Everything Calving Producer and Youth Education

Producing and raising healthy calves is integral to the profitability and success of a cow-calf operation. National mortality rates of calves hover around five percent year after year. Providing timely intervention during calving, if needed, can help increase the percentage of calves that are born alive and survive. Knowledge of the stages of parturition, determining if a calf is in trouble, dealing with dystocia and then caring for the newborn calf all factor into increasing the odds of delivering a live calf.

MSU Extension and partners are offering an afternoon of education pertaining to everything calving. Dr. Katie Rein, from Crazy Mountain Vet Services, will be bringing Stella, her model cow, to help teach the basics of calving and to provide a hands-on opportunity to pull calves in a variety of difficult presentations. While here she will focus on the stages of parturition, help with clues to determine that the cow/calf is in trouble and needs assistance and offer strategies to extract a live calf.

Dr. Chelsie McAllister, Valley Vet Clinic, will share information regarding newborn calf care, warming cold calves, dipping navels, treating navel ill, preventing and treating scours, identifying dehydration, frozen ears and how to tube a calf.

Emily Redfield from CHS will cover the basics of milk replacer when feeding and supplementing calves and growing calf nutrition. Dana Jansen with Montana Farm Bureau Agriculture Safety will focus on staying safe and Roubie and Shelley, MSU Extension will touch on managing the stress the calving season brings.

There is a great line up of presenters with something to offer every producer and youth involved in the cattle industry. Even if you are a seasoned calving veteran, there is more to learn and experience with new technology and equipment.

This event will be held at the Cottonwood Inn, Sunday, Feb. 18, beginning at 2 p.m. CHS will sponsor a roast beef dinner that evening so please let us know you will be there by calling the MSU Extension Office at 406-228-6241.