Canadian Beef Cattle Podcast

Healthy and productive pastures are essential for sustainable beef cattle operations, but invasive weeds and brush can reduce forage quality, impact livestock health and alter native ecosystems. Managing these challenges requires long-term strategic approaches that may include multiple control methods to reduce weed pressure while supporting pasture productivity and environmental stewardship. In this episode, we discuss how proper plant identification and strategic control are key to protecting both cattle performance and pasture health. Relevant Links: Weed and Brush Control in Pastures (article) Carrying Capacity Calculator (interactive tool) Forage U-Pick (interactive tool) Weed & Brush Control in Pastures (webpage) Combating Invasive Weed Species (webinar) The Wire Newsletter (sign up)

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 on-farm practices linked to lower risk of scours, pneumonia, and mortality outbreaks and what this means for you. Calf Health Management - What Does the Science Say? (article) Calving Seasons (webpage) Early Calf Life Survival (webinar) Calf 911: How to Manage Colostrum to Allow Newborn Calves to Thrive (resources)

Bull sale season is approaching, making now the perfect time to define your bull selection criteria and budget. In this episode, we discuss why choosing the right herd sire is one of the fastest ways to improve herd genetics and how to match bull selection to your operational goals. In this episode, we’ll talk through which traits may be priorities for you, how to stay within budget and how to build a herd for long-term success. Relevant Links: Take the Bull by the Horns (article) Records for Tracking Genetic Improvements (online course) Bull Management (webpage) Bull Valuation Calculator (interactive tool) Building a Herd That Works: EPDs, Genomics and Smart Genetic Investments (article) Cracking the Heritability Code - Choosing Traits That Pay Off (article) BCRC Webinar Series

Research studies don't always agree, and that doesn't mean that the research is flawed. It is often because context and study design matter. Systematic reviews help by combining all relevant research to identify consistent findings and help turn science into practical guidance. In this episode, we discuss a systematic receive on management practices linked to preweaning death loss in beef calves and insights from 12 veterinary experts on which practice offers the greatest benefit to cow-calf producers. Relevant Links: Calving Seasons (webpage) Early Calf Life Survival (webinar) Calf 911: How to Manage Colostrum to Allow Newborn Calves to Thrive (resources)

The Canadian Beef Cattle Podcast has reached a major milestone - Episode 100! To mark the occasion, this 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 calving season. Relevant Links: Calving and Calf Management (webpage) Calf 911 - How to Intervene with a Difficult Calving (article) Calf 911 - How to Spot Dehydration in Young Calves (article) Proper Management Key to Reducing Calf Scours (article) Calm, Cool and Collected - Prepare for a Smooth and Healthy Calving Season (article)