Improve Calving Success This Season

By Andi Anderson

A series of Advanced Calving Clinics is being offered to help cattle producers gain the skills and knowledge needed for a successful calving season. Organized by the Iowa Beef Center, the clinics will take place on January 6 and 7 at four locations across Iowa. Each session combines classroom learning with hands-on activities to help participants prepare for calving and the following breeding period.

The program covers important topics ranging from conception to calving. Attendees will learn strategies for managing difficult births, practice delivery techniques using a life-size calving model, and explore newborn calf care methods. Key lessons also include beef cow nutrition, calving distribution, and management practices that support healthier calves and better reproductive outcomes.

Past participants have shared positive feedback about the clinics and estimated an average benefit of $1,480 per operation. These results highlight the value of gaining practical, research-based knowledge before calving season begins.

Local veterinarians at each location will provide information on neonatal calf health, common reproductive challenges, and management concerns specific to their regions. “Whether you’ve calved 10 cows or 10,000 cows, there’s always a new tip or technique to learn to help you get one more calf born alive,” said Denise Schwab, beef specialist with Iowa State University Extension and Outreach.

A popular feature of the clinics is the life-size calving model, which allows participants to practice handling complex delivery situations. “Dr. Caitlin Wiley from the ISU College of Veterinary Medicine will help participants with tips and tricks for handling difficult delivery situations,” said Erika Woolfolk.

Additional sessions will cover nutrition before and after calving and methods to improve rebreeding success. Attendance is limited to 50 participants per location to ensure hands-on learning time for each attendee. The registration fee is $25 and includes a meal.

Sessions will be held in Fayette County, Clinton County, Greene County, and Montgomery County. Participants must register at least two days before their preferred date by contacting the respective county extension office.

This statewide program is supported by Boehringer Ingelheim and local cattlemen’s associations.

Photo Credit: gettyimages-erdinhasdemir