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The Beef is ON
The Beef is ON brings practical beef industry insights and updates from your hosts, James Byrne and Chad Mader - Beef Cattle Specialists at the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Agribusiness. Join us for discussions on management, nutrition, production practices and the latest trends across Ontario's beef sector.
Reach out with questions or suggestions for future episodes at thebeefison@ontario.ca
Episodes
27 episodes
Bonus Episode - Dr. Jessica Sperber, Beef Symposium 2025
In this bonus episode, we hear from Dr. Jessica Sperber, speaking about best practices for newly received calves. This was originally presented as a webinar as part of Beef Symposium 2025. The original video recording can be found h...
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Managing Heat Stress
In this episode, James and Chad review the potential impacts of hot weather on beef cattle in both pasture and feedlot environments. They discuss various options to address potential heat stress challenges. See below for additional ...
Bonus Episode - Pasture Management with Christine O'Reilly
Today we return once again to the archives, for a podcast originally recorded by former Beef Cattle Specialist Havie Carter in 2023. Havie is joined by OMAFA Forage and Grazing Specialist Christine O'Reilly, for a comprehensive discussion...
Hay Inventory - Managing Supply and Demand
Today James and Chad share some suggestions for managing your hay supply before and during hay harvest. They cover inventory monitoring, quality and quantity tracking, and practical considerations to help you plan ahead now for winter fee...
Verified Beef Production Plus Program - with guest Jaclyn Horenberg
In this episode, Chad is joined by Jaclyn Horenberg, Manager of Producer Relations with Beef Farmers of Ontario. Jaclyn provides a great overview of the Verified Beef Production Plus Program. She covered the various ways producers c...
Mineral Feeding on Pasture
Most producers appreciate the need to provide a quality mineral for your cattle, but this isn't as simple as tossing some mineral out and walking away. In this episode, James and Chad review the basic considerations to ensure effective mi...
Turning Cattle Out to Pasture - Part 2
This week is the conclusion of the conversation on turning cattle out to pasture. This episode focusses on the logistical considerations you don't want to forget as you're getting ready to send cattle to pasture.
Turning Cattle Out to Pasture - Part 1
This is a conversation James and Chad have about things to consider when preparing to send cattle out to pasture. They address questions like when is there enough grass, how to deal with wet ground conditions, and digestive upsets to be a...
Interview - Megan Van Schaik, Feeding Small Grain Cereals
This is the first in a new Interview series, where James or Chad will be joined by a guest, to share perspectives relevant to the industry.In this episode, James is joined by Megan Van Schaik, Feed Ingredient and By-Products with OMAFA.&...
Preparing your Bull for the Breeding Season
In this episode, James and Chad review considerations for your herd bulls leading up to the breeding season. They outline the demands placed on a bull during breeding, and discuss things you can do to set your bulls up to create your next...
Bonus Episode - Recording 4 from Beef Symposium 2026
This episode rounds out the podcast versions of our Beef Symposium webinars from this past winter. This pod includes portions of the presentations by John Molenhuis - OMAFA Business Analysis and Cost of Production Specialist, and Caroline...
Fly Control on Beef Cattle
Join James and Chad for this discussion on common fly populations impacting grazing cattle. They review the basic life cycle of flies, the impact various flies can have on cattle performance, and options for controlling flies. The c...
Bonus Episode - Preparing Cattle for the Grazing Season
In this bonus episode, we dig into the archives for a podcast originally recorded by our former OMAFA colleague - Havie Carter. This is a discussion Havie had with James about preparing cattle for the grazing season. Originally rele...
Pasture Quality and Cattle Performance
In this episode, James and Chad review the principles of pasture growth, and how growth stage impacts pasture quality. They discuss the difference between the amount of feed that 'appears' to be in the pasture, and the actual feed value.&...
Bonus Episode - Recording 3 from Beef Symposium 2026
Welcome to another bonus episode! This episode includes another recording from our recent Beef Symposium - a joint venture between OMAFA, Beef Farmers of Ontario and the University of Guelph. This episode includes the presenta...
Understanding Acidosis
In this episode, James and Chad provide an overview of what acidosis is, what causes it, and the challenges associated with managing subclinical acidosis in cattle on high grain diets. See links below for additional resources
Bonus Episode - Recording 2 from Beef Symposium 2026
Welcome to another bonus episode! This episode includes the recordings of two presentations from our recent Beef Symposium - a joint venture between OMAFA, Beef Farmers of Ontario and the University of Guelph. Video recordings can b...
Herd Sire Value - Considerations when shopping for a bull
As bull sale season is ramping up in Ontario, James and Chad talk about what to consider when buying a bull - primarily around how much you can afford to pay. An excellent calculator tool that is referred to in the podcast can be found he...
Preparing for Calving
Today, James and Chad review considerations in preparation for calving season. Listen for some reminders and maybe some new ideas to keep in mind as you approach calving season - or for whenever your next calving season starts! ...
Bonus Episode - Recording from Beef Symposium 2026
Welcome to our first bonus episode! This episode includes the recordings of two presentations from our recent Beef Symposium - a joint venture between OMAFA, Beef Farmers of Ontario and the University of Guelph. Video recordings can...
Selecting Replacement Heifers
James and Chad discuss what to look for in replacement heifer candidates and considerations for purchasing heifers vs raising your own. Regardless of the type of heifer you’re looking for, there are some basic criteria that can help maxim...
Managing Cattle in Cold Weather
James and Chad review considerations for maintaining your cattle in cold weather. This includes nutrition, water sources, and shelter options. Look here for information on windbreaks:o
Importance of Body Condition
Join James and Chad as they discuss the importance of maintaining appropriate body condition in your cow herd, and how you can use Body Condition Scoring to monitor the condition of your cows.