Canadian Beef Cattle Podcast

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)

Episode 58: Out With the Old, In With the New

Forage plays a crucial role in providing annual feed for beef cattle. New varieties enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of the grazing season however, selecting the right forage variety to meet the needs of each unique operation and feeding scenario can be challenging. This podcast episode explores the benefits of new varieties and provides key considerations for choosing the best option for your operation. It also highlights valuable resources to assist in the selection process.
 
Relevant Links: 
Out with the Old, In with the New (article)
Choosing Forage Varieties Without Getting Lost in the Weeds (article and podcast episode)
Forage Species (webpage)
Improving Forage Yields (webpage)
Forage U-Pick (interactive tool)

Episode 57: Protecting Your Investment: Bull Management

The investment in a herd sire is often a large purchase for a cow-calf operation. To ensure this investment will remain in the herd, breeding bulls must be properly maintained during and between breeding seasons. Dr. Colin Palmer, a specialist in animal reproduction, shares factors to consider and best practices when sourcing and maintaining bulls.
 
Relevant Links: 
Protecting Your Investment: Bull Management (article)
Bull Management (webpage)
BCRC Webinar Series

Episode 56: Responsible Antibiotic Use on Canadian Cow-Calf Operations

The requirement for a “Veterinary-Client-Patient Relationship” (VCPR) before all antibiotics could be prescribed or sold came into force in 2018, and was designed to ensure that the right antibiotics are used in the right animals, at the right dose, at the right time. This episode will explore findings from Dr. Cheryl Waldner and colleagues at the Western College of Veterinary Medicine on the impacts of this change on antibiotic use in Canadian cow-calf herds. 
 
Relevant Links: 
Responsible Antibiotic Use on Canadian Cow-Calf Operations (article)
Remote Drug Delivery (webpage)
Veterinary-Client-Patient Relationship (VCPR) (webpage)
How to Spot Dehydration in Young or Scouring Calves (article and video)

Episode 55: Proper Management Key to Reducing Calf Scours

Calf diarrhea (scours) is the leading cause of death in calves between two and 30 days of age. In this podcast, we explore one Nova Scotia producer’s battle with calf scours, along with proper management and prevention strategies to minimize the risk of scours in your herd. Featuring expert advice from veterinarians across Eastern and Western Canada, this episode will provide valuable insights to help you reduce the risk of calf scours on your farm.
 
Relevant Links: 
Proper Management Key to Reducing Calf Scours (article)
How Fresh Pens and Pastures Prevent Calf Losses (article)
How to Spot Dehydration in Young or Scouring Calves (article and video)
Calf 911 Checklists (printable resources)
Records for Tracking Genetic Improvement (free e-course)