Taking on the top job at a national commodity organization rarely comes with calm waters. For Andrea Brocklebank, stepping into the role of CEO of the Canadian Cattle Association (CCA) means navigating federal government research cuts, traceability tensions, and unresolved questions about national unity in the beef sector —at a time when the cattle sector... Read More
Category: Cattle
Strong cattle prices, record beef demand, and renewed policy attention are giving the North American cattle sector reasons for optimism — but supply constraints and cross-border issues remain front and centre, says Colin Woodall, CEO of the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA). RealAgriculture's Shaun Haney was at CattleCon 2026 in Nashville, Tennessee, this week, to... Read More
Running a feed mill wasn’t part of Ian Middleton’s long-term plan, but it has evolved into a viable and locally-focused business in Sturgeon County, Alta. Middleton owns and operates Manawan Mills, a feed mill operation that processes grain into complete livestock feeds for species ranging from poultry to cattle, sheep, goats, and pigs. The mill... Read More
North American beef leaders met in Nashville, Tennessee, ahead of NCBA’s CattleCon convention as part of regular tri-national meetings regarding the ongoing operation of an integrated beef supply chain across the three countries. Trade policy, affordability, and border access issues affecting the sector were top of mind for delegates from Canada, the United States, and... Read More
Each year, the National Cattlemen's Beef Association (NCBA) hosts its CattleCon, featuring weather and market outlooks, a tradeshow, and plenty of networking events. The 2026 CattleCon happens in Nashville this week, and our own Shaun Haney is there to capture what's top of mind for the cattle industry. There's strong momentum in the cattle industry... Read More
Chinese customers have been quick to respond to the easing of trade barriers on Canadian canola and beef following Prime Minister Mark Carney's meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping on Jan. 16. As part of a press conference on Jan. 20, Agriculture Minister Heath MacDonald said one of Canada's largest beef exporters is shipping its... Read More
China is re-opening its border to Canadian beef for the first time since 2021, according to Canada's agriculture minister and the Canadian Cattle Association (CCA) "China has restored market access for Canadian beef, lifting the suspension that had been in place since December 2021," says Minister Heath MacDonald, who accompanied Prime Minister Mark Carney to... Read More
Volatility continues to define cattle markets as the industry moves into 2026, with steady cash trade in the U.S. but sharp swings in futures tied to ongoing uncertainty around screwworm concerns in Mexico near the U.S. border. Anne Wasko of Gateway Livestock Exchange says the cash market held together this past week, with southern trade... Read More
If you were on social media late last week you may have noticed a flurry of announcements, statements, and posts from beef and cattle groups addressing misinformation circulating about traceability regulation changes for livestock. "Beef Farmers of Ontario (BFO) is aware of questions and discussion regarding the proposed federal livestock traceability regulations and their anticipated... Read More
Regenerative agriculture is one of those terms that can spark a debate faster than a coffee-row chat about tillage, but on this episode of Ruminating with RealAg, host Amber Bell sits down with Joel Williams of Integrated Soils to keep things grounded. Williams, an independent plant and soil health educator who works with farmers around... Read More