CBBC signs MOU with China Agriculture University-Beef Cattle Research Center

Canadian Beef Breeds Council signs Memorandum of Understanding for Cooperation on Beef Cattle and Allied Sectors with Beef Cattle Research Center of China Agricultural University

On November 3, 2016, Canadian Beef Breeds Council (CBBC) signed an MOU with the Beef Cattle Research Center of the China Agricultural University to further cooperation in the following areas:

  • Scientific and Technology Exchange
  • Exchange on Genetic Resources
  • Market Promotion of Beef Cattle
  • Talents Capacity Building

Honourable Lawrence MacAulay, Minister of Agriculture and AgriFood Canada and from China Minister Han Changfu, Minister of Agriculture Peoples Republic of China witnessed the signing of the MOU during a recent government mission conducted to China.    Several members of the Canadian cattle industry were participants in the mission which followed an announcement that China had agreed to expanded beef access for bone-in beef from Canadian cattle under 30 months of age effective immediately.   Professor Qingxiang Meng of the China Agriculture University was the second signatory on the MOU.

Canadian Beef Breeds Council President Garner Deobald shared that “the cooperation between CBBC and the China Agriculture University will help strengthen the relationship between Canada and China and will better position our beef industry in one of the fastest growing economies in the world which will have a positive impact on our industry for many years to come.”

For more information please contact:

Michael Latimer
Executive Director

E:  mlatimer@beefbreeds.ca

T:403.730.0350
C:403.861.7772

Canada Gains New Access to the Turkish Market for Canadian Cattle

June 27, 2016 – Ottawa, Ontario – Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada


The Honourable Lawrence MacAulay, Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food, and the Honourable
Chrystia Freeland, Minister of International Trade, announced today that the Government of Canada has opened new market access for Canadian breeding cattle to Turkey. The Canadian cattle industry estimates that gaining this access, which opens immediately, will be worth $4.5 million per year, offering the potential of being a top export market for Canadian breeding cattle.
Improved access in this sector will create more opportunities for Canadian cattle producers and will
position Canada as a long-term, reliable partner in meeting Turkey’s import requirements.

Quick Facts

  • Canada and Turkey have a strong and complementary trading relationship with bilateral merchandise trade at $2.4 billion in 2015.
  • Top Canadian agri-food exports to Turkey include lentils, soybeans, durum and non-durum wheat and chickpeas.
  • Turkey’s agri-food imports grew by a compound annual growth rate of 5.2% between 2012 and 2015.

Quotes
“The Government of Canada continues to work to create new trade opportunities for Canadian
farmers and agri-food exporters in key markets all over the world. We are pleased to supply worldclass
cattle to Turkey, maximizing export returns for the benefit of Canadian cattle producers.”

  • Honourable Lawrence MacAulay, P.C., M.P., Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food “Turkey represents an important market for Canadian exporters, and I am very pleased that our government has successfully secured market access to Canadian cattle in Turkey. When our producers and exporters succeed abroad, Canadians and our middle class benefit here at home.”
  • Honourable Chrystia Freeland, P.C., M.P., Minister of International Trade “The Canadian Livestock Genetics Association and the Canadian Beef Breeds Council are very pleased to have this new market opportunity for Canadian Livestock Exporters. Canadian dairy and beef genetics continue to be valued around the world and we would like to extend our appreciation to the Government of Canada for working with CLGA and CBBC to open this key market.”
  • Michael Hall, Executive Director, Canadian Livestock Genetics Association
  • Michael Latimer, Executive Director, Canadian Beef Breeds Council


Additional links

  • Canada-Turkey Relations
  • Fact Sheet – Turkey
  • Canadian Trade Commissioner Service in Turkey


Contacts
Guy Gallant
Director of Communications
Office of the Honourable Lawrence MacAulay
613-773-1059
Media Relations
Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada
Ottawa, Ontario
613-773-7972
1-866-345-7972
Follow us on Twitter: @AAFC_Canada
Like us on Facebook: CanadianAgriculture
Media

Dr. Roger Davis Received Don Matthews Memorial Award

CALGARY, ALBERTA March 7, 2016 Dr. Roger Davis DVM has been selected to receive the Don Matthews Memorial Award at the Annual General Meeting of the Canadian Beef Breeds Council (Council) to be held in Calgary, March 23, 2016.

