New traceability regulations coming for Canadian cattle ranchers

Canadian cattle producers are awaiting new federal traceability regulations following a two-year consultation process.

The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) released an “owner’s guide” based on early industry consultation.

Amendments to the guide are anticipated, but have been delayed by the federal election.

Rick Wright, the chief executive officer of the Livestock Markets Association of Canada, expects that it will happen in the first or second quarter of 2026, and after that, there’ll be a one-year soft launch of the enforcement of it.

He says the lengthy implementation has been necessary.

The regulations represent what he calls an essential emergency management tool in an era of increased global trade and travel risks.

The updated regulations are designed to prepare for disease outbreaks by shortening the movement reporting window from 30 days to seven and introducing new requirements for premises identification.