Studying Feed Efficiency at Old College with Sean Thompson (Olds) - Cow Efficiency Mini Series

Studying Feed Efficiency at Old College with Sean Thompson (Olds) - Cow Efficiency Mini Series

Sean Thompson is the Research Chair of the Olds College Centre for Innovation. In his current role, Sean oversees applied research activities at Olds College, focused on livestock production, smart ag technology, environmental stewardship and crop production. Sean has a personal and professional background in beef cattle management, nutrition, and genetics. Further, he has extensive experience managing research projects at post-secondary institutions. Sean holds an MSc in Beef Cattle Nutrition from the University of Manitoba. Prior to joining Olds College, Sean served as Feed Industry Liaison at the University of Saskatchewan, managing feed processing and livestock feeding research projects. He also has previous extension experience, providing information and guidance to beef producers as a Livestock Specialist with the Saskatchewan Ministry of Agriculture. Away from his day job, Sean operates a purebred Shorthorn operation on his farm north of Cochrane, AB. Today we are talking about feed efficiency in cattle, and in particular, some of the research that is happening at Olds College. To start off on this topic, Sean shares his definition of feed efficiency in relation to cattle. We talk about the age and class of cattle targeted for evaluating feed efficiency. Sean also discusses how improved feed efficiency optimize beef production in Canada, and why, knowing this, the uptake on testing cattle for feed efficiency remains low. He also explains how heritable feed efficiency traits are, what genetics can tell us about feed efficiency and how feed efficient replacement heifers are compared to when they are mature cows. Sean discusses RFI, FCR and RIG and what these values mean to the efficiency of cattle. We also chat briefly about some of the other projects Olds College is doing in relation to the beef sector and sheep industry. There are lots of great research projects happening and hopefully we can check back in on some of these in later episodes. To find out more about what is happening at Olds College, visit www.oldscollege.ca [http://www.oldscollege.ca/] or follow Olds on: Facebook: @OldsCollegeofAgricultureandTechnology Instagram: @oldscollege The research programs and daily operations at MBFI would not be possible without the funding from the Province of Manitoba, Government of Canada, and Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership, as well as the partnership with Manitoba Agriculture [http://www.gov.mb.ca/agriculture/], Manitoba Beef Producers (MBP) [http://www.mbbeef.ca/] and Ducks Unlimited Canada (DUC) [http://www.ducks.ca/]. We encourage you to follow MBFI on social media, or check out the website for more information on project findings and results, upcoming events and more! Instagram: @MBBeefandForage Facebook: @MBBeefandForage X (Twitter): @MBBeefandForage Website: www.mbfi.ca [http://www.mbfi.ca/] Email address: information@mbfi.ca [information@mbfi.ca] Mary-Jane’s Phone Number: 431-255-0011

The Forage Efficient Cow Project with Dr. Mika Asai-Coakwell & Nyah Hopkins - Cow Efficiency Mini Series

