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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

Email | Website | LinkedIn | Phone

Have ideas for future shows? Drop us a note, on social media or via email.

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