Nebraska Extension Launches Women in Livestock Series

By Scout Nelson

Nebraska Extension, in partnership with the Nebraska Women in Agriculture Program, launches a new educational webinar series designed to support women involved in livestock operations. The program, called Women in Livestock: Learning the Why Behind the Work, begins on March 2, 2026, and focuses on building knowledge and confidence in cattle production.

Many women who marry into agricultural families become involved in daily ranch work. However, they may feel unsure about asking questions or may not have prior experience with livestock management. This webinar series aims to provide clear explanations and practical learning so participants better understand the reasons behind everyday cattle management decisions.

The program includes four online sessions, each lasting about one hour. The webinars take place on the first four Mondays in March, including March 2, March 9, March 16, and March 23. Each session runs from 12:00 PM to 1:00 PM Central Time and is delivered online to make participation easy for individuals across different locations.

Each session focuses on a key topic that helps explain the basic principles of livestock production. One session introduces participants to understanding the herd, including different types of cattle operations, cattle categories, and the annual production cycle used in many livestock businesses.

Another session focuses on breeding basics, helping participants understand what to observe during breeding decisions. This includes learning about heifer and bull selection, basic Expected Progeny Difference EPD concepts, and how farm goals influence breeding choices.

Participants will also learn about nutrition and body condition scoring, which help producers understand cattle health and feeding needs throughout the year. The training explains how to observe body condition scores and identify proper nutrition levels for livestock.

The final session introduces participants to useful agricultural resources. This includes learning about University of Nebraska-Lincoln tools, rental and custom rate information, market resources, and other tools that help farmers stay informed.

Each webinar provides simple explanations, practical examples, and opportunities for participants to ask questions and interact with instructors. The program is open to anyone interested in livestock production, although it is especially helpful for women who join livestock operations later in life.

There is no cost to attend, but advance registration is required. After each webinar session, a recording is shared with registered participants so they can review the material later.

For more information, participants can contact Josie Crouch at (308)536-2691 or jcrouch5@unl.edu. The program welcomes all participants and encourages learning in a supportive environment.

Photo Credit: istock-scharfsinn86