Latest news with #meatsales
CBC
10-07-2025
- Business
- CBC
Alberta farmers pleased, anxious after province pauses new on-farm slaughter sale limits
Alberta animal farmers are pleased but anxious for updates after the provincial government paused new limits on annual on-farm slaughter sales. Under Alberta's on-farm slaughter program, licensed producers can sell cows, pigs, chickens and other animals directly to consumers and avoid going through commercial meat inspection rules. The program gives farms, especially smaller operations, access to markets they wouldn't otherwise have, while giving consumers a way to buy meat in bulk and directly support local producers. Alberta launched the program in 2020 and last week introduced new rules limiting annual sales per farm to roughly 2,250 kilograms — or 5,000 pounds — of live animals. The government's website says that limit could mean roughly four cows, 76 goats or 150 chickens per farm. For Norwin Willis's family farm near Sexsmith, in northern Alberta, that would mean a roughly 70 per cent cut to his target slaughter sales this year. "We were quite shocked, let's put it that way," said Willis, who mainly sells chickens but also some pigs and cows. "It would take out a huge chunk of what we are currently doing." Brooke Vanderkley, a farmer near Sylvan Lake, south of Edmonton, is in the same boat. She sells about 600 chickens per year as well as a handful of cows with plans to grow beef operations. "There's a lot of providers, us included, who have built how we run our business and how we run our farm in accordance with the program as it was currently standing," Vanderkley said. The limits would have applied to all new on-farm slaughter operations licensed after July 2, while existing operations would operate limit free until they need to renew their licence, which is valid for five years. 'Unintended consequences' On Tuesday, Alberta's Agriculture Ministry published a notice saying it had heard concerns from producers about the "unintended consequences" of the changes and the new rules would be put on ice for more consultation. Both Vanderkley and Willis said they appreciated the province taking their concerns seriously, but they were unsure about celebrating. "The word pause makes me a little bit hesitant for what's to come," said Vanderkley. "It's not a full retraction." Agriculture Minister R.J. Sigurdson said in a statement Wednesday that the intention behind the limit was to protect public health, as it would reduce the amount of uninspected meat circulating in Alberta. "This change would help to minimize the risk of food-borne illness and outbreaks and maintain Alberta's reputation as a safe source of high-quality meat," Sigurdson said. In 2023, nearly 450 people were infected after a substantial E. coli outbreak in Calgary, which was traced back to a commercial kitchen company supplying meat to daycares. Thirty-nine children and an adult were hospitalized. Officials said the company only used meat purchased from an inspected source and not directly from an on-farm slaughter operation. RCMP have said the illegal slaughter and sale of uninspected meat has increased in recent years, and in a few cases charges have been laid. Sue King, a farmer in Crooked Creek, northwest of Edmonton, said she thought the government's proposed limit would just punish farmers following the rules. "A huge portion of us are following the rules, and with anything there's going to be people that don't," said King, who runs an on-farm slaughter operation while also providing a butcher service to other producers. "If there are issues specifically to [do with] food safety, if that's what their concern is, they need to address those specific operations." Vanderkley agreed. She said the government already has rules in place to protect public health, such as prohibiting producers like her from selling meat commercially or from selling more than a certain number of animals to the same person each year. She suggested the province beef up its inspections of on-farm slaughter operations as a licence condition or make licence holders take a food safety course. Sigurdson didn't have a firm deadline for when the new round of consultations would be finished but said it would take the time that's needed.
Yahoo
22-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Australian Agricultural Co Ltd (ASAGF) (FY 2025) Earnings Call Highlights: Record Cash Flow ...
