Newborn calves occasionally encounter challenges that undermine them in the early hours or days of life. Difficulties such as birthing stress, weakness or an inability to nurse effectively may leave them unable to consume the vital colostrum and nutrients they require.

“Be prepared” is a motto to live by, especially during calving season. With that in mind, here are a few items that are essential to have on hand, plus some best-practice tips to consider.

Calving season is a critical time for commercial and seedstock beef cow-calf producers alike. To help them prepare, a variety of short- and long-term strategies and plans are devised, which may include specific management decisions plus the acquisition of tools, equipment and information-based resources.