Beef and Forage Roundup

Hosted by MBFI Inc.

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124

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Aug 2026

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About the show

Hi and Welcome to the podcast! My name is Chantel McRae and I will be your host. I started working for MBFI in January of 2022 as an Extension Specialist with the goal of increasing awareness and information regarding the projects and important research happening at MBFI. One of the ways we have decided to do that is through a podcast that shares information on the research projects that are being conducted here, as well as extension events and on farm practices and technologies. MBFI is a not for profit organization developed through partnership with Manitoba Agriculture, Manitoba Beef Producers, Ducks Unlimited Canada and the Manitoba Forage and Grassland Association with direction from stakeholders collaborating for the advancement of the industry. MBFI’s mission is to advance the Manitoba beef and forage industry by engaging stakeholders, evaluating on-farm innovation, and extension for sustainability of farmers, the public and the environment. In short we Engage, Evaluate and Extend. MBFI’s Goal is to promote excellence, efficiency, and sustainability of practice in the agricultural industry in Manitoba for the dual benefit of the public and the environment by conducting on-farm research and field testing of practices related to beef cattle and forage production and disseminating the results to farmers and the public, as well as through providing hands-on learning opportunities and work placements for the development of professionals entering beef cattle and forage production. We will be sharing information through interviews with General Manager, Mary Jane Orr, project leads for various projects, MBFI team members, speakers from our extension events, industry leaders and industry suppliers. This podcast will dig deep into on-farm research and field testing practices related to beef cattle and forage production and efficiency and sustainability of practice in the agricultural industry in Manitoba. We will be sharing information on upcoming training and workshops, field and farm demonstration tours, education materials and events at MBFI, as well as producer profiles from around the province and information on their own trials, challenges, innovation and results.

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September 30, 202621 min

Developing Leadership in Agriculture with Braden & Misty Drul - 2026 Manitoba OYF Winners

Braden and Misty reside on their family grain farm near Oakburn, MB with their children Adilynn and Clayton, operating a multi-generational grain & oilseed farm. Farming has been a central part of both their lives, each growing up on family farms in nearby communities they learned the value of hard work, resilience, and dedication. Misty pursued her career as an X-ray/Lab technologist while Braden earned his Agribusiness degree from the University of Manitoba. After completing their education, they returned home with a shared vision of working with his parents expanding and strengthening the family farm. They married in 2016 and began laying the foundation for the next chapter of their family’s farming legacy. The farming operation wasn’t the only thing expanding with the birth of their first child in 2017. While growing the business they recognized the importance of diversifying the operation and in 2019 they launched their equipment assembly business, offering supplemental income and employment opportunities for the farm. With Covid in full swing and the arrival of their second child in 2020, the growing business and family were equally flourishing. After adapting to the increased pace of life, their pursuit to grow and expand the business once again found them opening a Pioneer seed agency, reflecting their commitment to innovation, diversification, and supporting fellow farmers in their community. Community involvement remains vital to them. They volunteer their time to local clubs, organizations, and initiatives, believing that strong rural communities are essential to strong farms. They are grateful for the opportunities agriculture has given them and feel privileged to contribute to a farm that has been built through generations of dedication. Their goal is to continue growing the operation with integrity, dedication, and passion ensuring it remains strong for the sixth generation and beyond. In today’s episode, I am grateful for the opportunity to sit down with Misty & Braden Drul, the 2026 winners for the Outstanding Young Farmers program in Manitoba! To start the episode, they share a bit about their current operation and their own backgrounds in agriculture. They then walk us through their experience of the process of the Manitoba OYF competition, starting from the nomination and application process, to the Manitoba competition, to the work they are doing to prepare for the National Competition, which will be held in November in BC. We wish them the very best of luck at Nationals and will be cheering for them this fall! Nominations for the 2027 Manitoba Outstanding Young Farmers Competition are open until October 30th, 2026. For more information, check out the Manitoba OYF website at https://oyfcanada.com/language/en/regions/manitoba/ 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 , Manitoba Beef Producers (MBP) and Ducks Unlimited Canada (DUC) . 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 Email address: information@mbfi.ca Mary-Jane’s Phone Number: 431-255-0011

