Joslyn Kay Beard

Interests

Research

Dr. Beard’s lab studies the interaction of nutrition and reproduction in cow-calf operations grazing extensive rangelands in Arizona, as it relates to fetal programming and adaptation to the environment. Our lab focuses on beef cattle management from drought implications on cow mineral reserve to the metabolic and reproductive challenges from heat stress in developing replacement heifers, along with applying precision livestock management technologies to help offset 21st century challenges faced in the ranching community. Our long-term research goal is to identify markers of efficiency in cow-calf systems in an effort to facilitate a more resilient and sustainable product in all sectors of the beef industry. Additionally, due to Dr. Beards extension activities her lab also focuses on producer driven research from understanding cattle weaning management preferences, to optimal supplementation strategies for cattle grazing in the semi-arid desert to mountain regions of Arizona, and even understanding optimal crop grazing species in small ruminant animal production systems. Our approach with producer driven research is a broader spectrum to better capture the diversified needs of our producer groups, as well as using a collaborative systems approach to better serve Arizona’s livestock producers.

Courses

Scholarly Contributions

Presentations

• Beard, J. (2022, February). Body Conditon Score Use in Your Cattle Herd. National Society of Range Management Producer Workshop. Albuquerque, NM: Society of Range Management.
• Beard, J., Thompson, A. B., & Greene, E. A. (2022, October). ALIRT BOLO: A new rapid communication tool for livestock owners about emerging diseases and toxic plants threatening the health and safety of their animals. Chad Reid NACAA PIC Western Regional Meeting. Tucson, AZ: National Association of County Agricultural Agents.

Other Teaching Materials

• Beard, J. (2022. Arizona Beef Quality Assurance 101. University of Arizona-Cooperative Extension.
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  Inforgraphic on the beef quality assurance program in Arizona
• Beard, J. (2022. Supplementing my beef herd: is your cow able to eat as much forage as she wants?. University of Arizona-Cooperative Extension.
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  Inforgraphic to help producers make supplementation decisions.
• Beard, J. (2022. Trichomoniasis and your cattle herd. University of Arizona-Cooperative Extension.
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  Infographic on trich and updates AZ state law surrounding testing.
• Beard, J. (2022. Using artifical insemination for your cow herd. University of Arizona-Coopertive Extenison.
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  Inforgraphic on artifical insemination for AZ beef producers
• Beard, J. (2022. Why your cattle operation should have a biosecurity plan. University of Arizona-Cooperative Extension.
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  Inforgraphic on creating a biosecurity plan for beef producers.
• Beard, J. K. (2021. Cow Body Condition Score To Manage Your Beef Herd. University of Arizona Cooperative Extension.
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  Handout was created in an effort to offer a visual guide on beef body conditioning. The guide has visual aids on what to look for when conducting a body condition score (BCS), along with offering insight on the scientific importance of BCS and when to BCS cattle throughout a production year.
• Beard, J. K. (2021. Injection Site Management Tips. University of Arizona Cooperative Extension-AZ BQA.
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  The poster acts as visual reference tool for producers on the proper techniques associated with BQA. The posters are designed for all ages and have been distributed across the state to county extension agents, feed stores, and veterinary services in an effort to reach all producers.