The University of Minnesota Extension is excited to host a six-part webinar series titled “Beef Calving Essentials Webinar Series.” The Zoom meetings will be held on February 8, 11, 15, 18, 22, and 25 from 8-9 p.m. The series will focus on different considerations to prepare for calving on beef cattle operations. Farmers, 4-H’ers, ag business professionals who work with farmers, and those interested in beef cows are invited to attend.
February 8th: Calving Kits
Topics to be discussed: What tools you need to have on hand to be prepared for calving
Speaker: Troy Salzer, St. Louis County Extension Educator
February 11th: Calving Record Keeping
Topics to be discussed: Compare different record-keeping systems, what to record, why it’s important, animal identification, what to record within 24 hours of birth
Speakers: Stacey Caughey, Extension Beef Quality Assurance Program Associate; and Tarah Young, Carlton County Extension Educator
February 15th: Calving Barn Preparation and Sanitation
Topics to be discussed: Concrete vs. soil (mud considerations), bedding options, differences on calving timing in the winter vs late spring/summer
Speakers: Melissa Runck, Pipestone and Murray Counties Extension Educator; and Brenda Miller, Todd County Extension Educator
February 18th: Calving Trouble: When to Help Her and Intervene
Topics to be discussed: Recognizing the signs of dystocia (difficult birth), how to help her, tools to have on hand
Speaker: Dr. Joe Armstrong DVM, Cattle Production Systems Extension Educator
February 22nd: Helping Newborn Calves: Colostrum Needs, Teaching Calves to Nurse and the Grafting Process
Topics to be discussed: How to care for young and newborn calves
Speakers: Eric Mousel, Cow-Calf Management Extension Educator; and Dana Adams, Stearns, Benton, and Morrison Counties Extension Educator
February 25th: Management of Calf Scours
Speakers: Dr. Tony Dank, USDA Veterinarian
Pre-registration is required. Please register at z.umn.edu/CalvingSeries by 5:00 pm CST the day before each event. You will receive a Zoom link after registration closes. You only have to register once, and you will be registered for all subsequent webinars. If you are unable to attend the live sessions, you will receive the recordings for all the sessions via email at the end of the series. Any questions please contact Brenda Miller at nels4220@umn.edu.
