Canadian farmers and ranchers held 11.1 million cattle and calves on Jan. 1, up 2.5 per cent from one year before. Inventories rose across all categories of cattle. Beef heifers for breeding were up 4.8 per cent and beef cows were up 1.9 per cent.

Producers held 3.6 million calves, 4.3 per cent more than a year prior. This was mainly due to a 42.7 per cent increase in international imports of calves between July and December.

In the last six months of the year, slaughter of cattle and calves fell by 6.5 per cent to 1.6 million head, StatCan said. International exports dropped by 8.9 per cent to 361,300 head. Despite decreases, feeder and slaughter cattle prices climbed to record highs over the latter half of 2025 on global demand.

Hog inventories down

Canadian hog farmers reported 13.9 million hogs on farms as of Jan. 1, down 0.8 per cent from one year prior. They reported 1.2 million sows and gilts — up 0.4 per cent. The number of boars was unchanged at 15,300 head.

The pig crop for the second half of 2025 rose by three per cent year-over-year to 15.2 million. StatCan attributed this to an increase in demand from processors and international trade.

International exports of live hogs were up eight per cent year over year at 3.5 million head. Hog slaughter rose by 1.8 per cent to 10.9 million head.

Sheep and lamb inventory up

Canadian sheep and lamb inventories rose by three per cent year over year to 833,000 head.

The sheep breeding herd was up 2.2 per cent as inventories of ewes and replacement lambs both increased. Ram numbers were stable.

Sheep and lamb slaughter fell by 2.9 per cent year over year between July and December. Average producer prices for slaughter lambs fell well below those in the previous six months.

Between July and December, international exports of live sheep and lambs rose by 19.5 per cent to 4,900 head.

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A global study funded by the University of Guelph’s “Food From Thought” program of 61 unfertilized grassland sites across six continents over 15 years showed fertilization increased pasture biomass by 43 per cent on average.

“(The study showed) it’s hard to predict exactly when and where we are or aren’t going to see a response. The best that we can do is take a pretty good stab at it,” explained Colin Elgie, soil fertility specialist for the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Agribusiness, during the Beef is ON fall webinar series.

“And one fertilizer program is not really going to fit every single pasture.”

Why it matters

Soil fertility is critical for reducing nutrient loss, increasing yield, and boosting profits, but it starts with soil sampling.

The study revealed that high soil pH, high soil test phosphorus and low species diversity were the main limiting factors to fertilizer response. However, no clear geographical pattern emerged, underscoring the site-specific nature of fertility responses.

“When it comes to site-specific management, the number one step is soil sampling,” Elgie said.

“To me, we’re still not doing enough of it. There are a lot of fields that would benefit from identifying limiting factors that are going on within that field.”

Sampling and technique are crucial for identifying deficient and limiting nutrients, monitoring fertility shifts over time, informing lime decisions and preventing over- and under-fertilization, because pastures rarely have uniform fertility, he advised.

Use the proper tools

He warned against using galvanized metal tools because the zinc can leach into the soil, affecting nutrient analysis. A minimum of 20 cores, taken in a zig-zag pattern across the pasture using stainless steel or plastic tools, clearly and correctly labelled, every four to five years, is needed for an accurate soil assessment and mitigation.

“We want that nutrient-rich zone where the majority of the roots are, the majority of the nutrients are, to really get a good analysis of what’s going on,” Elgie explained, advising a six-inch collection depth.

“That’s also (the depth) where all of our lab tests are calibrated.”

Shallower or deeper core depths will give false high or low results.

Sample the right spots

Additionally, livestock manure areas tend to be concentrated near water, feeders, shade or loafing areas, creating patchy zones of high phosphorus (P) and potassium (K), compared to other areas with much lower levels.

He recommended avoiding those “hot spots” or sampling them separately to obtain better insights for specific management, and accredited soil lab submissions ensure alignment with soil recommendations.

Crop and pasture differences

Compared to row cropping, pasture soil fertility drawdown is slower, but is affected by organic matter (OM) breakdown, soil pH changes due to precipitation and erosion and the addition or removal of nutrients through manure and harvesting or grazing the field.

