Dennis Laycraft reflects on four decades in the industry
The Bovine by Alberta Beef Producers
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
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Brodie Haugan on the Value of Having Producers at the Trade Table
The Bovine by Alberta Beef Producers
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
7:57 Demand: Cuts, Culture & Culinary Traditions
12:41 Boardrooms, Beef & Big Players: Connecting People
16:17 What They Asked: Supply, Not Sustainability
24:33 Efficiency Matters: Why Producer Presence Pays Off
GUEST: Brodie Haugan. Co Chair Domestic Agriculture Policy and Regulations Committee, Canadian
CONNECT WITH HOST: KARA MASTEL
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Tyler Fulton on CCA Priorities and Industry Leadership
The Bovine by Alberta Beef Producers
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
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The Role of Soil Microbiomes in Forage Growth
The Bovine by Alberta Beef Producers
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
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Have ideas for future shows? Drop us a note, on social media or via email.
Spring grazing: Timing and Strategy for Healthy Pastures
The Bovine by Alberta Beef Producers
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
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Valuegraphics 101: Why people really care
The Bovine by Alberta Beef Producers
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
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Have ideas for future shows? Drop us a note, on social media or via email.
The future of water in Western Canadian agriculture
The Bovine by Alberta Beef Producers
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
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From cattle rancher to industry leader: Doug Roxburgh intends to make a difference
The Bovine by Alberta Beef Producers
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
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Behind the scenes at Alberta Beef Producers: 2024 in Review
The Bovine by Alberta Beef Producers
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
12:51 – The Policies That Could Change Beef Production
27:39 – Living Labs: Research in Real-World Conditions
33:35 – The Power of Producer Involvement & Resolutions
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
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Beyond the Bull Catalogue: What every rancher needs to know
The Bovine by Alberta Beef Producers
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
11:28 How breed associations help with bull selection
17:18 Lessons from the dairy industry on milk vs. fertility
26:16 Why breeding soundness exams are crucial
30:02 Expert tips for bull sale day
GUEST: Carling Matejka, DVM
CONNECT WITH HOST: KARA MASTEL
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Extreme weather calls for smart cattle management strategies
The Bovine by Alberta Beef Producers
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
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Have ideas for future shows? Drop us a note, on social media or via email.
Tariff Trouble: What it means for Canadian cattle producers
The Bovine by Alberta Beef Producers
Are looming U.S. tariffs about to shake up the cattle industry?
Kara Mastel sits down with Brenna Grant, Executive Director of Canfax Research Services, to explore the potential impacts of a proposed 25 per cent U.S. tariff on Canadian goods.
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:
2:19 | The deep integration of the U.S.-Canada beef trade
5:11 | Exchange rates and their ripple effect on producers
10:40 | The complex web of U.S.-Canada beef processing
14:34 | Canfax resources to support producers
GUEST: BRENNA GRANT
Brenna Grant is the Executive Director of Canfax Research Services, where she monitors data from national statistics; oversees the development of new economic models to make annual outlooks and evaluate the impact of management decisions on cost of production. Brenna grew up in SW Saskatchewan on a cow/calf , yearling grasser operation where her family still operates. She holds a BA in Agricultural Economics from the University of Saskatchewan and a Masters in Applied Economics from Montana State University.
Canfax
CONNECT WITH HOST: KARA MASTEL
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The Bovine: Holdanca Farms and environmental stewardship
The Bovine by Alberta Beef Producers
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.
The Duynisveld's discuss the experience of receiving the 2024 Environmental Stewardship Award (TESA), and dive into more about their operation.
Have ideas for future shows? Drop us a note, on social media or via email.
The Bovine: Three pillars of sustainability with PSE
The Bovine by Alberta Beef Producers
For this episode of The Bovine, Kara Mastel sits down with Jenna Sarich, Stakeholder Engagement Technical Consultant with Public and Stakeholder Engagement (PSE).
The duo discuss the ins and outs of PSE, results from a recent national sustainability survey, the importance of telling the story from the farm, and more.
Have ideas for future shows? Drop us a note, on social media or via email.
The Bovine: Drones, student leaders, and scaled-up research
The Bovine by Alberta Beef Producers
For this episode of The Bovine, Kara Mastel sits down with Todd Ormann, Vice President of Development at Olds College of Agriculture and Technology.
The duo discuss the recent AgSmart educational expo, upcoming trends in agriculture, changes within the college, and more.
Have ideas for future shows? Drop us a note, on social media or via email.
The Bovine: Landscapes, community, and next generations
The Bovine by Alberta Beef Producers
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
The Bovine by Alberta Beef Producers
For this episode of The Bovine, Kara Oosterhuis attended the Beef Research Showcase held in Olds, Alta.
Oosterhuis is joined by:
- Karin Schmid, of Alberta Beef Producers, on the Beef Research Showcase and how it came to be;
- Dr. Bart Lardner, of the University of Saskatchewan, on challenges and opportunities managing novel forage mixtures;
- Dr. Cheryl Waldner, of the University of Saskatchewan, on the Canadian Cow-Calf Surveillance Network; and
- Dr. Kim Stanford, of the University of Lethbridge, on all things ergot.
