Canadian Beef Cattle Podcast

Bale feeding is common across Canada for all classes of cattle especially during winter months, but how you feed those bales can make a big difference. In this episode, we break down the pros and cons of three common approaches — rolling out or processing bales to feed on pasture, bale grazing and using round bale feeders. Relevant Links: Bale Feeding Options: Pros and Cons of Common Strategies (article) Stored Forages (webpage) Nutrition in Beef Cattle (webpage) Body Condition (webpage)

Canada’s beef industry is built on exports — with most heading to the U.S. and Japan as the second-largest market in 2024. Highly marbled beef is prized differently across countries. Canada and Japan use different grading systems, including different grading sites. The ribeye marbling from the same carcass will always score higher in Japan than in Canada. This episode explores research comparing the different grading systems and the opportunities associated for Canada’s beef industry. Relevant Links: Carcass Grading (webpage) BRD Vaccination Cost-Benefit Calculator (interactive tool)

Bale grazing can cut costs, save labour, and boost pasture health—but it comes with a learning curve. In this episode, three Canadian beef producers share their experiences, tips, and lessons learned on extending winter grazing and why it’s been a game changer for their operations. Relevant Links: Bale Grazing Checks the Boxes for Three Canadian Producers (article) Beat Costs and Boost Yields With Bale Grazing (article) Extended Grazing (webpage) Alberta Beef, Forage & Grazing Centre, Pasture 101, Extended Grazing Systems (webpage) Evaluating Feed Test Results (interactive tool)

Nitrates can pose a serious risk in beef cattle diets when consumed at high levels. Understanding how nitrates work, when they become a concern, and how to manage them effectively is key to protecting both your herd and your bottom line. In this episode, we break down the science, the risks, and the practical management strategies you need to know. Relevant Links: Feed Testing: A Tool for Better Returns (article) Don't Roll The Dice on Forage Quality - Feed With a Plan (article) BRD Vaccination Cost-Benefit Calculator (interactive tool)

High-grain feedlot diets improve feed efficiency and marbling, but they must be managed carefully to protect cattle health and welfare. Forage, often silage, provides the fiber needed to support rumen function—but not all fibers are created equal. The real challenge is striking the right forage-to-concentrate balance, and finding the right type and level of fiber. This episode explores research around this topic and more. Relevant Links: Optimizing Feedlot Efficiency (webpage) Feed Grains For Beef Cattle (webpage) A Tool for Evaluating the Economic Value of Feeds Based on Nutrient Content (interactive tool)

Water is the most critical nutrient for beef cattle, with shortages having immediate and severe impacts — especially in heat or drought. This episode highlights the importance of well-designed water systems for cattle health, productivity, and pasture use, and introduces the BCRC’s updated Water Systems Calculator to help producers weigh costs, benefits, and payback. Relevant Links: Tap Into Savings: Comparing Water Systems for Better Beef Herd Performance (article) Economics of Water Systems Calculator (interactive tool) Water Management for Beef Cattle (webpage) Preconditioning & Backgrounding Calculator (interactive tool)

For Canadian farmers and ranchers, extended grazing systems have proven their worth over the past 25 years—cutting feed costs, improving efficiency, and benefiting the environment. Compared to conventional drylot systems, extended grazing reduces expenses tied to labour, equipment, transportation, planting, harvest, storage, infrastructure, and manure management. In this episode, we’ll explore the history of extended grazing and the progress made along the way. Relevant Links: A Quarter-Century of Progress with Extended Grazing (article) Extended Grazing (webpage) Evaluating Feed Test Results (interactive tool)

Transport regulations have renewed attention on the role of rest stops for weaned calves. While the idea is that breaks during long-haul transport might reduce stress and improve animal welfare, research from 2018–2020 tells a different story. Across all trials, rest stops showed no consistent benefits—and calves that rested actually carried more BRD-related bacteria than those hauled straight through. Tune in to learn why rest stops may pose more risk than reward. Relevant Links: Do Transport Rest Stops Put Calf Health at Risk? (article) Improving Calf Transportation (article) Transport (webpage) Preconditioning & Backgrounding Calculator (interactive tool)

Over the past 25 years, research has helped producers who background and finish beef cattle gain a deeper understanding of how nutrition supports animal health and meets consumer needs. In this episode, we review the key changes over the years and how the industry has adapted to better align with evolving demand. Relevant Links: Evolution in Cattle Feeding, Management and Consumer Demand (article) Nutrition in Beef Cattle (webpage) Hormones & Other Growth Promotants in Beef Production (webpage) Optimizing Feedlot Efficiency (webpage) Environmental Footprint of Beef Production (webpage) Weaning (webpage)

Forage quality plays a critical role in cattle nutrition, yet it’s not always prioritized when management decisions are made. By focusing on quality, producers can often reduce costs—getting more from the forage they already have and cutting back on expensive concentrates and feed additives. In this episode, we explore key factors to consider for making the most of forage quality. Relevant Links: Looking to Make the Most of Forage Quality? Consider These Factors (article) A Tool for Evaluating Feed Test Results (interactive tool) Feed Quality, Testing & Analysis for Beef Cattle (webpage) An Introduction to Farm Records & Benchmarking (webpage) A Tool for Evaluating the Economic Value of Feeds Based on Nutrient Content (interactive tool)

