2018 Calgary Stampede International Agriculture and Agri-Food Profile by Calgary Stampede International Agriculture

A G R I C U LT U R E A N D A G R I-F O O D

2018 ISSUE

VOLUME 26

Hon. Lawrence MacAulay, P.C, M.P

M I N I S T E R O F A G R I C U LT U R E AND AGRI-FOOD

ON BEHALF OF THE GOVERNMENT OF CANADA, I’D LIKE TO WELCOME OUR I N T E R N AT I O N A L G U E S T S T O C A N A D A A N D T O T H E 2 0 1 8 C A L G A RY S TA M P E D E . Congratulations to the International Agriculture and Agri-Food Committee for its continued great work in welcoming the world to the Calgary Stampede, fostering new business opportunities, friendship and cultural understanding.

For over 100 years, the Stampede has served as an ambassador for Canadian agriculture, showcasing our top-quality livestock, agriculture and food products. I was proud to welcome my Mexican counterpart to last year’s Stampede, as part of the Government of Canada’s commitment to help international visitors meet their customers’ needs with our world-class Canadian agriculture and food products. I encourage you to visit the International Room, proudly supported by our Government, to help you tap into everything Canadian agriculture has to offer.

This year marks the launch of the five-year Canadian Agricultural Partnership, a bold new vision that will support innovation, sustainability and stronger trading partnerships, driving economic growth here in Canada and around the world. In Canada, we have set a target of $75 billion in agriculture and food exports by 2025, and there’s no doubt our valued international business here at the Stampede will help us get there. Welcome to Calgary and enjoy the Stampede — The Greatest Outdoor Show on Earth!

ABOUT THE COVER:

Just as agriculture lies at the heart of Calgary Stampede, so too, does the working ranch horse lie at the heart of working cattle ranches across Alberta. We are proud to profile “Chello,” the emblem of a true working ranch horse in Alberta, as the choice of our Profile magazine 2018 cover. Captured by renowned Southern Alberta artist, Shannon Lawlor, the painting was inspired by the buckskin horse, Oro and his owner, working cowboy, Drew Lindberg. They both caught Lawlor’s eye at a ranch rodeo at the historic Bar U Ranch, located near Longview, Alberta, last summer (2017). “It was apparent to me by looking at this horse and his rider that everything was right. It was peaceful and quiet. It was the real deal. Drew was a great horseman that you could tell had a wonderful relationship with his horse. I photographed them at the Bar U Ranch and I couldn’t stop thinking about it — which is the image that you see in this painting. To me, this horse is the epitome of the western horse — a great disposition with athletic ability and a good mind. This painting is a poignant tribute to the true working ranch horse as well as the western and vaquero lifestyle.” A former exhibitor at the Calgary Stampede Western Art Showcase from 2008 – 2015, Lawlor is also the acclaimed Calgary Stampede Poster artist of 2017 and 2018.

PROFILE 2018

the Honourable Oneil Carlier

His Worship Naheed K. Nenshi

M I N I S T E R O F A L B E R TA

M AY O R O F T H E C I T Y

A G R I C U LT U R E A N D

O F C A L G A RY

F O R E S T RY

As Minister of Agriculture and Forestry, it is my pleasure to extend greetings on behalf of the Government of Alberta.

The Calgary Exhibition and Stampede is a premiere showcase of Alberta’s outstanding agriculture community.

Not only is agriculture an important part of our province’s history, it’s also a crucial contributor to Alberta’s economy, generating nearly $10 billion in exports each year and employing more than 73,000 people. That success wouldn’t be possible without the producers and agri-businesses who exemplify the hard work and ingenuity for which Alberta is known. I would like 1o thank the volunteers of Stampede’s Agriculture and Agri-Food Committee for their dedication and hard work. I believe we share a goal of supporting a thriving and sustainable agriculture industry that will continue to diversify our economy and be a leader in the global agricultural sector.

I N T E R N AT I O N A L A G R I C U LT U R E A N D A G R I - F O O D C O M M I T T E E

On behalf of my City Council colleagues and the citizens of Calgary, I am pleased to welcome you to the 2018 Calgary Stampede.

Over the course of the last century, the Calgary Stampede has been a pillar – not only in our community, but for the agricultural industry as a whole. This has been a meeting place for producers from around the world to come together, share ideas, foster relationships and create business opportunities.

Through the hard work of the International Agriculture and Agri-Food Committee (IAC), the Calgary Stampede also provides an incredible opportunity for Alberta’s agricultural community to showcase all that our province has to offer on the international stage.

I commend the volunteers for their hard work and dedication and I thank the Calgary Stampede for its continued commitment to promoting agriculture.

