Alberta Beef Producers

Recently announced budget cuts at Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada raise important questions about the impact to beef and forage work done in support of the industry. Media reports indicate AAFC facilities tied to beef and forage research are among those facing capacity reductions or even closures as part of cuts announced under the 2025 federal…

Alberta Beef Producers (ABP) is saddened to learn of the passing of Rick Burton of Claresholm, a past Chair of ABP and a long-time advocate for Alberta’s cattle industry.  A third-generation rancher from the Porcupine Hills west of Claresholm, Burton devoted his life to raising cattle, stewarding the land and speaking up for producers. He served the…

ABP is pleased to welcome Samuel Vriend, who joins the organization as Wildlife Policy Advisor starting in January 2026. In this role, Vriend will advance beef producers’ priorities related to wildlife policy, working closely with ABP’s Government Relations & Policy and Beef Production & Extension teams. Samuel Vriend will represent ABP on key industry and…

Alberta Beef Producers (ABP) is preparing for the 2026 resolution cycle, and producers will again have the opportunity to bring forward local issues, ideas, and priorities that help shape ABP’s work for the year ahead. Resolutions 101 Producer resolutions are one of the most important ways cattle producers can influence the work of Alberta Beef…

Alberta Beef Producers (ABP) is welcoming amendments to the AgriStability program announced in the 2025 federal budget—changes that represent meaningful progress for cattle producers. Budget 2025 includes $109.2 million for Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada to support the federal-provincial-territorial AgriStability program. Key changes include: ABP Chair Doug Roxburgh says the announcement reflects years of collaboration between industry and government. “Thank…

With harvest wrapped up, another important deadline is quickly approaching: delegate nominations for Alberta Beef Producers (ABP) close on November 15. ABP relies on its delegates to represent the voice of cattle producers across the province. Delegates bring forward ideas, concerns, and opportunities from their zones to help guide ABP’s programs, policies, and advocacy efforts. “ABP’s strength…

This is the second article in a series related to bovine tuberculosis investigations. In the first, we described what to expect during an investigation and how testing works up to the point of culture. In this one, we’ll explore some specific nuances that can evolve during the process, including recent modifications to the trace-in period…

Canadian cattle herds are currently free of the Asian Longhorned Tick (ALHT) and the parasite it can carry, Theileria orientalis ikeda. But with the tick spreading across more than 20 U.S. states, experts say it’s only a matter of time before it could reach Canada.  Producers should be aware, watchful and prepared, says Karin Schmid, Beef…

With shifting market forces, increasing regulatory complexity, and rising sustainability expectations, Canadian beef producers continue to navigate a landscape filled with both challenge and opportunity. Few have done more to steer through that terrain than Dennis Laycraft. Recently named among the 2025 inductees into the Canadian Agricultural Hall of Fame, Laycraft is best known for…