US President Donald Trump during an executive order signing in the Oval Office of the White House in Washington, DC, US, on Monday, Feb. 10, 2025. Trump ordered a 25% tariff on steel and aluminum imports, escalating his efforts to protect politically important US industries with levies hitting some of the country’s closest allies. Photographer: Al Drago/Pool/Sipa USA

Comment: Surviving Donald Trump’s political chaos

Depending on who you talk to, U.S. President Donald Trump is either a righteous genius, acting in the best interests of America, or a blustering fool who doesn’t know what he’s doing. Personally, I don’t think either of those assessments is correct, or fully correct, anyway. I think Trump understands how to create chaos and […] Read more



cattle and a rancher on a horse in a pasture

Canadian Cattle Association advocates for beef producers through tariff uncertainty

CCA Reports, from the March 2025 issue of Canadian Cattlemen

There is no such thing as a quiet time in the cattle industry, but it feels like the first part of 2025 has been busier than other years. The days leading up to and immediately after President Trump’s inauguration were intense as I juggled my farm responsibilities with media interview requests and meetings to discuss […] Read more

Close-Up of Hereford Cow Eye

Knowns and unknowns for Canada’s beef industry in 2025

CCA Reports, from the February 2025 issue of Canadian Cattlemen

As I write this column at the beginning of the new year, I’ve reflected on the similarities between cattle production and geopolitics — and how the political world affects our sector along with the entire economy. As of this writing, there is so much uncertainty in the political world. An unpredictable president-elect is making waves […] Read more



a close-up view of a black cow

Tariff threat clouds outlook for beef producers

Prime Cuts with Steve Kay

Cattle producers throughout North America have been holding their breath since President Donald Trump began his second term in office. They are hoping that he will not go ahead with his threat to impose 25 per cent tariffs on all goods from Canada and Mexico, an additional 10 per cent tariff on all Chinese imports […] Read more


(Mecaleha/iStock/Getty Images)

Trump tariffs would weaken loonie, then U.S. dollar

Canadian government missing in action

With Donald Trump set to become President of the United States on Jan. 20, uncertainty continues to swirl about his threat to impose a 25 per cent tariff on all goods the U.S. imports from Canada and Mexico as early as that Monday. Should Trump press ahead with his levies, the Canadian dollar would be caught up in the collateral damage.

The Parliament of Canada in winter - Ottawa

Cattle producers need a voice in Ottawa

CCA Reports, from the January 2025 issue of Canadian Cattlemen

These update columns have generally been about what the CCA is doing to optimize markets, regulations, legislation and the overall industry conditions for beef cattle producers. I thought a bit more of the “how” we do those things would be of interest. A good portion of our policy work focuses on Ottawa. New or up-for-renewal […] Read more



ground beef cooking in a pan on a stovetop

Progress made in Canada’s cattle industry with work to be done

CCA Reports, from the December 2024 issue of Canadian Cattlemen

This time last year, I wrote about our continued advocacy efforts to expand price insurance to the Maritimes. In 2024, price insurance became available and is the first step to helping current producers and the next generation in the region. The next step that we’re working on is cost-shared premiums, equitable to crop insurance. Federal […] Read more