Episode 1.4: Managing the Calving Season: Tools, Timing, and Tips

The Barnyard Broadcast

Hello everyone! Thank you for tuning into the Barnyard Broadcast! This is the first of many panelist style interviews that will be done. This episode focuses on calving which is an exciting but stressful time of year. I am excited to have on this episode three professionals who have spent a large part of their life dedicated to cattle production, research and education! We are delighted to have on the podcast Dustin Heeter, Dr. Adrian Barragan, and Cheryl Fairburn! Please check out their bios below! As always if you have any questions about calving or any other livestock topic, please reach out to your local livestock educator or visit extension.psu.edu.

Please keep an eye for our next episode which airs May 7th!

Guest Bios

Dr. Adrian Barragan- Dr. Barragan is a native of Algarrobo, Buenos Aires, Argentina. He completed his DVM in 2010 at the University of La Plata in Argentina, and after graduation practiced as a beef cattle veterinarian on feedlot facilities in Argentina. He then moved to Colorado, where he spent a year working as a veterinarian and researcher on a large organic dairy farm. Dr. Barragan then pursued graduate training at The Ohio State University, obtaining his master's and PhD degrees. His research interests include developing new technologies to improve farm record-keeping systems, assessment of methods to accurately identify animals in pain, evaluation of pain management strategies, and identification of treatment strategies to improve reproductive performance in dairy cows with common reproductive tract anomalies such as endometritis and repeat breeder syndrome.

Cheryl Fairbairn- Cheryl was an extension educator with the Livestock Team for 44.5 years. She graduated with a BS degree from PSU in Animal Production in 1979 and received her Master of Business Management also from PSU in 1996. She and her husband Bill currently own and operate Lisnageer Farm in Coatesville PA which is home to 100 registered Angus cows. During her extension career she focused mainly on beef cattle production but also ran a very successful 4-H Livestock program which continues today.

Dustin Heeter- Dustin’s career with Penn State Extension has spanned over 27 years. He has been extremely involved in the cow calf industry across the state. His focus has been on helping producers to strengthen their cowherds while focusing on management practices that enhance the value of their calves. Dustin owns Heritage Hill Farms which is operated by himself and twin daughters Emma and Addison. This herd focuses on raising practical cattle with eye appeal. This herd of Hereford cattle spans back almost 40 years and has continually been selected for efficient brood cows that surpass industry demands. Cattle are marketed private treaty throughout the year, daughter Addison has recently added a few Angus cattle to complement their Hereford bull market.