Canadian Beef Cattle Podcast

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)

Dr. Bart Lardner and colleagues recently published the results of a forage variety grazing trial conducted at the University of Saskatchewan’s Livestock and Forage Centre of Excellence Relevant Links: Grazing Management (webpage) Comparing Tame Forages Under Grazing (article)

Forested rangelands and partially or completely forested areas are widespread in many areas of Canada. The benefits of using forested areas in grazing includes increased pasture acres, temporarily or permanently, while providing protection for livestock from the elements. Relevant Links: Seeing the Forest Through the Trees Forested Rangeland Grazing (webpage) Forest Grazing Management Actions (graphic)

There are many different methods of rejuvenating or renovating forage stands and strategies vary in intensity, effectiveness, and cost. Breaking old stands and re-seeding forages, while effective, is among the most expensive rejuvenation methods. More producers are opting to improve their older tame pastures and re-seed legumes using a key resource they already have on hand – their cattle herd. Relevant Links: Rejuvenation of Hay and Pasture (webpage) Hooves Not Harrows (article) Subscribe to the BCRC mailing lists (webpage) Extended Grazing (webpage)

When stock water appears abundant and water quality has been consistent in previous years, it’s easy to focus on other things but don’t overlook water testing. Poor quality stock water can lead to reproductive inefficiency, poor gains, disease and in extreme circumstances, death. Relevant Links: Test Stock Water and Reduce Worry (article) Sulphate Interpretation for Livestock Use (chart) Acing Your Next Feed Test (video) Water Systems Calculator (interactive calculator) Water Systems for Beef Cattle (webpage) What’s in Your Water? (webinar) Vaccination of the Beef Herd (webpage)

Deciding whether or how to reseed a pasture or hay stand can be confusing, costly and risky. The Forage U-Pick tool can help you make better, less risky choices, more easily. Relevant links: Forage U-Pick Tool (interactive tool) Forage Species (webpage) Drought Resources (webpage) Choosing Forage Varieties Without Getting Lost in the Weeds (article)

Effective parasite management is a balancing act. On the one hand, controlling parasites is essential for maintaining cattle health, welfare and productivity. On the other hand, over-use of some treatment methods can lead to parasite resistance, which negatively impacts the long-term health of the herd and can also affect the environment. Relevant links: Body Condition Scoring Tool (interactive tool) Feed Testing and Analysis (webpage) Grazing Management (article) Internal Parasites Impacting Beef Cattle (webpage) External Parasites Impacting Beef Cattle (webpage)

With increasing input costs and many regions having poor growing conditions in recent years, there is pressure to reduce input costs wherever possible. It is important to make these decisions carefully – sometimes the short-term savings are out-weighed by much greater long-term costs. Relevant links: https://www.beefresearch.ca/blog/think-twice-before-cutting-vitamins-minerals-and-vaccinations/ https://www.beefresearch.ca/blog/cut-costs-carefully-after-drought/ https://www.beefresearch.ca/blog/copper-deficiency-takes-heavy-toll-2/ https://www.beefresearch.ca/blog/intranasal-vaccines-are-timely-and-effective/ https://www.beefresearch.ca/blog/the-cost-benefit-of-using-vaccines-bovine-respiratory-disease/ https://www.beefresearch.ca/blog/the-cost-benefit-of-using-vaccines-bvd/ https://www.beefresearch.ca/blog/new-vaccination-resources-now-available/

These producers did their homework and planned ahead before shifting their calving seasons in order to meet the needs of their particular farms and families. Show note links: Eastern Canadian Beef Producers Change Their Calving Period (article) Calving Seasons (webpage)

Legendary forage breeder Bruce Coulman will be formally inducted into Saskatchewan’s Agricultural Hall of Fame. By continuing the University of Saskatchewan’s forage breeding program, Bill Biligetu has been able to continue Bruce’s legacy.

