The Beef Cattle Research Council (BCRC) is an industry-funded, producer-led organization. Each province that directs a portion of the Canadian Beef Cattle Check-Off to research appoints beef producers to sit on the Council, with representation based on how much each province contributes.
Coordinating Research for Maximum Impact
All BCRC funding programs support the priorities outlined in the Canadian Beef Research & Technology Transfer Strategy. The current five-year strategy, launched in July 2021, is the third of its kind and helps coordinate Canada’s beef research efforts.
By keeping funders, industry, and government aligned, the strategy reduces duplication, fills research gaps and ensures limited dollars work harder for producers by attracting additional funding.
Helping Producers Apply Science-Based Practices
Beyond funding research, the BCRC invests in projects that help producers adopt practical, science-based practices. This includes:
- Verified Beef Production Plus (VBP+) – Provides training and on-farm verification to show commitment to animal care, food safety, environmental stewardship, and biosecurity.
- National disease and production surveillance networks – Supporting healthier, more productive herds.
- Beef Researcher Mentorship Program – Connects new researchers with producers to keep research practical and relevant.
Producers can take advantage of these resources to improve farm operations, stay up to date on best practices, and connect with other beef producers in Alberta.
Sharing Research Results with Producers
A key part of the BCRC’s mission is making sure research results reach producers in clear, useful ways to improve productivity, profitability and sustainability. Their Knowledge Mobilization team delivers research-backed information through several channels:
- Articles: Practical stories and real-life examples tailored to different regions and current industry conditions.
- Webinars: Interactive sessions with experts and peers.
- E-Newsletters: Targeted updates with content tailored to producers’ interests.
- Videos: Short, accessible explanations on a wide range of topics.
- Infographics: Visual guides that simplify complex information and help producers see how a practice could work on their farm.
- Decision Tools: Interactive calculators that let producers input their own data to support better on-farm decisions.
- Podcast: Audio versions of popular articles for easy, on-the-go learning.
- Research Factsheets: Straightforward summaries of ongoing and completed research projects, searchable by topic, category, or year on BeefResearch.ca.
Get Involved and Stay Informed
Explore these resources on BeefResearch.ca to see how they can benefit your operation, help you make better on-farm decisions, and connect with the local beef community.