Many are in the midst of calving, or starting to get prepared for the season. We start in about a month. For us, this means adequate nutrition for the mamas and pulling our conditioner out of their salt and mineral regimen. We will move them closer to home in a couple weeks. It also means taking an inventory of our supplies and ordering whatever we will need. Cows and calves that need zero attention from their human owners through their birth and on through their lives are the very best kind.
I once heard a vet say that there are three weather events that can harm calves: wetness (rain or snow), high wind, and low temperatures; and baby calves can survive two of them, but rarely survive all three simultaneously. As long as we can avoid detrimental weather events, our cows are pretty self sufficient. They calve out in the pasture and are mostly on their own. They prefer it this way, and we prefer it this way. We do check them one to two times per day to intercept with major or extraordinary problems, but that rarely happens.
Calving is my favorite time of the year and I am very much looking forward to it this year.
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