Growing Beef Newsletter
February 2026, Volume 16, Issue 8
Helping cattlemen and women gear up for the calving season: A recap of the 2026 Advanced Calving Clinics
Denise Schwab, ISU Extension and Outreach beef specialist, and Erika Lundy-Woolfolk, ISU Extension and Outreach beef specialist
Four Advanced Calving Clinics were held in January to help cattlemen and women improve their skills in assisting cows experiencing dystocia, and to learn about management tips from nutrition to reproduction to get cows rebred earlier to increase profit potential. The hands-on workshops at West Union, DeWitt, Jefferson and Red Oak drew 123 participants, who said the program included very practical, timely information and demonstrations, and they appreciated being able to practice on the model.
One attendee said they learned strategies to improve conception rates and decrease anestrous phase, which will help breed-back rates on first-calf heifers. Another participant said learning different birthing presentations helped them figure out what they’re comfortable handling on their own and when to call the vet.
Participants said they increased their knowledge in all categories taught, with 99% increasing their knowledge in at least one area. In addition, 67% intend to change preparation for calving management and handling dystocia, 64% intend to change their management practices for breeding potential, and 48% intend to change production records. One participant said the main reason for attending was learning practices to manipulate a calf during dystocia and how to assist. They really enjoyed the one-on-one time with the veterinarian who assisted them with various calf presentations during the birthing process.
As a result of attending the program, participants said they plan to implement several changes, including stocking their calving kit in preparation for calving season, improving their cow mineral supplementation program, altering management of first-calf heifers to get them bred back, fine-tuning their post-calving and pre-breeding nutrition program, and using estrus synchronization to tighten the calving window.
On average, participants said they anticipate the value of what they learned will increase returns to their operation by $17/cow. Combined, participants manage over 4,800 cows annually, resulting in an economic return to the state of more than $81,000.
This statewide program was supported through sponsorship of the calving model from Boehringer Ingelheim. Local sponsors include the Greene, Fayette, Clinton and Mills-Montgomery County Cattlemen’s Associations.
Thanks to this program, cattlemen and women feel more confident in their skills heading into calving season. Producers in the Crawford County area have a chance to attend another session scheduled for Thursday, Feb. 19, from 5:30 to 9 p.m., at the Iowa National Guard Armory in Denison, located at 12 North 35th Street. For more information, contact the ISU Extension and Outreach Crawford County office at 712-263-4697.
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