Explore every episode of the podcast The Bovine by Alberta Beef Producers
| Title | Pub. Date | Duration | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tariff Trouble: What it means for Canadian cattle producers | 27 Jan 2025 | 00:17:34 | |
Are looming U.S. tariffs about to shake up the cattle industry? They discuss the deep integration of the beef trade between the two countries, potential market shifts, and strategies producers can use to navigate uncertain times. From fluctuating exchange rates to exploring alternative markets like Japan and Korea, Brenna provides insightful analysis on what cattle producers can expect and how they can prepare. Listen For: GUEST: BRENNA GRANT CONNECT WITH HOST: KARA MASTEL Have ideas for future shows? Drop us a note, on social media or via email. | |||
| The Bovine: Holdanca Farms and environmental stewardship | 25 Nov 2024 | 00:41:52 | |
For this episode of The Bovine, Kara Mastel sits down with father-daughter duo, John and Maria Duynisveld, who own and operate Holdcana Farms, located near Wallace Bay, Nova Scotia. Have ideas for future shows? Drop us a note, on social media or via email. | |||
| Ryan Copithorne's market outlook for Fall 2023 | 20 Sep 2023 | 00:06:07 | |
Declining cow numbers, shrinking packer margins, and market volatility—the cattle market certainly isn’t boring at the moment. There’s a lot going on, and Ryan Copithorne is here to give producers a glimpse into what may be coming. Ryan, the president and owner of Cows In Control, joined us on The Bovine during the 2023 Canadian Beef Industry Conference in Calgary this summer to talk about his outlook for the fall and some cautions and opportunities to keep an eye on. Producers looking for assistance on marketing and getting the best value on their calves can contact Ryan through his website. Have ideas for future shows? Drop us a note, on social media or via email. | |||
| Brenna Grant's favourite cost-of-production tips for new producers | 01 Sep 2023 | 00:06:28 | |
Recorded at the 2023 Canadian Beef Industry Conference in Calgary, Brenna Grant, executive director of Canfax Research Services, shares her three favourite recommendations for new beef producers, coming from the Canadian Cow-Calf Cost of Production Network. Have ideas for future shows? Drop us a note, on social media or via email. | |||
| P4ssw0rd123: How's your cyber security? | 02 May 2023 | 00:20:44 | |
Do you use the same password for everything? Skip multi-factor authentication? Prefer to keep your p4ssw0rds easy? Have ideas for future shows? Drop us a note, on social media or via email. | |||
| An Update from the Canadian Cattle Association | 21 Mar 2023 | 00:23:50 | |
Canadian Cattle Association (CCA) General Manager, Ryder Lee, joined Alberta Beef Producers for our January/February Producer Meetings and our March 1 Annual General Meeting.
Have ideas for future shows? Drop us a note, on social media or via email. | |||
| AFSC on live polling and next steps following Producer Meetings | 16 Mar 2023 | 00:13:43 | |
This year, Agriculture Financial Services Corporation (AFSC) brought a new format to their coffee sponsorship at ABP's Producer Meetings.
