Health & Production

Winter-feeding remains one of the biggest expenses for Canadian cow-calf operations — and how it’s managed can make a major difference in herd health, feed efficiency, and overall profitability. The Beef Cattle Research Council (BCRC) recently shared practical guidance on choosing the right winter-feeding strategy, outlining the pros and cons of common systems and emphasizing the importance…

The RDAR 2025 Impact Report highlights how producer-led research is advancing Alberta’s agriculture industry — including major gains for the beef cattle sector. Here are five takeaways for cattle producers. 1. Genomics are reshaping Alberta beef. More than 12,000 cattle from 54 herds have been genotyped through RDAR-funded research led by Dr. John Basarab at…

RDAR has expanded its OFCAF rotational grazing program to include virtual fencing — a GPS-based technology helping Alberta producers manage pastures, save labour, and improve sustainability with up to $75,000 in funding support. The new funding stream is designed to help cattle producers adopt “invisible fence” systems that use GPS-enabled collars and base stations to…

As stress management becomes a bigger focus in beef production, new tools like FerAppease® are getting attention. The product—developed by Fera Diagnostics & Biologicals—claims to mimic calming pheromones that help cattle handle stressful events like weaning or transport. But does the data support the claims? Here are four things to know: 1. It’s based on natural “appeasing”…

A new Cow / Calf Cost of Production (COP) Network report, Build, Brand and Market Your Calf Crop: A Path to Reputation Cattle, shows that investing in quality and consistency continues to pay off for Alberta cow-calf producers—especially when markets tighten. The report found that when calf prices were high, revenue differences between top and lower-performing herds were…

The Canadian Cattle Identification Agency (CCIA) is advancing identification and tracking technologies through its latest research project: The Smart Bolus System as a potential alternative to traditional livestock identification and reporting methods. Livestock traceability is a cornerstone of animal health, food safety and supply chain integrity in Canada. Smart bolus systems—similar in size and weight to…

Good-quality water is one of the most critical – and often overlooked – factors in beef herd productivity. Research shows insufficient access can reduce performance faster and more dramatically than any other nutrient deficiency. A newly updated Economics of Water Systems Calculator from the Beef Cattle Research Council (BCRC) is designed to help producers evaluate the…