David Sibbald

Dr. Aaron Grant,

PRESIDENT AND CHAIRMAN O F T H E C A L G A R Y S TA M P E D E

PhD

C H A I R O F T H E C A L G A RY S TA M P E D E I N T E R N AT I O N A L A G R I C U LT U R E A N D AGRI-FOOD COMMITTEE

On behalf of the entire Calgary Stampede family, I’m pleased to extend my greetings to readers around the world. I’d also like to invite you to experience and enjoy Calgary’s authentic western hospitality at the Calgary Stampede in July.

The Calgary Stampede is an annual celebration of community spirit and western tradition that welcomes more than one million visitors every year, and throughout our 106-year history, animals and agriculture have been at our heart. They remain the number one reason people from our community and around the world come to experience the Calgary Stampede year after year.

But just as my own family’s ranching lifestyle has evolved over five generations, so has the Calgary Stampede. In changing times and landscapes, the Stampede has been able to take advantage of the opportunity to do things differently, while respecting our western heritage. In 2018, the spotlight will be on our stateof-the-art Western Event Centre as it showcases and elevates agriculture and western events like never before. I’m so proud of the Stampede’s agriculture-based volunteer committees for the role they have played in making this event happen, and for the work they continue to do to present incredible competitions and exhibitions during the Stampede festival and throughout the year. Stampede volunteers’ dedication, expertise and enthusiasm are invaluable as they help guests make rural connections and better understand where food comes from. I’d also like to recognize the Stampede’s International Agriculture and Agri-Food Committee responsible for this publication, for its passion and dedication to bringing people with common interests in agriculture together. The committee remains a leader in educating national and international audiences on agriculture and sustainability, and works hard to foster relationships with individuals and organizations from around the world. I commend the committee members for their important role at the Calgary Stampede. I encourage you to experience Calgary’s western hospitality by joining us for the 2018 Calgary Stampede, July 6 – 15. I’d also like to invite you to join us in the International Room — a dedicated space for agricultural producers from around the world to come together and share meaningful conversations about agriculture and our shared future. I hope to see you in July!

The Calgary Stampede International Agriculture and AgriFood committee (IAC) is proud to present the 2018 edition of Profile magazine. We hope that Profile gives you insight into the various aspects of Alberta’s agriculture and food industries, while providing enjoyable reading along the way.

The IAC is comprised of a diverse group of volunteers that share a passion for promoting Alberta agriculture and its related food industries. Our mission is to bring members from the world’s agriculture community together to share ideas, facilitate business opportunities, and foster friendship and cultural understanding. For over 35 years, we have strived to accomplish this mission by providing the most informative and enjoyable programs possible. A few favourites are the International Reception, Profile magazine publication, Agritrade Symposium and International Lounge, which hosts thousands of international guests and agri-food enthusiasts from around the globe during the annual Stampede festival. The International Agriculture and Agri-Food Reception during the annual Calgary Stampede festival brings industry leaders, government officials and dignitaries together for an evening of interaction, communication and festivity with the goal of inspiring people to promote and enhance agriculture and its related industries. Over the past few years, McDonald’s Canada has been the title sponsor of this event and has helped elevate it to a ‘can’t miss’ industry affair. We are extremely thankful for their continued support.

Once again, the IAC is proud to partner with the Mexican Consulate to host the 2018 Agritrade Symposium. Given the recent North American trade discussions, this should prove to be an incredibly informative event that will include government and trade officials from both countries. This event is quickly becoming a signature program, as it continues to evolve and expand. We wish to thank our sponsors for their support throughout the years. Without them, we would not be able to provide these quality programs. On behalf of all of the members of the International Agriculture and Agri-Food Committee, thank you for taking the time to enjoy Profile and for being an agriculture and agrifood enthusiast. We hope you’ll say hello if you visit the Calgary Stampede this July 6 – 15, 2018.

PROFILE 2018

The Calgary Stampede International Agriculture and Agri-Food Committee W E A R E C O M M I T T E D T O S H O W C A S I N G A L B E R TA A G R I C U LT U R E , A G R I - F O O D A N D T H E C A L G A R Y S TA M P E D E T O T H E W O R L D . O U R C O M M I T T E E I S F O C U S E D O N B R I N G I N G M E M B E R S O F T H E G L O B A L A G R I C U LT U R E C O M M U N I T Y T O G E T H E R T O S H A R E I D E A S , FA C I L I TAT E B U S I N E S S O P P O R T U N I T I E S , A N D T O F O S T E R F R I E N D S H I P A N D C U LT U R A L U N D E R S TA N D I N G . Toni Dixon

