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 in 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 demonstrate building a proper calving kit, then discuss timelines on when to examine cows for calving problems, and when to call your vet for help if things are not going well, and how to care for the newborn calf. It’s an excellent program regardless of experience level.”
The meetings will have other timely educational topics determined by each location.
Meetings scheduled include:
• Thursday, January 4, 2024, evening, Stafford County Annex, St. John, Kansas; RSVP to 21 Central District Extension Offices at Stafford County Office: 620-549-3502 or the Kinsley Office: 620-659-2149, or email baley@ksu.edu.
• Tuesday, January 9, 2024, evening, Haskell County Fairgrounds, Sublette, Kansas; RSVP to Wild West Extension Office at Stevens County Office: 620-544-4359, or email jsgreene@ksu.edu.
• Thursday, January 11, 2024, evening, Northeast Kansas Heritage Complex, Holton, Kansas; RSVP to Meadowlark Extension Holton Office at 785-364-4125, cmcmanigal@ksu.edu, or https://tinyurl.com/ksucalvingschoolholton.
• Thursday, January 18, 2024, evening, West Elk School, Howard, Kansas; RSVP to Rolling Prairie Extension Office at 620-374-2174, or email rfechter@ksu.edu.
More and updated information about the Calving Schools as well as local fliers will be available at KSUBeef.org.