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,…
By University of Calgary Bob Lowe believes it’s Canada’s young people who will lead an innovative and sustainable cattle industry in the future. That’s why the chair of the Canadian Cattlemen’s Foundation and his fellow board members are excited for the foundation to be the founding donor of a new youth program at W.A. Ranches at the University…
Born in Montreal and raised in Calgary, Melanie Wowk brings unique perspective, insights, and skillset to her elected position as Chair, ABP. In addition to her roles as Finance Chair and former Vice Chair, years as an ABP delegate and cattle producer, Melanie has led efforts within our industry as a cow calf veterinarian for over…
Canada has reason to celebrate this week, as the Organisation for Animal Health (OIE) announced the country’s move to negligible risk status for Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy (BSE) on Thursday. “Obtaining the “negligible risk” status from the OIE confirms that Canada’s beef production system is sound, safe and respected,” said Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food Marie-Claude…
By Bob Lowe, president of Canadian Cattlemen’s Association If 2020 has taught us anything, it has brought the importance of high-quality products and a safe food system to the minds of Canadians, and we have valued, more than ever, our vast and diverse ecosystems we are lucky to have outside our backdoors. This past year has also put our food…