The Western Canadian fed market has worked higher since the beginning of the year gaining $31/cwt or close to $500/head. Last week, the Canfax average fed steer and heifer price closed around $328/cwt live, up $3.50/cwt from the previous week. From a supply perspective, seasonally yearling numbers are declining while fed calves are still a…

Foreign materials and toxins can easily find their way into everyday cattle operations, often without being noticed. Items like wire, nails, baler twine, net wrap or contaminated feed may seem minor, but if consumed by cattle, they can lead to serious health issues, reduced performance and, in some cases, death. One of the most well-known…

Cattle prices were a key factor powering Canada’s farm economy in 2025, pushing total farm cash receipts to $101 billion despite declines in crop revenues and government support. New figures from Statistics Canada show receipts rose from $98 billion in 2024, with gains in the livestock sector more than offsetting weaker crop performance. Livestock receipts climbed to…

Alberta Beef Producers (ABP) is pleased to recognize this year’s Young Creators Contest winners, highlighting creativity, storytelling, and positive messages about cattle and the beef industry. “The Young Creators Contest once again has provided a great opportunity for young people to show their talents and have fun while engaging on the subject of beef production,”…

4-H Alberta is recognizing the role of volunteers while continuing to offer a wide range of programming and opportunities for youth across the province this spring. Celebrating volunteers In its April update, the organization is highlighting National Volunteer Week (April 19–25) and the critical role volunteers play in delivering 4-H programming and supporting youth development. …

Seasonally, after the Easter holiday warmer weather is usually price supportive for the beef complex. Packer margins have improved in recent weeks with a stronger cutout and utilization. Alberta direct cattle saw light trade with dressed sales reported at $545.00/cwt delivered, $5.00/cwt stronger than the previous week. Buying interest was noted from all Western Canadian…

The leptin gene in mammals is called the obese gene and was first discovered in mice.  This gene produces a protein/hormone created by fat cells. The hormone signals the brain to regulate hunger and body weight, and is often called the “satiety hormone” because it helps you feel full and tells your body it has…

Alberta and Saskatchewan producers will once again have access to strychnine for Richardson’s ground squirrel control following a new federal decision authorizing emergency use of the product. The Government of Canada announced March 30 that it is approving a time-limited and controlled emergency registration of strychnine to help address significant crop and pasture damage caused…

Agrivoltaics may be at the ‘tip of the iceberg’ stage in Alberta, but examining the concept ‘below the surface’ is well underway. The term is new to the vocabulary for many in agriculture but it simply means the dual-purpose use of land – for both solar energy and agricultural production. It turns out the two…

After extensive producer engagement and input from provincial beef organizations, the Canadian Cattle Association (CCA) does not support proceeding with the Canadian Food Inspection Agency’s (CFIA) currently proposed amendments to Part XV of the Health of Animals Regulations (Identification and Traceability). The CCA supports livestock traceability as a core pillar of disease preparedness, market access and confidence in…