NDSU Extension Calving School 2025 set for March 20

By Paige Brummund

North Dakota State University Extension will host a calving school on Thursday, March 20 from 11 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at the North Central Research Extension Center near Minot, North Dakota.

Topics will include calving preparations, such as assembling calving supply kits, recognizing the stages of calving and understanding normal delivery expectations. The program will also cover managing abnormal births, optimizing nutrition during late gestation and early lactation, caring for newborn calves and maintaining effective record-keeping practices.

New this year, a cow and calf model will allow participants to practice assisting with abnormal deliveries, providing participants with hands-on opportunities to learn to navigate various calving complication scenarios.

The calving school will be led by NDSU Extension livestock management specialist Lacey Quail, Kelly Schaefer of Schaefer Veterinary Service and NDSU Extension agents Paige Brummund in Ward County and Kathryn Slavick in McHenry County.

“Whether you are well seasoned or new to calving cows, this workshop will provide you with tips, tools and hands-on activities to be better prepared for the upcoming calving season,” says Brummund.

The school is free to attend. Lunch will be provided, but registration is requested for meal count and materials.

To register, visit ndsu.ag/calvingschool25 or call 701-857-6444.

The North Central Research Extension Center is at 5400 Highway 83 S in Minot.