Last week, the province of Alberta unveiled Budget 2025, with some investments aimed at transforming the agricultural sector. RJ Sigurdson, Minister of Alberta Agriculture and Irrigation, detailed the province’s strategic initiatives to advance agricultural research and bolster small and medium-sized enterprises. In a recent statement, Minister Sigurdson emphasized the province’s strategic focus on transforming the…
Alberta fed prices continue to average in the mid $270’s/cwt. From January to February fed steers and heifer are up $8 and $7/cwt respectively. For the past decade, this is the second largest rally for fed steer and the second largest for fed heifers. Dressed sales were reported from $458-460/cwt delivered, $2/cwt lower than the…
ABP’s producer-led research committee once again invested producer check-off dollars into research in 2024 to improve the competitiveness, sustainability, and profitability of beef producers. Proposals are received through the Agriculture Funding Consortium, undergo a scientific technical review and then are evaluated by the producer representatives on the ABP research committee. Decisions are guided by the…
ABP is excited to feature the writings of Barry Yaremcio, ruminant nutritionist and production management consultant. Barry is a trusted voice in cattle nutrition and forage production, operating Yaremcio Ag Consulting Ltd. This article was originally published on his BYOB Blog, which can be found on his website. When hay is carried over the winter, bales lose weight…
Weaning weights, crop yields, pie à la mode… bigger is always better, right?! It’s an easy decision when pie is involved, but the answer to everything else is a resounding “maybe.” Annual reports from the Canadian Cow-Calf Cost of Production Network and a recent article from the Beef Cattle Research Council (Big Cows and Big…
This article was originally posted on the Beef Cattle Research Council’s website. Calves born unassisted and uncompromised will typically stand and nurse from their mothers within one to two hours after birth. However, calves that experience a difficult or prolonged birth, have a swollen tongue, experience hypothermia or are a twin may be less vigorous…
The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) has announced that the redesigned National Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy (BSE) surveillance program will take effect on March 7, 2025. Samples collected before March 6, 2025, will continue to be processed under the current program, including applicable incentives. However, samples collected on or after March 7, 2025, will be processed…
The Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC) has announced the purchase of 500,000 doses of GSK’s human vaccine against avian influenza as a part of its ongoing efforts to safeguard public health. This proactive measure aims to protect individuals at higher risk of exposure to avian influenza, particularly those in close contact with infected animals….
Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, Lawrence MacAulay, has announced an expansion of the On-Farm Climate Action Fund (OFCAF), allocating an additional $300 million to support farmers in becoming more climate resilient over the next three years. Among the 13 initial recipients, the Canadian Forage and Grassland Association (CFGA) has been highlighted for its significant…
The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) investigation and testing following a November 29, 2024, case of bovine tuberculosis (bovine TB) has detected the disease in the birth herd of the infected animal. There have been three additional confirmed cases in the animals tested to date. All animals over twelve months of age will be tested to determine…
According to the latest data from the National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS) of the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), the number of cattle and calves on feed for the slaughter market in large U.S. feedlots has decreased by 1 per cent compared to last year. As of February 1, 2025, there were 11.7 million…
In a significant reshuffle of the parliamentary secretary team, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced several new appointments aimed at bolstering the government’s efforts on key priorities. Among the notable changes, Kody Blois has been named the Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food, as well as the Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of…