A bull elk with a huge rack of horns stands in a meadow in the mountains in the summer.

Growing elk population concerns Alberta Beef Producers members

The number of elk in Alberta is getting bigger, and so is the animals’ impact on cattle producers across the province

At the Alberta Beef Producers’ meeting in Vermilion on Jan. 23 most producers in the room shared in a long discussion of the issues arising from the growing elk population.

An aerial view looking straight down on the paddocks with cattle in them in a feedlot.

Alberta Beef Producers works toward being fully funded

Alberta Beef Producers sees non-refundable checkoff as long-term goal, but says it will take a cautious approach

The topic of check-off refunds has long been a key conversation in Alberta’s beef industry. Check-off dollars are intended to promote and support the cattle industry in Alberta, but about $3.2 million is taken out of Alberta Beef Producers’ budget each year due to refund requests from Alberta producers. Of the $4.50 per head check-off […] Read more

The abundance of feed this year, combined with strong calf prices promising profit, could ease the pressure on producers to reduce their herds.  |  File photo

Cow herd recovery remains elusive

Despite high cattle prices, there are few signs that producers are preparing to increase the size of their herds

Glacier FarmMedia – High calf prices have been a good news story for cow-calf producers, but they’ve done little to help Canada recover its diminished beef herd. “According to Statistics Canada, we’ve seen a decrease in total cattle inventories in Alberta from 5.225 million on July 1, 2023 to 5.145 million on the same date […] Read more


The Taylor family —Clayton, Rob, Audrey and Courtney won the 2024 Environmental Stewardship award.  |  Alberta Beef Producers photo

Taylor Ranches win environmental award

Family earns Alberta Beef Producers annual accolade with low-cost operation that produces its own feed

Glacier FarmMedia – Taylor Ranches has won the 2024 Environmental Stewardship Award from Alberta Beef Producers. It’s an honour for the family, said Rob Taylor, who owns and operates the ranch with his wife Audrey and their children. Rob, Audrey, and their two youngest children, Courtney and Clayton, live along the Milk River Ridge southwest […] Read more

This alfalfa is at the 80 to 90 per cent flowering stage. Full bloom is the safest stage of alfalfa to graze cattle. | Debra Murphy photo

Graze alfalfa without the fear of bloating

Glacier FarmMedia – There are many good reasons to include alfalfa in a grazing stand and one big reason not to: bloat. That’s a shame, experts say, because appropriate management practices can help farmers reap the legume’s benefits while minimizing problems. Alfalfa is rich in nutrition and good for the land, but bloat can kill […] Read more


Cheryl Waldner, a professor and researcher with the University of Saskatchewan, calls bovine respiratory disease one of the most important causes of sickness and death loss in beef cattle.  |  Amanda Waldner photo

Antibiotic resistance rare in weaned calves

Western Canadian research study finds resistance in only two per cent of the weaned calves that were sampled

Glacier FarmMedia – If a new piece of western Canadian research is any indication, few weaned calves ready for the feedlot are carrying medication-resistant passengers. The project was focused on bacteria and viruses that can contribute to bovine respiratory disease (BRD). It found antimicrobial resistance (AMR) in just two per cent of sampled calves from […] Read more

Scientists from Agriculture Canada, Olds College and the University of Saskatchewan recently tested AB Maximizer and other forage barley varieties at research centres in Manitoba, Saskatchewan and Alberta.  |  Getty Images

New forage barley variety promises improved yields

AB Maximizer, a relatively new variety developed by Western Crop Innovations, also promises better disease resistance

WINNIPEG — Field tests across the Prairies have identified a new star in the world of forage barley: AB Maximizer. Results show the new variety has higher yields and stronger disease resistance and matures earlier than established varieties like CDC Cowboy. AB Maximizer is a relatively new variety developed by Western Crop Innovations, formerly known […] Read more

A bit of preparation can make calving season go a lot more smoothly for animal and producer alike.  |  File photo

Preparation key to smoother calving

Checklists and making sure equipment is ready to use can make it easier for producers to navigate a stressful season

Glacier FarmMedia – Calving can be stressful for both people and animals. Preparation far in advance is one way producers can better ensure success for a safe and productive calving season. “Some of that preparedness starts well before calving season, if you think about herd health programs or nutrition, or making sure cows are in […] Read more


An abnormally warm winter may leave cows in less-than-ideal condition when it’s time for them to calve.  |  File photo

Calving season may suffer drought hangover

Covering the basics of calf care will be especially important for cattle producers if dry conditions continue into spring

MEDICINE HAT — There’s a small measure of relief from dryness heading into spring calving season, but an abnormally warm winter may leave cows in less-than-ideal condition. Dr. Krista Dayman of Badlands Veterinarian Service said cow body condition is a concern in areas where feed and water may have been tough to access. “Colostrum intake […] Read more

Members of Alberta Beef Producers have been able to apply for refunds since 2009 for all or part of the organization’s checkoff, with the exception of the non-refundable mandatory national portion.  |  File photo

Alta. beef producers target checkoff

CALGARY — Alberta Beef Producers is going to take another run at making its checkoff non-refundable. Members passed a resolution at its recent annual meeting directing the organization to take steps to move away from a refundable checkoff. Related stories: Alta. beef producers reduce CCA contribution ABP ponders cut to CCA funding ABP check-off refunds […] Read more