K-State to Host Calving Schools in December and January

Dec 11, 2025

In anticipation of calving season, Kansas State University’s Department of Animal Sciences and Industry and K-State Research & Extension are planning a series of calving schools beginning this month and continuing through January. A.J. Tarpoff, K-State extension beef veterinarian, said the events aim to increase knowledge and practical skills, as well as increase the number of live calves born if they need assistance.

The program will include stages of the normal calving process and tips for handling difficult situations, such as when to assist the cow or heifer. Presenters also will demonstrate proper use of calving equipment on a life-size cow and calf model.

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Video: Trailer Biosecurity at Harvest Plants - Dr. Lucas Ferreira

In this episode of The Swine Health Blackbelt Podcast, Dr. Lucas Ferreira, a Research Assistant at the University of Minnesota, discusses trailer contamination risks at packing plants. He shares research on pathogen prevalence, seasonal trends, driver biosecurity practices, and factors contributing to contamination during transport. He highlights opportunities to strengthen biosecurity and reduce disease transmission across swine operations. Listen now on all major platforms!

"Trailer washing gaps allow harvest plant contamination to increase pathogen risk before equipment returns to farms or wash facilities."

Meet the guest: Dr. Lucas Ferreira https://www.linkedin.com/in/lucas-fer... is a veterinarian from Brazil currently pursuing a master's degree at the University of Minnesota. His work focuses on swine pathogen epidemiology, detection, control, and prevalence, with an emphasis on science-driven solutions that improve herd health and biosecurity. Learn more from Dr. Lucas Ferreira on The Swine Health Blackbelt Podcast, available on all major platforms.