He only called when there was trouble, and just as I had guessed, he had a heifer trying to calve out at pasture, and “Things just aren’t good, doc.” 

After a hard birth, some calves are dull or even unconscious from oxygen shortage and fail to start breathing. But there are things producers can do to help calves start breathing. 

Across the Midwest, spring calving season is just around the corner. Sometimes grueling but often beloved and fulfilling, calving season is an incredibly important time of year for cow-calf producers.

You should never hesitate to contact your veterinarian if needed, but I am going to pass on some things I have learned to help you feel more comfortable with calving assistance.

During the past 25 years, there have been many improvements in designs of cattle-working facilities and in cattle-handling techniques, but some cattle operations still need to “tune up” their handling methods.

It’s that time of year when many producers will begin weaning calves, and new cattle will be entering stocker and feedlot operations. During this stretch, stress is the number one issue that will influence health and performance.

A new tool for ranchers could be a game-changer when preconditioning calves.

Fall is a busy time in the cattle business. For the rancher and cow-calf producer, it is the time to reap the fruits of our labor.