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Beef cattle welfare

Draft Beef Cattle Code of Practice released for public comment 

Apr 13, 2026 | 3:38 PM

The public comment period for the draft Code of Practice for the Care and Handling of Beef Cattle has opened. 

The National Farm Animal Care Council (NFACC) and Canadian Cattle Association created the comment period to allow producers, consumers, and others with an interest in the welfare of beef cattle to review the draft Code and provide input that will become part of the final version. 

CCA President Tyler Fulton said perspectives and experiences across Canada can differ. 

“The public comment period is an important opportunity for producers across Canada to review the draft Code and provide feedback on how it applies to their operations,” Fulton said. “Producer perspectives from across the country help ensure the Code reflects the diversity of Canadian beef production systems and remains practical for producers who raise cattle.” 

Following the close of the comment period, the Code Committee will review and consider the submitted feedback, and the final beef cattle Code of Practice will be released in 2027. 

A Scientific Committee report summarizing research conclusions on welfare‑related topics informed the Code Committee’s deliberations by grounding discussions in the best available research, consistent with NFACC’s science‑informed approach. 

Dr. Michael Jelinski, representing the Canadian Veterinary Medical Association on the Code Committee, said as a veterinarian, it was a pleasure to work with a diverse group of people who are all committed to excellence in beef cattle husbandry. 

“The public comment period now allows other stakeholders the opportunity to review and provide input to the Code. Working together, we can develop a Code that is good for producers and the animals in their care,” Jelinski said. 

The Code’s update is led by a 15‑person Code Committee that includes participants from across Canada; producers, animal welfare and enforcement officials, researchers, veterinarians, and government representatives.  

The beef cattle Code is one of five Codes of Practice currently being updated. Codes of Practice serve as the national understanding of animal care requirements and recommended practices, supporting continuous improvement and public trust in responsible animal care. 

The draft Code and the public comment system can be found here. All comments must be submitted through the online system. The public comment period will close on Jun. 12.

alice.mcfarlane@pattisonmedia.com

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