Operating Divisions

Under the guidance of the CCA’s producer-led board of directors, CCA’s operating divisions play a crucial role in taking action on the board’s industry goals and recommendations which provide Canadian producers a voice nationally and internationally. In addition to bringing forward key policy issues to the federal government, the CCA implements strategies and executes tactics on a day-to-day basis that carry out the strategic vision of the industry and board for achieving their goals.

Beef Cattle Research Council

Established by the CCA in 1997, the Beef Cattle Research Council (BCRC) determines research and development priorities for the beef cattle industry and administrates the research funding allocation of the National Check-off. A portion of the funds collected through the National Check-off are directed towards BCRC to sponsor research and technology development in strategically focused priority areas of national significance to the beef industry. The National Check-off is collected by Canada Beef, which markets Canadian beef worldwide. No revenues from the National Check-off portion are allocated to the CCA for its budget.

The BCRC also supports Verified Beef Production Plus™ (VBP+), a voluntary, market-oriented, producer managed forward-looking program enabling Canada’s beef industry to anticipate and meet emerging and growing demands for beef production systems throughout the Canadian beef value chain. VBP+ offers training and certification for producers incorporating standards in animal health and care, food safety and biosecurity, producer leadership, and traceability.

Canadian Beef Breeds Council

Established in 1994 as a member driven, non-profit organization the Canadian Beef Breeds Council (CBBC) works to support the Canadian seedstock sector both domestically and internationally through collaborative efforts that focus on driving genetic advancements, facilitating market development and advocating for effective policy that ensure meaningful market access and enhanced competitiveness for Canadian beef cattle genetics. Remaining a member driven organization, in 2020, CBBC became an incorporated division of the CCA, further strengthening the engagement and representation of CBBC, on behalf of the seedstock sector, with the entire Canadian beef industry.

Canfax

For over 50 years, Canfax has provided expert analysis of markets and trends in the ever-changing North American beef industry. Beef producers, feedlot managers and agri-business professionals rely on up-to-the-minute information as an essential tool for maximizing profit. Whether your operation needs to plan three hours or three years into the future, Canfax delivers timely and accurate information for cattle industry professionals.

Canfax Research Services

Canfax Research Services (CRS) provides industry with statistical information and economic analysis, focusing on both the Canadian and global beef markets. CRS Analysis supports a variety of industry activities including annual business planning, results and performance analysis, priority setting and policy evaluation.

Primary users of CRS research and analysis include the CCA, provincial cattle organizations, Canadian beef marketing organizations, government, and other industry stakeholders. CRS offers expertise in the areas of cattle inventories and prices, feed grain statistics, beef production, consumption and demand, plus beef and live cattle trade.

Public and Stakeholder Engagement

The Public and Stakeholder Engagement (PSE) program was envisioned under the first National Beef Strategy and has since grown into a fully funded program with three dedicated full-time staff. The program operates as a division of the Canadian Cattle Association (CCA) but is funded by the Canadian Beef Cattle Check-Off. Previously called Issues Management while operating as a pilot, PSE aims to deal with consumer-facing issues related to beef production in Canada and maintain public trust in the Canadian beef industry.