By Karen Briere, The Western Producer Forage-efficient cows maintain their back fat during winter, calve earlier in the calving season and wean heavier calves relative to their own weight, according to a University of Saskatchewan study. Dr. Greg Penner said the study shows how cow-calf producers can assess their cows without relying on feed-use efficiency, which…
The results of a four-year animal transport research study, funded in part by ABP, suggest the most important animal welfare factor in transport may be conditioning before they get on the truck. Since we last reported on this story in January 2022, researchers have completed their final year of a study to help improve animal…
Farmers and ranchers impacted by drought and wildfires can now enroll in the newly reopened AgriStability program. While enrolment for this year’s AgriStability program previously closed in the spring, the Government of Alberta and Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada announced last week that producers can sign up for late participation until September 29. “Our government has…
The Canfax fed steer price closed the week at around $235/cwt, $0.25/cwt lower than the previous week. From their highs in late June, prices have declined $12/cwt. Last week, dressed sales were reported from $388.50-393.50/cwt FOB the feedlot. Cattle that traded were being scheduled for early September delivery. Last week, Alberta fed prices were estimated…
By Rebecca Zandbergen, CBC News Ross Butler of Woodstock, Ont., first came to prominence as a livestock painter in the 1930s when a number of Canadian horse and cattle breed committees hired him to paint their idea of a perfect specimen. “For several years, he was known as the world’s leading livestock artist, which was a…
50 years! The cattle feeding industry has faced many high and lows, from record-high prices to BSE, and the Alberta Cattle Feeders’ Association (ACFA) has been here through it all. February 2023 marked the 50th anniversary of ACFA being the voice of Alberta cattle feeders. Cattle feeding was just getting started in the late 1960s…
When you aim to produce the ‘best beef in a better world,’ you’ve got a lot on your plate. But Sean McGrath tackles the target bite by bite. McGrath also appreciates that the Canadian Roundtable for Sustainable Beef (CRSB) process emphasizes principles and is adaptable on practices. “I know ranchers don’t like being told what…
From their highs in late June, fed cattle prices have declined $12/cwt. The leverage shift from cattle feeder to packer is seasonally occurring, reflected in softer prices and weaker basis levels. That said, fed prices for July will average around $240/cwt, the second-highest monthly price on record. Dressed sales were reported at mostly $395/cwt delivered….
By Dr. Rebecca Purc-Stephenson for the Alberta Farm Mental Health Network We’ve all felt anxious at one point or another in our lives. It’s a very normal reaction to stress. It’s feeling worried, panicked, fearful, and uneasy about a future concern. We might even feel faint, sweaty like our heart is racing, or we have…
Another Calgary Stampede is in the books, and Alberta Beef Producers was excited to be part of the action! Here’s a brief roundup of a few of the activities we took part in this year: Alberta Beef Industry Stampede Summit Along with other beef industry organizations, ABP welcomed provincial and federal politicians to our second…
A familiar face is taking up the federal agriculture portfolio as part of Wednesday’s cabinet shuffle. Lawrence MacAulay was appointed Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food, reprising the position he held from 2015-2019. ABP would like to thank outgoing Minister of Agriculture Marie-Claude Bibeau for her dedication to Canadian agriculture, and to congratulate her on her…
Feedlot production is an essential part of our industry. It provides an avenue for cow-calf producers to sell and finish their calves, ultimately producing the nutritious beef that we all enjoy. With fluctuating costs and tight margins, feedlot producers are constantly innovating and working with some of best service providers to seek solutions for increased…