The Canadian Beef Check-Off Agency is announcing new board members for the 2024/25 term, following their Annual General Meeting (AGM). The newly appointed members represent a diverse group of primary producers and industry stakeholders from across Canada: Primary Producers Canadian Meat Council Retail and Foodservice I.E. Canada The newly elected Executive Committee includes: The Marketing…
A new program, designed to enhance environmental sustainability and economic efficiency, is now open to applications. The On-Farm Efficiency Program (OFEP) merges the former Farm Technology Program and Efficient Grain Handling Program, with new opportunities based on industry feedback collected in the fall of 2023. The approach aims to support producers in optimizing the use…
On August 18, 2024, the Teamsters Canada Rail Conference (TCRC) has issued a 72-hour strike notice to Canadian Pacific Kansas City (CPKC), signaling a potential work stoppage starting at 12:01 a.m. on August 22, 2024. This move comes as a response to CPKC’s alleged unilateral changes to the terms of the collective agreements, which the…
In Alberta last week, fed prices remained over $250/cwt for the nineteenth consecutive week. When compared their June high, fed prices have declined 4 per cent; whereas last year fed prices dropped 6.5 per cent from their June highs to summer lows. Light dressed sales were reported from $312-$320/cwt delivered. Cattle that were traded being…
Rail companies, Canadian Pacific Kansas City (CPKC) and Canadian National Railway (CN), have announced that employees unionized under Teamsters Canada Rail Conference (TCRC) will be locked out on August 22, 2024, if a settlement isn’t reached. This decision follows a ruling by the Canada Industrial Relations Board (CIRB) that no services need to be maintained…
The Canadian Agricultural Safety Association (CASA) is once again leading an initiative to enhance safety in the agricultural sector with the fourth annual BeGrainSafe Week, taking place from August 12 to 18, 2024. The week-long event is dedicated to raising awareness about the hazards associated with grain handling and storage, aiming to prevent tragic incidents…
Alberta’s Local Food Week is set to take place from August 14-20, highlighting the contributions of local farmers, ranchers, and food processors. In a statement released on August 12, 2024, Minister of Alberta Agriculture and Irrigation, RJ Sigurdson, emphasized the importance of supporting local food producers during this week. “Alberta is known around the world…
In Alberta last week, weighted average fed steer and heifer prices closed the week around $255/cwt live, $1.50/cwt lower than the previous week. From their highs in June, prices have declined $10/cwt. Despite lower prices fed cattle prices continue to be historically strong. Last week, buying interest was noted from all three Western Canadian packers…
The Canadian beef industry is rolling out an update on its 2020-24 National Beef Strategy, highlighting achievements over the past two years. The National Beef Strategy was brought to fruition by Canadian Beef Advisors to collectively capitalize on opportunities. It has offered guidance despite supply chain challenges such as droughts, feed shortages, and post-pandemic recovery….
Agriculture has always been the backbone of Alberta’s history, economy, and future prosperity. However, over the past two decades, the province has seen a worrying trend: a steep decline in the number of young and middle-aged producers, while the number of farmers over 55 has increased significantly. In response, Alberta’s government is taking decisive action…
Since 2009, Alberta Wildlife Federation (AWF), formerly Alberta Fish and Game Association, and Alberta Conservation Association (ACA) have partnered with conservation minded landowners and volunteers to modify fences with the goal of helping pronghorn. To date over 600 km of fence line has been retrofitted pronghorn-friendly standards through out the pronghorn range in Alberta. Pronghorn…
A two-year research study examines how virtual fencing technology might fit the Canadian landscape. European and U.S. cattle industries experienced an influx of livestock-based technologies lately including virtual fencing. While it appears successful in warmer climates, will this technology hold up in colder, Canadian regions to become a fixture of cattle management? Alexandra Harland, a…