Dr. Aaron Grant, PhD

Cherie Copithorne-Barnes

John Arnold

Brent Difley

Robert Wise

Dina Sutherland

Susan Peterson

Joan Cool

John Finn

Leah Jones

Holly Nicoll

Kerry Towle

Bryan Walton

Laura Laing

Terry Andryo

Paul Barker

Penny Blackwell

Dave Collins

Scott Exner

Graeme Finn

Barry Bennett

Ramon Fosado

Candace Grimes

Susan Groeneveld

Kerrie Harvie

George Jackson

Patti James

Keith Jones

Larry Konschuk

Larry Koper

John Lee

Anila Lee Yuen

Syd Loeppky

Kim McConnell

Ravinder Minhas

Sheila Morison

Jenn Norrie

Ranjan Pant

Dave Phillips

Christie Simpson

Rick Smith

Jan Warren

Tina Zakowsky

Director, Calgary Stampede Board Director, Calgary Stampede Board Events Lead

Agri-Food Initiatives Lead

Chair

Director, Western Events and Agriculture Sponsorship Lead Agritrade Seminar Lead

I N T E R N AT I O N A L A G R I C U LT U R E A N D A G R I - F O O D C O M M I T T E E

Vice-Chair

Manager, Agriculture and Event Presentation Strategic Planning & Innovations Lead Profile Magazine Editor

Vice-Chair

Program Manager

Communications Lead

CONTRIBUTORS:

Kristina Barnes Kristina Barnes is the communications manager for Western Events and Agriculture at the Calgary Stampede.

Lisa Skierka

SHOWCASING AND PROMOTING THE ALBERTA AGRICULTURE AND AGRI-FOOD INDUSTRY TO

Robin Galey

THE WORLD. The Profile magazine is distributed throughout Alberta and across Canada to agriculture and agri-food producers, associations and industry representatives. Shared worldwide with friends of the Calgary Stampede, it is distributed at major North American and International stock shows and agricultural associations, embassies, consulates and trade offices. EDITOR:

Laura Laing

Laura Laing is a public relations and marketing and communications consultant, who specializes in agriculture. In addition to her role as Owner and President of L.L Communications Corp., Laura is a cattle producer, who along with her husband, own and operate Plateau Cattle Company, just West of Nanton, Alberta, where they sustainably raise world-class, Alberta beef.

PUBLISHER:

The Calgary Stampede International Agriculture and Agri-Food Committee (IAC) IAC COMMUNICATIONS AND SOCIAL MEDIA TEAM: Penny Blackwell Susan Groeneveld Laura Laing Holly Nicoll Jenn Norrie Ranjan Pant Tina Zakowsky PHOTOS COURTESY OF: Calgary Stampede Archives Canadian Beef Marketing Fairmont Banff Springs The Office of the Governor General of Canada Holly Nicoll Anthony Houle Shannon Lawlor Virginia Wishart Jessica Lindberg Lori Loree Potato Growers of Alberta ShowChampions, Inc. Virginia Wishart Graphic Design: Eldon B. Rice Designs Production: Write Said Red MarComms Printer: West Canadian Digital Imaging Inc © 2018 Calgary Stampede International Agriculture and Agri-Food Committee (IAC). All rights reserved. Reproduction or reuse of any information in this publication, in whole or part, without the express written permission of the publisher is strictly prohibited. While all reasonable care is taken in the preparation of this publication, the IAC cannot be held responsible for unintentional errors or omissions.

Calgary writer Robin Galey investigates diverse topics from agriculture, health and the environment.

Honora Jackson Roe Honora Jackson Roe is an analyst for the Farm Management Consulting team at MNP in Red Deer, Alberta. With a M.Sc. in Sustainability and Management and a B.Sc. in Agriculture Business, she is passionate about promoting sustainable agriculture. Bryn Lukowiak Bryn Lukowiak is a public relations specialist at AdFarm and a frequent contributor to agriculture publications. She is an active member of the Alberta agriculture community — sitting on the board of Alberta Young Speakers for Agriculture and volunteering as vice-chair of the Calgary Stampede’s Agriculture Media Committee. Holly Nicoll

Holly Nicoll grew up on a cattle ranch west of Calgary. She currently works for Nufarm Agriculture and is in her 8th year of volunteering at the Calgary Stampede and the Communications Lead on the International Agriculture and Agri-Food Committee. In her spare time you will find her taking pictures of everything agriculture and promoting the industry.

Lisa Skierka’s commitment to advocacy was nurtured on the family ranch in Southern Alberta, leading to an extensive career in not-for-profits, publishing and agriculture. In addition to running her own communications consultancy, she is also Associate VicePresident of SkierkaTech Inc.

Virginia Wishart Virginia Wishart is a freelance marketing and communications professional raised on the back of a horse in southern Alberta. Her company, Write Said Red, helps artists, local businesses, not-for-profit agencies and communities define and communicate their brand values to the world.

