Calf

Frozen Calf Gets Spa Treatment and Couch Cuddles During Arctic Blast

Mon, 02 Feb 2026 16:00:49 GMT

With the cattle herd still at multi-decade lows, every calf counts more than ever. That’s especially true during these last few days as arctic air and winter storms poured into the lower 48.

Macey Sorrell and her family live and farm in Mt. Sterling, Ky. As the area recently experienced storms of freezing rain and sheets of ice, the Sorrells welcomed a new calf into the world.

“Whenever my husband found her, she was maybe two hours old and she was already frozen with ice all in her hair,” Sorrell describes. “Her little umbilical cord looked like a popsicle. So I took the truck back there, put the calf in the bed of the truck and brought her in the house.”

Blankets, a hair dryer, a good rub down and bottle of colostrum helped warm the new baby up.

“After she got her belly full, she was ready for a nap,” Sorrell says. “My kids had also fallen asleep, so I just piled her up on the couch with them for some cuddles.”

The pictures she snapped while the little ones slept are cute enough to warm even the coldest heart. The moment, frozen in time, is now going viral.

“The reaction has been crazy,” Sorrell laughs. “You know, anywhere around here, this is nothing new. You’re going to see a calf inside, a sheep or even a goat. Folks are going to bring the babies inside. I think what made it so special was just the calf on the couch with the babies cuddling.”

The next morning, warm and newly named baby Sally had a happy reunion with her mama.

“When her mama heard her mooing, she came running,” Sorrell says. “Sally started nursing, and they have both been really good since.”

Sorrell and her husband, Tanner, are pleased with the results and the life lessons for their little crew.

“I think, if anything, it’s not an animal. It is a life, and we’ll do whatever we can to help not only an animal but anybody,” Sorrell says. “There’s always a space in my house for a critter.”

The cold is still visiting. More snow is in the forecast. The work at America’s farms and ranches never stops. Since Sally arrived, more babies have been born in the cold.

“We actually had a baby calf born just a few days before that one, and then another one born yesterday,” Sorrell says.

And life on the farm continues, both inside and out.

It’s not just Kentucky dealing with the severe winter storm aftermath and the devastation it left behind. As of Jan. 31, 2026, it was reported over 150,000 homes and businesses remain without power across the Mid-South, specifically in Tennessee, Mississippi and Louisiana, following a severe winter storm.

Farm Journal’s Chris Bennett says it could be weeks before his area of Mississippi will have power again, as he describes the horrific scene from last week’s winter storm.

More Than Annoyance: Flies Can Impact Health and Profits

Tue, 06 May 2025 15:16:34 GMT

With fly season approaching, now is the time to evaluate and refine your fly management plan for 2025.

“If your 2024 control efforts underperformed, consider adjusting your approach,” says David Boxler, Nebraska Extension livestock entomologist. “The best control method will depend on several factors including efficacy, cost, convenience and your current herd management practices.”

He also reminds producers that horn flies can migrate from neighboring untreated herds, masking the effectiveness of your efforts and increasing fly pressure. For this reason, Boxer recommends a comprehensive, integrated fly control.

The horn fly is one of the most damaging pests of pasture and rangeland cattle across the U.S., Boxler says in a recent “ UNL Beef Watch .”

“Adult horn flies are blood-feeding insects that take an average of 30 blood meals per day,” he says. “Their populations can build rapidly and often exceed the Economic Injury Level defined as 200 flies per animal. Once fly numbers surpass this threshold, cattle experience reduced weight gain and milk production due to fly-induced stress and altered grazing behavior.”

Observing your cattle during summer months is key to detecting fly pressure. Boxler asks, “Are they constantly tossing their heads, swishing their tails or twitching their skin?”

These signs of fly irritation indicate a more effective control strategy might be needed.

“If you are seeing flies, ticks, lice or insect damage to your cattle herd, we know there is an economic impact; however, that impact can become far greater than production or weight gain loss alone,” says Ashby Green, DVM, Neogen senior technical services veterinarian. “Insect pressure affects grazing patterns of cattle, it affects their comfort and it can lead to health issues. Some of those health issues can be definite, such as anaplasmosis.”

The vectors responsible for spreading anaplasmosis include horse flies, stable flies and ticks. This condition has been reported in most states across the U.S., while the disease has been recognized as endemic throughout the South and several Midwestern and Western states.

