Top ten most popular cattle resources for producers in 2023
Over the past 12 months, Canadian beef cattle producers navigated their farms through a variety of different circumstances, each with its challenges and opportunities. To aid producers in making informed decisions, the Beef Cattle Research Council developed over 60 new science-based beef cattle resources. This information ranged from interactive calculators to articles and webinars that highlight new research and provide practical information on relevant topics and issues impacting cattle producers.
As we bid farewell to 2023 and steer into the year ahead, we look back at the 10 most popular BCRC articles for Canadian beef cattle producers:
#10
Understanding the Five W’s of Cattle Injections: Who, What, When, Where & Why
Today, animal injection best practices have become widely known in the beef industry as “just the right thing to do.” These cattle injection techniques are recommended to help farmers produce safe beef for the consumer and maintain Canada’s high reputation for beef quality.
#9
CowBytes Ration-Balancing Software Now Available Through BCRC
CowBytes is an easy-to-use ration-balancing software program that can assist cattle producers in developing rations and improving their herd nutrition. In 2023, the BCRC assumed the CowBytes trademark, ensuring it will continue to be available for cattle producers. The software can be purchased through www.BeefResearch.ca/CowBytes.
#8
Taking Pain Management Mainstream – Beef Producers Add Pain Medication to Their Routines and Benefit Their Herds
Pain management for beef cattle has evolved significantly over the past two decades, and producers are integrating pain mitigation strategies into their routine cattle management practices. Beef producers share their perspectives on how they practically manage pain on their farms.
#7
Grazing Cattle on Cropland Can Be Mutually Beneficial
Integrating cattle and cropland is not new, however, there are fewer mixed farming operations now than in the past. This, coupled with recent rises in input costs, have beef producers exploring ways to incorporate cropland in their operations. Learn more about agronomic and animal considerations of grazing crops.
#6
One Health Strategies Help Farm Family Navigate Outbreak
One family shares their story of dealing with an outbreak of Cryptosporidium on their operation, and the animal and human health approach they implemented to overcome it.
#5
BCRC Announces $2 Million in Funding for 12 Beef Research Projects
The BCRC invests in projects that ensure research is being done in areas that directly impact the Canadian beef industry and the priorities laid out in the Five-Year Canadian Beef Research and Technology Transfer Strategy. This post highlights 12 projects funded for 2022/2023.
#4
Dairy-Beef is Shifting from Parlour to Feedlot In the summer, the BCRC launched a twopart series exploring the opportunities and challenges of dairy-beef cross calves with perspectives from across the value chain including cow-calf producer, backgrounder, feedlot and processor.
#3
Calf 911: How to Intervene with a Difficult Calving
There are many factors during calving season that must come together to ensure a healthy calf hits the ground. It is essential that a producer be prepared to assist a cow with a difficult birth, including knowledge of how and when to help. The BCRC created a video that walks producers through the critical steps in assessing and managing a difficult calving.
#2
What Does it Cost to Raise Replacement Heifers?
Understanding the cost of developing replacement heifers is crucial to help producers make informed decisions. The BCRC launched a new Replacement Heifer Calculator in September to allow producers to evaluate the costs of raising replacement heifers compared to purchasing them.
#1
Facing Drought? Six Things Beef Producers Can Focus On
Producers from across the country faced extreme dry conditions, drought and wildfires again this year. While the elements themselves cannot be managed, several decisions can be made to reduce the impact of dry conditions now and in the future.
The BCRC team is planning even more practical, science-based resources for beef producers in the new year. Comment below