Triplet calves, times two, bring national attention

By Alberta Newspaper Group on February 2, 2021.

The calving season at Shaunavon, Sask.’s Oberle Farms got off to an eventful start with the birth of a healthy set of triplet Charolais calves at about 10 p.m. on Jan. 20.

It was early in the calving season for the Oberles as the triplets were Nos. 9, 10 and 11 of what is expected to be about 1,100 calves produced this year.

The Oberles usually have about 45 sets of twins each calving season, but this marked the first time in the family’s long farming history (five generations) that they have had triplets.

Understandably, it felt like a once-in-a-lifetime event.

Except it wasn’t.

Exactly one week after the first set of triplets were born, another cow produced a second set of triplets at Oberle Farms (Jan. 27).

Needless to say, the Oberles were more than a little surprised when the second triplets arrived.

But their shock at having two sets of triplets was minor compared to the overwhelming response their story has received from both traditional and social media.

The Oberles have been inundated by media requests from across the country – including TV, radio and print – and have now received coverage nationwide. In fact, they have been contacted by family members and friends from coast to coast who have seen newscasts or read about the rare situation.

“I knew this was unique, but I never expected it would get this much attention,” smiled Kelly Oberle, who runs the family operation with his children and his parents Ralph and Lorraine. “My phone has been ringing off the hook … It’s been absolutely insane.”

According to Saskatoon’s Western College of Veterinarian Medicine, the chances of a cow producing triplets is only one in 100,000. By comparison, about one to two per cent of cattle have twins.

Speaking of which, the Oberles also welcomed a set of twins on Jan. 27. It was their third set of twins since the start of calving season.

“We’re actually a little behind what we would normally have for twins at this stage,” laughed Kelly. “But I guess we made up for it with the triplets.”

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