Canadian Beef Cattle Podcast

Forage variety matters. A locally developed variety might not be the best choice for your situation and sometimes a variety developed elsewhere might be your best option. Drs. Bill Biligetu (University of Saskatchewan) and Annie Claessens (Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada) recently evaluated how different forage varieties performed under different growing conditions across Canada. Relevant Links: Choosing Forage Varieties Without Getting Lost in the Weeds (article) Forage U-Pick (interactive tool) Forage Species (webpage) Value of Calving Distribution Calculator (interactive tool)

Does grazing management feel overwhelming—full of acronyms and jargon like AUs, AUMs or AUEs that leave you scratching your head? You're not alone. In this episode, we break down what an Animal Unit (AU) is, how Animal Unit Months (AUMs) are calculated, and how to apply them to estimate forage requirements for different types of livestock. By understanding these, you'll be better equipped to match forage demand with supply and make more informed grazing decisions. Cracking the Code on Grazing Management Terminology: Animals Units, AUMs, & How to Apply Them (article) Carrying Capacity Calculator (interactive tool) Grazing Management (webpage) Vaccination of the Beef Herd (webpage)

As humans transitioned from nomadic hunter-gatherers to settled agricultural societies, domesticated cattle became a cornerstone of farming life. Their natural resilience to disease made them an ideal livestock choice. But even hardy animals like beef cattle face health threats. In this episode, we explore common high-risk situations that could compromise your herd's health—and share practical, preventative strategies producers can use to protect their cattle and keep herds thriving. Relevant Links: The Best Offense is Defense: 15 Plays to Keep you Beef Herd Safe (article) Think You Have a Closed Herd? (interactive resource) Biosecurity (webpage) Cow-Calf Record-Keeping Course, Forage and Grasslands Records (course)

Developing a grazing plan is an important first step to ensure effective grazing management on an operation, and it can help save a producer on their cost of production in the long run. A grazing plan that matches animal numbers to predicted forage yields is something that should be done prior to animal turn out. This episode we will review several key steps that should be included in a grazing plan. Relevant Links: Developing a Grazing Plan: Making the Most of the Forage you Have Available (article) Grazing Management (webpage) Managing & Planning Grazing (webpage) BCRC Carrying Capacity Calculator (interactive tool) Vaccination of the Beef Herd (webpage)

Food safety underpins consumer confidence and demand for Canadian beef. Canada’s researchers develop effective solutions that help to prevent food safety problems from arising, and the check-off you pay helps fund their work. Relevant Links: Food Safety is Rocket Science (article) E.coli (webpage) BCRC Carrying Capacity Calculator (interactive tool)

In this episode, we explore how to rejuvenate forage stands—whether for hay or pasture—by using practical methods to boost productivity. Learn how shifting to higher-yielding, more nutritious forage species can improve livestock health and farm efficiency. Relevant Links: Forage Rejuvenation: Fertilization and the Influence on Soil pH (article) Rejuvenation of Hay & Pasture (webpage) Rangeland & Riparian Health (webpage) Forage U-Pick (interactive tool)

Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) is a highly contagious virus with serious consequences for the beef industry. Effective on-farm biosecurity measures can help prevent the disease from entering, spreading within, and leaving your herd. In this episode, we’ll highlight practical tools and strategies to support disease prevention, along with resources to help you identify the signs of FMD and take action to stop its spread. These efforts are essential to protecting both your herd and the Canadian livestock industry from the health and economic impacts of foreign animal diseases like FMD. Relevant Links: Practical Tools to Protect Canadian Livestock from Foot and Mouth Disease (article) Animal Health Canada (webpage) Food and Mouth Disease in Cattle - Spot the Signs, Stop the Spread (resource) Protect Canadian Livestock form Food and Mouth (video) How to Spot the Signs of Foot and Mouth Disease in Livestock (video) How to Stop the Spread of Foot and Mouth Disease in Livestock (video) Foot and Mouth Disease (webpage) Biosecurity (webpage)

