Alberta’s beef sector has been relatively fortunate, compared to poultry and swine, having experienced few incursions of rapidly spreading diseases with high rates of mortality. That said, we all remember BSE and the devastating, long-lasting impact it had on our industry. We are a sector that relies on trade. Around 40–50 per cent of our…
Writing about trade and government relations in the beef industry is a challenge right now. By the time this article reaches your hands, the landscape could look quite different. Still, it’s worth providing some context on what’s been done, and some background on the current state of conversations. Throughout July, Alberta Beef Producers (ABP) met…
The Fall 2025 Issue of ABP Magazine published by Alberta Beef Producers highlights leadership, innovation, stewardship, and momentum across the beef industry. Here are five insights, among many examples, worth a closer look. 1. Taking charge: All for the Beef We’ve certainly had an active time as your beef cattle commission for the past few…
RDAR has expanded its OFCAF rotational grazing program to include virtual fencing — a GPS-based technology helping Alberta producers manage pastures, save labour, and improve sustainability with up to $75,000 in funding support. The new funding stream is designed to help cattle producers adopt “invisible fence” systems that use GPS-enabled collars and base stations to…
Fred Lozeman operates a mixed farming operation and feed yard near Claresholm, Alberta. Fred served as an ABP delegate for nine years, recently retiring in March 2025. Fred remains involved with ABP in a non-delegate role as chair of the governance committee. Becoming an ABP delegate is a great way to provide leadership to the…
This article was first published in Volume 5 Issue 3 of ABP Magazine (Fall 2025). Both Marissa Lemay and Denny Bjornson have now advanced as finalists. “One of the most powerful things about the CYL program is how it brings together people from different backgrounds, regions, and areas of expertise, all connected by a shared passion…
The best way to describe the feeder market in western Canada is ON FIRE, as steer calves and yearling look to find the top of their markets. This bullish market for calves and feeders is well into its fourth year, with the rally beginning in the fourth quarter of 2021 and only very small periods…
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…
Every year, eligible cattle producers in Alberta have the opportunity to bring forward resolutions through Producer Meetings. Those that are carried at Producer Meetings are sorted and directed by ABP’s Resolution Committee. The following resolutions, including those from Producer Meetings, were considered by delegates at the Annual General Meeting (AGM) in March, or by the…
In the December 2024 issue of ABP Magazine, we shared the list of producers acclaimed as delegates following the November nomination deadline. In March, the Board of Directors approved the appointments of three additional producers, including one new and two returning delegates. Jolene McDermott — Northwest Zone Jolene McDermott manages a 100-head cow/calf operation with…
Amid the ever-growing panoply of exotic restaurant experiences, steak is still king. “People see going for a high-quality steak dinner as something special,” says Stephen Deere, owner of Modern Steak’s two Calgary restaurants. “We strive to provide the best experience to our guests with a nice bottle of wine, an incredible cut of the best…
The Canadian Roundtable for Sustainable Beef (CRSB) was created to provide a collaborative space for players across the beef value chain to work together on sustainability. The organization works to advance, measure and communicate continual progress in the sustainability of the Canadian Beef value chain. The CRSB Certified program is a voluntary tool to recognize…