6 8

CONTENTS

Welcoming the World

Ranching in Alberta — A Livelihood of Partnership

Agriculture at the Heart of the Calgary Stampede

13 Feeding the Energy 16 TCanadian he Meat and Potatoes of Agriculture

The Valuable Interface Between Consumers, Farmers and Food

Stephanie Ostermann Stephanie Ostermann is a content strategist, author and speaker with a passion for creating conversations that build communities. As part of the team at WS, a Calgary-based marketing agency, she helps agriculture and food brands use content to connect with audiences across multiple media and social platforms.

22 Our Catalyst: Kim McConnell 24 Strong Youth, Stronger Communities

Owen Roberts Owen Roberts is a well-known journalist, columnist and educator, from Southwestern Ontario. As the president of the 5,000-member International Federation of Agricultural Journalists, his goal is to raise awareness and promote dialogue about current food and agricultural issues.

28 The Real Dirt on Canadian Agriculture

26 Agricultural Lifestyle Spurs Creativity in Art

We’re Greatest Together – Connecting the industry of Agri-Food

IAC Sponsors

PROFILE 2018

WELCOMING THE WORLD For 35 Years

The International Agriculture and Agri-Food Committee welcomes producers from around the world to join them in the International Room at the Calgary Stampede. Pictured here, Australian producers and honeymooners, Louisa and Brendan Anderson, enjoying their time in the International Agriculture Room at the 2017 Calgary Stampede.

W H E N T H E I N T E R N AT I O N A L A G R I C U LT U R E A N D A G R I - F O O D C O M M I T T E E W E L C O M E S G U E S T S T O T H E I N T E R N AT I O N A L R O O M O N S TA M P E D E PA R K O N J U LY 6 T H , 2 0 1 8 , I T W I L L C O M M E M O R AT E O U R 3 5 T H A N N I V E R S A R Y. B Y H O L LY N I C O L L The International Agriculture and Agri-Food Committee (IAC) is proud to celebrate its 35th anniversary as part of the 2018 Calgary Stampede. Together its 47 volunteer committees and 2,300 volunteers, we are excited to welcome the world. The Calgary Stampede will host more than one million guests during the 10 days in July — for a celebration of western values and community spirit. The IAC plays a major role in connecting members of the Agri-Food industry , with a focus on hosting international agriculture and Agri-Food guests. EVOLUTION

This year also recognizes our founding IAC member Barry Bennett, who brought the vision for a stronger presence and connection for agriculture during the Calgary Stampede to life back in 1983. “I was first approached in the early 1980s by Dr. Robert Church, who, at the time, was a Calgary Stampede Director,” says Bennett. “He was 6

this year share the journey and connection that agriculture and agrifood has and continues to play in the Calgary Stampede. We hope you enjoy the journey in the pages that follow and that it brings a deeper understanding of agriculture in Alberta and its evolution alongside the Stampede into what it has become today.

Barry Bennett

looking for funding and help to expand the Calgary Stampede programs. It started as a small, modest program back then and has grown in reputation and recognition and outreach. Throughout the years, the committee has grown in size and outreach, a reflection of the diversity and growth of agriculture, as well as the Calgary Stampede.” The Profile magazine is our committee’s way of communicating, connecting and exploring the diversity and importance of our agricultural industry in Southern Alberta. The stories we have collected

I N T E R N AT I O N A L A G R I C U LT U R E A N D A G R I - F O O D C O M M I T T E E

As we look back and reflect, it’s exciting to realize that our work remains relevant, representing agriculture and the Calgary Stampede. In the beginning, 35 years ago, the IAC came to life in a small room that would fit about 15 people. Over the years, venues for hosting became larger to accommodate visitors. In fact, today, we welcome, host and connect with over 2,000 guests from around the world in the Nutrien Western Events Centre and within the International Agriculture Room on Stampede Park during the 10 days. The diverse group of 40 volunteers on the IAC represent all aspects of agriculture and agri-food.

Brent Difley (Past Chair, International Agriculture and Agri-food Committee), Jill Harvie (Programs Manager, Canadian Cattlemen’s Association) and John Masswohl (Director of Government and International Relations, Canadian Cattlemen’s Association) at the 2017 Calgary Stampede.

