Success StoryCalving Strategies Key for Beef Profits



Calving Strategies Key for Beef Profits

Author: Daniel Allen

Planning Unit: Kenton County CES

Major Program: Beef

Plan of Work: 2021 Agriculture and Horticulture Economic Support Programs

Outcome: Intermediate Outcome

According to the APHIS Veterinary Service and Michigan State University research, four percent of beef cows will lose a calf due to difficult births.  Beef operators in Kenton County have expressed their concerns about calf loss consistent with environmental and difficult births.   While best management practices like vaccine protocols and nutrition contribute to healthy calves, beef producers should be aware of the actual birth process to ensure delivery of healthy calves.  The Kenton County Extension Agriculture Agent worked with Veterinary Extension Specialist, Dr. Michelle Arnold and offered an online education program to address difficult cow labor.  Topics covered included monitoring the cow prior to birth, when to call a veterinarian, understanding the stages of birth, and how to assist the cow with difficult births.  By offering this class the 43 beef operators will have the knowledge needed to ensure live births.  The ultimate goal is that reducing calf loss will result in increased calf sales for the family farms.  An agent follow up survey is planned for late May 2021 to determine the numeric impact toward these farms.






Stories by Daniel Allen


Long Term Input Results in Long Term Outcome

about 5 years ago by Daniel Allen

There seems to be interest in buying and investing in small farm operations for post-retirement inco... Read More


Renovating Feeding Sacrifice Areas

about 5 years ago by Daniel Allen

According to University of Kentucky publication ID-188 winter feeding of cattle on unfrozen ground a... Read More


Stories by Kenton County CES


Kenton CES connects local community to University of Kentucky resources

Kenton CES connects local community to University of Kentucky resources

about 5 years ago by Diane Kelley

Kenton Cooperative Extension implemented a program survey for county residents in the fall of 2018 a... Read More


Natural Resources are important

Natural Resources are important

about 5 years ago by Diane Kelley

Kenton County Cooperative Extension surveyed teachers in 3 Kenton County school districts at the end... Read More