Ensuring safety at calving on suckler and dairy farms this spring

countless stories across Ireland of incidents where farmers have seen cows turning on the farmer or a person assisting with the calving. The behaviour of recently calved cows is highly unpredictable, and while no livestock can be completely trusted, even quiet cows that have recently calved can perceive people entering the pen with a calf as a threat and attack. Safety is paramount for all people entering a farm yard and when it comes to safety at calving, it is better to be proactive to reduce any potential risks. A sturdy, effective calving gate in a well-lit area with fast escape routes for the operator is a basic safety necessity on all yards where cows may be calving. When entering a pen with an unrestrained cow and her calf, it is advisable to keep a gate between the handler and the cow at all times, and always have an escape route planned. Some farmers tend to hang gates in calving pens slightly higher than normal, allowing the gate to pass over the calf and separating the ...