LOOKING FORWARD

As a leader, the IAC is evolving in an environment where society is craving different experiences with food and agriculture. Consumers and industry want to understand, learn and have more in-depth conversations about where their food comes from with the people that produce it. The IAC is striving to be a meaningful contributor to this evolution, providing experiences that connect not only agriculture, but more importantly, the agri-food and beverage industry in Alberta with other stakeholders around the world. Our mission is to share ideas, facilitate business opportunities, and foster friendship and cultural understanding. We have several events and experiences tied to hospitality where business may evolve. This includes hosting in the International Room during the 10-day festival, and the Agriculture and Agri-Food International Reception that takes place each year on the Wednesday evening during the Stampede. This event brings together the leaders from across the industry to connect and celebrate agriculture. In addition to our Profile magazine, the IAC also serves as a connector,

IAC member John Finn welcomes 2017 Calgary Stampede Vice-Chair Dana Peers to the ‘Where in the World do you Farm?’ booth in the Nutrien Western Event Centre.

promoting agriculture, agri-food and beverage through the ‘Where in the World do you Farm?’ booth in the Nutrien Western Events Centre during the 10 days of the Stampede. Our committee volunteers actively engage and invite guests from around the world who share an interest in the industry to meet and discuss the business of agriculture. On July 11th, the committee will be hosting the 2018 Agritrade Symposium, focusing on innovation, trade and prosperity. The goal is to increase the knowledge and understanding of existing agricultural trade between Canada, U.S. and Mexico. The IAC is working with Alberta Agriculture and Forestry and Calgary Economic Development to bring together industry and government from all three countries. As we look back over the past 35 years, we give thanks to our founding volunteers for bringing the vision of our committee to life and for all of the volunteers both past and present who have put endless hours into making the International Agriculture and AgriFood Committee mission come to life. We also appreciate the financial support

Photos by Holly Nicoll

from our sponsors who can be found on the inside back page of the magazine. Many have supported the IAC for many years, and we couldn’t achieve what we do without them. ‘We’re Greatest Together’ is a theme expressed often at the Calgary Stampede and at the IAC we truly believe that this reflects the relationship between agriculture and the Calgary Stampede for today, tomorrow and the future. If you are from the agriculture or agri-food and beverage industry, please do not hesitate to reach out to us. We look forward to meeting you and sharing in our passion for the industry of agriculture, along with the insights and expertise that, together, will help us continue to advance the industry of agriculture worldwide. For more information, visit us at: http://ag.calgarystampede.com/IAC Calgary Stampede International Agriculture & Agri-Food

@stampedeIAC #CSIAC

stampede_IAC #CSIAC

PROFILE 2018

Ranching in Alberta —

A Livelihood of Partnership W I T H T H E H E L P O F T H E I R T R U S T E D P A R T N E R — T H E H O R S E — A L B E R TA C O W B O Y S A N D C O W G I R L S H AV E B E E N C A R I N G F O R T H E C AT T L E A N D T H E N AT I V E G R A S S L A N D S T H E Y G R A Z E , R A I S I N G A N D D E L I V E R I N G W O R L D - C L A S S A L B E R TA B E E F F O R O V E R 1 4 5 Y E A R S . BY LAURA LAING Horses have been at the heart of our ranching history since cattle were first introduced to Southern Alberta in a small herd back in 1873, and although our industry continues to evolve, the ranch horse remains at the heart of our industry.

and early April. Meeting the needs of their niche cow-yearling market, the ranch retains each year’s calf crop, backgrounding, rather than selling them in the Fall. The calves are then sold as yearlings the following Spring.

Oro, the emblem of a true working ranch horse, is the inspiration behind the cover of this year’s Profile magazine. The seven-year-old, registered Quarter Horse, buckskin gelding, is owned by Drew Lindberg, who works for the McIntyre Ranch. One of Canada’s largest working ranches, the McIntrye Ranch has deep roots dating back over 120 years to when it was first established in 1898. Sustainable ranching that includes the use Drew Lindberg and his horse, Oro. of horses has always been at the foundation of Photo by Shannon Lawlor their cattle operation.

We asked Drew what attributes make for a good ranch horse like Oro, who has earned the position as his main “go-to horse” to get the job done.

“Horses allow you to do the job in a way that ATVs [all-terrain vehicles] cannot,” says Drew Lindberg. “Our countryside demands a reliance on the horse, and when it comes to working cattle, nothing beats the ability of a good ranch horse. The horse offers a quiet way of handling, whether it be doctoring or the ability to move cattle or manoeuvre a herd.” On the ranch that resides just south of Magrath, Alberta, Drew and Oro, along with six other working cowboys and their horses, manage and care for up to 10,000 head of cattle in the high season on 87 sections (55,680 acres) of Alberta ranchland. The ranch hosts 2,800 mother cows that calve in late March 8

I N T E R N AT I O N A L A G R I C U LT U R E A N D A G R I - F O O D C O M M I T T E E

WHAT IT TAKES

“To start, the horse needs to have a good, sound build,” says Drew. “The horse also needs to be strong enough to meet the demands of the job, but have a good mind, a great disposition and be super honest and willing too.”

