The Canadian Commercial Beef Industry

In this section:

Commercial Beef Processing in Canada
Serving the Marketplace

Commercial Beef Processing in Canada

Commercial beef is typically produced using mature animals from the breeding herd. In Canada, slaughter of these cattle has increased over time to levels approximately double those seen in 2003. Commercial beef processing occurs in both eastern and western Canada. This capacity includes dedicated facilities which specialize in this type of production, as well as establishments able to supply beef from both fed and non-fed cattle.

Serving the Marketplace

Traditionally, the United States has purchased approximately half of Canada’s available supply of commercial beef. This product is effectively utilized in a variety of applications, including production of ground beef, hamburger patties, precooked deli meats, and heat-and-serve entrées. Research shows that the overall acceptability of selected cuts from mature cattle can be similar to those from youthful animals. This is particularly true for middle meats where there is a substantial opportunity for value-added products.

Effective November 19th, 2007, beef from all ages of Canadian cattle became available for sale in the USA. The Canadian industry welcomes this new opportunity to develop strategic partnerships which maximize the value of commercial beef for our valued clients in the United States.

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