Each winter many producers face tough decisions about which heifers to retain to breed as replacements, and which to sell or send to the feedlot. Recent record-high cattle prices have great influence over those decisions. It often begins with a visual appraisal…How does she look? How tall is she? What does she weigh? Is she…
Historical AgriStability analysis demonstrates that capturing full winter feed and pasture cost, along with removing feed inventory price swings during droughts, could significantly improve the responsiveness of the AgriStability program for Alberta’s cow-calf sector. A pilot study will be undertaken to determine the most appropriate program design under various winter-feeding practices. In early 2023, AFSC…
How do Canadians feel about beef – the product, the industry, its people and its practices? All of this is revealed in the latest public perception research from Public and Stakeholder Engagement (PSE), a national, check-off funded program jointly delivered by Canada Beef and the Canadian Cattle Association. Survey Specifics The public perception research is…
Beef Producer National Check-Off Investments in Research The Beef Cattle Research Council (BCRC) is Canada’s industry-led funding agency for beef, cattle and forage research and extension. The BCRC is directed by a committee of 16 beef producers from across the country including six members from Alberta and one member at large. It is funded primarily…
In 2023, Alberta Beef Producers (ABP) combined the goals behind a dedicated ABP Daily app and an accessible website and began focusing on a mobile-friendly website capable of being added to a user’s list of mobile apps. “We realized this route was more effective and functional for our purposes. It helps streamline workflow in maintenance…
For the first time since 2001, the Government of Alberta has authorized the Drought Command Team to begin negotiations with major water license holders in southern Alberta river basins. The hope is to complete at least one water-sharing agreement for each of the Red Deer River, Box River, and Oldman River basins. The water-sharing agreements…
In Alberta last week, the weighted average price was $219/cwt live, down $1.60/cwt from the previous week. Dressed trade was reported from $362-363/cwt FOB, $3.75-7.00/cwt lower. Heifer trade was too light to establish a weekly trend. Steer carcass weights in the West last week were 983 lb, re-establishing a new all-time high and were two…
The cattle market is strong right now, and that’s a relief to a lot of cattle producers. But why don’t we have new producers flocking to the industry? A major barrier is the lack of effective agri-insurance. Cattle producers have managed through drought in the last five years, and that’s something current insurance options don’t…
Average retail beef prices have finally turned lower after trending counter-seasonally higher through the summer. If seasonal trends play out for the remainder of 2023, retail beef prices will decline a significant 7 per cent in October, rebound 10 per cent in November, then decline 12 per cent in December. Retail prices (stewing cuts, striploin…
October 16-20, 2023, a small delegation from the Canadian Cattle Association (CCA) attended the World Food Forum to highlight the sustainability story of the Canadian cattle industry at an international level. Alberta Beef Producers’ Chair Brodie Haugan attended the event through the CCA’s Canadian Cattle Young Leaders (CYL) program as a past graduate. The Forum…
The Natural Resources Conservation Board (NRCB) has released an updated Approvals Policy for confined feeding operations in Alberta. The 2018 policy was updated to improve transparency and clarity regarding Agricultural Operation Practices Act (AOPA) requirements and their interpretation, reflect current practices, and incorporate feedback that was received. The updated Operational Policy 2016-7: Approvals incorporates: The…
Sale volumes were too light to establish a weighted average fed price, but the market tone was steady to slightly lower. Last week dressed sales and bids were marked at $385/cwt delivered. Cattle that traded were being scheduled for early January delivery. Competition on the cash market has been limited, in some instances packers were…