“With horn flies, we’re looking at mastitis risk, so that’s going to impact both dairy cattle and also our cow-calf operations,” says Jonathan Cammack, Oklahoma State University assistant professor and state extension specialist. “A lot of times, horn flies will feed on the udders of the animals, and they transfer the Staphylococcus aureus bacteria because they land on the manure, then they go back to the animal to feed and bring those bacteria with them.”

Several other conditions are propagated by flies or ticks, including pinkeye, which can be spread by face flies and causes inflammation and ulceration of the eyes. Pinkeye-affected calves are, on average, 35 lb. to 40 lb. lighter at weaning compared to healthy calves, according to a University of Kentucky report.

Cammack says that due to flies, “We’re looking at probably $6 billion in losses annually to U.S. cattle production, and that encompasses everything from actual loss in production due to decreased weight gain or decreased milk production, veterinary needs associated with treatment of cattle with exposure to pathogens from some of these insects, and then also the control measures associated with managing those individual fly species.”

Ticks present economic risks as well. Cammack says that during a 100-day growing period producers can see a decrease in total weight gain in calves by about 20 lb. For stockers, over that same 100-day period during the summer months, they can experience a decrease in weight gain by about 60 lb.

“With what current prices are, 60 lb. could translate to a significant amount of money returned when we’re talking about the few dollars that it might cost for some tick control,” he says.

(Neogen)

Controlling flies and insects: Tips to implement
Now is the time to take steps to control flies and ticks, as populations emerge with the warmer weather.

In “ Stopping Flies in 2025: Tips to Battle These Economic Pests ,” Cassandra Olds, Kansas State University Extension entomologist, shares four steps to controlling flies

Know what flies you’re dealing with.
Reduce populations.
Eliminate breeding grounds.
Consider chemical control options.

Similar to Olds, Green recommends using a multi-pronged approach to insect control. Fly tags, feed-through insect growth regulator (IGR) products, pour-ons, back rubbers and dust bags can help diminish the population. A pour-on with an IGR destroys the larval development in flies and greatly reduces the fly population. For ultimate control using a pour-on, look to a unique combination of actives within one solution that includes an IGR, an adulticide, and a synergist that supplies relief to cattle from infestations and provides producers with a reliable solution that helps minimize handling, time and labor costs.

“Both back rubbers and dust bags can be highly effective if managed correctly. Keep in mind, when these are put out to withstand the elements, including moisture and rain, it’s key to keep the dust fresh or the oil recharged in your back rubbers. Otherwise, they will diminish in their ability to control flies quickly,” Green advises.

Cammack stresses the importance of accurate dosing by the individual animal’s weight and following label guidelines.

To best control flies and insects on cattle operations, “the easy and effective way is the best way,” Green summarizes. “It’s up to you and with the help of your veterinarian to help create that combination.”

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Calving Tips: Dealing with Protective Moms

Fri, 04 Apr 2025 21:48:39 GMT

As spring calving season continues, producers continue to monitor and assist when needed as their next calf crop hits the ground. Dealing with protective moms can be a challenging situation, two industry leaders and a producer share their tips on how to prevent and cope with the situation when faced with an unruly cow.

The first 24 hours is a key time in the newborn’s life. Ron Lemenager, Purdue beef specialist, says calves older than 24 hours are typically hard to catch, so if you plan to process the newborn, it should be done as soon as possible after birth.

“Outside of colostrum, I don’t often talk about some of the other chores that might need done in that time period,” says AJ Tarpoff, Kansas State University Extension veterinarian. “Simply because it’s different for every operation.”

Work as a team: It’s hard to know if you are in danger without someone watching your back. One person can entertain the cow, while the other can tag or accomplish what is needed.”

(Angie Stump Denton)

Depending on your management program, producers may choose to perform some of these tasks in the first 24 hours: tagging, castrating, dehorning, taking birth weights, giving selenium injections or recording calf information in a calving book.

It might be necessary to use nutritional supplements/injectables depending on the operation and cow status. Tarpoff encourages producers to discuss proper products and protocols to use at calving with your veterinarian prior to the first calf hitting the ground.

