December 17, 2024

Nebraska Extension’s Calving College: Expert-Led Webinars for Calving Success

Nebraska Extension’s 2025 Calving College

Prepare for a successful calving season with Nebraska Extension’s 2025 Calving College! Join live webinars January 8, 13, and 15 to gain expert insights on calving management and attend hands-on workshops across Nebraska January 21-23.

Lincoln, Neb. —Nebraska Extension will offer a comprehensive three-part webinar series titled “Fundamental Knowledge for Successful Calving Season”.  The live webinar will be offered January 8, 13, 15, from 7:30 – 8:45 pm CT and will conclude with an interactive in-person workshop offered in four different locations on January 21-23, 2025.  This engaging event will provide invaluable information for farmers, ranchers and veterinary professionals involved in the calving process.

Webinar Series Topics:

  • January 8, 2025.  Understanding Normal.  Discussion includes stages of labor, what happens to the cow and calf during delivery, recognizing and knowing how to manage abnormal, when and how to assist delivery.
  • January 13, 2025. First 24 hours: post-calving care for cows and calves. Reviewing normal vitals for the cow and neonatal calf and recognizing and managing complications in the first hours of life, including the importance of colostrum management.
  • January 15, 2025. 48 hrs and Beyond: Keeping cow and calf healthy and thriving.  Topics include nutritional requirements, common health concerns, and managing environmental stress in the first 2 months of life.

Each webinar will be co-led by Dr. Becky Funk, DVM, Animal Health Teaching and NE Extension Specialist and Dr. Lindsay Waechter-Mead, DVM, NE Extension Livestock Educator, allowing participants to engage and ask questions in real-time.

In-Person Workshop: The series will culminate in a hands-on workshop offered January 21-23, 2024, where participants can practice their skills using a life-sized cow and calf model. This unique opportunity will provide practical experience in a supportive environment, ensuring participants leave with confidence and competence. 

Details of the Series:

  • Webinar Dates: January 8, 13, 15, 2025
  • Time: 7:30 – 8:45 pm CST
  • Location: Online (link provided upon registration)

In-Person Workshop opportunities:

  • January 21, 2025. Box Butte County Extension Office. 415 Black Hills Avenue
  • Alliance, NE 6:00pm MST
  • January 22, 2025. Sandhills Public School. 107 Gandy Ave Dunning, NE  1:00pm CST
  • January 22, 2025. Oconto Community Center. 101 W 6th S Oconto, NE 6:00pm CST
  • January 23, 2025. Blue Hill Community Center. 555 W Gage St, Blue Hill, NE 6:00pm CST

Registration Fee: $80 for webinar series plus workshop, $30 for workshop only.

Register at: https://cvent.me/3YDblK

Webinar participants will receive a notebook of Nebraska Extension resources and access to the recorded webinars to view at your convenience. Participants are asked to register by December 30, 2024 to ensure resources are received before the series begins.  A computer and internet connection will be needed to participate in the webinar series.

For more information about the Calving College webinar series and workshop, please contact Dr. Lindsay Waechter-Mead at 402-746-3417 or lindsay.waechter-mead@unl.edu