North Dakota State University Extension will host its annual calving school on Friday, Jan. 23, at the North Central Research Extension Center in Minot, North Dakota. The program will hold two session times this year, giving participants the flexibility to attend either from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. or 5-9 p.m.

Program topics will cover key areas of calving season management, including maternal nutrition, effective record-keeping and calving kit preparation, hands-on calving demonstrations, proper vaccination and colostrum management and best management practices to support healthy cows and calves.

The cow-and-calf model, which debuted at the 2025 NDSU Extension Calving School to simulate abnormal delivery assistance, will return in 2026. A new rotation schedule will provide participants with hands-on experience learning techniques for managing a variety of calving complication scenarios.

The program will be led by Lacey Quail, NDSU Extension livestock management specialist; Dr. Jake Galbreath, NDSU Extension veterinarian; Dr. Kelly Schaefer of Schaefer Veterinary Service and NDSU Extension agents Paige Brummund of Ward County and Kathryn Slavick of 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 $20 to attend, with meals provided at both sessions. Registration is required for meal count and materials.

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

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

For more information, contact Brummund at 701-857-6444 or Slavick at 701-537-5405.

NDSU Agriculture Communication – Dec. 29, 2025

Source: Paige Brummund, 701-857-6444, paige.f.brummund@ndsu.edu

Source: Kathryn Slavick, 701-537-5405, kathryn.slavick@ndsu.edu

Editor: Dominic Erickson, 701-231-5546, dominic.erickson@ndsu.edu