Dairy Goat Artificial Insemination Course to Combine Online Learning with Hands-On Training

Dairy goat producers, veterinarians, extension professionals and industry stakeholders can strengthen their reproductive management skills through a new Dairy Goat Artificial Insemination (AI) Training Program.

The comprehensive program combines five weeks of online instruction with a one-day, hands-on training workshop offered at two regional locations. The course is designed to help producers improve genetic progress, enhance reproductive performance and increase the long-term profitability of dairy goat operations through effective use of artificial insemination.

“Artificial insemination provides dairy goat producers access to superior genetics and improves reproductive efficiency while reducing the costs and challenges associated with maintaining breeding bucks,” said Jennifer Bentley, dairy field specialist with Iowa State University Extension and Outreach. “This program will provide participants with both the scientific foundation and practical skills needed to successfully implement AI in their herds.”

Wisconsin Educators Share Knowledge

University of Wisconsin-Madison Extension educators will be presenting during the Dairy Goat Artificial Insemination Course. Small Ruminant Specialist, Carolyn Ihde and Dairy Educator, Heather Schlesser ↗️ will join to share knowledge related to the estrous cycle, recordkeeping systems, and an overview of AI equipment for dairy goats.

Online Modules

• August 24, 31, Sept. 7, 14, 21, 28, 2026

Hands-On Workshop

• October 3, 2026
• Covers reproductive anatomy, semen handling, AI techniques, animal restraint and biosecurity
• Choice of two locations: Cuba City, Wisconsin, or UC Davis, California
• Limited to 20 participants per site (priority given to those who finish online modules first)
• Participation fee varies by location

Registration

Registration is required for both online modules and hands-on workshop portions.

Questions?

Contact Jennifer Bentley at jbentley@iastate.edu or (563) 382-2949.

This work is supported by the Sustainable Agricultural Systems project award number 2024-68012-41749, from the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s National Institute of Food and Agriculture.