The goal of a cow-calf operation should be for each breeding female to deliver a healthy calf to weaning each year. While this sounds simple enough, there is a long list of variables that must fall into place before that can happen. In this episode, we’re breaking down the key considerations to keep in mind when it comes to your beef cattle breeding program. From timing and nutrition to herd health and preg checking - to help you improve outcomes and boost productivity. Relevant Links: Birds and Beef and Breeding Beef Cattle (article) Breeding Cow Management (webpage) Bull Management (webpage) Pregnancy Detection Tool, interactive tool) Tighten the Calving Season: How to Increase Profitability Through Calving Distribution (resources) Carrying Capacity Calculator (interactive tool)

With drought a recurring reality in many regions across Canada, you might wonder what affects pastures more – the drought, or overgrazing during drought? Recent work from the University of Alberta studied how grazing season and intensity affected forage yield and root mass under drought conditions. Relevant Links: Icebergs and Native Forages - What You Can't See Can Sink You (article) Grazing Management (webpage) Drought-Related Resources for Cattle Producers (webpage) Bull Valuation Calculator (interactive tool)

Polycrops, also known as cover crops, forage mixtures, or cocktail crops, are gaining popularity among beef producers for improving soil health, managing grazing, boosting cow performance, and enhancing resilience to changing weather. However, like many farming practices, the results can vary depending on location, weather, and management strategies. The Living Lab Central Prairies program has been growing polycrops on producer operations, evaluating both the long- and short-term impacts. In this episode, we’ll explore the challenges, successes, and lessons learned from the beef producers who have participated. Relevant Links: Polycrops: Challenges, Triumphs and Valuable Lessons from Beef Producers (article) Living Lab Central Prairies (website) Cover Crops (webpage) Calf 911 Checklists (printable resources) Calf 911 - How to Manage Colostrum to Allow Newborn Calves to Thrive (resources)

Calving season is a busy time, and there are many factors that contribute to a healthy calf being born. While some of these factors are beyond our control, we can prepare for the possibility of difficult calving. In this episode, we’ll review the steps to take when intervening to assist a cow having a challenging calving. Relevant Links: Calf 911 - How to Intervene with a Difficult Calving (article) Calf 911 How to Intervene with a Difficult Calving (video) Calf 911 Calving Decision Tree (printable resource) Dystocia (resources) Calving Health and Management (resources) Forage U-Pick (interactive tool)

Are you looking to boost pasture productivity and increase your feed supply? There are several beneficial management practices that can help you achieve these goals. In this episode, we will explore a variety of methods, featuring firsthand experiences from three producers who have successfully implemented the follow: intercropping wheat and Italian ryegrass, tame pasture rejuvenation, forage mixtures for silage, and maintaining optimal species composition through intensive grazing. Tune in for top tips on how to succeed with each of these approaches! Relevant Links: Utilizing Annual and Perennial Forages to Improve Productivity (article), Alberta Agri-Systems Living Labs case studies (articles) Forage U-Pick (interactive tool) Calf 911 Checklists (printable resources)

Calving season is busy, and there’s a lot to manage when it comes to cow and calf care. However, colostrum management should be at the top of your list. This episode features the audio form a recent video with Dr. Claire Windeyer, where she shares the latest research on managing colostrum for beef calves. She covers what to look for, when to take action, and how to ensure calves get this vital "liquid gold," all backed by science. Relevant Links: Colostrum Management for Beef Calves (video) Calving and Calf Management (webpage) Calf 911: How to Handle Colostrum So Newborn Calves Thrive (video) Carrying Capacity Calculator (interactive tool)

Vaccines teach the immune system to recognize what particular pathogens look like, so that it can respond more quickly and effectively if those pathogens are ever encountered in real life. Like any other teaching exercise, repeating the lesson helps it to sink in and establish a stronger memory. Vaccines are the same, so revaccinating or boosting strengthens the immune memory. Listen to learn more! Relevant Links: Vaccines: Use as Directed (article) Bull Valuation Calculator (interactive tool) Vaccination of the Beef Herd (webpage) Understanding the Five W's of Beef Cattle Injection (article) Injection Techniques Best Practices for Beef Cattle (pamphlet)

