Business Tools

Electronic manifests are now available in Alberta to make tracking animals more efficient. In the event of an emergent disease situation, the ability to trace animal movement is paramount. It supports disease preparedness, protects market access, and maintains consumer confidence. When considering the potential for an emergent disease situation, Shawn McLean, General Manager of Livestock…

(Lidocaine Impregnated Bands) An article appeared in ABP Magazine in December 2023 (view here) explaining the science behind Lidoband castration devices. They are now available in Canada in different sizes for different weights of cattle to be used with the appropriate banners. They qualify as a compounded product because of the lidocaine impregnation, so in…

Province reports nearly 600 animals removed since 2018 Alberta’s Wild Boar Control Program says efforts to eradicate invasive wild boar from the province are continuing to advance, with nearly 600 animals removed since 2018. In an update shared through the Alberta Invasive Species Council (AISC), the province reported that 595 wild boar have been removed…

The Waterton Biosphere Region is seeking input from livestock producers who have experienced losses to bears, wolves or cougars between 2021 and 2025. Information collected through the survey will be used to help inform discussions around Alberta’s predator compensation program.  Producers are asked to provide up to five years of data on livestock inventories, overall death losses and predator-related…

Several important Agriculture Financial Services (AFSC) and AgriStability deadlines are approaching over the coming weeks. Producers are encouraged to review their coverage and reporting requirements to ensure they remain eligible for program benefits and discounts. June 20 June 25 June 30 Producers with questions about deadlines, reporting requirements or insurance coverage should contact AFSC or…

4-H Achievement Days are underway across Alberta, providing members with the opportunity to showcase the skills, projects and leadership they have developed throughout the year. According to 4-H Alberta, Achievement Days are an important milestone in the 4-H calendar, bringing together members, families, volunteers and community supporters. The aim is to celebrate accomplishments and recognize…

Funding to improve labour data and workforce planning across Canada’s agriculture sector Canada’s agriculture and agri-food sector is set to benefit from new federal funding aimed at strengthening workforce development and improving labour market information across the industry, according to the Canadian Agricultural Human Resource Council (CAHRC). CAHRC is among 14 sector organizations receiving support through the…

Spring is one of the busiest, and most stressful, times of year for Alberta producers and ranchers. Long hours, unpredictable conditions and mounting financial pressures can take a toll, and accessing mental health support isn’t always easy. As these pressures continue across the sector, more people in agriculture are turning to AgTalk, an anonymous online…

Alberta producers have access to a virtual option for managing animals that cannot be transported, through the province’s Video Ante-Mortem Inspection (VAMI) program. The program allows a government-authorized inspector to conduct an ante-mortem inspection remotely using video, enabling humane on-site slaughter in situations where transport is not possible or would cause additional distress. How the…

Rotational grazing offers more than just dividing pastures into smaller parcels. It can extend the grazing season, reduce winter feeding days, and make better use of forage resources on the farm. For producers, this can mean lower feed costs, improved pasture productivity, and in some cases, additional hay to sell. Rotational grazing is widely adopted…