Source: Canadian Cattlemen’s Association
The Canadian Cattlemen’s Association (CCA) had a successful 2019 semi-annual meeting, held last week in conjunction with the fourth annual Canadian Beef Industry Conference (CBIC) in Calgary, AB. The joint event provided plenty of opportunity for attendees to partake in workshops, presentations, information sessions from CCA divisions, keynote addresses and formal meetings of industry partners and stakeholders.
Separately, CCA leadership and staff participated in a bilateral meeting with their U.S. counterparts from the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA) and a trilateral meeting with leadership from NCBA and the Mexican producer organization, the Confederación Nacional de Organizaciones Ganaderas (CNOG). Trade, animal health, and other issues of common interest were among the topics discussed. Canfax presented a market outlook that was well received.
With the federal election slated for October 21, the CCA promoted its federal election priorities document. Available online, this document outlines the issues and policies of importance to the Canadian beef sector. CCA encourages producers to familiarize themselves with the document and CCA positions on issues including trade, labour, research, regulatory burden and Business Risk Management (BRM).
CCA presented the 2019 The Environmental Stewardship Award (TESA) to B.C.’s Clifton Ranch, owned and operated by Wade and Sandra Clifton and family (see story below).
The Beef Cattle Research Council (BCRC) presented the 2019 Canadian Beef Industry Award for Outstanding Research and Innovation to Dr. John Campbell. Dr. Campbell is a professor and researcher at the University of Saskatchewan in the Department of Large Animal Clinical Sciences. His work focuses on clinical research in beef cattle health management and the epidemiology of infectious diseases. Find the BCRC news release here .
The BCRC General Session gave attendees the opportunity to meet internationally recognized Canadian researchers who presented the latest on antimicrobial use and resistance, the monitoring of animal health and productivity in cow-calf herds across the country, and the environmental hoofprint of Canadian beef production. Economic and science-based decision-making tools for producers were also demonstrated.
The Cattlemen’s Young Leaders (CYL) program had another strong presence at CBIC. The opening reception highlighted the semi finalists’ group, along with the graduates and celebrated many of their accomplishments over the course of the year. The program was also excited to present a new video, Beef Brings Us Together, profiling the CYL Beef Experience. CYL’s came together with the Hawksworth Scholarship Finalists, to explore a chef-producer relationship and how Canadian beef, as a product, brings two vastly different demographics together. The event was also highlighted on the demo stage on, where CYL Amy Higgins and Chef Ben Miller recreated the event while sharing their experiences.
The Young Cattlemen’s Council (YCC) presentation was also focused on the future. YCC Board Member Cody Renz had the opportunity to moderate the Emerging Leaders panel, which explored succession and transition planning, and business expansion on farm. YCC was very excited to participate in the conference in a larger role, aside from their always well attended annual general meeting.
The CCA board meeting was held on Friday. Discussions included how best to manage trade disruptions such as the current suspension of access for Canadian beef to China – which of course stopped accepting imports of Canadian pork and beef in late June and earlier halted exports of Canadian canola seed and soybeans.
To manage such events, CCA has made proposals to further diversify and secure market access and has formally asked the government to support an export diversification funding request to assist in further market development. Export diversification is an essential tool for industry to manage closures when unexpected trade issues arise. CCA has also requested the establishment of a meat market access group (like what was formed for canola) and for the Western Livestock Price Insurance Program (WLPIP) to be permanent and expanded beyond the western provinces.
The CCA believes market diversification can help Canada’s beef industry navigate its way through the temporary market interruption with China in a reasonable manner.
The 2020 CBIC will be held in Penticton, B.C.
