Farmer writes: Handing over control of the calving cameras

Things have not gotten overly hectic yet, with cows generally calving in pairs at the moment. Having said that, the two weeks at the end of February and beginning of March are usually the busiest. Any time an opportunity presents itself the individual pens are cleaned out. Old-school methods are in use, so each pen is cleaned with a brush and pike and dry disinfectant powder scattered immediately. Where possible, I try to give cows, but more importantly heifers, time alone with their calves to bond.

With the weather so wet outside, it seems even frogs are looking for shelter in the sheds. I found this one while cleaning the pens.

I have had to step in to help a few calvings so far too. I much rather let them do it themselves, but things do not always go smoothly. One of the flightier cows had been restless from about half five on the same evening I had to be in Ballincollig, 50 minutes away, for an IFA hustings. I figured she would get the job done as always, but I was a little edgy as she was the first of the cows due to AI. She had one leg showing so close to seven o’clock that I brought her in and handled her.

With one leg down, all her forcing was getting her nowhere. I sorted that out and given the time I attached the ropes and jack and got a slight strain on it. Jacking it up and down, I got the calf out and left her be. The calf was a bit bigger than normal, so I hope that trend does not continue.

It gets frustrating when you are watching something and someone else moves the camera, so it is best to hand over control

I have developed a bit of a routine between shows and covering the IFA elections. Once I leave home, I text my parents so they have control of the cameras. It gets frustrating when you are watching something and someone else moves the camera, so it is best to hand over control as there is little I can do anyway.

I gave into temptation at the half-time break of one of the drama nights and I should not have. A heifer who held to her first service instead of what she was scanned for was beginning to calf. I tuned back in after the show and very little progress was made. A text from home said dad was en route and he got the calf out with it up to me to ensure it sucked.

This heifer had been among a handful of cows kept at the young stock yard as the main cow shed was pretty full. The slightly different feeding regime had an effect as the calf was 45kg. More than what heifers have been having the past two years. When I left all looked so calm that I thought I might be able to relax after the show… no such luck!

Read more

Calving diary: Lights, (calving) camera, action

Calving diary: Twin calves join the rugby scrum