NDSU Extension to host Ranch Counts and Calculations workshop on Oct. 1
Recordkeeping is an essential management tool that allows producers to track key production traits to guide genetic selection decisions. While many know its importance, organizing records into manageable and meaningful information can be intimidating.
North Dakota State University’s Hettinger Research Extension Center, along with NDSU Extension – Adams County, will host a cow-calf recordkeeping workshop, “Ranch Counts and Calculations,” on Oct. 1, from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. MT.
The event will focus on the NDSU Cow-Calf Record Book, a new resource by NDSU Extension. This tool is designed for cow-calf producers, both commercial and purebred operators, to store and use records to improve their operations.
“The tool can look a little daunting when you first open it, but that’s why we are hosting this event,” says Aspen Lenning, NDSU Extension agriculture and natural resource agent in Adams County. “The tool has lots of options to go through and a wide variety of potential outputs.”
Participants will learn how to use the NDSU Cow-Calf Record Book; utilize herd summaries to compare differences in sire, contemporary or management groups; identify the most and least productive dams in their herd; and visualize how their herd compares to North Dakota and nationwide production averages.
“We are excited to showcase this exceptional tool and assist producers in organizing their own data in real time,” says Rachel Gibbs, NDSU Extension small ruminants specialist. “This tool provides a recordkeeping framework that can be fully customized to fit the needs of your operation.”
Event registration is available at ndsu.ag/cowcalfbookevent. Registrations are limited to 20 participants. The event cost is $20, which includes supper and a drawing to win a tablet donated by the Hettinger Jaycees.
NDSU Agriculture Communication – Sept. 15, 2026
Source: Aspen Lenning 701-567-2735, aspen.m.lenning@ndsu.edu
Source: Rachel Gibbs 701-567-4323, rachel.gibbs.1@ndsu.edu
Editor: Dominic Erickson, 701-231-5546, dominic.erickson@ndsu.edu
