Coffee Cows and Crops: Recent Episodes
Peace Country Beef and Forage Association
Join the staff of Peace Country Beef and Forage Association, a producer directed agriculture research association, for discussions about better ways to produce food and manage your farm or ranch.
Welcome to PCBFA's podcast. The podcast exploring innovation, sustainability, and real-world solutions in agriculture and environmental stewardship. Hosted in partnership with the Peace Living Lab, we dive into the groundbreaking work happening at Garth Shaw’s site and beyond—where research meets practice. Join us as we talk with farmers, scientists, and industry leaders who are driving change through regenerative agriculture, collaboration, and hands-on experimentation. Whether you’re a producer, researcher, or simply passionate about the future of our land, this podcast is your gateway to the stories shaping a more sustainable tomorrow.
Welcome to PCBFA's podcast. The podcast exploring innovation, sustainability, and real-world solutions in agriculture and environmental stewardship. Hosted in partnership with the Peace Living Lab, we dive into the groundbreaking work happening at Dan Martin’s site and beyond—where research meets practice. Join us as we talk with farmers, scientists, and industry leaders who are driving change through regenerative agriculture, collaboration, and hands-on experimentation. Whether you’re a producer, researcher, or simply passionate about the future of our land, this podcast is your gateway to the stories shaping a more sustainable tomorrow.
Exciting times in store for summer 2024. Listen in on today's episode to hear about our new summer staff additions and great upcoming events. Tune in next time to hear Chelsey map out the plot plans for 2024.
Redwood highway - Audiotonix
Socioeconomics, in a nutshell from Investopedia, is a term that refers to the interaction between the social and economic habits of a group of people, including their interactions with others and their family. You may not even realize it, but it is happening around us in agriculture every day! Monika Benoit helps explain this term through her first-hand experience.
Music - Redwood Highway - Audionautix
Here is an update from the busy month of February! We had many events to keep us busy and even more lined up for March. Find out what we have been up to and mark your calendars for March events in the Peace.
BONUS: including a brief "soil tips highlight" from, Yasir of ViviGro Sustainable Solutions, on two listener questions that were kindly submitted. If you have any questions you would like featured on our podcast, you are welcome to send them in for some fresh insight.
Music - Redwood Highway - Audionautix
BONUS SERIES - Get to know our special guest, president, CEO and founder of ViviGro Sustainable Solutions Ltd, Yasir Syed, with some introductory questions on common mistakes, myths and misconceptions about soil health. This season is a dedicated soil special mini series and will be jam packed with some amazing soil health information with an easy to grasp, holistic approach. Get your questions ready and please call in or email them to shelby@pcbfa.ca so we can discuss them on the show!
Music - Redwood Highway - Audionautix
This episode we get into some facts about common predators of the Peace who can cause some big livestock losses in our area, and touch on some government programs to help you recover costs due to these unfortunate damages. Learn about some signs and distinguishing characteristics that are unique to each predators such as bears and wolves, and team up with your local Fish & Wildlife officers to offer producer support.
Music - Redwood Highway - Audionautix
Thinking of becoming a producer or starting your own farm, but might be brand new to country life or not sure where to start? Listen in on today's episode for a rundown on the differences between farms, ranches and hobby farms or homesteads, and learn about how they offer you exciting opportunities in the Peace Country.
BONUS: a quick view into 4H Clubs, what they are, and why they are great for kids.
We hope to give you some inspiration!
Music - Redwood Highway - Audionautix
We are always learning over here at the PCBFA. Enjoy a quick listen with this week's episode to spark some motivation on how EFP's will benefit you and your farm, and what you could do with some really great funding opportunities that work hand in hand with the EFP program.
Music - Redwood Highway - Audionautix
Meet our new manager and PCBFA Team Leader, Alaina Archibald. Alaina is a local producer who is passionate about women in agriculture and excited to express her support and inspiration through our growing organization.
Music - Redwood Highway - Audionautix
There have been some exciting changes at the PCBFA! Find out who has joined our organization and what they are excited to share. Tune in next week to hear about our upcoming events you won't want to miss.
In this episode, we chat with Dr. Kevin Floate about the insects, bugs, and other creepy crawlies that help break-down cow dung on pasture.
You can find Cow Patty Critters for free online here: https://publications.gc.ca/site/eng/9.913866/publication.html
Have questions? Comments? find Kevin's contact info here: https://profils-profiles.science.gc.ca/en/profile/dr-kevin-floate
Find more information about PCBFA and our research here: https://peacecountrybeef.ca
Our intro and outro music is Redwood Highway by Jason Shaw, find more at https://audionautix.com
In today's episode, we're chatting with Compost expert and soil-health enthusiast Mike Dorion from Living Soil Solutions about Composting, Vermiculture, and the Highfield Regenerative farm.
For more resources on Composting and Vermiculture check out the Compost Council of Canada's website here: https://www.compost.org/
Check out Living Soil solutions here: https://vergepermaculture.ca/portfolio-posts/mike-dorion-living-soil-solutions/
Learn more about the Highfield Regenerative farm in Calgary here: https://www.highfieldfarm.ca/
For more info about PCBFA or our projects, check out https://peacecountrybeef.ca
Our intro and outro music is Red Wood Highway by Jason Shaw. Find more at www.audionautix.com
In this bonus episode we chat with Greg Judy a regenerative rancher from Missouri, about his grazing operation, some of his business philosophy and, livestock selection.
