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A renewed five-year strategy is aiming to strengthen collaboration, innovation and the adoption of research across Canada’s beef sector.

The Beef Cattle Research Council (BCRC) and its industry partners released the Five-Year Canadian Beef Research & Knowledge Mobilization Strategy on July 16, outlining a coordinated national framework for research and knowledge mobilization.

The strategy is intended to better align investments, accelerate innovation and ensure research outcomes lead to measurable benefits for beef producers, the broader value chain and the public.

It will guide investments by the BCRC and other Canadian beef research funding agencies, with a focus on improving efficiency and coordinating limited funding toward high-priority research, capacity and extension objectives.

Through a portfolio approach, the strategy is designed to encourage greater collaboration among funding agencies while ensuring key priorities across the sector are addressed.

The strategy supports the ambitious 10-year goals outlined in the National Beef Strategy and builds on previous research and technology transfer strategies.

The development process included extensive engagement with the Canadian beef industry. More than 500 stakeholders from across the country participated through surveys, focus groups and engagement sessions.

Participants included beef producers, veterinarians, researchers, government representatives, industry organizations, funders and extension specialists.

The renewed strategy identifies priorities in seven key areas:

• Cattle nutrition and production efficiency
• Forage and feed production
• Animal health, welfare and antimicrobial resistance
• Food safety
• Beef quality
• Environmental sustainability
• Knowledge mobilization

The BCRC says the strategy is designed to support the adoption of beneficial practices and innovations, increase producer profitability and sector resilience, advance the quality and safety of Canadian beef, support science-based decision-making and encourage innovation across the industry.

The strategy also recognizes the importance of maintaining and renewing research capacity and infrastructure needed to support long-term innovation in the Canadian beef sector.

The BCRC is funded through a portion of the Canadian Beef Cattle Check-Off.

The full Five-Year Canadian Beef Research & Knowledge Mobilization Strategy, along with summaries of the seven program areas, is available through the Beef Cattle Research Council.

(Source: Beef Cattle Research Council)
For information about the Beef Cattle Research Council, visit their website at www.beefresearch.ca.

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The Government of Canada is investing more than $4 million to support the growth, market development and international competitiveness of the Canadian beef sector.

The funding, announced July 8 by Agriculture and Agri-Food Minister Heath MacDonald, will be provided to Canada Beef and the Canadian Cattle Association through the AgriMarketing Program, an initiative under the Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership.

Canada Beef will receive up to $3,741,046 over two years, from 2026 to 2028, to support efforts to build a dynamic, profitable and competitive Canadian beef and veal industry.

The organization will focus on increasing awareness and demand for Canadian beef and veal among domestic and international customers.

The Canadian Cattle Association will receive up to $300,000 over the same two-year period to support efforts to defend and grow market access for Canadian beef.

The funding will help the association advance trade advocacy, strengthen key international relationships and promote evidence-based, trade-supportive rules.

According to the federal government, the investments are intended to increase the visibility of Canadian beef products, create opportunities in targeted markets and diversify Canadian exports.

“The Government of Canada is proud to support the continued growth and success of our beef sector,” MacDonald said.

“The strategic investments in market development, promotion and trade advocacy help Canadian producers expand their reach and showcase the high quality of Canadian beef around the world.”

Canada Beef President Eric Bienvenue welcomed the investment, saying the organization has confidence in its partnership with Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada to support global market development.

Canadian Cattle Association President Tyler Fulton said the funding would allow the organization to participate in federal trade missions, explore potential new export markets and ensure Canadian cattle producers have a voice in global policy discussions.

The AgriMarketing Program represents a $129.97-million investment under the Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership, a five-year, $3.5-billion federal-provincial-territorial agreement running from 2023 to 2028.

The program supports national, sector-led initiatives aimed at increasing and diversifying exports while also pursuing domestic market opportunities.

The federal government has also committed an additional $75 million over five years, from 2026-27 to 2030-31, to expand the AgriMarketing Program.

The expanded program includes two new streams focused on market diversification for national industry associations and small and medium-sized enterprises.