September 16, 20261 hr 15 min

Developing Leadership in Agriculture with Kim McConnell

A recipient of many national and international business and marketing awards, Kim McConnell has a long, influential track record of advancing the agricultural industry, rural Canada, and emerging leaders. In 2012 he was inducted into the Canadian Agricultural Hall of Fame and at the time became the youngest recipient to be receive this prestigious award. In 2017 he was named a Member of the Order of Canada, one of few Canadians from the agri-food industry to receive Canada’s highest civilian award. And in 2024 he was named the University of Calgary ‘Inspired Business Leader of the Year’. Kim McConnell is proud of his rural roots and Western Canadian background. Raised on a family farm in Hamiota, Manitoba, he’s thankful for the foundation provided by his parents, 4-H, and growing up in a rural community. His BSc. Ag from the Faculty of Agriculture at the University of Manitoba (1978) opened his eyes to opportunities and helped groom his leadership skills. Kim’s entrepreneurial career started in his early 20s when he founded one of the first North American marketing communications agencies dedicated to agriculture and agribusiness. Over the years he acquired and merged other complementary companies to co-create AdFarm, one of the largest and most respected marketing and communications firms in North America. In 2007, at the age of 50, Kim retired from ‘operational leadership’ and turned AdFarm over to the next generation of management. For the next 15 years his career moved into ‘directional leadership’ where he became a director on many North American corporate, industry and community boards, and has led several special assignments important to the advancement of Canada’s agri-food industry. While his ‘directional leadership’ journey continues, today Kim’s primary focus is ‘inspirational leadership’ where entrepreneurs, business executives, and emerging community and industry leaders are tapping his connections, experience and philanthropic support. Kim is a combination of big picture and hands on experience, and has a passion and track record for advancing Canada and Canadians. He is widely recognized as a respected champion who inspires next generation leaders. Today’s episode is the first in our mini series on Developing Leadership in Agriculture, and we are honoured to have Kim McConnell join us on the show. Our conversation today moves from Kim’s experiences developing his own leadership skills, to how he put these to use with AdFarm, and finally how he is focusing on developing leaders today. Kim shares some resources and tools listeners can use to advance their own leadership skills, and we chat about how important leadership is to the agricultural industry, especially today, when Canadian Agriculture has so much to offer and there are so many opportunities available. 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 , Manitoba Beef Producers (MBP) and Ducks Unlimited Canada (DUC) . 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 Email address: information@mbfi.ca Mary-Jane’s Phone Number: 431-255-0011

September 2, 20261 hr 10 min

Drought Structure Project with Raf Otfinowski

Raf Otfinowski is an Associate Professor, in the Department of Biology, at the University of Winnipeg. Originally from Edmonton, Raf has a degree in Environmental Science from U of Alberta and a M.Sc. in biology from the Western University in Ontario. He first came to Manitoba in 2002 for his PhD at the U of Manitoba. Since then, he has been working in grasslands and prairies in Manitoba, focusing on their conservation, grazing, and management. Raf’s research focuses on understanding links between plants and soils to conserve, manage, and restore prairie ecosystems. He is fascinated by the vast root systems that link plants and soil food webs and hopes to use his research to help understand how grasslands adapt to stress and changing environments. Through his projects, Raf collaborates with conservation agencies, producers, and land managers, to contribute to the restoration and sustainable use of prairies ecosystems. His most rewarding challenge is to teach students about the evolution and function of grasslands and to learn from producers, Indigenous and community members about the history, cultural uses, and conservation of grasslands in Canada and around the world. Raf loves travelling around Manitoba with his two dogs and discovering the hidden diversity of Manitoba’s grasslands from the south border, through the Interlake to western Manitoba and Riding Mountain National Park. Raf has a current project underway with Living Labs Manitoba that focuses on soil carbon in grazed grasslands and pastures. He would be happy to connect with producers who would be willing to allow him access to a wet meadow they are grazing to collect some root and soil samples. Today Raf joins us to discuss the “Drought Structure Project.” This international project was conducted in many locations to look at the impacts that drought can have by using structures to impose drought conditions. Through this discussion, Raf tells us what terrestrial ecosystems are and how important it is to improve our understanding of the impact of drought on rangeland ecosystems and prairie communities. Links mentioned in this episode: Link to the International Drought Experiment: https://droughtnet.weebly.com/ MBFI Link to Drought Project: https://www.mbfi.ca/rangeland-drought-response Contact Raf on BlueSky Social @PrairieLab University of Winnipeg Prairie Lab page link: http://www.prairielab.ca/ University of Winnipeg Biology page link: https://www.uwinnipeg.ca/biology/ 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 , Manitoba Beef Producers (MBP) and Ducks Unlimited Canada (DUC) . 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 Email address: information@mbfi.ca Mary-Jane’s Phone Number: 431-255-0011

