By Reynold Bergen, BCRC, for Canadian Cattlemen The Beef Cattle Research Council (BCRC) projects featured in this column are funded by the Canadian Beef Cattle Check-Off. When the check-off increased a few years ago, the BCRC’s budget rose from around 15 cents to 67 cents per head marketed. This allowed us to start some new…
No doubt 2020 saw some changes in how we, as farmers and agricultural organizations, were able to interact with our local government. Usually, we would gather at a dinner, at meetings, or on our farms to celebrate those accomplishments, and discuss further visions and goals for our dynamic Alberta beef industry. Last year, in lieu…
AITC-C launches Guardians of the Grasslands in the Classroom Agriculture in the Classroom Canada (AITC-C), along with its 10 provincial members, is excited to launch a teaching guide with interactive resources for Guardians of the Grasslands, a documentary that explores the role that cattle play in the survival of Canada’s vanishing grasslands ecosystem. Through a funding partnership with…
We are all in this together Farming and ranching have long been one of the more stressful and dangerous occupations. In addition to the physical demands in the field, there is something we don’t talk about enough and that is the emotional labour and demands of our industry. The constant worry about the animals in our…
After 18 months of video calling and alternative forms of communication, it has been refreshing to be able to attend events and have face-to-face contact once again. Here’s an update on where we’ve been so far this summer: Calgary Stampede – July 9-18, 2021 While I attended a small number of bull sales and events…
Alberta Beef Producers (ABP) held two virtual meetings on Thursday, September 30, 2021. The ABP Semi-Annual Meeting gathered delegates for program and financial updates, and to provide input on strategic direction for the organization. The delegate body reviewed and passed the 2021-22 ABP Strategic Plan. A Town Hall followed the Semi-AGM with an update from…
The beef industry is a key economic driver for Alberta and Canada, and the Canadian Cattlemen’s Foundation (CCF) aims to keep it that way. Established as a charity in 2014, the CCF connects producers and industry partners to support the next generation in beef business leadership. Contributing to youth education is an important focus of…
Alberta Beef Producers (ABP) will be holding our Semi-Annual General Meeting and a Producer Town Hall on September 30, 2021. Here are a few documents and articles we recommend reading over ahead of joining us with your thoughts and proposed resolutions: ABP 2021 Annual Report Alberta Beef Producers funding reaches critical turning point This Too…
Editor’s Note: This article was originally published in the September 2021 issue of ABP magazine. You can read (and share) articles from the magazine on ABP Daily, under the ‘ABP Magazine’ tag. And hey, if you’re on your mobile device, why not check out our app! Alberta Beef Producers has had a lot on the…
This is part one of a three-part series. You can find part two in the September issue of ABP, and on ABP Daily. ABP’s fiscal situation is in flux. The substantial check-off refund rate is limiting our ability to execute programs under priority areas and support external organizations at levels we have in the past. …
As producers we have faced many hardships, but the extent of this year’s drought is staggering. It is so widespread it creates feelings of helplessness. We can’t make it rain, and we struggle to find feed for our animals. Thinking about the drought and how to address it has taken my full attention these past…
This fall issue of ABP is arriving to in mailboxes across Alberta in the midst of what for most, is a busy fall run. Calves are headed to market and tough decisions are being made in cow herds across the province, to pivot to the unprecedented drought and heat that we have endured and the…