For example, removing two tons per acre of grass-legume hay removes approximately 80 lbs. N/acre, 22 lbs. P/acre and 90 lbs. K/acre. However, cow-calf stocking at a half pair per acre only removes five lbs. N, 3.4 lbs. P and 0.6 lbs./acre of K.

“We’re actually taking more off the field, but through urine and manure, that nitrogen is returning,” he explained.

“About a quarter to half of that can be lost due to volatilization.”

Additionally, livestock meat and milk production removes about 10 to 30 per cent of ingested phosphorus and potassium from the field.

AgriSuite tools provide bigger picture

Elgie guided producers to use OMAFA’s AgriSuite tools to input soil tests, generate crop-specific nutrient recommendations and estimate nutrient removal under grazing or haying.

The soil test results provide a roadmap for applying the correct product or nutrients based on soil samples, species and stand composition, and for the proper rate to avoid over- or under-application in the right place at the right time, i.e., lime applied as early as possible to ensure the greatest results.

The OM and Cation Exchange Capacity (CEC) on the soil test results provide a background picture of the soil and its ability to hold, cycle and leach nutrients, along with water capacity, followed by pH, Buffer pH and potassium.

“There’s a lot of different things that we can look at here,” said Elgie, pointing to magnesium, zinc, manganese and boron.

“But what it comes down to is, if you don’t have your phosphorus and potassium in line where you want them, then it really doesn’t matter what you do when it comes to some of our secondary nutrients or micronutrients.”

For example, phosphorus has low availability at pH 4.5 and declines at pH 8, while manganese has high availability at pH 4.5 and tapers off sharply at pH 6 and above.

“For most crops, we’ve got a pretty good range of around six to seven and a half that fits well, keeps those nutrients available as much as possible for that plant to be able to grow and yield healthy,” he shared.

“And it is something that is absolutely critical for crop growth.”

Oats and wheat are tolerant of low pH (under 5.5) and still hit 80 to 90 per cent of their relative yield. In contrast, legumes, alfalfa, sweet and red clover, barley, timothy, and some grasses perform poorly at low pH, improving only once soil pH reaches a neutral level – generally between 5.5 and 6.5 as a minimum target.

Elgie explained that the Ag Index of Lime is critical for lime selection. For example, it shows that Calcitic Lime has a 100 per cent neutralizing value, with Dolomitic at 109 per cent, Spanish River Carbonatite at 81 per cent, Canadian Wollastonite at 60-65 per cent, KaLime at 64 per cent and wood ash at 40-80 per cent. Gypsum has zero neutralizing value. The fineness of lime affects its dissolution rate, with finer powders being more effective; some also contain additional nutrients, such as magnesium and potassium, which may be beneficial given cost and transport considerations.

Elgie compared Lime A at $50/ton and Lime B at $30/ton. Although B seems cheaper, the index showed A has 86 per cent efficacy at 3.5 t/acre, while B has 45 per cent at 6.7 t/acre.

“Not all lime is the same,” said Elgie, recommending applying half now and half in two to three years to reduce costs.

“Lime is such an effective way of amending a soil’s fertility that I would sooner spend $200 in lime than I would on phosphorus or potassium.”

Plant species impact

The final part of the equation is the pasture plant mixture’s impact on soil fertility.

A U of G study, led by Prof. Kim Schneider, tested 19 species and mixtures with no fertilizer, 100 pounds of 19-19-19 (pasture standard), and soil-test-based on OMAFA recommendations over three years.

“If we look at the net profit in each of those same situations: the cost of that fertilizer, the cost of application and the yield that we’re getting out of it – Does it pay to apply those?” he asked.

The results showed that soil-test-based fertility produced the highest yields across all species and mixtures, while the balanced blend consistently applied the nutrients most limited for each crop. Grass-legume mixes showed particularly strong profitability, with test-based fertility outperforming the other treatments.

Elgie encouraged producers to soil test, correct pH, build nutrients through inputs, manure or precision ag bale grazing, and use AgriSuite tools to inform decisions and realize pasture gains.

“Improved pasture fertility can absolutely bring improved yield,” he said. “And improved production, which can absolutely enhance that pasture.

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Especially when your livestock’s motto is “don’t fence me in.”

