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New University of Manitoba research chair to advance beef production sustainability

Thanks to a $1.5 million grant from the Beef Cattle Research Council (BCRC), the University of Manitoba (UM), along with its partners at Manitoba Beef Producers, Manitoba Agriculture, and Manitoba Beef and Forage Initiatives is proud to announce the establishment of the BCRC Chair in Beef Cattle Economic Sustainability.

“It’s important for our industry to understand beneficial management practices that boost productivity, profitability, and environmental sustainability – including those related to greenhouse gas emissions, land and water use, and biodiversity,” said Craig Lehr, the Beef Cattle Research Council chair and Alberta beef producer.

“This new Chair will focus on viable solutions for Canadian beef cattle producers with innovations that improve economic sustainability while reducing environmental footprint.”

The beef industry faces mounting challenges, including volatile input costs, climate-related risks, and limited access to equitable risk management tools. These pressures have made it increasingly difficult for producers—especially in the cow-calf sector—to adopt new technologies and practices that could reduce their environmental footprint.

“Beef producers in Manitoba and across Canada care deeply about both environmental and economic sustainability because the land they steward today must feed their families tomorrow. Thriving ecosystems and strong businesses go hand in hand. Having this chair position will help producers make decisions both good for the land and for their bottom line,” said Matthew Atkinson, President of Manitoba Beef Producers.

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Genetics vs Genomics in Swine - Dr. Max Rothschild

Video: Genetics vs Genomics in Swine - Dr. Max Rothschild



In this episode of The Swine it Podcast Show Canada, Dr. Max Rothschild, Distinguished Professor at Iowa State University, explains how genetics and genomics have transformed swine production. He explores genomic selection, key gene discoveries, and the role of gene editing in improving disease resistance and productivity. Practical insights on litter size, meat quality, and industry adoption are also discussed. Listen now on all major platforms!

"Genetic improvement in swine production accelerated significantly once molecular tools enabled identification of DNA level variation influencing growth, reproduction, and meat quality across commercial populations."

Meet the guest: Dr. Max Rothschild / max-f-rothschild-b3800312 earned his PhD in Animal Breeding from Cornell University and has spent over four decades at Iowa State University advancing swine genetics and genomics. His research focuses on genetic improvement, disease resistance, and molecular tools for swine production. A leader in pig genome research, his work has shaped modern breeding strategies.