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Iowa farmer discusses ‘exceptional’ winter calving season

Photo courtesy of Lance Lillibridge/Facebook

An eastern Iowa farmer says it’s been the best winter calving season of his farming life.

“It’s been a wonderful winter to have calves,” said Lance Lillibridge of Vinton.

His first calf was born December 30^th. “In 30 days we had 75% of our calves born,” he said. “They are all healthy and we’ve had very little issues. I think we have 10 left and hopefully those will finish here before the end of the month.”

He tells Brownfield the winter has been mild but conditions have been bitter this week. “It’s negative-7 (degrees) here this morning, and when it gets cold like this we check the cows every two hours. My son does the night shift and I get the day shift. If we think there’s anybody that’s behaving like they are going to have a calf they get put inside. Then we can watch them from cameras.”

Lillibridge says it’s important to keep cows comfortable during cold snaps with plenty of bedding and fresh water. He raises red angus cattle in Benton County.

AUDIO: Eastern Iowa farmer Lance Lillibridge