The Canadian Simmental Association (CSA) is beginning its search for a new leader as it prepares to bid a grateful farewell to long-time General Manager Bruce Holmquist. After 19 years of service, Holmquist has informed the Board of his intent to conclude his responsibilities as CSA General Manager when his current contract ends in March…
Sharing the landscape with wildlife and making a prosperous farming or ranching operation can often be challenging. From hungry waterfowl, to small livestock losses, there are many possible conflicts and it takes awareness, knowledge and cooperation to forge a successful path. In Alberta, the human-wildlife conflict program consists of five inter-related parts: Prevention (actions taken…
Alberta fed prices averaged in the low $300s/cwt last week. The fed market has exceeded expectations as annual price highs in August are very uncommon as this only occurred once over the past fifty years. Western Canadian fed prices were 22 per cent higher than last year and 38 per cent higher than the three-year…
The Canadian Beef Check-Off Agency has wrapped up the 2024/25 fiscal year by reporting financial results, program highlights, and updates to its board and committees at its Annual General Meeting. The Agency collected $18.7 million in national check-off revenue and $1.5 million in import levies. Funds were allocated to marketing through Canada Beef (55%), research…
Alberta farmers and ranchers know that no two growing seasons are alike. From heavy rainfall in central Alberta to persistent drought in other regions, weather this year continues to be one of the most unpredictable factors shaping agriculture. In the latest episode of The Bovine podcast, host Kara Mastel spoke with long-time meteorologist David Spence, now a…
The University of Calgary’s Faculty of Veterinary Medicine has officially opened its Diagnostic Services Unit (DSU), now offering a full range of veterinary diagnostic services for Alberta’s livestock sector. The DSU provides affordable, in-province testing supported by the Government of Alberta, with services including pathology, cytology, bacteriology, serology, parasitology, PCR, and telepathology. Diagnostic capacity is…
The Government of Alberta is gathering input on the potential inclusion of agricultural plastics in a provincial regulatory framework. The initiative, led by Alberta Environment and Protected Areas alongside Alberta Agriculture and Irrigation, seeks feedback on: Since 2019, Alberta Agriculture and irrigation has funded the Alberta Ag-Plastic. Recycle It! pilot program for grain bags and…
Cattle producers in drought-impacted parts of Alberta will qualify for Livestock Tax Deferral in 2025, the federal agriculture minister has announced. The federal government has released the initial list of regions eligible for the deferral. The deferral allows producers in prescribed areas to defer a portion of their income from sales until the next tax year…
With shifting market forces, increasing regulatory complexity, and rising sustainability expectations, Canadian beef producers continue to navigate a landscape filled with both challenge and opportunity. Few have done more to steer through that terrain than Dennis Laycraft. Recently named among the 2025 inductees into the Canadian Agricultural Hall of Fame, Laycraft is best known for…
The summer fed market has been rather impressive as fed prices established new highs. Only once in the past 50 years have fed prices ever established annual highs in August, and that was in 2008. Last week, the Canfax average fed steer and heifer price closed around $301/cwt live, $1.50/cwt higher than the previous week….
Agriculture Financial Services Corporation (AFSC) has increased the low yield allowance threshold for the 2025 crop year. This change means that when appraised crop yields fall below a set level, the appraisal can be reduced to zero. Thea djustment allows producers to use crops with low yield potential for livestock feed instead of harvesting them…
Albertans are passionate about knowing where their food comes from — and few opportunities make that connection more tangible than Alberta Open Farm Days. On August 16–17, farms and ranches across the province will welcome visitors for a weekend of tours, hands-on experiences, and local food. For beef producers, it’s a chance to share the…