LWEP Completion

Livestock Welfare Engagement Project

The end of April marked the end of the Livestock Welfare Engagement Project (LWEP). The LWEP collected input from stakeholders across Alberta’s livestock industry. The goal was to provide an accurate understanding of Alberta’s livestock welfare landscape from the industry’s perspective.

The LWEP was requested and funded by Alberta Agriculture and Forestry and was facilitated by Alberta Farm Animal Care. Data was collected throughout 2018 through an online survey and a series of focus groups that were open to anyone who worked within Alberta’s livestock industry.

Results were documented in a Summary Report that was shared with the Government of Alberta in December of 2018. The report provided a resource to inform Alberta’s ongoing understanding, activity, and progress in livestock welfare. The remaining project funds were dedicated to the development of communications, education, and extension resources.

Topic-specific information sheets were created to summarize findings detailed in the lengthy Summary Report. Industry-specific reports were created for the beef, dairy, equine, poultry, small ruminant, and swine industries. Industry-specific reports will be shared with applicable livestock organizations and are available upon request. Furthermore, highlights on each species extension services and demand were created for a quick reference for interested parties.

A significant finding of the LWEP was that many respondents were not familiar with the National Farm Animal Care Council Codes of Practice. Therefore, two infographics were created for all audiences (industry stakeholders and the public) to improve awareness of the Codes. These infographics are available online and as hardcopy upon request. 

Finally, Alberta Farm Animal Care has reprinted some of the Codes of Practice that are in short supply (i.e. beef, dairy and equine). These will be distributed at industry events and are available upon request.

All resources that were developed are available on our website here

Thank you to all those who participated in the online survey and the focus groups. Without you, this project would not have been possible and would not have accurately represented our industry.