The demands on a ranch horse like Oro can be steep. From roping bulls to doctoring calves, to moving cattle and checking miles of fence line, it can all be in a day’s work at the McIntyre Ranch. “Eight to ten hours a day under saddle are not uncommon for Oro, and when the situation demands — longer,” says Drew. But like Drew, it’s a lifestyle that he feels they were both born to do. “It’s a great lifestyle to raise a family and I love what I do,” says Drew. “Ranching is more than a job to me. It’s a life of purpose and one that I am passionate about.” When you watch horses like Oro at work on ranches throughout Alberta’s majestic cattle country, you can’t help but think that they feel the exact same way.

A day in the life

J E S S I C A L I N D B E RG : P H OTO G R A P H E R

Jessica Lindberg lives on the McIntyre Ranch with her husband Drew and their young children. Through her photography, Jessica shares her love of the Western lifestyle. In particular, she strives to capture the nature and grit of the cowboy and the relationships they share with the horses they ride.

Photo above: Working cowboy Drew Lindberg relies on a true

working and willing partnership with his horse Oro, to get the job done on the McIntyre Ranch in Magrath, Alberta.

A trusted and willing partner, Oro is ridden by Jessica and the Lindberg children as well.

PROFILE 2018

AGRICULTURE AT THE HEART OF THE CALGARY STAMPEDE

1886

The Calgary and District Agricultural Society hosted its very first Agricultural Exhibition, two years after both this group and the Town of Calgary (pop.1000) were offically established almost 20 years before Alberta became a province.

1908 The cityâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s place in the nationâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s

economy was quickly being secured. Calgary was selected to host the Dominion Exhibition, attracting visitors from across the country, and producers eager to showcase their crops, livestock and machinery.

1912 The Greatest Outdoor Show on Earth began with four wealthy businessmen backing the celebration of the old west in Southern Alberta. The Stampede was not held again until after WWI, in 1919.

Photos Courtesy of Calgary Stampede 10 I N T E R N A T I O N A L A G R I C U L T U R E A N D A G R I - F O O D C O M M I T T E E

1923 Calgary Exhibition and the Stampede

combined resources, shifting the Autumn rodeo event to July, alongside the farming, livestock, and agriculture related industrial showcases and competitions.

A G R I C U LT U R E H A S A L W AY S B E E N AT T H E H E A R T O F T H E C A L G A R Y S T A M P E D E . I N F A C T, T H E R O O T S OF

A G R I C U LT U R E

WERE

F I R M LY

PLANTED

F A R M E R S I N S O U T H E R N A L B E R TA O V E R 1 3 0 Y E A R S A G O A N D T H E J O U R N E Y O F A G R I C U LT U R E S T I L L C O N T I N U E S T O D A Y.

BY VIRGINIA WISHART AND LAURA LAING

1908 Grain exhibit at

“Western Canada’s Greatest Fair.”

1929 Miss Webster on her prize-winning

saddle horse.

Stockmen showing their prized bulls at the 1908 Dominion Exhibition.

1945 Three rams at the Fall Livestock Sale. 1958

Ms. Sharon Massie with her Grand Champion Hereferd steer.

1969

The Grand Champion Aberdeen Angus, Shorthorn and Hereferd bulls at the Calgary Spring Show.

1925 “Slim” Moorehouse’s 36-horse hitch hauling

10 wagons full of grain in the Calgary Stampede parade. Although agriculture and food production continues to evolve, one thing remains — the values and pride that we have for our industry. To this day, the Calgary Stampede remains a showcase for agriculture and food. Perhaps one of the greatest roles we play is to continue to connect the growing gap between food and consumers. Generations of producers have returned to the Stampede year after year, hoping to honour their family’s farm with the elusive red ribbon for their breed or crop. And while many of the attributes of what “the best” in any given category looks like has changed over the years, the desire to raise the highest quality livestock, produce and seed crops remains at the heart of every single Alberta producer.

1930s

Souvenir pin depicting a wide array of livestock and activities.

1983

The first and fourth place winners of the cereal and oilseed sheaf display class at the Calgary Seed and Hay Fair.

Photos Courtesy of Calgary Stampede

PROFILE 2018

A young girl learns how a glass of milk gets from cow to glass. Photo Courtesy of Calgary Stampede

A young family considers what “bringing home the bacon” really means. Photos Courtesy of Calgary Stampede

Blacksmithing demonstrations and competitions showcase centuries-old skills that are still a necessity for working ranch horses and heavy horse teams today.

A livestock savvy border collie demonstrates exactly who is the boss in the ring.

T O DAY ’ S J O U R N E Y O F AG R I C U LT U R E A N D T H E C A L G A RY S TA M P E D E

Today, the Calgary Stampede provides inspiring experiences that build

understanding between regional food producers and consumers. Stampede visitors both young and old have the opportunity to engage and connect with agriculture and gain a greater understanding of how food is produced in Alberta.

