Canadian Beef Cattle Podcast

Episode 68: Forage Rejuvenation

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)

Episode 67: Protect Canadian Livestock from Foot and Mouth Disease

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)

Episode 66: Birds, Bees and Breeding Beef Cattle

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)

Episode 65: Icebergs and Native Forages

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)

Episode 64: Polycrops: Challenges, Triumphs and Valuable Lessons from Beef Producers

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)

Episode 63: How to Intervene with a Difficult Calving

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)

Episode 62: Utilizing Annual and Perennial Forages to Improve Productivity

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)

Episode 61: Colostrum Management for Beef Calves

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)

Episode 60: Vaccines: Use as Directed

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)

Episode 59: How to Calculate Carrying Capacity

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 EcologyAlberta Ecological site and community guides, Range Reference AreasSaskatchewan 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)