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
The Bovine by Alberta Beef Producers
For this episode of The Bovine, Kara Oosterhuis attended the Alberta Beef Industry Conference held in Calgary, Alta.
Oosterhuis is joined by:
- Jack Bobo, director of the Food Systems Institute at the University of Nottingham in the UK, on navigating the future of food;
- Lance Zimmerman, senior animal protein analyst at RaboResearch Food & Agribusiness, with a global cattle market update; and
- Dr. Tammy Nemeth, on lessons learned from the oil and gas industry.
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
The Bovine by Alberta Beef Producers
For this episode of The Bovine, host Kara Oosterhuis attended the CrossRoads Conference held in Calgary, Alta.
Oosterhuis is joined by:
- Walter Schwabe, entrepreneur and tech guru, on the impact of Artificial Intelligence (AI) on agriculture;
- Drew Lerner, founder, president, and senior agricultural meteorologist at World Weather Inc., with a weather outlook for 2024 in Alberta;
- Dr. Rebecca Purc-Stephenson, professor of psychology at the Augustana Campus of the University of Alberta, on the importance of mental health literacy, breaking stigmas, and new resources you may not be aware of.
Have ideas for future shows? Drop us a note, on social media or via email.
The Bovine: Starting fresh, but not over
The Bovine by Alberta Beef Producers
After a brief pause, The Bovine is back!
We’re switching gears a bit with a new voice as host, while continuing to cover the dynamic content covering all facets of your operation into the podcast.
Let’s call it Season 2, Episode 1. We’re starting fresh, but not over.
We can’t give away too much of what we’re talking about … it is a podcast, after all.
Tune in, or, download to listen later on your favourite podcast platform!
Have ideas for future shows? Drop us a note, on social media or via email.
The pillars of succession planning with Annessa Good
The Bovine by Alberta Beef Producers
When it comes to transition planning for your family's operation, where do you begin?
Annessa Good, business advisor with Farm Credit Canada, joined The Bovine to share what a transition plan is comprised of, as well as useful tips to get started and make this a positive experience for your family and business.
This episode was recorded at the 2023 Canadian Beef Industry Conference in Calgary this August.
Have ideas for future shows? Drop us a note, on social media or via email.
Ryan Copithorne's market outlook for Fall 2023
The Bovine by Alberta Beef Producers
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
The Bovine by Alberta Beef Producers
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.
The full list of recommendations is now available on the Canfax website, along with other resources coming out of the Network's results and analysis.
Have ideas for future shows? Drop us a note, on social media or via email.
P4ssw0rd123: How's your cyber security?
The Bovine by Alberta Beef Producers
Do you use the same password for everything? Skip multi-factor authentication? Prefer to keep your p4ssw0rds easy?
Well, you may want to listen to this discussion for some inspiration on mitigating your risk of experiencing a cyber security incident.
Have ideas for future shows? Drop us a note, on social media or via email.
An Update from the Canadian Cattle Association
The Bovine by Alberta Beef Producers
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.
And he joins us again here for updates from the CCA.
Related:
- Industry partners publish Alberta Beef Competitiveness Study
- ABP announces 2023 Board of Directors
- CCA advocacy and youth efforts
Have ideas for future shows? Drop us a note, on social media or via email.
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Dennis Laycraft reflects on four decades in the industry
56:12
Brodie Haugan on the Value of Having Producers at the Trade Table
33:07
Tyler Fulton on CCA Priorities and Industry Leadership
31:53
The Role of Soil Microbiomes in Forage Growth
41:01
Spring grazing: Timing and Strategy for Healthy Pastures
31:15
Valuegraphics 101: Why people really care
35:26
The future of water in Western Canadian agriculture
29:35
From cattle rancher to industry leader: Doug Roxburgh intends to make a difference
29:49
Behind the scenes at Alberta Beef Producers: 2024 in Review
41:48
Beyond the Bull Catalogue: What every rancher needs to know
34:34
Extreme weather calls for smart cattle management strategies
32:34
Tariff Trouble: What it means for Canadian cattle producers
17:34
The Bovine: Holdanca Farms and environmental stewardship
41:52
The Bovine: Three pillars of sustainability with PSE
29:10
The Bovine: Drones, student leaders, and scaled-up research
35:50
The Bovine: Landscapes, community, and next generations
42:19
The Bovine: Diving into the Beef Research Showcase
1:30:31
The Bovine: Good chaos, lessons from different industries, and the power of changing your mind
1:11:59
The Bovine: The future of AI, will it finally rain, and giving our brains a break
1:03:52
The Bovine: Starting fresh, but not over
1:15:31
The pillars of succession planning with Annessa Good
10:05
Ryan Copithorne's market outlook for Fall 2023
6:07
Brenna Grant's favourite cost-of-production tips for new producers
6:28
P4ssw0rd123: How's your cyber security?
20:44
An Update from the Canadian Cattle Association
23:50