The Verified Beef Production Plus (VBP+) program is offering opportunities for Alberta producers to strengthen their operations through training, certification, and funding support. Cale Place, Alberta VBP+ Coordinator, is working directly with producers across the province to support their utilization of the program. “Many producers across Alberta are already putting the VBP+ program to work…
Alberta Beef Producers’ (ABP) delegate nominations open September 1, with positions available across all five zones. “Serving as a delegate is one of the best ways to get involved in Alberta’s cattle industry,” says Doug Roxburgh, Chair, ABP. “Delegates represent the needs and ideas of producers in their zone, keep producers informed on the latest…
Alberta’s government is raising the lending limit on the Feeder Associations Loan Guarantee Program (FALGP) from $150 million to $225 million. The program provides low-interest, government-backed loans to local feeder associations. Since its establishment in 1936, FALGP has provided more than $12 billion in loans. The program typically finances 17 to 24 per cent of…
The Canadian Simmental Association (CSA) is beginning its search for a new leader as it prepares to bid a grateful farewell to long-time General Manager Bruce Holmquist. After 19 years of service, Holmquist has informed the Board of his intent to conclude his responsibilities as CSA General Manager when his current contract ends in March…
The University of Calgary’s Faculty of Veterinary Medicine has officially opened its Diagnostic Services Unit (DSU), now offering a full range of veterinary diagnostic services for Alberta’s livestock sector. The DSU provides affordable, in-province testing supported by the Government of Alberta, with services including pathology, cytology, bacteriology, serology, parasitology, PCR, and telepathology. Diagnostic capacity is…
The Government of Alberta is gathering input on the potential inclusion of agricultural plastics in a provincial regulatory framework. The initiative, led by Alberta Environment and Protected Areas alongside Alberta Agriculture and Irrigation, seeks feedback on: Since 2019, Alberta Agriculture and irrigation has funded the Alberta Ag-Plastic. Recycle It! pilot program for grain bags and…
Cattle producers in drought-impacted parts of Alberta will qualify for Livestock Tax Deferral in 2025, the federal agriculture minister has announced. The federal government has released the initial list of regions eligible for the deferral. The deferral allows producers in prescribed areas to defer a portion of their income from sales until the next tax year…
Albertans are passionate about knowing where their food comes from — and few opportunities make that connection more tangible than Alberta Open Farm Days. On August 16–17, farms and ranches across the province will welcome visitors for a weekend of tours, hands-on experiences, and local food. For beef producers, it’s a chance to share the…
Each year, the Keith Gilmore Foundation awards scholarships to outstanding young individuals who are shaping the future of Canadian agriculture, with a special focus on those passionate about the Hereford breed. Established in honour of the late Keith Gilmore—longtime editor and publisher of The Canadian Hereford Digest—the foundation recognizes his lasting impact on agricultural journalism, the…
Updated: This post now includes a leadership perspective from ABP Chair Doug Roxburgh (recorded August 13, 2025), sharing insight into the Board’s decision via RealAgriculture. Also included are key factors behind the withdrawal (added August 13, 2025), offering deeper strategic context for Alberta producers. Following extensive deliberation and strategic review, the Alberta Beef Producers (ABP)…
Producers needed for one-on-one interviews – just a handful more participants required. Do you have insights on veterinary care in your area? The University of Calgary’s Faculty of Veterinary Medicine is looking for a few more cattle producers to take part in a research study about veterinary service access across Alberta. Led by Dr. John…
The Intensive Livestock Working Group (ILWG) is seeking producers from across Alberta to take part in “Stock Talks” — a grassroots initiative to strengthen relationships between local municipalities and the livestock sector. As part of ILWG’s Public Trust Project, Stock Talks aims to introduce local food producers to municipal officials and foster open, constructive dialogue…