The government says the additional funding will support Canada's agriculture and agri-food sector—including the fish and seafood industries—in responding to market instability and pursuing greater market diversification.

For more information about the AgriMarketing Program, visit the Government of Canada website at agriculture.canada.ca/en/programs/agrimarketing.

(Source: Government of Canada)

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Alberta's government says it is making progress on implementing recommendations aimed at improving the management of oilsands mine water and reducing the long-term environmental impact of tailings ponds.

The update was provided this week during the Canadian Council of Ministers of the Environment (CCME) meeting in Calgary, where Alberta hosted federal, provincial and territorial environment ministers. Environment and Protected Areas Minister Grant Hunter outlined the province's work to address one of the country's most significant environmental challenges while supporting responsible resource development.

The Oil Sands Mine Water Steering Committee released nine recommendations in 2025 to help improve the way mine water and tailings are managed across Alberta's oilsands industry. Since then, the province has launched consultations with Indigenous communities, industry representatives, environmental experts and other stakeholders as it develops policies and technical standards to put those recommendations into practice.

Among the areas receiving attention is the separation of different types of mine water to improve opportunities for safe reuse and treatment. Alberta says discussions with regulators and industry have already been completed, with stakeholder feedback currently under review as officials consider improvements to future water management plans.

The province is also examining ways to encourage the sharing of treated mine water between oilsands operations where it can be done safely and efficiently. However, Alberta confirmed it is not pursuing the transfer of mine water between different watersheds, citing environmental concerns as well as regulatory and economic challenges.

Innovation also remains a major focus of the initiative. Alberta has invested $46 million through Emissions Reduction Alberta to support nine projects exploring new technologies designed to reduce mine water volumes, decrease tailings accumulation and accelerate land reclamation.

Additional work continues on several other recommendations, including the potential use of deep well disposal, standardized methods for measuring naphthenic acids, policies governing the safe treatment and release of mine water, the long-term management of pit lakes, and improved environmental monitoring and public reporting.

According to the provincial government, Alberta's oilsands tailings ponds currently contain more than 1.5 billion cubic metres of fluid tailings and approximately 380 million cubic metres of mine water. The province also noted that between 2013 and 2024, oilsands operations reduced freshwater use per barrel of production by 19 per cent while increasing recycled water use by 69 per cent.

Officials say progress on implementing the Steering Committee's recommendations will continue to be reported as consultation and technical work advances.

The initiative is intended to reduce the growth of tailings ponds, strengthen environmental protection and support the responsible reclamation of lands affected by oilsands development.

For more information about the Oil Sands Mine Water Science Team reports, visit the Government of Alberta website by clicking the link here.

(Source: Government of Alberta)

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Alberta's government is investing $1.4 million to help protect and improve the province's rangelands, supporting projects that promote sustainable land management, healthy ecosystems and long-term agricultural productivity.

Announced on July 15, the funding is being provided through the Rangeland Sustainability Program, which supports practical, on-the-ground projects led by researchers, conservation organizations and agricultural partners across Alberta.

The program reinvests a portion of grazing disposition rental fees into initiatives that help improve the health, biodiversity and resilience of Alberta's rangelands while promoting responsible stewardship for future generations.

"Alberta's rangelands are one of our province's most valuable natural assets, supporting wildlife, livestock and healthy ecosystems," said Todd Loewen, Minister of Forestry and Parks.

"Through the Rangeland Sustainability Program, our government is supporting producers, researchers and conservation groups who are leading the way in responsible stewardship and helping keep Alberta's rangelands healthy for generations to come."

Rangelands play an important role in Alberta's economy and environment, providing grazing land for livestock while supporting wildlife habitat, protecting water resources, maintaining biodiversity and contributing to sustainable food production.

Minister of Agriculture and Irrigation Tara Sawyer said the investment will benefit both producers and the agricultural industry.

"Alberta's rangelands are vital to the agricultural industry and the province's landscapes," Sawyer said. "This investment will help continue research and extension efforts for our rangelands' future productivity and preservation."