Commercial cattle producer Tyler Tobald, JTAC Farms, Glasco, Kan., shares his process for newborn calves.

“In the first 24 hours after calving, I will usually put ear tags into the calf,” he says. “If the calf is a bull, I band it. Then, I give the calf some oral vitamin A, D, E, B12 gel while I use a leg band to get its weight. We rotate our calving areas in different parts of the pasture and attached field. After I’m all done tagging, I enter the calf into CattleMax and record any other notes about the cow and calf that I deem important to know for the future.”

Obviously, cow behavior can be a factor when processing a newborn. Just like the video published with this story, sometimes a protective mom decides she is not happy with a producer touching her calf. Tobald says his goal is to keep a cow’s stress levels down as much as possible.

“I check the pair out on a side-by-side,” he explains. “When I roll up, I try to be as quiet as possible and not just zoom up on them. After that, I try to be as quiet as I can. I don’t hoop, holler, talk or anything that will add stimulation to an already stressful situation. I also always keep the cow in front of me as best as possible. The last thing I want is for an amped up 1,300-lb. animal behind me where it can sneak attack me.”

Tobald says his philosophy on dealing with cows, even the over-protective ones, is using the most important of the Roadhouse Rules: Be nice until it’s time to not be nice.

“Thankfully this is a very rare occurrence,” he says. “I make notes of any cow that is over-protective, so I know what I’m dealing with when I approach them in the future. But if the cow gets more aggressive the next year, then the calf doesn’t even get tags and gets loaded into a trailer with the cow and they go to the sale. Life is too short for crazy or mean cows.”

Lemenager explains that right after a cow gives birth, her hormones are raging.

“That’s part of the process that helps her bond to that calf,” he says. “She also needs to stimulate the calf, so it gets up and nurses. If any part of that natural process is interrupted, the cow can become very aggressive.”

Tarpoff shares these tips for dealing with overly protective mother cows.

Have some type of physical separation from mom. This might be a fence, panel, gate, truck, side-by-side. “The only truly safe location is to have a physical barrier between you and the cow while working with the calf”
Work as a team. “It’s hard to know if you are in danger without someone watching your back. One person can entertain the cow, while the other can tag or accomplish what is needed.”
Be efficient and thoughtful with the calf manipulation. “It only takes one painful bellow from the calf to set the cow off. Save potentially painful manipulations until last (ear tags or castration).
Be smart. “Don’t assume cows are faking a threat. When in doubt, always take the safe approach. The chore can always be completed later if the cow is on the fight. Keep records and plan to handle the situation when she calms down.”
Stay safe. “If we get injured, we put stress on the rest of our family and operation.”

Different strategies can help keep the producer and calf safe during newborn processing.

“Some ranchers use a cage on the side of their ATV,” Lemenager explains. “This allows for bringing that calf into the cage while handling it. Another option is to have two people working with the calf. One to care for the calf and the second to keep the cow away.”

If you are going to try to move a calf to another location, an option is a polypropylene plastic sled or a calf carrier on an ATV (calf sling). Lemenager says a cow will typically follow because she can smell and see her calf.

“Ideally, when working with a cow-calf pair, I try to keep the calf between me and the cow,” Lemenager says. “Most, but not all cows, are calmer and less aggressive when they can see and smell their calf.”

Lemenager summarizes a key to improving your cow herd behavior is to consistently use low-stress handling to help desensitize cattle to the presence of people.

Follow Tobald or JTAC Farms on Facebook or TikTok for more examples of low-stress handling and cow management.

Your Next Read: Calving Signs in Cows and Heifers

Six Straw Alternatives to Get You Through a Bedding Shortage

Wed, 14 Dec 2022 17:49:45 GMT

Weather conditions certainly took a toll on this years wheat crop, leaving straw in short supply for some farmers. This commonly used bedding material is the ideal choice for calves during the winter time. However, here are six bedding alternatives to consider when straw supplies get tight:

Chopped Corn Stalks - If you’ve just harvested a field of corn, consider saving the leftover stalks for bedding. They are widely available and very absorbent.

Chopped Soybean Hulls - Similar to corn stalks, this bedding alternative can be found soon after harvest and can be used to help keep calves clean and dry.

Wood Shavings - One of the most common alternatives to straw bedding is wood shavings. This material performs similarly to straw and provides a clean spot for calves to nest.