Why it matters: Many livestock producers are seeking long-term fencing solutions that fit their operations.

Two distinct styles of mobile fencing were on display during the Ontario Sheep Field Day in Orono this summer: Rappa’s ATV four-strand system out of the United Kingdom and Gallagher’s SmartFence.

Lyndsey Smith and Chris Moore who operate Shady Creek Lamb Co. near Kinburn, are Rappa’s Eastern Canadian dealers and have been using the ATV system this summer for their sheep, but it also works with cattle.

They’ve tested various fencing options, including reels and net fencing over the past eight years for solar site vegetation control and cover crop grazing.

“We use a lot of net fencing, which is very labour intensive,” said Smith. “We lambed about 500 ewes this year, and we are managing about 600 acres of solar. We also graze cover crops into the fall.”

The Rappa system features an all-weather post holder in front of the handlebars for easy access, a front-mounted end/corner post and sledgehammer rack, and a rear-mounted ATV wheel-driven winder/unwinder system that works well with solar energizers.

Smith said the Rappa system is fast, versatile, offers substantial labour savings, decreases fatigue, and speeds up moving fences and animals.

“(We can) quickly set a perimeter fence that will have great power on it, and it’ll be done in one day,” she explained. “We’re not going back and fencing every two or three days.”

It also enables producers to fence potential grazing lands previously considered inaccessible due to fencing constraints.

“We think this will save a lot of steps and a lot of time, and hopefully put more money in your pocket,” said Moore. “That allows you to run more animals with less effort and have more time to do the best job possible for your animal’s health.”

James Clark, Gallagher Animal Management’s Ontario territory manager, rolled out the SmartFence, an all-in-one, plug-and-play fencing system that features four strands of polywire and 10 pre-installed posts, totalling 328 feet in length.

“The only thing you have to put on is the handle so you can have a fence in five minutes,” he said. “Every second post has a metal pin and tent-peg style rope with it so you can create corners.”

The posts are stored upright, in a quiver-style, attached to a friction brake and winder that tightens the polywire once some or all posts are installed. Clark said the system only pulls in loose strands without over-tightening the rest.

Powered by a solar energizer or connected to an existing main fence, the SmartFence can be expanded using unlimited unit additions, unlike net fencing, he said.

“You just use two alligator clips, the reel connectors, and that’s how you connect them all,” Clark explained, emphasizing that any shape for the enclosure is possible.

“Everyone’s situation is different. This is one tool in a toolbox that could work for you.”

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Canadian cattle producers had 11.9 million cattle and calves on farms as of July 1, up 0.8 per cent from one year earler.

StatCan attributed the rise to lower slaughter, which fell five per cent year over year to 1.6 million head for January to June.

Producers retained two per cent more beef heifers for breeding, 0.5 per cent more bulls and 0.4 per cent more beef cows.

Dairy heifer inventories also rose by 0.5 per cent and there were 0.4 per cent more dairy cows.

Greater retention of breeding stock and a 1.8 per cent year-over-year increase in births from January to June supported cattle inventories.

Producers held 1.8 per cent fewer steers and 1.5 per cent fewer feeder heifers compared to last July.

International exports of live cattle and calves between January and June decreased by 2.7 per cent to 390,400 head compared to last year.

“Feeder and slaughter cattle prices reached record highs over the first half of 2025, as global demand for beef remained elevated,” StatCan said.

Canadian hog producers reported 13.8 million hogs on farms as of July 1, down 1.3 per cent from a year prior. Total hog slaughter rose 3.3 per cent, year-over-year to 11.0 million head between January and June, supported by strong demand for pork exports.

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In South Dakota, Troy Hadrick kept 16 more heifers on his farm than he did last year to be used for breeding, rather than sending them to be slaughtered for beef.

More than 1,400 miles south in Texas, the biggest cattle-producing state, Fausto Salinas was also preserving heifers to increase his herd.

In major U.S. livestock regions, some ranchers have slowly begun taking the first steps to boost cattle production after the nation’s inventory shrank due to a years-long drought that dried up pasture land used for grazing and hiked feeding costs.

By the beginning of the year, the herd had dwindled to 86.7 million cattle, the smallest number for the time period since 1951, according to U.S. government data.