12 I N T E R N A T I O N A L A G R I C U L T U R E A N D A G R I - F O O D C O M M I T T E E

Interactive displays help visitors understand where their food comes from — chickens and eggs.

Honey producers demonstrate their sweet trade and explain the importance of bees. Photo Courtesy of showchampions.com

FEEDING THE ENERGY

Agriculture, Food and the Calgary Stampede Experience A L B E R TA I S K N O W N I N T E R N AT I O N A L LY F O R G R E AT B E E F A N D B I G S K I E S . W E A R E S E E N A S A R E L I A B L E S U P P L I E R O F G R A I N S A N D O I L S E E D S — A N D C O W B O Y S. BY LISA SKIERKA

We are the proud home province of Corb Lund, k.d. lang, Paul Brandt and Terri Clark. Our rural roots run deep, and the Calgary Stampede is at the heart of our western heritage. And nothing happens at The Greatest Outdoor Show on Earth without great food. “The Calgary Stampede is where people from around the world connect to farming,” says Tara Sawyer, chair of Alberta’s Outstanding Young Farmers Program. “It gives them a taste of agriculture and our connection to food.” “To take it a step further, to really know our industry, people have to get out and talk to farmers to hear about everything we do to make agriculture great in Alberta.” Sawyer is a fan of Calgary Stampede food culture, appreciating the variety and diversity. “The neat thing about Stampede is that it’s an international smorgasbord of food. People don’t realize — but much of that taste and flavour is coming from right here at home.” Her husband, beef and grain producer Matt Sawyer, agrees. “The food, the sounds, the smells — it’s all part of the bigger experience,” he says, recalling his first Stampede memories: hot dogs and popcorn, the Zipper (retired in 2017), going to the rodeo, and staying up late to watch the Grandstand Show. These days, his favourites include everything from gyros and BBQ to craft beer and those infamous deep-fried oreos. More importantly? The Sawyers see the food experience onpark as a showcase for Alberta agriculture. As past recipients

of the Calgary Stampede BMO Farm Family Award, they are committed to promoting a renewed urban-rural relationship. “At the Calgary Stampede, we are explaining what we do and linking it to the food people eat,” says Matt Sawyer. “We are also making the link to buying Alberta products. A lot of the population doesn’t realize all the different types of food grown here — from hot house cucumbers to sugar beets and potatoes.” The diversity of food is a great advertisement for Alberta’s agricultural commodities, but it also raises questions: “Is the farm industry changing food or is the food industry changing farming?” asks Matt Sawyer. “People come from all over the world to attend the Calgary Stampede. It really is our time to showcase the food we grow here and our agricultural practices: how do we produce that bushel of wheat, that pound of bacon, that chicken. Are we doing a good job?” jW Foster, executive chef at the world-famous Fairmont Banff Springs hotel, says his life’s purpose is connecting people to the food they eat. He has worked internationally, from Shanghai to Dallas, building culinary experiences with meaning. “I’ve always made the connection to how food creates memories,” says Foster. “That’s how it started and how it’s evolved: We aren’t just fuelling people, we’re there to nourish them.” PROFILE 2018

P H OTO TO P R I G H T:

James Radke presents Scott Dennis of Hand Dipped Corn Dogs with the award for Best Corn Dog at the 2017 Calgary Stampede. P H OTO R I G H T:

Mini donuts are a Calgary Stampede tradition for many guests. Photos Courtesy Calgary Stampede

P H OTO B OT TO M R I G H T:

Milk and cookies remains a staple of the food connection at the Calgary Stampede, for kids and adults alike. Photo Courtesy ShowChampions.com

“Chefs have a huge responsibility to the farmers and ranchers,” he explains. “The guests of today are curious and want to understand where their food comes from. It’s a safety concern sometimes, but also curiosity. They like to know.” Matt Sawyer sees it as a joint responsibility, made possible by improved technologies. “People want to know how we farm and how we raise animals,” he says. “It can be eye opening. The good news is that, in Canada, we’re leaders in traceability and sustainability — it’s part of the global push to know where our food comes from and to have sustainable practices, like precision agriculture.” For Foster, it’s also about having food that fits the experience. “At the Stampede, I like the energy, I love the bull riding, and then there’s the food,” he explains. “It’s very different from what I do on a day-to-day basis, and it’s always cool to see what’s new and different. It brings out the kid in you — we all have that inner child who just wants to let go, go on the rides, eat the cotton candy.” James Radke, midway operation manager at the Calgary Stampede, has a food philosophy that encompasses all elements of the Stampede experience. “We have four different kinds of foods that we look for: traditional, staples, new and unique, and extreme and gimmick foods. Those four types are attached to demographics and media: social media, television and radio.” “International foods are very, very important for us — to have a diverse midway with unique and interesting foods that people might not get to ever experience otherwise.” 14 I N T E R N A T I O N A L A G R I C U L T U R E A N D A G R I - F O O D C O M M I T T E E

