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…
The Canadian Cattle Association (CCA) and the Beef Cattle Research Council (BCRC) are concerned about Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada (AAFC) reductions affecting research farms, facilities, programs and research expertise at Nappan (Nova Scotia), Quebec City (Quebec) and Lacombe (Alberta). We recognize the fiscal pressures facing the federal government; however, the cuts will have far-reaching impacts…
Alberta Beef Producers (ABP) is in ongoing discussions with Alberta’s Ministry of Agriculture and Irrigation regarding the proposed regulations on traceability. These discussions included a conversation between General Manager Brad Dubeau and Deputy Minister Jason Hale late Friday. DM Hale has discussed the current situation with the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA), and the CFIA…
The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) has released a statement regarding the proposed amendments to livestock traceability regulations. CFIA confirms that the proposed amendments are not finalized and not currently in place, and that the agency will pause publication of the regulations while continuing consultation and considering concerns raised by industry and partners. Read the full CFIA statement here See consolidated information…
Beef producers in Alberta are known for being stewards of the grasslands. While cattle are part of a greater ecosystem, species like gophers can pose management challenges to producers. Fortunately, solutions to gopher problems can be found within nature’s own patterns. Richardson’s ground squirrels, more commonly known as gophers, are native to Alberta. While they…
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…
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…
As beef producers seek practical tools to improve animal health, productivity, and welfare, stress mitigation has emerged as a key focus—especially during high-stress periods like weaning, transport, and feedlot processing. Among the newest strategies in stress management is FerAppease® (Fera Diagnostics and Biologicals), a maternal bovine appeasing substance (mBAS) marketed to reduce cattle stress responses….
As part of our 2025 ABP Magazine cover series, we’re featuring talented Alberta artists who capture the spirit of rural life. For our September issue, the cover artwork was painted by Kristin Kueber, an artist from Killam, Alberta. Kristin grew up on her family’s purebred Simmental cattle and grain farm, and that background inspires her…
Alberta Beef Producers (ABP) is welcoming amendments to the AgriStability program announced in the 2025 federal budget—changes that represent meaningful progress for cattle producers. Budget 2025 includes $109.2 million for Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada to support the federal-provincial-territorial AgriStability program. Key changes include: ABP Chair Doug Roxburgh says the announcement reflects years of collaboration between industry and government. “Thank…
Alberta Beef Producers (ABP) is welcoming the recent amendments to the AgriStability program announced in the 2025 federal budget, recognizing them as significant advancements for the province’s cattle industry. The federal budget is allocating $109.2 million for the 2025-26 fiscal year to Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada for the federal-provincial-territorial cost-shared AgriStability program. Key changes include…
In an ideal world, every Canadian would have the chance to visit a ranch and see the care Canadian beef producers offer their livestock and land. Of course, the logistics of making that happen are not realistic, but that’s where social media influencers come in. By inviting a few sought-out content creators with big followings…