THREE HILLS, Alta. – Calving and cold go together like hand and glove, but toss in a wet factor and the result is conditions that have made many a cattle producer and veterinarian miserable.
But two enterprising cattle producers from Alberta believe they have an answer.
Bar-K Driwear calving suits were the brainchild of Barb Rosgen and Kathy Parker.
The nylon coveralls are coated on the inside with poly-vinylchloride (PVC) and are 95 percent waterproof, wind, rip and stain resistant.
Machine washable, Parker’s own suits have been through the machine “more times than I care to remember” and still appear new.
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“I was sick and tired of being cold and wet,” said Parker, a large animal veterinarian with a practice based from her farm.
Rosgen, a neighbor, did custom sewing on her farm and the two decided to work together to solve the problem.
Each suit is custom made and the partners have found customers in places other than calving barns and veterinarians’ offices. Dairy farmers, mechanics, truckers, seismic workers and motorcyclists have all found the suits useful.
The initial design was made by taking existing calving suits apart and doing several redesigns.
Since inception just over a year ago more than 60 suits have been sold. Calls come in daily inquiring about the product.
Embroidery and custom colors can be added to the suits, but like Henry Ford’s original car, black is the normal color. The coveralls sell for between $110 and $145 depending on size and style.