Now that cattle feed has been—or is being—harvested, it’s a good time to start thinking about testing it. While a visual check can help you spot the difference between good and poor-quality feed, it won’t tell you much about energy or protein levels. Only a feed test can give you that information. In this episode, we’ll talk about why feed testing matters, how to do it properly, and how to make sense of the lab results. Relevant Links: Improving Your Bottom Line With the Power of Feed Testing (article) Have You Had Your Feed Tested? (article) Feed Quality, Testing & Analysis For Beef Cattle (webpage) A Tool for Evaluating the Economic Value of Feeds Based on Nutrient Content (interactive tool) Weaning (webpage)

Bovine Viral Diarrhea (BVD) is a serious disease that can lead to abortion, infertility, immune suppression, and calf losses. If the virus crosses the placenta in the first four months of gestation, calves may be born persistently infected and shed high levels of the virus throughout their lives—posing a major risk to unvaccinated cattle. In this episode, we explore why it’s critical to keep BVD out of your herd and how different vaccination protocols can help protect your cattle. Relevant Links: Vaccination Of The Beef Herd (webpage) Cost-Benefit of BVD Vaccinations (interactive tool) Economics of Pregnancy Testing Beef Cattle Model (interactive tool)

Biosecurity hazards on beef operations are sometimes overlooked, but the risk of introducing disease to your farm is real—and more common than many realize. This risk increases in the fall, when cattle return from community pastures, grazing leases, or pastures bordering neighbouring livestock. In this episode, we cover five practical strategies to help prevent sickness before it starts this fall. Until the Cows Come Home: Five Strategies to Stop Sickness Before it Starts this Fall (article) Think you Have a Closed Herd? (interactive graphic) Getting the Dirt on Cleaning Versus Disinfecting (article) Always Look a Gift Cow in the Mouth (article) Tracking Genetic Improvements (course)

Have you ever wondered where your money really goes during the winter-feeding period? Feed costs are easy to identify in a beef cattle operation—but what about the hidden expenses quietly chipping away at your bottom line? That’s where yardage comes in. Yardage is a key factor in managing winter feeding costs for cow-calf operations. In this episode, we explore why yardage matters, how to measure and track it, and how to use those insights to make more informed decisions on your farm. Understanding Yardage Costs in Cow-Calf Operations (article) Cow-Calf Yardage Calculator (interative tool) Cracking the Code on Grazing Management Terminology: Animal Units, AUMS, & How to Apply Them (article) Economics of Pregnancy Testing Beef Cattle Model (interactive tool)

Despite recent rain in some areas, drought continues to hit hard across many parts of Canada, with some regions facing multiple years of dry conditions. If you’re navigating another tough season, this episode shares practical strategies to help protect your beef cattle operation—and your own wellbeing—during drought. Relevant Links: Experiencing Drought? Five Things You Can Do to Help Manage Your Herd, Pastures, and Health (article) How are you, really? (anonymous self-check tool) Toxic Plants (webpage) Drought Management Strategies (webpage) Feed Test Evaluator (interactive tool) Tracking Genetic Improvements (course)

Grazing cattle on neighbouring farmland can benefit both cattle producers and crop farmers when done correctly. In this episode, we explore the advantages of bringing cattle and crops together, featuring experiences from producers in Saskatchewan, Manitoba, and Ontario who have successfully grazed cattle on neighbouring cropland. Relevant Links: The Benefits of Bringing Cattle and Crops Together (article) Grazing Crops (article) Nutrition in Beef Cattle (webpage) Water Systems Calculator (interactive tool)

Raising cattle is a dirty job, and though we do our best to keep the dirt where it belongs, are we being mindful of the germs that could be lurking within? In this episode, we explore the difference between cleaning and disinfecting, how to choose the right products, and resources to help you keep your operation healthy. Relevant Links: Getting the Dirt on Cleaning Versus Disinfecting (article) Preventing a Biosecurity Breach (article) Biosecurity (webpage) Feed Quality, Testing & Analysis for Beef Cattle (webpage and tools)

Cattle producers and veterinarians recognize the need for remote drug delivery devices (RDDDs) when animals can’t be safely caught, handling poses significant risk, or when timely treatment is critical for a positive outcome. In this episode, we explore when RDDD use is appropriate, the pros and cons of these tools, and resources available to help guide decision-making. Learn how to use RDDDs effectively while staying within beef quality guidelines and ensuring safety. Relevant Links: Remote Drug Delivery Devices: What You Need to Know (article) When and How to Treat a Beef Animal Using Remote Drug Delivery (video) Remote Drug Delivery Best Practices for RDDD (resource) Water Systems Calculator (interactive tool)

Dairy-beef refers to animals born from a dairy dam and a beef sire. Management practices for these calves can vary widely between operations. In this episode, we explore both the opportunities and challenges of raising dairy-beef, featuring insights from two experienced producers. Producing Dairy-Beef: Starting off on the Right Hood (article) Dairy-Beef: Shifting From the Parlour to the Feedlot (article) Artificial Insemination (webpage) Value of Calving Distribution Calculator (interactive tool)

Every living thing contains carbon, and everything – including cattle and grasslands – plays a role in the carbon cycle. In this episode, we explore how the carbon cycle works, the role beef production plays in it, and how carbon sequestration and greenhouse gas emissions affect beef producers on their farms. Beef Cattle and the Carbon Cycle (article) Carbon Cycle and Beef Cattle (webpage) Environmental Footprint of Beef Production (webpage) Cow-Calf Record-Keeping Course, Forage and Grasslands Records (course)

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)