When Curtis Vander Heyden of Picture Butte’s Grandview Cattle Feeders Ltd. attended Lethbridge County’s Stock Talks in October, he was prepared to discuss some of the challenges his family’s operation faces but did not expect immediate action. “I did attend the Lethbridge County Stock Talks and it led to the operations manager Ryan Thomson, reaching…
The World Meat Congress, held in Cuiabá, Brazil, in late October, provided a powerful and timely global perspective on the forces shaping the future of the animal protein sector to more than 600 meat industry leaders. Hosted by the International Meat Secretariat, the World Meat Congress focused on the global structural shift underway in how…
The Western Canadian fed market was a little disappointing given dressed sales in Eastern Canada were $10–20/cwt stronger last week. Last week, the Canfax average fed steer and heifer price closed around $294/cwt live, fully steady with the previous week. Light trade was reported with dressed sales ranging from $492.00–493.50/cwt FOB the feedlot. Competition on…
As Canadian beef producers, we take pride in our disease-free status and the global reputation of our livestock industry. Canada has been free of foot and mouth disease (FMD) since 1952, an achievement that has allowed us to maintain valuable export markets and consumer confidence. But this success shouldn’t breed complacency—it should motivate us to…
After years of planning and preparation, the Canadian Food Inspection Agency is expecting to publish the final version of proposed amendments to Part XV of the Health of Animals Act in 2026. To help clarify what’s coming and what it means for you, we’ve compiled a few answers to some of the most frequently asked questions we’re hearing. Will I have to change when I tag cattle? There is no required…
A robust and effective traceability system finds a balance in technical reporting and practicality. Traceability is the ability to follow the movement of an animal or food product through different stages of the supply chain. The ability to track livestock through their lifecycle relies on three pillars: premise identification (PID), animal identification, and animal movement….
Between mid-October and the first week of November, the nearby feeder cattle futures contract dropped almost $56 per cwt. Statements by the Trump administration that beef prices are too high, followed by intentions to increase the tariff rate quota for beef imported from Argentina; a plan to increase the U.S. cattle herd; discussions between U.S….
As we come to the end of 2025, I’m sure you’re wondering what the new year holds for Alberta Beef Producers and its relationship with the Canadian Cattle Association (CCA). I am pleased to report that significant progress has been made since our August announcement of the intention of ABP to withdraw from the national…
It’s been a busy fall across the province, and like many of you, we’ve been taking things day by day. While we’ve managed to push forward several strategic initiatives, we’ve also had to dive into the weeds as new issues popped up, such is the nature of working on behalf of producers at ABP. One…
The Government of Alberta has renewed its funding and approved a two-year extension for the Alberta Ag-Plastic Recycle It! pilot program through December 2027. Launched in 2019, the pilot provides Alberta producers with practical recycling options for materials such as plastic grain bags and baler twine. Beginning in 2026, the pilot will expand to include collection programs…
Alberta fed steers and heifers averaged $295.00/cwt and $293.00/cwt respectively, $3.00–4.00/cwt higher than the previous week. Despite fed prices strengthening over the past couple of weeks, the market has been disappointing relative to seasonal expectations. Dressed sales were reported from $493.00–$495.00/cwt delivered. Cattle that traded were scheduled for delivery through the month of January. Over…
New federal traceability rules are coming for 2026 and producers should start preparing now, says the Canadian Cattle Identification Agency (CCIA). The federal government is moving ahead with proposed changes to Canada’s livestock traceability rules. Amendments to Part XV of the Health of Animals Regulations are expected to be published in Canada Gazette Part II in spring 2026. The…