A flank steak. Nutrition, quality and cost are some of the factors millennials interviewed for this story cited when buying beef.

Winning over millennials

Overall millennials see beef production less favourably than other generations, but sharing positive stories and making personal connections can win longtime fans

This is the final instalment in a three-part series on millennial consumers and the opportunities for Canadian beef producers to better understand this demographic. You can read Part 1 here, and Part 2 here. Junelle Dion is a fan of Canadian beef, and directly supporting a rancher makes purchasing beef even more satisfying. “I love […] Read more

Joe Lofthouse working the gate while sorting calves. Lofthouse believes in a hands-on leadership style.

People-focused approach pays off

Hands-on leadership and being open to continuous learning have made the difference for this feedlot management consultant

Although Joe Lofthouse has successfully managed tens of thousands of head of cattle, learning to manage an underappreciated aspect in feedlot production is what has made the greatest difference. The ability to work effectively with others has been one of the most valuable skills throughout his career in feedlot management. “I’ve always said it wasn’t […] Read more


“We realized at some point in time, way back last spring, we’re all producing one thing, and that’s food, and we’d better start talking the same language. – Bob Lowe.

Focusing on the future while facing a pandemic

CCA president Bob Lowe reflects on the trials and silver linings of a tumultuous year

When Bob Lowe was elected president of the Canadian Cattlemen’s Association (CCA) in March 2020, he couldn’t have anticipated everything the year ahead had in store. Mere days after CCA’s annual general meeting, Canada was in lockdown due to the pandemic, changing the trajectory of everyone’s year and presenting numerous challenges to the Canadian food […] Read more

The McNary family. All four of Warren and Lenamarie’s adult children remain involved in the ranch, either full- or part-time.

Raising the right cow for the job

The McNary family focuses on efficient, low-input cattle and Longhorn genetics are one ingredient in their program’s success

When the Longhorn first arrived in southern Saskatchewan’s Great Sandhills, this resilient breed was considered the ideal cow for this semi-arid landscape. In the late 1880s, Sir John Lister Kaye brought 7,000 Longhorn females to this area from Wyoming, the majority of which stocked his newly established ranch at Crane Lake. He ran imported purebred […] Read more


cattle on pasture, mountains

Reinstatement of Coal Policy not enough, say Alberta ranchers

Local ranchers remain concerned as new plan for Alberta’s Coal Policy allows several controversial open-pit mining projects to continue

For Laura Laing and John Smith, news that the province of Alberta planned to reinstate the 1976 Coal Policy raised more questions than answers. Laing and Smith, who run Plateau Cattle Co. west of Nanton, Alta. were never contacted or consulted when the provincial government rescinded the Coal Policy last spring, despite the fact that […] Read more

As the pandemic pushed millennials to hone their culinary skills, Canada Beef provided everything from recipes to tips on cooking and storing beef.

A demographic ready for a connection

Millennials respond positively to messages about nutrition and convenience of beef, especially when they hear it from third parties

This is the second instalment in a three-part series on millennial consumers and the opportunities for the Canadian beef producers in better understanding this demographic. Look for Part Three in the March 2021 issue of Canadian Cattlemen. You can read Part One here. When it comes to purchasing and consuming Canadian beef, millennials make a […] Read more


Ten-year-old Lincoln Graham dons a mask while showing at the Lloydminster Stockade Roundup. Show organizers decided to hold Roundup in person this past November, with protocols in place.

Livestock shows pivot to survive hard times

Several Canadian exhibitions adapt their programming to deal with the COVID-19, pandemic, though the future of the agriculture events sector remains uncertain

In its almost century-long history, the Royal Agricultural Winter Fair had only been cancelled once before in a moment of adversity. Toronto’s famed exhibition was put on hold during the Second World War as army barracks were created in the Royal Horse Palace. Canadian soldiers about to ship out to Europe readied themselves in stables […] Read more

While people may have differing ideas of what sustainability means, it’s a requirement for millennials making food purchases.

What millennials want

Looking beyond the click-bait headlines into how millennials’ perspectives can offer opportunities to the Canadian beef industry

This is the first instalment in a three-part series delving into the priorities and concerns of millennials when purchasing beef. You’ve likely seen the cringe-worthy headlines on consumer trends relating to millennials. From an alleged fixation on avocado toast to supposedly causing the decline of the engagement ring industry, articles blaming millennials for the rise […] Read more


Ceres Tag CEO David Smith with tag and applicator.

Satellite ear tags for livestock coming to Canada

Canadian producers involved in international trial of Australian-based direct-to-satellite smart ear tag

When Heather Mundt sought an alternative to branding, a new livestock ear tag in development on the other side of the world opened the door for new management decision possibilities. Heather and her husband Brenton, who run a cow-calf operation and grain farm at Oyen, Alta., were interested in GPS ear tags for identification and […] Read more

Filming Guardians of the Grasslands.

The power of storytelling

A compelling story combined with all the right skills allowed Ben Wilson to play a vital role reaching audiences beyond the beef industry

When Ben Wilson arrived at the Waldron Ranch Grazing Co-op in June 2019, he and his business partner, Sarah Wray, were there to create a short video about this historic ranch. The two filmmakers, who run Story Brokers Media House, had access to experts from Ducks Unlimited Canada and the Nature Conservancy of Canada. The […] Read more