Canadian Beef Cattle Podcast Beef Cattle Research Council
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Welcome to the Canadian Beef Cattle Podcast, presented by the Beef Cattle Research Council. The most popular content from beefresearch.ca - available on the go. Each week you’ll hear valuable information on topics ranging from animal health and beef quality to grasslands management and environmental stewardship, and much more.
Tune in every Tuesday as the Canadian Beef Cattle Podcast delivers straightforward insights, expert information and a wealth of practical knowledge for Canadian Beef Producers. Subscribe now!
The Beef Cattle Research Council is funded by the Canadian Beef Cattle Check-Off and strives for excellence in the production of Canadian beef, cattle and forage through research, innovation and extension.
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Episode 22: Seeing the Forest Through the Trees
Forested rangelands and partially or completely forested areas are widespread in many areas of Canada. The benefits of using forested areas in grazing includes increased pasture acres, temporarily or permanently, while providing protection for livestock from the elements.
Relevant Links:
Seeing the Forest Through the Trees
Forested Rangeland Grazing (webpage)
Forest Grazing Management Actions (graphic) -
Episode 21: Hooves Not Harrows: Harnessing Cow Power to Rejuvenate Forages
There are many different methods of rejuvenating or renovating forage stands and strategies vary in intensity, effectiveness, and cost. Breaking old stands and re-seeding forages, while effective, is among the most expensive rejuvenation methods. More producers are opting to improve their older tame pastures and re-seed legumes using a key resource they already have on hand – their cattle herd.
Relevant Links:
Rejuvenation of Hay and Pasture (webpage)
Hooves Not Harrows (article)
Subscribe to the BCRC mailing lists (webpage)
Extended Grazing (webpage)
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Episode 20: Test Stock Water and Reduce Worry
When stock water appears abundant and water quality has been consistent in previous years, it’s easy to focus on other things but don’t overlook water testing. Poor quality stock water can lead to reproductive inefficiency, poor gains, disease and in extreme circumstances, death.
Relevant Links:
Test Stock Water and Reduce Worry (article)
Sulphate Interpretation for Livestock Use (chart)
Acing Your Next Feed Test (video)
Water Systems Calculator (interactive calculator)
Water Systems for Beef Cattle (webpage)
What’s in Your Water? (webinar)
Vaccination of the Beef Herd (webpage) -
Episode 19: Choosing Forage Varieties Without Getting Lost in the Weeds
Deciding whether or how to reseed a pasture or hay stand can be confusing, costly and risky. The Forage U-Pick tool can help you make better, less risky choices, more easily.
Relevant links:
Forage U-Pick Tool (interactive tool)
Forage Species (webpage)
Drought Resources (webpage) -
Episode 18: Where There are Cattle, There are Parasites: 9 Tips for Managing Parasites in Your Herd
Effective parasite management is a balancing act. On the one hand, controlling parasites is essential for maintaining cattle health, welfare and productivity. On the other hand, over-use of some treatment methods can lead to parasite resistance, which negatively impacts the long-term health of the herd and can also affect the environment.
Relevant links:
Body Condition Scoring Tool (interactive tool)
Feed Testing and Analysis (webpage)
Grazing Management (article)
Internal Parasites Impacting Beef Cattle (webpage)
External Parasites Impacting Beef Cattle (webpage) -
Episode 17: Looking to Cut Costs This Spring?
With increasing input costs and many regions having poor growing conditions in recent years, there is pressure to reduce input costs wherever possible. It is important to make these decisions carefully – sometimes the short-term savings are out-weighed by much greater long-term costs.
Relevant links:
https://www.beefresearch.ca/blog/think-twice-before-cutting-vitamins-minerals-and-vaccinations/
https://www.beefresearch.ca/blog/cut-costs-carefully-after-drought/
https://www.beefresearch.ca/blog/copper-deficiency-takes-heavy-toll-2/
https://www.beefresearch.ca/blog/intranasal-vaccines-are-timely-and-effective/
https://www.beefresearch.ca/blog/the-cost-benefit-of-using-vaccines-bovine-respiratory-disease/
https://www.beefresearch.ca/blog/the-cost-benefit-of-using-vaccines-bvd/
https://www.beefresearch.ca/blog/new-vaccination-resources-now-available/