For more info about Greg's operation you can check out his YouTube Channel here: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCi8jM5w49UezskDWBGyKq5g
Greg will be doing a tour of Alberta in June. Check out the stops of Greg's tour below:
Valleyview - June 13th
Manning - June 15th
Bonanza - June 17th
Barrhead - June 19th
Fort Kent - June 21st
Coronation - June 23rd
Rumsey - June 26th
Jumping Pound - June 28th
Leslieville - June 29th
Find more information about PCBFA's events and research here: https://www.peacecountrybeef.ca/
In Today's episode we chat with Milena McWatt about her work with the Land Stewardship Center and the Green Acreages Program.
You can find more information about the Green Acreages Program on the Land Stewardship Center Website here: https://www.landstewardship.org/
You can find the Stewardship directory Here: https://stewardshipdirectory.com/
You can learn more about PCBFA's research and upcoming events at https://www.peacecountrybeef.ca/
The intro and outro music for this podcast is Redwood Highway by Jason Shaw, find more at https://audionautix.com/
In this episode we chat with Sandeep Nain, from the Gateway Research Organization about a couple of projects to do with perennial wheat and perennial rye grown for harvest and grazing.
For more information about Kernza Perennial Wheat, check out this interview with Lee DeHaan from the Kansas Land Institute: https://www.podbean.com/ew/pb-zaguv-102af95
For more info on Perennial Cereals check out Gro's video with Dr. Surya Acharya and Dr. Raja Ragupathy here: https://youtu.be/MiPsXvkY3MU
For more information about GRO check out their website here: https://gatewayresearchorganization.com/
You can find PCBFA's research, factsheets and contact info here: https://peacecountrybeef.ca/
The intro and outro music is Redwood Highway by Jason Shaw. Find more at https://audionautix.com/
In this episode, Fiona Briody from RDAR takes us through the new On-Farm Climate Action Fund program and discusses what is covered and how to apply.
More program details and application info can be found on RDAR's website here: https://rdar.ca/ofcaf/
For more information on OFCAF, you can call RDAR at 1 877 503 5955 or email them at ofcaf.bmp@rdar.ca
If you want some reference for forages that grow well in the peace, cocktail cover crop info or want to say hi, visit PCBFA's website at https://www.peacecountrybeef.ca/
The music for the intro and outro is Redwood Highway by Jason Shaw. For more information, check out https://audionautix.com/
In today's episode we chat with Saskatchewan bison producer Avery Shepherd about making the switch to covercrops on his bison operation.
We discussed a lot of resources in this episode;
The Cotswold Seeds guide is here: https://www.cotswoldseeds.com/species-guide.asp
Cover Crops Canada by Kevin Elmy is available as both an e-book and physical book here: https://books.friesenpress.com/store/title/119734000132143048/Kevin-R.-Elmy-Cover-Cropping-in-Western-Canada
You can contact Avery at a.shepherd@imperialseed.caFor more information about PCBFA's research, check out our website at https://www.peacecountrybeef.ca/
The intro and outro music is Redwood Highway by Jason Shaw; find more at www.audionautix.com
In this episode we chat with Shelleen Gerbig and Surendra Bhattarai about some of the management practices they will be studying as part of the Peace Region Living Lab.
For more information about SARDA, check out their website here: https://sarda.ca/
This episode was funded by the Peace Region Living Lab, for more information about the project, check them out here; https://peacelivinglab.ca/
For more information about PCBFA's research, or to get in touch with us, visit our website; https://www.peacecountrybeef.ca/
The intro music for Coffee Cows & Crops is Redwood Highway by Jason Shaw. Find more at https://www.audionautix.com
In this episode, we chat with Donovan Kitt about Bale grazing with the Peace Region Living lab, managing pigs on pasture, chickens with predator pressure, and what success looks like on his operation.
To learn more about the Homestead, check out their website here: https://thehomesteadfarm.ca/
This episode was funded by the Peace Region Living Lab, for more information about the project, check them out here; https://peacelivinglab.ca/
For more information about PCBFA's research, or to get in touch with us, visit our website; https://www.peacecountrybeef.ca/
The intro music for Coffee Cows & Crops is Redwood Highway by Jason Shaw. Find more at https://www.audionautix.com
In part two of this chat with Tom Kraweic we discuss his management style and his experiences with managing staff on his operation.
In this episode we discuss how Tom calculates his grazing period, adjusts to the weather, and how he manages the herd. We also chat about using guardian dogs and building a mob.
For more information about Tom or to check out his book, visit; https://simplyranching.ca/
For more info about PCBFA and our projects, you can visit: https://peacecountrybeef.ca/
The intro and outro music for this episode is Redwood Highway by Jason Shaw, learn more at https://audionautix.com
In part one of a 2 part episode, we chat with Rancher and Author Tom Kraweic from Athabasca about his ranching philosophy and his experiences using managed grazing to improve his soil, grass, and quality of life.
In this episode we discuss how Tom calculates his grazing period, adjusts to the weather, and how he manages the herd. We also chat about using guardian dogs and building a mob.
For more information about Tom or to check out his book, visit; https://simplyranching.ca/
For more info about PCBFA and our projects, you can visit: https://peacecountrybeef.ca/
The intro and outro music for this episode is Redwood Highway by Jason Shaw, learn more at https://audionautix.com
In today's episode, we chat with Luree Williamson, CEO of Ag for Life, about Agriculture education, rural safety, and working with schools to increase knowledge of Agriculture in Alberta.
To learn more about Ag for Life and their programs, check out their website here: https://www.agricultureforlife.ca/
Fore more information about PCBFA check out our website at: https://www.peacecountrybeef.ca
Intro and outro music is Redwood Highway by Jason Shaw. Find more at www.audionautix.com
In this episode, we chat with Jay Byer, Soil Conservation analyst from Gateway Research Organization, about a series of projects looking at the economics of different management styles on poor-quality agricultural land.
