“The Alberta lamb cohort is expected to remain stable in 2024, although slightly smaller than 2023,” says Ann Boyda, provincial livestock market analyst with the Alberta government.
Read more here.
Latest News
Livestock Tax Deferral Regions 2024
June 14, 2024 – Ottawa, Ontario – Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada
The effects of climate change are having a direct and severe impact on farmers and their ability to earn a stable income. To provide producers with more certainty heading into the summer months, today, the Honourable Lawrence MacAulay, Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food, announced an early list of regions that are eligible for Livestock Tax Deferral in 2024. Read more here.
Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership programs
The year 2 Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership programs launched in April 2024. Be sure to check out the programs and sign up for updates.
While on the Sustainable CAP website go to the bottom of the home page, enter your email, and click ‘send’ to start receiving regular Sustainable CAP updates.
Board Positions Available
The Alberta Lamb Producers has a vacancy on the board of directors for an Interim Director and a Director in Training. All eligible producers are invited to submit their application no later than July 31, 2024.
These position will be filled through appointment by the board. As they are interim positions, an election will be required for the positions at the ALP Annual General Meeting on November 23, 2024.
Serving on the board is an exciting and challenging opportunity to advance your industry.
If you are interested in a position on the ALP Board, please submit your resume and the completed application to the ALP office.
ALP Director in Training Application
Position requirements:
• Must be a sheep producer residing in Alberta
• A keen interest in improving processes and resources for the industry
• Ability to work with other board members for the benefit of other sheep producers
• Ability to make the minimum time commitment of 3-4 in-person board meetings, as well as monthly conference calls
• Per diem and expenses are provided
• No previous board experience is required
• A strong commitment to collaboration and growth is important, as is a solution-oriented focus
In addition to contributing to your industry, serving on the Board has other positive benefits such as gaining:
• a broader perspective and greater knowledge of the sheep industry.
• important local, provincial and national contacts.
• skills that enhance other areas of business and life, such as experience in board governance, leadership, project management, communication and interpersonal skills.
ALP's New Executive Director
The Alberta Lamb Producers board of directors are thrilled to announce our new Executive Director, Jolene Airth. As a previous ALP director, Jolene knows the industry and our board, which will enable her to support and guide the sheep industry to its full potential. Jolene has a long-standing background in agriculture, as well as non-profit experience.
With Jolene's extensive knowledge of the sheep industry and business skills, she will be a fantastic asset in the office. We hope that you will welcome her, and have faith that she will be able to assist you on behalf of the board. Welcome Jolene!!
Alberta Releases Drought Response Plan
Alberta’s new 2024 Drought Response Plan will help guide the province through any and all drought conditions. This is a plan covering everything from conservation plans and water-sharing agreements to declaring an emergency and prioritizing water for human health and safety. Read more here.
Alberta Government Water Program
The Water Program supports agricultural water management by helping primary producers adopt agriculture water better management practices and priority actions. This supports better management of risks to water quality and supplies, adaptation to climate variability and the efficient use of water resources.
Application processing is underway but an estimated timeline for approval is not currently available. To get all the detail, please go to this website.
Interest-free Payments Program increases for 2024
Agriculture Canada recently announced the interest-free limit of the Advance Payments Program has been set at $250,000 for the 2024 program year. This is the portion of advances on which the Government of Canada pays the interest on behalf of producers.
This change will save approximately 11,950 participating producers an additional $4,916 in interest costs on average, for a total savings of up to $58.7 million.
Read more
Keep Your Premises ID account Up-To-Date
Premises Identification (PID) is a tool used to plan for, control, and prevent the spread of livestock and poultry disease, such as avian influenza or foot and mouth disease, and is crucial for the livestock industry in the event of an animal health incident,” says Dr. Keith Lehman, chief provincial veterinarian with the Alberta government. “The quicker we can locate livestock, the more quickly and accurately we can respond. In fact, PID was used heavily in 2022 and 2023 to help control the spread of avian influenza and disseminate information to poultry owners in the province and will continue to be an important tool in managing the anticipated spread in future years.” Read more here.
AFAC Announces Immediate Closure
For Public Notice March 1, 2024
Alberta Farm Animal Care Association (AFAC) was started in 1993 by Alberta livestock producers. Throughout the past 30 years, AFAC has developed into the collective voice of the livestock industry on matters of livestock welfare and provided an opportunity for the industry to work together to advance and promote responsible livestock care. AFAC's vision was to ensure farm animals in Alberta are respected, well-cared for, and experience a high state of welfare through collaboration with and support of our members. Our mission was to promote best practices in care and handling, by working collaboratively towards continual improvement in responsible livestock care, and engaging the public to build trust through transparency. Read more here.