Research Summary - 3
Producer education via Extension-veterinary partnerships
| Date/Time: |
8/29/2026
09:45
|
| Author: |
Angela T Varnum |
| Clinic: |
University of Minnesota |
| City, State, ZIP: |
Buffalo, MN 55313 |
A.T. Varnum, DVM, MPH
1
;
1University of Minnesota Extension, St. Paul, MN, 55313
Introduction:
Bovine veterinarians are expected to provide emergency coverage, which results in extended hours affecting quality of life (McCord et al. 2025). The success of dystocia calls, a primary emergency type for beef veterinarians, is largely impacted by producer knowledge, ability, and early recognition. Training clients, especially new, part-time, or enthusiast beef producers, not only promotes positive animal welfare, but can be protective of veterinarians’ emergency burdens and promote stronger client relationships. The objective of this presentation is to share beef producer feedback about calving trainings conducted in partnership between veterinary practices and an Extension veterinarian in Minnesota.
Materials and methods:
Client education workshops were hosted as collaborative efforts between veterinarians or veterinary clinics and an Extension livestock veterinarian using a calving dystocia model (Veterinary Simulator Industries Ltd.). An Extension veterinarian prepared the curricula and model, then co-taught 2-3 hour workshops with practicing veterinarians for their clientele. A presentation on common calving emergencies preceded a hands-on simulation, in which small groups worked through common calving problems in a low-stress scenario with the veterinarian providing tips. An emphasis was placed on identifying calf malpresentations and strategies for communicating with the veterinarian over the phone about dystocia emergencies. Participants were asked to complete an evaluation following the training.
Results:
A total of 90 producers attended the workshops so far. 40 participating producers responded to the post-workshop surveys. 22 (55%) had previously called a veterinarian to assist with calving. On average, respondents reported needing a veterinarian’s help once per calving season. 94% of producers reported it was likely or very likely that they would change a management practice at calving time based on this training. One-hundred percent would recommend the program to a neighbor or another producer. Collaborating veterinarians commented that they appreciated the opportunity to preemptively counsel experienced and new producers with preferred actions to take at the time of calving to more effectively respond to emergency calls. More information on the trainings’ impacts will be collected following the upcoming calving season.
Significance:
Veterinarian-Extension collaborative efforts to train producers in husbandry techniques such as responding to calvings are an effective way to offer client education. Extension's support of practicing veterinarians has the potential to alleviate veterinarians' emergency burdens through high-quality producer education opportunities.