Release Date: May 21, 2025 For the complete transcript of the earnings call, please refer to the full earnings call transcript. Australian Agricultural Co Ltd (ASAGF) achieved its highest operating cash flow and second highest operating profit since 2017. The company reported a 15% increase in total sales revenue, driven by higher meat and cattle sales volumes. ASAGF's strategic refresh and focus on sustainability initiatives, such as the solarable program and soil carbon project, are expected to provide long-term benefits. The company maintained a stable herd size with improved productivity, contributing to increased revenue. ASAGF's brands, including West Home and Darling Downs, showed significant sales growth and market expansion. The company reported a statutory net loss of $1.1 million, impacted by the unrealized mark-to-market value of the herd. Inflationary pressures led to a 5% increase in the cost of production per kilo. Price pressures in some regions resulted in an overall reduction in the weighted average meat sales price per kilogram. The company faced challenges from dynamic markets, evolving trade conditions, and supply and demand constraints. An unfortunate animal welfare incident occurred earlier in the year, highlighting the need for improved procedures to prevent future occurrences. Warning! GuruFocus has detected 7 Warning Signs with ASAGF. Q: With gearing levels at the lower end of the company's target range and the stock trading at a 43.5% discount to NTA, has a buyback been considered? A: Dave Harris, MD and CEO: The decision regarding a share buyback is for the board to make. Currently, the focus is on reinvesting in the business to develop the three strategic business areas, which we believe will provide long-term benefits for shareholders. Q: What is the strategy for debt reduction and future dividend payments? A: Glenn Steadman, CFO: With the strategic refresh, we have identified areas requiring future investment. Therefore, debt reduction is unlikely as we pursue these investment opportunities. Q: Can you please advise how many franking credits AAC has? How much possible fully franked dividend per share does this represent? Why does AAC have a policy of not paying dividends, and when is it likely a dividend may be paid? A: Dave Harris, MD and CEO: Currently, there are zero franking credits. The decision on dividends is for the board. Regarding the unfortunate incident where cattle died due to a water supply failure, we have conducted an investigation and developed procedures to minimize the likelihood of such an event occurring again. Q: What were the impacts, if any, of the heavy rain and Northern Queensland floods in March? How is the pasture since the floods? A: Dave Harris, MD and CEO: The property most affected was South Galway, experiencing significant flooding. Fortunately, there were minimal cattle losses, and the rain was beneficial overall, putting us in good shape for the season ahead. Q: Post-liberation Day, what have you witnessed with respect to trade flows and pricing, and how is AAC positioning itself given likely ongoing volatility? A: Dave Harris, MD and CEO: We focus on controllable factors, working with distributors and customers in each region. Our broad marketing opportunities allow us to move products through different markets as conditions change, ensuring the best outcomes for both customers and the business. For the complete transcript of the earnings call, please refer to the full earnings call transcript. This article first appeared on GuruFocus. Error while retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error while retrieving data Error while retrieving data Error while retrieving data Error while retrieving data
Yahoo
22-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Australian Agricultural Co Ltd (ASAGF) (FY 2025) Earnings Call Highlights: Record Cash Flow ...
Release Date: May 21, 2025 For the complete transcript of the earnings call, please refer to the full earnings call transcript. Australian Agricultural Co Ltd (ASAGF) achieved its highest operating cash flow and second highest operating profit since 2017. The company reported a 15% increase in total sales revenue, driven by higher meat and cattle sales volumes. ASAGF's strategic refresh and focus on sustainability initiatives, such as the solarable program and soil carbon project, are expected to provide long-term benefits. The company maintained a stable herd size with improved productivity, contributing to increased revenue. ASAGF's brands, including West Home and Darling Downs, showed significant sales growth and market expansion. The company reported a statutory net loss of $1.1 million, impacted by the unrealized mark-to-market value of the herd. Inflationary pressures led to a 5% increase in the cost of production per kilo. Price pressures in some regions resulted in an overall reduction in the weighted average meat sales price per kilogram. The company faced challenges from dynamic markets, evolving trade conditions, and supply and demand constraints. An unfortunate animal welfare incident occurred earlier in the year, highlighting the need for improved procedures to prevent future occurrences. Warning! GuruFocus has detected 7 Warning Signs with ASAGF. Q: With gearing levels at the lower end of the company's target range and the stock trading at a 43.5% discount to NTA, has a buyback been considered? A: Dave Harris, MD and CEO: The decision regarding a share buyback is for the board to make. Currently, the focus is on reinvesting in the business to develop the three strategic business areas, which we believe will provide long-term benefits for shareholders. Q: What is the strategy for debt reduction and future dividend payments? A: Glenn Steadman, CFO: With the strategic refresh, we have identified areas requiring future investment. Therefore, debt reduction is unlikely as we pursue these investment opportunities. Q: Can you please advise how many franking credits AAC has? How much possible fully franked dividend per share does this represent? Why does AAC have a policy of not paying dividends, and when is it likely a dividend may be paid? A: Dave Harris, MD and CEO: Currently, there are zero franking credits. The decision on dividends is for the board. Regarding the unfortunate incident where cattle died due to a water supply failure, we have conducted an investigation and developed procedures to minimize the likelihood of such an event occurring again. Q: What were the impacts, if any, of the heavy rain and Northern Queensland floods in March? How is the pasture since the floods? A: Dave Harris, MD and CEO: The property most affected was South Galway, experiencing significant flooding. Fortunately, there were minimal cattle losses, and the rain was beneficial overall, putting us in good shape for the season ahead. Q: Post-liberation Day, what have you witnessed with respect to trade flows and pricing, and how is AAC positioning itself given likely ongoing volatility? A: Dave Harris, MD and CEO: We focus on controllable factors, working with distributors and customers in each region. Our broad marketing opportunities allow us to move products through different markets as conditions change, ensuring the best outcomes for both customers and the business. For the complete transcript of the earnings call, please refer to the full earnings call transcript. This article first appeared on GuruFocus.
