It’s a tale as old as time: producers have a bag of extra tags laying around the barn “just in case.” But when activated tags are only used every once in a while, and the data associated with that tag isn’t updated properly, the impact is felt down the line, well after that cow has…
The dry weather this summer certainly impacted many producers’ marketing and winter feeding plans, but there was also some welcome moisture relief earlier this fall that took pressure off cow culling and allowed for a bit more orderly fall run of calves. That said fall offerings are larger, as less producers are backgrounding their calves…
As I sit down to write this column and share current highlights with you as the Chair of ABP, it has me thinking a great deal about what Alberta beef producers need to know is happening within our organization. But perhaps what I feel is just as important, is the fact that we need to…
Connection plays an integral role in our industry, and here at ABP we are no different. This past year our focus has been on communication and connection. Connecting and communicating with producers for re-engagement with our organization. Connecting with industry organizations and communicating with government tirelessly, on the dire drought situation facing producers. The support…
In the months following publication, most of the articles in the magazine find a second home on ABP Daily. And so should the cover, and some of the many faces that make this magazine possible. Published by Brad Dubeau,Alberta Beef Producers EditorLindsay (Westren) Roberts Co-EditorLaura Laing CreativeTracy IrvingTy VansonZoe McMullen WritingBrenda Lee SchoeppBrian PerillatDianne FinstadLaura…
Emergencies that involve livestock are complex and can progress quickly, putting people and animals at risk. Natural disasters, such as fires and floods, can pose a severe threat to a farm. Farmers are familiar with what natural hazards exist in their area and should adjust their emergency plans accordingly. For example, a farm located in…
For generations, cattle producers have proudly advocated as stewards of the land – protecting native grasslands, watersheds and landscapes in which they reside. In fact, it is quite common for ranchers to profess that our cattle merely play a role in the true focus of our business of growing grass and turning it into a…
Is the vigor of your cattle herd waning? The genetic vigor, that is. It might be time to dig deeper than hide color to discover the actual genetic makeup, and then to refresh, the heterosis of your herd. The what? ‘Heterosis’ is the science term for the Hybrid Vigor factor, and while its known benefits…
The winners of this year’s virtual Alberta Young Speakers for Agriculture (AYSA) event have roots that run deep in agriculture. Alyson Katerenchuk and Christopher Mills took home top honours in the Senior and Junior divisions, respectively. Their wins come in a year where the event saw more participants than ever before. This was the sixth…
As the days of summer fade away and we face the briskness of fall it is time to carefully consider livestock marketing plans for the farm and ranch. Traditionally, this time of year is referred to as ‘the fall run’ as most of the calves, yearlings and cull cows are offered for sale and the…
In 2003, just as scientists were putting the finishing touches on the human genome mapping project, and while 32 countries struggled to stop the spread of SARS, a single domestic case of Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy (BSE) was detected on an Alberta farm, closing international borders to Canadian beef and cattle sales for almost two decades….
Toilet paper panic, endless zoom calls and the renaissance of homemade sourdough bread. Those are just a few of the images likely to be long associated with the pandemic of ’20-’21. As producers, you know about the challenges the shutdown posed in your world, but what about at the other end of the food spectrum?…