Western Canadian auction volumes (live and electronic/forward delivery) at 2.5 million head in 2025, were down seven per cent from the prior year and down 14 per cent from the 2023 high. Of note, this is also the smallest annual volume on record going back to 2005. Total volumes were below a year ago every…
Farmers and ranchers encouraged to share input University of Guelph researchers, in collaboration with the Canadian Centre for Agricultural Wellbeing (CCAW), have launched their third national survey of farmer and rancher mental health. The last two surveys were conducted during turbulent times, and they look to gauge changes in producer mental wellbeing during the current…
The Canadian Cattle Association (CCA) welcomes the news that Canadian beef access to China has been restored after being wrongfully shut out in 2021. We will continue to work with government officials and industry stakeholders to learn more details, including potential safeguard measures. In addition, CCA was encouraged to see Prime Minister Carney placing a…
As we head into 2026, trade is front and centre for ABP, and for good reason. More than half of the beef produced in Canada is exported, and Alberta alone represents nearly half of the national cattle herd. For decades, trade between Canada and the United States has been more than just selling beef across…
As we move into 2026, it’s clear there will be interesting conversations ahead for Alberta beef producers. At the beginning of December, we saw the start of an influx of feedback surrounding traceability regulations and the now paused proposed changes. Our initial response was to host a meeting with the Alberta Beef Producers board of…
Following extensive producer engagement, including 15 Producer Meetings and a dedicated Town Hall, ABP delegates passed a resolution at the 2026 Annual General Meeting directing the creation of a traceability working group. ABP, alongside governments and other cattle organizations, will work to address deficiencies and producer confidence in the current model before further changes can be considered. …
Alberta Beef Producers (ABP) held its 2026 Annual General Meeting this week, bringing together delegates from across the province. In addition to reviewing the commission’s work, and voting on resolutions, delegates also elected six eligible producers to the ABP Board of Directors. Board of Directors Elected 2026 Sitting The first meeting of the 2026 Board…
Alberta Beef Producers (ABP) hosted a Producer Town Hall on Traceability on March 2, ahead of its Annual General Meeting, bringing together industry representatives and cattle producers to share perspectives on one of the most pressing issues currently facing the beef sector. “Traceability has become one of the most talked-about issues in the Canadian beef…
Proposed federal amendments to Canada’s traceability regulations have generated significant reaction across the industry. For many producers, concerns focus on whether the proposed changes are necessary and whether they would work in practice at the farm and ranch level. Others are raising questions about cost, complexity, and the potential for government overreach. At the same…
Alberta Beef Producers (ABP) is encouraged to see further details following the 2025 announcement that some pasture costs will be included as an allowable expense beginning with the 2026 AgriStability program year. This change will help make AgriStability more responsive for cattle producers, particularly those who rely on rented pastureland, and better reflect the real…
Laura Buss, who grew up on a cow-calf operation north of Westlock, Alta., has been appointed as the first youth councillor to the Canadian Roundtable for Sustainable Beef (CRSB). Buss was selected through a nomination process coordinated with the Canadian Cattle Youth Council and will serve in an ex-officio (non-voting) role on the CRSB Council….
Editor’s Note: 2026 is the International Year of Rangelands and Pastoralists, declared by the United Nations. This column by Dr. Barry Irving explores what that means for Alberta ranchers and why engagement matters. Watch for additional IYRP-related content in the months ahead. How the IYRP came to be The International Year of Rangelands and Pastoralists…
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