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AB Direct - Steers

Live: ---
Rail: 403.00-405.00 del

AB Direct - Heifers

Live: ---
Rail: 403.00-405.00 del

US Trade- Steers

Live: 190.00 (KN)
Rail: 296.00 (NE,)

US Trade - Heifers

Live: 190.00 (KN)
Rail: 296.00 (NE, IA)

Canadian Dollar

$71.96
0.03
February 22, 2024 Checking in with ABP

From ABP’s Government Desk

This fall saw the announcement of another AgriRecovery. The 2023 AgriRecovery was hard fought by both Alberta Agriculture and Irrigation and AFSC, and we are thankful for the government’s willingness to go to bat for our industry.

As predicted, the implementation was complex, and ABP heard frustration both from farms that needed
support and didn’t get it and farms that didn’t need support and were in areas deemed eligible. And this
is the crux of AgriRecovery. It is a blunt tool that should not be relied on by producers. The industry needs a margin insurance program that is tailored to each farm to ensure that producers get the support necessary.

For this reason, I would encourage you to consider participating in AFSC’s AgriStability pilot. This will help AFSC determine how they can make the program better for cow-calf producers. More information on page 13 or by contacting Stuart Chutter at schutter@afsc.ca.

Renewables have been a hot topic for the southern part of the province with some companies offering very lucrative contracts. In June the province put a moratorium on renewables, giving us the opportunity to lobby for some necessary changes. Currently, renewable companies do not work under the Surface Rights Act, so there is no Orphan Well Fund if the company runs into problems or appeal body if a landowner runs into issues with the company. ABP is working with Western Stock Growers’ Association to make sure landowner rights are respected.

ABP took a stance against bill C-355, Prohibition of the Export of Horses by Air for Slaughter Act. The bill proposes stopping the transport of horses by air if they’re destined for slaughter. Canada already has transportation regulations in place to protect the welfare of animals, and we regularly transport horses for slaughter by other means than air. In Canada, we have long prided ourselves for agricultural policy that is evidence-based. We have traditionally been in contrast with other jurisdictions that pass legislation based on public opinion not on data, like the EU’s restrictions on hormone use and feed additives. ABP is pushing back against C-355 because we do not want government decision making to go this direction.

Heading into spring, progress is happening on grassland conservation, wildlife management and the renewal of the Recreational Access Regulation on grazing leases. With a strong El Niño, there is concern that we may be challenged by another dry spring. For that reason, I encourage all producers to look at risk management programs. Moisture Deficiency Insurance paid out a record $326M in 2023, showing the changes made in 2021 were effective.

Here’s to hoping you get timely moisture and a successful calving season!

This article was first published in Volume 4 Issue 1 of ABP Magazine (February 2024). Watch for more digital content from the magazine on ABP Daily.

About the Author

Mark Lyseng was raised on a fifth-generation cattle operation near Armena, AB, where he continues to raise cattle with his brother. He previously worked with the Government of Alberta as a Public Land Specialist and has a strong understanding of how government and stakeholder groups work together. Mark has a Master’s Degree from the University of Alberta in range and wildlife management and is a graduate of the CCA mentorship program, Cattlemen’s Young Leaders.

Author

Cattle Report

Updated: 01/11/2024

Steers

Live: ---
Rail: 403.00-405.00 del

Heifers

Live: ---
Rail: 403.00-405.00 del

Choice Steers

Live: 190.00 (KN)
Rail: 296.00 (NE,)

Choice Heifers

Live: 190.00 (KN)
Rail: 296.00 (NE, IA)

Boner Cows

Over 500 lbs: 237.03

Canadian Dollar

$71.96   0.03

Livestock Price Insurance Index

Expiry Fed Feeder Calf
27-Jan-25 238 324 --
24-Feb-25 236 320 --
24-Mar-25 236 320 --
21-Apr-25 242 322 --
19-May-25 246 324 --
16-Jun-25 250 324 --
14-Jun-25 238 -- --
Last Updated on November 1, 2024

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