This article was originally posted on the Beef Cattle Research Council’s website on September 13, 2023. Understanding the cost of developing replacement heifers is crucial for informed decision making. The most significant factor in heifer development cost is the opportunity cost of foregoing revenue from selling calves at weaning. Each heifer kept for the breeding…
This message was originally posted in Alberta Beef Producers’ 2023 Annual Report. You can find the PDF of the report here. ABP Magazine ABP magazine printed and distributed to more than 18,000 producers, auction market, and industry stakeholders across the province. 2023 marks the third volume of the ABP magazine, and based on producer feedback, we…
The Canfax fed steer price closed the week around $221/cwt, $4/cwt lower than the previous week. All three Western Canadian packers bought cattle but competition on the cash market was somewhat disappointing. In some instances, packers were limiting the amount of cattle they were buying from each producer. Last week, dressed sales were reported from…
ABP’s producer-led research committee makes funding decisions after reviewing proposals received through the Agriculture Funding Consortium. Decisions are guided by the Five-Year Canadian Beef Research and Technology Transfer Strategy, and all full proposals undergo a scientific technical review. Over the last year, ABP committed $75,000 to five projects with a total project value of over…
Every year, the Jasper Park Lodge hosts an incredible four-day feast and food festival. Thanks in large part to commodity sponsors such as beef, milk, chicken, pork, grains, and pulses, a community of foodies gather to learn from Food Network and Michelin Star chefs. Make beef the star attraction of your holiday gatherings This year…
The cattle market is strong right now, and that’s a relief to a lot of cattle producers. But why don’t we have new producers flocking to the industry? A major barrier is the lack of effective agri-insurance. Cattle producers have managed through drought in the last five years, and that’s something current insurance options don’t…
Average retail beef prices have finally turned lower after trending counter-seasonally higher through the summer. If seasonal trends play out for the remainder of 2023, retail beef prices will decline a significant 7 per cent in October, rebound 10 per cent in November, then decline 12 per cent in December. Retail prices (stewing cuts, striploin…
Alberta steers averaged $374-$377/cwt FOB last week, $6-7/cwt lower than the previous week’s tone. Live weighted average prices in Alberta were steady to $4/cwt lower than the previous week’s tone, with steers at $225/cwt. Packers appear well positioned with cattle moving through December. Delivery dates are well into the new year. Steer carcass weights in…
Farm Management Canada recently held its annual Agricultural Excellence Conference where Steve Funk was announced as the 2023 recipient of the Wilson Loree Award. Now in it’s twenty-first year, the award honours individuals or groups who have made an extraordinary contribution to advancing farm business management in Canada. Funk retired earlier this year, as Director…
Against the backdrop of Food and Agriculture Day at COP28 — as world leaders convened to deliberate on sustainable solutions — the Government of Canada announced a new economic incentive intended to reduce methane emissions from beef cattle. Under Canada’s Greenhouse Gas Offset Credit System, Environment and Climate Change Canada published a draft fourth protocol,…
This article was first published in Volume 3 Issue 4 of ABP Magazine (December 2023). Watch for more digital content from the magazine on ABP Daily. It’s been a year of real extremes for beef producers in Alberta. We were excited to see the record-high prices for calves and yearlings in the fall run. Although we have seen prices…
If you are planning to buy or sell a confined feeding operation (CFO) you should consider contacting the Natural Resources Conservation Board (NRCB) early in your process. Here’s what you need to know about your rights and obligations under the Agricultural Operation Practices Act (AOPA). For the buyer Under AOPA, anyone who buys or otherwise…