About the BCRC
What is the BCRC?
The Beef Cattle Research Council (BCRC) was established by the CCA in 1997 to determine research and development priorities for the beef cattle industry, and to administer the research funding allocation of the National Check-off.
The BCRC is committed to funding leading-edge research to position the Canadian beef cattle industry as a global leader in beef quality, animal health, food safety and environmental stewardship.
The BCRC plays a key role in leveraging additional revenue for beef cattle research with industry contributions made through the National Check-off being used to secure dollars from other funding organizations. Recognizing this, the Council will continue to work with other provincial and national funding organizations to coordinate its priority setting process, research evaluation and selection process to ensure industry contributions are fully leveraged.
Download BCRC's 2010-11 Business Plan [PDF / 173KB]
Canada’s Beef Science Cluster
The Beef Science Cluster is a partnership between Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada and the CCA to ensure that applied beef research funds are allocated to research priorities and projects that have the greatest potential to benefit the competitiveness of our industry. For more information about the Beef Science Cluster, its research priorites, and projects funded under Phase I of the Cluster, download the PDF below.
Download the Cattle Research Council and Beef Science Cluster update [PDF / 936KB]
How does the BCRC administrate the National Check-off?
In 2000, the National Beef Cattle Research, Market Development and Promotion Agency (National Check-off) was implemented by the CCA. A portion of the funds collected through the National Check-off are directed towards the BCRC to sponsor research and technology development in strategically focused priority areas of national significance to the beef industry.
What is BCRC’s relationship with Verified Beef Production?
In addition to sponsoring research and technology development in support of the Canadian beef industry, the BCRC supports the Quality Starts Here® program. This program further supports the industry’s vision and falls under the auspices of the BCRC. The Quality Starts Here® program and the Verified Beef Production program are designed to add value to the industry and all producers are encouraged to get involved.
Visit the VBP website for more information on this leading-edge industry initiative.
What’s the BCRC’s contribution to the industry?
The BCRC is focused on facilitating and encouraging collaboration and coordination among researchers, funding agencies, and industry in order to maximize the benefits obtained from beef cattle research and to support the Canadian beef industry’s marketing value proposition to be a leader in beef quality, animal health and food safety, and environmental stewardship
How does the BCRC contribute?
- Identify, fund and manage beef research and technology development in strategically focused priority areas of national significance as defined by industry stakeholders from all across the market chain and from all parts of Canada.
- Promote excellence in Canadian beef research and technology development by facilitating the exchange of information and expertise to encourage collaboration, discourage duplication, and to advocate the adoption of high standards.
- Support and encourage the rapid commercial adoption of new technologies to sustain competitive advantage.
Why is research and technology needed for the industry?
Worthwhile research and technology results will improve competitiveness only if they are adopted by industry. However, the adoption of new technology is not an automatic process, and often needs encouragement in the form of education, communication, extension, or active involvement in commercialization activities. The BCRC will take a proactive role to ensure that commercially valuable technologies are quickly adopted.
