Beef Cattle Research Council (BCRC)

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…

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…

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…

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…