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Beef Reproduction and Genetics

All Beef Reproduction and Genetics Content

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.

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
Mar 26 - 27

Cattle Artificial Insemination (AI) School - March

SDSU Extension will host a Cattle Artificial Insemination (AI) School from March 26-27, 2026, at Bieber Red Angus Ranch (11450 353rd Ave, Leola, SD 57456).

Man artificially inseminating a cow
Feb 14 - 16

Cattle Artificial Insemination (AI) School - February

SDSU Extension will host a Cattle Artificial Insemination (AI) School from February 14-16, 2026, at the SDSU Cow-Calf Education and Research Facility (2901 Western Ave, Brookings, SD 57006).

Black angus calf standing near a cattle shelter.
Jan      Feb 19 - 10

Calving College Webinar and Workshop Series

Nebraska Extension in collaboration with SDSU Extension will host a Calving College webinar and workshop series with webinars scheduled January 19, 26 and February 2, followed by an in-person workshop at the Trip County 4-H Center (815 W. 12th St., Winner, SD 57580) on February 10.

Artificial Insemination school attendee working with a liquid nitrogen filled semen tank.

Artificial Insemination (AI) Checklist

A checklist to prepare for artificial insemination for cattle.

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

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.

A group of red angus cattle.

The Calving Distribution Calculator

Excel calculator for calving distribution

Black angus cow with calf in a well-kept cattle pen.
Dec 17

Preparing for Calving Season Cattle HQ Live

Join us to learn more how organizing the calving season by preparing the calving list, facilities and even personal wellbeing, can make it a successful time of year.