Calving Season!

Spring has finally arrived, and with it comes one of the most thrilling (and busy!) times of the year for us: calving season! It’s that magical moment when the cows start giving birth to their adorable, wobbly-legged calves, marking the beginning of a fresh new chapter at Thorlakson’s. This annual event marks the birth of new life - ushering in a season of growth, hope, and renewal.

For those not in the know, calving season is the time when our staff are involved with livestock gear up for a whirlwind of action, excitement, and, of course, a lot of cuteness. Typically starting in April, this season is timed just right—after the worst of winter’s chill has passed but before the summer heat kicks in. This window allows the newborn calves to grow strong and thrive in the milder temperatures, setting them up for a healthy future.

When the big moment arrives, it's all hands on deck to make sure everything goes smoothly. They require immediate attention to ensure they’re nursing properly and staying warm. It's a delicate balance of managing the needs of both the newborns and their mothers. The newborn calves need immediate care: making sure they get their first milk (a.k.a. colostrum), keeping them warm and dry, and ensuring that the mama cow is looking after her little one. It’s a busy, hands-on process that requires patience, knowledge, and a lot of love. This year, we have taken some extra steps to prepare more maternity pens in several locations to ensure we can help the mama and baby when they need it the most.

While calving season is undoubtedly a busy and sometimes challenging time, it’s also a time of great reward. Each calf represents the future of the herd, and seeing them grow and thrive over the coming months is a reminder of the cycle of life on the farm. There’s nothing quite like seeing a brand new calf take its first steps and begin to explore the world. Their playful energy, curious eyes, and adorable little noses bring a sense of renewal to the farm. Plus, watching a new generation of animals grow and thrive is a huge reward for all the hard work that goes into raising livestock.

As we head into this important time of the year, it’s a great moment to appreciate the dedication of our staff who work tirelessly to ensure the health and wellbeing of their animals. Dick Berreth is the leader of our calving season at Thorlakson’s and we are incredibly thankful for everything that he does!