Following strong participation and positive feedback in 2025, Nebraska Extension will again offer Calving College in 2026, a three-part educational series designed to help farmers, ranchers and veterinary professionals prepare for a successful calving season.
The Calving College: Fundamental Knowledge for a Successful Calving Season webinar series will be held Jan. 19, Jan. 26 and Feb. 2, 2026, from 7:30 to 8:45 p.m. Central time. The online sessions will be followed by hands-on, in-person workshops offered at four locations across Nebraska and South Dakota Feb. 9–12.
The program provides practical, research-based guidance focused on cow and calf health before, during and after calving.
Each webinar will be co-led by Becky Funk, DVM, Nebraska Extension animal health teaching specialist, and Lindsay Waechter-Mead, DVM, Nebraska Extension livestock educator. Participants will have opportunities to ask questions and engage in real time.
Webinar topics include:
Jan. 19, 2026 — Understanding Normal: Stages of labor, what happens to the cow and calf during delivery, recognizing abnormal situations and knowing when and how to assist.
Jan. 26, 2026 — The First 24 Hours: Post-calving care for cows and calves, normal vital signs, managing early complications, colostrum management and calf resuscitation techniques.
Feb. 2, 2026 — 48 Hours and Beyond: Nutritional requirements, common calf health concerns, managing environmental stress during the first two months of life and caring for orphan calves.
New in 2026, participants will be eligible to receive Beef Quality Assurance (BQA) continuing education credits.
The series will conclude with an optional in-person workshop where participants can practice calving techniques using a life-sized cow and calf model. These workshops are designed to build confidence and hands-on skills in a supportive learning environment.
In-person workshop locations and dates include:
Feb. 9 — Mid-Plains Community College, Valentine, Neb., 6 p.m. CST. Sponsored in part by Mid-Plains Community College.
Feb. 10 — Tripp County 4-H Center, Winner, S.D., 6 p.m. CST. Co-hosted by South Dakota State University Extension.
Feb. 11 — West Holt FFA Shop, Atkinson, Neb., 6 p.m. CST.
Feb. 12 — Northeast Community College, Norfolk, Neb., 6 p.m. CST.
The registration fee is $80, which includes access to all three webinars and one in-person workshop. Participants will also receive a notebook of Nebraska Extension resources and access to recorded webinars to view at their convenience.
Participants are encouraged to register by Jan. 12, 2026, to ensure materials are delivered prior to the start of the series. A computer and internet connection are required for webinar participation.
Registration is available online at https://go.unl.edu/calving.
For more information, contact Lindsay Waechter-Mead at 308-633-0158 or lindsay.waechter-mead@unl.edu
