The Canadian Roundtable for Sustainable Beef (CRSB) has announced that its CRSB Certified program is now recognized as an agri-environmental risk assessment (AERA) under Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada’s AgriInvest program. This means that beef producers who are CRSB Certified and require an AERA to participate in AgriInvest can use their certification to meet that requirement for the government…
Good-quality water is one of the most critical – and often overlooked – factors in beef herd productivity. Research shows insufficient access can reduce performance faster and more dramatically than any other nutrient deficiency. A newly updated Economics of Water Systems Calculator from the Beef Cattle Research Council (BCRC) is designed to help producers evaluate the…
Alberta 4-H has introduced a new program for members who want to expand their knowledge of the beef industry. Exploring the Alberta & Canadian Beef Industry will give participants a comprehensive look at the many facets of beef production in the province and across the country. From animal care and stewardship practices to supply chains, marketing,…
The University of Calgary has officially opened its Veterinary Learning Commons at the Spy Hill campus, a $68.5-million provincial investment designed to tackle Alberta’s shortage of livestock and rural veterinarians. The new 70,000-sq.-ft. facility allows the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine (UCVM) to double annual Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) enrolment from 50 to 100 students….
Since the beginning of July, fed prices have rallied $18/cwt and have again established new record highs. Last week, the Canfax average fed steer and heifer price closed around $315/cwt live, $2/cwt higher than the previous week. Light trade was reported last week with dressed sales reported from $518.00–526.50/cwt FOB the feedlot. Buying interest was…
Canada’s cattle herd has recorded a year-over-year increase for the first time since 2021. According to Statistics Canada, total inventories reached 11.9 million head as of July 1, 2025, up 0.8% from the previous year. The biggest factor in the change is a less challenging year for many producers, according to the factors cited. Reduced…
The Canadian Cow-calf Cost of Production (COP) Network has released new whole-farm financial benchmarks to help producers measure profitability and identify opportunities to strengthen their bottom line. The COP Network is an initiative of Canfax Research Services, funded by the Beef Cattle Research Council, to create standardized, pan-Canadian benchmarks for cow-calf production systems. Producer data…
It is slightly cooler in the shop compared to the 30 degrees outside, and a huge laminated map on the wall provides an impressive, detailed overview of the Riverview Ranch grazing plan. It is nothing compared to the stunning panorama of native shortgrass prairie, shallow snaking coulees and steep blocky cliffs framing the Old Man…
Alberta fed prices averaged in the low $310s/cwt last week. Western Canadian fed prices have rallied $13.00/cwt over the past month. Not only have prices advanced but basis levels have also strengthened. Dressed sales were reported at $525.00/cwt delivered, $5.00–15.00/cwt stronger than the previous week. Cattle that traded were scheduled for delivery in the second…
This is the second article in a series related to bovine tuberculosis investigations. In the first, we described what to expect during an investigation and how testing works up to the point of culture. In this one, we’ll explore some specific nuances that can evolve during the process, including recent modifications to the trace-in period…
The Verified Beef Production Plus (VBP+) program is offering opportunities for Alberta producers to strengthen their operations through training, certification, and funding support. Cale Place, Alberta VBP+ Coordinator, is working directly with producers across the province to support their utilization of the program. “Many producers across Alberta are already putting the VBP+ program to work…
Canadian cattle herds are currently free of the Asian Longhorned Tick (ALHT) and the parasite it can carry, Theileria orientalis ikeda. But with the tick spreading across more than 20 U.S. states, experts say it’s only a matter of time before it could reach Canada. Producers should be aware, watchful and prepared, says Karin Schmid, Beef…