Funding recipients for the 2025-26 program include organizations from across the province working on projects ranging from invasive species management and native grassland restoration to public education and applied research.

Among this year's recipients is the West Central Forage Association, which will use the funding to expand research into targeted goat grazing as a natural method of controlling invasive plants and overgrown brush.

"Targeted goat grazing is a practical, natural way to manage invasive species and overgrown brush on grazing lands," said Carri St. Pierre, executive director of the organization. "This funding lets us put that approach to work and share what we learn with producers across the region."

2025-26 Rangeland Sustainability Program recipients

• Alberta Conservation Association
• Alberta Invasive Species Council
• Municipal District of Ranchlands
• Peace County Beef and Forage Association
• Red Deer County
• Rocky Mountain Forest Range Association
• Southwest Alberta Sustainable Community Initiative
• West Central Forage Association
• Whitebark Pine Ecosystem Foundation of Canada

Applications for the 2026-27 Rangeland Sustainability Program are open until Sept. 16, 2026.

According to the province, annual funding for the program has grown significantly since it was introduced in 2020, increasing from $43,000 to $1.4 million in Budget 2026. Last year, more than $1.3 million was allocated through the program to support rangeland stewardship projects across Alberta.

Organizations interested in applying for future funding can find additional information through Alberta's Rangeland Sustainability Program.

For more information about the Rangeland Sustainability Program, visit the Government of Alberta website at www.alberta.ca/rangeland-sustainability-program.

(Source: Government of Alberta)

Avantika with Mum and her two munchkins

My cousin, Avantika, has always been like an older sister to me. From my earliest memories, I was practically another one of the kids in my aunt and uncle's home, and that naturally extended to my cousins, who treated me as one of their own. Over the years, we shared countless wacky adventures—so many, in fact, that if I tried to recount them all, we'd be here for days.

At one point, I was living with them and attending the same school as Avantika. Naturally, both she and my cousin Kamlesh kept a watchful eye on me because I had an uncanny habit of getting myself into trouble—usually by accident. Our older brother, Tom, was attending college at the time. They were like my own personal bodyguards, which sounds cool until you realize it also comes with a few drawbacks.

On one particular day, I was making my way over to Avantika to check in and see how her day was going when I noticed a guy staring at me rather strangely. To this day, I struggle to interpret people's expressions and body language. You could probably draw me a map, and I'd still miss the signs.

Slightly confused, I eventually found Avantika standing with a group of friends.

"I'm not sure why," I said, "but this guy keeps looking at me weird."

That... was a mistake.

The whole thing probably lasted only a few moments, but in my memory, time slowed. I could almost see her pupils dilate.

To me, she had always been the loving, laughing, cheerful Avantika. But the moment those words left my mouth, she became someone I barely recognized—like a lioness protecting one of her cubs.

Without missing a beat, she grabbed my hand and marched me toward where the guy was standing. I tried—unsuccessfully—to resist, despite being bigger than she was. As we walked, she tapped one of our male friends on the shoulder and motioned for him to follow.

I remember thinking, I really hope she doesn't get him to beat this guy up.

We followed her—our friend with determined confidence, ready to back her up if needed, and me... reluctantly, wondering how I'd somehow managed to get myself into this situation.

The guy was standing with a group of his friends, but as Avantika approached with unmistakable determination, they seemed to scatter like small fish fleeing from a shark.

She stopped just inches from his face, her eyes burning with the fierce intensity of a mother bear protecting her cubs.

(Editor's Note: The original language has been edited for age appropriateness.)

"You!" she shouted, pointing directly at me. "You see him? That's my baby brother! If you ever even look in his direction again..." She then pointed to the towering friend standing behind her. "You see my friend? He's going to have to pull me off you because I'll beat you within an inch of your life!"

The poor guy looked at me as if to say, Dude... what on earth is happening?

I did my best to silently reply, I'm so sorry. I had absolutely no idea this was going to happen.

To this day, I'm honestly not sure which one of us was more frightened—him or me.

Many years later, however, Avantika would face a very different fight.

A far more dangerous adversary.

