National Cattle Feeders Association (NCFA) thanks Minister Bibeau and the Federal, Provincial and Territorial Agriculture Ministers for their commitment to updating the current Business Risk Management (BRM) programs, in particular changes to Agri-Stability. NCFA is pleased to see the removal of the reference margin limit (RML) retroactive to 2020 and an extension of the deadline to June 20, 2021. These changes will have a positive impact on the Canadian beef industry in particular cow calf producers.

While we were disappointed the increase of the compensation rate to 80% was not agreed upon, NCFA is encouraged by Minister Bibeau’s offer to keep this discussion on the table and  encourage Provincial Ministers to consider this change which would provide the most direct assistance to our fed cattle industry.

As we move forward to future BRM reforms, NCFA encourages a change to the current $3 million cap on AgriStability. The current cap has not changed in approximately 20 years yet feedlots are larger, inflation has grown by almost 50%, and production costs have increased by 70%.  NCFA will continue to advocate for a change as it severely limits support for cattle feeders.

NCFA stands ready to provide ongoing support to all levels of government towards more responsive, transparent and equitable targets.

Temporary Foreign Worker Update – AAFC – April 27th

April 24th – CFIA Agreement with USDA re: Import/Export of Animal Products

Maintaining Uninterrupted Trade with the US

Federal Aid Package Summary and Information

Guidance on Essential Services and Functions in Canada during the COVID-19 Pandemic

Feedlot Emergency Planning Tool

Safeguarding the Canadian Meat Supply Canadian Meat Industry Measures to Protect Against COVID19

Canadian Cattlemens’ Association COVID 19 Resources (Trade updates, industry information, federal government resources and more)

 CCA Statement: No Trade Interruptions Between Canada/US on Cattle – March 18th

Canadian Food Inspection Agency Industry Updates

Hosting a Bull Sale During COVID – Tips and Information

Delivering and receiving cattle during COVID 19

Human Resources

Canadian Ag Human Resources Council HR Toolkit  Use code COVID 19 for full access

Government Support for Businesses

Guidance for Employers of Temporary Foreign Workers Regarding COVID-19 – CAHRC

Temporary Foreign Worker Program 

Health Information and Updates

Government of Canada – Health information and updates

Mental Health Resources for Agriculture – Do More Ag Foundation 

Proper cattle care and welfare are paramount in the Canadian beef industry. The cattle industry’s objective is for animals under transport to arrive successfully at their destination in good health and condition, without injury and while minimizing stress. Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada (AAFC) research shows that 99.95 per cent of cattle on long-haul journeys reach their destination in good condition.

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Japanese imports of Canadian beef have surged since a new trade deal began on December 30, traders say, in an early sign of the price US producers could pay for protectionist policy.

One immediate consequence [for the US] of TPP was to cut Japanese tariffs on imports of chilled beef from the standard rate of 38.5 per cent to an initial level of 27.5 per cent. That gives Australian, Canadian and New Zealand exporters an 11 percentage point advantage over US producers in the Japanese market.

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