If what you lost totals a third of your crop, you either shouldn't have cattle, or change the management style. I've lost 6 now, that's more than I've ever lost. 5 of them were alive when born, just couldn't keep them that way. The other was from me not taking care of business, he was dead when I found him, heifer took too long to calve, I should have checked her. I was at work and couldn't get back home in time.
Don't mean to insult, but when cows are calving if you don't want to take care of them and stay on top of things, then change management. It's been the nastiest calving weather we ever have had as far as cold, ice, and snow. I know in KY this is unusal for you, but the producers also knew this was coming. Prepare. Think back Tom, and I not calling you our personally, but was there NOTHING you could have done to save any of those calves? You didn't know it was calving season when the ice storm hit? No way to sort out a few heavies and give them better shelter and bedding just before the storm? It was not like the Dakota boys where the cattle were out on the range and an unexpected 3' of snow killed the cattle.
I, personally, like cattle. Like to feed them and take care of them no matter how much a pain it is. They depend on me to take care of them every day, no matter what it takes. They are a business, but one more pleasurable than some others. I just have never bought ,"Well, I was sleeping and last night in the snow, believe it or not, I had 5 stillborn calves, and another that the coyotes got. I have the damest luck." JMPO gs