Olds College of Agriculture & Technology is taking a reset year for AgSmart in 2026. The learning exposition is expected to return in 2027 with a renewed focus on applied research, technology and national collaboration across the agriculture sector. AgSmart has traditionally been a three-day event featuring expert speakers, live technology demonstrations, education sessions and…
The Canadian Cattle Association (CCA) and the Beef Cattle Research Council (BCRC) are concerned about Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada (AAFC) reductions affecting research farms, facilities, programs and research expertise at Nappan (Nova Scotia), Quebec City (Quebec) and Lacombe (Alberta). We recognize the fiscal pressures facing the federal government; however, the cuts will have far-reaching impacts…
Farmers and ranchers across Alberta and the Peace region of B.C. are invited to take part in a new survey conducted by the Alberta AgriSystems Living Lab. The survey is designed to track how the adoption of beneficial management practices (BMPs) has changed since the Living Lab started in 2022. The results will help program…
The Alberta AgriSystems Living Lab (AALL) continues to strengthen collaboration between producers, researchers, and partners across Alberta to test, refine, and share innovative best management practices (BMPs) that enhance resilience and profitability on crop, livestock and forage operations. Most of the core producers implementing BMPs through the AALL were in their third field season in…
A new partnership is bringing beef DNA testing back to Canada. The Global Institute for Food Security (GIFS) at the University of Saskatchewan and the Canadian Beef Improvement Network (CBIN) have announced a new strategic partnership to deliver DNA testing and analysis services, giving Canadian beef producers an alternative to sending samples abroad. Bringing testing…
The RDAR 2025 Impact Report highlights how producer-led research is advancing Alberta’s agriculture industry — including major gains for the beef cattle sector. Here are five takeaways for cattle producers. 1. Genomics are reshaping Alberta beef. More than 12,000 cattle from 54 herds have been genotyped through RDAR-funded research led by Dr. John Basarab at…
As stress management becomes a bigger focus in beef production, new tools like FerAppease® are getting attention. The product—developed by Fera Diagnostics & Biologicals—claims to mimic calming pheromones that help cattle handle stressful events like weaning or transport. But does the data support the claims? Here are four things to know: 1. It’s based on natural “appeasing”…
Ear tags can be used for much more than just the identity of an animal these days. One of the newer technology entries to the Canadian cattle market is SenseHub® Livestock Monitoring from Merck Animal Health, which can provide both feedlot operators and cow-calf producers some helpful management insights. The illuminating electronic SenseHub® Cow Calf…
Ever wondered what the information on the label of beef means? There’s much to know! Here’s some guidance on the basics. We like to call it anatomy of a label. So much info on this tiny sticker! (a) The Name: This is the official beef cut name. The official name, tells you if the cut is…
This story was brought to you in partnership with Olds College of Agriculture and Technology. The Technology Access Centre for Livestock Production (TACLP) at Olds College of Agriculture & Technology has recently piloted the use of two different virtual fencing collars, Gallagher’s eShepherd and Nofence, marking a significant advancement in grazing management. This innovative technology…
The Intensive Livestock Working Group (ILWG) experienced a year of notable changes and projects in 2024. ILWG includes members from producer groups such as Alberta Beef Producers, Alberta Pork, Alberta Milk, and more, and serves as a connecting forum for these groups. Key highlights of 2024 The ILWG also represented the livestock sector on various…
This article was first published in Volume 4 Issue 3 of ABP Magazine (September 2024). Watch for more digital content from the magazine on ABP Daily. With the prospect of high prices in the future, it can be tempting to background. However, factors including current calf prices, cost of gain and projected feeder prices can impact profitability. Additionally, operation-specific…