Beef Herd Health and Quality Assurance

All Beef Herd Health and Quality Assurance Content

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!

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.

herd of beef cattle grazing in a pasture

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.

Dec 18

Looking to Calving Season Cattle HQ Live

Join SDSU Extension's beef team to gain valuable insights to improve the health, productivity and profitability of your herd.

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.

Small group of black beef cattle in a pasture with a severe storm developing in the distance.

Hail and Bruising in Cattle

Bruising remains one of the leading causes of carcass trimming at harvest. While we can’t control the weather, proactive management can reduce performance losses and protect carcass quality.

A group of brown cattle foraging in a green field.

Prussic Acid Poisoning

As the first frost date approaches, producers often have concerns about the risk of prussic acid poisoning in livestock. Certain forage plants, especially sorghums and related species are associated with an increased risk of death loss because of prussic acid poisoning.

Preparing for the Fall Run

Having a plan in place for weaning and marketing will reduce stress for both your operation and your calves when the grazing season comes to an end and movement of calves begins.

Producer observing a group of cattle in a holding pen.

Receiving Management Matters

There are multiple factors that influence cattle help during transportation and receiving. Proper management during these events can avoid negative implications to health and performance.