Cancer.

In 2019, she was diagnosed with Stage IIB cancer of the endocervix. Then, in 2022, she received another devastating diagnosis—Stage III colon cancer.

For a long time, the outlook seemed uncertain. All our family could do was pray and trust God that the treatments would work.

(Author's Note: I have intentionally abbreviated this part of her journey because, as I told her, her battle deserves a story of its own.)

Despite numerous setbacks and difficult prognoses, my sister refused to give up.

She faced cancer the same way she faced every challenge in life—with courage, determination, and the heart of a warrior.

By June 2025, she had beaten it.

Today, she is stronger than ever and stands as a living testimony to God's limitless power and grace.

Her two children have inherited their mother's resilience and tenacity, and every day they are blessed with the miracle of having their mother beside them.

To me, however, she will always be what she has been for as long as I can remember:

My sister.

Avantika.

A fierce warrior.

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Albertans are being encouraged to have their say as the Legislative Assembly of Alberta's Standing Committee on Alberta's Economic Future conducts its review of the Lobbyists Act.

The committee is inviting written submissions from members of the public to help inform its review of the legislation, which governs lobbying activities across the province. Feedback will be accepted until 12 p.m. on Monday, Aug. 17, 2026.

The Lobbyists Act is designed to promote transparency and accountability in government by regulating interactions between lobbyists and public office holders. Its purpose is to balance public access to decision-makers with the need for openness around efforts to influence government policies and decisions.

Administration and enforcement of the legislation is carried out by Alberta's Office of the Ethics Commissioner and Lobbyist Registrar.

Interested Albertans can submit comments through an online form available at the Legislative Assembly of Alberta's website or by email. The committee notes that written submissions, along with the names of those who submit them, may be made public as part of the review process.

The Standing Committee on Alberta's Economic Future launched the review on May 27, 2026, and is required to present its final report to the Legislative Assembly within one year.

The committee's mandate covers a broad range of provincial portfolios, including Advanced Education, Agriculture and Irrigation, Arts, Culture and Status of Women, Infrastructure, Jobs, Economy, Trade and Immigration, Service Alberta and Red Tape Reduction, Technology and Innovation, and Tourism and Sport.

Albertans wishing to participate are encouraged to submit their feedback through the online form at assembly.ab.ca or by email to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. before the August deadline.

(Source: Government of Alberta and Legislative Assembly of Alberta)

On Saturday, July 11, people from near and far gathered at Centennial Hall to honour a man who dedicated more than two decades of his life to the Two Hills community—Sonny Rajoo. Surrounded by family, friends, community leaders and dignitaries, the hall echoed with cherished memories and heartfelt tributes celebrating the life of a man who earned a special place in the hearts of so many.

Through more than 20 years as a respected journalist and over a decade of service on the Town of Two Hills Council, Sonny became deeply connected to the people he served. His passion for community, unwavering commitment and genuine care for others left a lasting impression throughout the town and county.

As loved ones and colleagues shared stories and words of remembrance, the service reflected the profound impact Sonny had on those who knew him. Family and friends travelled from across Alberta and beyond to pay their respects and celebrate a life defined by service, kindness and dedication.

Whether through his work in local journalism, his years in municipal government or his involvement with numerous volunteer organizations, Sonny touched countless lives. His legacy will continue to be felt in the community he cared for so deeply.

The Rajoo family extends its heartfelt thanks to everyone who attended the service, sent messages of support, or kept the family in their thoughts and prayers during this difficult time. Your kindness and compassion have been deeply appreciated.

We also take this opportunity to express our enduring love, gratitude and respect for Sonny Rajoo—a man for all seasons, whose legacy of service and compassion will not be forgotten.

To view the livestream of the service on YouTube, visit the following link: youtu.be/VaYfkIUY7MI?si=Z27mVINXPpAh7W3o.

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Life can often feel overwhelming because of the pressures we face every day. Whether it's financial problems, family difficulties, or work-related stress, many of us tend to put our feelings under the metaphorical lid and carry on as though nothing is wrong. When someone asks, "How are you?" our automatic response is often, "Good, thank you," without giving it a second thought.

