CHAMBERSBURG, Pa. — Whether you are raising calves for the future of your dairy herd or are raising calves to sell for beef production, producing healthy, quality calves should be a main priority for any producer. For those that are currently raising calves, the ups and downs of mortality and morbidity can be a frustrating challenge. In order to raise healthy, productive calves, being able to get calves off to the healthiest start possible is key to their success. Management of calves requires a keen attention to detail as early intervention when calves do get sick can mean life or death. If you would like to learn more about managing calves, Penn State Extension is offering two upcoming programs that could benefit your operation.
On Thursday January 20 from 11:00 – 12:00 PM, Dr. Hayley Springer and Cassie Yost will host an online webinar to discuss how to get calves off to their best start possible and determine their best defense for their future success. This webinar will cover topics of obtaining the highest quality colostrum, how to achieve the greatest immunity from the dam, how to make the most from vaccinations, and an extensive discussion on common calf diseases. Providing the healthiest start possible for calves not only leads to a healthy, productive animal, but can also save money on unnecessary vet bills and treatments of sick calves. Knowing what to do if and when calves get sick is also a vital part of calf management. Being able to recognize disease symptoms is critical for calf health. We will discuss the most common ailments of young calves including scours, navel ill, and respiratory challenges. Those interested in attending the webinar can register at https://extension.psu.edu/identifying-calf-diseases-and-determining-their-best-defense or by calling 877-345-0691. For help with registration, please contact Cassie Yost at clm275@psu.edu or 717-263-9226. There is no cost to attend the webinar. The webinar will be recorded and available for those that are not able to attend live and would like to be sent the recorded link.
A second upcoming program that is being offered by Penn State Extension with support from the PA Beef Producers working group is an in-person workshop focusing on the use of beef and dairy crossed calves that are raised to supply the beef market. The agenda includes selecting the right beef genetics to use in dairy herds, calf health and nutrition, growth performance and meat quality expectations for beef and dairy crosses, and economics from birth to harvest. The speakers for the day include Extension Educators Andrew Sandeen, Cassie Yost, Cheryl Fairbairn, and beef specialist Dr. Tara Felix. The workshop will be held at the Ag Heritage Building at 185 Franklin Farm Lane in Chambersburg on Thursday February 10 from 9:30 – 2:30 PM. There is a $10 registration fee and preregistration is required. Light morning refreshments and lunch will be provided during the workshop. There are 2 other location options for this workshop including Lancaster County and Mercer County, so be sure to select your preferred workshop location when registering at https://extension.psu.edu/choosing-beef-sires-for-and-raising-terminal-dairy-calves. Registration can also be completed by calling 877-345-0691. For more information or assistance with registering, please contact Cassie Yost at clm275@psu.edu or 717-263-9226.
–Cassie Yost, Penn State Extension