August 19, 202625 min

The Bright Future of Ag with MBFI's 2026 Summer Students

Join us as we introduce MBFI’s 2026 summer students! Meredith Evren grew up North of Minnedosa on a small grain and beef cattle farm with her parents and one younger sister. She was a member of the Minnedosa and Erickson 4-H clubs throughout her childhood where she learned how to show cattle and first got excited about working with livestock. Right after high school Meredith went to Vancouver and studied for a Bachelor of Science in Applied Animal Biology for two years at UBC. In just a few weeks Meredith will be starting her first year at the Western College of Veterinary Medicine in Saskatoon. Hannah Karpan was born and raised in The Pas and has been living in Brandon for almost 4 years. She is entering her second year of a Bachelor of Nursing through Brandon University. Hannah grew up spending time ice fishing and taking the quads down the trails. She does not come from agriculture in any way, but started her journey in ag over the past couple of years at a family friend’s horse ranch in Minitonas. Since then, she has had the opportunity to work with some very knowledgeable people in the horse and cattle world. Ag has been such a wonderful place to be a part of, and Hannah is so grateful to be able to get her toes wet in the cattle industry through MBFI. Monelle Bryant grew up on a mixed cattle and grain farm with her parents, two younger siblings and 3 border collies. Her family calves out approximately 300 head, and she has always enjoyed helping and learning from her dad on the farm, during any free time she had. Monelle grew up playing many sports throughout her childhood. In high school, she continued playing hockey, softball, and volleyball and she has been able to join rec teams during her time in university. Monelle continues to play softball with the Hamiota ladies’ team, when home for the summer. Monelle spent the last 3 years working towards a Bachelor of Science in Agriculture with a major in Animal Science at the University of Saskatchewan, and recently got accepted into the Western College of Veterinary Medicine. She will begin my DVM journey this fall, which she is very excited about. Hailey Browning grew up in Winnipeg and is currently studying at the University of Manitoba. Growing up in the city and now working in the agriculture industry for the past five years has been a big step in her career. She wouldn’t wish to be a part of any other industry! Hailey is working towards my Bachelor Degree in Agriculture, majoring in Animal Science. She has been a part of many clubs within the university, such as Stockman’s club, 4-H Future Leaders, and FASO (Faculty of Agriculture Student Organization) where she helps organize farm tours, presentations, fundraisers and socials for the students in the faculty of Agriculture. Hailey is looking into a masters degree and is very passionate about large animal research. She appreciates a live band, especially if they have a fiddle! Hailey also enjoys fishing and camping in her free time. If you are interested in being a summer student at MBFI for future years, or know a student who might be interested, please watch for the annual advertisement for available positions. As an MBFI Summer Student, you are sure to gain hands-on experience in both the cattle and crop industries. The ability to hire these summer students has been made possible through the Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership. The research programs and daily operations at MBFI would not be possible without the funding from the Province of Manitoba, Government of Canada, and Canadian Agricultural Partnership, as well as the partnership with Manitoba Agriculture , Manitoba Beef Producers (MBP) and Ducks Unlimited Canada (DUC) . 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 Twitter: @MBBeefandForage Website: www.mbfi.ca Email address: information@mbfi.ca

