SCA calls for practical traceability solutions before regulatory amendments are made

The Saskatchewan Cattle Association (SCA) supports disease preparedness and traceability as critical to the long-term viability of the cattle sector. Saskatchewan cattle producers want a functional traceability system to quickly identify, contain, and respond to a reportable disease outbreak, and to protect international markets and trade agreements.

However, CFIA’s push to expand traceability regulations is moving ahead before the necessary infrastructure, technology and industry confidence are in place. Additional regulation without workable systems that producers can realistically comply with will not improve disease preparedness.

SCA has identified significant gaps in the current system that render the proposed regulatory amendments unnecessarily challenging. The biggest concern is a lack of suitable technology within the Canadian production system, including:

Tag retention rates that are not reliable enough for mandated compliance.

Rural connectivity required for rapid data uploads and real-time reporting.

Reporting software that is practical for cattle operations.

Technology capable of accurately tracking cattle movement across multiple production stages and remote locations.

Producers are also concerned about data privacy and security in the Canadian Livestock Tracking System (CLTS) database, including who has access to the data and whether appropriate safeguards are in place. These concerns have not yet been adequately handled.

Finally, Saskatchewan producers want assurance that Canada’s regulatory framework has taken a holistic approach to disease preparedness. Effective disease response requires more than regulations. It requires a coordinated approach that includes a national commitment to border control, trade and imports, and an agile system capable of rapid response during a disease outbreak, which the CLTS is currently not capable of.

SCA’s concern is not with traceability. The concern is with the practical execution of Canada’s current system. Canada is a global leader in traceability, and to continue to set the bar, producers’ concerns need to be addressed. The proposed regulatory changes ignore these challenges and create unrealistic expectations that producers may be unable to comply with.

SCA is calling on the CFIA to halt the proposed traceability amendments until the industry-led task force can fully examine disease preparedness and develop practical solutions to make Canada’s traceability program even stronger.

We are asking all producers to engage in the discussion and share their perspectives with both the SCA and the Canadian Cattle Association. SCA will be hosting a webinar on Tuesday, June 2, 2026, at 7 pm MT. All producers and industry members are encouraged to register. Details will be made available through the website.

The Saskatchewan Cattle Association represents Saskatchewan cattle producers through provincial advocacy and national policy leadership. SCA collects check-off dollars to strategically invest in research and market promotion to support a profitable, sustainable and globally competitive beef industry.

MEDIA CONTACT

Janice Bruynooghe and Sandy Russell Interim CEOs,

Saskatchewan Cattle Association

(306) 585-2333

ceo@saskbeef.com