Business Tools

By the Rural Routes to Climate Solutions Podcast We’ve been working on the Getting Through Drought podcast series—a series specifically for cow-calf producers in Alberta—for the better part of a year now. The series covers topics such as grazing, how to make a drought plan, water management, and feed alternatives. We are hoping with this…

More information on Alberta crop insurance premiums is available in this fact sheet. Producers can expect to see higher premiums for the 2023 crop year. The increase is mainly due to higher crop prices, more producers participating in the insurance program, and impacts from the 2021 drought. All efforts are made to ensure premiums remain…

By Melissa Bezan, Canadian Cattlemen It’s Canadian Western Agribition week, and the aroma of mini donuts, hamburgers and smoothies mixes with the more distinct smell of livestock in every room. In the Queensbury Convention Centre, the crowd noise crowd has dimmed. Members of the breed associations are here for the Canadian Beef Breeds Council annual…

The Nature Conservancy of Canada is seeking ranchers to share their thoughts on grassland conservation initiatives and carbon markets. If you own 500 acres or more of grazing land in the Canadian Prairies, you’re eligible to complete this survey on your perceptions of and interest in carbon opportunities and ecological goods and services, as well…

A new financial incentive for beef producers certified through the Canadian Roundtable for Sustainable Beef (CRSB) is up for grabs. CRSB and Cargill have teamed up to provide the CRSB Certification Recognition Credit to producers who have invested in the certification program but haven’t received a financial return on qualifying cattle. “With this funding, we…

Alberta Beef Producers and the Beef Cattle Research Council (BCRC) are pleased to announce the launch of Pasture 101, a project initiated by the Alberta Beef, Forage and Grazing Centre (ABFGC). Forage/beef innovation for the next generation The Alberta Beef, Forage and Grazing Centre was a five-year agreement (2015-2020) between Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, Alberta…

The start of a new year is a great time to look ahead. If you’re planning to build new or expand existing facilities at your confined feeding operation be sure to check with a Natural Resources Conservation Board (NRCB) approval officer first to find out whether you need a permit. Do you need a permit…

As the shortest and coldest days approach, now is the right time to prepare the herd for the worst winter might bring. We asked veterinarian Dr. Roy Lewis to help us check off chores to complete now, before the chilliest days arrive. Feed Start by ensuring you have secured enough winter feed for the size…

What is cold stress? All mammals must maintain their internal body temperatures, with cattle averaging 38°C. Their body becomes stressed when environmental temperatures drop below the lower limit of the thermoneutral zone, the ‘lower critical temperature.’ Top factors that contribute to cold stress are cold weather, wind, wet weather, and lack of feed. Estimates of…

Feeder associations in Alberta will soon be able to obtain more competitive financing to meet current market demands. The provincial government is increasing the overall loan guarantee for beef and sheep producers purchasing livestock for feeding to $150 million. Created to help producer-run feeder co-operatives secure financing, the Feeder Association Loan Guarantee Program previously provided…