Checking in with ABP

Alberta fed prices have been under pressure, dropping $10.00/cwt over the past three weeks and hitting the lowest point since mid-August. The market is in the process of working through seasonally larger fed numbers. Competition on the cash market was somewhat limited, and in some instances, one packer was not even bidding on cattle. Dressed…

The Canadian Junior Limousin Association (CJLA) has announced the winners of its second Herd Building Incentive Program, created to support young cattle producers in expanding their involvement with the Limousin breed. This year, Alberta’s own Kira Axley of Czar area earned first place in the alumni category, receiving a $1,000 live animal voucher. The program…

Cargill has released its first-ever State of Steak – Foodservice Edition report, a comprehensive look at how consumer expectations for steak are evolving across the foodservice landscape. For beef producers, the report provides insights into the critical role their product plays in driving demand at restaurants and other foodservice channels. When foodservice professionals take the time and…

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…

Last week, the Canfax average fed steer and heifer price closed around $312/cwt live, steady with the previous week. Light trade was reported with dressed sales from $516.50–523.50/cwt FOB the feedlot. Buying interest was noted from all Western Canadian packers, but competition on the cash market was limited. Cattle that traded were scheduled for delivery…

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…