Back in February, the opportunity for pork and beef protein exports from North America to China was so promising. The potential vacuum of demand for proteins after African swine fever (ASF) outbreaks in the Chinese pork industry could have been filled by North America, but COVID-19 has thrown a wrench in the whole prospect. "The... Read More
Category: Livestock
I know I'm not alone when I say the recent decision by the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs (OMAFRA) surprised me. I'm also likely not alone when I say the decision made me incredibly angry. And angry for a few reasons, I might add. Angry, because I assumed (wrongly) that my name... Read More
The Maple Leaf Foods hog plant at Brandon, Man., has temporarily suspended pork exports to China on a voluntary basis. China has recently instituted new rules where any plant reporting COVID-19 cases is required to suspend exports. The Brandon plant has seen over 50 cases of COVID-19 among employees in the last few weeks, accounting... Read More
The national youth initiative of the Canadian Cattlemen's Association (CCA), has announced its 16 finalists for the Cattlemen's Young Leaders (CYL) 2020-2021 program. Finalists were announced after a virtual, judged, roundtable discussion that took place during the Canadian Beef Industry Conference, with 24 semi-finalists in the competition. Smaller roundtable judging sessions were judged by representatives... Read More
From working through the backlog of fat cattle, to the set aside program, and on to market demand, Bob Lowe, president of the Canadian Cattlemen's Association (CCA), is cautiously optimistic about the cattle value chain recovery from the lows of April and May. Looking back to spring and early summer, there was a backlog of... Read More
The National Farmed Animal Health and Welfare Council has updated the Canadian Livestock Transport (CLT) program to reflect the latest changes to federal livestock transport regulations. The CLT program is a comprehensive training course and support service for livestock truckers, shippers, and receivers. The program offers certification that is recognized throughout Canada and United States.... Read More
There have been dramatic impacts on the Canadian and global economy due to COVID-19. In the midst of all of this, one might wonder where the global and domestic economies are headed and what the future might bring. "The first thing that comes to mind when you think of things being unprecedented, more than anything... Read More
Each year, the Canadian Cattlemen's Association (CCA) recognizes producers that exceed standard industry conservation practices through the Environmental Stewardship Award (TESA), in recognition that Canada's beef cattle producers serve as stewards for a vast portion of land and play a significant role in protecting and enhancing the environment. This year's award winner was announced at... Read More
Supply chains for all commodities experienced huge disruption beginning in March and into April. Grocery stores and restaurants all had to adapt to the impacts of COVID-19, and McDonald's Canada was no exception. After temporarily changing its sourcing to about 20 per cent of its beef coming from outside of Canada, McDonald's says it's now... Read More
The former Frey's slaughter facility at Mount Forest, Ontario, will re-open soon as Local Harvest Ontario, with a focus on beef and lamb for the Toronto area and beyond. Brian Read, vice president and general manager of the plant, is very excited about the prospect of getting the plant up and running. Read has run... Read More