Eye on Ag Calving Around the Corner

The snow has piled up and the feeding season for ranchers is already dragging on, and before too ...  More »

The snow has piled up and the feeding season for ranchers is already dragging on, and before too long, the sounds of newborns (calf moo'ing) will be filling the air. And researchers say cattlemen should expect some Hefty hooves hitting the ground. (John Dhuyvetter, NCREC Livestock Systems Specialist) We've found from research that as we have colder weather, colder winters we typically feed heavier to maintain the cattle and also that cow shunts more of that nutrients to the fetus internally and we raise bigger calves." NDSU Livestock Systems Specialist John Dhuyvetter says that presents both opportunities and challenges for ranchers. Heavier birth weight means a better start to raising bigger calves come sale time but those bigger calves can present real challenges at calving time. (John Dhuyvetter, NCREC Livestock Systems Specialist) "You observe them, you check them, you intervene when there's problems, you watch for health, Dhuyvetter says with better cattle prices more producers are looking calving new heifers which lends to first time birthing issues. (John Dhuyvetter, NCREC Livestock Systems Specialist) "These first time mothers experience a lot higher difficult calving, need a lot more assistance, need more observation and need more nutritional inputs to make sure everything keeps working." However before the first newborns in the herd hit the ground, NDSU is offering ranchers an opportunity to hear from a seasoned and well known industry educator. (John Dhuyvetter, NCREC Livestock Systems Specialist) We are bringing in Doctor Bob Mortimer from Colorado State University to put on a series of Calving Workshops in western North Dakota." Dhuyvetter says Doctor Mortimer's workshops center on calving and the challenges and solutions to problems that coincide with it. The workshops in Dicksinson, Newtown, Minot and Williston will be held January 3rd through the 5th. (John Dhuyvetter, NCREC Livestock Systems Specialist) "Extension Agents in those counties have the details on how to sign up and get a spot on one of those workshops. With Your Eye on Agriculture, Shaun Sipma KX News.  « Less