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Left: Ponderosa pine tree growing on rangeland. Right: Long, skinny, green needles on Ponderosa pine branch.

Pine Needles: Another Possible Threat to Beef Cow Pregnancies

For at least the past 50 years, consumption of Ponderosa Pine tree needles (and those from a few other pine tree species) by pregnant cattle has been recognized as a cause of abortions during the last trimester (three months) of gestation.

Kiernan Brandt, SDSU Extension Cow/ Calf Specialist, instructs 4-H member, Molly Harty, on finding the reproductive tract during palpitation.

Artificial Insemination School

SDSU Extension offers Beef Artificial Insemination (AI) Schools that teach participants overall herd management for reproductive success and profitability during the 2.5-day schools.

Piglets feeding in a farrowing stall.

Registration open for 2026-2027 SowBridge educational webinars

January 27, 2026

Registration is open for the 2026-2027 educational SowBridge webinar series, which starts on Feb. 4, 2026.

Black and white scan of Cottonwood Field Station soil map.

Range Roundup: Long-Term Grazing Records Can Guide Future Management

For nearly 80 years, researchers at the Cottonwood Field Station have monitored how different stocking rates have shaped plant communities. Today, these records are being compared with modern data to help us better understand how rangelands respond to long-term grazing management.

Artificial Insemination school attendee working with a liquid nitrogen filled semen tank.

Artificial Insemination (AI) Checklist

A checklist to prepare for artificial insemination for cattle.

Black cow standing in winter pasture.

Winter Pasture Report: How Winter Moisture Shapes Spring Grazing Decisions

While many people are happy to welcome a mild winter devoid of typical South Dakota blizzards, a lack of moisture is concerning as we look ahead to spring.

South Dakota State University on-site wean-to-finish barn.
Oct 07

SowBridge Webinar: What’s the latest PRRS research?

Join swine industry experts from around the nation for a webinar about recent updates in PRRS research and outbreak tracking on October 7 beginning at 11:15 a.m. CDT.

South Dakota State University on-site wean-to-finish barn.
Jan 06

SowBridge Webinar: Anemia - impact on sow removal

Join swine industry experts from around the nation for a webinar about strategies to reduce the impact of anemia on sow removal and mortality on January 6 beginning at 11:15 a.m. CST.

South Dakota State University on-site wean-to-finish barn.
Dec 02

SowBridge Webinar: Satisfaction and stress factors of barn employees

Join swine industry experts from around the nation for a webinar about factors influencing on-farm employee satisfaction and stress factors on December 2 beginning at 11:15 a.m. CST.

South Dakota State University on-site wean-to-finish barn.
Nov 04

SowBridge Webinar: Fixed time AI with gilts

Join swine industry experts from around the nation for a webinar about administration of a fixed time artificial insemination program in gilts on November 4 beginning at 11:15 a.m. CST.