This year the Beef Cattle Research Council (BCRC) celebrates a decade of its Beef Researcher Mentorship Program, which has connected more than 40 mentees with countless beef producer and industry mentors to bridge the gap between science and industry.
Launched in 2014, the program was inspired by the need for stronger connections between researchers and industry. Andrea Brocklebank, executive director of the BCRC, recalls, “The BCRC was noticing that many new researchers were not from a farm background or were unfamiliar with Canadian production.” Over the past 10 years, the program has fostered a new generation of forage, cattle and beef researchers with stronger ties to producers and the beef industry. “Through the mentorship program, we’ve been able to bridge that gap between science and production, equipping researchers with tools to push the industry’s goals forward while improving sustainability and competitiveness,” says Brocklebank.
Funded through the National Beef Cluster, the mentorship initiative encourages new and early-career researchers to engage more deeply with Canada’s beef industry. It provides participants with hands-on opportunities to understand the industry’s needs while helping them align their work with practical applications.
Goals of the Beef Researcher Mentorship Program
The mentorship program aims to:
- Align research interests with practical and beneficial outcomes for Canada’s beef industry.
- Build the skills, networks and confidence necessary for researchers to lead applied research and technology transfer initiatives.
- Facilitate collaborations that enable new researchers to establish effective research and extension programs.
A Flagship for Bridging Science and Industry
The mentorship program has not only fostered connections between researchers and producers but also has allowed producers to benefit from the expertise of researchers. Mentees receive a travel bursary, allowing them to attend industry conferences, workshops and farm tours. Mentors guide researchers by building their knowledge, skills and professional networks, while identifying opportunities to support their career goals.
Cyle and Ericka Stewart, mentors in the 2022-23 program year and operators of Pine Creek Ranch in Morse, Saskatchewan, reflect fondly on their experience. “We are so thankful to have been part of the BCRC mentorship program. It was rewarding to show Tony, our mentee, the boots-on-the-ground side of the industry while learning from his technical expertise. Programs like this ensure new research and innovations remain practical for the industry,” they shared.
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