Draft beef cattle Code of Practice released for public comment
Draft beef cattle Code of Practice released for public comment
NEWS RELEASE
For immediate release
(Calgary, AB) April 13, 2026 – The National Farm Animal Care Council (NFACC) and Canadian Cattle Association are pleased to announce the launch of the public comment period for the draft Code of Practice for the Care and Handling of Beef Cattle.
The public comment period allows stakeholders - including producers, consumers, and others with an interest in the welfare of beef cattle - to review the draft Code and provide input that will inform the final version, recognizing that perspectives and experiences across Canada, can differ.
The draft Code and the public comment system are now accessible here. All comments must be submitted through the online system to ensure feedback is consistently reviewed. The public comment period will close on June 12, 2026.
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 of high applicability to the Code (priority welfare issues) can be found here. This peer‑reviewed report informed the Code Committee’s deliberations by grounding discussions in the best available research, consistent with NFACC’s science‑informed approach.
“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. 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,” says CCA President Tyler Fulton.
“As a veterinarian, it’s a pleasure to work with a diverse group of people who are all committed to excellence in beef cattle husbandry,” said Dr. Michael Jelinski, representing the Canadian Veterinary Medical Association on the Code Committee. “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.”
Codes of Practice for the care and handling of farm animals are the result of a unique, consensus‑based, multi‑stakeholder approach that supports respectful dialogue, evidence‑based decision‑making, and shared accountability. This 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. More information on the Code process is available at https://www.nfacc.ca/code-development-process.
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.
NFACC values open, respectful engagement and encourages all interested parties to participate in the public comment process as part of an ongoing national dialogue on farm animal care.
Financial support was provided through the AgriAssurance Program under the Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership.
About the National Farm Animal Care Council
NFACC is a collaborative partnership of diverse stakeholders created in 2005 to share information and work together on farm animal care and welfare. It is the national lead for farm animal care issues in Canada and operates as a division of Animal Health Canada. For more information on NFACC, visit www.nfacc.ca.
About the Canadian Cattle Association
The Canadian Cattle Association (CCA) is the national voice of Canada’s 60,000 beef farms and feedlots. Founded by producers and led by a producer‑elected board, CCA works to address issues that concern Canada’s beef producers. For more information about CCA, please visit www.cattle.ca.