Pain management for beef cattle has evolved significantly in the past two decades. Scientists have gained a greater understanding of what pain looks like in an animal and how reducing pain can affect an animal’s well-being. The beef industry has also responded, with the advent of user-friendly, cost-effective pain medications as well as veterinary teams and producers skilled at implementing effective pain mitigation. Relevant links: https://www.beefresearch.ca/topics/pain-mitigation/ https://www.beefresearch.ca/blog/cattle-pain-management/ https://www.beefresearch.ca/blog/can-we-reduce-castration-pain-in-week-old-calves/ https://www.beefresearch.ca/blog/pain-pain-go-away/ https://www.beefresearch.ca/topics/production-practices-on-cow-calf-operations/

High open rates recorded in areas across the west last year mean affected producers should be implementing strategies now to set their herds up for success. Resources mentioned in this week's episode: How to Rebound from High Open Rates (article) Feed Testing and Analysis for Beef Cattle (webpage) Body Condition Scoring (interactive calculator) A Quarter Century of Progress with Extended Grazing (article) Preventing Reproductive Failure in Cow-Calf Herds (webpage) Value of Calving Distribution Calculator (interactive calculator) How to Calculate Carrying Capacity Calculator (article)

Brutal winter weather, stress, and a mystery disease that targeted newborn calves created a perfect storm for one family’s “winter from hell.” Using a One Health Initiative model of care, Tyler and Nancy Haragas, their veterinarians, University of Calgary's Faculty of Veterinary Medicine and Public Health collaborated in diagnosis, recovery and biosecurity. Links: https://www.beefresearch.ca/blog/one-health-principles-help-family-navigate-outbreak/ https://www.beefresearch.ca/topics/biosecurity/ https://open.spotify.com/show/6usRJEXMVPR2uITfOgDfoH

Managing grasslands through drought is not an easy task, but having a plan going in, monitoring pastures and being willing to adapt as the weather changes can prevent pasture decline. Facing pasture productivity challenges head-on can help producers be better poised for recovery and reap the rewards when moisture is abundant. Show note links: https://www.beefresearch.ca/topics/drought-management-strategies/ https://www.beefresearch.ca/blog/how-to-calculate-carrying-capacity-video/ https://www.beefresearch.ca/tools/carrying-capacity-calculator-method-1/ https://www.beefresearch.ca/blog/developing-a-grazing-plan/ https://www.beefresearch.ca/topics/alternative-feeds/ https://www.beefresearch.ca/blog/considerations-when-using-alternative-feeds/ https://www.beefresearch.ca/webinars/raising-heifers-for-reproductive-success/ https://www.beefresearch.ca/blog/decision-making-during-drought/

When research generates a product or practice that fills a real need, producers will adopt it. Tracking producer adoption helps the Beef Cattle Research Council prioritize and focus extension efforts. Links mentioned in this week's episode: https://beefresearch.ca/topics/castration-in-beef-cattle/ https://beefresearch.ca/topics/pain-mitigation/ https://beefresearch.ca/survey/ https://beefresearch.ca/fact-sheets/reducing-the-pain-of-band-castration/

The best record-keeping system is the one that will be used by your operation. Whether it is recipe cards in a tin container or a more advanced digital recording system, if the system is gathering dust on the shelf, it isn’t adding value to your operation. These producers made the switch from paper records to higher tech systems and found greater value in tracking data digitally. Show note links: www.beefresearch.ca/blog/cattle-records-for-chute-side-decisions/ www.beefresearch.ca/topics/record-keeping-benchmarking-intro/ www.beefresearch.ca/blog/courses/ www.beefresearch.ca/webinars/ www.beefresearch.ca/cowbytes/

There are many different types of bulls available, and effective sire selection requires an understanding of the characteristics of the available genetics as well as your own operation. Deliberate alignment of the bull’s genetics to your operational goals will contribute to enhanced revenue and reduced costs. Show Notes: www.beefresearch.ca/blog/bull-selection-what-are-you-looking-for/ www.beefresearch.ca/tools/body-condition/ www.beefresearch.ca/blog/epds/ www.beefresearch.ca/blog/cow-calf-record-keeping-course-for-tracking-genetic-improvements/ www.beefresearch.ca/survey/

In 2021, 31% of farms with cattle reported having 32 head or less and 22% have between 33 and 72. Being a smaller operator can pose challenges when managing a beef herd. Time is often limited and, as with most operations, the purse strings can be tight. Listen to this episode for five management tips that can make a big impact on your bottom line. Relevant links: Five Management Tips for Small Herds (article) Pasture 101 (webpage) Carry Capacity Calculator (interactive tool) Value of Calving Distribution Calculator (interactive tool) Calving Seasons (webpage) Vaccination of the Beef Herd (webpage) Patience, Silence and Observation: Practical Tips to Reducing Stress When Handling Cattle (article) Cow-Calf Record Keeping Courses (free courses)