Have ideas for future shows? Drop us a note, on social media or via email. | |||
| The BIF Symposium is coming to Canada | 23 Feb 2023 | 00:11:51 | |
In this special episode of The Bovine, live from the Alberta Beef Industry Conference, host Debra Murphy talks to Kajal Devani, Beef Improvement Federation board member. Have ideas for future shows? Drop us a note, on social media or via email. | |||
| Danny Hooper on ABIC so far, and tips for quality emceeing | 23 Feb 2023 | 00:17:32 | |
In this special episode of The Bovine, we’re joined by emcee, entertainer, and auctioneer Danny Hooper, live from the 2023 Alberta Beef Industry Conference (ABIC). No stranger to ABIC, Danny shares what he’s learned about being an emcee over the years. He also chats about interviewing this year’s keynote speaker, hockey legend Mark Messier, as well as leading a fireside chat with the Hon. Doug Black, senator from Alberta; the Hon. Christy Clark, former Premier of B.C.; and the Hon. Brad Wall, former Premier of Saskatchewan. Have ideas for future shows? Drop us a note, on social media or via email. | |||
| Diversity, equity, and inclusion | 10 Feb 2023 | 00:06:30 | |
On this episode, we dive into the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion file for the Canadian Beef Advisors and how it relates to the National Beef Strategy 2030 goal around people, health, and safety. Brenna Grant, Executive Director of Canfax, joins us to provide an overview of this file and how it will allow the industry to work together to achieves its goals. Have ideas for future shows? Drop us a note, on social media or via email. | |||
| Anne Wasko on the Canadian beef 2030 goals | 10 Feb 2023 | 00:11:04 | |
On this episode, Anne Wasko, rancher and Canadian Roundtable for Sustainable Beef Past Chair, gives us an update on the Canadian Beef Advisor's 2030 goals, coming out of the National Beef Strategy. This Special Edition of the show was recorded at the Canadian Beef Industry Conference in Penticton, British Columbia. Stay tuned for more from the conference! Have ideas for future shows? Drop us a note, on social media or via email. | |||
| Preparing for drought during autumn office hours | 28 Sep 2022 | 00:11:48 | |
When do you prepare for drought? Have ideas for future shows? Drop us a note, on social media or via email. | |||
| The Bovine: Three pillars of sustainability with PSE | 02 Oct 2024 | 00:29:10 | |
For this episode of The Bovine, Kara Mastel sits down with Jenna Sarich, Stakeholder Engagement Technical Consultant with Public and Stakeholder Engagement (PSE). Have ideas for future shows? Drop us a note, on social media or via email. | |||
| An overview of the markets with Brenna Grant, Canfax | 30 Aug 2022 | 00:09:02 | |
Brenna Grant, Executive Director of Canfax and Canfax Research Services, joins us to talk about beef and cattle markets, delving into how the last few years have shown up in the numbers, what beef and cattle markets look like now, and if there is an expected shift in leverage on the horizon. Have ideas for future shows? Drop us a note, on social media or via email. | |||
| Barley, corn, and wheat markets with Brennan Turner | 23 Aug 2022 | 00:13:55 | |
Wondering when to buy grain? Have ideas for future shows? Drop us a note, on social media or via email. | |||
| A deep-dive into connection and acknowledgement with Dr. Jody Carrington | 18 Aug 2022 | 00:33:13 | |
From taking food to a grieving neighbour to harnessing the power of the words "tell me more," psychologist, author and keynote speaker Dr. Jody Carrington shares her knowledge of connection. Have ideas for future shows? Drop us a note, on social media or via email. | |||
| Living Labs, a DIY plastic compactor, and positivity in market trends | 09 Aug 2022 | 00:46:01 | |
On today's episode:
Tell us how you burger for a chance to win! howdoyouburger.ca For More:
Have ideas for future shows? Drop us a note, on social media or via email. | |||
| Rocky View Schools' on-farm learning initiative | 27 Jun 2022 | 00:19:33 | |
Welcome to another edition of The Bovine! Have ideas for future shows? Drop us a note, on social media or via email. | |||
| Hoping for rain, Buddying Up, and planning a pit roast | 01 Jun 2022 | 00:50:54 | |
Welcome back to another episode of The Bovine!
For More: Have ideas for future shows? Drop us a note, on social media or via email. | |||
| Celebrating our 2022 Environmental Stewardship Award recipients | 13 May 2022 | 00:29:24 | |
This year, Ribbon Creek Ranch, near Linden, Alberta, has been selected as the recipient of the 2022 Environmental Stewardship Award (ESA).
For More: Have ideas for future shows? Drop us a note, on social media or via email. | |||
| Weed-free forage, carrying capacity, and first-gen at the table | 03 May 2022 | 00:51:30 | |
Kicking off the episode, host Debra Murphy takes a dive into our social media and some of the chatter about our last podcast on wild pigs.
For More:
Have ideas for future shows? Drop us a note, on social media or via email. | |||
| Forages, wild pigs, and a whirlwind trip to Ottawa | 06 Apr 2022 | 01:03:14 | |
To start off the episode, host Debra Murphy introduces ABP's Beef Production and Extension Lead, Karin Schmid.
