The Data Literacy for Cow-Calf Producers project aims to give farmers and ranchers the chance to discuss best practices and learn from experts and peers about how to use data to make better business decisions. | File photo

New program focuses on data literacy for cow-calf producers

Case studies and mentoring will help give farm data decision-making power

A project to increase the use of data in cow-calf operation decision-making has brought together organizations and researchers from across the sector. The Data Literacy for Cow-Calf Producers project aims to give farmers and ranchers the chance to discuss best practices and learn from experts and peers about how to use data to make better […] Read more

A Moonsyst Smart Rumen Bolus is inserted at MBFI’s Brookdale Farm north of Brandon.   |  MBFI photo

Studies aim to improve heifer selection

Glacier FarmMedia – A research project underway at Manitoba Beef and Forage Initiatives (MBFI) north of Brandon might help cattle operations across the Prairies take their replacement heifer game plan to the next level. MBFI is one of three western Canadian sites feeding data into a four-year study aimed at evaluating how various novel technologies […] Read more

Bolus data on a computer screen shows the temperature change every time an animal drinks water, as seen in the top chart, and a spike in activity typical of an estrus alert.  |  Photo supplied by Susan Markus

Research looks for ways to assess heifer fertility

Project uses bolus technology to help identify the factors that producers could look for when acquiring replacements

A researcher wants to save cow-calf producers time and money by finding better ways for them to choose the best replacement heifers for their operations. “We want to know if we can assess something — some traits, some indicator — earlier in the season instead of having to wait until you turn them out with […] Read more


A lot of research has gone into the fertility of bulls, given their genetic importance. However, researchers at Lakeland College are trying to offer farmers deeper insight into their breeding programs by looking at the predictive analysis of heifers. | File photo

Alta. fertility study focuses on heifers

Researchers look for the most effective and inexpensive ways cattle producers can select heifers for natural insemination

Breeding cattle for the commercial market can be a real crap shoot. A lot of research has gone into the fertility of bulls, given their genetic importance. However, researchers at Lakeland College are trying to offer farmers deeper insight into their breeding programs by looking at the predictive analysis of heifers. Through the Precision Ranching […] Read more