calving barn | Ag Proud

What happens in the dry cow group impacts the whole dairy

Setting up your farm for successful cow transitions

March 20, 2024

Calving is not a disease; it is a stage that needs to be managed and how that is done will impact a cow for her entire lactation. Best practices for transitioning a cow from far-off fresh to her lactation group has a host of areas that need focused attention by the entire management team on the dairy.

Preparing for winter calving: 6 tips every rancher should know

Preparing six key areas of your operation will set you up for a less stressful, more successful spring calving season.

January 16, 2024

Kaydence Michalsky

A well-prepared calving area with proper equipment that emphasizes safety and accessibility, ensuring proper cattle nutrition and having a solid emergency plan with detailed records to fall back on will serve you well.

7 calving season safety tips to keep in mind

Producers can make calving season more safe and less stressful by reviewing calving basics, gathering all necessary supplies and getting their facilities in shape.

February 20, 2023

Liane Carter

Here are seven tips for ensuring your cows, calves and handlers have the easiest and safest time possible when it comes to calving.

Effectively managing the calving process

Producers should be prepared to handle issues that might arise before something goes awry during calving. Creating a good calving environment and having the proper tools readily available will reduce stress for the cow, calf and people.

January 3, 2023

Christopher Clark

Across the Midwest, spring calving season is just around the corner. Sometimes grueling but often beloved and fulfilling, calving season is an incredibly important time of year for cow-calf producers.

Midwest/ North: 6 ways you could improve infrastructure on your cattle operation

November 25, 2022

Travis Meteer

The decision to invest in your operation may be a difficult one this year. Here are a few areas of the farm and ranch to pay special attention to as you evaluate your operation needs and return on your investment.

Pamper me, please: Dry cow housing considerations

April 14, 2022

Jodi Wallace and Ray Reynen

Yes, cows are easily stressed. The issue with stress is the release of adrenaline, cortisol and other hormones. These hormones are needed for the fight-or-flight response but can also cause oxidative damage to cells – meaning they slow down and impair immune system function.

A successful blueprint for transitioning dairy cows

September 8, 2021

Nigel B. Cook

Excellent feeds and feeding are paramount for a successful transition from the dry period to early lactation for our dairy cows. However, we’ve also learned that facility design and management are also critical components that should not be overlooked.