Beef Cattle Research Council (BCRC)

Growth implants are among the most researched and cost-effective technologies in the beef industry. However, adoption on Canadian cow-calf operations remains relatively low, despite similar performance and economic benefits seen in backgrounding and feedlot cattle. Questions around labour, economics, animal health, and confidence in the implant procedure often influence producer decisions. These issues were the…

Effective grazing management is one of the most powerful tools beef producers can use to enhance cattle performance, improve pasture productivity and support the long-term sustainability of their operation. Whether refining an existing plan or starting from scratch, these key grazing management facts can help get the most out of every acre. 1. Balance forage…

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 Canadian beef producers, we take pride in our disease-free status and the global reputation of our livestock industry. Canada has been free of foot and mouth disease (FMD) since 1952, an achievement that has allowed us to maintain valuable export markets and consumer confidence. But this success shouldn’t breed complacency—it should motivate us to…

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…

A new report from the Beef Cattle Research Council (BCRC) provides a comprehensive look at management practices and performance trends across Canadian cow-calf operations. The Canadian Cow-Calf Adoption Rates and Performance Levels Report is based on multiple survey sources and academic studies. It was developed for BCRC by Canfax Research Services. It tracks adoption trends…