Extension Beef Cattle Reproduction Workshop Offers Demos, Hands-On Learning For Cattle Producers

Sep 08, 2026

By Tracy Courage

Beef cattle producers can get insights into breeding, pregnancy diagnosis and animal selection at a beef cattle reproduction workshop on Sept. 25 at the Southwest Research and Extension Center, located at 362 Hwy 174 North in Hope, Arkansas.

The one-day workshop will be held from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Registration is $40 and includes lunch. The registration and payment deadline is Sept. 22. Producers can register at https://uada.formstack.com/forms/beef_cattle.

Ramiro Oliveira, assistant professor and extension beef cattle production specialist for the University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture, will lead the workshop. Topics to be covered include:

Establishing a breeding season
Estrous synchronization, artificial insemination and natural service
Pregnancy testing through palpation, ultrasound and blood testing
Culling and animal selection

Participants will also get hands-on training in blood sample collection, chute-side pregnancy testing, and synchronization protocol.

Source : uada.edu

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In this episode of The Swine it Podcast Show, Dr. Neil DeBuse from Kalmbach Feeds and Dr. Steve Tousignant from Vaxxinova US discuss PRRS management strategies, recombination risks, whole genome sequencing, and the role of autogenous immunization programs in swine systems. They highlight practical approaches to improving immunity, reducing outbreaks, and advancing PRRS control across production systems. Listen now on all major platforms!

"Being PRRS negative sooner is a real key for eradication because every additional positive week increases production losses and viral exposure risks." - Dr. Neil DeBuse

Meet the guest: Dr. Neil DeBuse is a veterinarian at Kalmbach Feeds with more than 30 years of experience in swine health and production. His work focuses on PRRS control, biosecurity, immunity, and improving production stability across commercial swine systems in the United States and internationally.

Dr. Steve Tousignant is Director of the Swine Business Unit and Technical Services Veterinarian at Vaxxinova US, with a DVM and PhD from the University of Minnesota. His experience combines epidemiology, technical services, and practical immunization strategies designed to support consistent herd performance and long-term production stability. Don’t miss the chance to be part of the Swine Inner Circle!