Issues & Insights

Alberta Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) say they are taking further action on the Coutts border assembly. In a statement, Alberta RCMP say what “may have begun as a peaceful assembly quickly turned into an unlawful blockade.” “While the Alberta RCMP has been in a position to conduct enforcement, we have been engaged with protesters…

According to the Canadian Meat Council (CMC), there are currently over 150 loads of Canadian beef unable to pass the Coutts/Sweetgrass border crossing. “The longer this takes, it will cause more supply chain issues and this will affect everyone from producer to consumer,” said a CMC statement on Monday. “The beef industry is aware of…

As you walk across a drought-stricken perennial forage stand, you’ll hear the crunch of dry grass, and   see the cracking of soils, eager for more rain. There may be enough grass to inspire hope, to catch snow, and to offer a quick start to next year’s grazing season. Or, there may not. Perhaps this…

By Lisa Guenther, Editor, Canadian Cattlemen The recent article in Time proclaiming cows as the new coal must have been discouraging to ranchers and beef farmers, never mind the segment on CBC’s The Current that included cutting red meat as a way to fight climate change. At one point on The Current, Lloyd Alter, who has a background as an architect and…

Supporting bred heifer nutrition presents unique challenges. How can producers ensure bred heifers get high health scores, breed and rebreed successfully going into winter after a dry year? We spoke to ruminant nutritionist Lynne Girardin to collect some helpful advice. When it comes to bred heifers, meeting nutritional requirements throughout gestation and beyond is primary….

Auction markets are where buyers and sellers meet in the cattle business. They remain relevant and busy, and this year, are on the frontlines of drought’s impact on producers.  Fears exist about another widescale reduction in the Alberta cow herd because of the hardships caused by the lack of rain. While it hasn’t fully materialized…

On Thursday, Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food Marie-Claude Bibeau, launched the AgriCommunication Initiative with up to $8 million over three years “to support projects that promote consumer awareness of the strengths of the agriculture sector.” “Consumers have a growing interest in learning more about where homegrown agricultural products come from and how they’re made,” said…

Consumers really do eat up the idea of cattle consuming food waste. So much so, that a recent survey showed that consumers across the country seemed to warm up to the idea of beef production practices in Canada when they were related to a challenge they undertake in their homes everyday.  The survey, conducted by…

At the heart of every beef operation is her people. Those passionate and committed persons who strive to produce the best possible food. Behind the hard-working cow calf, yearling, backgrounding and cattle-feeding operators, are families and teams of employees, scientists, farmers, veterinarians and a multitude of service providers. Like most things in life, they are in integrated…

Unionized workers at Cargill High River have accepted the company’s new offer, according to UFCW Local 401. Voting wrapped up on Saturday, with 71 percent in favour of the contract. “The contract is the best of its kind and presented unprecedented gains in this time of economic and political uncertainty and during the biggest health…