The Don Matthews Memorial Award was instituted in honour of the late Don Matthews, a Past President of CBBC as well as many other accomplishments including the Canadian Agricultural Hall of Fame. The award is presented by the Canadian Beef Breeds Council to an individual who exemplifies excellence and passion in the purebred beef cattle industry.

Dr. Roger Davis graduated with a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine from WCVM at the University of Saskatchewan in 1979. After working in mixed practice in the Calgary area, he co-founded Davis-Rairdan Veterinary Services with Dr. Scott Rairdan in 1980. The practice was a large animal ambulatory practice with a bovine embryo transfer component. Embryo transfer became a larger part of the practice and in 1990 they co-founded Davis-Rairdan Embryo Transplants. Due to the untimely death of Dr. Rairdan in June 1995, Dr. Davis is now the sole principal and continues to direct the expansion and operations of the company.

Complementing his education is an extensive background in the beef cattle industry. Dr. Davis was raised near Wilcox, Saskatchewan in a family actively involved in the purebred and commercial cattle business. They raised registered Black Angus as well as being a managing partner in a large feedlot. From 1983 to 1989, Dr. Davis independently owned and managed a purebred beef cattle operation. He served as president of the Alberta Hereford Association in 1988 and has judged numerous major beef cattle shows in North America and abroad.

Dr. Davis has traveled extensively in Australia, Argentina, New Zealand, Mexico, Colombia, China, Brazil, Sweden, Russia and Hungary.  Visits involved implanting Canadian embryos, in conjunction with training veterinarians in the field of embryo transfer and promoting Canadian beef cattle genetics and technology. Davis-Rairdan is well recognized internationally and domestically, in the beef cattle embryo transfer industry. The company has exported over 100,000 embryos to more than 35 countries.

Dr. Davis was a founding member of the Canadian Embryo Transfer Association and served as a director for 12 years, which included being President from 1997-1999. He is a member of the International Embryo Transfer Society (IETS) and is listed as a reviewing author of the 3rd Edition of the IETS Embryo Transfer Manual. He has served on numerous committees, including Chairman of the Calgary Stampede Steer Classic, CBBC Executive, and an advisory board to the Federal Minister of Agriculture. Dr. Davis is a member of the Canadian Beef Breeds Council, and currently sits on the Animal Heath and Scientific Advancement committees.  “Dr. Davis is a passionate supporter of the Canadian Beef Breeds Council, “says Council President David Bolduc.  “We appreciate his involvement and valued expertise.”

CBBC’s vision is to provide a unified voice in support of the purebred genetics provided within the Canadian beef cattle industry. Its mission is to ensure the continuity, growth and prosperity of the Canadian purebred cattle sector as an integral component of the Canadian beef cattle industry.  

Its mandate is to support Canadian purebred cattle producers through service provision aimed at genetic improvement, animal health, extension services and information dissemination; promote Canadian beef cattle genetics both domestically and internationally by identifying market opportunities, facilitating access through timely intelligence and informing the commercial industry of the attributes of the Canadian beef advantage both at home and abroad; represent the purebred cattle sector to government by advocating effective policy, ensuring market access and enhancing competitiveness.

For more information: 

Michael Latimer, Executive Director, Canadian Beef Breeds Council mlatimer@beefbreeds.ca  T: 403.730.0350

Canadian Beef Breeds Council holds its 22nd Annual General Meeting in Calgary March 23, 2016

Canadian Beef Breeds Council’s 22nd Annual General Meeting was held in the Best Western Port O’ Call Hotel and was well attended by members, associates and guests.  Past president David Bolduc shared that “We have had a very productive year with a great organization.  We have established new directions in terms of our programs that will keep all our members advancing each of their breeds.  We are working more effectively to promote the value of registered seedstock in Canada and abroad”.

