The calendar flips to January, and suddenly it seems like spring isn’t all that far away. Especially when the winter is as mild as many parts of the Prairies have experienced so far. Looking ahead, it’s easy to wonder what is going to cause headaches for this year. Will it be a lack of rain,…
This article was originally posted on the Beef Cattle Research Council’s website on November 15, 2023. In beef production, genetics play a critical role in management and profitability. However, knowing whether you’re on the right track can be challenging. Compared to other livestock species, beef cattle have a long gestation period. Those 283 days, plus…
This article was first published in Volume 3 Issue 4 of ABP Magazine (December 2023). Watch for more digital content from the magazine on ABP Daily. This fall was one for the books as producers saw record-high prices for cattle that headed to town, seeing anywhere from 20-40 per cent increases in prices from last fall. Producers were ecstatic…
This article was originally posted on the Beef Cattle Research Council’s website on September 13, 2023. Understanding the cost of developing replacement heifers is crucial for informed decision making. The most significant factor in heifer development cost is the opportunity cost of foregoing revenue from selling calves at weaning. Each heifer kept for the breeding…
This article was first published in Volume 3 Issue 4 of ABP Magazine (December 2023). Watch for more digital content from the magazine on ABP Daily. It’s been a year of real extremes for beef producers in Alberta. We were excited to see the record-high prices for calves and yearlings in the fall run. Although we have seen prices…
If you are planning to buy or sell a confined feeding operation (CFO) you should consider contacting the Natural Resources Conservation Board (NRCB) early in your process. Here’s what you need to know about your rights and obligations under the Agricultural Operation Practices Act (AOPA). For the buyer Under AOPA, anyone who buys or otherwise…
Agriculture Financial Services Corporation (AFSC) has opened nominations for the Women in Ag Award. Awarded annually, the award recognizes the passion, dedication, and commitment of Alberta women within agriculture and agribusiness in Alberta. Up to seven people will be chosen to receive an AFSC-branded award and a full attendance package for Advancing Women in Agriculture…
This message was originally posted in Alberta Beef Producers’ 2023 Annual Report. You can find the PDF of the report here. The Alberta beef industry is one of the largest economic drivers within the ag sector with an over $5 billion dollar return to GDP per year. It is diverse with cow-calf, backgrounding, finishing, and packing…
This message was originally posted in Alberta Beef Producers’ 2023 Annual Report. You can find the PDF of the report here. This year, ABP increased its investment in programs that support beef producers in Alberta. These programs centre around the commission’s priorities – government relations and policy; research and extension; marketing and communications; environmental stewardship; and…
On November 30, 2023, the Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications (CRTC) launched a new, national, three-digit number for suicide prevention and emotional distress support. Funded by the Government of Canada, and led by the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, 9-8-8 is available by phone and text, provided in both English and French, and accessible 24…
Farm Credit Canada (FCC) has announced a new FCC Replacement Heifer Program to help Canadian cattle producers in maintaining or expanding their herds. The Canadian beef cattle inventory was pegged by Statistics Canada at 10.3 million head earlier this year, which is a decline by four per cent since 2017. Sophie Perreault, FCC’s chief operations…
This message was originally posted in Alberta Beef Producers’ 2023 Annual Report. You can find the PDF of the report here. As I look over this past year, and my first seven months as Chair, it’s hard to know where tostart. Writing from the Southeast Zone, I am distinctly aware of the challenges this past…