Verified Beef Production Plus (VBP+) is offering information in audio format, in a new initiative called ‘Simply Verified Beef – The Podcast.’ “The Verified Beef Production Plus (VBP+) Program is a great volunteer program across Canada,” says Bree Patterson, VBP+ Coordinator from British Columbia, in the introductory episode (Episode 0) of the new podcast. “It’s…
A relatively new tapeworm is catching researchers by surprise in Alberta, and emphasizing the importance of zoonotic diseases. “It’s really too soon to predict where this might go, but there are several reasons to think that there will be more cases diagnosed in the future,” says Dr. Stan Houston, infectious disease expert at the University…
Agriculture Financial Services Corporation (AFSC) is currently finalizing the details on the rollout of government support for drought-affected farms and ranches. The program is being called the 2021 Canada-Alberta Livestock Feed Assistance Initiative (CALFA). Producers can expect to apply in early September. Background On August 6, the Government of Alberta announced a commitment of $136…
By RealAgriculture Canadian Cattlemen’s Association (CCA) executive vice president Dennis Laycraft’s recent trip to the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA) convention in Nashville was a busy week. To start, Laycraft met with new leaders of organizations that frequent the convention, who were really appreciative that CCA made the effort to get down there. On Laycraft’s…
Last week’s dressed sales ranged from $253-254/cwt delivered. Cattle were being scheduled for the first half of September delivery. For the week ending August 7, Western Canadian cattle grading B4 totaled 735 head, the second largest volume seen all year. Warmer temperatures and possibly more overnight delivery cattle could be causing an increase in dark…
From the Beef Cattle Research Council Many farmers truly enjoy working cattle but for some producers (and perhaps their family members) sorting and processing cattle may not bring out the best in everyone. The good news is reducing stress is entirely possible. In many cases, inexpensive changes or tweaks can benefit herd – and family…
Alberta Environment and Parks (AEP) is supporting drought-afflicted producers through temporary programs that expand grazing options, streamline water provisions, and access to information on drought management. ABP welcomes government aid to combat drought Alberta government shares ‘farming in dry conditions’ resource “Farmers and ranchers are facing a prolonged dry, hot growing season, which has impacted…
Provinces across the country are announcing further support to livestock producers impacted by drought. Here are some announcements and reactions released this week. Saskatchewan commits over $100 million in drought support to livestock producers By Canadian Cattlemen Staff With drought burning off pastures, drying water sources and raising feed costs, Saskatchewan’s provincial government pledged $119…
Since 1992, Alberta Beef Producers (ABP) has recognized and awarded cattle operations that demonstrate exemplary environmental stewardship in the province. In April at a Producer Town Hall, the organization presented the Environmental Stewardship Award (ESA) to Scott and Elan Lees of Soderglen South. With every passing year, the dedication of Alberta ranchers to environmental stewardship raises the bar. This year…
Over the past year, the Canadian Cattlemen’s Association (CCA) has shifted much of its programming to a virtual format to continue to offer unique career development opportunities to the next generation of beef industry leaders. The CCA Cattlemen’s Young Leaders (CYL) Mentorship Program was established in 2010 as a national initiative open to young people ages…
Canfax fed steer and heifer prices closed the week around $150/cwt, mostly steady with the previous week. Last week dressed sales were reported from $250.50-251.75 FOB lot. Cattle that traded last week were being booked for late August/early September delivery. On a cash-to-cash basis Alberta fed prices are trading at roughly $5.75/cwt discount against the…
By Kara Oosterhuis, RealAgriculture It’s hot and it’s excessively dry. Every year we seem to have this conversation about fire safety at harvest, but I think this year especially, it’s crucial that we are having the discussion. I am no expert at this topic, however, a recent grass fire half a mile from my house…