Dr. Mika Asai-Coakwell is an assistant professor in bovine genetics at the University of Saskatchewan. Raised in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, she completed her BSc and MSc at the University of Saskatchewan and earned her doctoral degree at the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology (ETH). Following her postdoctoral research in ocular genetics at the University of Alberta in Edmonton, Alberta, she returned to the University of Saskatchewan’s College of Agriculture and Bioresources. Her research program focuses on identifying genes and genetic pathways associated with beef cattle production traits, including cow productivity and efficiency, reproductive traits such as gestational length, and carcass characteristics. By advancing understanding of the genomic basis of these economically important traits, her research supports the application of genomic technologies to improve efficiency, profitability, and sustainability in beef cattle production. Nyah Hopkins is a graduate student at the University of Saskatchewan and is currently completing her Master's degree in Animal Science. She grew up in Outlook, Saskatchewan, and completed her Bachelor’s degree in Animal Bioscience at the University of Saskatchewan. During her undergraduate program, Nyah gained an interest in livestock genetics and completed a research thesis with Dr. Asai-Coakwell looking at genes involved in fat deposition in beef cattle. Through this experience, she became passionate about understanding the genetic mechanisms behind traits and how this can be applied to livestock production. Her master’s program seeks to understand the genetic mechanisms behind efficiency in the cow-calf sector, and she hopes her research will aid producers in identifying and selecting more efficient cattle. In today’s episode, we chat with Mika and her graduate student, Nyah, about their work on the Forage Efficient Cow Project. This project has been in the works for quite some time, spearheaded by Dr. Greg Penner. To start out today, we chat about the conventional definition of feed efficiency in beef cattle, as well as the definition they are using for this project, and why these differ. We also talk about phenotypic factors, genotypes and genetic markers and how they are assessed in this project. We also discuss how the microbiome and physical features and characteristics like rumen volume play a role in the efficiency of cattle. Being able to select and breed forage efficient cattle, may have many benefits not only to producers, but also to the environment and ag industry in general. The research programs and daily operations at MBFI would not be possible without the funding from the Province of Manitoba, Government of Canada, and Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership, as well as the partnership with Manitoba Agriculture [http://www.gov.mb.ca/agriculture/], Manitoba Beef Producers (MBP) [http://www.mbbeef.ca/] and Ducks Unlimited Canada (DUC) [http://www.ducks.ca/]. We encourage you to follow MBFI on social media, or check out the website for more information on project findings and results, upcoming events and more! Instagram: @MBBeefandForage Facebook: @MBBeefandForage X (Twitter): @MBBeefandForage Website: www.mbfi.ca [http://www.mbfi.ca/] Email address: information@mbfi.ca [information@mbfi.ca] Mary-Jane’s Phone Number: 431-255-0011

MBFI Herd Project Update with Mary-Jane Orr - Cow Efficiency Mini Series

Mary-Jane leads a dedicated team at MBFI to advance Manitoba’s beef & forage industry through engaging stakeholders, evaluating on-farm innovation, and extension for sustainability of farmers, the public, and the environment. She deeply values the opportunity to collaborate with producers, researchers, education providers, extension specialists, conservation groups, and all stakeholders in field-testing management practices and growing understanding of improved production in Manitoba. Mary-Jane holds a PhD from Purdue University in soil microbial ecology in agricultural systems, is a Professional Agrologist, and Certified Crop Advisor. Her experience in ecology and field agronomy gives her a unique perspective on the challenges facing agriculture today. In this episode, we are talking about MBFI’s Case study in Strategic Herd Development. We had chatted with Mary-Jane for Episode #91 about micronutrient deficiencies in MBFI’s herd, as a result of the previous drought year. Mary-Jane gives us a bit of background on this and changes they have made since then with the MBFI herd. We talk about the pregnancy testing results of the herd in 2025, as well as the results of the blood draws that were taken on the MBFI herd to look into micronutrient deficiencies. Mary-Jane also shares the changes they saw in those blood draw results since using Multi-Min. Mary-Jane also shares the goals of the MBFI herd, along with how the herd is being included in a project with Mika Asai-Coakwell and a student of Mika’s, Nyah Hopkins, for their Forage Efficient Cow Study. As we wrap up, we discuss different tools Mary-Jane and the staff are using for herd selection and monitoring, record keeping software and some other new and exciting technologies that are being used with the cattle herd. The research programs and daily operations at MBFI would not be possible without the funding from the Province of Manitoba, Government of Canada, and Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership, as well as the partnership with Manitoba Agriculture [http://www.gov.mb.ca/agriculture/], Manitoba Beef Producers (MBP) [http://www.mbbeef.ca/] and Ducks Unlimited Canada (DUC) [http://www.ducks.ca/]. We encourage you to follow MBFI on social media, or check out the website for more information on project findings and results, upcoming events and more! Instagram: @MBBeefandForage Facebook: @MBBeefandForage X (Twitter): @MBBeefandForage Website: www.mbfi.ca [http://www.mbfi.ca/] Email address: information@mbfi.ca [information@mbfi.ca] Mary-Jane’s Phone Number: 431-255-0011

