Are you looking to boost pasture productivity and increase your feed supply? There are several beneficial management practices that can help you achieve these goals. In this episode, we will explore a variety of methods, featuring firsthand experiences from three producers who have successfully implemented the follow: intercropping wheat and Italian ryegrass, tame pasture rejuvenation, forage mixtures for silage, and maintaining optimal species composition through intensive grazing. Tune in for top tips on how to succeed with each of these approaches!

Relevant Links: 

Utilizing Annual and Perennial Forages to Improve Productivity (article), 

Alberta Agri-Systems Living Labs case studies (articles)

Forage U-Pick (interactive tool)

Calf 911 Checklists (printable resources)

Colostrum Management for Beef Calves (video)

Calving and Calf Management (webpage)

Calf 911: How to Handle Colostrum So Newborn Calves Thrive (video)

Carrying Capacity Calculator (interactive tool)

Vaccines teach the immune system to recognize what particular pathogens look like, so that it can respond more quickly and effectively if those pathogens are ever encountered in real life. Like any other teaching exercise, repeating the lesson helps it to sink in and establish a stronger memory. Vaccines are the same, so revaccinating or boosting strengthens the immune memory. Listen to learn more!

Relevant Links: 

Vaccines: Use as Directed (article)

Bull Valuation Calculator (interactive tool)

Vaccination of the Beef Herd (webpage)

Understanding the Five W's of Beef Cattle Injection (article)

Injection Techniques Best Practices for Beef Cattle (pamphlet)

Carrying capacity is the amount of forage available for grazing animals in a pasture. Accurately calculating it is key to setting the right stocking rate, ensuring animal productivity, and maintaining grassland health. The BCRC Carrying Capacity Calculator includes two methods for calculating carrying capacity: Method #1, using forage estimates from provincial guides, and Method #2, the field-based "clip and weigh" method. This podcast episode will explain the four steps involved in each approach. Listen to learn more!

Relevant Links: 

Two Methods, Four Steps for Calculating Carrying Capacity (article)

Carrying Capacity Calculator (Interactive Tool)

Provincial Guides: 

Grazing Game Plan - How o Develop a Grazing Plan  (webinar)

Grazing Management (article)

Calf 911 Checklists (printable resources)

Forage plays a crucial role in providing annual feed for beef cattle. New varieties enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of the grazing season however, selecting the right forage variety to meet the needs of each unique operation and feeding scenario can be challenging. This podcast episode explores the benefits of new varieties and provides key considerations for choosing the best option for your operation. It also highlights valuable resources to assist in the selection process.

Relevant Links: 

Out with the Old, In with the New (article)

Choosing Forage Varieties Without Getting Lost in the Weeds (article and podcast episode)

Forage Species (webpage)

Improving Forage Yields (webpage)

Forage U-Pick (interactive tool)

Bull Management (webpage)

BCRC Webinar Series

The requirement for a “Veterinary-Client-Patient Relationship” (VCPR) before all antibiotics could be prescribed or sold came into force in 2018, and was designed to ensure that the right antibiotics are used in the right animals, at the right dose, at the right time. This episode will explore findings from Dr. Cheryl Waldner and colleagues at the Western College of Veterinary Medicine on the impacts of this change on antibiotic use in Canadian cow-calf herds. 

Relevant Links: 

Responsible Antibiotic Use on Canadian Cow-Calf Operations (article)

Remote Drug Delivery (webpage)

Veterinary-Client-Patient Relationship (VCPR) (webpage)

How to Spot Dehydration in Young or Scouring Calves (article and video)

Proper Management Key to Reducing Calf Scours (article)

How Fresh Pens and Pastures Prevent Calf Losses (article)

How to Spot Dehydration in Young or Scouring Calves (article and video)

Calf 911 Checklists (printable resources)

Records for Tracking Genetic Improvement (free e-course)

Bull Selection to Improve Your Bottom Line (article)

Bull Selection: Using Economically Relevant Traits (article)

Bull Selection: New Calculator to Determine the Value of a Bull (article)

Bull Valuation Calculator (tool)

How to Evaluate Newborn Calves Using the Calf VIGOR Scoring System (article and video)

With newborn calves comes risk for disease and dehydration. Having the skills to quickly identify dehydration and knowing methods for early intervention can have a meaningful reduction in the rate of calf illness and death on your farm. This episode will review the steps that can be followed to evaluate dehydration and health status of young calves in order to develop a successful treatment plan. 

Relevant Links: