The Bovine by Alberta Beef Producers
Alberta Beef Producers
Join our hosts as they interview researchers, ranchers, ABP delegates and staff, chefs, nutritionists, and others all along the beef supply chain. You’ll hear content as diverse as the guests who bring it – from cooking beef to managing pastureland, the latest tech to great entertainment, cattle markets to weather predictions, and more. You'll feel motivated to level up your farm management, try new recipes, and perhaps find some entertainment for a long drive.
Behind the scenes at Alberta Beef Producers: 2024 in Review
Send us a textWhat’s been happening in the Alberta cattle industry? Kara Mastel gives us a front-row seat to Alberta Beef Producers' (ABP) 2024 Year in Review. Featuring key ABP staff—this discussion covers the pressing issues, research initiatives, and policy efforts shaping the future of beef production in Alberta. From risk management and conservation to disease preparedness and marketing, this episode dives deep into the work happening behind the scenes to support Alberta’s beef producers.Li
Mar 11, • 41:48
Beyond the bull catalog: What every rancher needs to know
Send us a textWhen it comes to choosing the right herd bull, should you prioritize size, milk production, or fertility? In this episode of The Bovine, Kara Mastel sits down with Dr. Carling Matejka, a veterinarian with Agri Health Services, to break down the science and strategy behind herd bull selection. Carling explains why optimization—not maximization—is the key to a profitable and sustainable herd, highlighting factors like mature cow body weight, expected progeny differences (EPDs), and s
Feb 25, • 35:26
Extreme weather calls for smart cattle management strategies
Send us a textHow do extreme temperature swings impact cattle health, and what can producers do to manage these challenges? In this episode Kara Mastel sits down with Dr. Brittany Smith, a consulting ruminant nutritionist, to discuss the effects of rapid temperature fluctuations on cattle well-being, feed intake, and immune function. They break down practical strategies to mitigate stress, from adjusting feeding plans and providing windbreaks to monitoring body condition scores and ensuring wa
Feb 11, • 33:27
Tariff Trouble: What it means for Canadian cattle producers
Send us a textAre looming U.S. tariffs about to shake up the cattle industry? Kara Mastel sits down with Brenna Grant, Executive Director of Canfax Research Services, to explore the potential impacts of a proposed 25 per cent U.S. tariff on Canadian goods. They discuss the deep integration of the beef trade between the two countries, potential market shifts, and strategies producers can use to navigate uncertain times. From fluctuating exchange rates to exploring alternative markets like Japan a
Jan 27, • 18:27
The Bovine: Holdanca Farms and environmental stewardship
Send us a textFor this episode of The Bovine, Kara Mastel sits down with father-daughter duo, John and Maria Duynisveld, who own and operate Holdcana Farms, located near Wallace Bay, Nova Scotia.The Duynisveld's discuss the experience of receiving the 2024 Environmental Stewardship Award (TESA), and dive into more about their operation.Have ideas for future shows? Drop us a note, on social media or via email. ABP Daily | Twitter | Facebook | Instagram | Email
Nov 25, 2024 • 42:45
The Bovine: Three pillars of sustainability with PSE
Send us a textFor this episode of The Bovine, Kara Mastel sits down with Jenna Sarich, Stakeholder Engagement Technical Consultant with Public and Stakeholder Engagement (PSE).The duo discuss the ins and outs of PSE, results from a recent national sustainability survey, the importance of telling the story from the farm, and more.Have ideas for future shows? Drop us a note, on social media or via email. ABP Daily | Twitter | Facebook | Instagram | Email
Oct 2, 2024 • 29:10
The Bovine: Drones, student leaders, and scaled-up research
Send us a textFor this episode of The Bovine, Kara Mastel sits down with Todd Ormann, Vice President of Development at Olds College of Agriculture and Technology.The duo discuss the recent AgSmart educational expo, upcoming trends in agriculture, changes within the college, and more.Have ideas for future shows? Drop us a note, on social media or via email. ABP Daily | Twitter | Facebook | Instagram | Email
Aug 16, 2024 • 35:50
The Bovine: Landscapes, community, and next generations
Send us a textFor this episode of The Bovine, Kara Mastel went behind-the-scenes with two of the 2024 Environmental Stewardship Award recipients: Courtney and Clayton Taylor, of Taylor Ranches.Have ideas for future shows? Drop us a note, on social media or via email. ABP Daily | Twitter | Facebook | Instagram | Email
Jul 10, 2024 • 42:19
The Bovine: Diving into the Beef Research Showcase
Send us a textFor this episode of The Bovine, Kara Oosterhuis attended the Beef Research Showcase held in Olds, Alta.Oosterhuis is joined by:Karin Schmid, of Alberta Beef Producers, on the Beef Research Showcase and how it came to be;Dr. Bart Lardner, of the University of Saskatchewan, on challenges and opportunities managing novel forage mixtures;Dr. Cheryl Waldner, of the University of Saskatchewan, on the Canadian Cow-Calf Surveillance Network; andDr. Kim Stanford, of the University of Lethbr
May 9, 2024 • 1:31:24
The Bovine: Good chaos, lessons from different industries, and the power of changing your mind
Send us a textFor this episode of The Bovine, Kara Oosterhuis attended the Alberta Beef Industry Conference held in Calgary, Alta.Oosterhuis is joined by:Jack Bobo, director of the Food Systems Institute at the University of Nottingham in the UK, on navigating the future of food;Lance Zimmerman, senior animal protein analyst at RaboResearch Food & Agribusiness, with a global cattle market update; andDr. Tammy Nemeth, on lessons learned from the oil and gas industry.Have ideas for future shows? D
Mar 19, 2024 • 1:12:52
The Bovine: The future of AI, will it finally rain, and giving our brains a break
Send us a textFor this episode of The Bovine, host Kara Oosterhuis attended the CrossRoads Conference held in Calgary, Alta.Oosterhuis is joined by:Walter Schwabe, entrepreneur and tech guru, on the impact of Artificial Intelligence (AI) on agriculture;Drew Lerner, founder, president, and senior agricultural meteorologist at World Weather Inc., with a weather outlook for 2024 in Alberta;Dr. Rebecca Purc-Stephenson, professor of psychology at the Augustana Campus of the University of Alberta, on
Feb 21, 2024 • 1:04:45
The Bovine: Starting fresh, but not over
Send us a textAfter a brief pause, The Bovine is back!We’re switching gears a bit with a new voice as host, while continuing to cover the dynamic content covering all facets of your operation into the podcast.Let’s call it Season 2, Episode 1. We’re starting fresh, but not over.We can’t give away too much of what we’re talking about … it is a podcast, after all.Tune in, or, download to listen later on your favourite podcast platform!Have ideas for future shows? Drop us a note, on social media or
Feb 2, 2024 • 1:16:24
The pillars of succession planning with Annessa Good
Send us a textWhen it comes to transition planning for your family's operation, where do you begin?Annessa Good, business advisor with Farm Credit Canada, joined The Bovine to share what a transition plan is comprised of, as well as useful tips to get started and make this a positive experience for your family and business. This episode was recorded at the 2023 Canadian Beef Industry Conference in Calgary this August.Have ideas for future shows? Drop us a note, on social media or via email. ABP
Sep 27, 2023 • 10:58
Ryan Copithorne's market outlook for Fall 2023
Send us a textDeclining cow numbers, shrinking packer margins, and market volatility—the cattle market certainly isn’t boring at the moment. There’s a lot going on, and Ryan Copithorne is here to give producers a glimpse into what may be coming.Ryan, the president and owner of Cows In Control, joined us on The Bovine during the 2023 Canadian Beef Industry Conference in Calgary this summer to talk about his outlook for the fall and some cautions and opportunities to keep an eye on.Producers looki
Sep 20, 2023 • 7:00
Brenna Grant's favourite cost-of-production tips for new producers
Send us a textRecorded at the 2023 Canadian Beef Industry Conference in Calgary, Brenna Grant, executive director of Canfax Research Services, shares her three favourite recommendations for new beef producers, coming from the Canadian Cow-Calf Cost of Production Network.The full list of recommendations is now available on the Canfax website, along with other resources coming out of the Network's results and analysis.Have ideas for future shows? Drop us a note, on social media or via email. ABP
Sep 1, 2023 • 7:21
P4ssw0rd123: How's your cyber security?
Send us a textDo you use the same password for everything? Skip multi-factor authentication? Prefer to keep your p4ssw0rds easy?Well, you may want to listen to this discussion for some inspiration on mitigating your risk of experiencing a cyber security incident.Have ideas for future shows? Drop us a note, on social media or via email. ABP Daily | Twitter | Facebook | Instagram | Email
May 2, 2023 • 21:37
An Update from the Canadian Cattle Association
Send us a textCanadian Cattle Association (CCA) General Manager, Ryder Lee, joined Alberta Beef Producers for our January/February Producer Meetings and our March 1 Annual General Meeting. And he joins us again here for updates from the CCA. Related:Industry partners publish Alberta Beef Competitiveness StudyABP announces 2023 Board of DirectorsCCA advocacy and youth effortsHave ideas for future shows? Drop us a note, on social media or via email. ABP Daily | Twitter | Facebook | Instagram | Ema
Mar 21, 2023 • 24:43
AFSC on live polling and next steps following Producer Meetings
Send us a textThis year, Agriculture Financial Services Corporation (AFSC) brought a new format to their coffee sponsorship at ABP's Producer Meetings. Using digital technology, AFSC speakers polled audiences for their thoughts on everything from LPI to moisture deficiency insurance.What did they find out, and what will they do with the data?Brenda Hagen, Product Owner LPI, Product Innovation, and Jackie Sanden, Product Coordinator, Product Innovation, join The Bovine to discuss their findings a
Mar 16, 2023 • 14:36
The BIF Symposium is coming to Canada
Send us a textIn this special episode of The Bovine, live from the Alberta Beef Industry Conference, host Debra Murphy talks to Kajal Devani, Beef Improvement Federation board member.This year's Beef Improvement Federation's research symposium and conference will be held in Calgary, Alberta, July 3-6. Kajal discusses the purpose of the federation and why this conference is valuable for beef producers.Early bird registration is available until February 28, and students can register for a discount
Feb 23, 2023 • 12:44
Danny Hooper on ABIC so far, and tips for quality emceeing
Send us a textIn this special episode of The Bovine, we’re joined by emcee, entertainer, and auctioneer Danny Hooper, live from the 2023 Alberta Beef Industry Conference (ABIC). No stranger to ABIC, Danny shares what he’s learned about being an emcee over the years. He also chats about interviewing this year’s keynote speaker, hockey legend Mark Messier, as well as leading a fireside chat with the Hon. Doug Black, senator from Alberta; the Hon. Christy Clark, former Premier of B.C.; and the Hon.
Feb 23, 2023 • 18:25
Diversity, equity, and inclusion
Send us a textOn this episode, we dive into the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion file for the Canadian Beef Advisors and how it relates to the National Beef Strategy 2030 goal around people, health, and safety.Brenna Grant, Executive Director of Canfax, joins us to provide an overview of this file and how it will allow the industry to work together to achieves its goals.This Special Edition of the show was recorded at the Canadian Beef Industry Conference in Penticton, British Columbia. Stay tun
Feb 10, 2023 • 7:23
Anne Wasko on the Canadian beef 2030 goals
Send us a textOn this episode, Anne Wasko, rancher and Canadian Roundtable for Sustainable Beef Past Chair, gives us an update on the Canadian Beef Advisor's 2030 goals, coming out of the National Beef Strategy.This Special Edition of the show was recorded at the Canadian Beef Industry Conference in Penticton, British Columbia. Stay tuned for more from the conference!Have ideas for future shows? Drop us a note, on social media or via email. ABP Daily | Twitter | Facebook | Instagram | Email
Feb 10, 2023 • 11:57
Preparing for drought during autumn office hours
Send us a textWhen do you prepare for drought?Dr. Bart Lardner, Adjunct Professor at the University of Saskatchewan joins us to talk drought planning, critical rain dates, and what individual producers can do to improve their operation's drought resiliency. This Special Edition of the show was recorded at the Canadian Beef Industry Conference in Penticton, British Columbia. Stay tuned for more from the conference!Have ideas for future shows? Drop us a note, on social media or via email. ABP Dail
Sep 28, 2022 • 12:40
An overview of the markets with Brenna Grant, Canfax
Send us a textBrenna Grant, Executive Director of Canfax and Canfax Research Services, joins us to talk about beef and cattle markets, delving into how the last few years have shown up in the numbers, what beef and cattle markets look like now, and if there is an expected shift in leverage on the horizon.This Special Edition of the show was recorded at the Canadian Beef Industry Conference in Penticton, British Columbia. Stay tuned for more from the conference!Have ideas for future shows? Drop u
Aug 30, 2022 • 9:55
Barley, corn, and wheat markets with Brennan Turner
Send us a textWondering when to buy grain?Brennan Turner is an independent grain market analyst, who spoke at the Canadian Beef Industry Conference. Hear a quick summary of his presentation as he goes through factors affecting barley, corn, and wheat. This Special Edition of the show was recorded at the Canadian Beef Industry Conference in Penticton, British Columbia. Stay tuned to ABP Daily for more from the conference.Have ideas for future shows? Drop us a note, on social media or via email. A
Aug 23, 2022 • 13:55
A deep-dive into connection and acknowledgement with Dr. Jody Carrington
Send us a textFrom taking food to a grieving neighbour to harnessing the power of the words "tell me more," psychologist, author and keynote speaker Dr. Jody Carrington shares her knowledge of connection. This Special Edition of the show was recorded at the Canadian Beef Industry Conference in Penticton, British Columbia. Stay tuned to ABP Daily for more from the conference.Have ideas for future shows? Drop us a note, on social media or via email. ABP Daily | Twitter | Facebook | Instagram | Ema
Aug 18, 2022 • 34:06
Living Labs, a DIY plastic compactor, and positivity in market trends
Send us a textOn today's episode:The recently announced Living Laboratories Initiative, with Sheri Strydhorst, Alberta Barley and Alberta Wheat Commission, and Karin Schmid, Alberta Beef Producers.Making your own ag plastic compactor with guest host and new delegate Colin Rice and Full Circle Plastics' Jonathon Beekman.Positivity in market trends for beef - an interview from Alberta Beef Industry Conference, featuring Brett Stuart, founding partner of Global AgriTrends.Tell us how you burger for
Aug 9, 2022 • 46:54
Rocky View Schools' on-farm learning initiative
Send us a textWelcome to another edition of The Bovine!On this episode, you'll hear Karin Schmid, Beef Production and Extension Lead, ABP, takeover the host seat as she tours The Farm, Rocky View Schools' new on-farm learning initiative.Karin speaks with teacher Matt Chomistek and grade 10 students enrolled in the program.More information is available at www.rvsthefarm.comHave ideas for future shows? Drop us a note, on social media or via email. ABP Daily | Twitter | Facebook | Instagram | Emai
Jun 27, 2022 • 20:26
Hoping for rain, Buddying Up, and planning a pit roast
Send us a textWelcome back to another episode of The Bovine! On today's episode, hear:ABP Delegate and Medicine Hat area farmer, Craig Lehr, joins the show with an update on the dry conditions in his area;Akash Asif from the Centre for Suicide Prevention talks men's mental health, the Centre's ag persona, and #BuddyUp Month; andPitmaster Mel Chmilar Jr. breaks down what it takes to master an old-fashioned pit roast.For More:ABP Daily - DroughtBecome a Buddy Up ChampionFollow Mel Chmilar Jr. on I
Jun 1, 2022 • 51:47
Celebrating our 2022 Environmental Stewardship Award recipients
Send us a textThis year, Ribbon Creek Ranch, near Linden, Alberta, has been selected as the recipient of the 2022 Environmental Stewardship Award (ESA). In this feature edition of the podcast, listen to Elan Lees, one of the managers of last year's award-winning ranch, take the reins as guest host for a discussion with Jerry Baerg of Ribbon Creek Ranch.You'll also hear a quick word from this year's sponsors of the ESA, featuring representatives: Tom Lynch-Staunton, Regional Vice President, Alber
May 13, 2022 • 30:17
Weed-free forage, carrying capacity, and first-gen at the table
Send us a textKicking off the episode, host Debra Murphy takes a dive into our social media and some of the chatter about our last podcast on wild pigs.Then:Alberta Invasive Species Council's Executive Director, Megan Evans, joins the show to talk about revitalizing the Certified Weed-Free Forage Program in the province.Beef Cattle Research Council Project Coordinator, Janice Bruynooghe, walks us through the Carrying Capacity Calculator.New delegate and first generation farmer/rancher, Doug Roxb
May 3, 2022 • 52:23
Forages, wild pigs, and a whirlwind trip to Ottawa
Send us a textTo start off the episode, host Debra Murphy introduces ABP's Beef Production and Extension Lead, Karin Schmid.Then:Can you keep your animals off the grass a while longer? Masters student and host of 'Forays into Forages,' David MacTaggart, joins to talk about the general lifecycle of perennial plants, and how we can support forages post-drought.Pigs in the back 40. Wild boar specialist, Dr. Ryan Brook talks about the distribution of wild pigs on the prairies, their lifecycle, and c
Apr 6, 2022 • 1:04:07
Finding solutions to ag plastics and welcoming youth to the table
Send us a textTo start off Episode 3, host Debra Murphy begins by acknowledging international events.Then:How do we get more youth involved in committees and boards? Cattlemen's Young Leader graduate and past Young Cattlemen's Council representative Brodie Haugan reflects on his eight years with Alberta Beef Producers. In a surprising turn of events, interviewee becomes interviewer.Brodie Haugan takes the host chair to welcome a past delegate and farmer, Assar Grinde, to talk about
Mar 8, 2022 • 45:06
Special Edition: Re-capping the 2022 Annual General Meeting
Send us a textIn this Special Edition of The Bovine, ABP Chair Dr. Melanie Wowk and General Manager Brad Dubeau join host Debra Murphy to re-cap the 2022 Annual General Meeting, held in Red Deer, Alberta at the beginning of March.You'll hear some thoughts on:the overall feel of the meeting,youth involvement in the industry,the changes to ABP's communications tools, some of the resolutions considered (including disaster relief, trade regs, and funding the Canadian Cattlemen's Association), andthe
Mar 4, 2022 • 32:57
Babysitting, bull-fighting, and precision tech for cows
Send us a textTo start off Episode 2, host Debra Murphy begins with some quick thoughts on the podcast's structure, as well as a shout out to ABP Daily, where you can find more information relevant to the cattle industry — particularly here in Alberta.Then:Do cows babysit? Animal welfare and behaviour specialist Dr. Joe Stookey joins us to answer calving questions you've wondered but never knew who to ask.What does bull fighting offer a political career? Our very own Vice Chair, Jason Hale, talk
Jan 31, 2022 • 44:13