It is important to provide agriculture students with hands-on opportunities; however, not all are readily available. In the context of animal science, simulators are devices that aim to mimic patients and allow students to practice skills without the need for live animals. This study aimed to assess the impact of simulator-based learning on students’ understanding of calving and birthing scenarios in a lower-level beef production course and evaluate whether simulator usage improves students’ practical skills and decision-making abilities related to beef management. A pre- and post-course survey was administered. Students (n=18 of 20) indicated their extent of knowledge, previous experience, and perceptions of beef production and calving management techniques, reproductive anatomy, dystocia and difficult birthing. Pre-course results indicated students (n = 3 of 18, 16.7%) strongly agree with the statement: my previous knowledge about pulling a dystocia calf has prepared me well for handling calving difficulties in practical scenarios, whereas five (27.8%) indicated strongly disagree. Students (n = 10 of 18, 55.6% indicated, strongly disagree or somewhat disagree, that they feel adequately trained to respond and manage dystocia situations during calving. Fifteen (83.3%) students indicated that they strongly agree that continuous learning and improvement in dystocia calf pulling technique are essential for success in beef operations. Post-course results indicated over 78% of students strongly agree or somewhat agree to the statement: my previous knowledge about pulling a dystocia calf has prepared me well for handling calving difficulties in practical scenarios. Similar results were demonstrated for the perception statements: I feel adequately trained to respond to and manage dystocia situations during calving and I believe that continuous learning and improvement in dystocia calf pulling techniques are essential for success in beef operations. Overall, simulators proved valuable in enhancing students’ knowledge and perceptions about beef production and birthing techniques.