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November 26, 2025 - 22^nd Annual Cattlemen’s Day – A Huge Success 

A day of learning, connection, and community for local producers.

Twenty-two years ago, on the heels of drought, BSE, and the closing of the U.S. border, the first Cattlemen’s Day was born. Local cattle producers were struggling and Clearwater County’s Agriculture Services wanted to dedicate a day to providing resources and celebrate their tenacity! 

The 22^nd annual event took place at Leslieville Community Centre. Due to popular demand, the event was capped at over 100 local producers. These producers took advantage of a trade show, presentations from key agricultural speakers, a delicious roast beef and ham lunch, spectacular door prizes and much camaraderie.

There are a lot of changes on the horizon with new technology and the fluctuating markets. Alberta is the largest cattle producing province in Canada, accounting for 43 per cent of the national herd and while Alberta did see the first decline in 2024 for Farm Cash Receipts, so did most of the Country. This decline was due to lower crop prices and a drop in crop insurance payments. However, we are expected to see a projected increase for this year’s receipts according to the quarterly trends from Statistics Canada. 

For the last 15 years the Canadian beef herd has wavered. Canadian cattle producers are sitting at 11.9 million head on farms as of July 1^st – up just 0.8 per cent from the previous year. This is the first increase producers have seen since 2021 according to Statistics Canada.

Global demand for beef remains elevated – driving beef prices through the roof. Canada remains a big player in the export and import beef market. The good news provided by Brenna Grant, Canfax Executive Director, is that we are not sitting in the type of deficit that we saw in 2015. However, these record high prices and demands are projected to last into 2026. 

Dr. Alessa Kuczewski, a passionate veterinarian from Germany with Cow/Calf Health Management Solutions in Crossfield, gave a detailed presentation on The Madigan Squeeze. This is an unusual tool for calving in which pressure is exerted on specified areas of a newborn calf’s body to simulate the pressure experienced during birth. Essentially, this is used on calves who are suffering from maladjustment syndrome or as some refer to it as “dummy calf syndrome”. The science behind the squeeze is that it helps reset the brain and transition from a sleep-like state form the womb to wakefulness. However, this is only effective in the very early moments post birth. 

Dr. Tim Nickel, from Boehringer Ingelheim Animal Health Canada Incorporated, joined us for a presentation on Cattle Parasites. Specifically, using incredible images of the firsthand effects of parasites in cattle, Dr. Nickel demonstrated the importance of monitoring and treating your cattle. The presentation was filled with scientific research, the results, and interesting facts about some of the threats your herd faces when encountering parasites. Dr. Nickel provides insight into specific treatment options and preventative measures. 

Janelle Smith, a cow-calf producer with Trouw Nutrition, held a discussion on preserving feed quality in wetter growing seasons with high moisture baleage. Janelle provided key information on the pros and cons of specific silage techniques, such as bale silage versus chopped silage. The how tos, the dos and don’ts. Janelle highlighted the importance of weather conditions, proper moisture, and of course oxygen concentrations in your feed. 

Emma Cross is a young rancher from Tofield with expertise in raising purebred Hereford and beef communication. Emma is the Vice Chair of the Do More Agriculture Foundation. Her presentation encompassed the importance of farmers’ well-being since they are the most important resources on a ranch. Her presentation on resilient minds and the preservation of mental health on the farm gave insight to best management practices for mental resiliency, understanding your own mental well-being, and addressed the internal and external stigma surrounding farmers and their mental health. 

Norm Dueck, a tropical born farmer as well as a Prairie Soil and Specialist Rep with A&L Laboratories, gave an excellent talk on the importance of feed testing and the types of testing A&L offers. Norm discussed soil sampling and walked producers through what the typical method of collecting and selecting soil and feed tests looks like. 

The cow/calf business is a thriving industry that is integral to our local culture and the foundation of the whole beef equation. However, with the unpredictable markets hitting all-time highs, it can be a tricky business to be in. Producers must have adaptability and continuously dedicate their time to ensuring their herds are healthy. Our history is built on farmer tenacity and that is what we celebrate every year at Cattlemen’s Day.

The day wrapped up with exceptional conversations and opportunities for networking. Of course, we cannot do this event without our sponsors – thank you! For the twenty-second year in a row, Cattlemen’s Day was an absolute success, and we are already excited for next year!