For More:
Have ideas for future shows? Drop us a note, on social media or via email. | |||
| Finding solutions to ag plastics and welcoming youth to the table | 08 Mar 2022 | 00:44:13 | |
To start off Episode 3, host Debra Murphy begins by acknowledging international events.
In a surprising turn of events, interviewee becomes interviewer.
If you're interested in checking out the options in your area, you can call your local agricultural fieldman. Also check out aprg.ca and cleanfarms.ca. Have ideas for future shows? Drop us a note, on social media or via email. | |||
| The Bovine: Drones, student leaders, and scaled-up research | 16 Aug 2024 | 00:35:50 | |
For this episode of The Bovine, Kara Mastel sits down with Todd Ormann, Vice President of Development at Olds College of Agriculture and Technology. Have ideas for future shows? Drop us a note, on social media or via email. | |||
| Special Edition: Re-capping the 2022 Annual General Meeting | 04 Mar 2022 | 00:32:04 | |
In this Special Edition of The Bovine, ABP Chair Dr. Melanie Wowk and General Manager Brad Dubeau join host Debra Murphy to re-cap the 2022 Annual General Meeting, held in Red Deer, Alberta at the beginning of March.
Have ideas for future shows? Drop us a note, on social media or via email. | |||
| Babysitting, bull-fighting, and precision tech for cows | 31 Jan 2022 | 00:43:20 | |
To start off Episode 2, host Debra Murphy begins with some quick thoughts on the podcast's structure, as well as a shout out to ABP Daily, where you can find more information relevant to the cattle industry — particularly here in Alberta.
Have ideas for future shows? Drop us a note, on social media or via email. | |||
| Roast beef, Arm-Chair Ranching, and veterinary shortages | 11 Jan 2022 | 00:37:28 | |
It’s our inaugural episode! Hello!
Have ideas for future shows? Drop us a note, on social media or via email. | |||
| The Bovine: Landscapes, community, and next generations | 10 Jul 2024 | 00:42:19 | |
For this episode of The Bovine, Kara Mastel went behind-the-scenes with two of the 2024 Environmental Stewardship Award recipients: Courtney and Clayton Taylor, of Taylor Ranches. Have ideas for future shows? Drop us a note, on social media or via email. | |||
| The Bovine: Diving into the Beef Research Showcase | 09 May 2024 | 01:30:31 | |
For this episode of The Bovine, Kara Oosterhuis attended the Beef Research Showcase held in Olds, Alta. Oosterhuis is joined by:
Have ideas for future shows? Drop us a note, on social media or via email. | |||
| The Bovine: Good chaos, lessons from different industries, and the power of changing your mind | 19 Mar 2024 | 01:11:59 | |
For this episode of The Bovine, Kara Oosterhuis attended the Alberta Beef Industry Conference held in Calgary, Alta.
Have ideas for future shows? Drop us a note, on social media or via email. | |||
| The Bovine: The future of AI, will it finally rain, and giving our brains a break | 21 Feb 2024 | 01:03:52 | |
For this episode of The Bovine, host Kara Oosterhuis attended the CrossRoads Conference held in Calgary, Alta.
