In 2020, around 1.28 million metric tons of of beef were produced in Canada, and just over 527,000 metric tons of beef was exported that year. The United States accounted for the largest export market for beef, with an export value of approximately 2.33 billion Canadian dollars. The western province of Alberta accounted for the largest beef cow inventory, followed by Saskatchewan, with around 1.44 million heads as of January 2021. The average retail price of prime rib roast was 38.6 Canadian dollars in May 2021, an increase from 36.43 Canadian dollars in May of the previous year.
Whilst almost 50 percent of Canadians consume meat or meat containing products daily, a fair share of consumers are also reducing or eliminating meat entirely from their diet. According to a recent generational survey, it was revealed that some 33 percent of Baby Boomers and 29 percent of Millennials were working towards eating less meat or a completely meat-free diet. Additionally, some Canadians are actively avoiding specifically beef and other red meat in their diets. Females aged over 55 are the demographic most likely to be avoiding such foods, followed by females aged between 18 and 34. Leading motives given for reducing or stopping beef consumption completely include health, the environment, and animal cruelty.
