Cow Camp 2026
Two Locations. One Purpose. Empowering Women in the Cattle Industry.
Get ready for Cow Camp 2026—an experience built for women who want to live and lead in the cattle industry.
Eastern Cow Camp
May TBD, 2027
K-State Southeast Research-Extension Center
25092 Ness Rd., Parsons, KS 67357
Western Cow Camp
September 9–10, 2026
K-State Western Kansas Research-Extension Center
Agricultural Research Center–Hays
1232 240th Ave., Hays, KS 67601
About Cow Camp
At Cow Camp, we’re here to help you grow—whether you’re managing your first small herd, helping with the family operation, or exploring the cattle business from the ground up.
This hands-on program focuses on building practical skills, confidence, and connections for women looking to strengthen their knowledge of beef cattle management.
We provide a supportive, no-pressure environment where every question is welcome and learning is the goal.
Who Should Attend:
- New to the cattle business or want to improve foundational skills
- Actively involved but want to understand management decisions better
- Looking to gain confidence in hands-on cattle skills and herd management
What You’ll Gain:
- Practical, real-world knowledge to apply immediately
- Confidence to take a more active role in your cattle operation
- New friendships and a strong network of women who share your goals
Registration
Cow Camp is limited to 35 participants, and spots will fill fast! The program will start at noon on Sept. 9th and conclude at noon on the 10th. Registration includes lunch both days and an evening meal on the 9th.
Western Cow Camp Topics
- Beef Cattle Nutrition: Learn practical nutrition principles for beef cattle, including forage testing and utilization, ration balancing, supplementation strategies, and decision-making tools to improve herd performance and profitability.
- Growth-Promoting Implants: Learn proper implant selection, placement techniques, timing considerations, and how implant programs can improve performance and return on investment.
- Vaccine Handling & Cooler Construction: Learn the importance of proper vaccine storage and temperature management to protect vaccine effectiveness. Participants will build and take home a practical vaccine cooler for use in their own operation.
- Neonatal Calf Care: Learn best practices for newborn calf management, including colostrum management, early disease recognition, treatment protocols, and management strategies that get calves off to a healthy start.
- Reproductive Management: Gain a better understanding of the bovine reproductive tract, reproductive physiology, and management practices that support reproductive success in the cow herd.
- Learning from Your Lender: Learn the 5 C's of Credit and an overview of Pasture, Rangeland, and Forage (PRF) insurance as a risk management tool.
- Prescribed Burning: Learn how prescribed fire can improve pasture productivity and grazing management while discussing planning, weather conditions, safety considerations, and legal requirements for successful burns.
- Fly & Tick Control: Learn integrated strategies for managing flies and ticks, including control options, timing, resistance management, and practices that improve cattle comfort and performance.
Thank you
We thank High Plains Farm Credit for sponsoring Cow Camp and for their investment in building Kansas’ agricultural workforce.
Hampton Inn Hays- North of I70 Sleep Inn & Suites I-70 What should I bring? Do I need prior cattle experience? Not at all! Cow Camp is designed for strengthening basic skills, mostall experience levels can benefit. Whether you’re just starting out or have years in the industry, you’ll leave with new skills and ideas. Is this event women-only?
Yes. Cow Camp was created to foster a supportive, empowering environment for women in agriculture.