National Beef Strategy Update: Canadian Beef Industry Overcomes Challenges to Achieve Many Five-Year Goals

The Canadian beef industry has just released a Status Update of its 2020-24 National Beef Strategy outlining many goals attained while overcoming challenges in the industry over the past two years. The Strategy was developed by the Canadian beef industry to collectively capitalize on opportunities. The Strategy has provided guidance despite multiple supply and demand hurdles such as drought, feed shortages and post-pandemic recovery. The Status Update covers the final two years of the national strategy covering June 2022 through June 2024. 

Today, the Canadian Beef Advisors, comprised of national beef organizations, are proud to confirm that several of the goals listed in the Strategy have been achieved in the areas of Beef Demand, Competitiveness, Productivity (including Sustainability) and Connectivity.

Despite many industry challenges, such as rising energy and input prices, and food inflation reducing consumer purchasing power, the Advisors are pleased with the successes. The focus post-pandemic was to re-engage with industry and at international fora as in-person events resumed. “The beef industry faces rising protectionist international trade measures. Ongoing efforts in international fora, such as the WTO and United Nations bodies, are essential to ensure Canadian voices are heard.” noted Nathan Phinney, President of the Canadian Cattle Association. 

The Canadian Beef Advisors is renewing the National Beef Strategy for 2025-30, which will be released in January 2025. This update will be aligned with the 2030 goals focused. “There have been positive developments recently with investments into packing plants. Producers are looking forward to seeing the pull for cattle that comes from this.” Craig Lehr, BCRC and Chair of the Beef Advisors “Continued research to support producer competitiveness in a higher cost structure is key to future expansion.” 

The Canadian Beef Advisors consist of elected leaders and senior staff of the seven national beef organizations responsible for policy, marketing, research and sustainability. They are a diverse group of experienced industry representatives, responsible for advancing the strategy with industry stakeholders, providing recommendations on future direction and reporting results against strategy objectives.