It’s no secret that Canada’s farm population is aging. Statistics Canada’s 2021 Census of Agriculture revealed that over 60 per cent of Canada’s farmers are 55 and older and that many of those farmers have no transition plan for their farms. Which is cause for concern. Decades of hard work and sacrifice could be wiped out when…
Rodeo’s roots are firmly planted in ranching tradition, and the connection remains strong today among many of the sport’s top competitors. In fact, for rancher Scott Guenthner, the current Canadian Steer Wrestling Champion, the pull of life at home led him to choose a rodeo route limited to only Canadian events. While that still involves…
Applications open October 30 for the 2023 Canada-Alberta Drought Livestock Assistance program, providing livestock producers with up to $165 million to maintain breeding herds. The governments of Alberta and Canada are partnering on the 2023 Canada-Alberta Drought Livestock Assistance program to support livestock producers facing extraordinary costs due to this year’s dry conditions. Funding for…
The Alberta fed market has now been range bound for 10 straight weeks and prices once again trended sideways. Dressed sales were marked at $390/cwt delivered and thin reported live trade was generally comparable. The weighted average steer price closed the week at $232.53/cwt. Heifer trade was limited and a weekly price trend was not…
After facing a third year of drought across much of Alberta, producers are getting creative in the search for alternative feed options. Here are some ideas to help beef cattle survive – if not thrive – through another difficult year. Continuing dry weather is translating into a tight feed supply again this fall. By mid-August,…
We all hoped that 2023 would turn over a new leaf for drought in Alberta, but it has proved another difficult one. Most of the province was severely impacted by the record heat in May, and while many farms and ranches received rains in June, it was not timely enough to save hay crops. The…
Alberta direct cattle sales saw scattered light trade, with dressed prices steady with the previous week at $390/cwt delivered. A few deals included a premium for 70% AAA grades that helped to firm the weighted average steer price to $233.70/cwt. Thin heifer trade was comparable with steers last week, but lacked repeatability and a weekly…
By Jeff Melchior, Alberta Farmer Express Primary producers and agriculture researchers have a shared goal: to find the best and most profitable ways to produce crops and livestock. So why does it often seem the two groups speak different languages? More than ever, science is becoming part of the language of agriculture, but a lot…
Calgary Stampede We kicked off Calgary Stampede with a bang. On July 10, ABP led the second-annual Alberta Beef Industry Stampede Summit with co-hosts Alberta Cattle Feeders’ Association, Alberta Auction Markets Association, Alberta Grazing Leaseholders Association, Alberta Veterinary Medical Association, Western Stock Growers’ Association, and Canadian Cattle Association. Stampede Summit saw around 200 attendees, including…
The Canfax fed steer and heifer price closed the week around $232.75/cwt, $0.50/cwt higher than the previous week. Fed cattle prices are $52/cwt higher than last year. Competition on the cash market was decent, with all three Western Canadian packers buying cattle. Last week, dressed sales were reported from $387.75‑389.50/cwt FOB the lot. Cattle that…
Weaning can be a stressful time on cattle operations, as calves are separated from mother cows. It’s a natural process, but ranch realities require it be herd coordinated and sped up from what would occur in nature. While much of the animal welfare research related to weaning has focused on calf stress and its implications…
By Alex McCuaig, Western Producer A generational hydrological drought is occurring in rivers in southern Alberta, resulting in water levels rivaling the lowest seen in 50 years, the activation of a county’s emergency operations and a warning from the province. “While it appears we will be able to complete the 2023 irrigation season without significant…