Have ideas for future shows? Drop us a note, on social media or via email. | |||
| The Bovine: Starting fresh, but not over | 02 Feb 2024 | 01:15:31 | |
After a brief pause, The Bovine is back! Have ideas for future shows? Drop us a note, on social media or via email. | |||
| The pillars of succession planning with Annessa Good | 27 Sep 2023 | 00:10:05 | |
When it comes to transition planning for your family's operation, where do you begin? Have ideas for future shows? Drop us a note, on social media or via email. | |||
| Extreme weather calls for smart cattle management strategies | 11 Feb 2025 | 00:32:34 | |
How do extreme temperature swings impact cattle health, and what can producers do to manage these challenges? In this episode Kara Mastel sits down with Dr. Brittany Smith, a consulting ruminant nutritionist, to discuss the effects of rapid temperature fluctuations on cattle well-being, feed intake, and immune function. They break down practical strategies to mitigate stress, from adjusting feeding plans and providing windbreaks to monitoring body condition scores and ensuring water availability. Dr. Smith also shares insights on how these fluctuations influence calf health, milk production, and long-term herd performance. Listen For: 2:08 | The physiological impact of cold stress on cattle 4:11 | How cold weather changes cattle behaviour and feeding 14:24 | A simple snow trick to assess body condition 26:16 | Innovating producer strategies for dealing with extreme cold
CONNECT WITH GUEST: Dr Brittany Smith, Beef Smart Consulting Email | Website | X | Facebook
CONNECT WITH HOST: KARA MASTEL Email | Website | LinkedIn | Phone Have ideas for future shows? Drop us a note, on social media or via email. | |||
| Beyond the Bull Catalogue: What every rancher needs to know | 25 Feb 2025 | 00:34:34 | |
When it comes to choosing the right herd bull, should you prioritize size, milk production, or fertility? In this episode of The Bovine, Kara Mastel sits down with Dr. Carling Matejka, a veterinarian with Agri Health Services, to break down the science and strategy behind herd bull selection. Carling explains why optimization—not maximization—is the key to a profitable and sustainable herd, highlighting factors like mature cow body weight, expected progeny differences (EPDs), and scrotal circumference. Listen For: 04:26 EPDs 101: Predicting a bull’s genetic potential GUEST: Carling Matejka, DVM
CONNECT WITH HOST: KARA MASTEL Email | Website | LinkedIn | Phone Have ideas for future shows? Drop us a note, on social media or via email. | |||
| Behind the scenes at Alberta Beef Producers: 2024 in Review | 11 Mar 2025 | 00:41:48 | |
What’s been happening in the Alberta cattle industry? Kara Mastel gives us a front-row seat to Alberta Beef Producers' (ABP) 2024 Year in Review. Featuring key ABP staff—this discussion covers the pressing issues, research initiatives, and policy efforts shaping the future of beef production in Alberta. From risk management and conservation to disease preparedness and marketing, this episode dives deep into the work happening behind the scenes to support Alberta’s beef producers. Listen For: 04:19 – Investing in Research: Big Impact, Small Budget GUESTS: Brad Dubeau, General Manager Debra Murphy, Stakeholder Relations Manager Mark Lyseng, Government Relations and Policy Kaley Edge, VBP Coordinator and ABP Stewardship Lead Karin Schmid, Beef Production and Extension Lead CONNECT WITH HOST: KARA MASTEL Email | Website | LinkedIn | Phone Have ideas for future shows? Drop us a note, on social media or via email. | |||
| From cattle rancher to industry leader: Doug Roxburgh intends to make a difference | 25 Mar 2025 | 00:29:49 | |
How do you lead a billion-dollar industry while feeding cattle on the weekend? Meet Doug Roxburgh, the newly elected Chair of Alberta Beef Producers. From his humble beginnings as a first-generation cattle producer to his deep dive into the world of "cattle politics," Doug shares his passion for the beef industry, the challenges ahead, and his bold vision for Alberta's producers. Host Kara Mastel guides us through a wide-ranging conversation on everything from tariffs and trade to weather outlooks, business risk management, and the importance of strong communication. Whether you're deep in the industry or just beef-curious, this episode offers a rare inside look at leadership on the frontlines of Alberta agriculture. Listen For: 07:15 – Fixing the communication gap 15:04 – Wildlife and regional farming realities 20:48 – Navigating tariffs and global uncertainty 22:46 – Weather warnings and risk management tools 26:15 – Doug’s message to producers: Get involved and stay informed GUEST: Doug Roxburgh Doug Roxburgh is the Chair on the Board of Directors for Alberta Beef Producers. He resides near Rimbey, Alberta, with his wife, where they manage a first-generation cattle farm. They are involved in backgrounding their calves, marketing bulls and females, and raising commercial bread heifers. Doug also works as a senior nutrition consultant, assisting producers in creating year-round nutritional plans. CONNECT WITH HOST: KARA MASTEL Email | Website | LinkedIn | Phone Have ideas for future shows? Drop us a note, on social media or via email. | |||
