Beef Reproduction and Genetics

All Beef Reproduction and Genetics Content
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.

Man getting a straw of semen out of a tank for artificial insemination
Feb 12 - 13

Cattle Artificial Insemination (AI) School @ Brookings

SDSU Extension will host a Cattle Artificial Insemination (AI) School on February 12 and 13, 2027, at the SDSU Cow-Calf Education and Research Facility (2901 Western Ave, Brookings, SD 57006).

Man artificially inseminating a cow
Oct 27 - 28

Cattle Artificial Insemination (AI) School @ Philip

SDSU Extension will host a Cattle Artificial Insemination (AI) School on October 27 and 28, 2026, at the SDSU Cottonwood Field Station (23738 Fairview Road, Philip, SD 57567).

Two producers conducting a beef ultrasound examination.

Pregnancy Diagnosis as a Management Tool Following Summer Heat Stress

Following a summer marked by heat stress, pregnancy diagnosis offers producers an opportunity to measure the true reproductive impact within their herds. Beyond identifying pregnant and open females, pregnancy checks can reveal breeding season patterns, evaluate synchronization success, assess bull performance, and guide management decisions before winter.

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.

Black cow with calf.

Balancing Genetics

Profitable genetic programs start with a good cow herd, but they should not end there. The ultimate goal is to efficiently produce the right calf, from the right cow, for the right customer.

Black beef cow in the foreground of a pasture with a large herd of black cattle.

What This Summer's Heat Could Mean for Pregnancy Rates

Heat stress may be temporary, but its effects on reproduction can persist for months. Understanding those impacts helps producers evaluate breeding outcomes and prepare for future weather challenges.

Black cow with three young calves in early spring.

Shorten Your Calving Season for a More Profitable Cow Herd

Coupled with good management, a defined breeding and calving season increases the number of cows that conceive early, produces a more uniform calf crop, and allows producers to manage labor, nutrition, and herd health more efficiently.

Two black beef cows and one black-and-white beef cow in the foreground.

Forage-Based Heifer Development Systems

Forage-based heifer development systems offer producers a practical opportunity to reduce input costs while maintaining acceptable reproductive performance. By effectively utilizing available forage resources, heifers can be developed efficiently with reduced reliance on harvested feeds.

Red angus cattle gathered in a feedlot in winter.

Livestock

South Dakota is home to a dynamic livestock industry.