The pandemic has boosted interest in Canada’s food system, and beef industry stakeholders see an opportunity to build relationships with the non-farming public.

Food system transparency vital in post-pandemic world

Industry stakeholders see a window of opportunity to build public trust, but the industry must act before the public’s attention on food production wanes

The importance of transparency isn’t a new concept at Chop Steak­­house, but it’s certainly become amplified this year. Before the COVID-19 pandemic, Canadian consumers were already asking more questions about food production, something Marcel Blais, president of Chop Steakhouse, anticipates will become more common. “We’ve always had really strong practices on food and safety; we’re […] Read more

The Macdonalds run about 150 cows and hold over their calves to sell as yearlings. They see a strong business case to market some of their cattle into grass-finished supply chains.

A deeper look into A&W’s grass-fed Canadian beef initiative

A&W’s announcement to source 100 per cent Canadian grass-fed beef drew criticism from some while providing a new marketing opportunity for many Canadian producers

In challenging economic times, it can pay to diversify your business model. For Ross Macdonald of 98 Ranch, this was a strong case for marketing cattle into grass-finishing supply chains. Building resiliency into your business, especially when traditional markets have been challenged, is what Macdonald sees as “probably the least discussed and least understood opportunity” […] Read more


A broad perspective on nutritional science

Any discussion of the merits of grass-fed beef invites scientific comparison to grain-fed beef. One noteworthy difference between the two production systems is how long it takes to finish an animal. “Because of the lower energy density, it typically takes longer for animals to reach slaughter weight when they’re grass-fed,” says Dr. Tim McAllister, principal […] Read more

Jared Epp during his stock dog demonstration at Ag in Motion in 2019.

Livestock Central goes live online

Ag in Motion Special Event Feature

Livestock Central has always been an important part of Ag in Motion, and organizers have worked hard to ensure the digital event will be no different. From livestock feeding technology and stock dog demos to the Livestock and Forage Speaker Series, a variety of interactive options are available digitally for registered guests. Digital Livestock and […] Read more


Dung beetles break down manure on grasslands and convert it into plant nutrients. They also facilitate water infiltration and soil aeration.

Dung beetles may be small but they play a big role on pastures

These beetles turn manure into nutrients, improving the soil, increasing water infiltration and cutting pest fly populations

On pasture ecosystems, the spotlight is often on grass and cattle, yet a well-functioning grassland may depend, at least in part, on behind-the-scenes work performed by dung beetles. With a skillset that includes converting manure into nutrients, improving soil aeration, minimizing pest flies and increasing water infiltration, dung beetles can help beef producers set the […] Read more

Livin’ on the edge

Livin’ on the edge

From the Ground Up with Steve Kenyon

I like to live right on the edge. That is where all of the excitement is! There is great risk, but also great rewards. I’ve done some pretty crazy things in my life — from sky diving to bull riding — and I love the rush. The edge is a great place to live. Oh […] Read more


Researchers seek producer feedback on environmental assessment software

Researchers seek producer feedback on environmental assessment software

Researchers are taking a deeper look at practices that affect soil carbon and the role of wetlands in the fourth version of Holos, which allows producers to calculate their greenhouse gas emissions

A new version of an on-farm environmental assessment software is in the works, and researchers are looking for producer feedback. Scientists at Lethbridge’s Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada Research and Development Centre are enhancing the whole-farm Holos model software for measuring and assessing the environmental impact of Canadian agricultural management practices, with full release anticipated by […] Read more

Deborah Yedlin, chancellor at the U of C, moderates a panel during the Simpson Centre announcement. L to R: Dr. Eugene Beaulieu, School of Public Policy, U of C; Fawn Jackson, government and international relations, Canadian Cattlemen’s Association; Dr. Ryan Cardwell, department of agricultural economics, University of Manitoba.

New University of Calgary centre set to meet challenges facing Canadian agriculture

Simpson Centre to blend research and policy, shaping the conversation on agriculture and food production

More than a decade ago, John Simpson noticed that ranchers and farmers who didn’t adapt with the times paid dearly for it. While considering funding a project related to agriculture, Simpson became concerned with the survival of the industry due to a lack of attention to consumer demands. “Farmers and ranchers need to be aware […] Read more


Students participate in an AgScape thinkAg Career Competition, learning about careers in Canada’s agri-food industry.

Classroom program builds public knowledge, promotes ag careers

AgScape is raising the profile of agriculture and food production in Ontario’s classrooms, connecting with students on issues that matter to them

With so much information about agriculture and food production easily accessible today, how does the average consumer know what’s true? By providing students with fact-based information on Canada’s agri-food industry, an Ontario-based classroom education program is empowering youth to think critically about these topics while gaining a better understanding of food production. AgScape is working […] Read more

While cost likely limits the market for self-propelled balers, they do push computerization, Adam Verner says.

Balers evolving to make silage and run non-stop

Given the short haying windows, Adam Verner sees growth potential for wet hay and silage balers. But manufacturers still face challenges around speed, bale density and cost

The earliest round balers were amazing but frustrating machines. During forage season, I would exhibit a semi-permanent crick in the neck combined with a disturbing vocabulary of profanities. Constant fear of a plugged pickup, a twisted belt or a roller bearing displaying the telltale signs of smoke before the fire plagued my working days. These […] Read more