Calving Season Considerations

Erin DeHaan, Assistant Professor and SDSU Extension Beef Specialist, Logan Vandermark, Madison Kovarna

There are many things on a beef producer’s mind throughout the year. During calving season, more items get added to the list. Calving season can be the most enjoyable, yet most-stressful time of the year for some producers. One of the best ways to manage through the madness is to keep records. Throughout this four-part series, we have emphasized the importance of cattle record keeping and the formats these could come in.

While there are a number of ways to record calving data, the most-important consideration is to use the method that best suits you and your operation. Proper calving records can help you track your herd’s performance and make better-informed decisions later. There are multiple ways to track information. These include calving books, calving apps, and various software systems. Using one or a combination of these methods can best prepare your herd for success and help make management decisions. There are multiple types of each system that can be used depending on your operational goals. The key is to find what works best and makes the most sense for your operation and employees. Remember, you can’t manage what you don’t measure. If you have further questions about what is best for your situation, please reach out to Erin DeHaan, Madison Kovarna, or Logan Vandermark to discuss your options.


Check out SDSU Calving Record Series at https://extension.sdstate.edu/calving-season-considerations


Source: South Dakota State University