K-State to host four events around Kansas focused on providing tips to help producer prepare for calving season.
MANHATTAN, Kan. – In anticipation of calving season, Kansas State University Animal Sciences and Industry and K-State Research and Extension are planning a series of calving schools beginning in December and continuing through January.
The program will outline overall calving management that includes stages of the normal calving process as well as tips to handle difficult calving situations. A.J. Tarpoff, K-State extension beef veterinarian, explains the goals of the event are to increase knowledge, practical skills, and to increase the number of live calves born if they need assistance. 
The schools will also share tips on when and how to intervene to assist the cow or heifer. Presenters will also demonstrate proper use of calving equipment on a life-size cow and calf model.
“Our goal is for producers to leave better prepared for calving season,” Tarpoff adds. “We will discuss timelines on when to examine cows for calving problems, and when to call your vet for help if things are not going well. We will also discuss calf care early in life. It’s an excellent program regardless of experience level.”
The meetings will have other timely educational topics such as forage sampling/analysis, and vaccine care and handling.
Meetings scheduled include:
• Wednesday. Dec. 15, 6 p.m., Fairgrounds Admin Building, Tonganoxie, Kansas; RSVP to Leavenworth Extension Office at 913-364-5700, klohman@ksu.edu
• Thursday, Dec. 16, evening, Coffey County 4-H Building, Burlington, Kansas; RSVP to Coffey County Extension Office, dhenson@ksu.edu
• Wednesday, Jan. 5, evening, Colby Event Center, Colby, Kansas; RSVP to Thomas County Extension Office, ebennigsdorf@ksu.edu
• Thursday, Jan. 6, evening, Kearny County Fairgrounds, Lakin, Kansas; RSVP to Kearny County Extension Office, hallieanderson@ksu.edu
• Tuesday, Jan. 11, evening, Fairview Community Center, Fairview, Kansas; RSVP to Brown County Extension Office, mayoung@ksu.edu
• Thursday, Jan. 13, McPherson County 4-H Building, McPherson, Kansas; RSVP to smarston@ksu.edu