Canadian Beef Cattle Podcast

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,...

Ribeye and striploin steaks are among the most expensive proteins in the store or on the menu, making it essential that these high-value cuts deliver a consistent and excellent eating experience every time. In this episode, we explore new emerging approaches that may help predict beef tenderness without sacrificing the steak. We also discuss the importance of maintaining and supporting research ca...

Including alfalfa in grazing systems can boost soil fertility, improve forage yields and support better animal performance while also offering some drought tolerance. In this episode, we explore how producers can manage bloat risks through key practices and careful monitoring to confidently capture the benefits of this legume crop.   Relevant Links: Alfalfa Can Be Grazed Safely: Things to Think Ab...

This special episode brings together key insights, tips and strategies from multiple past episodes into one must-listen edition. Whether you’re a new producer or a seasoned rancher, this episode is packed with practical advice to help you achieve a smooth and successful grazing season - now all that's needed is some timely rain.   Relevant Links Cracking the Code on Grazing Management Terminology:...

Pastures play a vital role in beef cattle operations, but effective grazing management goes beyond simply turning cattle out on grass. In this episode, we explore how managing different pasture types and focusing on four key principles helps maintain productivity, support pasture health, conserve water and protect soil.   Relevant Links:    This Grazing Season, Remember the Four Principles of Past...

In this episode, we look at how high crop prices, driven in part by rising global food demand, biofuel incentives, and risk perspective and management, are encouraging the conversion of marginal grasslands into cultivated cropland. As more hay and pastureland is turned over to crop production, wildlife habitat becomes increasingly fragmented, leaving isolated “islands” of grass that may be too sma...

Whether beef cattle producers retain females from their own herd or purchase them, replacement heifers are a key investment in the future of the herd. In this episode, two producers share their experiences with selecting and managing heifers, exploring how improving cow longevity can increase lifetime calf production, enhance returns and lower overall costs. Relevant Links:  Selecting Replacement...

Canadian beef producers have been harvesting and feeding silage for decades. There are benefits to silage like flexibility when it comes to weather, producing more feed on fewer acres and potential cost savings, alongside challenges such as added equipment and infrastructure needs. This episode features the experiences of three farmers, highlighting the importance of learning, planning and adaptin...

In this episode, we visit a beef farm in Napanee, Ontario, to share one producer’s experience with water management. Hear how practical solutions like improved drainage and filtration, protecting natural water sources and capturing rainwater from barn roofs helped improve water quality and supply for cattle.   Relevant Links:  Fences, Filters and Eavestroughs: Innovative Water Initiatives to Impro...

This episode explores how artificial insemination (AI) can help beef producers accelerate genetic progress in their herds. Although AI has been available for more than six decades, adoption among Canadian beef producers has remained relatively low. The episode features producers who are successfully using AI to improve herd genetics and meet their breeding goals, while also sharing practical tips...

Diseases often begin when a susceptible calf encounters the wrong combination of microbes, weather and management stresses. This episode explores how pneumonia develops in calves and why early protection against viral infections is key to preventing respiratory disease. It also discusses emerging research on whether vaccinating calves against bovine coronavirus, typically associated with scours, m...

As the seasons change, early-spring grazing serves as a strategic bridge from winter feeding to summer grazing. Rather than simply turning cattle out, success depends on carefully managing cool-season grasses to balance animal nutrition, protect regrowth and maintain pasture longevity. In this episode, we explore how grazing in April and May can help beef producers reduce reliance on stored feed w...

Ideally, after a calf is born, things go well, and the cow and newborn calf thrive. However, it is important for producers to know how to assess calves for subtle signs of distress or trauma that can occur due to a difficult calving. This episode will review how to access calf VIGOR, how it is scored and when to intervene.    Relevant Links: How to Evaluate Newborn Calves Using the Calf Vigor Scor...

Surveys show many producers believe they operate a closed herd, but what does “closed” really mean? For some, it simply means being genetically closed by raising their own replacements and cleanup bulls, using artificial insemination for new genetics and avoiding the purchase of outsourced cattle. However, being a truly closed herd goes far beyond genetics. A closed herd also works to eliminate as...

Most of the research on effective practices for reducing pre-weaning death loss in Canadian beef calves was conducted more than two decades ago. This raises an important question for today’s industry: which calving practices and management work best for Canadian cow-calf producers in 2026? In this episode, we share results from a producer survey conducted through the Canadian Cow-Calf Surveillance...

Most beef producers are familiar with the frustration of dealing with a “dummy calf” - a calf that won’t suckle, won’t stand and seems unresponsive despite intensive care. In this episode, we explore one of the most common underlying causes: respiratory acidosis. We’ll break down what causes respiratory acidosis, the symptoms to watch for and practical treatment options to help give these calves t...

Bull sale season is approaching, making now the perfect time to define your bull selection criteria and budget. In this episode, we discuss why choosing the right herd sire is one of the fastest ways to improve herd genetics and how to match bull selection to your operational goals. In this episode, we’ll talk through which traits may be priorities for you, how to stay within budget and how to bui...

Colostrum is essential for newborn calves, supplying the antibodies and nutrients they need to build immunity, stay warm and fight early-life diseases like scours and pneumonia. This episode covers key colostrum management practices to help calves get a strong, healthy start.   Relevant Links:  Calf 911: How to Manage Colostrum to Allow Newborn Calves to Thrive (article) Calving & Calf Managem...

Research studies don't always agree, and that doesn't mean that the research is flawed. It is often because context and study design matter. Systematic reviews help by combining all relevant research to identify consistent findings and help turn science into practical guidance. In this episode, we discuss a systematic receive on management practices linked to preweaning death loss in beef calves a...