For more information about Gateway Research Organization, check out their website here: https://gatewayresearchorganization.com/
Or their Facebook page here: https://www.facebook.com/GatewayResearchOrganization
You can listen to our 2020 episode here:
and you can find more information about PCBFA at our website: https://www.peacecountrybeef.ca
The intro and outro music is RedWood Highway by Jason Shaw www.audionautix.com
Swath Grazing has its pros and cons, in this episode, we discuss Lakeland College's Swath Grazing and Garlic feeding projects with Research Scientist Dr. Obioha Durunna. These projects cover animal performance on swaths, mineral intake and the factors that change the effectiveness of Garlic additives.
For more information about research at Lakeland College, check out their website here: https://www.lakelandcollege.ca/facilities-and-services/projects
For more information about PCBFA or to see the results of our research: https://www.peacecountrybeef.ca/
The intro and outro music is Redwood Highway by Jason Shaw. Find more at www.audionautix.com
In this episode we chat with Beef Cattle Nutritionist Barry Yaremcio about the best ways to store feed, how to manage old feed, and how to feed your cattle efficiently through the winter.
For more nutrition information from Barry check out his website here: https://www.beefconsultant.com/
Impact of Body condition score on Reproduction factsheet https://open.alberta.ca/publications/2392247
BCRC Feed Efficiency and Utilization resources: https://www.beefresearch.ca/categories/feed-efficiency-utilization/
BCRC Calculators https://www.beefresearch.ca/tools/interactive-calculators/
Western Beef Development Center http://westernbeef.org/
Saskatchewan Agriculture Livestock Page https://www.saskatchewan.ca/business/agriculture-natural-resources-and-industry/agribusiness-farmers-and-ranchers/livestock
Province of Manitoba Livestock Agriculture Page https://www.gov.mb.ca/agriculture/livestock/
For more information about Peace Country Beef and Forage Association, or to check out our research; https://www.peacecountrybeef.ca/
The intro and outro music for this podcast is Redwood Highway by Jason Shaw, find more at www.audionautix.com
In this episode, we chat with Dr Emma Stephens about the economic impact of environmental practices, and her role in the Peace Region Living Lab.
For more information about the Peace Living Lab check them out on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/peacelivinglab.ca
Dr Stephen's scientist profile can be found here; https://profils-profiles.science.gc.ca/en/profile/dr-emma-c-stephens
More information about the Longterm Agriculture Research Project can be found here: https://ltar.ars.usda.gov/
For more information about PCBFA or to check out our research visit https://www.peacecountrybeef.ca/
music for the intro and outro is Redwood Highway by Jason Shaw learn more at www.audionautix.com
In this episode we chat with the coordination team of the Peace Region Living Lab.
Nadia Mori, Dr Akim Omokanye, and Monika Benoit discuss what a living lab is, the practices they will be investigating and how a living lab works.
For more information on the Peace Living lab check out their facebook page here: https://www.facebook.com/peacelivinglab.ca
The website can be found here: http://peacelivinglab.ca/
For more information about the Peace Country Beef and forage association, check out our website https://www.peacecountrybeef.ca/
The intro and outro for Coffee Cows and Crops is Red Wood highway by Jason Shaw, find more here: www.audionautix.com
In today's episode we discuss the University of Alberta's Adaptive Multi-Paddock Grazing system project with Dr Mark Boyce.
For more information on this project you can check out this article in the Western Producer: https://www.producer.com/livestock/intensive-grazing-damage-minimal/
Or this one from the Canadian Cattlemen's Association: https://www.canadiancattlemen.ca/news/grazing-can-amp-up-carbon-sequestration-u-of-a-researcher-says/
To learn more about AMP Grazing you can download the AMP Grazing Guidebook from ALUS here: https://alus.ca/grazing-forward/
If you would like to see any of the academic papers from this study you can contact PCBFA.
You can find PCBFA's research and factsheets at https://peacecountrybeef.ca/
Music for our intro and outro is Redwood Highway by Jason Shaw, find more at www.audionautix.com
Succession is tough! Get some pointers from Farm Transition expert Elaine Froese, as we discuss some key considerations for passing your operation on to the next generation.
If you'd like to learn more about Elaine, you can find her website here: https://elainefroese.com/
Elaine's Link Tree https://linktr.ee/farmfamilycoach
Or you can check out her YouTube channel here; https://www.youtube.com/c/farmfamilycoach
You can plan to join PCBFA for a full day with Elaine on Friday, November 18th, 2022. Learn more, or register here: https://www.peacecountrybeef.ca/farmtransitionelainefroese
For more info on PCBFA check out our website at https://peacecountrybeef.ca/
The intro and outro music is Redwood Highway by Jason Shaw. Learn more at www.Audionautix.com
Jeremy Boychyn discusses the seeding rate trial Alberta Wheat Commission is working on with the Peace Region Research Association. From weed control, to wheat protein and yield, the proper seeding rate can significantly affect your bottom line.
To learn more about the Alberta Wheat and Alberta Barley Commissions, check them out here: https://www.albertawheatbarley.com/alberta-wheat
https://www.albertawheatbarley.com/alberta-barley
For more information about seeding rates, check out the Alberta Wheat and Alberta Barley commission's seeding rate calculator and the resources they have there https://www.albertawheatbarley.com/seeding-rate-calculator?setcommission=alberta-wheat
And to learn more about Peace Country Beef and Forage Association or the other research we do, check out our website https://www.peacecountrybeef.ca/
The music for our intro and outro is Redwood Highway by Jason Shaw. Learn more at www.audionautix.com/
Chat with Talon Gauthier, General Manager of the Peace Forage Seed Association, in this episode about producing Forage Seed in the Peace Country, and some of the challenges of seed production.
