Managing replacement heifers is always a challenge — but today’s record-high cattle prices make the decision even more complicated. Cow-calf producers are weighing whether to retain calves for herd development or capture a premium by selling them. Either way, opportunity costs play a major role. Rather than offering advice one way or the other, the…
The Canadian Cattle Identification Agency (CCIA) has launched a research project to test a new RFID movement scanner aimed at making cattle movement reporting faster and easier for producers. The initiative comes as proposed changes to Part XV of the Health of Animals Regulations are expected to make livestock movement reporting mandatory. Once the amendments…
Last week, the Canfax average fed steer and heifer price closed around $312/cwt live, steady with the previous week. Light trade was reported with dressed sales from $516.50–523.50/cwt FOB the feedlot. Buying interest was noted from all Western Canadian packers, but competition on the cash market was limited. Cattle that traded were scheduled for delivery…
We’ve certainly had an active time as your beef cattle commission for the past few months. The Alberta Beef Producers’ board decision to withdraw from the Canadian Cattle Association dominates the horizon currently. While you’ll find much more on the decision elsewhere in [ABP Magazine], I will say the key factors that led to this…
The Canadian Cattle Identification Agency (CCIA) is advancing identification and tracking technologies through its latest research project: The Smart Bolus System as a potential alternative to traditional livestock identification and reporting methods. Livestock traceability is a cornerstone of animal health, food safety and supply chain integrity in Canada. Smart bolus systems—similar in size and weight to…
Alberta fed prices are holding near record highs. Traditionally, this time of the year fed prices are putting in annual lows. Since the beginning of July, fed prices have rallied 7 per cent. Looking at the past fifteen years, this puts it as the second-largest third-quarter price rally, with only 2011 being larger when prices…
The Canadian Roundtable for Sustainable Beef (CRSB) has announced that its CRSB Certified program is now recognized as an agri-environmental risk assessment (AERA) under Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada’s AgriInvest program. This means that beef producers who are CRSB Certified and require an AERA to participate in AgriInvest can use their certification to meet that requirement for the government…
Good-quality water is one of the most critical – and often overlooked – factors in beef herd productivity. Research shows insufficient access can reduce performance faster and more dramatically than any other nutrient deficiency. A newly updated Economics of Water Systems Calculator from the Beef Cattle Research Council (BCRC) is designed to help producers evaluate the…
Alberta 4-H has introduced a new program for members who want to expand their knowledge of the beef industry. Exploring the Alberta & Canadian Beef Industry will give participants a comprehensive look at the many facets of beef production in the province and across the country. From animal care and stewardship practices to supply chains, marketing,…
The University of Calgary has officially opened its Veterinary Learning Commons at the Spy Hill campus, a $68.5-million provincial investment designed to tackle Alberta’s shortage of livestock and rural veterinarians. The new 70,000-sq.-ft. facility allows the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine (UCVM) to double annual Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) enrolment from 50 to 100 students….
Since the beginning of July, fed prices have rallied $18/cwt and have again established new record highs. Last week, the Canfax average fed steer and heifer price closed around $315/cwt live, $2/cwt higher than the previous week. Light trade was reported last week with dressed sales reported from $518.00–526.50/cwt FOB the feedlot. Buying interest was…
Canada’s cattle herd has recorded a year-over-year increase for the first time since 2021. According to Statistics Canada, total inventories reached 11.9 million head as of July 1, 2025, up 0.8% from the previous year. The biggest factor in the change is a less challenging year for many producers, according to the factors cited. Reduced…