When grass failed to grow on pasture land that turned from green to brown and as feed grains became too expensive, ranchers began to ship off more cattle to be slaughtered. Some producers searched miles away for hay to nourish their remaining animals.

The drop in supply drove U.S. food companies to increasingly import beef from other countries, including Australia and Brazil.

Record-breaking cattle prices

Though in its early stages, the herd expansion is now a sign of hope for consumers shelling out for expensive steaks and for meatpackers losing money buying high-priced cattle to slaughter.

“Cattle availability should improve in coming years,” Tyson Foods CEO Donnie King said during an earnings call this week.

Farmers’ cautious plans to rebuild mark a turning point after a continuous downsizing of the herd for six years in a row pushed beef prices to record highs in 2025.

Cattle prices reached records too, slashing the profits of processors like Tyson and providing income for farmers who also grow grains and have struggled to turn a profit from selling crops.

Cattle production is the nation’s most important agricultural industry, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, which said the sector consistently accounts for the largest share of total cash receipts for farm commodities.

After delays due to persistent dryness, improved rains are motivating the expansion, along with expectations that cattle prices will remain lofty during the long rebuilding process, ranchers said.

In Nebraska, the second biggest cattle-producing state, the portion of the herd in areas suffering from drought dropped to 19 per cent in late July from 79 per cent two years earlier, according to the U.S. Drought Monitor.

Near Cozad, a city of 4,000 people where Uden works with his son-in-law, rains have not quit since starting around Mother’s Day in May, Uden said. Grass conditions look the best since 2011, he added.

The dramatic improvement comes as a record U.S. corn harvest is expected to boost available feed supplies.

“Everything has kind of fallen into place,” said Uden, 64. “The cattle will have plenty to eat this year.”

Ranches in South Texas also benefited from one of the greenest summers in years, a welcome reprieve after the punishing drought turned forage brown and dry and killed some cattle.

“Right now, we’re in the process of rebuilding,” said Salinas, a rancher in Rio Grande City, Texas, who sold cattle during the drought.

Temporarily tighter supplies

When ranchers retain heifers, beef production temporarily slows because the animals are not being sent to be slaughtered; it will also likely push meat prices even higher before they come down, agricultural economists said.

Consumers have shown resilience to the climbing cost of beef, but increased prices will test demand, they said.

It takes about two years before beef output rises after ranchers make initial moves to expand because that is how long it takes to raise full-grown cattle, ranchers said.

U.S. cattle and beef supplies are set to decline even further after President Donald Trump’s administration halted imports of Mexican livestock in July to keep out New World screwworm, a devastating pest.

U.S. beef imports from Brazil, a key supplier of meat used to make hamburgers, are also expected to fall after Trump imposed a 50 per cent trade tariff on Wednesday.

Meatpackers lose big

Beef producers such as Tyson and Cargill have waited years for ranchers to begin rebuilding herds because companies must increasingly compete with one another to buy limited supplies.

Processors were losing about $300 on each head of cattle they slaughtered on Tuesday, according to livestock marketing advisory service HedgersEdge.com.

Farmers have worried a processor may shutter a beef plant due to hefty losses, though Cargill told Reuters it had no plans to do so.

“It’s not overwhelmingly glaring that, ‘Hey we’re starting to rebuild the cow herd,’ but I think there are quite a few signals,” said Jarrod Gillig, senior vice president of Cargill’s North American beef business.

For one, strong prices for heifers at a major video livestock sale in July signaled the animals will be retained on farms, Gillig said.

In rural feedlots, about 4.2 million heifers were being fattened for slaughter as of July 1, down five per cent from 2024, according to USDA data. The decline likely reflects that ranchers are keeping at least a few more heifers on farms to reproduce, analysts said.

Tyson said a 16 per cent drop in beef cow slaughtering from January to June was another early indicator of ranchers retaining heifers on their farms. The meatpacker reported cattle costs climbed by about $560 million (C$770.4 million) in the quarter that ended on June 28, compared to a year earlier.

Herd rebuilding will begin in earnest next year, and the beef business will see benefits in 2028, King said.

