Purdue Extension Beef Programs
Calving Academy
Build confidence where it matters most- Calving time.
Join us for a hands-on training designed to prepare producers for real-world calving situations.
This session will cover stages of parturition, safe cow restraint, effective calf manipulation, and newborn calf care.
Participants will practice repositioning calves and using pulling chains with a phantom cow and learn which tools are essential when handling calving emergencies like dystocia.
Academy Instructor: Bethany Funnell, DVM - Clinical Associate Professor of Bovine Theriogenology - College of Veterinary Medicine- Purdue University
The Program Fee is $50.
Additional materials, such as OB chains, available for purchase.
Date: February 21 Time: 1:00 -5:00 PM EST
Location:
Nineveh-Hensley-Jackson United School Corp.
802 South Indiana Creek Drive Trafalgar, IN 46181
Registration: https://cvent.me/gB2XdG
Registration Deadline: 2/13/26
Date: February 28 Time: 1-00- 5:00 PM EST
Location:
Southern Indiana Purdue Ag Center
11371 E Purdue Farm Rd
Dubois, IN 47527
Registration: COMING SOON
Registration Deadline: 2/20/26
If you are in need of accommodations to attend this program, please contact Nicholas Minton prior to the meeting at 812-279-4330 and nminton@purdue.edu by February 7, 2026.
If you need an interpreter or translator, please contact Nicholas Minton prior to the meeting at 812-279-4330 and nminton@purdue.edu by February 7, 2026.
Beef Basics In THe Eastern Corn Belt
This program is aimed at producers with less than five years of experience or those interested in exploring the beef industry; however, anyone is welcome to attend. Extension educators, specialists, and industry experts will facilitate and lead program sessions. Topics covered will be an overview of beef cattle, behavior, facilities, health, genetic selection, forages, nutrition, and reproduction.
Program Begins February 10 and continues until March 31, 2026, on
Tuesdays from 6:00-8:00 p.m. EST via Zoom
Session Topics Include:
- Beef Industry Overview and Marketing
- Animal Handling, Behavior, and Facilities
- Reproduction and Calving
- Genetics
- Forages
- Nutrition
- Animal Health
- Record Keeping and Emergency Planning
Registration is now open!
Producers with less than five years of experience and those interested in exploring the industry are
encouraged to attend.
The cost to participate is $50
The deadline to register is January 30, 2026
Register Here: https:/ /cvent.me/aWLXxV
If you are in need of accommodations to attend this program, please contact Jill at 812.438.3656 or jmrichards@purdue.edu by February 2nd.
If you need an interpreter or translator, please contact Jill at 812.438.3656 by February 2nd. Purdue University prohibits discrimination against any member of the University community on the basis of race, religion, color, sex, age, national origin or ancestry, genetic information, marital status, parental status, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, disability, or status as a veteran.
The Indiana Master Cattleman Program
The Indiana Master Cattleman Program was introduced in 2014. The object of the program is to provide Indiana’s cattle producers with in-depth educational programming that increases productivity, efficiency, and profitability of their operations. It covers business planning, marketing, forage, nutrition, reproduction, genetics, herd health, animal well-being, and environmental stewardship. Participants will create a unique business plan that will help them evaluate their production systems and strengthen their business management skills. This program is not an introductory program to the beef industry; instead, the goal is that the program takes producers to the next level.
The Master Cattleman Program consists of 11 weeks of classroom instruction that utilizes industry experts to teach material. Classes are designed to be interactive, discussion-based, and tailored to fit the needs of the participants. Master Cattleman certified producers will have the opportunity to develop an enhanced network with other Indiana beef producers, industry professionals, and Purdue Extension. Additionally, exclusive field days and continuing education opportunities will be available for Master Cattleman certified producers. Contact your local extension educator for more