Beef Herd Health and Quality Assurance

All Beef Herd Health and Quality Assurance Content

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.

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.

Producer observing a group of cattle in a holding pen.
Feb 25

Beef Quality Assurance Training @ Leola

SDSU Extension will host a Beef Quality Assurance training on February 25 from 12:30-3:00 p.m. at the Leola Municipal Building (742 Sherman St, Leola, SD 57456)for anyone involved in raising or handling cattle.

Male and female producer examining a small group of mixed cattle in a pole barn.
Feb 24

Beef Quality Assurance Training @ Britton

SDSU Extension will host a Beef Quality Assurance training on February 24 from 2:30-5:00 p.m. at the SDSU Extension Marshall County Office (909 Main St, Britton, SD 57430) for anyone involved in raising or handling cattle.

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.

Red angus cattle gathered in a feedlot in winter.

Livestock

South Dakota is home to a dynamic livestock industry.

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.

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?

Two ranchers participating in beef quality assurance training at a cattle facility.

Certified South Dakota BQA Trainers

Certified South Dakota BQA Trainers may assist producers with completing voluntary on-farm assessments. View a list of certified trainers throughout the state to get started today!

Dried corn growing in a field with visible damage and molding.

Mycotoxins: Should you be concerned?

Environmental stress caused by the weather or damaged crops increases the potential for mold and mycotoxin development. Learn some answers to common questions about mycotoxins and how to manage them.