| The future of water in Western Canadian agriculture | 08 Apr 2025 | 00:29:35 | |
What happens when climate change, glaciers, and agriculture collide in Western Canada? Dr. John Pomeroy, a world-renowned hydrologist and lead of the Global Water Futures program, explores how water systems are shifting in the face of climate change—and what it means for producers, ecosystems, and future planning. From snowpack and glacier melt to drought prediction, irrigation stress, and even COVID wastewater detection, this conversation dives into both the science and the stakes of water management on the Prairies and beyond. With surprising findings, promising innovations, and a candid look at what's coming down the pipeline, this episode is a must-listen for anyone who depends on water – everyone. Listen For: 03:23 – Building Canada’s First National Water Model 07:10 – The Future of Irrigation in Southern Alberta 18:58 – Smarter Crops, Smarter Irrigation: What Tech Can Do 22:41 – Balancing Agriculture and Natural Ecosystems GUEST: Dr. John Pomeroy Dr. John Pomeroy is the Director of the Global Water Futures Programme and its follow-on, the Global Water Futures Observatories Project, at the University of Saskatchewan. He holds multipole prestigious titles, including Canada Research Chair in Water Resources and Climate Change, UNESCO Chair in Mountain Water Sustainability, and Distinguished Professor of Geography. Dr. Pomeroy is a Fellow of the Royal Society of Canada, the American Geophysical Union, and the Royal Geographical Society. He has received numerous awards, including the Walter Langbein Lecture Award and the Miroslaw Romanowski Medal. This research focuses on snow hydrology, climate change impacts, and water quality, and he has authored over 400 research articles and several books. CONNECT WITH HOST: KARA MASTEL Email | Website | LinkedIn | Phone Have ideas for future shows? Drop us a note, on social media or via email. | |||
| Valuegraphics 101: Why people really care | 22 Apr 2025 | 00:35:26 | |
What if everything you thought you knew about connecting with people was missing one key ingredient? Kara Mastel sits down with renowned human values expert David Allison, the founder of the Valuegraphics Project, to explore how understanding core human values—not just demographics—can revolutionize communication in agriculture and beyond. Fresh off his keynote at the Alberta Beef Industry Conference, David shares how values like financial security, personal growth, and happiness are the real drivers behind public support and behavior. With practical examples and a compelling look at how values-based storytelling can shape perception and build industry allies, this episode is a powerful playbook for beef producers—and anyone—looking to truly connect with audiences. Listen For: 01:27 – What Are Valuegraphics? 08:56 – Beef = Financial Stability? Let’s Talk Economics 17:43 – Talk About What Works: The Three-Value Rule 28:31 – Demographics Reinforce Stereotypes—Here’s the Fix GUEST: David Allison David Allison is a human values expert, CEO of a global research firm, and 2X best-selling author. As the founder of the Valuegraphics Project, he created the first global inventory of core human values, transforming them into measurable data. David helps major brands like PayPal, Google, and the United Nations Foundation connect with people by honouring their values. His work is featured in college textbooks and prominent publications like Harvard Business Review and Forbes. His latest book, The Death of Demographics, has been praised as "convincing, insightful, and revolutionary." CONNECT WITH HOST: KARA MASTEL Email | Website | LinkedIn | Phone Have ideas for future shows? Drop us a note, on social media or via email. | |||
| Spring grazing: Timing and Strategy for Healthy Pastures | 06 May 2025 | 00:31:15 | |
Is your pasture really ready for the herd? Spring grazing may seem as simple as "green means go," but it’s far more nuanced than that. Kara Mastel welcomes David MacTaggart, Senior Agriculture Advisor with Strathcona County, to unpack the critical considerations for turning cattle out in spring. From the risks of early grazing and nitrate concerns to rotational grazing strategies and environmental stewardship, David shares practical, science-backed insights for producers. They also discuss how to tailor grazing plans to weather extremes like drought, assess forage nutritional quality, and balance herd health with land resilience. This episode equips producers—new and seasoned alike—with the knowledge to make smart, sustainable spring grazing decisions. Listen For: 03:24 — Why spring grazing matters 09:59 — Spring frost and nitrate concerns 14:06 — Why rotational grazing is especially important in spring 21:25 — Is bloat a worry with green pastures? GUEST: David MacTaggart, Agriculture Initiatives Specialist CONNECT WITH HOST: KARA MASTEL Email | Website | LinkedIn | Phone Have ideas for future shows? Drop us a note, on social media or via email. | |||
