Beef Herd Health and Quality Assurance

All Beef Herd Health and Quality Assurance Content

blades of brome grass with a brown to black, thumbnail-shaped growth on one of the blades.

Ergot: A Potential Livestock Poisoning Problem

Cool, damp weather followed by warmer temperatures favors grasses becoming infected with ergot bodies, which can cause a certain kind of poisoning that can affect cattle on pasture.

Black angus bull and heifers.

Trichomoniasis: A Tricky Cause of Reproductive Failure in Beef Cattle

Trichomoniasis in cattle is caused by a protozoal organism that lives indefinitely in the sheath of infected bulls. Once transmitted to a cow or heifer, it causes an inflammation in the female reproductive tract that results in the eventual loss of the pregnancy.

Male and female rancher observing a black cow near a cattle shed.

SDSU Extension hosting Beef Quality Assurance training in Wall

July 09, 2024

South Dakota State University Extension will host a Beef Quality Assurance training for anyone involved in raising or handling cattle.

Small group of brown cows and calves in a pasture saturated with rain water.

Considerations for Beef Producers Following a Flood Event

In the aftermath of a flood event, there are several different items to be considered for beef herds. View some tips and resources for protecting your family, your herd, and your bottom line following a flood.

Male and female rancher observing a black cow near a cattle shed.

The Secure Beef Supply Plan

The Secure Beef Supply Plan is a continuity of business plan for cattle operations who find themselves affected by movement restrictions during a foot and mouth disease outbreak in the United States.

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!

Small black fly on pale skin.

Monitor Livestock, Pets and Yourself for Eye Gnat Activity

While being outside this week, I noticed a lot of small gnats flying around my legs and really bothering my dogs. I caught a few and identified them as eye gnats. Although this pest is considered a nuisance in most cases, it is capable of transmitting diseases and pathogens.

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

How Does Your Herd Measure Up?

Female herd longevity is important for beef producers. Since foot and udder problems can be genetic, tracking scores can help producers make informed management decisions for herd females.

Producer administering an implant in a calf.

Implanting Nursing Calves

Implanting nursing calves is a cost-effective way to increase weaning weight and improve your financial bottom-line. Learn some expert tips for choosing the right implant for your operation.

Three brown yearlings eating from a feeding trough.

SDSU Extension hosts cattle webinar series on market, climate and health trends

May 03, 2024

The Market, Climate, Health: Cattle Update one-hour webinar series is online via Zoom at 11 a.m. CDT / 10 a.m. MT on June 4, 11 and 18, 2024. Tickets are $30 and registration is required to receive the Zoom link. To register, visit extension.sdstate.edu/events and search “cattle”.