Livestock
Reading Time: 5 minutes PEDv case since 2022 renews calls for blood plasma feed ban.
Alberta pork producers demand blood plasma feed ban after latest PEDv case
A confirmed case of Porcine Epidemic Diarrhea virus on a southern Alberta farm — the province's first since 2022 — has reignited calls to ban spray-dried porcine blood plasma from pig feed
Alberta producers must repay AgriStability benefits after cattle pricing error
AFSC says a modelling inconsistency in heavy weight cattle prices led to overpayments in the 2024 program year and is offering flexible repayment arrangements to affected clients
Reading Time: 2 minutes An issue in the AgriStability model for heavy weight cattle in 2024 means some Alberta producers will have to pay back their benefits.
Klassen: Feeder cattle market continues consolidation
For the week ending March 28, Western Canadian feeder cattle market once again traded $10/cwt higher to $10/cwt lower compared to seven days earlier. Backgrounded replacements were down $3-$6/cwt on average with fleshier groups dropping as much as $6-$10/cwt. Calves were quite variable across the Prairies due to limited numbers. There was strong demand for […] Read more
CALVING 2026: Keep those newborn beef calves healthy
The 2026 calf crop is, or will soon be, hitting the ground on beef farms across Prairies — here’s an overview of how to keep those calves healthy and growing
Reading Time: 5 minutes Biosecurity, vaccines, vitamin injections and colostrum — veterinarian Roy Lewis runs down how beef farmers can keep newborn calves free from disease and gaining weight fast.
Canadian Cattle Association won’t back traceability changes
The Canadian Cattle Association says it won’t support proceeding with the CFIA’s proposed changes to federal cattle traceability regulations after feedback from members.
Producers affected by bovine TB receive extended tax deferral
The Government of Canada has extended the tax deferral period for livestock producers affected by bovine tuberculosis in 2024 and 2025.
Klassen: Stronger barley prices weigh on feeder cattle values
For the week ending March 21, Western Canadian feeder cattle markets traded $10/cwt higher to $10/cwt lower compared to seven days earlier. Backgrounded replacements were quite variable with sharper discounts noted on fleshier groups. The heifer discount to steers appeared to be wider in some cases but it was largely based on quality features. Calves […] Read more
Producers encouraged to enhance biosecurity in response to porcine epidemic diarrhea virus discovery
PEDv can be devastating to an operation, with mortality rates for suckling piglets reaching 100 per cent
Reading Time: 3 minutes One expert says producers need to enhance their biosecurity in the face of porcine epidemic diarrhea virus’ reemergence in southern Alberta.
China urges hog producers to manage output, vows timely reserve adjustments
China’s state planner on Friday said authorities will make timely adjustments to hog reserves and continue to strengthen the management of hog production capacity.
Egg Farmers of Canada sees more hens, greater egg demand in 2025
Canada added 2.92 million hens to its egg-laying flock in 2025, Egg Farmers of Canada said in its annual report released on March 18.