The Benefits of Summer Calving: Maurice and Beth Robinette

This video features Maurice and Beth Robinette of the Lazy R Ranch discussing their transition from late winter to summer calving. Previously, February and March calving required intensive labor and frequent intervention to keep calves healthy under harsh weather conditions. By shifting calving to align with natural seasonal patterns—around early summer when forage is abundant—they have significantly reduced health issues and the need for intervention. The change also supports their holistic management goals, particularly improving quality of life and reducing stress. Summer calving better matches livestock nutritional needs with peak grass production, allowing cows to regain body condition naturally and lowering reliance on supplemental feed. This has reduced hay costs and improved overall efficiency. The Robinettes emphasize that aligning production timing with environmental conditions can benefit animal health, labor demands, and economic outcomes.