Forgoing immediate profits

Ranchers who retain heifers must make a difficult decision to forgo immediate profits from selling cattle for slaughter in a bet that prices will stay high. Many are cautious about passing up the opportunity because they remember when prices tanked following a rapid production increase in 2014.

High interest rates also discourage farmers from expanding operations.

Hadrick, 49, said he would have liked to hold back more than 16 cows at his farm in Faulkton, South Dakota, but he was spooked by a lack of moisture earlier this year. High cattle prices encouraged him to expand a bit now that his son has returned home from college and provides extra help.

“The market’s screaming for more cattle,” Hadrick said. “We’re dipping our toe in.”

— Additional reporting by Heather Schlitz in Rio Grande City, Texas.

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The study of genetic material from environmental samples has changed the way crops are bred, disease is addressed and animal’s genetic makeup understood.

Why it matters: Metagenomics can test for many types of pathogens all at once and requires only one sample.

In beef cattle, genomics research has started in disease diagnostics and the understanding of disease, bacteria and viruses.

Cheryl Waldner, a professor and researcher at the Western College of Veterinary Medicine, has been one of the researchers working on metagenomics research in beef cattle and has specifically been looking into bovine respiratory disease.

Her work has been underway at Livestock and Forage Centre of Excellence (LFCE) as part of the cow-calf surveillance network and is a pre-cursor to the work that will be possible through the new facilities at the University of Saskatchewan and the LFCE.

With current processes for disease diagnostics, a sample is taken and undergoes a targeted test for the suspected disease. The most common test is a PCR, which detects specific genetic material such as DNA or RNA to determine the disease. However, it tests for one disease at a time, per sample.

“Bottom line, with the current tests, I can’t find a bug if I don’t know what I’m looking for most of the time,” Waldner told the LFCE 2025 Field Day.

“I might stumble on it by accidental culture, but unless I’ve got a plan … they’re probably going to miss it.”

Using metagenomic sequencing, a specific bacteria doesn’t need to be previously determined. This type of testing can identify the known and unknown simultaneously and then provide the data to further analyze at any time.

It also means that only one sample is required for testing, and it doesn’t need to be continuously stored for future testing or have a new sample taken. It reduces storage needs and costs for such samples because it can be expensive to store for long periods of time.

“It’s like if I had a book,and I was looking for specific words in a book, I might find those specific words (with the old tests),” she said.

“This is more like opening the book and actually reading the lines of the story, reading everything that’s there, and trying to figure out whether or not that’s relevant and whether or not there’s something that’s useful there.”

From a single sample that undergoes the metagenomic sequencing, Waldner is able to get information on respiratory disease, pink eye bacteria and anti-microbial resistance.

One way Waldner has been applying the research is by studying calves’ noses, which hold a high amount of bacteria due to them constantly being at the business end of their herd mates.

Metagonomic sequencing has helped her learn more about respiratory disease pathogens becaue the process can provide new information on the pathogens that were previously hard to identify or learn more about.

The bacteria on a calf’s nose relates to the animal’s feces, which can be relevant for herd health and public health and surveillance. However, for Waldner’s research, it’s provided an “unprecedented look” at how things work from an antimicrobial resistance genetic perspective.

“It’s not just a gene is in a sample,” she said.

“It’s a gene in a sample, attached to a bacteria and attached to a whole bunch of other resistance genes, and oh, by the way, it’s attached to a suitcase or cassette or mobile genetic element that packages this stuff up all nice and neat and makes it extremely contagious. And we can see that when it’s there as well.”

In her research on respiratory disease, she’s been able to easily identify Mycoplasma bovis as well as other mycoplasmas known to cause problems but for which there are no commercial diagnostic tests.

Using this research and metagenomics sequencing, Waldner has also been looking into how to vaccinate calves for coronavirus as a respiratory disease, rather than just for scours. She said there is extremely strong evidence from one of her studies that coronavirus is linked to respiratory disease in calves.

She said a lot of the virus is in calves, but in cow-calf herds there is virtually no antimicrobial resistance genes when looking at respiratory pathogens through genomic sequencing or traditional measuring methods. This means that the possibility of vaccination and successful treatment is high.

