(Left to right) Ruby, Jacob, Rita and Ross Canning at their beef operation near Geelong, Victoria in Australia.

Passion for raising cattle brings youth to Canada

Young Australian producer drawn to Canada for opportunities to benefit her herd back home

No matter where in the world you travel, family is at the heart of agriculture. Above the main show ring at Canadian Western Agribition in 2019, Ruby Canning was taking a short break in the International Business Centre. Backpack and camera at her side, the young Australian lit up when she talked about how much […] Read more

Food security is an issue in this election for 54 per cent of Canadians. (FatCamera/E+/Getty Images)

Greater understanding, support required to strengthen Canada’s food system

All scales of production required to better deal with supply chain disruptions, say agri-food industry representatives

The surge of interest in purchasing locally produced food was a silver lining to the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. This support, however, reveals the fragmented nature of Canada’s food system. “I think part of the interest in local food and trying to change the places that you’re getting food was a response to peoples’ […] Read more


While food insecurity was a problem before the pandemic, related income drops are expected to worsen the problem.

Pandemic-related income loss expected to double food insecurity in Canada

Higher priority on food, strong social and economic policy needed to address troubling levels of hunger

From concerns about food shortages to renewed interest in buying local, the COVID-19 pandemic has made Canadians more aware of food production. This awareness has offered the opportunity to highlight the gaps that exist in Canada’s food system, relating to the lack of attention our society generally places on food. “Food and food production has […] Read more

“I’ve always loved animals and especially cows and horses...” – Haley Scott.

Finding a role in the science behind red meat production

Young Leader Spotlight: Combining her love of science and raising cattle, Haley Scott has created an exciting career path in meat production research and improvement

When Haley Scott reflects on how she arrived at her current position in meat production research, it all makes sense. An opportunity to study at an agriculture program in New Zealand was just one of the experiences that led her to blend her background in cow-calf production and passion for science into a promising career. […] Read more


Sean McGrath says that investing in genomic tools can work for producers as long as they plan to use the technology to make changes to their operations.

Making genomics work for commercial cattle herds

DNA testing and genomic-enhanced EPDs could contribute to more profitable selection, management and marketing decisions for commercial producers

Although the use of genomics is frequently geared toward the seedstock industry, there are options that could lead to improved profits for commercial beef producers. The use of simple DNA tests and genomic profiles enhancing the accuracy of expected progeny differences (EPDs) can have selection, management and marketing benefits for commercial operations, says Sean McGrath. […] Read more

The Canadian Food Inspection Agency’s (CFIA) recently amended transport regulations now place legal responsibility on beef producers to select cattle that are fit to transport and to clearly communicate the animals’ needs with other regulated parties.

New transport regulations require more vigilance from producers

Producers must ensure cattle are fit to travel and communicate all details to transporters before their animals leave the farm.

Meeting Canada’s updated livestock transport regulations begins with producer vigilance before getting on the road. The Canadian Food Inspection Agency’s (CFIA) recently amended transport regulations now place legal responsibility on beef producers to select cattle that are fit to transport and to clearly communicate the animals’ needs with other regulated parties. “Humane transport is a […] Read more


For Abby Scholz, a certification program has helped link the show ring to production agriculture.

Fostering a new generation of U.S. beef producers

Youth for the Quality Care of Animals provides an opportunity for young livestock exhibitors to prove they’re doing the right thing when it comes to animal health and well-being

Abby Scholz knows what she’s doing in the show ring. The high school senior from Bertrand, Nebraska, is a force to be reckoned with when it comes to beef conformation and showmanship and is a promising young advocate for the beef industry. Away from the show barns, she also knows what she’s doing when it […] Read more

Cattle liners at Red Deer, Alta. CFIA is requiring Transfer of Care documents for both short and long haul.

Linking probiotics and respiratory health

Studies on the bovine microbiota show the possibility of using probiotics to help prevent bovine respiratory disease

Ongoing studies are leading scientists closer to the development of an alternative to help prevent and treat the beef industry’s costliest disease. Researchers at the Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada (AAFC) research centre in Lethbridge, Alta., are developing a probiotic to help reduce the incidence of bovine respiratory disease (BRD). Though several studies are still needed […] Read more


Photo: Canada Beef Inc.

Canadian Beef Advisors set long-term industry goals

Advisors release first set of ambitious long-term goals for the Canadian beef industry designed to build government support and public trust.

Canadian beef organizations are looking further into the future with a new set of long-term goals for the industry. The Canadian Beef Advisors introduced three sets of 10-year goals for the industry to work towards together, focused on animal health and welfare, land use and biodiversity and greenhouse gas and carbon sequestration. “The intent is […] Read more

A new report has put a dollar value on the stewardship provided by Alberta's leaseholders.

Report puts dollar value on stewardship provided by Alberta leaseholders

Legislated land management costs provide millions in value to the province, new report finds

Leaseholders who manage grazing on Alberta’s Crown lands provide almost $70 million in value each year to the province, a new report finds. The Alberta Grazing Leaseholders Association (AGLA) commissioned a value estimate assessment to determine the economic value that grazing leaseholders provide through the stewardship responsibilities required in their lease terms. “We as an […] Read more