Vet looks to get ahead of cow baby boom

Veterinarian Jessica Gernhard is planning for a unique burst of business at Animal Health Center in Marion.

Cattle farmers usually have cows checked in winter to see whether they are pregnant.

“A lot of people get busy with harvest and do the farming first,” Gernhard said. “But if we do some of the pregnancy checks first, then it becomes a bit easier to get them all scheduled and accommodated.”

The market for open cows — cows that aren’t pregnant — is lowest in October. January and February are when packing companies are looking for cows that aren’t pregnant and are better times to sell. However, veterinarians can be overwhelmed by requests for pregnancy checks come winter.

“If people plan last minute, then they all want to get it done at the same time,” Gernhard said. “It’s nice if we can get some done a little earlier.”