Health & Production

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…

As many producers across Alberta can attest this haying season, challenging weather can complicate decisions on everything from when to cut to how best to manage moisture and storage. Whether you’ve faced heavy rain in the southwest, dry conditions in the northwest, or anything in between, the good news is there are tried-and-true strategies to…

Producers needed for one-on-one interviews – just a handful more participants required. Do you have insights on veterinary care in your area? The University of Calgary’s Faculty of Veterinary Medicine is looking for a few more cattle producers to take part in a research study about veterinary service access across Alberta. Led by Dr. John…

The Beef Cattle Research Council (BCRC) is calling on cattle producers and industry participants to share their insights on key issues affecting the sustainability and competitiveness of the Canadian beef industry. By participating in a brief 14-question survey, you can help steer the direction of research and knowledge mobilization efforts for the next five years….

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…

What if the secret to better beef starts underground? In this Episode of The Bovine Podcast, host Kara Mastel sits down with Dr. Jonathan Bennett, associate professor of Plant Ecology at the University of Saskatchewan, to explore the complex, unseen world of soil microbiomes and how they are reshaping the future of beef and forage…

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…

Is your pasture really ready for cattle? Spring grazing is much more than a simple seasonal shift—it’s a strategic decision that can make or break the health of your pasture, the well-being of your herd, and your bottom line. In Episode 8 of The Bovine, brought to you by Alberta Beef Producers, host Kara Mastel…