Check out the Peace Forage Seed Association here: http://www.peaceforageseed.ca/
For more info on Growth Regulators, check out this episode of Knowledge for Resilience in the Peace with Calvin Yoder: https://www.podbean.com/ew/pb-vcj8w-12371d3
For more info on the European Skipper, check out the fact sheet here: http://www.peaceforageseed.ca/pdf/SeedHeads/SH_23_European_Skipper.pdf
More info on the Red Case bearer can be found here http://insectpestmanagement.blogspot.com/2019/02/red-clover-casebearer-in-peace-river.html
To hear more about the Peace Country Beef and Forage Association, check out our website at https://www.peacecountrybeef.ca/
Our intro and outro music is Red Wood Highway by Jason Shaw; https://www.audionautix.com
In this episode, we chat with Melanie Wowk, chair of the board at the Alberta Beef Producers, about Government Lobbying, the Beef cattle checkoff, and how to get involved with ABP.
For more information about the Alberta Beef Producers, check out their new website at https://abpdaily.com/
Find PCBFA at https://www.peacecountrybeef.ca/
Our intro and outro music is Redwood Highway by Jason Shaw at https://www.audionautix.com/
In this episode we chat with honey producer and Alberta Beekeepers board member Ryan Hicks about the challenges and fun moments of raising honeybees.
For more information check out the Alberta beekeepers website here: https://www.albertabeekeepers.ca/
Find info about scientific beekeeping here:
For more info about PCBFA check out our website at https://www.peacecountrybeef.ca
In today's episode, we're chatting with Assar Grinde, the Beef Producer representative with Agricultural Plastics Recycling Group. We'll discuss how ag plastic gets recycled, new initiatives to recycle silage plastic and the potential for edible netwrap!
This episode was recorded in April of 2022 so for an updated list of recycling sites and projects, visit the sites below!
For more info on the APRG, check out their website here; https://www.aprg.ca/
For more info on Clean Farms and the work that they do, visit their website; https://cleanfarms.ca/alberta-ag-plastic-recycle-it-program/
Thanks also to Alberta Beef Producers, Alberta Milk, and Alberta Cattle Feeders for their support on these projects!
In this episode we chat with Area Range Management Specialist Katherine Haugan about grazing cattle in the boreal Forest and the differences between managing forest pasture and open range.
For more information on the topics we discussed today, check out these resources;
Range community Guides; https://www.alberta.ca/range-classification-and-survey-tools.aspx
Health assessment; https://www.alberta.ca/range-health.aspx
Cows & Fish, a great resource for any riparian management questions; https://cowsandfish.org/
If you'd like to learn more about PCBFA check out our website at https://www.peacecountrybeef.ca/
Our intro and outro music is Redwood Highway by Jason Shaw, find more at https://www.audionautix.com/
In this episode, we're chatting with Andrea Brocklebank the executive director of the Beef Cattle Research Council. We discuss how the BCRC works, the research that they do, and, of course, our favourite tools on the BCRC website.
Learn more about the BCRC here: https://www.beefresearch.ca/
Checkout PCBFA's research here: https://www.peacecountrybeef.ca/
Our intro and outro music is Redwood Highway by Jason Shaw. Find more at https://www.audionautix.com
In this episode with the Lesser Slave Watershed Alliance we discuss managing natural water bodies the role of Watershed groups, and how to make the most of your natural water sources.
For more information, check out the resources below:
LSWC web page: http://www.lswc.ca
Past Projects: https://d3n8a8pro7vhmx.cloudfront.net/lswc/pages/43/attachments/original/1572536953/2016-19_WRRP_journal.pdf?1572536953
Cows and Fish: https://cowsandfish.org/
Ducks Unlimited: https://www.ducks.ca/
Alberta Riparian Web Portal: https://www.riparianresourcesab.info/
Alberta AG Water Quality for Livestock:
https://www1.agric.gov.ab.ca/$department/deptdocs.nsf/all/agdex718/$file/400_716-2.pdf?OpenElement
Local WPAC Map (to find your local watershed group):
https://static1.squarespace.com/static/55775efbe4b02c5614691727/t/559d5385e4b0bcd5cef60be4/1436373893936/WPAC-map.pdf
Environmental Farm Plan: https://www.albertaefp.com/
Producer’s Guide to Protecting Water Quality Webinar Recording https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zY5q7T-gijQ&t=7s
The LSWC & LSC Present: Being Good Stewards of the Land
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7jRx1DLayng&t=112s
For Mor info about PCBFA or our project check out: https://www.peacecountrybeef.ca/
Music for our intro and outro is Redwood Highway by Jason Shaw. Learn more at https://www.audionautix.com
Jeff Bectell is the Coordinator of the Carnivores and Communities Program at the Waterton Biosphere Reserve Association. In this episode, we discuss some of the methods they've tested for preventing conflicts with Grizzly bears and other carnivores.
For more information about the Waterton Biosphere, check out their website here: https://www.watertonbiosphere.com/
The Blackfoot Challenge can be found here: https://blackfootchallenge.org/
The Carnivores & Communities Program is here: https://www.watertonbiosphere.com/projects/carnivores-communities/
People & Carnivores: https://peopleandcarnivores.org/
Alberta Landholder's Guide to Wildlife Friendly Fencing https://www.ab-conservation.com/downloads
Western Landowner's Alliance Reducing Conflict with Grizzly Bears Wolves & Elk: https://westernlandowners.org/lp/reducing-conflict-with-grizzly-bears-wolves-elk/
For more info on Peace Country Beef & Forage Association check out our website here: https://www.peacecountrybeef.ca
Music for our Intro & Outro is Redwood Highway by Jason Shaw. Learn more at https://audionautix.com
In this episode we chat with Dr Gail MacInnis about the role of wild bees in the pollination of feild and forage crops as well as the function of wild bees in the environment and upcoming research projects with the Northwestern Polytechnic (formerly Grande Prairie Regional College).
