Facts & Statistics
Alberta is a world leader in supplying high quality beef to the domestic market in Canada and around the world. It is a major contributor to the cattle population within the nation. Canada holds 1.3% of the world inventory and supplies 10.9% of global exports.
Canada has approximately 15 million head of beef cattle (2009). The majority of Canadian cattle are born, fed and processed in Alberta. Nearly 39% of the cows and 62% of the cattle on feed are located in this pristine western province. Fed cattle raised in Alberta in 2009 totaled 2.17 million head. The processing capacity allows for fed cattle from other provinces to be slaughtered and fabricated here. In 2009, nearly 2.4 million fed cattle were processed in Alberta.
The majority of export sales of both live cattle and beef from Alberta go to the United States which accounts for nearly 80% of all exports. That is followed by beef that is also shipped to Mexico, Hong Kong, Macau, and Japan. Canadian beef from Alberta enjoys wide acceptance in many other countries as well, such as areas of South East Asia, Taiwan, Russia and the Caribbean. In 2008 Canada exported 386 MT of beef. Always, Canadian beef from Alberta is the product of choice with its assurance of quality, taste and safety.
Canadian Fed Cattle Production 2009
‘000 head
| Alberta |
Ontario |
Quebec/Atlantic |
BC/MB/SK |
Total |
| 2179.9 |
659.2 |
99.6 |
250.1 |
3188.8 |
2009 Canadian Slaughter/Head 2009 Canadian Slaughter/Head
|
Alberta
|
2,394,300 |
|
Ontario
|
647,700 |
|
Quebec/Atlantic CanadaQuebec/Atlantic Canada
|
175,500 |
|
BC/Manitoba/SaskatchewanBC/Manitoba/Saskatchewan
|
105,800 |
Canadian farm cash receipts for cattle and calves in 2008 were valued at CDN$6.6 billion. Today, beef remains the largest generator of farm cash receipts and has a strong political presence. From a community perspective, the feeding of beef in the feedlot may generate up to $250.00 per head in economic spin off. Alberta cattle feeders feed 2.1 million head to 2.3 million head of cattle per year. The economic activity generated by a feedlot stays in the rural community in which the feedlot is located, thus ensuring the growth of communities and employment of Albertans near every major feeding enterprise.
The beef industry is well represented in Canada and especially in Alberta. Several organizations are involved in representing producer interests, but the Alberta Cattle Feeders Association is the voice of the cattle feeding industry.
If you are interested in the cattle feeding industry or wish to know more about producing beef in Alberta,
contact us through our Contact Page.