| The Role of Soil Microbiomes in Forage Growth | 20 May 2025 | 00:41:01 | |
What if the secret to better beef starts underground? Kara Mastel is joined by Dr. Jonathan Bennett, associate professor of Plant Ecology at the University of Saskatchewan, to unearth the science behind soil microbiomes and their powerful impact on forage productivity and beef sustainability. Recorded following the Beef Research Showcase at Lakeland College, the conversation dives into how microbes influence plant health, how cultivar selection affects microbe interactions, and why breeding plants for better microbial relationships could revolutionize pasture management. From drought resilience to salinity tolerance, Dr. Bennett sheds light on how invisible organisms may hold the key to future-proofing our beef industry—all without a microscope Listen For: 04:47 – The Soil Microbiome’s Role in Forage Yields 09:05 – Optimizing Plant-Microbe Interactions 16:25 – Can Microbes Help Saline Pastures? 29:37 – Heritability and Breeding for Microbial Compatibility 35:32 – Giving Power Back to the Producer GUEST: Dr. Jonathan Bennett Dr. Jonathan Bennett is an Associate Professor at the University of Saskatchewan, specializing in plant ecology with a focus on plant-soil interactions and invasive species management. He holds a PhD from the University of Alberta and has conducted postdoctoral research at the University of Tartu and the University of British Columbia-Okanagan. Dr. Bennett's research aims to enhance our understanding of ecological processes in grasslands, contributing to sustainable agricultural practices and ecosystem conservation. CONNECT WITH HOST: KARA MASTEL Email | Website | LinkedIn | Phone Have ideas for future shows? Drop us a note, on social media or via email. | |||
| Tyler Fulton on CCA Priorities and Industry Leadership | 03 Jun 2025 | 00:31:53 | |
How do you lead 60,000 cattle operations and still make time for TikTok? Tyler Fulton might have the answer. Kara Mastel sits down with the newly minted President of the Canadian Cattle Association (CCA) to talk about his whirlwind entry into the role, what it’s like balancing a cow-calf operation while representing ranchers on the national stage, and why trade advocacy and producer engagement are more important than ever. From urgent trade talks in Washington to grassroots outreach via social media, Tyler shares how relationships — not just regulations — drive the beef industry forward. Listen For: 5:03 Taking the reins during a trade war 7:27 Why building trust matters more than logic in policy advocacy 9:10 Engaging producers through social media 13:09 Trade as the industry's existential challenge 16:20 Why now is both the most profitable and riskiest time for beef 22:59 U.S. remains irreplaceable, even with tariffs 24:54 Tyler’s advice to young producers: network and speak up
GUEST: TYLER FULTON Tyler, the current President of CCA, became involved with the organization through his work with the Manitoba Beef Producers. He advocates for cattle farmers and ranchers, emphasizing their role in sustainable food production and aiming to improve Business Risk Management programs in Canada. Tyler, along with his wife Dorelle and their children, operates Tyton Farm Ltd near Birtle, Manitoba, managing 600 cow-calf pairs and a small backgrounding lot. Their farm spans about 5,500 acres, integrating hay, corn, and grain production with their cattle operation. CONNECT WITH HOST: KARA MASTEL Email | Website | LinkedIn | Phone Have ideas for future shows? Drop us a note, on social media or via email. | |||
| Brodie Haugan on the Value of Having Producers at the Trade Table | 17 Jun 2025 | 00:33:07 | |
Can beef diplomacy really change the global dinner plate? In this episode of The Bovine, host Kara Mastel sits down with Brodie Haugan, former Alberta Beef Producers Chair and current Canadian Cattle Association rep, fresh off a whirlwind trade mission to Vietnam and the Philippines. From navigating chaotic intersections without crosswalks to barbecuing ribeyes for top Southeast Asian chefs, Brodie shares the highs, surprises, and valuable lessons from promoting Canadian beef on the world stage. This conversation offers a unique behind-the-scenes look at how Alberta’s cattle industry is forging relationships abroad, expanding markets, and ensuring that when global leaders sit down to eat, Canadian beef has a seat at the table too.
