Glenn Selk, Oklahoma State University animal science professor and Extension reproduction specialist, offers sound advice for cow/calf producers and those who serve them. Veterinarians working with producers on VFD can include a calving season review as part of a management practices discussion. Retail associates, dealers, distributor and manufacturer reps might consider helping a producer actually perform a calving review and then share it with his veterinarian. Choices for vaccines, supplements, milk replacers and equipment naturally come up as the review discussion unfolds.
Source: Midwest Ag Journal, May 18, 2016.
Waiting too much longer will have mellowed the memory of most of the events and one soon has difficulty matching a calving season with particular problems. Plus, it may be too late to make the necessary changes to reduce calving losses. Now is perhaps the best time to decide what to change for next year.
INSIGHTS: Once the discussions take place, set a date to follow up and get any changes incorporated into a fall budget for the producer.