Photo: File

New program focuses on data literacy for cow-calf producers 

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

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.  Data management has varied adoption in the cow-calf sector.

Mark Olson, president of Flokk Systems, reads an RFID tag with the Flokk reader.

Growing data for cow-calf producers

Alberta company aims to make easy cow-side data collection and traceability

When Bill Leask and Mark Olson met at a Lion’s Club meeting about four years ago, Leask was a cow-calf operator with a need and Olson was an information technology […] Read more

Producers get hands-on experience managing unexpected calving problems, without the stakes of live animals at the Manitoba Beef and Forage Production Conference in Brandon in December 2023.

Pro tips for a calving crisis

When is it actually time to call in the vet?

Glacier FarmMedia – The calf was breech. Standing a few feet away, Brandon veterinarian Dr. Grayson Ross coached producer at the rear of the cow through the potential disaster. “Get […] Read more

A new study shows how cow-calf producers can assess their cows without relying on feed-use efficiency, which is a typical measurement.

Research identifies cow efficiency

Study finds gain-to-feed ratio not the best measurement for cows; ability to maintain condition and calve more important

Glacier FarmMedia – Forage-efficient beef cows maintain their back fat during winter, calve earlier in the calving season and wean heavier calves relative to their own weight, according to a […] Read more




Strategically marketing cows likely not to conceive in the following breeding season and investing the equity into early cyclers who will consistently provide a heavier calf at weaning is worth culling early, says Dr. Jordan Thomas.

Are your cows being overvalued?

Cow depreciation: the silent killer of cow-calf profitability

Dr. Jordan Thomas says knowing which cows to cull in a cow-calf operation, and when, can increase profitability and improve productivity. “We’re all businesses, and I think that’s a really […] Read more