As we move into autumn, farmers with split season calving or full winter milk herds will be focusing on calving and having the correct equipment in the yard.

Calving is far from a straightforward process, but having the right equipment on hand can help to reduce stress and improve the chances of a successful calving.

One of the cornerstones of any calving operation is the calving jack, which is needed where a calf becomes stuck and the farmer can't pull the calf themselves.

One co-op quoted €230 for a HK calving jack with a Moorepark head, or just €48 for the Moorepark head on its own.

Another agri-store retailer sold the jack with the Moorepark head for €240.

Agriland also saw the HK calving jack with Moorepark head listed for €299, but this also included ropes, which commonly retail around €10-€30

The Vink calving jack, which is more suited to heavier and larger beef animals, retails from €500 up to over €600.

Calving jackets can provide great protection to calves especially if we see a protracted cold and wet spell after the drought.

Jackets vary significantly between depending on the quality and size ordered.

Jackets averaged from €29-€32/jacket, and are cheaper where bulk purchases are made.

Jackets are also cheaper if purchased direct from a seller as opposed to from a co-op store.

Medium-size jackets were retailing online from €23/jacket to up to €38/jacket for higher quality branded jackets.

Post-calving drinks and boluses

Post-calving drinks are becoming increasingly popular. High in electrolytes and calcium and magnesium as well as a number of other vitamins and minerals.

These products vary significantly based on the size of the bucker or number of sachets, and the ingredients used.

The cost typically works out at between €6-€7/cow.

These products reduce labour as a farmer does not have to administer a bolus and cows are typically dehydrated post-calving, meaning they are very willing to drink these mixes.

Calcium boluses range from €6.50-€8.50/cow with variance depending on the number and size of boluses in the pack as well as between brands and distributors.

Bolus guns will vary significantly in size and specific use.

Farmers must ensure the bolus gun they have is in working order as a faulty or incorrect gun is a major stressor.

A gun designed specifically for bovikalc boluses (most common calcium bolus) costs €110 in one store.

Additional equipment

Calf barrows are back-saving devices. They retail for an average of around €350 for galvanised barrows but have been seen to go up over €360.

Calving lube averages from between €6-€8 for a standard 1L bottle but can be as low as €3-€4/L when bought at higher volumes.

Disposable calving gloves are a necessity on farm. Basic disposable arm-length gloves sell from €12 for 100 gloves up to €28 for 50 gloves for disposable shoulder and arm length gloves.

Agriland advises farmers to remember that these prices are prone to change based on demand, location and supplier, and are intended to be used as a rough guide when preparing for calving.