“We really do have a bit of a one test for all type of idea here,” she said, “which has worked out really well. We can find the viruses we expect to find: IBR (infectious bovine rhinotracheitis), BVD (bovine viral diarrhea), BRSV (bovine respiratory syncytial). We can find those, but we can also find a whole bunch of other viruses that we don’t test for as often.”

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Evan Peterson of JGL Commodities in Moose Jaw attributed the declines to seasonal pressure amidst mid-summer lack of demand.

“Lethbridge is trading for C$295 to C$300 (per tonne),” Peterson said about current feed barley prices.

He added that some feedlots are transitioning away from barley and more towards corn, taking advantage of historically low United States futures prices for the latter.

“Futures started to pull back with the anticipation of a larger U.S. corn crop. So we’ve seen corn traded in southern Alberta for old crop. It also puts pressure on barley prices as well,” Peterson said.

He also mentioned corn prices were trading for C$290 per tonne delivered. Recent rains across the Prairies reduced prices and provided not only much-needed moisture in drier fields but also confidence that farmers can deliver a good crop in the fall.

Right now, buyers are waiting and seeing how the upcoming barley crop will turn out, Peterson said, before determining whether to purchase barley or corn. But demand for feed grain has also slowed down.

“Cattle numbers have diminished across the Prairies and in southern Alberta. The demand for grain in the summer did not seem to be there as it had been in the past,” he said.

Downward pressure on barley and corn prices should continue as growers get closer to harvest.

“(Feed grain prices will) probably be on a slow, downward, sideways trend into new crop to see how things shape out after the combines start rolling,” Peterson said.

Delivered feed barley prices in Saskatchewan ranged from C$5.25 to C$5.51 per bushel on July 9, down 29 cents from a month earlier, Prairie Ag Hotwire reported. Prices in Alberta were from C$5.29 to C$6.64, down 33 cents. Those in Manitoba ranged from C$5.04 to C$5.35 and were steady from one month ago.

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Yet that is the focus of public policy, even as many producers enter another drought year and could be looking at downsizing.

“As a primary producer, I’m not convinced that more cows equals a better outcome for us,” Jeff Yorga told the organization’s annual meeting.

Instead, profitability, younger producers entering the business and keeping grass from being ripped up for grain land are all measures of a successful, healthy industry, he said.

SSGA calls for permanent tax deferral program

Yorga said the SSGA is working to change the policy mindset.

“We grow grass and the cows turn it into protein, and the only way to save the grass in a drought is you have to be able to move the cows,” he said in an interview.

“So when we think about metrics, having policy that is designed to keep the cows around doesn’t keep the grass around.

“What ends up happening is things get exacerbated because the owner wasn’t able to make a clear decision when drought first happened.”

He pointed to Australia, where if it doesn’t rain by a certain date, producers begin to sell off cattle immediately. If and when it rains, they buy back in.

That’s why he introduced a resolution calling for a permanent, 10-year tax deferral program so producers who have to sell because of drought aren’t forced to buy back in at a higher price. Right now, tax deferral areas are announced by the federal government each year. That resolution was passed.

Yorga also said the high prices and strong demand in the industry right now are positive for those who are still in beef production and for those who want to get out.

“I’m not comfortable saying that we need more cows, given the situation that we’re in right now. Bigger picture, I don’t see the herd growing at all this year,” he said.

Detriments of lower cattle numbers

Saskatchewan agriculture minister Daryl Harrison said he had heard Yorga’s message and would consider it.

“I always keep an open mind,” he said.

Saskatchewan Cattle Association chair Chad Ross also addressed the meeting and pointed out the detrimental effects of lower cattle numbers.

SCA collects the provincial and national beef levies, at $2 and $2.50 per head, respectively. Ross said total collections were down about $406,000 last year and are expected to drop another $600,000 this year.

The provincial portion is set to rise 75 cents as of Aug. 1 after extensive debate about raising it to $1.50.

SCA has already cut staff, research spending and third party funding.

“We want to stay positive, but we’ve got work to do to represent our producers. If we’ve got a million less dollars to do the marketing, to do the research, to do the advocacy, it’s tough,” Ross said.

He said producers are doing well and able to pay down debt due to the strong prices, but a 30 per cent decrease in marketings means that $1.50 is probably going to come back into play in future.

