February 18, 2026

Nebraska Extension to host webinar on low pregnancy rates in young cows

red angus cattle move towards feed in the Nebraska Sandhills during a snow squall
Natalie Jones | IANR Communications

Natalie Jones | IANR Communications
Red Angus cows come to feed on the Diamond Bar Ranch, Stapleton, Neb.

Low pregnancy rates in young cows can significantly impact herd replacement costs and long-term profitability for cow-calf producers. To address this challenge, Nebraska Extension will host a webinar, Considerations of Causes of Low Pregnancy Rates in Young Cows, on Tuesday, March 10.

The webinar will begin at 6:30 p.m Mountain time (7:30 p.m. Central) and focus on key biological and management factors that influence reproductive success in young cows.

Topics and presenters include:

  • Heifer Development – Dr. Rick Funston and Dr. Kacie McCarthy
  • Genetic Selection – Dr. Matt Spangler
  • Nutrition for the Cow – Dr. Karla Wilke
  • Infectious Diseases and Infertility – Dr. Brian Vander Ley and Dr. Matt Hille.

The first 40 minutes of the program will feature short presentations from each speaker, followed by a live questions-and answer session. Participants will have the opportunity to engage directly with Nebraska Extension specialists, veterinarians and educators.

The webinar is open to cow-calf producers, veterinarians and consultants. The goal of the program is to encourage discussion around low pregnancy rates in young cows and to provide research-based insights that can be applied in herd management decisions.

There is no cost to attend, but advance registration is requested. To register, email Aaron Berger at aberger2@unl.edu by Friday, March 6. A recording of the webinar will be made available to registered participants following the program.

If you would like to attend an in-person location to view the webinar and engage in discussion with other producers, the following locations will also host the webinar. Please RSVP by March 6.

  • Buffalo County, Office Building, 1400 E 34th St., Kearney, Brent Plugge, 308-236-1235
  • Holt County Courthouse Annex, 128 N 6th St., O’Neill, Bethany Johnston, 402-336-2760
  • Nance County Office, 304 3rd St., Fullerton, Josie Crouch, 308-536-2691
  • Sheridan County Office, 800 South Loofborrow St., Rushville, Brock Ortner, 308-327-2312
  • Lincoln County Office, 402 W. State Farm Rd. Snyder Building., North Platte, Randy Saner, 308-532-2683
  • Central Sandhills Area Office, Thomas County Courthouse, Thedford, TL Meyer, 308-645-2267

For more information, contact Berger at 308-235-3122 or aberger2@unl.edu