Check out the Xerves website for more information about pollinators: https://www.xerces.org/pollinator-resource-center/north-central
and the Xerces Farming for Bees book for more information on providing habitat for wild pollinators https://xerces.org/sites/default/files/2018-05/15-007_04_XercesSoc_Farming-for-Bees-Guidelines_web.pdf
For more information about the National Bee Diagnostic Center check out the GPRC website here: https://www.gprc.ab.ca/research/nbdc/
Visit https://www.peacecountrybeef.ca/ for factsheets, and research performed in the peace country
Our intro and Outro music is Redwood Highway by Jason Shaw. Find more at https://audionautix.com
In this episode, Norine Ambrose discusses the principles of good range management and how to apply them in forested pastures, riparian areas and other unusual pastures.
You can find Cows & Fish at their website here: https://cowsandfish.org/
Listen to more info from Cows & Fish on their Youtube channel here: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCakbtXfMuvI21PtiwjYrJpA?app=desktop
And find PCBFA and our research, at our website here: https://www.peacecountrybeef.ca/
For more info about our podcast contact podcast@pcbfa.ca
The music for our intro and outro is Redwood Highway by Jason Shaw, find more at audionautix.com
In this episode Johanna chats with the team from Young Agrarians about communication, and community building among farmers, ranchers, and food lovers.
Find the Young Agrarians website here: https://youngagrarians.org/
To learn more about the Business Bootcamp, check out this link https://youngagrarians.org/courses/business-bootcamp-for-new-farmers/
The Alberta Land Access Guide can be found here: https://youngagrarians.org/the-alberta-land-access-guide-is-out/
Not from Canada? Check out the Quvira Coalition in the states: https://quiviracoalition.org/
For more information about PCBFA or our research check out our website at https://www.peacecountrybeef.ca/
The Music for our intro and outro is redwood Highway by Jason Shaw, find more at https://audionautix.com/
In today's episode we chat with Derek Leahy and Brenda Baritt from RR2CS about their Regenerative Ag Lab and some of the other work they do in rural Alberta.
You can learn more about Rural Routes here: https://rr2cs.ca/
The Rodale Institute can be found here: https://rodaleinstitute.org/
and the Savoury Institute is here: https://savory.global/
For research being done in Alberta check out the work being done by Farm Rite https://farmrite.ca/organizations/
and Areca https://www.areca.ca/
PCBFA's research can be found here: https://www.peacecountrybeef.ca/applied-research
The music for our intro and outro is Redwood Highway by Jason Shaw; find more at www.audionautix.com/
In today's episode, we chat about adaptive grazing, pasture management and the cattle industry with Allen Williams.
Like what you hear? sign up for PCBFA's virtual Grazing conference before 7 pm MST on January 14th to ask your questions live, or afterwards to get access to the recordings and catch other great speakers! https://www.peacecountrybeef.ca/virtualgrazingconference
You can find more information from Allen here: https://understandingag.com/resources/
There is more information on soil health, and organic agriculture at the Rodale Institute which can be found here https://rodaleinstitute.org/science/
In today's episode, we chat with Dan Benson about maintaining dugouts, water quality and choosing watering systems.
Quality Farm Dugouts: https://open.alberta.ca/publications/9781460123508
Dugout Volume Calculator: https://www.agric.gov.ab.ca/app19/calc/volume/dugout.jsp
Curious about Cocktail cover crops? Learn more about them in this episode with Kevin Elmy, we discuss what cocktails are, as well as, seeding, harvesting, and building cocktails that fit your operation and goals.
For more info on Kevin, check out Cover Crops Canada https://covercrops.ca/
You can find the Soil Owners Manual here: https://www.amazon.ca/Soil-Owners-Manual-Restore-Maintain/dp/1530431263
When Weeds Talk by Jay L. McCaman can be ordered here: https://bookstore.acresusa.com/products/weeds-and-why-they-grow
The Farm As an Ecosystem by Jerry Brunetti is here: https://bookstore.acresusa.com/products/the-farm-as-ecosystem
Mycorrhizal Planet by Michael Phillips: https://www.chapters.indigo.ca/en-ca/books/mycorrhizal-planet-how-symbiotic-fungi/9781603586580-item.html
Our sponsor for this episode was Ag Safe! check out their website here: https://take11.ca/
Check out PCBFA's research at https://peacecountrybeef.ca
Our intro and outro music is Redwood Highway by Jason Shaw, check out more at www.audionautix.com
A key tenet of Business management, agricultural or not, is planning. in this episode we chat with Kelly Sidoryk about Holistic Management, creating long-term goals, adjusting those goals and how they can shape the farm in tough times.
If you have questions about cocktail cover crops send us an email at podcast@pcbfa.ca
For more information about Holistic management check out the Holistic Management Canada website here: http://holisticmanagement.ca/ You can listen to our Episode with Dallas Mount here: https://coffeecowsandcrops.podbean.com/e/making-tough-decisions-with-dallas-mount For more info about PCBFA and our other programs and research, check out our website at https://www.peacecountrybeef.ca The music for our Intro and Outro is Redwood Highway by Jason Shaw find more at https://audionautix.com
In this episode we chat with Dave Evans about the work he does with Inno-tech Alberta and the Alberta Biodiversity Monitoring Institute. We discuss what biodiversity means, how the data can be accessed, and what makes the ABMI unique.
To send in your questions for our episode with Kevin Elmy, email podcast@pcbfa.ca comment on the pinned post on Facebook, or tweet at us @PCBFA on Twitter!
