Choosing traits that pay off Improving the genetics of your beef herd starts with knowing which traits you can change through genetics and which traits respond better to management practices. Because cattle have a long generation interval, every bull or replacement heifer you choose affects your herd for years. That’s why understanding heritability, and how…

As summer approaches, many Canadians begin planning vacations and welcoming visitors to their farms. With increased travel and farm traffic, everyone —both those working on and visiting farms— are part of keeping Canada free of foreign animal disease such as Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD). For beef cattle producers, travelling safe involves knowing key information before returning to…

Whether beef cattle producers retain females from within their own herd or purchase them, replacement heifers come at a cost and are an investment into the future herd. Selecting the right animals and proper management is necessary to meet on-farm goals and improve the longevity of heifers as future breeding cows. A recent analysis of 63 farms…

This article was originally posted on the Beef Cattle Research Council’s website. Polycrop forage blends have become a popular tool among beef producers to increase soil health, manage grazing, improve cow performance and enhance resilience to changing weather conditions. However, as with any farming practice, the results can vary based on location, weather and management…

This article was originally posted on the Beef Cattle Research Council’s website. Calves born unassisted and uncompromised will typically stand and nurse from their mothers within one to two hours after birth. However, calves that experience a difficult or prolonged birth, have a swollen tongue, experience hypothermia or are a twin may be less vigorous…

This article was originally posted on the Beef Cattle Research Council’s website on January 30, 2025. Do you know the cost of producing the forage you feed? For beef cattle producers, optimizing forage crop production is essential for financial sustainability. However, estimating the costs associated with forage production can be challenging. The new BCRC Forage…

This article was originally posted on the Beef Cattle Research Council’s website on November 1, 2021. Bale feeding is common across Canada for all classes of cattle especially during winter months. There are many different management strategies to deliver bales as feed. To help you determine the best option for you and your cattle, see…