Calving Season Prep

by Peri Andras, JRA Board Calving season is an important part of the cattle business – maybe the most important part. If a cow is our factory, her calf is our product. Time that we devote to making sure we have a healthy product is never wasted. To guarantee the health and well-being of our calves, we must be proactive. We must give careful thought and planning as we prepare for calving season. As I have gotten older, my herd has gotten bigger and so has my responsibility around the farm. I have grown to take on a more active role in care and husbandry of not only my personal herd, but also my family’s. From bedding stalls during the day, to helping pull calves when needed, to doing night checks, all are very important part of my responsibility. One moment I will never forget is getting the call in the middle of the night that my dad needed help pulling a calf. So, in true farm girl fashion, I went out to the barn in pajama pants, boots and a jacket. Even though I was tired and cold, I still knew the importance of getting this calf out of its momma and making sure it was alive, warm and healthy. Being prepared for those midnight calls is a given when it comes to calving season. We cannot predict when and where a cow is going to calve, so being prepared is one of the most important things you can do. Part of this planning is making sure you have all of the necessary supplies needed for calving. Regarding calving supplies, it’s always “better to have and not need, than need and not have.”

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Emma Ahrendsen, Iowa • jraemma@gmail.com Peri Andras, Illinois • jraperi17@gmail.com Leah Evans, Iowa • jraleah1@gmail.com Natalie Evans, Illinois • jranatalie@gmail.com Cameron Ison, Kentucky • jracameron1@gmail.com Mitchell VanderWal, South Dakota • jramitchell1@gmail.com

Kim Heller, Junior Program Coordinator • juniors@redangus.org

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February 15 – College Scholarship Applications Due May 1 – JRA Board of Director Applications Due July 11-16 – Junior Red Angus Round-Up, Florida 2022-2023 JRA Board of Directors Website: redangus.org/jra Facebook: juniorredangus Instagram: juniorredangus Snapchat: juniorredangus

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Calving at different times of the year often requires slightly different supplies and precautions. For the sake of this article, I will be offering suggestions that would benefit those that calve in the extreme cold. Here is a list of some (not all) supplies/precautions, along with a brief description of each and why they are important:

Supplies OB chains

Restraint system

Calf puller

Colostrum supplement (first milk)

Bottle/esophageal feeder

Bedding

Scales Description They are used to put around the cannon bone and pastern, to assist with pulling a calf.

This can be a calving pen, squeeze chute, halter or other secure restraint systems.

Mechanical winch that will aid in extreme dystocia.

Contains the necessary immunoglobulins to protect the calf from diseases and pathogens.

Available methods to get colostrum into the calf’s belly.

Straw, sawdust, cornstalks, etc.

Provides weight of newborn calf. Why is it Important? Invariably, every rancher will have to help at one point or another during calving season.

To protect the rancher and the cow from harm or injury when assistance is required.

Occasionally more leverage is required than a person can exert.

Colostrum is required in the first 24 hours of life to gain passive immunity.

Since colostrum is critical to a calf’s survival, the means to administer colostrum are equally as important.

Provides an insulation between the new baby and the frozen or muddy ground.

In a data-driven breed like Red Angus, accurate weights are essential. Although calving is often a stressful and tiring time, it is also one of the most rewarding experiences in a rancher’s year. //

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Red Angus Association Announces Cattlemen’s Congress as 2023 National Junior Red Angus Show

The Red Angus Association of America has designated Cattlemen’s Congress as the host for the 2023 National Junior Red Angus Show. The National Junior Red Angus Show will coincide with the National Red Angus Open and Pen Shows held during the same week.

In its third year, Cattlemen’s Congress has continued to break record numbers for exhibitors, head of cattle and sale arena averages.

The National Red Angus Show has thrived in this location over the past two years, setting a record number of entries in the Red Angus open and pen shows.

Cattlemen’s Congress is scheduled for Dec. 31, 2022, through Jan. 14, 2023, in Oklahoma City. The event will feature a premier cattle exhibition, Red Angus sales, trade show and industry events. The entry deadline is Nov. 18, with the junior heifer ownership deadline being Dec. 1.

Tom Brink, chief executive officer for RAAA stated, “Our national junior show is always a highlight of the year. It doesn’t get better than kids, family and quality Red Angus cattle, and we look forward to working with Cattlemen’s Congress personnel in Oklahoma City as they help us host this important event.” Exhibitors and potential sponsors can visit cattlemenscongress.com for more information. For questions about the national show location, contact Tom Brink at tombrink@redangus.org. For other Red Angus show related questions, contact Erin Dorsey, RAAA show coordinator, at erin@redangus.org.

Brandon & Dixie Rusch Sherill Seeger 3325 54th Ave • New Salem, ND 58563 Brandon: 701-226-5479 Dixie: 701-426-9443 Sherill: 701-400-5077 seeger-ruschredangus.com Consigning to the ND Red Select Sale Saturday, Dec. 10, 2022 – 11 a.m. CST – Kist Livestock, Mandan, ND

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