The Beef Cattle Research Council (BCRC) has published a new webpage dedicated to the relationship between beef cattle and the carbon cycle. “This page was developed for beef producers who are interested in gaining a better understanding of carbon dynamics and what they can do on their operations to increase carbon sequestration and reduce emissions,”…
With severe drought conditions affecting livestock operations across the prairies, beef producers are urging government action on drought relief. Perspectives – Conditions across the province – Insurance and alternate feed options – Contact your local municipality – Additional resources Perspectives “The lack of moisture and extremely high environmental temperatures in our area are quickly decimating…
The Beef Cattle Research Council (BCRC) and its industry partners have announced the completion of a five-year strategy to support Canada’s National Beef Strategy. The Five-Year Canadian Beef Research & Technology Transfer Strategy identifies key outcomes with research and extension priorities for six program areas: Feed efficiency and utilization Forage and grassland productivity Environmental sustainability…
Editor’s Note: This is the first in a series of monthly columns by Melissa Downing, Alberta’s Provincial Coordinator with VBP+. This post focuses on VBP+ as a whole, while subsequent articles will address specific aspects of beef production through the VBP+ lens. Verified Beef Production (VBP) has been around for awhile now and, like many…
Alberta Beef Producers (ABP) executive members and Canada Cattlemen’s Association (CCA) Alberta board members participated in virtual fly-ins with Conservative Members of Parliament during the month of June. Over the course of 10 meetings, the producer representatives discussed issues ranging from the need to safeguard our food systems to Canada’s negligible risk status for BSE….
In the past couple of weeks, Alberta Beef Producers (ABP) has had the distinct pleasure to share stories and perspectives with both mainstream and beef production audiences through various channels. From explaining what drought means to ranchers to considering some favorite cuts for barbecue season, here are some of our latest guest appearances: Hoping for…
The University of Calgary’s Diagnostic Services Unit (DSU) held the meeting of its inaugural Livestock Stakeholder Advisory Committee this spring, and Alberta Beef Producers (ABP) is pleased that Karin Schmid, Lead, Beef Production and Extension, ABP, has since been elected as Community Chair. Background In 2020, the governments of Canada and Alberta finalized $3.44 million…
Looking back, 2020 was quite a year for the Alberta Cattle Feeders’ Association (ACFA), just as it was for everyone. In early March of 2020, we began responding to the COVID situation; where we were influential in the approval of both the ‘Fed Cattle Feed Assistance’ program and the ‘Set Aside’ program. Looking forward, as we head…
Attention Young Guns: What does the future of beef look like? It’s back! Alberta Beef Producers’ Young Guns Contest is set to roll for 2021, with a focus on agricultural innovations in the beef sector. We have a panel of beef industry judges, and some incredible cash prizes. All we need now, is your creativity!…
Producers have certainly noticed some changes taking place with the recently rebranded Livestock Price Insurance (LPI) program, formerly referred to as WLPIP. The calf insurance purchase deadline has been permanently extended into June, with the 2021 deadline set for June 10th and policy expirations available until February 21, 2022. Policy purchase hours are now available from 2-11 p.m. on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays,…
Every year, the Alberta Emerald Foundation awards leaders and innovators in environmental stewardship and sustainable land use. This year — in the Land category — the Glenbow Ranch Park Foundation (GRPF) is being recognized for its tireless dedication to grassland education, with an Emerald Award. The GRPF is a not-for-profit organization dedicated to the preservation…
Importance of a traceability system Simply put, traceability is the ability to follow an item or a group of items – be it animal, plant, food products or ingredient – from one point in the supply chain to another, either backwards or forwards. As a producer that purchases and applies approved Canadian Cattle Identification Agency (CCIA) tags,…