Celebrating 10 years of the BCRC Beef Researcher Mentorship Program

This year the Beef Cattle Research Council (BCRC) celebrates a decade of its Beef Researcher Mentorship Program, which has connected more than 40 mentees with countless beef producer and industry mentors to bridge the gap between science and industry. 

Launched in 2014, the program was inspired by the need for stronger connections between researchers and industry. Andrea Brocklebank, executive director of the BCRC, recalls, “The BCRC was noticing that many new researchers were not from a farm background or were unfamiliar with Canadian production.” Over the past 10 years, the program has fostered a new generation of forage, cattle and beef researchers with stronger ties to producers and the beef industry. “Through the mentorship program, we’ve been able to bridge that gap between science and production, equipping researchers with tools to push the industry’s goals forward while improving sustainability and competitiveness,” says Brocklebank. 

Funded through the National Beef Cluster, the mentorship initiative encourages new and early-career researchers to engage more deeply with Canada’s beef industry. It provides participants with hands-on opportunities to understand the industry’s needs while helping them align their work with practical applications. 

Goals of the Beef Researcher Mentorship Program 

The mentorship program aims to: 

• Align research interests with practical and beneficial outcomes for Canada’s beef industry. 
• Build the skills, networks and confidence necessary for researchers to lead applied research and technology transfer initiatives. 
• Facilitate collaborations that enable new researchers to establish effective research and extension programs. 

A Flagship for Bridging Science and Industry 

The mentorship program has not only fostered connections between researchers and producers but also has allowed producers to benefit from the expertise of researchers. Mentees receive a travel bursary, allowing them to attend industry conferences, workshops and farm tours. Mentors guide researchers by building their knowledge, skills and professional networks, while identifying opportunities to support their career goals. 

Cyle and Ericka Stewart, mentors in the 2022-23 program year and operators of Pine Creek Ranch in Morse, Saskatchewan, reflect fondly on their experience. “We are so thankful to have been part of the BCRC mentorship program. It was rewarding to show Tony, our mentee, the boots-on-the-ground side of the industry while learning from his technical expertise. Programs like this ensure new research and innovations remain practical for the industry,” they shared. 

Past mentees have credited the program with shaping their careers by strengthening their research, building networks, and deepening their understanding of industry and producer motivations. 

Dr. Jillian Bainard, a research scientist in forage ecophysiology at AAFC Agassiz Research and Development Centre, reflects on her time as a 2018-19 mentee: “As someone who grew up on a grain farm with limited exposure to livestock production, the mentorship program was incredibly useful. It bridged the gap in my knowledge and connected me to the industry.” Looking ahead, Bainard hopes the program continues to have a meaningful impact. 

Lifelong Connections 

The mentor-mentee relationships often extend far beyond the program. For example, the first cohort in 2014-15 included Dr. Emma McGeough, now an associate professor at the University of Manitoba, who was mentored by Janice Bruynooghe and Sandy Russell of Spring Creek Land and Cattle Consulting Inc. McGeough describes the enduring value of this connection: “To this day, I call Janice for advice, and she always answers. Conversations with producers and industry professionals help identify research gaps and priority areas.” 

Bruynooghe adds, “There are as many benefits for mentors as for mentees. We get to collaborate with innovative early-career researchers, which drives progress in the industry.” She also emphasized how the program broadened her perspective by comparing production practices in Ireland, where McGeough was educated, with those in Canada. “This global exchange of ideas enriches the program and the industry,” she noted. 

A Decade of Impact and Beyond 

As the BCRC Beef Researcher Mentorship Program marks its 10th anniversary, its impact continues to resonate. Researchers and producers alike benefit from the lasting relationships and shared insights that ensure innovation remains practical and impactful for Canada’s beef industry. 

For more information visit the BCRC Beef Researcher Mentorship Program webpage. Applications for the 2025-26 mentorship year will open in March 2025.