My annual report for ABP as Canadian Cattle Association (CCA) President helps me look back. And ahead. I have been involved in cattle politics for some time and it helps to lift our head up and see past right now. It’s satisfying to see what is accomplished and what is still to be done is…

Have you noticed the recent mainstream popularity of Western fashion, country music, and romanticized aspects of ranching and rural lifestyle? This trendiness of all things ‘Western’ is an opportunity that the Canadian beef sector can capitalize on — and that is precisely what the Canadian Cattle Association (CCA) did this summer. Influencers also experienced a…

The Public and Stakeholder Engagement (PSE) program, jointly delivered by the Canadian Cattle Association (CCA) and Canada Beef, delivers national public trust issue management and proactive content on the societal benefits of raising beef cattle in Canada. Issues Management Issues management strategies continue to correct misconceptions on the environmental footprint of Canadian beef production. This…

It was wonderful to see moisture replenished this year. Although some areas were still short, at least more affordable and ample options for feed supplies were available. 2024 brought some of the strongest prices ever recorded on all classes of cattle. This good news, however, is tempered by a similar rise in costs, and despite…

Producers dedicated to advancing sustainable agriculture can now apply for the Foothills Forage and Grazing Association (FFGA) 2025 Bursary. This bursary provides $1,000 of financial support for agricultural education and projects. It aims to help producers enhance their knowledge, implement innovative practices, and contribute to the sustainability of the agricultural community. This bursary is open…

The Beef Cattle Research Council (BCRC) is Canada’s industry-led funding agency for beef, cattle and forage research and extension. The BCRC is directed by a committee of 16 beef producers from across the country including six producers from Alberta. It is funded primarily through the research allocation of the Canadian Beef Cattle Check-Off.  In 2023/24,…

ABP staff continues to engage on multiple key stewardship issues, like wetland and water body health, emerging carbon and ecological goods and services markets, and wildlife coexistence. By engaging and participating on committees like the North American Waterfowl Management Plan – Alberta group; Alberta Government’s Nature Strategy; and the Minister’s Special License Auction Fund Committee,…

Over the years, ABP has received numerous resolutions that have significantly impacted both producers and the broader industry. For instance, in 2024, cattle producers in the Southwest Zone brought forward a resolution urging ABP to lobby the Government of Alberta to improve AFSC’s Next Generation Loan program. After passing in the Southwest, this resolution was…