While driving any highway in Western Canada, you’re bound to see plenty of cattle grazing. There are over 60,000 farms and ranches across the country that raise beef cattle, and Canada produced 3.49 billion pounds of beef in 2024. That’s big business.   

So, it’s no surprise that cattle producers have found ways to collaborate to improve their industry for themselves, by starting co-operatives. Co-ops’ role in beef production and food security in Canada goes beyond your local Co-op retailer (though we love shopping at Co-op). Cattle producers use co-ops to overcome challenges together and compete with the big guys.   

Here are three ways cattle producers are using co-operatives.   

Co-operative Abattoirs   

Sometimes called a “cut-and-wrap”, an abattoir processes cattle and gets meat ready for distribution. Most of Canada’s beef is processed by three major facilities in Alberta and Ontario, owned by giant corporations. But some producers have come together to form co-ops to take greater control over the beef value chain.   

That’s what happened in Alameda, Saskatchewan. Meat producers, with support from the broader community, formed the Southeast Butcher Block Co-operative to acquire an abattoir from a retiring business owner. The co-op processes meat locally and operates a storefront so people can buy meat produced in their backyard.   

Auction Co-ops  

Ranchers need to buy and sell cattle, horses, and equipment to sustain their operations. Rather than paying a corporation to handle this service, some come together to organize their own co-operative stockyards and coordinate auctions for members.   

One of the largest of these co-ops is the BC Livestock Producers Co-operative Association. The co-op organizes weekly auctions and maintains stockyards in Kamloops, Williams Lake, Okanagan Falls, and Vanderhoof. The co-op also provides financing support to members and supplies animal health products and livestock equipment.   

Feeder Co-ops  

Feeder co-ops provide financial support, like loan guarantees, indemnities, and advice to farmers. In Alberta, there are 45 locally owned feeder associations that make up the Feeder Associations of Alberta Limited. This organization ensures farmers can afford the fuel, feed, fertilizer, and insurance they need to sustain their operations. These co-ops are supported by government programs and ensure producers maintain control over the funding solutions that support Canadian food security.   

So, where’s the beef? In Western Canada, it’s probably at a co-op — whether that’s a stockyard, feedlot, abattoir, or Co-op store. If you’re a producer who wants to take more control of the processes that affect your operations, or you want to collaborate with others to add value to your cattle, a co-op might be the solution. Get in touch with our team of experts to discuss if a co-op is a good fit for you.