Data Literacy Program for Cow-Calf Producers

The Data Literacy Program for Cow-Calf Producers includes two workshops and a six-month mentoring program, all part of the Government of Alberta sponsored Alberta Digitalization Agriculture Program.

In our upcoming workshop we cover data-driven decision making, cost-efficient calves marketing, feeding strategies, and health management practices.

 

Data Literacy Program

The program has been designed to help producers improve herd management and optimize profitability. The program encourages the digitalization of records by showcasing benchmarking production and economic data of Canadian operations and explaining how data can drive better decision-making concerning feeding strategies, reproduction, and health management.   

Program partners include Olds College, Lakeland College, EMILI, Agri-Food Management Excellence, RDAR, and the Canadian Cattle Identification Agency.

 

Registration is free

This event also includes free hotel and meals. We will host a group of 30 Alberta-based cow-calf producers and guest speakers, eager and prepared to roll up their sleeves and try out new practices for better data management!

Date: Thursday, Nov. 28, 2024
Location: Red Deer
Participants: 30 cow-calf producers based in Alberta

Use the link below to register. There is limited space available.

Register

 

Workshop #1: Thursday, June 13, 2024

Foundational skills and goal setting for data collection:

  • Introduction to agricultural data, the ag data ecosystem.
  • Reducing administrative burden, with an emphasis on traceability.
  • Animal performance management, focusing on key aspects of grazing, weight monitoring, and reproductive efficiencies.
  • Data contracts, data privacy, ownership, and data portability at contract termination.
  • Financial management: basics of income statements, balance sheets, and accrual accounting.

Workshop #2: Thursday, November 28, 2024

  • Market and sales
  • Record digitilization
  • Cybersecurity and Data Backup
  • Financial Management Ratios
  • Feeding and grazing strategies
  • Calf health data
  • Farm case studies

 

Where livestock data is now

Agtech adoption and data use for decision-making vary significantly across Canadian agricultural industries, reflecting the diverse needs and challenges faced by farmers.

The majority of beef-cattle operations are small businesses with very tight margins, making it challenging to invest in software for small gains in efficiency.

At the same time, Canada’s cattle and beef sector contributes $22 billion to the Canadian economy. This is a national issue as well as a business and personal one. Data can help.

Building skills in data literacy means ensuring ranches can operate and thrive well into the future, making strategic decisions and leveraging technology effectively.

 

For more information about the Data Literacy Program for Cow-Calf Producers, please contact us at [email protected].

Our team of experts and speakers supporting this project:

Sean Thompson, Director, Technology Access Centre for Livestock Production, Olds College of Agriculture & Technology

Susan Markus, Livestock Research Scientist at RDAR, and Research Scientist in Livestock & Agricultural Technology at Lakeland College

Larry Martin, PhD and Principal, Agri-Food Management Excellence Inc.

Dan Lussier, Director, Canadian Agri-Food Data Initiative, EMILI

Heather Broughton, Principal, Agri-Food Management Excellence Inc.

Ashley Scott, General Manager, Canadian Cattle Identification Agency

Claire Windeyer, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Calgary

Brian Perillat, More than Just Feed

Abby-Ann Redman, The Blue Rock Animal Nutrition

Colin Nicholas, Nomad Veterinary Services