August 5, 202657 min

Wild Pig Monitoring with Devon Baete

Devon Baete has a diploma in Natural Resources Management and 20 years field experience working one on one with landowners on agricultural issues. Devon got involved with wild pigs back in 2018 volunteering to apply for grants and distribute traps to local landowners affected in the Cypress River area. The Manitoba Pork Council was concerned about wild pigs posing a disease risk to operations even at that time and provided funding support to his work for many years to add traps. In 2021 the Manitoba Pork Council received a grant through the Canadian Agriculture Partnership to establish Squeal on Pigs Manitoba for landowners to report sightings. With sightings reported now province wide Devon was working evenings and weekends to expand trapping. In 2023 the Manitoba Pork Council received a 5 year funding agreement from the Sustainable Canadian Agriculture Grant and Devon was hired on full time as the Manager of field Operations. Over the years the program has expanded greatly with wild pig surveillance and removal, but also in research and National collaboration. Devon has been involved with the removal of over 750 wild pigs in Manitoba to date. In this episode, we are chatting about wild pigs! In Manitoba, wild pigs have come from farmed wild boar or tame pigs that have been released or escaped and become feral. These pigs create many threats to the environment, including the damage they do through rooting for food, as well as threats caused by disease transfer to Manitoba’s pig population and exports, as well as other livestock species. Devon shares information about the “hot spots” for pigs in Manitoba, the “Squeal on Pigs” program and their efforts to trap and eradicate wild pigs in Manitoba, and so much more. Join us to learn more about these wild pigs and what you can do about them if you see pig sign on your land. Websites mentioned in the episode: 2025 Squeal on Pigs Annual Report https://squealonpigsmb.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/Squeal-on-Pigs-Annual-Report-2025.pdf www.squealonpigsmb.org Facebook: @Squeal on Pigs Manitoba 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 , Manitoba Beef Producers (MBP) and Ducks Unlimited Canada (DUC) . 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 Email address: information@mbfi.ca Mary-Jane’s Phone Number: 431-255-0011

July 15, 202645 min

Bird and Waterfowl Conservation with Ian Cook (Birds Canada)

As the Grassland Conservation Manager for Birds Canada, Ian’s work largely focuses on finding solutions for conserving birds that rely on the Canadian Prairies. Along with his colleagues at Birds Canada, he works on finding systemic solutions to conserve birds, while sustaining the livelihoods of the people on the land. He received his BSc in Agriculture from the University of Manitoba in 2013, and is a Professional Agrologist. In today’s episode, Ian shares his agricultural background and information about his current position with Birds Canada. We talk about the benefits wetland protection and conservation offer, as well as how Birds Canada monitors waterfowl numbers. We discuss some of the many species of waterfowl and other birds that are endangered in Manitoba. We also chat about the challenges to conservation of wetlands and grasslands, both with agriculture and outside of the ag industry. Finally, we discuss ways producers can work with nature and the environment to reduce their impact on wetlands and grasslands. Ian’s email address: icook@birdscanada.org Birds Canada Facebook: @Birds Canada Birds Canada Instagram: @Birds.Canada Main Website: birdscanada.org Prairie Focused Information: birdscanaca.org/grasslands Birds Canada Incentives Guide: https://www.birdscanada.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/Birds-Canada-Grassland-Conservation-Incentives-Guide-2.pdf Bird Friendliness Index: https://www.birdscanada.org/bird-science/bird-friendliness-index Marsh Watch Webinar Series: https://www.birdscanada.org/bird-science/marshwatch 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 , Manitoba Beef Producers (MBP) and Ducks Unlimited Canada (DUC) . 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 Email address: information@mbfi.ca Mary-Jane’s Phone Number: 431-255-0011

July 1, 202643 min

Canadian Grassland Conservation with Adrienne Hanson (CFGA) - Wildlife & Habitat Mini Series

