Checking in with ABP

The National Resources Conservation Board (NRCB) is seeing a concerning trend: unauthorized construction at confined feeding operations has increased significantly. Complaints have increased by approximately 32 per cent from 2024, and enforcement actions have jumped by about 125 per cent. Under Alberta’s Agricultural Operation Practices Act (AOPA), it is illegal to begin construction of a…

Canadian Beef Cattle Check-Off dollars that beef cattle producers allocate to research fund a variety of studies: from keeping cattle healthy and improving pasture productivity to boosting feed efficiency and ensuring high quality beef. This post is part of an ongoing series that highlights recent research results. You can find all BCRC research summaries under…

A new pilot program aimed at strengthening rural veterinary services in Alberta will help connect veterinary students with livestock practices across the province. Funded through the Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership, the Veterinary Student Recruitment and Retention Pilot Grant Program will invest $250,000 over two years to encourage veterinary students to gain hands-on experience in rural communities…

Cloning as a Reproductive Technology for Beef Cattle Over the past several decades, reproductive technologies like artificial insemination and embryo transfer have gained popularity in the beef industry by allowing producers to magnify the impact of high-profile genetics. Lately, the suite of reproductive services has evolved to offer cloning as another option for producers to…

ABP’s producer-led Research Committee once again invested producer check off dollars into research in 2025 to improve the competitiveness, sustainability, and profitability of beef producers. In this funding cycle, proposals were considered through the Agriculture Funding Consortium and Saskatchewan’s Agriculture Development Fund. Each proposal undergoes a scientific technical review and then are evaluated by the…

Several Alberta women whose work is shaping agriculture through innovation, leadership, research and community building were recognized with the 2026 Women in Agriculture Awards presented by Agriculture Financial Services Corporation (AFSC). The awards were presented March 8 in Calgary during “The Notables,” a reception held alongside the Advancing Women in Agriculture & Food Conference (West)….

The University of Calgary’s Diagnostic Services Unit (DSU) has launched a new telepathology service and expanded diagnostic testing options, offering Alberta livestock producers enhanced veterinary-supported disease investigation and surveillance. “This is a very positive development for our industry here in Alberta,” says Karin Schmid, Beef Production and Extension Lead with Alberta Beef Prodcuers. “Having more…

Last week, the Canfax average fed steer and heifer price closed on either side of $320/cwt live, holding at record high levels. Buying interest was noted from all Western Canadian packers but competition on the cash market was limited. Light trade was reported with dressed sales ranging from $523.50–536.50/cwt FOB the feedlot. In some instances,…

Dr. Murray Jelinski, the Alberta Chair in Beef Cattle Health and Production Medicine at the Western College of Veterinary Medicine (WCVM), has been named the 2026 Veterinarian of the Year by the Western Canadian Association of Bovine Practitioners (WCABP) and Boehringer Ingelheim Canada. Jelinski is being recognized for his pioneering research, leadership in veterinary education…

Farmers and ranchers encouraged to share input University of Guelph researchers, in collaboration with the Canadian Centre for Agricultural Wellbeing (CCAW), have launched their third national survey of farmer and rancher mental health. The last two surveys were conducted during turbulent times, and they look to gauge changes in producer mental wellbeing during the current…