News

Canada’s agriculture ministers have agreed to a significant upgrade to the AgriStability program, aimed at helping farmers better manage the growing risks tied to climate challenges and global trade uncertainty. During a virtual meeting last week, federal, provincial, and territorial ministers committed to a one-year enhancement of the program for 2025. The compensation rate will…

Starting August 1, 2025, changes to Canada’s beef check-off collection rules will take effect in British Columbia, Alberta, and Saskatchewan to bring greater consistency and fairness to levy collection across Canada. Under the new guidelines, the check-off rate applied to a cattle sale will now align with the seller’s home province, regardless of where the…

The Canadian Beef Breeds Council (CBBC) has appointed Macy Liebreich as its new Chief Executive Officer (CEO), effective immediately. Liebreich joined CBBC last fall and has been working closely with Sandy Russell to ensure a smooth transition in leadership. Shawn Wilson, CBBC Chair, notes Russell’s leadership since 2021 and the benefits her guidance has brought…

The Alberta government has announced a one-time grant of $3.2 million to twelve applied research associations. This funding aims to upgrade essential equipment, facilities, and infrastructure, enhancing the province’s agricultural research and competitiveness. The grant will enable applied research associations to extend the life of their facilities, address health and safety issues, and improve the…

The federal government, alongside the Saskatchewan government has announced new measures by the Saskatchewan Crop Insurance Corporation (SCIC) to support producers facing this year’s challenging dry conditions. SCIC will implement the double low yield appraisal process, encouraging acres of low-yielding eligible crops to be diverted for grazing, baling, or silage to make additional feed available….

The Canadian Wheat Research Coalition (CWRC) has announced an investment of $19.9 million over the next three years in a core breeding agreement (CBA) with Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada (AAFC). This funding aims to develop field-ready wheat varieties, ensuring Prairie farmers have continued access to high quality wheat genetics. The new agreement is intended to…

The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) has announced an increase in the maximum compensation values for cattle under its animal compensation regulations. This amendment to the Compensation for Destroyed Animals and Things Regulations (CDATR) is set to provide financial support to cattle producers affected by reportable diseases. Effectively June 20, cattle producers can now receive…

The University of Manitoba (UM), in collaboration with Manitoba Beef Producers, Manitoba Agriculture, and Manitoba Beef and Forage Initiatives, has announced the establishment of the BCRC Chair in Beef Cattle Economic Sustainability, thanks to a $1.5 million grant from the Beef Cattle Research Council (BCRC). Craig Lehr, BCRC chair and Alberta beef producer, emphasized the…

Dean Edge, of Rimbey, Alberta, has become only the third Canadian to win the World Livestock Auctioneer Championship since its inception in 1963. In his acceptance speech, he credited his success to the support of his family — wife Jeanine, and children Erin, Lexie, and Lane. He also acknowledged his fellow competitors at the championship,…

The Alberta Order of Excellence, the province’s highest honour, recognizes outstanding service and achievement across various fields. As part of the Canadian Honours System, it celebrates individuals whose leadership, innovation, and dedication have shaped Alberta’s identity and strengthened its future. Since its inception in 1979, the Alberta Order of Excellence has acknowledged individuals who have…