The Canadian Cattle Association gets 53 cents out of the $2 provincial levy, and it also had budgetary concerns. Saskatchewan director Lynn Grant told the meeting the organization has begun using a reserve fund it accumulated during the COVID-19 pandemic when travel was curtailed.

“In about four years’ time, it’s going to be crunch time,” he said.

Then, CCA will have to cut back activities or seek a revenue increase. He noted that Canadian producers pay less than one-quarter of one percent in checkoff compared to other commodities that pay more.

Grant also suggested that SCA will need the full 75-cent increase to keep operating.

Yorga said associations may have to look at how they are spending the money they have. SSGA is a voluntary membership organization. The provincial checkoff collected by SCA is refundable, but the national portion is not.

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Why it matters: Lakehead University is home to a new veterinary medicine program

The gift from Kim and Stu Lang marks the largest philanthropic contribution in Lakehead’s history. The new facility will assist the university in delivering the Collaborative Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (CDVM) program, which aims to address the critical veterinarian shortage in northern Ontario.

“As animal lovers and long-time supporters of many animal health programs, including the Ontario Veterinary College, we are delighted to support Lakehead University’s role in expanding access to veterinary medicine throughout northern Ontario,” said Kim Lang in a release.

“When faced with a large-scale crisis like northern Ontario’s veterinarian shortage, we must be innovative when seeking solutions,” said Dr. Gillian Siddall, president and vice-chancellor of Lakehead University.

“Kim and Stu Lang are visionaries—the innovative nature of this collaborative, solutions-based approach between Lakehead and Guelph universities spoke to their interests and values.”

The Langs, together with Lakehead University, announced that the new animal education facility will be named Gakina Awesiinyag, from the Anishinaabemowin language, which translates to “All Animals (Place For).”

“When considering a name for the new building that will house animals and educate future generations of veterinarians, it was important to us to choose an inclusive name that honours the land,” said Lang. “We were grateful to receive guidance from Indigenous Elders from the north to choose this beautiful, fitting name. It is our privilege to play a part in building this lasting legacy for northern communities.”

The CDVM provides education and training for 20 northern community students annually.

The September 2025 and 2026 CDVM cohorts will complete all four years of the program at the Ontario Veterinary College in Guelph while the Lakehead facility is under construction, which is set to begin this summer.

The 2027 northern cohort will divide their time between the two universities throughout the four-year program, featuring experiential learning opportunities and local vet placements in the north, along with core courses tailored to the unique needs of northern practice.

“We extend our most sincere thanks for Kim and Stu Lang’s incredible support, belief in this project, and unwavering commitment to funding such an innovative and regionally responsive solution to the complex challenge of veterinary access in northern Ontario,” said Michael den Haan, Lakehead University vice-president, University Advancement.

“Through this generous investment, communities in the north will be forever changed for the better.”

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“It seems like we have a couple of buyers who are getting a little more aggressive in buying some feed grains for the summer months,” Leclerc explained. “It seems like you just really need to shop around because there is such differential between so many buyers out there.”

She added that deliveries are still going strong in feedlots, with many farmers in Alberta waiting for more moisture and growth before letting their cattle graze.

“Buyers are a little concerned (about) needing more rain and pastures are varied all over, but not spectacular,” Leclerc said.

Barley and corn are still the two grains of choice at feedlots, she said. How much they will cost will be determined by weather conditions in the coming weeks.

“It depends if we get some of the rains that are anticipated or not. It’s very much going to be a weather market depending how it plays out.”

Delivered feed barley prices in Alberta ranged from C$5.12 to C$6.97 per bushel as of May 28, up seven cents from the month before, Prairie Ag Hotwire reported. In Saskatchewan, the range was C$5.25 to C$5.50/bu., up 20 cents, while in Manitoba, feed barley cost between C$5.19 to C$5.35/bu., up 19 cents.

Delivered feed wheat prices in Alberta were C$7 to C$8.98/bu. for a monthly gain of eight cents. Saskatchewan saw an increase of five cents/bu. with prices ranging from C$7.50 to C$7.95. In Manitoba, the only price reported was C$7.24/bu., up two cents from last month but also up 12 cents from last week.

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