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…
In Alberta last week, average fed steer and heifer prices closed around $274/cwt live, slightly higher than the previous week. Feedlot inventories are current and cooler temperatures over the past couple weeks have set cattle back. Cattle are being pulled forward and marketed ahead of schedule resulting in lighter out weights. Light trade was reported…
Norine Ambrose, Executive Director of Cows & Fish has been nominated to receive the prestigious King Charles III Coronation Medal in recognition of her outstanding contributions to Canada, Alberta, and the local communities she serves. The nomination for Ambrose, put forward by Alberta Environment and Protected Areas, highlights Ambrose’s dedication and impactful work in the…
Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada Lawrence MacAulay, met with provincial and territorial Agriculture Ministers to address key issues affecting Canada’s agriculture sector, particularly in relation to the Canada-United States trade relationship. The ministers highlighted the crucial integration of international supply chains for both Canadian and American producers and businesses. They reaffirmed their commitment to…
The Alberta government has announced the appointment of three new members to the Agricultural Products Marketing Council, along with the reappointment of three current members. Additionally, new chair and vice-chair positions have been designated. The council, a public agency, oversees agricultural marketing boards and commissions, ensuring they follow best governance practices. It also provides policy…
This article was originally posted on the Beef Cattle Research Council’s website on January 30, 2025. Do you know the cost of producing the forage you feed? For beef cattle producers, optimizing forage crop production is essential for financial sustainability. However, estimating the costs associated with forage production can be challenging. The new BCRC Forage…