Beef Code of Practice
Canadian cattle producers are committed to the health, welfare and responsible care of their animals. The Code of Practice for the Care and Handling of Beef Cattle provides science-based, national guidelines to support consistent and responsible animal care across the Canadian beef industry. Where there are concerns, farmers and ranchers work with the CCA Animal Health and Care Committee towards improvements through research, communication, and education.
The Canadian beef industry has played a leading role in developing and renewing the Code since 1981. The latest review began in 2023 and included a 60-day public comment period, with the review completed on June 12, 2026.
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What is the Beef Code of Practice?
Established in 1981, the Code of Practice for the Care and Handling of Beef Cattle provides a national standard for the care of beef cattle in Canada.
The Code uses an outcome-based approach. Rather than prescribing specific methods, it sets clear animal care standards while allowing producers flexibility to achieve those outcomes in ways that work for their operations.
The Code is grounded in science and shaped by industry expertise, helping ensure its recommendations are practical and reflect the diversity of Canadian beef operations.
CCA supports practical, achievable on-farm practices that promote responsible animal care and continuous improvement.
Codes of Practice are also in place for Canada’s other major livestock sectors.
How is the code developed?
The National Farm Animal Care Council (NFACC) oversees the development and renewal of Canada’s Codes of Practice through a structured, science-based process.
The Code is developed by a diverse group of stakeholders, including producers, veterinarians, researchers, transporters, processors, retailers, governments and animal welfare representatives. Together, they work to ensure the Code reflects both the latest scientific knowledge and practical on-farm experience.
Two committees guide the process:
- The Scientific Committee reviews research and prepares a report on key animal welfare topics.
- The Code Development Committee uses this information to draft and update the Code.
A public comment period gives producers, consumers and other interested groups an opportunity to review the draft Code and provide feedback before it is finalized.
The Code is regularly reviewed and updated to reflect new research, evolving industry practices and changing societal expectations. This process helps ensure Canadian beef producers continue to demonstrate their commitment to responsible animal care and continuous improvement.
Learn more about how the Beef Code is developed through the National Farm Animal Care Council in the video below:
Updates to the Beef Code of Practice
The Beef Code of Practice is periodically reviewed to ensure it reflects current science, research, industry practices and expectations for animal care.
The current draft includes updates across several areas of cattle care and handling, including pain management, weather and environmental conditions, calving, weaning, mud and moisture management, and care of non-ambulatory cattle.
The draft Code is intended to provide practical, outcome-based guidance that supports good animal care while recognizing the diversity of Canadian beef operations.
CCA has prepared a high-level summary of the proposed changes to help producers understand the key areas of the draft. The summary is not exhaustive, and producers are encouraged to review the full draft Code for complete details.
Draft Beef Code: English French
Producer Summary of Draft Beef Code Content: English French
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Frequently Asked Questions:
What is the value of the Code in the Canadian beef industry?
◦ The Code provides a clear, nationally recognized baseline for acceptable cattle care—giving producers a reference point when questions arise.
◦ Maintaining an up-to-date Code informs potential policy conversations with industry expertise backed by science and prevents rules written by people far from primary production.
◦ The Code acts as a form of industry protection, helping ensure the actions of a few don’t undermine the credibility of the entire sector.
◦ Buyers, retailers, and international customers increasingly expect alignment with recognized animal care standards. A current Code protects Canada’s international reputation and reduces the likelihood of externally imposed standards.
◦ Industry leadership through the NFACC Code development process strengthens the credibility of on‑farm standards through a collaborative, multi‑stakeholder approach while ensuring producers have a clear and ongoing seat at the table.
What happens after the Comment Period?
◦ After the comment period closes, the feedback will be compiled and reviewed by the Code Committee. A report summarizing the feedback and outlining how it was considered in the final consensus-based decision making by the Code Committee will also be shared.
◦ The finalized Code is expected to be released in the second quarter of 2027.
Is the National Farm Animal Care Council government?
◦ It isn’t government. The National Farm Animal Care Council is a unique independent, Canadian organization of diverse partners that serves as the national lead for farm animal care and welfare. The codes are industry-led. Provincial and Federal governments participate as part of the multi-stakeholder code development process. Industry initiates and is actively involved in the review and development process where producers are at the table. See a full list of Code Committee here.
Is the Code a government regulation? Are they voluntary?
◦ The Codes are not government regulation. Animal welfare regulation is a provincial responsibility. Most provinces incorporate the Codes by reference within their animal protection regulations.
◦ In all provinces, animals are protected by law from abuse and undue suffering. Regardless of how Codes show up or not in provincial regulations, they are considered baseline standards of care for cattle in Canada. The Code is what enforcement officers and courts look at when deciding whether cattle are being cared for properly.
◦ That doesn’t mean officers are coming around to inspect every farm. But if there’s a complaint, an investigation, or a serious welfare issue, the Code is what your practices are measured against, meaning it’s not to be looked at as a voluntary document.
Is this a stepping stone to stricter government regulation?
◦ Strong, credible, industry-led standards reduce the likelihood of increased regulation. A current Beef Code sets a standard for responsible care.
◦ Engaging through this formalized process ensures producers continue to have a seat at the table for these important conversations.
Why is CCA working with animal welfare groups?
◦ CCA’s role is to represent beef producers across Canada at the table. Animal welfare is an important topic to many different parties—meaning—if CCA were not involved, these conversations would still happen. Walking away from this process would not stop the conversation—it would remove producer voices.
◦ Working through National Farm Animal Care Council’s nationally recognized process for code development ensures that producers have representation, decisions are science informed while considering the practicality on-farm, and that the code has credibility with regulators, processors, retailers and the public.
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