By optimizing the amount of carbon returned to the soil, forage production can play a major role in carbon sequestration while improving soil quality. Not only does this benefit yield, it has environmental advantages. “Soils contain two to three times more carbon than the vegetation or atmosphere, and that’s why we talk about soil carbon […] Read more
Perennial forage systems offer environmental, production benefits
More research is needed to better understand the effects of specific management practices in forage production under Canadian conditions
Six tips to make forage inventory management pay
Small actions can make a big difference when looking ahead to assess the year’s feed requirements
Back in November, Les Halliday was fielding calls from Maritime cattle producers already short on feed for winter. With difficult weather and loss of land for forage production in Atlantic Canada affecting winter feed supplies for many producers, Halliday, beef specialist with the P.E.I. Department of Agriculture, has seen how accurate forage inventory management can […] Read more
Keeping beef on the plate
Concerns about beef’s place in the Dietary Guidelines for Americans are prompting the largest beef organization in the U.S. to advocate for a focus on nutritional science
The latest diet trends have shone a spotlight on protein, and for good reason. The emphasis on protein in popular programs such as the keto diet provides an opportunity for beef to stake its claim as the top choice for consumers wanting more protein. “The more we get protein on their radar, the importance of […] Read more
CCA calls for BSE-era set-aside framework to mitigate processing backlog
Industry groups urge federal government for support implementing program in light of critically reduced packing capacity across Canada
Canada’s national beef organizations are pushing for the swift implementation of a program used to weather the industry’s last major storm. With processing capacity reduced across Canada, including one of the country’s largest packing plants, the Canadian Cattlemen’s Association (CCA) and other stakeholders are calling on financial support from the federal government to reintroduce the […] Read more
Whelan: Canada Beef focuses on meal prep as retail demand surges
The checkoff-funded organization shifts marketing efforts to help Canadians enjoy more beef at home, reassure consumers on food safety efforts
As more Canadians are cooking at home and retail demand for beef stays strong, consumers are looking for recipes. Canada Beef has shifted its promotional efforts in response to the COVID-19 crisis, focusing on the recent increase in demand for beef and opportunities for Canadians to serve their families more beef. In facing this situation, […] Read more
Tips to assess and prevent alfalfa winterkill
Forage: News Roundup from the April 2020 issue of Canadian Cattlemen
When it comes to assessing and preventing winterkill in alfalfa stands, timing is everything. In a recent Beef Cattle Research Council webinar on winterkill in forage stands, Christine O’Reilly encouraged producers to scout alfalfa fields early and often to get on top of any issues resulting from winterkill. O’Reilly is a forage and grazing specialist […] Read more
COVID-19 strains already-battered Ontario beef industry
Limited processing capacity remains financial challenge for province's feedlot sector, despite recent increase in retail demand
Ontario’s beef industry was already in the midst of an economic crisis, but COVID-19 is worsening the financial toll on the province’s cattle feeders. Due to extremely limited processing plant capacity, an uncompetitive market and disruptions to trade and market access, Ontario’s beef industry was losing an average of more than $2 million per week […] Read more
Alberta Cattle Feeders’ Association continues collaboration with Alberta Beef Producers
Together, the cattle feeders and beef producers have established election priorities and partnered in the new Simpson Centre for Agricultural and Food Innovation and Public Education.
2019 was a productive year for the Alberta Cattle Feeders’ Association, with several successes in government advocacy and industry collaboration. ACFA’s year-end highlights were celebrated at the association’s annual general meeting on March 4, held in conjunction with the 2020 Alberta Beef Industry Conference in Red Deer, Alta. Janice Tranberg, ACFA’s CEO, reported that one […] Read more
Western Stock Growers push for wildlife compensation changes
The association also asks province to reinstate funding for Alberta students at the Western College of Veterinary Medicine.
The Western Stock Growers’ Association plans to concentrate part of its lobbying efforts on updating wildlife compensation programs. In keeping with its focus on sound range management, WSGA membership passed a resolution to lobby both the provincial and federal governments to remedy the existing wildlife compensation programs at its recent annual general meeting, held March […] Read more
Doing business at Agribition
How do major livestock exhibitions facilitate commerce? Canadian Western Agribition provides a case study
For those who know it, stepping into the show barns feels like coming home. The sound of blowers competes with speakers blasting everything from classic country to AC/DC. Clipping chutes are pulled into the aisles, with capable teams of fitters putting on the finishing touches in time for the next class. In this atmosphere, there’s […] Read more
Canadian Cattlemen Presents: Depth of Field