CBBC welcomes Garner Deobald as the new President, Roger Peters as the new Vice President, and Mel Reekie as a new director.   The newly elected Board of Directors are:

Garner Deobald, President, Roger Peters, Vice President, David Bolduc, Director, Bruce Holmquist, Director, Mel Reekie, Director, Rod Remin, Director, Stephen Scott, Director, Rob Smith,    Director, Byron Templeton, Director.

Newly elected Present Garner Deobald indicated “CBBC is pleased to be moving forward to further advance the Canadian purebred cattle sector in collaboration with industry partners.”

CBBC’s vision is to provide a unified voice in support of the purebred genetics provided within the Canadian beef cattle industry.  Its mission is to ensure the continuity, growth and prosperity of the Canadian purebred cattle sector as an integral component of the Canadian beef cattle industry. 

Its mandate is to support Canadian purebred cattle producers through service provision aimed at genetic improvement, animal health, extension services and information dissemination; promote Canadian beef cattle genetics both domestically and internationally by identifying market opportunities, facilitating access through timely intelligence and informing the commercial industry of the attributes of the Canadian beef advantage both at home and abroad; represent the purebred cattle sector to government by advocating effective policy, ensuring market access and enhancing competitiveness.

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Registration opens for Canadian Beef Industry Conference, August 9-11, 2016

March 1, 2016

CALGARY, AB — Championing a new era of teamwork and success for Canada’s beef industry is the focus of a new national conference set to kick-off this summer in Calgary, Alberta. Registration is now open for the inaugural Canadian Beef Industry Conference (CBIC), August 9 – 11 at the Grey Eagle Resort and Casino, featuring top speakers on important issues and hot topics for the industry.

“The Canadian beef industry is among the most dynamic and diverse of its kind in the world,” says beef producer Rob Smith, also Canadian Angus Association Chief Executive Officer and co-chair of the 2016 CBIC. “This poses challenges. But it’s also a major strength. Everyone from industry leaders to individual producers has an important role to play, to strengthen our industry and drive it forward. That’s what this conference is all about.”

CBIC is a joint collaboration of the Beef Cattle Research Council (BCRC), Canada Beef, the Canadian Beef Breeds Council (CBBC) and the Canadian Cattlemen’s Association (CCA). It will combine semi-annual and annual meetings of several stakeholder groups, along with learning and networking opportunities.

“We encourage everyone from across the various regions and industry sectors to participate — to learn, share ideas and help grow our industry,” says beef producer Virgil Lowe, co-chair of the 2016 CBIC and also an Associate with Dentons Canada LLP.

Opening day keynote speaker is entrepreneur, consultant and former Dragon’s Den star Arlene Dickinson. The agenda will also include keynote speakers on each of the National Beef Strategy’s four pillars: connectivity, productivity, beef demand and competitiveness, along with educational presentations and interactive workshops on new developments, market and brand opportunities and production innovations. Related events include BCRC, Canada Beef, and Young Cattlemen’s Council board meetings, including Cattlemen’s Young Leaders selections and graduation.

Early bird registration rates are available until June 15 ($375 early bird, $450 after) and conference special hotel rates are available until July 25 (or sold out).

Full registration includes opening night (Tuesday) reception; also Wednesday night banquet and entertainment, featuring the band Ain’t No Rodeo.  Extra tickets are available for purchase for both of these evening events. Additional options available by separate ticket purchase include a pre-conference Monday tour hosted by Alberta Beef Producers, the Canadian Cattlemen’s Foundation Classic  Golf Tournament on Tuesday, and a Thursday evening Heritage Park supper.

Visit www.canadianbeefindustryconference.com for more information and to register. Follow CBIC on Twitter and Facebook for updates.

