We're Halfway There—Share Input on the Beef Cattle Code of Practice by June 12
The public comment period for the Beef Code of Practice update is underway, and your input is highly valued.
The Beef Code sets the national on-farm standard of care for beef cattle in Canada and has been around since 1981. You are encouraged to submit comments before the June 12 deadline to help ensure strong producer input in shaping the direction of on-farm animal welfare in our sector for the next decade.
What’s New in the Draft Beef Code?
Some of the updates include:
- Enhanced requirements to provide pain control for painful procedures (e.g., castrating, disbudding, dehorning, branding) for all ages of cattle and a requirement to provide pain control for assisted difficult calvings for both cow and calf.
- New requirements to monitor cattle more frequently during heat waves or high humidity and during adverse cold weather to promptly assist cattle not coping, and to provide shelter (natural or man-made) from high winds during cold weather.
- New sections on mud and moisture and non-ambulatory cattle, plus an expanded section on weaning.
The Canadian Cattle Association has prepared a high-level summary of the draft Beef Code. This summary is intended to highlight key areas of change and support initial review; however, it is not exhaustive. Producers are encouraged to review the full draft Code and provide comments.
Considerations for Providing Feedback on the Beef Code
Here are some sample questions to guide your feedback as you review the Code:
- Are the standards workable on your operation?
- How does the Code apply across different production systems?
- Are there areas that may need clarification or adjustment?
- What is working well and should remain unchanged?
Visit the Canadian Cattle Association website to explore frequently asked questions, access additional resources and request a recording of the Public Comment Period webinar for producers.
Sharing or reprinting BCRC posts is welcome and encouraged. Please credit the Beef Cattle Research Council, provide the website address, www.BeefResearch.ca, and let us know you have chosen to share the article by emailing us at [email protected].
The BCRC is funded by a portion of the Canadian Beef Cattle Check-Off.
Your questions, comments and suggestions are welcome. Contact us directly or spark a public discussion by posting your thoughts below.