The Western Stock Growers’ Association (WSGA) has partnered with Leader Tours to offer producers, their families, and friends the opportunity for an agricultural and cultural tour of Spain and Portugal, scheduled for late January through early February 2026. The itinerary blends agricultural learning with world-class sightseeing while showcasing beef operations, unique regional livestock, and the…
Cargill has released its first-ever State of Steak – Foodservice Edition report, a comprehensive look at how consumer expectations for steak are evolving across the foodservice landscape. For beef producers, the report provides insights into the critical role their product plays in driving demand at restaurants and other foodservice channels. When foodservice professionals take the time and…
The best way to describe the feeder market in western Canada is ON FIRE, as steer calves and yearling look to find the top of their markets. This bullish market for calves and feeders is well into its fourth year, with the rally beginning in the fourth quarter of 2021 and only very small periods…
Managing replacement heifers is always a challenge — but today’s record-high cattle prices make the decision even more complicated. Cow-calf producers are weighing whether to retain calves for herd development or capture a premium by selling them. Either way, opportunity costs play a major role. Rather than offering advice one way or the other, the…
The Canadian Cattle Identification Agency (CCIA) has launched a research project to test a new RFID movement scanner aimed at making cattle movement reporting faster and easier for producers. The initiative comes as proposed changes to Part XV of the Health of Animals Regulations are expected to make livestock movement reporting mandatory. Once the amendments…
Last week, the Canfax average fed steer and heifer price closed around $312/cwt live, steady with the previous week. Light trade was reported with dressed sales from $516.50–523.50/cwt FOB the feedlot. Buying interest was noted from all Western Canadian packers, but competition on the cash market was limited. Cattle that traded were scheduled for delivery…
The Canadian Cattle Identification Agency (CCIA) is advancing identification and tracking technologies through its latest research project: The Smart Bolus System as a potential alternative to traditional livestock identification and reporting methods. Livestock traceability is a cornerstone of animal health, food safety and supply chain integrity in Canada. Smart bolus systems—similar in size and weight to…
Alberta fed prices are holding near record highs. Traditionally, this time of the year fed prices are putting in annual lows. Since the beginning of July, fed prices have rallied 7 per cent. Looking at the past fifteen years, this puts it as the second-largest third-quarter price rally, with only 2011 being larger when prices…
The Canadian Roundtable for Sustainable Beef (CRSB) has announced that its CRSB Certified program is now recognized as an agri-environmental risk assessment (AERA) under Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada’s AgriInvest program. This means that beef producers who are CRSB Certified and require an AERA to participate in AgriInvest can use their certification to meet that requirement for the government…
Good-quality water is one of the most critical – and often overlooked – factors in beef herd productivity. Research shows insufficient access can reduce performance faster and more dramatically than any other nutrient deficiency. A newly updated Economics of Water Systems Calculator from the Beef Cattle Research Council (BCRC) is designed to help producers evaluate the…
Alberta 4-H has introduced a new program for members who want to expand their knowledge of the beef industry. Exploring the Alberta & Canadian Beef Industry will give participants a comprehensive look at the many facets of beef production in the province and across the country. From animal care and stewardship practices to supply chains, marketing,…
The University of Calgary has officially opened its Veterinary Learning Commons at the Spy Hill campus, a $68.5-million provincial investment designed to tackle Alberta’s shortage of livestock and rural veterinarians. The new 70,000-sq.-ft. facility allows the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine (UCVM) to double annual Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) enrolment from 50 to 100 students….