Helga the Hereford is a full-size cow model designed to simulate dystocia events (difficult calvings). The top of her abdomen can be removed to give those watching a view of what is happening inside the cow while another person attempts to manipulate a calf.
The model helps participants experience an entire assisted calving including manipulating calf position, placing chains on the calf, using lubricants properly, pulling the calf with or without a calf jack, and post-calving procedures.
Helga’s calf is a fully articulated model of a Hereford calf and weighs approximately 70 pounds to help best simulate working with a real calf during dystocia. The calf even includes teeth that are quite sharp just like the real thing.
Extension’s goal for Helga the Hereford
Training with Helga gives beef and dairy producers basic management skills so they can be more independent. Helga allows producers to practice critical skills in a non-emergency situation before needing to use the skills on a live animal.
Extension's educational programming provides a low-pressure situation for producers to learn, ask questions and practice. Helga helps producers achieve a larger goal of improving animal welfare and potentially reducing pressure created by a shortage of rural bovine practitioners.
How you can participate in a dystocia simulation
To perform an assisted calving yourself, you first must attend an educational presentation that will equip you with key dystocia strategies and safety information.
A trained team member demonstrates assisted calving with Helga the Hereford while attendees watch and learn.
Cost for a Helga the Hereford educational event or appearance
Helga is available for educational programming upon request. Helga is also available to appear at events in an informal educational setting. Helga must be accompanied by a trained team member qualified to teach the requested programming material.
Travel and lodging
- Mileage: Billed at the federal rate per mile.
- Trailer maintenance: An additional charge per mile will be added for trailer maintenance costs.
- Lodging: If an overnight stay is required for the team member accompanying Helga, Federal per diem rates will be used for lodging based on location.
Helga’s teaching option
- Dystocia and Calving: $700.00
- Calving: when to intervene and how (1-hour presentation)
- Dystocia simulation and assistance with Helga and her calf
- Chain placement on calf
- Identification of calf position
- Manipulation of calf position
- Safe and proper use of calf jack
- Lube application
- Calf revival techniques
- When to call your veterinarian
- Calving supplies will be provided for the training
- Lube, OB sleeves, OB chains, Calf-jack
To participate in a dystocia simulation, you must first attend “Calving: when to intervene and how,” only available with the Dystocia and Calving teaching option.
Helga’s appearance at events
Helga is available to appear at events in an informal educational environment. Event attendees are only allowed to participate in a dystocia simulation after attending the presentation, “Calving: when to intervene and how,” which is only available with the Dystocia and Calving teaching option. However, a qualified team member can demonstrate a dystocia simulation if requested.
- Appearance with no dystocia simulation: $200
- Appearance with dystocia simulation: $400
Rate discounts
UMN internal clients get a 50% discount
- UMN College of Veterinary Medicine, 4H, UMN Animal Science, etc.
UMN Extension collaborators and sponsors get a 25% discount
- MN Department of Agriculture, MN Beef Council, MN State Cattlemen’s Association, MN Milk, etc.
Cancelation policy
The client is responsible for all non-refundable travel expenses regardless of the time of cancelation.
How to schedule an event with Helga the Hereford
To schedule Helga the Hereford and her calf for educational events and appearances, contact Joe Armstrong, DVM, Extension cattle production systems educator, at armst225@umn.edu or 612-624-3610.