For more info on the ABMI check out their website: https://www.abmi.ca/home.html
and blog: http://blog.abmi.ca/
ABMI's Mapping Portal can be found here with their species data mapped out across the province- https://maps.abmi.ca/#/
ABMI's Biodiversity Browser - Look up more about your favorite species in the province! https://www.abmi.ca/home/data-analytics/biobrowser-home
Naturelynx - Unsure about a species of plant, bird, insect, moss or lichen? Take a photo of it and let our panel of experts on Naturelynx identfiy it for you! https://naturelynx.ca/
ABMI's online platform for managing, storing, processing, sharing and discovering Trail Camera and Environmental Sensor Data. https://www.wildtrax.ca/home
If you're interested in learning more about plant ID check out:
Lone Pine: Plants of the Western Forest Common Plants of the Western Rangelands Volume 1: Grasses and Grass Like Species - Tannas Common Plants of the Western Rangelands Volume 2: Trees and Shrubs - Tannas Common Plants of the Western Rangelands Volume 3: Forbs - Tannas
And if you're interested in hearing more from Dave, check out his podcast here: https://www.buzzsprout.com/1117478
Peace Country Beef & Forage Association can be found at https://www.peacecountrybeef.ca
the music for our intro and outro is Redwood Highway by Jason Shaw. find more at https://audionautix.com
In this episode, we chat with Mallory Kaiser about raising goats, how it differs from other livestock, and what goats can be used for. We also discuss the Alberta Goat Association and their work in the province.
For more information about Alberta Goat, check out their website: https://www.albertagoats.com/
Or follow them on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/albertagoats/
To learn more about Peace Country Beef & Forage Association visit our website at https://www.peacecountrybeef.ca/
The music in our Intro and outro is Redwood Highway by Jason Shaw. find more of his music at https://audionautix.com/
In this episode, we take a closer look at the decision-making process, how to choose the best option in tough situations, and deal with "buyer's remorse" when making big decisions on the ranch.
The YouTube video "Sunk Cost and Status Quo Bias" can be found on the Ranching 4 Profit YouTube channel here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9muNk8cgYH0
You can learn more about Ranching for Profit, subscribe to the RMC newsletter and find other resources check out the Ranch Management Consultants website here: https://ranchmanagement.com/
To get in contact with PCBFA or check out our archive of newsletters, factsheets, and research projects check out our website at https://www.peacecountrybeef.ca/
The music in our intro and outro is Redwood Highway by Jason Shaw, find more at https://www.audionautix.com/
In this episode, we discuss management practices to help you get more out of grazing riparian areas and how to ensure pasture recovery after tough years with Norine Ambrose, the executive director of Cows and Fish.
You can find more information about Cows and Fish on their website here: https://cowsandfish.org/
The ALUS program operates in some counties across Alberta and provides support for producers looking into land-use changes such as streambank restoration and riparian area management, more information about ALUS can be found here: https://alus.ca/
Best Management Practices for Alberta's Rangeland is a resource put out by the Alberta Government and can be found here: https://www.alberta.ca/grazing-and-range-management-overview.aspx
To contact PCBFA or for help finding more resources, visit our website at: https://www.peacecountrybeef.ca
Our intro and outro music is Redwood Highway by Jason Shaw, find more at https://www.audionautix.com/
In this Episode we get to chat with Dr Cheryl Waldner a veterinarian from the University of Saskatchewan, about cattle health, preventing disease, as well as nutrition and cattle health.
For more information on Biosecurity check out the page at cattle.ca
For more resources on cattle health and body condition scoring, check out the Beef cattle research council; https://www.beefresearch.ca/research/body-condition-scoring.cfm
https://www.beefresearch.ca/research/animal-health-welfare.cfm
As always, you can find resources, newsletters and factsheets on our website at https://www.peacecountrybeef.ca
The music for our intro and outro is Redwood Highway by Jason Shaw,
Find more at https://www.audionautix.com/
In this episode, Karin and I discuss using winter feeding, fertility, and management practices to encourage regrowth and help improve our stressed perennial pastures for next year's grazing.
Check out Battle River Research Group at their website here: battleriverresearch.com
Check out the factsheets, research, and decision making resources from the Beef Cattle Research Council here: https://www.beefresearch.ca/
And as always, you can find contact information, past newsletters, and research reports at peacecountrybeef.ca/
Our intro and outro music is Redwood Highway by Jason Shaw, you can find out more at audionautix.com
In this episode, we chat with Karin Lindquist about pasture health indicators and how to graze pastures for better regrowth and maintenance.
Check out the resources below for more information!
The Alberta Forage Manual can be found and downloaded here https://open.alberta.ca/dataset/077326082x Or a physical copy can be purchased here: https://www.agric.gov.ab.ca/
Battle River Research Group's website can be found here: https://www.battleriverresearch.com/
And as always, to contact PCBFA, check out our archive of factsheets and newsletters, or check out what we do, visit https://www.peacecountrybeef.ca/
Our music is Redwood Highway by Jason Shaw, check out more at https://www.audionautix.com
In this episode, Johanna chats with Dr Barb Wilhelm, the Western Canadian Animal Health Network (WeCAHN). We discuss how WeCAHN monitors disease trends, how that monitoring differs from what the federal and provincial governments do, and best practices for disease management on farms.
You can learn more about WeCAHN on their website here: https://www.wecahn.ca/
For more information on provincial notifiable or reportable diseases, check out the Alberta Government's list here; https://www.alberta.ca/reportable-and-notifiable-diseases.aspx
For more information on PCBFA; check out our website https://www.peacecountrybeef.ca
Our music is Redwood Highway by Jason Shaw. Find more at https://audionautix.com
In this episode we talk soil and plant nutrition with Melissa Werkema the lab tech and manager of Future Analytics lab in Red Deer Alberta.