Almond Shells - Ground almond shells, usually found out west, can be used to help soak up excess moisture and keep dry and clean.

Peanut Hulls - Down south, this absorbent organic material can be ground to make a fine bedding similar to wood shavings.

Shredded Paper - Chopped recycled newsprint can be used for bedding and is relatively inexpensive. Consider reaching out to a nearby recycling facility to see if they can custom chop used paper.

For more on bedding materials, read:

3 Causes of Blood Calf Stools (Calf Scours)

Wed, 09 Nov 2022 17:44:07 GMT

The sight of bloody calf scours is a disturbing one, but the condition is not always fatal. University of Wisconsin Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory director Keith Poulsen says pinpointing the cause of scours through diagnostics is the best approach to effective treatment, and prevention of future cases.

“The source of scours tends to follow a continuum consistent with age of the calf,” Poulsen told the audience at the recent Dairy Calf and Heifer Association annual conference. “Scours in the first few days of life is very challenging to diagnose. But after that, it becomes easier to nail down the cause based on how old the animal is.”

Poulsen pointed out that not all scours are caused by bacteria. Viruses and parasites also play a role, and inconsistent feeding or rapid dietary changes can upset the gut flora and cause “nutritional” scours.

“If you see bloody scours, they typically are the result of one of three organisms – Salmonella, coronavirus or coccidia” said Poulsen. “These three causes may overlap a bit in age, but knowing about the presence of blood, the calf’s age, and other factors such as seasonality, helps us zero in on the necessary diagnostic tests pretty quickly.” His descriptions of each organisms include:

Salmonella

The earliest cases of bloody scours likely will be caused by a strain of salmonella, and typically will surface when calves are 4 to 10 days old. Salmonella is a bacteria that likes the warm and humid summer temperatures, but is very adaptive to survive in odd environments like the dry and dusty corners of a calf barn. Poulsen stressed that there are many serotypes of salmonella that are pathogenic to calves, some of which also can be highly infective in humans. Salmonella Newport is one such zoonotic bacteria that frequent infects human caretakers. Salmonella Dublin, although uncommon, can cause serious illness in humans. Salmonella Heidelberg has emerged recently as a highly potent calf-killer, causing death losses in 25 to 60% of affected calves in as swiftly as 4 to 8 hours. S. Heidelberg is resistant to many antibiotics, and has now been diagnosed in people and cattle in 17 states.

Coronavirus

Coronavirus and its usual companion, rotavirus, surface in calves from about 5 to 30 days of age. While the two often occur in tandem, coronavirus is the one that causes bloody scours, and also may cause respiratory symptoms. About 70% of adult cows shed coronavirus in their feces, and it has a long survival life on-farm, surviving in manure for up to 9 months. Often called “winter dysentery,” coronavirus loves cold weather, and also can be spread from calf-to-calf.

Coccidiosis

Infection by the coccidia parasite can occur from 1-2 weeks to several months of age. The parasite has a 3-week incubation period from the time of infection to the shedding infectious parasites into the environment. Most of these infections (95%) are subclinical, but other stressors on the animal, and/or an overwhelming dose of coccidia will cause visible symptoms, including the tell-tale presence of blood in the stool. Coccidiosis occurs more frequently in warm, moist climates; a hard frost is helpful in breaking its reproduction cycle in the environment.

How do you treat a calf with blood in its stool?

Interestingly, the three causes of bloody scours are three different types of organisms – a bacteria, a virus and a parasite. Poulsen stressed that antibiotics only are effective on bacteria. And even if the cause is a bacterial, not every bug will succumb to every drug.

“This shows the importance of diagnostic work,” he stated. “For example, coronavirus often is confused with Salmonella because they present similar symptoms in a parallel timeframe. But effectively treating and preventing the two diseases requires different approaches.”

In all cases of calf scours, Poulsen said supportive therapy such as extra fluids and pain management often will best serve the calf. If the cause is bacterial, antibiotic sensitivity testing may be necessary to select the most effective treatment and bring an outbreak under control.

“The more information you and your veterinarian can provide at the beginning of the diagnostic process, the more helpful information you will receive back,” stated Poulsen. “We strive to provide answers in a timely and cost-effective manner, which we can do best with more information at the start.”