The Bovine by Alberta Beef Producers

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When it comes to weather in Western Canada, unpredictability is the only constant! 
Kara Mastel sits down with veteran meteorologist David Spence to unpack Alberta’s wild 2025 weather—from early-season heat waves to record July rainfall. 
They explore shifting patterns that challenge old expectations, the “new normal” for drought and storms, and how AI is reshaping weather forecasting. 
Along the way, David shares insight on regional extremes, the delicate dance of rain and irrigation for agriculture, and what farmers might expect as summer winds down. 
 
Listen For:
3:45 Alberta’s weather in 2025—rain here, drought there
7:20 The “seasonal flip” that turned May hot and July wet
9:35 When drought stops being unusual and becomes the new normal
14:28 Will summer stretch into October? What fall could look like
21:24 How AI is reshaping the future of weather forecasting
 
 
GUEST: David Spence, retired Chief Meteorologist for CTV
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Is your hayfield ready — or are you risking a nutrient disaster?  
In this episode of The Bovine podcast, host Kara Mastel dives into the delicate art and science of haying under tough conditions with expert ruminant nutritionist Brianna Sentes from Beef Smart.  
They unpack when to cut for maximum protein and digestibility, how weather forecasts can help (or mislead) your timing, why cutting height matters for regrowth, and how to protect hay from mold and nutrient loss.  
Listen For:
4:39 What Is NDF? And Why Should You Care?
7:30 Haying in a Drought: Cut or Wait?
11:08 Research Insights: How Cutting Height Affects Regrowth
14:23 Tricks to Speed Up Dry Down
25:10 Bale Size and Density: Surprising Impacts on Loss
26:23 How to Avoid Hay Heating and Nutrient Burnoff
 
GUEST: Breanna Sentes, Beef Smart
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What does it take to lead a nation’s cattle industry through crisis, change, and global acclaim—without ever losing sight of the ranch?
Kara Mastel is joined by Dennis Laycraft—newly inducted into the Canadian Agricultural Hall of Fame—to reflect on his remarkable 40-year career championing Canada’s beef industry. 
From a childhood in the Porcupine Hills to national leadership roles, Laycraft recounts his navigation through watershed moments like BSE, international trade wars, and a global pandemic. 
He shares stories of resilience, innovation, and unity that helped elevate Canadian beef to world-class status and positioned the industry for a strong, sustainable future. 
Listen For:
6:16 The Decade Canada Became an Export Powerhouse
8:43 BSE Hits: The Industry’s Darkest Hour
13:27 Canada’s Retail Rebellion and Barbecue Boom
17:55 The Young Leaders Movement Begins
27:46 McDonald’s, Cargill & The World’s First Sustainable Beef Claim
34:56 Pandemic Adaptation & Drive-In Cattle Sales
42:07 Today’s Market: Record Prices & Future Growth

GUEST: Dennis Laycraft, CCA Vice President
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CONNECT WITH HOST: KARA MASTEL 
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Can beef diplomacy really change the global dinner plate?  
In this episode of The Bovine, host Kara Mastel sits down with Brodie Haugan, former Alberta Beef Producers Chair and current Canadian Cattle Association rep, fresh off a whirlwind trade mission to Vietnam and the Philippines.  
From navigating chaotic intersections without crosswalks to barbecuing ribeyes for top Southeast Asian chefs, Brodie shares the highs, surprises, and valuable lessons from promoting Canadian beef on the world stage.  
This conversation offers a unique behind-the-scenes look at how Alberta’s cattle industry is forging relationships abroad, expanding markets, and ensuring that when global leaders sit down to eat, Canadian beef has a seat at the table too.
 
Listen For:
6:04 Why Southeast Asia? The Strategic Goal Behind the Trip
7:57 Demand: Cuts, Culture & Culinary Traditions
12:41 Boardrooms, Beef & Big Players: Connecting People
16:17 What They Asked: Supply, Not Sustainability
24:33 Efficiency Matters: Why Producer Presence Pays Off
 
GUEST: Brodie Haugan. Co Chair Domestic Agriculture Policy and Regulations Committee, Canadian 
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How do you lead 60,000 cattle operations and still make time for TikTok? 
Tyler Fulton might have the answer.
Kara Mastel sits down with the newly minted President of the Canadian Cattle Association (CCA) to talk about his whirlwind entry into the role, what it’s like balancing a cow-calf operation while representing ranchers on the national stage, and why trade advocacy and producer engagement are more important than ever. 
From urgent trade talks in Washington to grassroots outreach via social media, Tyler shares how relationships — not just regulations — drive the beef industry forward.
Listen For:
5:03 Taking the reins during a trade war
7:27 Why building trust matters more than logic in policy advocacy
9:10 Engaging producers through social media
13:09 Trade as the industry's existential challenge
16:20 Why now is both the most profitable and riskiest time for beef
22:59 U.S. remains irreplaceable, even with tariffs
24:54 Tyler’s advice to young producers: network and speak up
 
GUEST: TYLER FULTON
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Tyler, the current President of CCA, became involved with the organization through his work with the Manitoba Beef Producers. He advocates for cattle farmers and ranchers, emphasizing their role in sustainable food production and aiming to improve Business Risk Management programs in Canada. Tyler, along with his wife Dorelle and their children, operates Tyton Farm Ltd near Birtle, Manitoba, managing 600 cow-calf pairs and a small backgrounding lot. Their farm spans about 5,500 acres, integrating hay, corn, and grain production with their cattle operation.
CONNECT WITH HOST: KARA MASTEL 
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Have ideas for future shows? Drop us a note, on social media or via email.
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