How to Prepare for Calving Season

Preparing for calving season is a critical part of running a successful cattle operation. Every rancher needs to be well-prepared to ensure their cows and calves have a healthy start to life. With the right preparation, producers can maximize the success of their calving season while ensuring the overall health and profitability of their herd as well. Below are some of the things we go through here at Black Label Farms in order to get ready for calving season. 

Good Records and a Calving Plan

While we all know mother nature likes to throw curveballs once in a while, being as prepared as you can be will help you immensely while you start and move through calving season. What we recommend is keeping detailed records on dates when bulls were added to your herd, or if you AI, then what date that took place so you can properly plan for when babies will start to hit the ground. This plan should also include the location of the calving, the number of animals you expect to calve, and the supplies you need. You should also create a plan for how you will handle any difficulties, such as birthing complications. Have your veterinarians number on speed-dial if needed! 

Make Sure Your Cows are in Good Health

Preparations for a successful calving season starts well before calves hit the ground! Make sure they’re getting adequate nutrition and check them for any signs of illness or distress. Have your veterinarian come out to check the cows and give them necessary vaccinations. Most importantly, make sure the cows are free of any infectious diseases, as these can easily be passed onto their calves. In addition, you’ll want to keep an eye on and give extra attention to any cows showing signs of poor body condition.  

Have the Right Supplies on Hand

We cover this in our Virtual Rancher Program, but during calving season, you’ll need to have plenty of supplies on hand to help the cows and calves through the process, if you end up needing to be involved. We love our British Whites because they are naturally, easy birthers, but there are times when we need to intervene and we have everything on hand ready to go. We keep a toolbox of everything we could need including medication, syringes, tubing, navel dip, and everything we need to process the calf once it’s born. In addition, we recommend getting calf blankets if you have calves born on particularly cold days,it helps them regulate their body temps, which is crucial during the first three weeks of life. 

Prepare Your Calving Area

Now, this is where everyone does it differently, so ultimately you want to do what’s best for you and your operation. Regardless of where your cows will be calving, you will want to make sure your calving area is as clean and dry as possible. If possible, add plenty of bedding to the area, as well as fresh feed and water. If you’re using a stall, make sure it is well-ventilated and has plenty of space for the cow and calf to move around.

Keep a Close Eye on Your Cows

Cows can give birth to their calves at any time, so you’ll need to be keeping a close eye on them during the calving season. Check them several times throughout the day and night, and be sure to check the calf area for any signs of distress or illness. We recommend having a great relationship with your local large animal vet so you can discuss any concerns with him or her should they come up. Some producers will separate their cows into calving pens when they think they are close, and there’s no right or wrong way to do it as long as you are providing the cow with the essentials to have a healthy birth. Want to see a video on the 3 stages of calving, check it out here. 

Calving season can be both exciting and stressful. With proper preparation, however, you can ensure a healthy and successful calving season for your herd. Make sure to follow me on Facebook and Instagram for all of Black Label Farms calving updates!