###

Contact

More information:

Allison Jacoby, CBIC 2016 Event Manager

C: 403-512-8146 E: info@canadianbeefindustryconference.com

Web: www.canadianbeefindustryconference.com

Promoting Genomic Technology in Cattle Sector

February 25, 2016 – Calgary, Alberta – Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada

Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food Lawrence MacAulay announced today a $1 million
investment by the Government of Canada to increase adoption of genomic technologies in
Canada’s cattle sector.

The investment will enable the Canadian Beef Breeds Council to demonstrate to producers
the use and value of improving beef herds through genotyping. The project will make
genomic testing available for the various breeds at a reduced cost, increasing adoption by
producers. Determining the right genetic mix in their herds will allow producers to increase
their return on investment, while accurately predicting traits that benefit consumers and the
environment.

Quick facts
 Canada’s cattle and beef sector contributes upward of $33 billion to the economy.
 This project will support ongoing genetic improvement in the beef seed stock sector,
a key factor in domestic and international competitiveness.
 Canadian Beef Breeds Council (CBBC) members include national breed
associations that collectively represent more than 10,000 producers of purebred beef
breeding stock.
 This investment is being made through the Canadian Agricultural Adaptation
Program (CAAP), a five-year $50.3 million program that ends in 2019.

Quotes
“Canada’s beef sector contributes significantly to the country’s economy. Investments in
genomic testing offer producers a science-based approach to improve the selection of beef
breeds for improved productivity and quality.”

  • Lawrence MacAulay, Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food
    “Canada produces some of the best genetics in the world and this is recognised around the
    globe. It is important that we continue to invest in research in emerging technologies such
    as genomics so we can maintain this pole position and to give producers here in Canada
    tools with which they can accurately improve the efficiencies of their production. We are
    very grateful for this support from AAFC and look forward to delivering some exciting
    results.”
  • David Bolduc, President, Canadian Beef Breeds Council
    -2-
    Additional links
     Canadian Agricultural Adaptation Program (Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada)
     Canadian Beef Breeds Council
    Contacts
    Media Relations
    Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada
    Ottawa, Ontario
    613-773-7972
    1-866-345-7972
    Follow us on Twitter: @AAFC_Canada
    John J. Crowley
    Director of Scientific and Industry Advancement
    Canadian Beef Breeds Council
    780-492-0169

Expanding Markets for Canadian Beef Cattle Genetics

CBBC Meets with Minister of Agriculture Lawrence MacAulay

March 2, 2016 – Calgary, Alberta – Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada

Agriculture and aGri-Food Minister Lawrence MacAulay announced today that the Government of Canada is investing up to $2,588,000 to help support international and domestic market development activities for Canadian beef cattle genetics.

This investment will enable the Canadian Beef Breeds Council (CBBC) to implement a market development strategy, attend international trade shows and lead missions to raise awareness of Canadian beef genetics, concentrating efforts on expanding key markets including the United States, Mexico, Europe, China and Kazakhstan.

Quick Facts

-The Canadian beef genetics industry comprises live breeding cattle, semen and embryos.  In 2015, it reported over $31 million export sales.
-Canadian Beef Breeds Council supports the purebred cattle industry in areas of international marketing and breed improvement.
-This investment is being made under the Growing Forward 2 AgriMarketing Program, a five-year, up to $341 million initiative.

Quotes

“This investment is a great example of industry and government working together to help create new economic opportunities and demand for Canadian beef genetics at home, and around the world.”  – Lawrence MacAulay, Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food

“The continued support from the Government of Canada has been instrumental in enabling CBBC to showcase our exceptional beef cattle genetics to the world resulting in new opportunities that directly contribute to the economic sustainability of the family farm.” – David Bolduc, President, Canadian Beef Breeds Council

Contacts

Media Relations
Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada
Ottawa, Ontario
613-773-7972
1-866-345-7972
Follow us on Twitter:  @AAFC_Canada