BCRC Funds Proof of Concept and Knowledge Mobilization Projects to Advance the Canadian Beef Industry

Dec 12, 2024

Research and knowledge mobilization play a critical role in advancing the Canadian Beef Industry by providing key insights to progress the industry and empower producers with knowledge. The Beef Cattle Research Council (BCRC) provides funding for proof of concept (POC) projects and knowledge mobilization initiatives.

“The proof of concept projects focus on ideas, technologies and practices from other countries, industries or sectors that could add value to the beef industry,” says Craig Lehr, BCRC chair and Alberta beef producer on the value of POC funding. “These projects require a small portion of Canadian Beef Cattle Check-Off dollars and provide key insights to progress the industry forward.”

“Knowledge mobilization is a core component of ensuring the sustainability and competitiveness of the Canadian Beef Industry,” says Dean Manning, BCRC vice chair and Nova Scotia beef producer on funding knowledge mobilization initiatives, “The key to the success of innovation is encouraging industry and producer awareness and adoption of existing and new research, technology and practices.”

Through a new pilot initiative, the BCRC opened a call for proposals in 2023 to support regional knowledge mobilization activities with preference given to new and innovative engagement ideas. This funding call was renewed in 2024. Nine activities were funded beginning in fall 2024 and all activities will wrap up in summer 2025.

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Video: Residue Management

Residue Management conservation practice manages the amount, orientation, and distribution of crop and other plant residue on the soil surface year-round while limiting soil-disturbing activities used to grow and harvest crops in systems where the field surface is tilled prior to planting. This video explores how Ryan McKenzie implemented this conservation practice on his farm in Samson, Alabama.

Practice benefits:

• Increases organic matter

• Improves air quality

• Decreases energy costs

• Reduces erosion

• Improves soil health

The Conservation at Work video series was created to increase producer awareness of common conservation practices and was filmed at various locations throughout the country. Because conservation plans are specific to the unique resource needs on each farm and also soil type, weather conditions, etc., these videos were designed to serve as a general guide to the benefits of soil and water conservation and landowners should contact their local USDA office for individual consultation.