Capital costs and quality calf care go hand-in-hand. You can’t have one without the other; there will always be a financial impact following the building of a new calf barn or improvements to an existing one. Any farmer will agree that it’s a necessity ... but not always a welcome one. Calf housing is expensive, and to make the most of each dollar spent, farmers must walk the line between calf care and out-of-pocket costs.

Birth through 12 weeks old is a critical time in establishing the lifetime growth potential of a calf, and feeding strategies weeks 12 to 24 are essential to optimal rumen development. As a result, it is not surprising that this age group is where resources are invested most heavily when it comes to raising calves. But what about those heifers after they’ve reached 24 weeks old? This group of developing heifers are often referred to as the forgotten age, as many calf and heifer-raisers tend to put them on auto-pilot until they are ready to calve.

There are hundreds of considerations when it comes to planning for calf housing, from what type of calf pail to purchase, to hutches versus calf barn, to ventilation type and beyond. In many cases, decision makers are basing their choices on what’s best for the calves, and that’s certainly a good thing. But what about what’s best for your employees?

After seven hours of eager anticipation, the moment had at last come. Smartphone cameras snapped and gasps erupted from onlookers as small hooves and a wet nose emerged from a laboring cow. With a series of forceful shoves and some helpful human hands, the entire 90-pound calf was expelled, encased in a slimy membrane.