In beef production, genetics play a critical role in both management and profitability. Regardless of the size of your operation or whether you are a commercial or purebred breeder, keeping records is an important part of managing your herd genetics. “Without accurate records you have no way of knowing whether or not your herd is…
Focus on preservation and community sets stage for success A lot has changed since southwestern Alberta’s Mt. Sentinel Ranch was established in 1898. Still, a few things have remained constant, including the family’s involvement in the operation and their passion for cattle and environmental stewardship. The family’s legacy in grassland conservation and stewardship began when…
Diseases caused by the bacteria called Histophilus somni are a silent killer increasing in occurrence in Alberta feedlots. Prevention through good animal husbandry is the first line of defense, both on the ranch and in the feedlot. Some feedlots in Alberta have seen a rising number of deaths caused by histophilosis in recent years. “Histophilosis…
Ear tags can be used for much more than just the identity of an animal these days. One of the newer technology entries to the Canadian cattle market is SenseHub® Livestock Monitoring from Merck Animal Health, which can provide both feedlot operators and cow-calf producers some helpful management insights. The illuminating electronic SenseHub® Cow Calf…
Trade is currently in the spotlight with the new trump administration, sparking discussions about its importance and how evolving trade practices influence industries. I want to start by saying that if you are seeking detailed and up-to-date trade information, ABPdaily.com is an excellent resource. Alberta Beef Producers collaborates closely with other national and provincial organizations,…
ABP’s producer-led research committee once again invested producer check-off dollars into research in 2024 to improve the competitiveness, sustainability, and profitability of beef producers. Proposals are received through the Agriculture Funding Consortium, undergo a scientific technical review and then are evaluated by the producer representatives on the ABP research committee. Decisions are guided by the…
Weaning weights, crop yields, pie à la mode… bigger is always better, right?! It’s an easy decision when pie is involved, but the answer to everything else is a resounding “maybe.” Annual reports from the Canadian Cow-Calf Cost of Production Network and a recent article from the Beef Cattle Research Council (Big Cows and Big…
Founded in 2014, the Canadian Roundtable for Sustainable Beef (CRSB) market it’s 10-year anniversary in 2024, celebrating many important milestones over its first decade. The CRSB’s collaborative approach is a model followed by others and has helped to establish our Canadian beef sector as a leader in sustainability. The launch of the 2024 National Beef…
For more than a century, irrigation and water management have supported agriculture and the ecology of Alberta’s semi-arid south. However, recurring droughts and minimal snowpack in recent years have strained the system, highlighting vulnerabilities in our water management strategies. In 2024, Alberta’s Minister of Environment and Protected Areas (EPA), Rebecca Schulz, collaborated with major water…
The beef business is facing some incredible opportunities. If you want to be in cattle and want to work, it’s a good place to be. But at the same time, that is also bringing change. As an industry, we need to be okay with that. Everything in this world changes, whether we like it or…
In the article entitled Commission Mechanics: How ABP Leverages Producer Dollars to Foster a Successful Alberta Beef Industry (ABP Magazine, Volume 4 Issue 3), Emma Cross explained that Alberta Beef Producers is a commission established under the Marketing of Agricultural Products Act and how ABP, as a commission, differs from other beef cattle organizations that…
This fall has brought a whirlwind of legislative activity impacting agriculture, with several significant bills and reviews at both the provincial and federal levels. Provincial Legislation In Alberta, amendments to the Meat Inspection Act were introduced on October 30 by Agriculture and Irrigation Minister RJ Sigurdson. These changes aim to address illegal meat sales by…