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NEWS AND HIGHLIGHTS
The 2026 Census of Population and the Census of Agriculture began May 4th
Statistics Canada is pleased to announce that collection for the 2026 Census of Population and Census of Agriculture began May 4. Across the country households and farm businesses will be ...
Fire Bulletin #1: Information Related to Wildfire Season Preparedness
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Producer Survey on Veterinary Services District Model Now Open Until May 15
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The Manitoba government is launching the MB Ready app and recognizing Emergency Preparedness Week from May 3 to 9… The platform is now available as a mobile app...
Emergency Preparedness Week is May 3-9
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Filling labour gaps by accelerating permanent residence for 33k workers
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Canadian Beef Producers Call on Federal Government to Stand Up for Industry in Mercosur Negotiations
Ottawa, ON — May 6, 2026 — As Canada approaches the final round of Mercosur trade negotiations, Canada’s beef producers are sending a clear and united message to the federal government: do not sacrifice Canadian beef in a rushed trade deal.
The Canadian Cattle Association (CCA) and the National Cattle Feeders’ Association (NCFA), together representing all beef producers in Canada, strongly oppose the inclusion of beef market access in a potential Mercosur agreement. The organizations are calling on the Government of Canada to stand firmly with Canadian ranchers and cattle feeders and ensure Canadian beef is not used as a bargaining chip.
“Canadian beef producers support global trade that is science-based, transparent and reciprocal,” said Tyler Fulton, President of the Canadian Cattle Association. “Canada is already one of the most exposed beef markets in the world. Adding permanent, broad-based beef access for Mercosur countries would undermine our industry at a critical time and send the wrong signal to producers who are working to rebuild the national herd.”
Canada already relies on imports for approximately 30 per cent of domestic beef consumption, significantly higher than major competitors such as the United States, the European Union, or Australia. After years of drought, rising costs, and market disruptions, Canadian producers are only now beginning to see signs of recovery. Additional low-cost imports risk stalling herd rebuilding, reducing domestic supply, and increasing Canada’s reliance on imports the exact opposite of what the Government of Canada is intending with increasing domestic food security.
Beyond economic exposure, beef producers have serious concerns about animal health and regulatory standards in parts of the Mercosur region.
“Protecting animal health is foundational to Canada’s beef industry and must remain an absolute priority,” said Brad Deleeuw, Chair of the National Cattle Feeders’ Association.
“Including beef access from regions with a history of foot-and-mouth disease, questionable BSE reporting transparency, and inconsistent sanitary and phytosanitary compliance puts our national herd and rural economies at unacceptable risk. A foreign animal disease outbreak would be catastrophic.”
Canadian beef producers also caution that Mercosur beef does not compete on a level playing field. Lower production costs in the region are driven by weaker standards for animal health, labour, and environmental protection, undercutting Canadian farmers who meet some of the highest standards in the world.
News Release
While supportive of trade diversification, CCA and NCFA emphasize that diversification must be strategic and reciprocal.
“Trade diversification only works if it expands export opportunities not if it simply increases imports,” added Fulton. “Canada’s beef sector is highly integrated with North American supply chains, and our most important trading relationship is with the United States. On the eve of a critical CUSMA (Canada-United States-Mexico Agreement) renewal, rushing into a risky Mercosur deal creates unnecessary friction and threatens our most vital export market.”
Canada’s beef sector stands ready to work constructively with the federal government to expand exports and strengthen trade relationships. However, producers are clear: responsible trade policy must protect the health of the national herd, maintain high standards, and support long-term growth at home.
“The Canadian beef sector has the potential to help propel our economy forward,” said Deleeuw. “But that requires government to work beside us not against us. We urge negotiators to say no to Mercosur beef access and to deliver trade outcomes that truly support Canadian farmers, ranchers, and rural communities.”
Canadian beef must not be a bargaining chip.
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For further information, contact:
Tina Zakowsky
Gina Devlin Communications Manager Communications Manager Canadian Cattle Association National Cattle Feeders’ Association 403-451-0931 403-250-2509 ext. 204 zakowskyt@cattle.ca gdevlin@cattlefeeders.ca
Head Office #180, 6815 – 8th Street NE Calgary, Alberta
T2E 7H7
Phone: (403) 275-8558
Email: contact@cattle.ca
Office #1101, 350 Sparks St. Ottawa, Ontario
K1R 7S8
Phone: (613) 233-9375
URGENT: Canadian Beef is NOT a Bargaining Chip— Your
Voice Matters
Dear Fellow Beef Producers:
I am writing to you today because our industry is at a critical crossroads. The Government of Canada is currently looking to finalize a trade agreement with Mercosur a bloc including some of the largest, lowest-cost beef producers in the world, such as Brazil and Argentina.
Through our provincial members, the CCA represents approximately 60,000 beef producers who support more than 347,000 jobs and contribute $34.2 billion to Canada’s GDP. We have been engaging directly with Parliamentarians, but they need to hear from you.
Why we must say NO to Mercosur beef access:
• Economic Threat: Mercosur beef imports have already surged by 238% between 2021 and 2025. Expanding this access further with no reciprocal benefits will undermine our domestic production and stall the rebuilding of the Canadian herd.
• Lower Standards: Our ranching families pride themselves on world-class sustainability and food safety. Mercosur beef is produced under significantly lower labour, environmental, and animal health standards. Displacing high-quality Canadian beef with low-cost imports is a loss for our environment and our food security.
• Risks to U.S. Trade: Our industry is deeply integrated with the United States. Granting Mercosur major new access could be seen as a "backdoor" to the U.S. market, potentially triggering trade actions that would jeopardize our most vital trading relationship.
Take Action Now
Decisions made right now will impact the future of our industry and our rural communities. Canadian beef is for plates, not trade bait.
Please visit www.cattle.ca/mercosur right now. We have provided a simple form where you can enter your name and postal code to send a message to your MP in seconds.
I urge you to make your voice heard and ask your family, friends, and neighbours to do the same. We cannot let our hard work be used as a bargaining chip.
Sincerely,
Tyler Fulton President, Canadian Cattle Association
Manitoba Agriculture Summer Pasture Workshops
“Beefing Up Herd Health on Pasture”
Gladstone
Date: Tuesday, June 2, 2026
Time: 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
Place: Gladstone Auction Mart - PTH 16 W
Killarney
Date: Wednesday, June 3, 2026
Time: 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
Place: Killarney Auction Mart - ¾ mile South of Hwy 3 & 18
Agenda
Coffee and registration
Precision Pastures: Enhancing Grazing with Virtual Fencing
Dr. Mary-Jane Orr – Manitoba Beef and Forage Initiatives (MBFI)
The Mineral Match-Up: What Your Cows Really Need
Rachel Claassen-Haeusler - Masterfeeds Representative
Cattle Health on Pasture: Common Issues and Practical Solutions
Dr. Tanya Anderson – Gladstone Vet Clinic
Dr. Christian Scott – Pembina Valley Vet Clinic
Long-Distance Doctoring: Remote Drug Delivery Done Right
Local Veterinarians and practical producer experiences Hands-on practice with RDD equipment and targets
Smart Implanting: Hands-On Techniques and Economic Benefits
Ben Hamm, Farm Management Specialist & Cindy Jack, Livestock and Forage Specialist – Manitoba Agriculture Practice using implant guns on cattle ears
Lunch will be provided. Please pre-register by Friday, May 29, 2026, to assist with meal planning. Contact Manitoba Agriculture at: 1-844-769-6224 or agriculture@gov.mb.ca. Registration fee at the door - $25
