OMAHA – Assisting cows with calving or tagging newborn calves can pose significant risk for personal injury during any kind of weather conditions. “There’s no process in place to document how many people have been injured while trying to tag a calf,” Aaron Berger, University of Nebraska South Panhandle Extension Unit, said. “Cows are usually unhappy about it, and there are some things that can be done to minimize the risk.” Berger advised that producers consider the need to tag a calf immediately, as tagging may be deferred until the cow is less irritable or weather conditions improve. “For instance, during branding season, it’s obvious which calf is nursing a cow and tagging can be completed at that time,” he said. “Cows could also be brought in once the cows are more settled, so tagging can be completed more safely.” If a cow needs to be restrained, Berger advised against using a rope attached to a bumper. The safest way to handle an animal is in a facility made for the purpose. …