Issue 158: February 20th 2026
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Calving Season In Duhallow Safety Comes First
Calving is a time of new beginnings on farms across Duhallow. By taking simple precautions and treating every cow with respect, farmers can help ensure that the season remains productive — and most importantly — safe for everyone involved. While Spring time is one of the most important and rewarding times in the farming calendar, it is also one of the highest-risk periods for farmer safety. Across the country, there are countless stories of incidents where cows have turned suddenly on farmers or those assisting with calving. The behaviour of recently calved cows is highly
unpredictable. While no livestock can ever be completely trusted, even the quietest cow can perceive a person entering the pen with her calf as a threat and react instinctively. Recently Calved Cows – Expect the Unexpected After calving, a cow’s maternal instinct is extremely strong. If a calf cries out or appears distressed, this can trigger an immediate defensive response. However, it is important to remember that cows have been known to attack without any obvious trigger at all.
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