For more information about Future Analytics, visit their website at https://www.futureanalyticsinc.com/
To check out PCBFA's research, send us a message, or check out our newsletters and fact sheets go to https://www.peacecountrybeef.ca/
Our theme music is Redwood Highway by Jason Shaw, find out more at https://www.audionautix.com/
In this episode, we talk weed classifications and management with Sonya Raven Grande Prairie's agricultural fieldman.
For more information about invasive plants and weeds, check out the links below, or reach out to your local ag fieldman at your county office!
Common Plants of the Western Rangelands https://bookstore.ualberta.ca/p-22174-common-plants-of-the-western-rangelands-volume-1-grasses-and-grass-like-species.aspx
Alberta Invasive Plant Council's invasive plant page; https://abinvasives.ca/invasive-plants/
AB invasive plant id guide https://open.alberta.ca/publications/6740590
Also, Check out the County of Grande Prairie's Pest and Disease page https://www.countygp.ab.ca/en/living-in-our-community/pest-and-disease.aspx
If you have a topic or speaker suggestion for our podcast, send us a message! You can find our contact information at peacecountrybeef.ca!
Our theme song is Redwood Highway by Jason Shaw; find more of his music at Audionautix.com
In part two of our chat with Mike Roberts of the Waldron Grazing Co-op we talk about the importance of a good watering system, fencing, and responsible stewardship.
For more information about the Foothills Forage and Grazing Association: check out their website at https://www.foothillsforage.com/
For more information about the Waldron; check out http://waldronranch.com/
As always, feel free to drop by PCBFA's website at https://peacecountrybeef.ca/
to check out our research and upcoming events.
Our theme music is Redwood Highway by Jason Shaw at Audionautix.com
In part one of our interview with Mike Roberts of the Waldron Grazing Co-op we talk about rotational grazing, the format of the co op and pasture set up.
For more information about the Foothills Forage and Grazing Association: check out their website at https://www.foothillsforage.com/
For more information about the Waldron; check out http://waldronranch.com/
As always, feel free to drop by PCBFA's website at https://peacecountrybeef.ca/
to check out our research and upcoming events.
Our theme music is Redwood Highway by Jason Shaw at Audionautix.com
In this episode, we talk to Entomologist Jennifer Otani from the Beaverlodge Research station about her work in crop protection. We discuss Economic thresholds, control measures and the value of beneficial insects.
You can find the unofficial research station blog is here http://insectpestmanagement.blogspot.com/ and follow Jennifer at @bugs5132 on Twitter!
And have a look at the following resources for more information!
- Alberta Forage Manual at https://open.alberta.ca/dataset/077326082x
- Field Crop and Forage Pests and their Natural Enemies in Western Canada: Identification and Management Field Guide at http://prairiepestmonitoring.blogspot.com/p/blog-page_1.html
- Cutworm Pests of Crops on the Canadian Prairie: Identification and Management Field Guide at http://prairiepestmonitoring.blogspot.com/p/cutworm-corner.html
- Field Heroes https://fieldheroes.ca/ and @FieldHeroes
- Alberta Pest Monitoring Network at https://www.alberta.ca/alberta-insect-pest-monitoring-network.aspx
- Alberta Crop Insects webpages at https://www.alberta.ca/crop-insects.aspx
- Canadian Grain Commission’s Stored Insect Pest Keys at https://grainscanada.gc.ca/en/grain-quality/manage/identify-an-insect/
- RFSA’s Insect and Disease Trials at http://www.peaceforageseed.ca/research.html
- Prairie Pest Monitoring Network Website at https://prairiepest.ca/
- Insect Pest Management Program Blog at http://insectpestmanagement.blogspot.com/
As always, you can find PCBFA's research, events, and resources at https://www.peacecountrybeef.ca/
Music for the intro and outro by Jason Shaw at www.audionautix.com
Meghan Payne of the Lesser Slave Watershed Council discusses their water quality monitoring program, the importance of monitoring and the role of watershed councils in Alberta.
To contact the LSWC, check out their website: https://www.lswc.ca/
To view the water quality data the council has collected, check out the Mackenzie Datastream: https://mackenziedatastream.ca/
If you'd like to contact your local Watershed council, check out this resource on the Government of Alberta website: https://www.alberta.ca/watershed-planning-and-advisory-councils.aspx
The music for our intro and outro is Redwood Highway by Jason Shaw, check out more at Audionautix.com
In this episode, Johanna chats with Megan Snell, the research Coordinator from Smoky Applied Research and Demonstration Association, about Intercropping research in the Peace and a few other projects SARDA has been working on.
To find more information on SARDA's projects or their newsletters, check out their website at https://sarda.ca.
PCBFA's research can be found under the applied research tab on our website https://www.peacecountrybeef.ca/
Music for the intros and outros is Redwood Highway by Jason Shaw. Check out more music at www.audionautix.com.
In this episode, Johanna chats with Jessica from WCFA and Chelsea Pearce from Martin Deerline about using in-field weather stations and soil moisture probes in perennial and annual forage situations. This project aims to find out how useful the data from these weather stations is to producers as well as tracking how moisture moves under forage-based systems and grazing.
Check out the West Central Forage Associations projects here: http://www.westcentralforage.com/research/
You can find information about Martin Deerline here: https://www.martindeerline.com/
And you can always check out Peace Country Beef and Forage Association's projects here: https://www.peacecountrybeef.ca/applied-research
Music for this episode's intros and outros is Redwood Highway by Jason Shaw. Find more at www.audionautix.com
Today we're talking to Daryl Chubb, soil health consultant and farmer from southern Alberta. Daryl talks about some of the basics of soil health, how to read a soil test, and how to get started managing your soil health.
You can find Daryl's Website at denovoag.com.