Mental Health in Agriculture with Tracy Young

Tracy Young is a seasoned mental health clinician and dedicated advocate for rural mental health. She is a Counsellor for the MB Farmer Wellness Program and co-leads the Centre for Critical Studies of Rural Mental Health, Brandon University, where her current research focus is agricultural resilience and wellbeing. Tracy tells us about her work with the Manitoba Farmer Wellness Program, a free service to Manitoba farmers, farm families and farm workers. This program allows individuals to access 9 sessions of counselling services at no cost. Tracy also is the Co-lead for the Centre for Critical Studies of Rural Mental Health at Brandon University. Tracy shares a bit about her work in this role, including launching a new study called, “What Works” which is focusing on what is working for farmers to handle stress, or those tools in their “toolbox” that help with their mental health. Tracy is hoping to have results from this study available in the Spring of 2027. We chat about the “Deep Rooted” Documentary, a Film by Kyle McDonnell and about the status of mental health in Canadian Agriculture. “Deep Rooted” is a 33 minute documentary featuring four Canadian farmers and ranchers who share their mental health struggles, as well as several mental health experts who talk on the topic. It is discussed that the rate of suicide is 20-30% higher among farmers and ranchers in Canada than that of the rest of the population. We have talked about mental health in agriculture previously on the podcast, and often we talk about the stigma and shame associated with mental health challenges. We discuss whether the stigma in agriculture is changing and what we can do each day to help reduce the stigma. If you or someone you know is struggling with your mental health, please reach out to a friend, a counsellor or visit one of these websites to access resources. Without the farmer, there is no farm. Centre for Critical Studies of Rural Mental Health Website: Centre for Critical Studies of Rural Mental Health [https://www.centreforruralmentalhealth.com/] CBC News Article on the Documentary & Resources: https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/saskatchewan/deep-rooted-mental-health-agriculture-documentary-1.7584959 [https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/saskatchewan/deep-rooted-mental-health-agriculture-documentary-1.7584959] Resources: CRISIS SUPPORT: NATIONAL FARMER CRISIS LINE: 1-866-327-6701 (1-866-FARMS01) SUICIDE CRISIS HELP LINE : Call 9-8-8 Text: 9-8-8 or visit 988.ca If you need immediate help, please visit your local emergency department or call 911. AGTALK: domore.ag/agtalk Online support and connection, with 24/7 clinical moderators CRISIS SERVICES CANADA: Call 1-833-456-4566 Text 45645 www.crisisservicescanada.ca MENTAL HEALTH LINE: Call 211 Website 211.ca and click on your province KIDS HELP PHONE: Text: 686868 FIRST NATIONS & INUIT HOPE FOR WELLNESS LINE: 1-855-242-3310 COUNSELING SUPPORT: MANITOBA FARMER WELLNESS PROGRAM - counselling for farmers www.manitobafarmerwellness.ca info@manitobafarmerwellness.ca 204-232-0574 MANITOBA FARM, RURAL & NORTHERN SUPPORT SERVICES 1-866-367-3276 www.supportline.ca MANITOBA SUICIDE PREVENTION AND SUPPORT LINE 1-877-435-7170 www.reasontolive.ca MENTAL HEALTH SERVICES, SUPPORTS, and RESOURCES: THE DO MORE AGRICULTURE FOUNDATION: The Do More Agriculture Foundation OR www.domore.ag [http://www.domore.ag/] Producer Self Check-In: Farmer Wellness: Break the Mental Health Stigma with our Help PRAIRIE MOUNTAIN HEALTH: Mental Health - Prairie Mountain Health SOUTHERN HEALTH: Mental Health & Addictions - Southern Health-Santé Sud MENTAL HEALTH COMMISSION OF CANADA: www.mentalhealthcommission.ca [http://www.mentalhealthcommission.ca/] CANADIAN MENTAL HEALTH ASSOCIATION: Canadian Mental Health Association - National l A Mental Health Charity APPLIED SUICIDE INTERVENTION SKILLS TRAINING: www.livingworks.net [http://www.livingworks.net/] CANADIAN ASSOCIATION FOR SUICIDE PREVENTION: www.suicideprevention.ca [http://www.suicideprevention.ca/] NATIONAL FARMER MENTAL HEALTH ALLIANCE: National Farmer Mental Health Alliance NATIONAL FARMER WELLNESS NETWORK: ccaw.ca/national-farmer-wellness-network/ [http://ccaw.ca/national-farmer-wellness-network/] Canada’s Suicide Crisis Helpline Call or Text 988 Kids Help Phone 1-800-668-6868 or Text 686868 Previous “Beef & Forage Roundup” episodes focusing on Mental Health in Ag: Episode #17 Mental Health in Agriculture with Kim Moffat Episode #86 Mental Health in Agriculture with Lesley Kelly Episode #87 Mental Health in Agriculture with Briana Hagen Episode #88 The Recovering Farmer with Gerry Friesen Episode #89 Mental Health in Agriculture with Donna Oddell The research programs and daily operations at MBFI would not be possible without the funding from the Province of Manitoba, Government of Canada, and Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership, as well as the partnership with Manitoba Agriculture [http://www.gov.mb.ca/agriculture/], Manitoba Beef Producers (MBP) [http://www.mbbeef.ca/] and Ducks Unlimited Canada (DUC) [http://www.ducks.ca/]. We encourage you to follow MBFI on social media, or check out the website for more information on project findings and results, upcoming events and more! Instagram: @MBBeefandForage Facebook: @MBBeefandForage X (Twitter): @MBBeefandForage Website: www.mbfi.ca [http://www.mbfi.ca/] Email address: information@mbfi.ca [information@mbfi.ca] Mary-Jane’s Phone Number: 431-255-0011