Vaccine technology, programs and practices are constantly evolving. But cattle can’t take full advantage of the protection that vaccines offer if nutrition is lacking, or disease pressures are too high. In this episode, BCRC Science Director Dr. Reynold Bergen summarize recent study results on Canada-wide beef cattle vaccination practices. Show Notes: www.beefresearch.ca/blog/an-ounce-of-prevention/ www.beefresearch.ca/survey/

There are a range of different beef cattle operations in Canada, and no one breeding program is optimal for all operations. The ideal program will be determined by your operational goals and the management practices that best fit those goals. Show Notes: https://www.beefresearch.ca/blog/epds/ https://www.beefresearch.ca/blog/bull-selection-breeding-programs-that-suit-operational-goals www.beefresearch.ca/cowbytes/

As calving season gets underway for Canadian beef cattle producers, an abundance of sleepless nights can be expected to come with it. Cows will be calving around the clock, leaving little leeway if anything goes wrong. Careful planning becomes important, not only to help calves hit the ground healthy but also in benefiting producers, both physically and mentally, when dealing with the stresses of the calving season. Join us this week for tips and resources to help you prepare for this calving season. Below are the links that should be included in the show notes for the episode: www.beefresearch.ca/calf911 www.beefresearch.ca/topics/biosecurity/ www.beefresearch.ca/blog/cleaning-versus-disinfecting/ www.beefresearch.ca/topics/calving-calf-management www.beefresearch.ca/survey/ www.beefresearch.ca/blog/prepare-for-calving-season/ The Do More Agriculture Foundation: www.domore.ag/crisis-contacts

Antibiotic resistance threatens the effective prevention and treatment of disease in both humans and animals. When microbes are exposed to an antibiotic, those that are susceptible to that antibiotic die out. Those that are resistant to it survive, thrive, reproduce, pass on their resistance genes on to their descendants and become more common. Join us this week as Dr. Reynold Bergen talks why responsible antibiotic use is so important to ensure antibiotics remain effective, and much more. You can read the full article here: https://www.beefresearch.ca/blog/fast-action-at-the-watering-hole/

On average, $0.67 of your $2.50 Canadian Beef Cattle Check-Off came to the BCRC in 2022/23. Most of these dollars support research projects and programs. But most of the BCRC staff hours are spent turning research results into producer resources. That involves collecting production information from across Canada, identifying opportunities (and barriers) to better profitability, mobilizing existing knowledge to help producers exploit those opportunities, and supporting new research to tackle the barriers. Join us this week as Dr. Reynold Bergen talks about how BCRC is collecting this production information and how you can help. Links available for download mentioned in this episode: www.beefresearch.ca/survey www.beefresearch.ca/calf911 www.bodyconditionscoring.ca www.beefresearch.ca/feedtesting www.cowbytes.ca Adoption Rates Report: https://www.beefresearch.ca/content/uploads/2022/04/Adoption_Rates_of_Recommended_Practices_by_Cow-Calf_Operators_in_Canada_-_March_2019_Final.pdf

This podcast highlights how Canadian beef producers continue to make significant progress in making their operations more environmentally sustainable thanks in part to research and extension efforts. You can read the article from this podcast here: https://www.beefresearch.ca/blog/science-confirms-beef-industry-environmental-benefits/ -- The Beef Cattle Research Council is funded by the Canadian Beef Cattle Check-Off and strives for excellence in the production of Canadian beef, cattle and forage through research, innovation and extension. Tune in every Tuesday as the Canadian Beef Cattle Podcast delivers straightforward insights, expert information and a wealth of practical knowledge for Canadian Beef Producers. Subscribe now!

Welcome to the Canadian Beef Cattle Podcast, presented by the Beef Cattle Research Council. The most popular content from beefresearch.ca - available on the go. Each week you’ll hear valuable information on topics ranging from animal health and beef quality to grasslands management and environmental stewardship.” Keep updated on science-based, economic-focused information and how you can use it to benefit your herd, land, and bottom line, and much much more. The Beef Cattle Research Council is funded by the Canadian Beef Cattle Check-Off and strives for excellence in the production of Canadian beef, cattle and forage through research, innovation and extension. Tune in every Tuesday as the Canadian Beef Cattle Podcast delivers straightforward insights, expert information and a wealth of practical knowledge for Canadian Beef Producers. Subscribe now!