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By Alice McFarlane

Agriculture Roundup

Agriculture Roundup for Wednesday April 22, 2020

Apr 22, 2020 | 9:04 AM

Canada shouldn’t expect beef shortages due to the temporary closure of a large processing facility after a COVID-19 outbreak, but prices may go up.

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau made the comment to media while addressing questions about the temporary closure of the Cargill beef processing plant at High River, Alta.

Trudeau said beef producers and associations will prioritize ensuring Canadian supply before exports.

University of Guelph associate professor Mike Von Massow said Canada would have to see months-long closures of multiple plants before seeing beef shortages at grocery stores.

He said farmers will feel the brunt of the closures as they will have to pay the price to send their cattle further for processing or to house their herds longer.

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The Canadian Cattlemen’s Association has called for federal government assistance saying its economic scenarios project the industry could lose more than $500 million in revenue by the end of June.

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A union is warning a meat-packing plant in southern Alberta is postponing the inevitable by staying open after another facility in the province temporarily shut down because of COVID-19.

The Cargill plant is linked to 484 cases of the illness, including the death of a worker. The JBS plant in Brooks had recorded 67 cases as of Monday.

JBS said it is trying to ensure the facility remains open, but won’t operate it if it isn’t safe or if absentee levels result in an inability to operate safely.

The president of the union that represents federal meat inspectors said it’s a matter of time before JBS is forced to temporarily halt production as well.

Fabian Murphy says a 14-day shutdown would allow all employees to self-isolate and, after that, production could resume.

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Applications are being accepted for the Beef Researcher Mentorship Program.

It’s an initiative for up and coming researchers with Canada’s beef industry. It provides researchers with the opportunity to deepen their understanding of the needs of the beef industry in a practical way.

The program is designed to build the skills, network and confidence necessary to participate in research and technology transfer efforts and create collaborations that help new Canadian beef researchers establish effective research and extension programs.

Mentors help the researchers build their knowledge, skills and network through ongoing discussions and by initiating various introductions, tours and meetings.

The deadline to apply is May 1.

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alice.mcfarlane@jpbg.ca

On Twitter: @AliceMcF