Canadian Beef Cattle Podcast

Legumes are one of the most economical ways to improve feed quality, pasture performance and cattle productivity. Alfalfa has received the most breeding focus and is the most common and productive legume available, however, combining strong yields, grazing tolerance and winter hardiness in a single variety remains a challenge. In this episode, we explore Canadian research examining how different alfalfa varieties balance productivi...

Canada’s last outbreak of Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) occurred in 1952, showing how one small mistake can have major consequences for the agriculture industry. Today, strong prevention measures, planning, and industry cooperation help keep Canada FMD-free while protecting livestock and the economy from future risks. This episode explores how producers can stay aware, prepared, and ready to respond quickly if concerns arise, ...

This episode explores rotational grazing and how it varies from farm to farm, shaped by factors like rainfall, water access and labour. It covers the benefits like healthier soil, improved water quality and more productive pastures, while also addressing the challenges. Through the experiences of three cattle producers, it shares practical ways to get started, such as resting sections of pasture, planning around water sources and u...

Ribeye and striploin steaks are among the most expensive proteins in the store or on the menu, making it essential that these high-value cuts deliver a consistent and excellent eating experience every time. In this episode, we explore new emerging approaches that may help predict beef tenderness without sacrificing the steak. We also discuss the importance of maintaining and supporting research capacity to drive innovation and stre...

Alfalfa Can Be Grazed Safely: Things to Think About Before Turning Cows Out o...

This special episode brings together key insights, tips and strategies from multiple past episodes into one must-listen edition. Whether you’re a new producer or a seasoned rancher, this episode is packed with practical advice to help you achieve a smooth and successful grazing season - now all that's needed is some timely rain.

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This Grazing Season, Remember the Four Principles of Pasture Management (art...

In this episode, we look at how high crop prices, driven in part by rising global food demand, biofuel incentives, and risk perspective and management, are encouraging the conversion of marginal grasslands into cultivated cropland. As more hay and pastureland is turned over to crop production, wildlife habitat becomes increasingly fragmented, leaving isolated “islands” of grass that may be too small to sustain functioni...

Whether beef cattle producers retain females from their own herd or purchase them, replacement heifers are a key investment in the future of the herd. In this episode, two producers share their experiences with selecting and managing heifers, exploring how improving cow longevity can increase lifetime calf production, enhance returns and lower overall costs.

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Selecting Replacement Heifers: Boosting Longevity ...

Canadian beef producers have been harvesting and feeding silage for decades. There are benefits to silage like flexibility when it comes to weather, producing more feed on fewer acres and potential cost savings, alongside challenges such as added equipment and infrastructure needs. This episode features the experiences of three farmers, highlighting the importance of learning, planning and adapting when incorporating silage on thei...

In this episode, we visit a beef farm in Napanee, Ontario, to share one producer’s experience with water management. Hear how practical solutions like improved drainage and filtration, protecting natural water sources and capturing rainwater from barn roofs helped improve water quality and supply for cattle.

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Fences, Filters and Eavestroughs: Innovative Water Initiatives to Improve Herd Health (article)

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This episode explores how artificial insemination (AI) can help beef producers accelerate genetic progress in their herds. Although AI has been available for more than six decades, adoption among Canadian beef producers has remained relatively low. The episode features producers who are successfully using AI to improve herd genetics and meet their breeding goals, while also sharing practical tips and key considerations to help ensu...

Diseases often begin when a susceptible calf encounters the wrong combination of microbes, weather and management stresses. This episode explores how pneumonia develops in calves and why early protection against viral infections is key to preventing respiratory disease. It also discusses emerging research on whether vaccinating calves against bovine coronavirus, typically associated with scours, may help reduce pneumonia risk, whil...

As the seasons change, early-spring grazing serves as a strategic bridge from winter feeding to summer grazing. Rather than simply turning cattle out, success depends on carefully managing cool-season grasses to balance animal nutrition, protect regrowth and maintain pasture longevity. In this episode, we explore how grazing in April and May can help beef producers reduce reliance on stored feed while maximizing stockpiled perennia...

Ideally, after a calf is born, things go well, and the cow and newborn calf thrive. However, it is important for producers to know how to assess calves for subtle signs of distress or trauma that can occur due to a difficult calving. This episode will review how to access calf VIGOR, how it is scored and when to intervene. 

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How to Evaluate Newborn Calves Using the Calf Vigor Scoring System (article)

Calving an...

Surveys show many producers believe they operate a closed herd, but what does “closed” really mean? For some, it simply means being genetically closed by raising their own replacements and cleanup bulls, using artificial insemination for new genetics and avoiding the purchase of outsourced cattle. However, being a truly closed herd goes far beyond genetics. A closed herd also works to eliminate as many potential sources...

Most of the research on effective practices for reducing pre-weaning death loss in Canadian beef calves was conducted more than two decades ago. This raises an important question for today’s industry: which calving practices and management work best for Canadian cow-calf producers in 2026? In this episode, we share results from a producer survey conducted through the Canadian Cow-Calf Surveillance Network (C3SN), highlighting...

Most beef producers are familiar with the frustration of dealing with a “dummy calf” - a calf that won’t suckle, won’t stand and seems unresponsive despite intensive care. In this episode, we explore one of the most common underlying causes: respiratory acidosis. We’ll break down what causes respiratory acidosis, the symptoms to watch for and practical treatment options to help give these calves the be...