Adrienne Hanson is the National Grazing Coordinator with the Canadian Forage & Grassland Association, where she works directly with producers, provincial partners, and national collaborators to advance practical, profitable grazing management across Canada. Her work focuses on producer-led learning, mentorship, and building strong networks that support resilient forage systems and prairie conservation. Adrienne brings more than a decade of hands-on grazing experience to her national role. Since 2010, she and her husband Joey have co-owned and operated a custom grazing enterprise at Worley Hanson Ranch near Langbank, Saskatchewan. Their operation includes managing day-to-day herd care, grazing planning, water systems, record-keeping, and fence line management, as well as working with patrons and delivering high-quality custom grazing services. Her environmental background is equally strong. Adrienne has co-owned Hanson Environmental & Rentals Ltd. since 2008, providing vegetation and soil assessments, Phase 1 site assessments, environmental monitoring, and reclamation support across private and Crown land. Including rental services and custom fencing for oilfield and conservation outreach. Deeply rooted in Saskatchewan’s ranching community, Adrienne serves on the Saskatchewan Stock Growers Association board and has long supported youth through 4-H, local community organizations, and agricultural events. Her leadership style is grounded in practical experience, producer-to-producer learning, and a commitment to keeping prairie landscapes healthy, productive, and resilient. In this episode, Adrienne shares information about the Canadian Forage and Grassland Association, including their goals and how they are working towards grassland conservation here in Canada. On the CFGA website ( https://www.canadianfga.ca/en/ ) it is shared that, “In 2020 alone 1.8 million acres of grassland were lost across North America’s Great Plains, more than 2 football fields per minute.” Adrienne discusses some of the challenges to conserving grasslands, and why this conversion is occurring at such a high rate. We also discuss the impact tilling grasslands to convert to crop acres has on carbon storage, carbon offset credits, and other projects and incentives that are available for producers to help with grassland conservation. To contact Adrienne, please email her at: adrienne@canadianfga.ca You can find out more at CFGA’s website: www.canadianfga.ca Or find CFGA on X: @CFGA_ACPF Instagram: @CFGA_ACPF Facebook: @CFGA-Saskatchewan-OFCAF 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 , Manitoba Beef Producers (MBP) and Ducks Unlimited Canada (DUC) . 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 Email address: information@mbfi.ca Mary-Jane’s Phone Number: 431-255-0011

June 17, 20261 hr 1 min

The Canadian Beef Research and Knowledge Mobilization Strategy with Reynold Bergen (BCRC)

During his career in ag, Reynold Bergen has held roles within technology transfer, extension and research management with both government and private industry. He is now the Science Director for the Beef Cattle Research Council, a role he has held since 2010. In this position, Reynold is involved in identifying industry research priorities, coordinating research funding among industry and government funding agencies, and contributes regular producer-level technology transfer articles to industry publications. As he puts it, he explains research to cattle producers and explains cattle producers to researchers. In today’s episode, Reynold shares information on what the Beef Cattle Research Council (BCRC) is, and what the Canadian Beef Research and Knowledge Mobilization Strategy is and what it focuses on. We discuss how this strategy is developed, how it works and what it covers, as far as core principles. We also discuss the importance of coordinating research and how this benefits the Canadian Cattle Industry. Focusing on industry, we also chat about potential opportunities Reynold sees coming in the future as a result of research, as well as potential threats or challenges facing the Canadian Beef Industry research landscape. 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 , Manitoba Beef Producers (MBP) and Ducks Unlimited Canada (DUC) . 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 Email address: information@mbfi.ca Mary-Jane’s Phone Number: 431-255-0011

June 3, 202656 min

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 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 , Manitoba Beef Producers (MBP) and Ducks Unlimited Canada (DUC) . 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 Email address: information@mbfi.ca Mary-Jane’s Phone Number: 431-255-0011

May 20, 202640 min

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 , Manitoba Beef Producers (MBP) and Ducks Unlimited Canada (DUC) . 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 Email address: information@mbfi.ca Mary-Jane’s Phone Number: 431-255-0011

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