Keeping everything bottled up for too long can increase stress and leave us feeling emotionally exhausted. While this doesn't mean sharing your life's burdens with complete strangers, most of us have at least one trusted person—a family member, close friend, mentor, or colleague—who genuinely cares and is willing to listen.

Talking about our problems can help in several ways:

1. Saying the problem out loud can help bring clarity.

Sometimes, simply explaining a challenge to someone else helps us organize our thoughts. As we talk through the situation, we may discover a solution ourselves or gain a clearer understanding of what to do next.

2. It reminds us that we are not alone.

Sharing what you're going through with someone you trust can reduce feelings of isolation. Even if that person simply listens without offering advice, knowing someone is there to support you can make a meaningful difference.

3. Others may offer valuable perspective.

People we confide in may have faced similar challenges in their own lives. They may be able to share their experiences, offer practical advice, or simply provide encouragement that helps us move forward.

Opening up can feel intimidating. Many people worry about being judged or rejected. However, we all face challenges at different times in our lives, and supporting one another is part of what helps us grow stronger as individuals and as communities.

If you're struggling, consider reaching out to someone you trust. Sometimes the first step toward feeling better is simply starting the conversation.

If you or someone you know is experiencing ongoing mental health challenges or is in crisis, remember that help is available. Support can be found through local community organizations, healthcare professionals, and government resources, including the Government of Alberta and the Government of Canada.

Remember, you do not have to face life's challenges alone. Reaching out may feel like a small step, but it can be the beginning of finding the support, guidance, and hope you need.

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Alberta will once again take centre stage in international athletics as the World Athletics Continental Tour Silver returns to Edmonton on July 12, bringing elite competitors from around the globe to the province's capital.

More than 200 athletes, coaches and technical officials representing 15 countries will gather at Foote Field for the fifth annual Edmonton Athletics Invitational. The internationally recognized competition provides athletes with an opportunity to earn valuable world ranking points as they prepare for upcoming international championships.

The Government of Alberta has invested more than $181,000 through its Major Sport Events Grant Program to support the planning and delivery of the event. Organizers expect the meet to generate more than $1 million in economic impact for the Edmonton region while attracting an estimated 3,000 spectators.

Minister of Tourism and Sport Andrew Boitchenko said Alberta continues to strengthen its reputation as a premier destination for major sporting events.

"We're proud to welcome this event back for the fifth time. When world-class events keep choosing Alberta, it reinforces our reputation as a premier sport tourism destination and reflects the exceptional experiences we deliver," he said.

Hosted by Athletics Alberta, the Edmonton Athletics Invitational will feature a full schedule of track and field competitions, including sprint, middle and long-distance races, field events and para-athletics. Both Canadian and international competitors will battle for valuable ranking points as they continue their preparations for major competitions later this season.

Several prominent Alberta athletes are expected to compete, including Edmonton's Marco Arop, the Olympic silver medallist in the men's 800 metres; Amanda Rummery of Sherwood Park, a Paralympic sprinter, Canadian record holder and multiple-time national champion; and Calgary's Noah Vucsics, a Paralympic long jumper and international medallist.

Athletics Alberta Executive Director Jef Bailey said the event continues Edmonton's long-standing tradition of hosting high-level track and field competition.

"This is another incredible opportunity to witness these amazing athletes competing in Edmonton. We are very proud and honoured to be part of this athlete experience and to continue the rich legacy of track and field events in Edmonton," Bailey said.

Beyond the competition itself, organizers say major sporting events such as the Edmonton Athletics Invitational provide lasting benefits by attracting visitors, supporting local businesses and showcasing Alberta's world-class sporting facilities. The event also helps strengthen the province's tourism industry while reinforcing Alberta's growing reputation as an international destination for major sporting events.

The Edmonton Athletics Invitational is part of the World Athletics Continental Tour Silver, one of the premier levels of international track and field competition outside the Diamond League, and continues to attract some of Canada's top athletes alongside elite competitors from around the world.

