Issues & Insights

In 2003, just as scientists were putting the finishing touches on the human genome mapping project, and while 32 countries struggled to stop the spread of SARS, a single domestic case of Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy (BSE) was detected on an Alberta farm, closing international borders to Canadian beef and cattle sales for almost two decades….

Canadian beef producers are encouraged with the latest interest in trade expansion through theComprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP). Since CPTPP came intoeffect on December 30, 2018, Canadian beef exports have increased 37 per cent in volume and 35 per cent invalue (2020 vs. 2018). From January to August 2021, exports continue to…

By Doug Ferguson, Western Producer Industry leaders say beef production plays an important role in carbon sequestration that is not well known by consumers Consumers concerned about the environmental impact of greenhouse gases from Canada’s beef industry aren’t looking at the full picture, a recent webinar at the University of Calgary was told. “We really need…

The United Nations Food Systems Summit (UNFSS) taking place on September 23, 2021 is a critical dialogue for people around the world to ensure the future of sustainable food systems and the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals. The signatories to this statement, Canadian farmers, ranchers, input providers and food and beverage producers, play an…

On Wednesday, the Government of Alberta declared a state of public health emergency, and Minister of Health Tyler Shandro announced new measures to reduce transmission of COVID-19. The measures range from private to social settings, and include retail, entertainment, and recreation facilities. With fall auctions, expos, and conferences on the horizon, we thought it would…

Four U.S. Senators announced the American Beef Labeling (ABL) Act on Wednesday, that would reinstate mandatory country of origin labeling (mCOOL) for beef. Senators John Thune, Mike Rounds, Jon Tester, and Cory Booker will formally introduce the legislation next week. It would require the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR), and the U.S. Secretary of Agriculture to…

Hay illegally baled from an Alberta park and seized by RCMP and then stolen reflects desperation of livestock producers as historic drought threatens the Prairies. By: Doug Ferguson, Western Producer Theft of about $10,000 in hay bales gathered without a permit from a provincial park in Alberta, and then stolen before they could be donated to…

Dr. Renate Weller says veterinarians have important role to play in solving ‘big, global challenges’ By Jennifer Allford, for Faculty of Veterinary Medicine So far this week, Dr. Renate Weller, DVM, PhD, has moved into her new office at the University of Calgary Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, greeted first-year students at the Foothills campus, met with…

By Alexis Kienlen, Alberta Farmer Express The first drought relief payment of $94 per head should be in the hands of cattle producers soon. Alberta Beef Producers has been working with the provincial crop insurer to get the drought relief money out as quickly as possible, said general manager Brad Dubeau. “We’re continuing to work with Agriculture Financial Services…

Updated September 2, 2021 to reflect a change in one of the panelists, and new details on how to watch the debate. The Canadian Federation of Agriculture (CFA) is once again hosting a National Ag Leaders Debate, this time in the run up to Canada’s 43 federal election. Event Details: The debate will take place…