Residents of Lacombe County have until June 12, 2026, to provide feedback on proposed new standards for the care and handling of beef cattle. The public consultation period, which began on April 13, 2026, invites producers and community members to weigh in on a draft document that will shape industry practices for the next decade.
The update is being led by the National Farm Animal Care Council in partnership with the Canadian Cattle Association. As agriculture serves as a primary industry within Lacombe County, which covers 668,102 acres and includes 1,010 farms, local officials are actively encouraging residents to participate in the process.
The draft policy introduces several new requirements aimed at animal welfare. These include guidelines for using pain control during difficult calving in consultation with a veterinarian, as well as specific procedures for disbudding and dehorning. The updated standards also call for more frequent monitoring of cattle during extreme weather, such as heat waves or intense cold, and ensuring access to shelter from high winds during winter conditions.
This initiative represents the first major update to the code since 2013. A 15-member committee, chaired by Matt Bowman of the Canadian Cattle Association, has spent time drafting the document with input from veterinarians, researchers, government representatives, and animal welfare advocates. According to Dr. Leigh Rosengren, Chief Veterinary Officer with the Canadian Cattle Association, the goal is to create a code designed to last for 10 years.
Tyler Fulton, president of the Canadian Cattle Association, stated that hearing from producers across the country is essential to ensure the new rules remain practical for those working in the industry. To ensure all feedback is reviewed consistently, the committee requires that all comments be submitted through the National Farm Animal Care Council’s online system.
The final version of the code is expected to be released in 2027. Further information regarding the consultation process is available through Lacombe County.
