K-State to host 'Calving Schools' in several Kansas communities
Meetings hope to increase number of live calves born, among other goals
December 21, 2017
MANHATTAN, Kan. – With the new year, beef producers are anxious for the 2018 calf crop. In anticipation of calving season, Kansas State University’s Department of Animal Sciences and Industry and K-State Research and Extension are planning a series of calving schools in January.
The program will outline the normal processes of calving. A.J. Tarpoff, K-State Research and Extension beef veterinarian, said the goals of the calving schools are to increase knowledge and practical skills, and increase the number of live calves born.
The schools will also share tips on when and how to intervene to assist the cow and how those times may be different when dealing with young heifers. Presenters will demonstrate proper use of calving equipment on life-size scale.
“This is an excellent opportunity to ask questions and review the calving process,” Tarpoff said. “We will discuss timelines on when to access calving cows, and when to call for help if things are not going well.”
Several of the meetings will also cover topics such as cow nutrition during the winter months, and managing cull cows.
Meetings scheduled include:
• Wednesday, Jan. 3, 6 p.m. CST, Cloud County Fairgrounds, Concordia, Kansas; RSVP to the Washington County extension office at 785-325-2121.
• Tuesday, Jan. 4, 6 p.m. CST, Oswego Community Center, Oswego, Kansas; RSVP to the Cherokee County extension office at 620-724-8233 or the Wildcat District extension office at 620-429-3849.
• Tuesday, Jan. 9, 10 a.m. CST, Kansas Wetlands Education Center, Great Bend, Kansas; RSVP to the Cottonwood extension office at 620-793-1910.
• Thursday, Jan. 11, Noon MST, Morton County Civic Center, Elkhart, Kansas; RSVP to Crystal Bashford at 620-697-2558.
• Tuesday, Jan. 16, 6:30 p.m., Norton County 4-H Building, Norton, Kansas; RSVP to the Twin Creeks extension office at 785-877-5755 (Norton), 785-675-3268 (Hoxie) or 785-475-8121 (Oberlin). The program will cover opportunities for marketing cull cows.
• Thursday, Jan. 18, 6 p.m., Alta Vista Baptist Church, 402 Main St., Alta Vista, Kansas; RSVP to the Wabaunsee extension office at 785-765-3821.
More information about the calving schools is available at KSUBeef.org.
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The Kansas State University Department of Animal Sciences and Industry serves students, livestock producers and the animal and food industries through teaching, research and education.The K-State ASI department prepares students for careers in the animal and food industries. The curriculum includes the study of nutrition, reproduction, genetics, behavior, meat science and food science with production, management, and agribusiness skills. For more about the K-State’s ASI department visit asi.ksu.edu.
