Checking in with ABP

Managing replacement heifers is always a challenge — but today’s record-high cattle prices make the decision even more complicated. Cow-calf producers are weighing whether to retain calves for herd development or capture a premium by selling them. Either way, opportunity costs play a major role. Rather than offering advice one way or the other, the…

The Canadian Cattle Identification Agency (CCIA) has launched a research project to test a new RFID movement scanner aimed at making cattle movement reporting faster and easier for producers. The initiative comes as proposed changes to Part XV of the Health of Animals Regulations are expected to make livestock movement reporting mandatory. Once the amendments…

We’ve certainly had an active time as your beef cattle commission for the past few months. The Alberta Beef Producers’ board decision to withdraw from the Canadian Cattle Association dominates the horizon currently. While you’ll find much more on the decision elsewhere in [ABP Magazine], I will say the key factors that led to this…

The University of Calgary has officially opened its Veterinary Learning Commons at the Spy Hill campus, a $68.5-million provincial investment designed to tackle Alberta’s shortage of livestock and rural veterinarians. The new 70,000-sq.-ft. facility allows the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine (UCVM) to double annual Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) enrolment from 50 to 100 students….

Since the beginning of July, fed prices have rallied $18/cwt and have again established new record highs. Last week, the Canfax average fed steer and heifer price closed around $315/cwt live, $2/cwt higher than the previous week. Light trade was reported last week with dressed sales reported from $518.00–526.50/cwt FOB the feedlot. Buying interest was…

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…

It is slightly cooler in the shop compared to the 30 degrees outside, and a huge laminated map on the wall provides an impressive, detailed overview of the Riverview Ranch grazing plan. It is nothing compared to the stunning panorama of native shortgrass prairie, shallow snaking coulees and steep blocky cliffs framing the Old Man…

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…