Genetics and Geonomics in the Canadian Beef Industry: A Sustainable Solution

This report explores why genetic and genomic technologies in the Canadian beef industry are lagging behind other livestock sectors (like dairy) and international counterparts and identifies opportunities to close that gap. The goal is to highlight strategic actions that can help Canada advance further as a sustainable, efficient, and profitable beef production system.

The need to optimize genetics is especially pressing in the context of increasing global pressures including rising demands for sustainability, shifting political landscapes, and rapidly advancing technologies in data collection, biotechnology, and precision agriculture.

Genetics and genomics are no longer optional tools; they are foundational to the future of Canadian beef production.

This report is intended for a wide range of readers, including producers, processors, industry leaders, researchers, policy makers, government, and consumers. It also provides value for those new to the field of cattle genetics, offering a broad overview of the benefits and current barriers to adoption.