Business Tools

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…

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…

On-Farm Climate Action Fund (OFCAF) Funding is available for producers in B.C., Alberta, Saskatchewan and Quebec to help them plan and implement rotational grazing BMPs. The Canadian Forage and Grassland Association (CFGA) and Alberta partner ARECA (Agricultural Research and Extension Council of Alberta) are inviting applications from farmers and ranchers who are interested in planning…

Producers and stewards of the land know that many of the solutions to the world’s environmental crises lie in the soil beneath our feet. Healthier soil means more nutrient-dense food and healthier cattle.  While many world leaders are focused on policies that reduce carbon emissions from the air through regulation and taxes, there are still…

Beef producers can now have a say to help ensure their animal health needs are met through local pharmaceutical manufacturing. An innovative, family-run Alberta business is manufacturing animal health products right here in Calgary to meet industry demands. Alberta Veterinary Laboratories (AVL) and Solvet work together to “innovate by request”—seeking industry input about products that…