Learn Calving Care with SDSU Extension

By Scout Nelson

South Dakota State University Extension encourages cattle producers to join the Calving College training program hosted by Nebraska Extension. This program provides research-based guidance to help improve calving success and animal care practices.

The Calving College program includes three online webinars and one in-person workshop session. It is designed for farmers, ranchers, and veterinary workers who support cow and calf health. Registration costs $80 per person, and available at https://go.unl.edu/calving.

“SDSU Extension wanted to bring hands-on calving experience close to you, and we are partnering with UNL Extension to do just that,” said Taylor Grussing, SDSU Extension Cow and Calf Field Specialist.

The webinar series is titled Fundamental Knowledge for Successful Calving Season. It takes place on January 19, January 26, and February 2, 2026. Each session runs from 7:30 p.m. to 8:45 p.m. at Central Standard Time.

The first session focuses on labor. Topics include the stages of labor, what happens to the cow and calf during birth, how to recognize abnormal labor, and when to assist in delivery. The second session covers the first 24 hours after birth. This includes cow and calf care, normal vital signs, colostrum use, and calf resuscitation methods. The third session discusses health beyond 48 hours, including nutrition needs, common calf health issues, managing stress, and caring for orphan calves.

The webinars are led by Becky Funk and Lindsay Waechter-Mead, both veterinarians and Nebraska Extension specialists. Participants can ask questions during the sessions.

Hands on workshops are held from February 9 through February 12 at four locations. These include Valentine, Nebraska; Winner, South Dakota; Atkinson, Nebraska; and Norfolk, Nebraska. Each workshop begins at 6:00 p.m.

This program helps producers gain skills that support healthier calves and better herd performance. For more information about the Calving College webinar series and workshop, please contact Lindsay Waechter-Mead by email Lindsay Waechter-Mead by email  lindsay.waechter-mead@unl.edu.

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