An initiative supported by the Beef Cattle Research Council (BCRC) is looking to help reduce disease risk in western Canadian beef herds. As part of the process, project collaborators would like to hear from you. The link below is to a producer survey which will ask you a series of questions to gather your thoughts…
Is the vigor of your cattle herd waning? The genetic vigor, that is. It might be time to dig deeper than hide color to discover the actual genetic makeup, and then to refresh, the heterosis of your herd. The what? ‘Heterosis’ is the science term for the Hybrid Vigor factor, and while its known benefits…
The Beef Cattle Research Council (BCRC) is hosting a series of four webinars from November through March. The webinars will cover a variety of topics, including backgrounding, record keeping, and grazing planning. Registrants will receive reminders to attend the live event, additional resources, and a link to access the webinars at any time after they’re…
By Reynold Bergen, BCRC, for Canadian Cattlemen The Beef Cattle Research Council (BCRC) projects featured in this column are funded by the Canadian Beef Cattle Check-Off. When the check-off increased a few years ago, the BCRC’s budget rose from around 15 cents to 67 cents per head marketed. This allowed us to start some new…
Managing herd genetics is difficult without the right tools, and even harder when you produce crossbred cattle. Optimizing herd genetics The first part to optimizing herd genetics is selecting sires/dams with the best genes. This can be achieved by purchasing breeding stock that have the best estimated progeny differences (EPDs). However, EPDs can have low…
Beat costs and boost yields with bale grazing From the Beef Cattle Research Council Many Canadian producers have taken steps to extend their grazing period and provide forage for cattle outside of confinement and away from corrals. Well planned extensive wintering systems have obvious benefits for reducing on-farm labour and yardage costs, but extended grazing…
The 2020 results for the Canadian Cost of Production (COP) Network are in, and the next round is open for those interested in participating. The Canadian Cost of Production (COP) Network is a national effort to benchmark cow-calf production systems across Canada. The results from the first 28 farm systems are available now. Grouped by…
By Beef Cattle Research Council Many cow-calf producers from B.C. through Ontario are planning to wean and sell their calves earlier this year. Others are reluctant to sell lightweight calves into a flooded market so are thinking about retaining ownership, putting extra pounds onto lightweight calves, and selling into a more promising feeder market in early 2022. Many factors need to be considered when preparing to feed lightweight calves Calves face…
From the Beef Cattle Research Council Many farmers truly enjoy working cattle but for some producers (and perhaps their family members) sorting and processing cattle may not bring out the best in everyone. The good news is reducing stress is entirely possible. In many cases, inexpensive changes or tweaks can benefit herd – and family…
On July 29, Beef Cattle Research Council (BCRC) hosted a webinar on drought stress, moderated by Stacey Domolewski, Research and Innovation Coordinator for the BCRC. Speakers: Dr. Cheryl Waldner, NSERC/Beef Cattle Research Council Senior Research Chair in Beef Cattle Health in Large Animal Clinical Sciences at the Western College of Veterinary Medicine Dr. Bart Lardner,…
The Beef Cattle Research Council (BCRC) has published a new webpage dedicated to the relationship between beef cattle and the carbon cycle. “This page was developed for beef producers who are interested in gaining a better understanding of carbon dynamics and what they can do on their operations to increase carbon sequestration and reduce emissions,”…
The Beef Cattle Research Council (BCRC) and its industry partners have announced the completion of a five-year strategy to support Canada’s National Beef Strategy. The Five-Year Canadian Beef Research & Technology Transfer Strategy identifies key outcomes with research and extension priorities for six program areas: Feed efficiency and utilization Forage and grassland productivity Environmental sustainability…
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