Alberta Farm Animal Care announces immediate closure

Reading Time: < 1 minute Alberta Farm Animal Care (AFAC) closed its doors on March 1 due to lack of finances. The organization was started in 1993 by Alberta livestock producers. Over 30 years, AFAC developed into the collective voice of the livestock industry on matters of livestock welfare and allowed the industry to work together to advance and promote […] Read more

The Alberta Goat Association is so pleased with the new online database of vet clinics that it put notice on the front of its website. “Everybody is saying this is perfect,” says association president Mallory Kaiser.

New vet database already a hit with livestock owners

It doesn’t fix the vet shortage, but can help find species-specific veterinary care closer to home

Reading Time: 2 minutes Having trouble finding a veterinarian? Alberta Farm Animal Care (AFAC) recently created an online database of veterinary clinics in the province. The list is searchable in a radius of up to 200 kilometres and can be refined for specific species. “We often hear of people who have diverse livestock species like llamas, alpacas, honeybees, and […] Read more


The annual Award of Distinction recognizes one individual or group who has made exceptional contributions to the field of livestock welfare, through either leadership, innovation or communication.

Alberta researcher wins animal care award

Reading Time: < 1 minute Research scientist Brenda Ralston is this year’s winner of the Award of Distinction from Alberta Farm Animal Care (AFAC). Currently at Lakeland College’s Vermilion campus, Ralston began her 35-year career with the province, first as a district agriculturist and then as a beef specialist while earning a bachelor’s degree, master’s degree and PhD, the latter […] Read more

“Snow on a cow’s back is a real example of people calling in with a concern, and we get a chance to explain how their coats work and that they’re safe and healthy and doing the things they should be doing.”

AFAC and counties can identify livestock feed problems

The Alert Line is a confidential way to report animal welfare concerns in Alberta

Reading Time: 3 minutes This summer’s drought conditions haven’t affected the number of calls to Alberta Farm Animal Care’s Alert Line, but that could change as the weather worsens this winter. “I haven’t seen a huge jump in calls yet, but I think we’re going to be seeing some issues with feed and body condition after this drought,” said […] Read more


Species-specific webinars on livestock transport regs

Reading Time: < 1 minute A presentation from this spring’s Livestock Care Conference has led to a new webinar series on transport regulations, to be offered by Alberta Farm Animal Care with technical expertise provided by the CFIA. The conference presentation on humane transport by CFIA meat hygiene inspector Nancy Simmons prompted questions that “highlighted the great demand producers have […] Read more

Cassandra Fitzpatrick is the facilitator for AFAC’s backyard chickens, and has a flock of 100 chickens.

Pandemic poultry: Interest in backyard chickens is soaring

Alberta Farm Animal Care’s virtual backyard chicken courses attracting a flock of attendees

Reading Time: 3 minutes Like yoga pants, Netflix, sourdough bread and puppies, backyard chickens have seen a surge in demand during the pandemic. Alberta Farm Animal Care has been putting on workshops for several years to ensure new chicken owners put their birds’ welfare at the top of their list. It had more planned for this year. “And then […] Read more


Large animal rescue training available

Reading Time: < 1 minute Alberta Farm Animal Care wants to help prepare producers for the emergencies everyone hopes will never happen — trailer rollovers, animals trapped or stranded, barn fires and more. It’s offering Technical Large Animal Emergency Rescue Awareness training in three locations in March. Each is a two-day session that introduces the latest concepts, techniques, procedures, and […] Read more

Animal care award nominations sought

Animal care award nominations sought

Reading Time: < 1 minute Nominations are open for the Alberta Farm Animal Care awards of distinction, which recognize individuals or groups who have made exceptional contributions in the field of livestock welfare. There are three award categories: communication, leadership and innovation. For more information (including past winners) and nomination forms, go to afac.ab.ca.


Stacey Simpson (left) and Brenda Schoepp are the 2019 recipients of 
Alberta Farm Animal Care’s awards of distinction.

Animal welfare advocates honoured

Reading Time: < 1 minute Alberta Farmer columnist Brenda Schoepp and beef producer Stacey Simpson are the recipients of the Alberta Farm Animal Care’s awards of distinction for 2019. The awards recognize individuals or groups who have made exceptional contributions in the field of livestock welfare, and who champion best practices and innovative ideas. Schoepp received the award for communication […] Read more

Awards for leaders in animal welfare

Awards for leaders in animal welfare

Reading Time: < 1 minute Alberta Farm Animal Care is seeking nominations for a trio of awards that recognize individuals or groups who have made exceptional contributions to livestock welfare. Three awards are given out annually. The Award of Distinction for Communication honours those who take an active role in effectively telling the story about livestock issues, and informing the […] Read more