When a producer decides to get certified with the Verified Beef Production Plus (VBP+) Program, they go through an on-farm assessment to confirm that they are meeting the requirements of the VBP+ standard. This process can sound intimidating but is really designed to help producers succeed and make the most of their certification. What is…
The federal government, alongside the Saskatchewan government has announced new measures by the Saskatchewan Crop Insurance Corporation (SCIC) to support producers facing this year’s challenging dry conditions. SCIC will implement the double low yield appraisal process, encouraging acres of low-yielding eligible crops to be diverted for grazing, baling, or silage to make additional feed available….
It might seem strange to still be talking about tariffs, but they have not just been a priority — they’ve been THE priority for government relations at Alberta Beef Producers over the past few months. Tariffs and countermeasures have been a major concern as we’ve worked to support the government’s efforts to protect the country…
Can a perfectly grilled ribeye change the course of international trade? In Episode 11 of Season 3 of The Bovine podcast, host Kara Mastel explores that very question with guest Brodie Haugan, previous Chair of Alberta Beef Producers, and current Canadian Cattle Association (CCA) representative. Fresh from a Canadian beef trade mission to Vietnam and…
Canada’s cattle industry was spared from the United States administration’s reciprocal tariffs on April 2, due to a carve out for products that are Canada-U.S.-Mexico Agreement (CUSMA) compliant such as Canadian live cattle and beef. The reprieve continued for CUSMA compliant goods the following week when the U.S. administration implemented and then paused some of…
The Canadian Wheat Research Coalition (CWRC) has announced an investment of $19.9 million over the next three years in a core breeding agreement (CBA) with Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada (AAFC). This funding aims to develop field-ready wheat varieties, ensuring Prairie farmers have continued access to high quality wheat genetics. The new agreement is intended to…
The start of my term as president is during an odd combination of events. In Canada, a federal election campaign just wrapped up. While this would traditionally be a quieter time for CCA, my calendar quickly filled up with invitations to attend meetings in Washington, D.C. and with key stakeholders in Canada as we continue…
The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) has announced an increase in the maximum compensation values for cattle under its animal compensation regulations. This amendment to the Compensation for Destroyed Animals and Things Regulations (CDATR) is set to provide financial support to cattle producers affected by reportable diseases. Effectively June 20, cattle producers can now receive…
The National Agriculture Statistics Service (NASS), Agricultural Statistics Board, and United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) has released its latest report indicating a slight decline in the number of cattle on feed in the United States. As of June 1, 2025, the total number of cattle and calves on feed for the slaughter market in…
The Canfax average fed steer and heifer price closed around $298.50/cwt live, $1.50/cwt lower than previous week. Light trade was reported last week with dressed sales reported from $497.00-502.50/cwt FOB the feedlot. Buying interest was noted from all Western Canadian packers. A few cattle were booked for immediate delivery but in general, lift times are…
The University of Manitoba (UM), in collaboration with Manitoba Beef Producers, Manitoba Agriculture, and Manitoba Beef and Forage Initiatives, has announced the establishment of the BCRC Chair in Beef Cattle Economic Sustainability, thanks to a $1.5 million grant from the Beef Cattle Research Council (BCRC). Craig Lehr, BCRC chair and Alberta beef producer, emphasized the…
Since being elected your ABP chair in March, it feels like we’ve jumped in head first! Literally, within the first hour or two after being appointed, we got right into some media scrums. Since the timing of our AGM and the following Alberta Beef Industry Conference coincided with tariffs scheduled to take effect, there were…