Our intro and outro music is Red Wood Highway by Jason Shaw; check out more at Audionautix.com
In this episode, we talk to Dr Bart Lardner about perennial pasture mixes, grazing management, rejuvenation and variety selection. Dr Lardner managed a research program focusing on beef cattle and forage research for the past 21 years and works as a professor with the University of Saskatchewan's Animal and Poultry science department.
For more information on research from the U of S check out http://westernbeef.org/
And take a look at the BCRC Website as well! https://www.beefresearch.ca/
As always, you can find PCBFA's research at https://www.peacecountrybeef.ca/
Music is Red Wood Highway by Jason Shaw; check out more at Audionautix.com
In this episode, we have a chat with Robb Stavne of Sora Ecological Consulting. Robb talks about dealing with predation, and other issues, as well as methods of control. We also discuss using cattle to maintain wildlife habitats, and how ranchers and farmers can keep their operations profitable while making room for wildlife.
To learn more about any of the topics we discussed today, or get some resources or funding on your own operation, reach out to any of the following conservation associations.
Cows and Fish https://cowsandfish.org/
Alberta Conservation Association https://www.ab-conservation.com/
Alberta Institute for Wildlife Conservation https://www.aiwc.ca/
Alberta Environmental Farm Plan https://www.albertaefp.com/
As always, feel free to reach out to PCBFA as well at https://www.peacecountrybeef.ca/
Music for this episode was Redwood Highway by Jason Shaw. Check out more at Audionautix.com
In today's episode, Adam Norris and Rhonda Clarke-Gauthier talk with us about their Livestock Water Crossing project, and how the Mighty Peace Watershed Alliance is working to improve water quality and quantity.
For more info on the MPWA check out their website here: https://www.mightypeacewatershedalliance.org/
Also check out the the Alberta Conservation Association https://www.ab-conservation.com/
Cows and Fish: https://cowsandfish.org/
and the Agroforestry & Woodlot Extension Society https://www.awes-ab.ca/
And as always PCBFA's website is https://www.peacecountrybeef.ca/
The music for our intro and outro is Redwood Highway by Jason Shaw, Check out more at Audionautix.com
In today's episode, Johanna and Monika talk with Jody Wacowich and Ellen Jabs from Ag Safe about building farm safety plans and understanding some of the rules surrounding farm safety.
For more info on Ag safe or to access their courses and training, check out https://www.agsafeab.ca/
Their incident hotline is 1-833-9AGSAFE
Music is Red Wood Highway by Jason Shaw; check out more at Audionautix.com
In this episode we have Dr Dayna Goldsmith, an Anatomic pathologist at the University of Calgary talk about her experiences with Leptospirosis and other wildlife diseases as well as what livestock owners can do to prevent infection.
For more information on the Diagnostic Services Unit at the University of Calgary, check out their website here: https://vet.ucalgary.ca/departments-units/dsu/home
Curious about how the DSU works or their expanded services? check out the FAQ's here; https://vet.ucalgary.ca/departments-units/dsu/diagnostics/faqs-expanded-livestock-diagnostic-services Or our episode with Dr Jen Davies!
Check out the Canadian Wildlife Health Cooperative website as well for more information on wildlife disease! http://www.cwhc-rcsf.ca/
Music is Red Wood Highway by Jason Shaw; check out more at Audionautix.com
In this episode, Johanna and Monika have a chat with Nutritionist Barry Yaremcio about how to read a feed test, mineral selection, and feeding your cows through the winter.
Barry's Website; https://www.beefconsultant.com/
Fact Sheets;
Winter Feeding Programs for Cows and Calves: https://www1.agric.gov.ab.ca/$department/deptdocs.nsf/all/agdex8908/$file/420-52-3.pdf
Beef Ration Rules of Thumb: https://www1.agric.gov.ab.ca/$department/deptdocs.nsf/all/agdex9146/$file/420_52-4.pdf?OpenElement
Music is Red Wood Highway by Jason Shaw; check out more at Audionautix.com
In this episode, Johanna discusses using perennials for forage and extending the grazing season with rancher and beef extension specialist Andrea Hanson.
For more information on High Legume Grazing check out the Alberta agriculture fact sheet here: https://www1.agric.gov.ab.ca/$Department/deptdocs.nsf/all/aet16292/$FILE/high-legume-pasture-learnings.pdf
Music by Audionautix.com
In this episode we discuss animal pathology (the study of disease) with DR Jennifer Davies from the University of Calgary's pathology lab.
The Diagnostic Services Unit Website can be found here: https://vet.ucalgary.ca/departments-units/dsu/home
For more information on Livestock Diagnostic services check out the U of C's FAQ page: https://vet.ucalgary.ca/departments-units/dsu/diagnostics/faqs-expanded-livestock-diagnostic-services
Check out a submission form here; https://vet.ucalgary.ca/sites/default/files/teams/1/VET-DSU-Pathology-Forms-Production_Animal_Equine-v3.pdf
Music by Audionautix.com
In this episode we are joined by Jay Byer the Soil Conservation Analyst from Gateway Research Organization.
Jay talks about a new project hes working on which will compare the economic and environmental impacts of different management systems on marginal land.
For more information about the project check out Jay's video here; https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W41RLMRozeI
Or take a look at Gateway Research Organization's Website! https://www.agr.gc.ca/eng/scientific-collaboration-and-research-in-agriculture/agricultural-research-results/holos-software-program/?id=1349181297838
And Agriprofits is here; https://www.alberta.ca/agriprofits.aspx
Music by Audionautix.com
In the inaugural episode Johanna Murray, Monika Benoit, and Akim Omokanye discuss their experiences working for Peace Country Beef and Forage Association and the work that they do.
For more information on PCBFA check out our website: www.peacecountrybeef.ca
Music by Audionautix.com