Canadian Beef Cattle Podcast

Episode 111: Artificial Insemination Brings Big Benefits to Small Beef Herds

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 and key considerations to help ensure successful artificial insemination programs.
 
Relevant Links: 
Boosting Herd Genetics: Artificial Insemination Brings Big Benefits to Small Beef Herds (article)
Artificial Insemination (webpage)
Why Use Artificial Insemination (webinar)
Calf 911 - How to Evaluate Newborn Calves Using the Calf Vigor Scoring System (resources)

Episode 110: Solving Problems Starts with Asking the Right Questions

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, may help reduce pneumonia risk, while highlighting the importance of effective vaccination strategies and working with veterinarians to support calf health and herd productivity.
 
Vaccination Infographics & Guidelines (resources)
Stacking Good Decisions to Keep Calves Healthy (article)
Vaccines: Use as Directed (article)
BCRC Webinar Series (registration)

Episode 109: Extend the Grazing Season - Using Stockpiled Forage for Early Spring Grazing

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 while maximizing stockpiled perennial forage, where and when early-season grazing fits into an operation, and how thoughtful planning and management set the stage for a productive grazing season.
 
Relevant Links: 
Extend the Grazing Season: Using Stockpiled Forage for Early Spring Grazing (article)
Nutrition in Beef Cattle (webpage)
Calf 911 - How to Evaluate Newborn Calves Using the Calf Vigor Scoring System (resources)

Episode 108: How to Evaluate Newborn Calves Using the Calf VIGOR Scoring System

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 Scoring System (article)
Calving and Calf Management (webpage)
Calf 911 Resources (resources)
How to Spot Dehydration in Young or Scouring Calves (article and video)
Water Systems Calculator (interactive tool)

Episode 107: Think you have a closed herd?

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 many potential sources of disease introduction as possible. In this episode, we take a closer look at what it truly means to run a closed herd.
 
Relevant Links:
Think You Have a Closed Herd? Think Again (article)
Biosecurity Resources (resources)
Biosecurity (webpage)

Episode 106: Stacking Good Decisions to Keep Calves Healthy

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 Network (C3SN), highlighting on-farm practices linked to lower risk of scours, pneumonia, and mortality outbreaks and what this means for you.
Calf Health Management - What Does the Science Say? (article)
 
Calving Seasons (webpage)
 
Early Calf Life Survival (webinar)
 
Calf 911: How to Manage Colostrum to Allow Newborn Calves to Thrive (resources)

Episode 105: How to Spot Respiratory Acidosis in a Newborn Calf

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 the best chance at survival.
 
Relevant Links: 
How to Spot Respiratory Acidosis in a Newborn Calf (article)
How to Evaluate Newborn Calves Using the Calf Vigor Scoring System (article)
Calf 911 Resources (resources)
How to Spot Dehydration in Young or Scouring Calves (article and video)

Episode 104: Take the Bull by the Horns

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 build a herd for long-term success.
 
Relevant Links:
Take the Bull by the Horns (article)
Records for Tracking Genetic Improvements (online course)
Bull Management (webpage)
Bull Valuation Calculator (interactive tool)
Building a Herd That Works: EPDs, Genomics and Smart Genetic Investments (article)
Cracking the Heritability Code - Choosing Traits That Pay Off (article)
BCRC Webinar Series

Episode 103: How To Manage Colostrum So Newborn Calves Thrive

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 Management (webpage)
Cow-Calf Production Indicator Calculator (interactive tool)

Episode 102: Calf Health Management Practices - What Does the Science Say?

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 and insights from 12 veterinary experts on which practice offers the greatest benefit to cow-calf producers. 
 
Relevant Links:
Calving Seasons (webpage)
Early Calf Life Survival (webinar)
Calf 911: How to Manage Colostrum to Allow Newborn Calves to Thrive (resources)