Editor’s Note: 2026 is the International Year of Rangelands and Pastoralists, declared by the United Nations. This column by Dr. Barry Irving explores what that means for Alberta ranchers and why engagement matters. Watch for additional IYRP-related content in the months ahead. How the IYRP came to be The International Year of Rangelands and Pastoralists…
Laura Buss, who grew up on a cow-calf operation north of Westlock, Alta., has been appointed as the first youth councillor to the Canadian Roundtable for Sustainable Beef (CRSB). Buss was selected through a nomination process coordinated with the Canadian Cattle Youth Council and will serve in an ex-officio (non-voting) role on the CRSB Council….
Alberta Beef Producers (ABP) is hosting a dedicated traceability session to give Alberta cattle producers additional time and space to share their perspectives. As ABP’s Annual General Meeting (AGM) follows a formal governance agenda, with strict time limits for input, ABP has scheduled this Producer Town Hall on Traceability to ensure there is dedicated time for open discussion preceding the AGM. This session builds on discussions already taking place across the…
Alberta weighted average fed steers closed the week just north of $315/cwt, while heifers were at $313/cwt. Dressed sales were reported from $520–530/cwt delivered, $5–7/cwt stronger than the prior week. Cattle that traded were scheduled from immediate to the first half of March delivery. U.S. packer interest was noted, but no sales were confirmed. Cattle from Saskatchewan…
Producers are reminded that the deadline to sign up for Moisture Deficiency Insurance (MDI) is February 28. Moisture Deficiency Insurance is designed to provide coverage when precipitation levels fall below historical averages during the growing season. The program can help offset feed costs and reduce financial risk in dry conditions. Producers who wish to participate…
Reminder that nominations for ABP’s Environmental Stewardship Award 2026 are now open! Plateau Cattle Co. was featured on Global News recently as part of Canada’s Agriculture Day celebrations. The operation, run by John Smith and Laura Laing, was Alberta Beef Producers (ABP) 2025 Environmental Stewardship Award (ESA) winner. Plateau’s story is a strong reminder of…
Olds College of Agriculture & Technology is taking a reset year for AgSmart in 2026. The learning exposition is expected to return in 2027 with a renewed focus on applied research, technology and national collaboration across the agriculture sector. AgSmart has traditionally been a three-day event featuring expert speakers, live technology demonstrations, education sessions and…
Grazing early in the season (April and May) reduces reliance on stored feed and allows beef producers to make the most of stockpiled perennial forage resources. According to the 2025 Canadian Cow-Calf Adoption Rates and Performance Levels Report, up to 61 per cent of Canadian producers winter cattle in pastures for all or part of…
Canada Beef is partnering with two standout professional hockey players, and one of them brings deep Alberta agricultural roots to the table. Emerance Maschmeyer, goaltender for a team in Vancouver and a native of Bruderheim, Alberta, joins Ella Shelton, a professional women’s hockey player for a team in Ontario, as the newest faces of the Pick…
Last week, the Canfax average fed steer and heifer price closed around $310/cwt live, $3/cwt higher than the previous week. Buying interest was noted from all Western Canadian packers. Light trade was reported with dressed sales ranging from $515.25–523.00/cwt FOB the feedlot. Cattle that traded were being scheduled anywhere from immediate to mid March delivery. U.S. packer…
The 2026 ABP Beef Research Showcase – Feedlot Edition is happening March 16 at the University of Lethbridge, bringing producers and researchers together for a full day focused on practical, applied cattle research. Hosted at Anderson Hall at the University of Lethbridge, the event runs from 9:30 a.m. to 4:15 p.m., with options to attend…
As the number of farms decreases and the age of farmers increases across Canada, intergenerational knowledge transfer of farming practices is diminishing. Fortunately, thanks to the ambition and efforts of producers and the work of organizations like Young Agrarians, new and experienced farmers can participate in apprenticeships to learn and gain valuable experiences. The Young…