Beef Herd Health and Quality Assurance

All Beef Herd Health and Quality Assurance Content

Three brown yearlings eating from a feeding trough.

Animal Science Research and Extension Report

Research report from Animal Science Department covering a variety of areas in livestock production.

Beef cattle with calves on a dry rangeland.

Managing the Cow Herd Through Drought

Drought remains one of the most persistent and difficult challenges facing cattle producers. Managing a cow herd under drought conditions requires balancing short-term survival with long-term productivity.

Red angus cattle gathered in a feedlot in winter.

Livestock

South Dakota is home to a dynamic livestock industry.

Two young producers inspecting a herd of cattle in early spring pasture.

Breeding Season Preparation

Whether you are going to be using artificial insemination or turning out bulls for natural service, planning plays an essential role in a successful breeding season.

herd of beef cattle grazing in a pasture

Beef

Home to more than 1 million head of cattle, South Dakota’s producers can rely on SDSU Extension for research-based information, best management practices and resources to support healthy and profitable herds.

group of students looking at a pair of beef cattle
Nov 19

Biosecurity and the Secure Beef Supply Plan Cattle HQ Live

Join SDSU Extension's beef team to gain valuable insights to improve the health, productivity and profitability of your herd. This month, we will discuss the steps needed to prepare operations and how to set up biosecurity plans using the guidance of the SBS Plan in case of a major disease outbreak.

Russ Daly, Professor and SDSU Extension Veterinarian, examining young beef cattle in a pen with two students.

Health Considerations for Beef Heifers Transitioning to the Breeding Herd

The length and success of a heifer’s breeding career depends on preventing and managing their health challenges – starting well before they’re even identified as breeding herd candidates.

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.

two men viewing a laptop on the hood of a white pickup

Beef Quality Assurance

South Dakota producers have the option to receive beef quality assurance (BQA) certification.

Cow with newborn calf in late-winter pasture.

Preparing for the Calving Season

Calving season is a busy time of year as beef producers prepare themselves for less sleep each night, while spending more time observing cows close to calving. So, what can we do to make calving season less stressful for everyone involved?