In 2014, I asked cow-calf producers if they thought hard calvings (i.e., dystocia) were painful, and the majority agreed. Over the years, the use of pain control for hard calvings, for the cow and the calf, has increased. Calves that experience hard calvings are known to have decreased viability, taking longer to stand, walk, and…

Emergencies that involve livestock are complex and can progress quickly, putting people and animals at risk. Natural disasters, such as fires and floods, can pose a severe threat to a farm. Farmers are familiar with what natural hazards exist in their area and should adjust their emergency plans accordingly. For example, a farm located in…