New funding will enhance VBP+ Program in Alberta

Calgary, Alberta – Alberta Beef Producers (ABP) welcomes the announcement of $1.9 million in funding for Verified Beef Production Plus (VBP+) through the Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership (Sustainable CAP). This investment represents a significant boost for Alberta’s beef industry and reinforces ABP’s commitment to sustainable practices.

The key enhancements to the VBP+ program include:

• Expanded VBP+ extension programming,
• an increase in related events with producers,
• Alberta 4-H beef members will receive targeted resources, and
• Indigenous-operated beef operations will see improved outreach.

New financial incentives will also encourage producers to adopt best practices. The incentive program details include:

• Up to $5,000 in approved expenses to bring producers in alignment with VBP+ Certification.
• Operations that complete VBP+ training (without certification) can receive up to $2,500 for the same approved expenses.

Eligible activities include audit fees, livestock handling equipment, and herd management software.

• Projects funded by the incentive include:
  • segregation pens
  • calving/maternity pens
  • squeeze chutes and extra restraint (portable & permanent)
  • tilt table and hoof trimming chute
  • herd management software (has to have critical control point verification for shipping/sale of cattle)
  • loading chutes, alleyways, bud boxes, and crowding tubs
  • livestock scales and feed scales
  • calf tip tables, calf catching pens, and portable calf carts
  • remote surveillance for calving (cameras)
  • needle free injection equipment
  • fencing to prevent wildlife access to feed or standing water
  • veterinary assessments and herd health development (on-farm)
  • biosecurity signage
  • cleaning and disinfection station
  • deadstock compost site
  • producer courses
  • tag readers
  • audit fees

VBP+ is a science-based program that focuses on on-farm food safety, biosecurity, animal care, environment, and the human aspect (through farm safety, mental health, and community involvement). VBP+ training and resources help producers understand and address biosecurity issues of importance to their operations, and the entire industry.

Brodie Haugan, Chair of ABP, says this announcement is a win for cattle producers, as it provides more learning and training opportunities for all cattle producers.

“Alberta Beef Producers is excited to see government support for the beef industry’s dedication to food safety, environmental stewardship, animal care, and biosecurity. This funding supports the hard work for producers across the province who continue to deliver the world’s best – Alberta beef.”

Around one in five beef animals in Alberta are being raised on a VBP+ Certified operation. VBP+ Certified farms manage over one million acres of native grassland in Alberta.

Producers who are interested in staying up-to-date on VBP+ can sign up for Alberta Beef Producers’ communications, including the Monthly Minute e-newsletter.