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…
Supporting cross-border cattle industry connections Alberta Beef Producers (ABP) hosted a meeting of state and provincial cattle groups in Nashville, TN on Monday, to coincide with the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association’s Cattle Industry Convention and Tradeshow (CattleCon). The meeting brought together representatives from U.S. state cattle associations and Canadian provincial organizations, along with others from across the beef value chain, as an opportunity to build and strengthen relationships at…
Recently announced budget cuts at Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada raise important questions about the impact to beef and forage work done in support of the industry. Media reports indicate AAFC facilities tied to beef and forage research are among those facing capacity reductions or even closures as part of cuts announced under the 2025 federal…
The Great Twine Round-Up contest is back for 2026, encouraging Alberta producers and youth to recycle plastic baler twine while supporting local communities and agricultural charities. The initiative is part of the Alberta Ag-Plastic. Recycle It! pilot project. Alberta-based 4-H clubs, district members, and independent entrants are invited to collect and recycle used plastic baler…
4-H Alberta has named Isabella Sweet of Lacombe as the 2026 Premier’s Award recipient, recognizing her outstanding leadership and commitment to the 4-H program. The Premier’s Award, first presented in 1964, is 4-H Alberta’s highest honour, given annually to an Ambassador who exemplifies leadership, dedication, and service. “Having experienced 4-H provincially, regionally, and at the…
Unauthorized construction at confined feeding operations is on the rise The Natural Resources Conservation Board (NRCB) is seeing a significant increase in unauthorized construction at confined feeding operations across Alberta. Compared to 2024, complaints related to unauthorized construction are up approximately 32 per cent, while enforcement actions have increased by about 125 per cent. This…
Choosing traits that pay off Improving the genetics of your beef herd starts with knowing which traits you can change through genetics and which traits respond better to management practices. Because cattle have a long generation interval, every bull or replacement heifer you choose affects your herd for years. That’s why understanding heritability, and how…
4-H Canada has announced the appointment of Christina Franc as its new Chief Executive Officer, effective later this month. Franc joins 4-H Canada after more than 15 years in senior leadership roles with national nonprofit organizations, most recently at United Way Centraide Canada (UWCC). During her time at UWCC, she worked closely with community partners…
Alberta Beef Producers (ABP) is recommending that the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) halt the finalization of the upcoming federal traceability regulation changes to allow for additional, meaningful consultation with producers. While public consultation occurred in 2023, ABP believes further review is necessary to ensure traceability can be effectively and consistently implemented at the farm…
Two Albertans, Jolene Noble of Manning and Ashley Nicholls of De Winton, have been named among the 2026 Nuffield Canada Scholars. The Nuffield Canada Scholarship program supports innovative agricultural leaders through self-directed research and international travel, allowing scholars to explore global perspectives on issues shaping the future of agriculture. Each 2026 scholar will receive a…
Andrea Brocklebank will become the Canadian Cattle Association’s (CCA) Chief Executive Officer in early March. Brocklebank currently serves as Executive Director for Beef Cattle Research Council (BCRC), a division of the CCA. CCA President Tyler Fulton made the announcement today, citing Brocklebank’s proven track record of strategic decisions and collaboration as critical skills that will…
Researchers at the University of Calgary are developing new tools that could help producers detect health issues earlier and improve reproductive efficiency in their herds. Using remote monitoring systems, behaviour-tracking collars, and machine-learning models, two projects underway at W.A. Ranches are examining how technology can complement producer experience and support on-farm decision-making. The future of…