Applications open for the Beef Researcher Mentorship Program

Posted on April 25, 2016 by Beef Research

Applications for the 2016-17 term of the BCRC Beef Researcher Mentorship Program are now being accepted. The deadline to apply is June 1, 2016.

Beef Researcher Mentorship program participants, Dr. Claudia Narvaez Bravo (left) and Dr. Argenis Rodas-Gonzalez (right) tour Martin Unrau’s (middle) feedlot along with one of Claudia’s mentors, Tom Teichroeb.

Last year four researchers were selected for the program year and paired with mentors – innovative producers and industry experts – for a one year term (ending July 31, 2016). Each of the researchers have reported very successful and valuable experiences through the opportunities provided, including:

Establishing partnerships with industry and other researchers to further their research programs
Meeting several producers and industry leaders with whom they ask questions and have meaningful discussions about cattle production, beef quality and safety, and the Canadian beef value chain
Attending industry events and touring farms and ranches to better understand the impacts, practicalities and economics of adopting research results

The BCRC is excited to continue the program and invite applications from upcoming and new applied researchers in Canada whose Continue reading →

Tips for celebrating Earth Day

Posted on April 21, 2016 by Beef Research

Earth Day is tomorrow, Friday, April 22. Earth Day is recognized globally by people from all walks of life as a way to foster and celebrate environmental respect and behavioural changes that lessen our impact on the earth.

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Cattle producers across Canada, who chose to make their living as stewards of the land, fully appreciate the value of a healthy environment. For all of us in the Canadian beef industry, Earth Day is a day to celebrate our industry’s environmental achievements, and is an excellent time to foster further discussion about how to make continual improvements in this area.

Earth Day and every day is a great time to brush up on your science-based knowledge of the environmental footprint of Canadian beef production, and share what you Continue reading →

Agriculture Census responses help direct research priorities and funding

Posted on April 20, 2016 by Beef Research2

In early May, all beef producers will be receiving their Census of Agriculture questionnaire. This is your chance to influence future government policy and funding. The Canadian government uses the results of the census to inform the direction of and evaluate agriculture policy.

The results obtained from the census are very valuable to the Canadian beef industry because they identify emerging trends, issues, opportunities and weaknesses within the industry. The results are also used by universities, agribusinesses, and funding agencies to direct investment decisions, research programs, conduct market research, and inform other decision making processes.

This year the Census questionnaire is shorter and available online, streamlining the process and reducing the amount of time it takes to complete.

The information you provide is very valuable to direct future policy and research in the beef industry and the Agriculture industry as a whole. This May, please take the time to accurately fill out your Census of Agriculture questionnaire to help provide an accurate snapshot of what is going on within the Canadian agriculture industry.

Click for more information on the 2016 census. Continue reading →

Dry Chilling (and two other things)

Posted on April 18, 2016 by Beef Research2

This article written by Dr. Reynold Bergen, BCRC Science Director, originally appeared in the April 2016 issue of Canadian Cattlemen magazine and is reprinted on the BCRC Blog with permission of the publisher.

The muscle tissues of healthy animals are essentially free of bacteria until carcasses are skinned. At that point, it is impossible to eliminate the transfer of bacteria from the hide and the environment to the meat.
Many of those bacteria are harmless, but some can cause meat to spoil faster. Others, like verotoxigenic E. coli (e.g. E. coli O157:H7 and others) can pose a very serious risk to human health. Well-managed packing plants can minimize the transfer of bacteria from the animal to the carcass, but they can’t eliminate it completely. Many food safety interventions such as Continue reading →

Don’t miss out on upcoming events and deadlines

Posted on April 15, 2016 by Beef Research2

Organizations across the country are continually hosting events to give you an inside look at important research and offer practical advice on how to implement new technologies, improve productivity, prevent a wreck or save costs. These events are also a good opportunity to discuss how our industry is facing opportunities and challenges, and meet leading experts and other progressive cattlemen. Registration for many events are little or no cost to producers.

Visit our Events Calendar often to

view upcoming field days, seminars, conferences and other events in your area,
find out about online webinars to listen in on a live presentation right from your computer or phone,
be reminded of nomination, survey or application deadlines, and
discover related career opportunities in the beef and forage sectors.

Take a look at what’s happening in the next few months: http://www.beefresearch.ca/newsroom/events-calendar.cfm
Continue reading →

Pain control gaining priority among beef producers

Posted on April 13, 2016 by Beef Research

For Saskatchewan beef producers Tamara and Russ Carter administering a pain control product to calves prior to branding and castration procedures was just the right thing to do.

Russ Carter, Lacadena SK (Photo supplied by Tamara Carter)

Over the past three calving seasons the Carters, who ranch near Lacadena in southwest Saskatchewan, have been treating spring calves with an injection of Metacam just prior to processing. The product from Boehringer Ingelheim has been on the market for several years. It was developed as an anti-inflammatory and pain relief product, quite commonly used in treating companion animals, but in the last few years it has gained traction for use in treating livestock, as well.

The 1 ½ millilitre dose for young calves appears to considerably reduce the post-processing discomfort level of calves, says Tamara and while they have no formal research trials to confirm observations, they also believe calves have improved weight gain performance right through to weaning.

“It does make a difference in the comfort level of the calves,” says Carter. They were first pointed toward the pain control product during a discussion with their herd veterinarian, Dr. Glen Griffin of Southwest Animal Health Clinic. It was partway through the 2013 calving season and Continue reading →

Attention researchers: funders currently accepting applications

Posted on April 4, 2016 by Beef Research

The Alberta Beef Producers (ABP) in partnership with the Alberta Livestock and Marketing Agency Ltd. (ALMA) have announced a $1.5 million targeted research call-for-proposals on antibiotic use and resistance. Deadline for submission is June 1, 2016.

The Saskatchewan Ministry of Agriculture is also now accepting Letters of Intent (LOI’s) for research funding under the Agriculture Development Fund (ADF). Deadline for submission is April 15, 2016. Continue reading →

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Monthly Archives: April 2016