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

Webinar Series Topics:

Wednesday, Jan. 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.
Monday, Jan. 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.
Wednesday, Jan. 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 Nebraska Extension Specialist and Dr. Lindsay Waechter-Mead, DVM, Nebraska Extension Livestock Educator, allowing participants to engage and ask questions in real-time.

In-Person Workshop: The series will culminate in a hands-on workshops offered at four locations across the state Jan. 21-23, 2024, where participants can choose the most convenient date and location to 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 p.m. MST
January 22, 2025. Sandhills Public School. 107 Gandy Ave Dunning, NE, 1 p.m. CST
January 22, 2025. Oconto Community Center. 101 W 6th S Oconto, NE, 6 p.m. CST
January 23, 2025. Blue Hill Community Center. 555 W Gage St, Blue Hill, NE, 6 p.m. CST
Registration Fee: $80 for webinar series plus workshop, $30 for in-person 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 their convenience. Participants are asked to register by Dec. 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