Beef Reproduction and Genetics

All Beef Reproduction and Genetics Content

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 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.

Cow with newborn calf in late-winter pasture.

Preparing for the Calving Season

Calving season is a busy time of year as beef producers prepare themselves for less sleep each night, while spending more time observing cows close to calving. So, what can we do to make calving season less stressful for everyone involved?

Beef calf
Jan 14

Cow/Calf Calving Camp @ Watertown

SDSU Extension will host an interactive Cow/Calf Calving Camp on January 14 from 6:00-9:00 p.m. at Lake Area Technical College in the MET Building (1226 Arrow Ave NE, Watertown, SD 57201).

A group of red angus cattle.

The Calving Distribution Calculator

Excel calculator for calving distribution

Red angus cattle gathered in a feedlot in winter.

Livestock

South Dakota is home to a dynamic livestock industry.

Black angus cow with newborn calf in an early spring pasture.
Jan 06

Cow/Calf Calving Camp @ Mitchell

SDSU Extension will host an interactive Cow/Calf Calving Camp on January 6 from 6:00-9:00 p.m. at SDSU Extension Mitchell Regional Center (1800 E Spruce Street, Mitchell, SD 57301).

Variety of different-colored beef calves in a pen.

Crossbreeding Systems – Maximizing Heterosis & Profit

By using planned breed combinations, producers can improve traits like growth, reproduction, and overall herd performance, helping make better financial and management decisions.

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.