the natural abatement of biting flies, mosquitos and gnats, and football-filled weekends.

The reproductive efficiency of cow-calf operations is one of the most important factors affecting the potential profitability of herds. The ideal cow calves early in the calving season every year, breeds back early in the breeding season and weans off a heavy calf year after year.

Over the years, my passion for all things bovine, mixed with the opportunities I’ve had to write a story or two, have combined to lead me to cherished friendships with people across the entire country and spectrum of the cowboy and ranching world.

Many of us live in places where the weather may change at the blink of an eye. We may have four layers on in the morning, but by afternoon, we have shed three of them: our “I’m warming up” layer, our “It’s past midmorning” layer and our “Dang, it’s a different climate” layer, which leads to …

Part two of strategies for successful calving, positive dystocias outcomes and prevention of stillbirths. Outlining expected communication protocols, prioritizing newborn calf care and accurate recordkeeping are key areas to focus on.

Dystocias and stillbirths of dairy cattle have a significant economic impact. Many studies over the years have found that dairy herds can encounter rates of dystocias and stillbirths exceeding 10%.