Calves are often marketed without any weaning period from farms that lack permanent pens or paddocks deemed capable of holding weaned calves. The goal of these demonstrations is to analyze the feasibility of using temporary electric fence systems to wean calves. In an effort to precondition calves from weaning on-farm we are attempting to increase the value of those calves. Market reports for the fall indicated and average $13/cwt premium for "added value” calves.  This category typically reflects calves that have been weaned and some level of preconditioning. 

Discussions were held with agents regarding the "proof of concept" demonstration to test whether temporary fencing could be a viable option to wean calves on farm.  This was a follow-up to previous years to help refine the equipment needed and learn how producers would implement the systems.  Agents followed up with producers in their counties to identify demonstration farms.  Madison, Adair, and two producers in Mason county were identified for the demonstration.  

Temporary electric poly-wire was used to subdivide a pasture that separates the cows from the weaned calves. The producers, ANR agents, and UK Extension Specialists worked together to implement the on-farm demos. The behaviors of the cows and calves were monitored using game cameras, capturing pictures every few minutes to document activity of both cows and calves. 

A demonstration farm in Mason county hosted a follow-up field day that highlighted the strategies/practices to local producers in the area. This producer noted “a person would be crazy to not wean like this. [This is the] most quiet calves and cows [have] ever been at weaning.” The field day had 20 local producers in attendance and allowed us to demonstrate that temporary fencing could be used to wean calves on farm. 

Replicating these demonstrations at multiple locations provided the opportunity to analyze a variety of fencing setups and layouts. Different types of posts, fencing material, number of fence strands and lot sizes were represented with hopes of identifying successful combinations. Not all the demonstrations were successful in keeping cows and calves separated. However, from those that did not keep the cattle separate, they were not a complete failure. Sometimes we learn the most from failures than we do from our successes. These instances provided insight on which materials, strand number, and fencing setup/layout were the best combination in a weaning situation. Applying the knowledge gained from these demonstrations, weaning calves with temporary fence on pasture can be a viable option to producers. We intend to develop equipment kits for producers this fall that we believe will lead to successful weaning on pasture with a temporary electric fence system.