Manitoba Pasture Forage and Water Quality Survey with Kristen Bouchard Teasdale (MB Ag)

Kristen brings a lifelong passion for agriculture to her role as Manitoba Agriculture’s Livestock and Forage Extension Specialist in Beausejour. Before stepping into extension work, she supported producers as a Livestock Nutritionist and as an Environmental Farm Plan Program Officer. She holds both an Animal Science degree and a Master of Agriculture from the University of Manitoba. Growing up on a cow‑calf farm in the Interlake shaped Kristen’s love for the industry, and she still lends a hand on the family farm whenever she can. These days, she balances her professional life with the joyful chaos of raising two daughters—often found shuttling them between activities. In today's episode, Kristen shares the ins and outs of the Manitoba Pasture Forage and Water Quality Survey. To start with, we talk about the history of the Pasture Forage and Water Survey Conducted by MB Ag, and where the idea for this survey began. The survey addressed declining water quality in dry regions of the province and some of the subsequent impacts that low water levels have on cattle and cattle performance. Kristen shares some of these impacts with us, as well as what was noticed between the years studied. Kristen shares information about the water quality testing first. This conversation includes what the testing encompassed, some of the biggest impacts to water quality, sulphate levels and their impact on copper availability. We also talk about some of the best management practices that helped maintain or improve water quality. Turning to the forage side of the survey, we chat about the testing of forage and what it was tested for, as well as any surprising results from the forage survey. We wrap up with talking about what this survey concludes for producers and why this information is important to share. To find out more information, you can visit: 2024 & 2025 Survey Results YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=USAPEzrGJXU [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=USAPEzrGJXU] Manitoba Ag Beef and Forage Technical Bulletin 17th Edition (May 2025) https://www.gov.mb.ca/agriculture/livestock/pubs/beef-forage-technical-bulletin-may-2025.pdf [https://www.gov.mb.ca/agriculture/livestock/pubs/beef-forage-technical-bulletin-may-2025.pdf] Manitoba Agriculture's general toll-free inquiry line: 1-844-769-6224 The research programs and daily operations at MBFI would not be possible without the funding from the Province of Manitoba, Government of Canada, and Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership, as well as the partnership with Manitoba Agriculture [http://www.gov.mb.ca/agriculture/], Manitoba Beef Producers (MBP) [http://www.mbbeef.ca/] and Ducks Unlimited Canada (DUC) [http://www.ducks.ca/]. We encourage you to follow MBFI on social media, or check out the website for more information on project findings and results, upcoming events and more! Instagram: @MBBeefandForage Facebook: @MBBeefandForage X (Twitter): @MBBeefandForage Website: www.mbfi.ca [http://www.mbfi.ca/] Email address: information@mbfi.ca [information@mbfi.ca] Mary-Jane’s Phone Number: 431-255-0011