Carrying capacity is the amount of forage available for grazing animals in a pasture. Accurately calculating it is key to setting the right stocking rate, ensuring animal productivity, and maintaining grassland health. The BCRC Carrying Capacity Calculator includes two methods for calculating carrying capacity: Method #1, using forage estimates from provincial guides, and Method #2, the field-based "clip and weigh" method. This podcast episode will explain the four steps involved in each approach. Listen to learn more! Relevant Links: Two Methods, Four Steps for Calculating Carrying Capacity (article) Carrying Capacity Calculator (Interactive Tool) Provincial Guides: British Columbia Rangeland Ecology Alberta Ecological site and community guides, Range Reference Areas Saskatchewan Rangeland Ecosystems: Ecosite Guide (2015) Manitoba Rangeland Classification Grazing Game Plan - How o Develop a Grazing Plan (webinar) Grazing Management (article) Calf 911 Checklists (printable resources)

Forage plays a crucial role in providing annual feed for beef cattle. New varieties enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of the grazing season however, selecting the right forage variety to meet the needs of each unique operation and feeding scenario can be challenging. This podcast episode explores the benefits of new varieties and provides key considerations for choosing the best option for your operation. It also highlights valuable resources to assist in the selection process. Relevant Links: Out with the Old, In with the New (article) Choosing Forage Varieties Without Getting Lost in the Weeds (article and podcast episode) Forage Species (webpage) Improving Forage Yields (webpage) Forage U-Pick (interactive tool)

The investment in a herd sire is often a large purchase for a cow-calf operation. To ensure this investment will remain in the herd, breeding bulls must be properly maintained during and between breeding seasons. Dr. Colin Palmer, a specialist in animal reproduction, shares factors to consider and best practices when sourcing and maintaining bulls. Relevant Links: Protecting Your Investment: Bull Management (article) Bull Management (webpage) BCRC Webinar Series

The requirement for a “Veterinary-Client-Patient Relationship” (VCPR) before all antibiotics could be prescribed or sold came into force in 2018, and was designed to ensure that the right antibiotics are used in the right animals, at the right dose, at the right time. This episode will explore findings from Dr. Cheryl Waldner and colleagues at the Western College of Veterinary Medicine on the impacts of this change on antibiotic use in Canadian cow-calf herds. Relevant Links: Responsible Antibiotic Use on Canadian Cow-Calf Operations (article) Remote Drug Delivery (webpage) Veterinary-Client-Patient Relationship (VCPR) (webpage) How to Spot Dehydration in Young or Scouring Calves (article and video)

Calf diarrhea (scours) is the leading cause of death in calves between two and 30 days of age. In this podcast, we explore one Nova Scotia producer’s battle with calf scours, along with proper management and prevention strategies to minimize the risk of scours in your herd. Featuring expert advice from veterinarians across Eastern and Western Canada, this episode will provide valuable insights to help you reduce the risk of calf scours on your farm. Relevant Links: Proper Management Key to Reducing Calf Scours (article) How Fresh Pens and Pastures Prevent Calf Losses (article) How to Spot Dehydration in Young or Scouring Calves (article and video) Calf 911 Checklists (printable resources) Records for Tracking Genetic Improvement (free e-course)

Purchasing the best bull for your operation starts with good record keeping to identify your operation’s strengths and weaknesses. From there you can work to narrow down your search based on your breeding system, genetic goals and budget. The following tips can help guide you in the process of purchasing your next herd sire. Bull Selection to Improve Your Bottom Line (article) Bull Selection: Using Economically Relevant Traits (article) Bull Selection: New Calculator to Determine the Value of a Bull (article) Bull Valuation Calculator (tool) How to Evaluate Newborn Calves Using the Calf VIGOR Scoring System (article and video)

With newborn calves comes risk for disease and dehydration. Having the skills to quickly identify dehydration and knowing methods for early intervention can have a meaningful reduction in the rate of calf illness and death on your farm. This episode will review the steps that can be followed to evaluate dehydration and health status of young calves in order to develop a successful treatment plan. Relevant Links: How to Spot Dehydration in Young Calves (article) Calving & Calf Management (webpage) Calf 911: Emergency Support for Distressed Newborn Calves (videos) Calf 911: Dehydration Checklist (resource guide) Acidosis - Ruminal (webpage) BCRC Webinar Series

