Researchers at the University of Calgary are developing new tools that could help producers detect health issues earlier and improve reproductive efficiency in their herds. Using remote monitoring systems, behaviour-tracking collars, and machine-learning models, two projects underway at W.A. Ranches are examining how technology can complement producer experience and support on-farm decision-making. The future of…
To help clarify key aspects of traceability and proposed regulatory changes, two presentations featuring the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) and Canadian Cattle Identification Agency (CCIA) provide information from subject-matter experts. CFIA Traceability Webinar Video: CFIA – Proposed Part XV of the Health of Animals Regulations Overview CFIA is responsible for the traceability regulations themselves…
Alberta Beef Producers (ABP) is preparing for the 2026 resolution cycle, and producers will again have the opportunity to bring forward local issues, ideas, and priorities that help shape ABP’s work for the year ahead. Resolutions 101 Producer resolutions are one of the most important ways cattle producers can influence the work of Alberta Beef…
KAYR Tremor crowned Agribition Supreme Champion Bull For the Phillips family of Kay-R Charolais of Waskatenau, AB, winning Supreme Champion Bull at Canadian Western Agribition is the culmination of more than five decades in the purebred business. Together with their partners, KFC Farms Ltd. of Abbotsford, BC, and Didsbury, AB, they led KAYR Tremor 7015L…
Beef producers in Alberta are known for being stewards of the grasslands. While cattle are part of a greater ecosystem, species like gophers can pose management challenges to producers. Fortunately, solutions to gopher problems can be found within nature’s own patterns. Richardson’s ground squirrels, more commonly known as gophers, are native to Alberta. While they…
With the cows home and a bit of a lull before calving starts, there’s no better time to catch up on some opportunities with the Verified Beef Production Plus (VBP+) program. Applications are still open for the Alberta VBP+ Incentive. Thanks to $1.9 million in funding for VBP+ through the Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership (Sustainable…
When Curtis Vander Heyden of Picture Butte’s Grandview Cattle Feeders Ltd. attended Lethbridge County’s Stock Talks in October, he was prepared to discuss some of the challenges his family’s operation faces but did not expect immediate action. “I did attend the Lethbridge County Stock Talks and it led to the operations manager Ryan Thomson, reaching…
The World Meat Congress, held in Cuiabá, Brazil, in late October, provided a powerful and timely global perspective on the forces shaping the future of the animal protein sector to more than 600 meat industry leaders. Hosted by the International Meat Secretariat, the World Meat Congress focused on the global structural shift underway in how…
The Western Canadian fed market was a little disappointing given dressed sales in Eastern Canada were $10–20/cwt stronger last week. Last week, the Canfax average fed steer and heifer price closed around $294/cwt live, fully steady with the previous week. Light trade was reported with dressed sales ranging from $492.00–493.50/cwt FOB the feedlot. Competition on…
As Canadian beef producers, we take pride in our disease-free status and the global reputation of our livestock industry. Canada has been free of foot and mouth disease (FMD) since 1952, an achievement that has allowed us to maintain valuable export markets and consumer confidence. But this success shouldn’t breed complacency—it should motivate us to…
After years of planning and preparation, the Canadian Food Inspection Agency is expecting to publish the final version of proposed amendments to Part XV of the Health of Animals Act in 2026. To help clarify what’s coming and what it means for you, we’ve compiled a few answers to some of the most frequently asked questions we’re hearing. Will I have to change when I tag cattle? There is no required…
A robust and effective traceability system finds a balance in technical reporting and practicality. Traceability is the ability to follow the movement of an animal or food product through different stages of the supply chain. The ability to track livestock through their lifecycle relies on three pillars: premise identification (PID), animal identification, and animal movement….