Beef Reproduction and Genetics

All Beef Reproduction and Genetics Content

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.

Group of producers gathered at a bull sale.

How to Read Expected Progeny Differences (EPDs)

Bull sale season is here and many cattlemen are likely scanning websites and catalogs in search or their next herd sire. Expected Progeny Differences (EPDs) are a tool to aid selection by comparing traits between animals within the same breed.

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).

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.

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.

A group of black heifer calves in a feedlot.

Apr 16

Estrous Synchronization with Natural Service 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 cover how estrous synchronization can be an effective and cost-efficient tool to be used with bulls.