(Source: Government of Alberta)

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Feed is one of the largest expenses for beef cattle producers, making it essential to understand exactly what nutrients are being provided to a herd. According to the Beef Cattle Research Council (BCRC), regular feed testing allows producers to make informed feeding decisions, optimize feed utilization and improve herd performance while helping to manage costs.

Rather than relying on estimates, laboratory feed analysis provides an accurate picture of a feed's nutritional value, helping producers avoid both nutrient deficiencies and unnecessary supplementation.

Modern feed testing goes well beyond measuring basic nutrients such as crude protein and dry matter. Advanced analyses can also evaluate digestibility, fibre levels and mineral content, giving producers a more complete understanding of how their feed will perform.

When Should Feed Be Tested?

The BCRC recommends testing feed annually and whenever feed conditions change.

To obtain reliable results, each lot of feed should be sampled separately, whether it comes from a different field, harvest date or grain shipment. Producers are encouraged to submit samples well before feeding decisions are made, allowing at least two weeks for laboratory results.

For silage, testing should be delayed for a minimum of four weeks after ensiling to allow fermentation to fully complete.

What Should Be Tested?

The nutrients included in a feed analysis will depend on the type of forage and the management goals of the operation.

For hay and greenfeed, common tests include:

• Dry matter
• Crude protein
Energy content
• Acid detergent fibre (ADF)
• Neutral detergent fibre (NDF)
• Calcium
• Phosphorus
• Potassium
• Magnesium

Silage should also be tested for pH to assess fermentation quality.

Additional testing may be appropriate under certain conditions. Heat-damaged forage, identifiable by its brown or black colour and sweet, tobacco-like smell, should be analyzed for acid detergent insoluble protein (ADIP or ADIN), as heating can reduce protein availability and increase the risk of toxic nitrites.

Feeds such as distillers' grains or annual forages including canola and mustard may also require sulfur testing. Depending on growing conditions, testing for nitrates and mycotoxins may also be advisable.

Understanding the Results

The BCRC emphasizes that interpreting laboratory reports correctly is just as important as conducting the test itself.

• Dry Matter

Dry matter represents the portion of feed containing nutrients, with water removed. Since nutrients such as protein, energy, vitamins and minerals exist within the dry matter portion, understanding this value is essential when balancing rations.

For example, a 1,200-pound beef cow typically requires approximately 24 pounds of dry matter daily. While feeding 30 pounds of cereal silage may appear sufficient, silage containing only 35 per cent dry matter provides just over 10 pounds of nutrients, with the remainder consisting of water.

• Protein

Crude protein plays a vital role in rumen function, growth, reproduction and milk production.

Protein levels below seven to eight per cent on a dry matter basis can limit digestion and reduce feed intake, particularly in mature cows. Requirements increase for growing cattle, pregnant cows and lactating animals.

• Fibre

Fibre measurements, particularly acid detergent fibre (ADF) and neutral detergent fibre (NDF), help predict digestibility and feed intake.

As forage matures, fibre levels rise, reducing digestibility and limiting consumption. High-quality forage allows cattle to consume more feed and obtain greater nutritional value, while lower-quality feeds such as straw often require additional supplementation to meet nutritional requirements.

• Minerals

Although required in relatively small amounts, minerals are essential for healthy growth, reproduction and immune function.

Because soil and forage mineral content varies considerably across regions, regular mineral analysis is recommended. The proper balance of calcium and phosphorus will depend on the type of forage being fed, and producers are encouraged to work with a qualified nutritionist when developing supplementation programs.

Better Information Leads to Better Decisions

The BCRC says feed testing removes much of the guesswork from cattle nutrition by providing accurate information that supports better feeding decisions.

Combined with professional nutritional advice, laboratory feed analysis can help producers maximize feed efficiency, maintain herd health and improve the overall profitability of their operations.

Additional feed testing resources, calculators and educational tools are available through the Beef Cattle Research Council.

Information for this article was sourced from the Beef Cattle Research Council.
For more information about the Beef Cattle Research Council, visit their website at www.beefresearch.ca.