M-J-G
Member
The skill of a stockman is mainly to avoid having calves that need help.There is a world of difference between a quick pull (Oor er Mrs!) to plop the calf out before you bugger off and do something else, and pulling out a monster.
There is also nothing wrong with a little intervention to assist the cow which reduces stress on the calf if it's not being born for as long. IYSWIM.
Yes, there are times when you put your hand in you know instantly it is a side door job, but there are many, many more times when a little help is better all round.
The skill of a stockman is knowing which is which.
(And being able to anticipate the size of the back half of the calf, as that's where the problem lies.)