Farmers demonstrate commitment to animal care during calving season

While most Iowans sleep soundly in their warm beds, Kate Long pulls on her coat and steps into the crisp night air to check on her cows.

It’s calving season on her family’s Dallas County farm.

Kate, her brother and their dad rotate by taking two-hour shifts through the night, ensuring mother cows and their newborn calves are safe and healthy.

Farmers “spring” into action

More than 80% of Iowa calves are born in the spring, a season that often brings to mind blooming flowers, warm sunshine and light jackets.

However, Midwesterners know all too well the reality of “false” springs.

One day, you’re steeping iced tea and firing up the grill, the next, you’re bundled up in your down winter coat and shoveling snow from the driveway.

Farmers know this unpredictability well and brave the elements to ensure calves have their best start.

While most calves can be born on their own, says Christopher Clark, an Iowa State University Extension beef specialist, farmers may need to intervene when a cow is giving birth to a large calf, or the position of the calf creates challenges.

“Once the water breaks and feet become visible, you should see significant progress within 30 to 60 minutes,” he says. “Most that take longer, will require assistance.”

Much like interventions during a human birth to assist a mom, farmers use techniques to aid in a difficult birth, and in more serious situations, call their local veterinarian to assist.  

The first 24 hours of life

After birth, it’s important for a calf to stand up, move around, be cleaned by its mother and nurse colostrum.

Colostrum is a mother’s first milk. This liquid gold contains water, protein, carbs, fat, vitamins and protective antibodies calves need for immunity.

Christopher says it’s essential for calves to get colostrum within the first four to six hours of life. “Generally, the absorption of antibodies is almost zero by 24 hours after birth,” he adds.

Inside one of their barns, a spunky little calf greets Kate with slobbery licks. She explains this calf was born a twin, and its mom didn’t produce enough milk to feed both babies.

That’s why farmers like Kate step in to bottle feed calves to ensure they also receive the critical nutrients and care they need for optimal health.  

A year-round schedule

Calves can be born at any time. But many farmers may choose early spring to balance their yearly activities, says Christopher. “Most cow-calf farmers also have row crops, or at least make their own hay, so they are very busy with planting in spring, haying in summer and harvesting in fall,” he says.

This timing also allows calves and their moms to be put on green pastures to easily forage for energy needs, that is, if the weather cooperates.

That’s one of the things Kate looks forward to.

“My favorite part is watching the calves grow and get to be out on pasture,” she says. “We get to watch their personalities from the day they are born to the day they have their own calves.”

A family’s commitment   

For Kate, calving season is more than just a part of her job; it’s a family tradition that connects past and present.

“We get to bring new life into the world and continue a legacy my great grandpa started here in Dallas County,” she says.

As she talks about her love for their animals, it’s clear this is not just what she does but part of who she is. Someone who is willing to brave the elements, forgo a restful night’s sleep and put animals first.  

It’s a side of farming many don’t see, but one that’s at the heart of agriculture.

 

---

Learn more about author Caitlyn Lamm here.