Listen For: 6:04 Why Southeast Asia? The Strategic Goal Behind the Trip GUEST: Brodie Haugan. Co Chair Domestic Agriculture Policy and Regulations Committee, Canadian
CONNECT WITH HOST: KARA MASTEL Email | Website | LinkedIn | Phone Have ideas for future shows? Drop us a note, on social media or via email. | |||
| Dennis Laycraft reflects on four decades in the industry | 01 Jul 2025 | 00:56:12 | |
What does it take to lead a nation’s cattle industry through crisis, change, and global acclaim—without ever losing sight of the ranch? Kara Mastel is joined by Dennis Laycraft—newly inducted into the Canadian Agricultural Hall of Fame—to reflect on his remarkable 40-year career championing Canada’s beef industry. From a childhood in the Porcupine Hills to national leadership roles, Laycraft recounts his navigation through watershed moments like BSE, international trade wars, and a global pandemic. He shares stories of resilience, innovation, and unity that helped elevate Canadian beef to world-class status and positioned the industry for a strong, sustainable future. Listen For: 6:16 The Decade Canada Became an Export Powerhouse 8:43 BSE Hits: The Industry’s Darkest Hour 13:27 Canada’s Retail Rebellion and Barbecue Boom 17:55 The Young Leaders Movement Begins 27:46 McDonald’s, Cargill & The World’s First Sustainable Beef Claim 34:56 Pandemic Adaptation & Drive-In Cattle Sales 42:07 Today’s Market: Record Prices & Future Growth GUEST: Dennis Laycraft, CCA Vice President CONNECT WITH HOST: KARA MASTEL Email | Website | LinkedIn | Phone Have ideas for future shows? Drop us a note, on social media or via email. | |||
| From field to bale: Saving every nutrient | 15 Jul 2025 | 00:29:09 | |
Is your hayfield ready — or are you risking a nutrient disaster? In this episode of The Bovine podcast, host Kara Mastel dives into the delicate art and science of haying under tough conditions with expert ruminant nutritionist Brianna Sentes from Beef Smart. They unpack when to cut for maximum protein and digestibility, how weather forecasts can help (or mislead) your timing, why cutting height matters for regrowth, and how to protect hay from mold and nutrient loss. Listen For: 4:39 What Is NDF? And Why Should You Care? GUEST: Breanna Sentes, Beef Smart CONNECT WITH HOST: KARA MASTEL Email | Website | LinkedIn | Phone
Have ideas for future shows? Drop us a note, on social media or via email. | |||
| Forecasting the Unpredictable: Alberta’s Wild Weather | 05 Aug 2025 | 00:29:21 | |
When it comes to weather in Western Canada, unpredictability is the only constant! Kara Mastel sits down with veteran meteorologist David Spence to unpack Alberta’s wild 2025 weather—from early-season heat waves to record July rainfall. They explore shifting patterns that challenge old expectations, the “new normal” for drought and storms, and how AI is reshaping weather forecasting. Along the way, David shares insight on regional extremes, the delicate dance of rain and irrigation for agriculture, and what farmers might expect as summer winds down.
Listen For: 3:45 Alberta’s weather in 2025—rain here, drought there 7:20 The “seasonal flip” that turned May hot and July wet 9:35 When drought stops being unusual and becomes the new normal 14:28 Will summer stretch into October? What fall could look like 21:24 How AI is reshaping the future of weather forecasting
GUEST: David Spence, retired Chief Meteorologist for CTV CONNECT WITH HOST: KARA MASTEL Email | Website | LinkedIn | Phone Have ideas for future shows? Drop us a note, on social media or via email. | |||