Canadian Beef Cattle Podcast

You can provide cattle a high-quality mineral package, but if those nutrients can't be absorbed, much of that investment is left on the table. This episode explores how mineral antagonists such as sulfur, molybdenum and iron can interfere with trace mineral absorption, and how the bioavailability of different mineral sources can affect their value to the animal. Understanding what cattle absorb, n...

Winter feeding is one of the largest costs for Canadian cow-calf producers, and how it's managed can have a big impact on both herd health and the bottom line. In this episode, we look at common winter-feeding strategies and discuss the benefits and challenges of each. We'll also cover practical ways to make the most of your winter-feeding program, including feed testing, ration balancing and regu...

Mycotoxins can be hidden hazards in beef cattle diets, causing issues such as impaired immunity, poor growth, reduced reproductive performance and lameness. In this episode, we discuss what mycotoxins are, when cattle are most at risk, signs of toxicity and practical steps producers can take to prevent and reduce their impact on cattle health. Relevant Links: Hidden Hazards: The Challenge with Myc...

Beef Cattle Research Council Proof of Concept projects are designed to test new technologies, practices and research ideas on a small scale before investing in larger projects. This episode highlights three projects and how each has answered the question it set out to investigate, uncovered unexpected findings or pointed towards next steps. Regardless of the outcome, these Proof of Concept project...

Parasites can quietly impact cattle health, performance and profitability. This episode explores practical strategies for monitoring and managing internal and external parasites, with a focus on targeted treatment, grazing management and slowing resistance to dewormers. Learn how an assess-first approach can help producers make more informed treatment decisions, protect herd health and keep parasi...

Foreign material and toxin consumption in beef cattle can lead to serious health issues, reduced performance and economic losses, even on well-managed farms and ranches. In this episode, we explore how foreign materials and toxins can unintentionally enter feed, water and pastures. We discuss common risks including hardware disease, twine and net wrap.   Relevant Links: From a Piece of Wire to Con...

When beef cattle producers administer injections, the choices they make can have a significant impact on both effectiveness of the products being administered and carcass quality at the end of the production chain. Even when cattle are far from entering the food supply, overlooking proper injection practices can have broader consequences that affect the entire industry. In this episode, we explore...

Internal parasites can steal valuable nutrients from cattle and impact herd performance. In this episode we’ll explore how parasite loads develop, the impacts of good grazing management and research from the Western College of Veterinary Medicine examining the effects of different deworming strategies on cattle growth, production and carcass quality.   Relevant Links:  Is Something Worming Its Way...

Weaning is one of the most critical and stressful events in a calf's life, and the way it is managed can have lasting effects on calf health, performance and overall welfare. In this episode, we explore the most common weaning methods used. We discuss the advantages, challenges and management consideration of each approach, including differences in labour requirements, calf stress and health outco...

Even clean pastures and well-maintained handling facilities can contain hidden hazards that are not immediately visible. A single piece of metal or a stray shotgun pellet can go unnoticed in cattle during production and may only be discovered during processing. This episode discusses common sources of foreign material, why foreign material contamination matters and what beef producers can do to re...

This special episode brings together key insights, tips and strategies from past episodes into one must-listen edition. Whether you’re a new producer or a seasoned rancher, this episode is packed with practical information to help you plan, prepare and feed with a plan this winter.   Relevant Links:  Improve Your Bottom Line With the Power of Feed Testing (article) Bale Feeding Options: Pros and C...

Biosecurity risks on beef operations are often underestimated. Diseases can be introduced through common practices such as shared fence lines, purchasing replacement animals, borrowing equipment, hosting visitors or wildlife interactions. In this episode, we discuss why no herd is completely closed and share practical steps to develop a biosecurity plan that helps protect herd health and reduce th...

In this episode, we look at what over 500 Canadians across the beef sector told the Beef Cattle Research Council to help guide research and knowledge mobilization priorities for the next five years through the development of the Five-Year Canadian Beef Research and Knowledge Mobilization Strategy. We’ll explore why having a shared strategy is important to help ensure research and communication eff...

Growth implants are one of the most researched and cost-effective technologies available to beef producers, yet their use on Canadian cow-calf operations remains relatively low. In this episode we explore the performance and economic benefits of growth implants and address common questions about labour requirements, animal health, implant procedures and other factors that often influence adoption...

Inviting people onto your beef operation, whether for tours, sales or casual stock viewings, is a valuable way to build connections and share your story. However, it also comes with an important responsibility. Every visitor, from neighbours and tourists to friends and family, can unintentionally bring in or spread disease, making biosecurity a critical part of any on-farm visit. In this episode,...

Not all forage is created equal, and not all cows have the same nutritional needs. Matching forage quality to herd requirements throughout the production year can reduce costs and improve productivity, but it requires more than just a visual assessment. Feed testing is the first step and understanding how to use the results is just as important. Nutrition drives reproduction and performance and gu...

Beef is an excellent source of nutrients for people, but it is also an excellent nutrient source for microbes. To better understand how food safety is maintained in beef processing environments, researchers partnered with a major Canadian beef packing plant to examine bacteria throughout the cleaning process. Their findings reinforced the effectiveness of rigorous cleaning protocols and strong foo...

 Haying season is underway and the work doesn't stop once the bales are made. Proper hay storage is essential for preserving valuable nutrients, minimizing losses and ensure livestock have access to high-quality feed throughout the winter months. In this short and sweet episode, we discuss six key considerations for maintaining hay quality in storage and maximizing the value of your feed supply.  ...

Every breeding decision shapes the future of your herd. Cattle have a long generation interval, so the bulls and replacement females you select today can influence productivity, profitability and performance for years to come. Understanding which traits are highly heritable, how different traits are connected and how to use selection tools effectively can help ensure your breeding program is movin...

In this episode, we explore how one ranching family in British Columbia is navigating the growing challenges of water stewardship, conservation and climate change. From upgrading irrigation systems, building off-stream watering infrastructure to protecting wildlife habitat and advocating for agricultural water rights, they demonstrate how proactive planning, innovation and collaboration are essent...

Healthy and productive pastures are essential for sustainable beef cattle operations, but invasive weeds and brush can reduce forage quality, impact livestock health and alter native ecosystems. Managing these challenges requires long-term strategic approaches that may include multiple control methods to reduce weed pressure while supporting pasture productivity and environmental stewardship. In t...

Legumes are one of the most economical ways to improve feed quality, pasture performance and cattle productivity. Alfalfa has received the most breeding focus and is the most common and productive legume available, however, combining strong yields, grazing tolerance and winter hardiness in a single variety remains a challenge. In this episode, we explore Canadian research examining how different a...

This episode explores how a community pasture co-operative in Nova Scotia is modernizing its grazing system through improved water management and upgraded infrastructure. Historically dependent on a single natural water source, the pasture faced challenges such as uneven grazing, declining summer water availability and environmental impacts from direct livestock access. The co-operative introduced...

Canada’s last outbreak of Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) occurred in 1952, showing how one small mistake can have major consequences for the agriculture industry. Today, strong prevention measures, planning, and industry cooperation help keep Canada FMD-free while protecting livestock and the economy from future risks. This episode explores how producers can stay aware, prepared, and ready to respon...

This episode explores rotational grazing and how it varies from farm to farm, shaped by factors like rainfall, water access and labour. It covers the benefits like healthier soil, improved water quality and more productive pastures, while also addressing the challenges. Through the experiences of three cattle producers, it shares practical ways to get started, such as resting sections of pasture,...