It's that time of year again! It's almost Calving Season for Ranchers in the Midwest. Some herds are now split into Spring and Fall but traditionally Spring calves, born February-April are a bulk of the U.S. Cattle crop. Most cattle birth their young without a hint of a problem. However, out of our herd of more than 500, every year 15-25 Bovine mothers will need assistance in delivering their calf. The number of these that result in a happy live calf depends on the quality of the hands assisting the cow and the quality of the barn you assist her in. In emergency situations, no barn is available and action must be taken immediately... however, if possible, finding a dry, safe, unslippery environment is safest for handling the cow. As with humans, cattle are often agitated during the pain of childbirth. Hence the importance of quality swinging gates, blinder tarps and all-access head gates. This calving barn can hold up to 6 pairs while still having access in and out of the barn through the head-catch. A handy pulley has been mounted above where the calf usually falls as likely he will need to be hung so fluid can drain. The manner with which a well-practiced vet or cowboy can move through a maze of swinging panels while sweet talking a nervous momma cow is truly the pinnacle of Finesse. This process of "Pulling A Calf" can be the Highlight of your day (or night) or a frustrating freezing ordeal that ends in frustration. Many times I've stood looking at this view, praying all will end well. Sometimes my prayers were answered. We try to give our cattle, and ourselves the best chance of success by utilizing quality facilities such as these. The value in this building is the quality of the design and workability on function in the real world. The pens in this barn are specifically designed for safely handling only 1 or 2 animals at a time in each pen. Our other outdoor pens range from sorting pens, to catch pens, to feeding pens, to pasture fence. What design do you utilize in your life? And for which situations? How do you maximize your investment (my cows) and minimize struggle (effective facilities)... not by spending more $$... but by investing in DESIGN.
