New recommendations call for a phased Alberta-led traceability system designed to support disease response, protect market access, and improve industry resiliency.
Alberta cattle producers could see a new chapter in livestock traceability as Alberta Beef Producers (ABP) moves forward with recommendations aimed at strengthening cattle movement tracking while keeping producers at the centre of the process.
The recommendations come from the Working Group on Traceability, a committee established following producer resolutions brought forward through Alberta Beef Producers. During its September board meeting, ABP received the group's final report, which outlines the background, findings, and recommendations developed over several months of consultation.
The report was prepared by the Ag Advisory Council and reflects input from a broad cross-section of the cattle industry, including producers, auction markets, feedlots, veterinarians, industry organizations, government representatives, and the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA).
At the heart of the report is a recommendation that Alberta pursue a phased and industry-driven enhancement of cattle movement traceability. Rather than introducing an entirely new system, the report recommends building on existing tools such as manifests and Livestock Identification Services (LIS), while connecting with the national Canadian Cattle Identification Agency (CCIA) and Canadian Livestock Tracking System (CLTS) framework.
According to the Working Group, an Alberta-led approach could increase adoption of current traceability requirements and improve the quality of movement information available during disease incidents or other emergencies affecting the livestock sector.
The report argues that traceability should be viewed as more than a disease-control tool. Participants emphasized its value as critical infrastructure that supports market access, protects industry reputation, and reduces economic risk.
In an increasingly interconnected global marketplace, rapid access to accurate livestock movement data can help maintain customer confidence and support continued access to export markets.
Working Group participants identified several benefits of a timely and reliable traceability system. These included reducing the costs associated with disease outbreaks, limiting production disruptions, supporting emergency response efforts, and helping preserve access to domestic and international markets.
ABP Chair Doug Roxburgh thanked members of the Working Group for their efforts throughout the consultation process. “The Board of Directors appreciates the time and energy participants in the Working Group invested in this process over the busy summer months,” Roxburgh said.
He noted that the discussion is not ending with the release of the report. “The Board has directed that this conversation will be brought to ABP Producer Meetings to provide the opportunity for a broader discussion,” he said.
The upcoming producer meetings will provide cattle producers with an opportunity to review the findings, ask questions, and share perspectives on the future direction of traceability in Alberta. The discussions are expected to help determine how the industry balances practical implementation concerns with the growing need for robust animal movement information.
ABP is encouraging producers to read the report and participate in the fall meetings. Producers seeking additional information are also encouraged to connect with their local zone delegates or representatives from organizations involved in the Working Group, including the Alberta Auction Markets Association, Alberta Cattle Feeders’ Association, Alberta Veterinary Medical Association, Livestock Identification Services, and the Western Stock Growers’ Association.
Read the Report from the ABP Working Group on Traceability.