This fall has brought a whirlwind of legislative activity impacting agriculture, with several significant bills and reviews at both the provincial and federal levels. Provincial Legislation In Alberta, amendments to the Meat Inspection Act were introduced on October 30 by Agriculture and Irrigation Minister RJ Sigurdson. These changes aim to address illegal meat sales by…

The Intensive Livestock Working Group (ILWG) experienced a year of notable changes and projects in 2024. ILWG includes members from producer groups such as Alberta Beef Producers, Alberta Pork, Alberta Milk, and more, and serves as a connecting forum for these groups. Key highlights of 2024 The ILWG also represented the livestock sector on various…

Canada Beef is pleased to provide Alberta Beef Producers (ABP) with a year-to-date overview of domestic and international market development and promotion activities to increase demand for Canadian beef while ensuring the maximum value for producer values. ABP’s partnership in Canada Beef’s Provincial Marketing Alliance (PMA) program in fiscal (F)2023-24 included a yearlong consumer campaign…

My annual report for ABP as Canadian Cattle Association (CCA) President helps me look back. And ahead. I have been involved in cattle politics for some time and it helps to lift our head up and see past right now. It’s satisfying to see what is accomplished and what is still to be done is…

Have you noticed the recent mainstream popularity of Western fashion, country music, and romanticized aspects of ranching and rural lifestyle? This trendiness of all things ‘Western’ is an opportunity that the Canadian beef sector can capitalize on — and that is precisely what the Canadian Cattle Association (CCA) did this summer. Influencers also experienced a…

The Public and Stakeholder Engagement (PSE) program, jointly delivered by the Canadian Cattle Association (CCA) and Canada Beef, delivers national public trust issue management and proactive content on the societal benefits of raising beef cattle in Canada. Issues Management Issues management strategies continue to correct misconceptions on the environmental footprint of Canadian beef production. This…

It was wonderful to see moisture replenished this year. Although some areas were still short, at least more affordable and ample options for feed supplies were available. 2024 brought some of the strongest prices ever recorded on all classes of cattle. This good news, however, is tempered by a similar rise in costs, and despite…

Producers dedicated to advancing sustainable agriculture can now apply for the Foothills Forage and Grazing Association (FFGA) 2025 Bursary. This bursary provides $1,000 of financial support for agricultural education and projects. It aims to help producers enhance their knowledge, implement innovative practices, and contribute to the sustainability of the agricultural community. This bursary is open…