A “microbiome” is all the microbes (bacteria, fungi, viruses, and their genes) living in a specific environment, and how they all interact with each other. Imbalanced microbiomes can cause numerous issues for cattle, including rumen acidosis, bloat, bovine respiratory disease, and liver abscesses. To adjust an established microbiome can be challenging, but it may be effective to intervene early in a calf’s life. Relevant Links: Microbiome – The Little Things May Mean a Lot (article) How to Manage Colostrum to Allow Newborn Calves to Thrive (article) Emergency Support for Distressed Newborn Calves (Calf 911 Resources)

With winter taking a foothold across Canada, it is important to monitor how cattle are coping with the cold and how it is impacting their ability to remain productive. Learn six tips for managing beef cattle during cold weather. Relevant Links: Six Tips for Managing Beef Cattle in Cold Weather (article) Winter Management of Beef Cattle (webpage) Water Systems for Beef Cattle (webpage) Body Condition (interactive tool) Calf 911 (videos and printables) Records for Tracking Genetics Improvement (free e-course)

There are many aspects of a producer’s day-to-day life that are out of their control. The weather, including precipitation, winds and plummeting temperatures, can test the best-made plans in the most organized of operations. Relevant Links: Ready or Not Calving is Coming – Plan Ahead for a Streamlined Calving Season (article) Biosecurity (webpage) Steps to Reduce Disease in Newborn Calves (webinar recording) Early Calf Life Survival (webinar recording) Vaccination of the Beef Herd (webpage) Calf 911 Checklists (webpage)

Are smaller cows more efficient? They need less feed and wean calves that are a higher percentage of their body weight. In contrast, large cows need more feed, more pasture, and wean calves that are smaller relative to cow size. But what is the right size cow for your operation? Relevant Links: Big Cows and Big Questions? (article) Record Keeping for Tracking Genetic Improvements (e-course) Genes Behind the Scenes (article)

The Sandhills System involves moving pregnant cows on to different “clean” ground while leaving freshly calved pairs in the field they were born in. This method helps minimize direct contact between older calves and younger calves and reduces the transfer of viruses and the build-up of disease-causing pathogens in the calving area. Relevant Links: The Sandhills Strategy (article) How to Simplify Planning for Strategic Calving (recording) How to Manage Colostrum to Allow Newborn Calves to Thrive (article and video) Calving and Calf Management (webpage) Proper Management Key to Minimize Risk of Calf Scours (article)

Just as every farm operates with an independent set of circumstances, and every farmer is unique themselves, calving season is going to look different on every operation. There is no one right method or time of year to calve a cow herd. Relevant links: Calving Season Timing and Transition (article) Calving and Calf Management (webpage) Calf 911 Resources Records for Tracking Genetic Improvements (e-course)

In beef production, genetics play a critical role in management and profitability. To overcome challenges in accessing data to make breeding and feeding decisions, the Canadian Beef Breed Council (CBBC) embarked on an initiative called the Canadian Beef Improvement Network (CBIN), which will help to standardize information across breeds. Relevant Links: Genetic IQ: Defining Traits That Matter in Your Herd (article) Keeping Production Data to Improve the Supply Chain (webinar recording) EPDs: What Do All Those Numbers Mean? (article) Genetics Record-Keeping (webpage) Record Keeping for Tracking Genetic Improvements (free e-course) Advancing Genetic Improvement Across the Canadian Beef Industry (research summary) BCRC Webinar Series (webpage)

University of Saskatchewan researchers evaluated the performance of mature, pregnant cows winter-grazed on snaplage residue, high-moisture corn stover or whole-plant barley over a two year period. Relevant links: Extended Grazing (webpage) Evaluating Forage Species for Stockpiled Forages (fact sheet)

Harvesting, storing and delivering a beef herd’s winter rations are the largest expense for most operations. Even small improvements in a winter feed system can result in significant feed cost savings. Relevant Links: 11 Ways to Avoid Feed Waste This Winter (article) Feed Quality, Testing and Analysis (webpage) Stored Forages (webpage) Extended Grazing (webpage) Body Condition Scoring (webpage) How to Manage Body Condition of Beef Cows to Improve Profit (video)

