Checking in with ABP

Canada’s cattle herd has recorded a year-over-year increase for the first time since 2021. According to Statistics Canada, total inventories reached 11.9 million head as of July 1, 2025, up 0.8% from the previous year. The biggest factor in the change is a less challenging year for many producers, according to the factors cited. Reduced…

Alberta fed prices averaged in the low $310s/cwt last week. Western Canadian fed prices have rallied $13.00/cwt over the past month. Not only have prices advanced but basis levels have also strengthened. Dressed sales were reported at $525.00/cwt delivered, $5.00–15.00/cwt stronger than the previous week. Cattle that traded were scheduled for delivery in the second…

This is the second article in a series related to bovine tuberculosis investigations. In the first, we described what to expect during an investigation and how testing works up to the point of culture. In this one, we’ll explore some specific nuances that can evolve during the process, including recent modifications to the trace-in period…

The Verified Beef Production Plus (VBP+) program is offering opportunities for Alberta producers to strengthen their operations through training, certification, and funding support. Cale Place, Alberta VBP+ Coordinator, is working directly with producers across the province to support their utilization of the program. “Many producers across Alberta are already putting the VBP+ program to work…

Canadian cattle herds are currently free of the Asian Longhorned Tick (ALHT) and the parasite it can carry, Theileria orientalis ikeda. But with the tick spreading across more than 20 U.S. states, experts say it’s only a matter of time before it could reach Canada.  Producers should be aware, watchful and prepared, says Karin Schmid, Beef…

Fed prices continue to advance, setting new record highs. Last week, the Canfax average fed steer and heifer price closed around $307/cwt live, $5/cwt higher than previous week. Light trade was reported last week with dressed sales reported from $508.00–518.50/cwt FOB the feedlot. Buying interest was noted from all Western Canadian packers. Cattle that traded…

Alberta Beef Producers’ (ABP) delegate nominations open September 1, with positions available across all five zones. “Serving as a delegate is one of the best ways to get involved in Alberta’s cattle industry,” says Doug Roxburgh, Chair, ABP. “Delegates represent the needs and ideas of producers in their zone, keep producers informed on the latest…

Alberta’s government is raising the lending limit on the Feeder Associations Loan Guarantee Program (FALGP) from $150 million to $225 million. The program provides low-interest, government-backed loans to local feeder associations. Since its establishment in 1936, FALGP has provided more than $12 billion in loans. The program typically finances 17 to 24 per cent of…

Sharing the landscape with wildlife and making a prosperous farming or ranching operation can often be challenging. From hungry waterfowl, to small livestock losses, there are many possible conflicts and it takes awareness, knowledge and cooperation to forge a successful path. In Alberta, the human-wildlife conflict program consists of five inter-related parts: Prevention (actions taken…