Canadians returned Prime Minister Justin Trudeau to Parliament Hill, but in a minority situation and a duration that depends on how long the political parties can agree to work together.

Comment: Another federal election in the books

The 2019 federal election is done and gone, leaving the country with a Liberal minority government and some strong feelings. It will also leave the beef industry looking for common ground with elected officials from various parties, at least for the next couple of years. These days, the way to a Liberal or NDP MP’s […] Read more

Comment: Reading the National Beef Strategy

Comment: Reading the National Beef Strategy

The beef industry faces more than its fair of challenges these days. From public perception about beef’s impact on the environment and health to labour shortages to pending regulatory changes around traceability and transportation, you all have your hands full. At the same time, new technology and the disruption to pork production overseas are opportunities […] Read more


This past year has seen a number of incidents involving animal activists trespassing onto farms in an attempt to “liberate” livestock from producers.

Comment: Stealing a pig is not heroic

Usually fall elicits thoughts of seasonal chores such as moving the cow herd home or weaning calves. Feedlots and auction marts are gearing up for the fall calf run and we’re all thinking about winter. But this year, some in the livestock sector are weighing the likelihood of vegan activists trespassing onto their operation and […] Read more



B.C. beef producers are leasing a federally inspected plant in a bid to launch a  B.C. beef brand.

Comment: What do people know about protein?

Here’s a funny thing: for all the media and social media buzz around protein these days, it turns out people might not know a lot about it. That’s according to survey results released by Nielsen last year. It’s not a new report, but with the spotlight on alternate protein products these days, it’s worth looking […] Read more



One issue with the Navigation Protection Act is that it expands the definition of a navigable waterway.

Comment: New legislation may be coming to a creek near you

You may never look at a spring creek the same way once you’ve learned about the proposed amendments to the Navigation Protection Act, which were introduced as part of Bill C-69 in February 2018. A Senate committee has been holding public hearings on the bill this spring. The Navigation Protection Act ensures people can travel […] Read more

Comment: The trouble with science

From the April 2019 issue of Canadian Cattlemen

To me, one of the most interesting aspects of working in agriculture is the ongoing research and the way that research is applied in the field (or the corral). There’s a good deal of science behind many of the products beef producers use regularly, whether it’s vaccines or new forage varieties. There’s science behind many […] Read more


The latest version of the Canada Food Guide suggests Canadians should consume more plant-based foods, and less meat and dairy. But with each person’s dietary needs being different based on age and gender, how should this be applied in a practical way?

Comment: Canada’s New Food Guide short on nuance

Canada’s Food Guide dropped earlier this winter, and there were some significant changes. While some revisions are positive, details are hard to find. I doubt anyone would argue with the food guide’s advice to regularly consume vegetables, fruit, whole grains and protein. Nor does its recommendations to cook more often or enjoy your food seem […] Read more

Good stewardship practices are essential for cattle producers in order to keep land productive for many years to come.

Comment: Being a good steward

From the February 2019 issue of Canadian Cattlemen

In November, I was at the Canadian Forage and Grassland Association conference in Calgary when Dr. Henry Janzen delivered an inspiring opening keynote. Janzen, quoting environmental scientist Donella Meadows, suggested we pay attention to what is important, not just what we can measure. Often we evaluate systems based on only what we can measure, he […] Read more