With winter rolling in across Canada, you may be turning to extended grazing to help keep cattle out on pasture longer. Grazing standing corn has many benefits, including being a high-energy forage, but can also pose animal health risks if not managed properly. Relevant links: Seven Tips for Grazing Corn (article) Extended Grazing (webpage) Strategies for Fall and Winter Grazing (article) Feed Quality, Testing and Analysis (webpage) 10 Tips for Planting Corn (article) CowBytes Ration Balancing Software Beef on the Planet Podcast Refining Corn Grazing Recommendations (webinar recording)

Corn is a standard ingredient in feedlot diets in Eastern Canada. With ambitious breeding efforts underway to develop short-season corn varieties, new research has evaluated replacement of barley ingredients with corn in Western Canadian feedlot diets. Relevant Links: Feed Grains for Beef Cattle (webpage) Nutrition in Beef Cattle (webpage) Optimizing Feedlot Efficiency (webpage)

The benefits of minimizing stress for beef cattle are wide ranging. The good news is reducing stress is entirely possible. In many cases, inexpensive changes or tweaks can benefit herd – and family – dynamics. Relevant Links: Patience, Silence & Observation – Practical Tips to Reducing Stress When Handling Cattle (article) Cattle Transport (webpage) CowBytes Ration balancing Software

The revised Transportation of Animals regulations require longer and more frequent feed, water and rest stops during long-haul transport. Research data suggests that those rest stops may post a risk to calves. Relevant Links: Do Transport Rest Stops Put Calf Health at Risk (article) Transport (webpage) Stored Forages (webpage)

Lameness is the second leading reason that feedlot cattle are pulled and given antibiotics. Understanding the cause of lameness is important to making appropriate treatment decisions. Show Note links: Lameness in Beef Cattle (webpage) Transport (webpage) Mycotoxins (webpage)

Bale grazing is a method of extensive wintering grazing. Cattle graze bales on pastures and hay fields, typically through controlled access by electric fence. Bales can be purchased or grown on-farm and placed strategically in cells or “bale pods.” Show note links: Beat Costs and Boost Yields With Bale Grazing (article) Extended Grazing (webpage) Feed Quality, Testing and Analysis for Beef Cattle (webpage) Winter Feed Cost Comparison Calculator (interactive calculator)

Knowing which production practices producers are adopting in different regions of the country, which they aren’t (and why) helps us target our producer-focused extension efforts better. The official report isn’t out yet, but here’s a sneak peek at some seasonally relevant results. Show Notes links: Results of the Inaugural Canadian Cow-Calf Survey (article) CowBytes ration balancing software

Although many regions of Canada received rainfall this spring, there are still areas that are experience moderate to severe drought conditions. The following tips and considerations can help to get lightweight calves started off on the right foot. Show notes links: Tips for Starting Lightweight Cattle on Feed (article) Weaning (webpage) Alternative Feeds (webpage) Preconditioning (webpage) Stored Forages (webpage)

The inaugural Canadian Cow-Calf Survey collected data from six hundred producers across nine provinces on the 2022 breeding season through the 2023 weaned calf crop, as well as reasoning and rationale for some practices. Results will be used to help the BCRC prioritize research and extension strategies funded by the research allocation of the Canadian Beef Cattle Check-Off to support producers with different types of herds and operations in various regions. Show note links: Results of the Inaugural Canadian Cow-Calf Survey (article) https://www.beefresearch.ca/survey/ https://www.beefresearch.ca/tools/cow-calf-production-indicators-calculator/

When we hear stories of farms from previous generations, mixed operations are often the tradition, where people grew crops and had some cattle and other livestock as well. With economies of scale and farm size increasing, farms have generally become more specialized. However, recent rises in input costs and climate crises such as drought have many producers rethinking integrated farming operations. Show note links: Grazing Cattle on Cropland Can Be Mutually Beneficial (article) The Benefits of Bringing Cattle and Crops Together (article) Grazing Crops (webpage)

