From Grass to Gain: Building Better Grazing Systems

From Grass to Gain: Building Better Grazing Systems

Healthy forage systems are the foundation of profitable and sustainable beef production. In this episode of the Canadian Gelbvieh Connection Podcast host, Walker Murphy, sits down with forage and grazing management specialist Tara Davidson to discuss practical strategies for managing pastures and grazing systems in Western Canada. Drawing from years of experience, Tara explains how grazing management decisions impact pasture productivity, forage utilization, soil health, and long-term profitability. The conversation explores matching forage species to local environments, developing resilient grazing systems, and adapting management practices to changing weather conditions. A focus of the discussion is drought management and the importance of maintaining flexibility when forage supplies become limited. Tara shares practical insights on managing water resources, prioritizing pasture recovery, and making grazing decisions that protect pasture health while supporting cattle performance. She emphasizes the value of allowing heavily grazed pastures adequate rest and recovery once moisture returns to the system. Walker and Tara also discuss how well-managed forage systems can improve efficiency, reduce feed costs, and strengthen the overall sustainability of beef operations. The episode highlights the importance of continuous learning, monitoring pasture conditions, and making proactive management decisions throughout the grazing season. Whether you're managing native rangeland or tame pasture, this episode provides valuable takeaways for producers looking to improve pasture productivity, build drought resilience, and maximize the value of their forage resources. For more resources, Tara provided the following links for producers to utilize: https://www.beefresearch.ca/topics/rangeland-riparian-health/ https://www.beefresearch.ca/topics/grazing-management/ https://saskpcap.org/rangelands/ https://www.beefresearch.ca/topics/grazing-management/ https://www.saskforage.ca/ https://www.saskforage.ca/

Attentive Stockmanship: Applying the Animal Intuitive Method on the Ranch

Canadian Gelbvieh Connection host Sarah Van Schothorst sits down with Grow Your Life With Kim and Jackie founders Kim and Jackie to explore the Animal Intuitive Method (AIM) and how observation, awareness, and connection can influence livestock management on today’s cattle operations. In this episode, the discussion focuses on practical ways producers can become more attentive stockmen by recognizing subtle behavioral changes, improving low-stress cattle handling, and strengthening the relationship between humans and livestock. Kim and Jackie share how AIM principles may support producers during challenging times such as calving season, weaning, and other high-pressure management situations. Whether AIM is a completely new concept or something listeners already practice in their day-to-day work with cattle, this episode offers a thoughtful discussion on stockmanship, producer mindset, and continuing to improve how we care for and work with our herds. Thank you to Grow Your Life With Kim and Jackie for sponsoring this episode of Canadian Gelbvieh Connection.

Calves, Colostrum & Critical Moments

Sarah sits down with Dr. Claire Windeyer to discuss calving; what to expect, when to intervene; tips and tricks. This episodes highlights information useful for all producers; new to the business and seasoned producers, there are tips for everyone.

Decoding EPDs: The Numbers Behind Great Cattle

In this episode of Canadian Gelbvieh Connection, host Sarah Van Schothorst sits down with Dr. Ryan Boldt, lead geneticist at International Genetic Solutions (IGS), to break down one of the most important tools in modern beef cattle breeding: Expected Progeny Differences (EPDs). Together, they explore what EPDs are, why they were developed, and how they help producers make more informed breeding decisions beyond what can be seen through visual appraisal alone. Ryan explains how EPDs are calculated, the data that goes into genetic evaluations, and how the multi-breed evaluation system used by IGS helps improve the accuracy and usefulness of genetic predictions across breeds. Listeners will also gain a clearer understanding of EPD accuracy—what it means, how it is determined, and how confident producers can be when comparing animals. The conversation also tackles a common point of confusion: the difference between individual trait EPDs and selection indexes, and when each approach is most useful in making breeding decisions. Finally, the episode focuses on practical application. Ryan discusses how producers can use EPDs to align selection decisions with their production goals—whether they are building a strong maternal herd or focusing on terminal calves for market. Key traits such as calving ease, milk, stayability, growth, carcass traits, and feed efficiency are highlighted. Whether you are new to EPDs or looking to better apply genetic data in your breeding program, this episode provides a clear, practical guide to using EPDs to move your herd forward. Thank you to our sponsor for supporting this episode. Grow Your Life with Kim & Jackie. Follow their podcast channel on Apple or Spotify.

Genomic Data - How do we collect it? How do you use the information?

Bull sale season is underway! Seedstock producers make a significant investment is DNA testing animals in their herd, commonly herd sire prospects for sale. The Canadian Gelbvieh Association has repatriated our DNA testing services to within Canada to ensure the best possible security, management, and utilization of this investment. This episode is meant to shed light on the changes the CGA has made and why we have made them. It is meant to help commercial and seedstock producers read DNA results and use the information in a way that may help them to narrow down the selection for new herd additions.