As we move into late summer, planning ahead for the coming fall and winter months is always time well spent, especially when considering the nutritional needs of the beef herd. Winter feeding can be costly and labor-intensive work. Show notes links: Strategies for Fall and Winter Grazing: Eastern Canadian Perspectives (article) Extended grazing (webpage)

Local alternative feeds can be effective and economical additions to beef cattle rations. However, careful management is required to avoid potential problems and to ensure the nutritional requirements of the type of cattle being fed are met. Show note links: Considerations When Using Alternative Feeds – Have You Done Your Homework? (article) Alternative feeds (webpage) Feed Quality, Testing and Analysis (webpage) Economic Value of Feeds (interactive tool) CowBytes (ration balancing software)

The cattle you raise and the beef they produce are the result of two factors – their genetic potential, and the environment they’re raised in. Show note links: Genomics and Genetic Testing (webpage) EPDs: What Do All Those Numbers Mean?(article) Beef Quality Grading (webpage) Genomics 101 (webinar) Genetic IQ: Defining Traits That Matter in Your Beef Herd (article) Genetics Record Keeping (webpage) Genes Behind The Scenes (article)

Cattle that consume feeds contaminated with the plant disease ergot can have reduced feed intake, gangrene of extremities, lameness, loss of pregnancy and heat stress. Show note links: Ergot in Feed (article) Mycotoxins (webpage) Feed Quality and Testing (webpage)

Regional variation in the trace mineral content of forages and soils creates high risk areas where trace mineral deficiencies in beef cattle are more likely to occur. Therefore, supplemental mineral sources need to be provided to prevent production declines, animal health events or reproductive wrecks. Show note links: Nutrition in Beef Cattle (webpage) Be Mindful of Minerals (article) Copper Deficiency Takes Heavy Toll (article) CowBytes Ration Balancing Software Vaccination of the Beef Herd (webpage) Supplementation Matters (article)

Polycrops, intercrops, cover crops and cocktail crops are different terms that all encompass planting mixed crop species for livestock feed. Show Note links: Polycrop Potential: 12 Tips for Using Mixed Forage Crops (article) Setting Goals and Adding Diversity is Key for Intercropping (article) Cover Crops (webpage) The Benefits of Bringing Cattle and Crops Together (article) Feed Quality, Testing and Analysis (webpage)

Across the country, a growing number of dairy-beef cross calves sourced from Canada and the United States are appearing in Canadian feedlots, a sight that has raised understandable concern for many cow-calf producers. One of these concerns has been how their feeder calves will compete for feedlot spaces against less expensive dairy-beef crosses. Relevant links: Dairy-Beef: Shifting From the Parlour to the Feedlot (article) Producing Dairy-Beef: Starting Off on the Right Hoof (article) Carcass Grading (webpage) Optimizing Feedlot Efficiency (webpage) Extended Grazing (webpage)

When making changes to your beef cattle operation, starting with simple manageable steps is the key to long-lasting improvements. This is the case when it comes to the concept of “take half, leave half,” which is a basic rule of thumb for grazing management that can be effectively implemented in any region, in good weather years and bad. Show note links: How “take half, leave half” can be a good approach for grazing (video) Grazing Management (webpage) Optimizing Pasture Health: A Practical Guide to Take Half, Leave Half Grazing (article) CowBytes Ration Balancing Software Water Systems for Beef Cattle (webpage)

Today, there are animal injection best practices that have become widely known in the beef industry as “just the right thing to do.” These cattle injection techniques are recommended to help farmers produce safe beef for the consumer and maintain Canada’s high reputation for beef quality. Show notes: The Five W’s of Beef Cattle Injections (article) Vaccination of the Beef Herd (webpage) Vaccine Handling Tips (one-page guide) Injection Best Practices for Beef Cattle (video) Waters Systems for Beef Cattle Calculator (interactive tool)

One of the major limitations to grazing new paddocks, pastures or intensifying grazing systems, is ensuring cattle have consistent access to clean water. Two Eastern Canadian beef producers offer insights into the water systems that they have implemented on their operations. Relevant links: Water Systems for Beef Cattle (webpage) Water Systems on Pasture (article) Water Systems Calculator (interactive calculator) Rangeland and Riparian Health (webpage) How Quickly Do Water Systems Pay for Themselves? (article)