Basically, he works to keep the food on-site local and traditional, but never boring. “We have everything for everyone. We sometimes have foods on our midway that aren’t anywhere else in Calgary and are only available for the 10 days of Stampede.” Like the Calgary Stampede, the Fairmont Banff Springs has an international reputation fuelled by the Rocky Mountains and a connection to western culture. “We make our food in-house and we take that responsibility quite heavily,” says Foster, whose team of up to 150 chefs includes 20 to 25 apprentices at a time. “We are a teaching hotel and are working on a whole-animal program. We have ranchers who show up here and we talk about what we’ll do for our restaurant: We’ve taken it back where we can showcase where it came from, the farmer, tying it to the guest.” On a property that includes 10 restaurants, they now butcher much of their own meat, from beef and chicken to boars and pigs. Foster says this gives guests a showcase of the great products available in Alberta, including homemade sausages and other specialty products. For Foster, it all comes back to the ingredients. “The Stampede, Alberta, Banff, where we are in the world, we are known for our beef.” “We’re very modest in Canada about what we do on the international stage. There are so many stories and we need to keep telling them.”

Q&A jW FOSTER, FAIRMONT BANFF SPRINGS HOTEL Photo courtesy of Fairmont Banff Springs.

What is your Calgary Stampede favourite? jW: I always love a good corn dog.

There’s something about meat on a stick. It’s the same in Texas. I always like to try the interesting things. If they have something with shock value, like deep-fried butter, I like to say that I had that. Sometimes there might be something we can do with it to create something new/put our own spin on it.

MATT SAWYER, SAWYER FARMS

JAMES RADKE, CALGARY STAMPEDE

What is your favourite Stampede food?

Matt: I’m not a corn dog guy. I like the

donairs — or some really good smoked ribs and brisket and beans and slaw. A good Stampede BBQ with roast beef — those are my favourites.

Q. What do you like most about

on-park food?

Matt : There’s certainly more cultural

flair at the midway — different foods and international foods. There’s always something new to try, like noodle boxes. I like that we’re evolving.

Do you have a spin on a corn dog?

Q. What about beer?

jW: We’ve done in-house veggie corn

Matt : Any time that you can showcase

dogs but that’s not for everyone. We’ve made them with in-house sausages. And we do a pekora version — a little more international — we make a fritter dough out of the chick pea flour and spices, then dip the homemade sausage in it.

locally grown products, like craft beer, that’s a positive. There are great things going on locally and you can enjoy some of the finest, freshest beers in the world. Enjoying a craft beer with food pairings — that’s the future of showcasing Alberta-grown food.

TARA SAWYER, SAWYER FARMS

Q. What do you love most about midway food?

James: Every year people will go to the

same booths and eat the same foods, and before they go home they’ll stop and get the mini donuts. They have their traditions. They go home, bring their families and then share that tradition with their children.

Q. What’s your go-to choice?

James: Bratwurst on a bun — I have to

have it every year. It’s the first thing I’ll eat when I come on-park and everything’s open and running. It’s my tradition.

Q. What are you still eating at the end

of the 10 days?

James: BBQ ribs. On the very last night

of Stampede, we’ll have the BBQ feast you would not believe. Rack after rack of ribs and brisket and pulled pork — that’s our guilty pleasure.

Q. What is your must-have Stampede

Q. Tell me about the mini donuts.

Tara: Yum. All that deep-fried goodness.

donuts at the start of the day. When we’re getting ready to leave, that’s when I get my two bags of donuts. It’s like holding the warm memories in your hand. That’s Stampede to me. That warm bag of goodness.

food?

And the BBQ. Gyros. Mini donuts….

Tara: My tradition is — I don’t get the mini

PROFILE 2018

T H E M E AT & P OTATO E S O F

C A N A D I A N

The Potato Growers of Alberta (PGA) is the member driven organization of the Potato Industry in Alberta. Founded on April 16th, 1966, today’s organization is home to 140 licensed producers, 52 packer dealers, 12 licensed greenhouse operators and 7 licensed processors. The province grows about 53,000 acres of potatoes annually with about 75% of that production in French fries and chips, 19% is seed acres and the remaining 6% is fresh. Over 50% of our seed is exported annually to the U.S. and other Canadian provinces. All of the processing production is in Southern Alberta under irrigation. The seed production spreads across the central (Red Deer) and Northern Alberta (Edmonton) area with half of the production under irrigation as well. The processing industry in Alberta is home to Lamb Weston, McCain’s, Cavendish Farms, PepsiCo-Frito Lay and Old Dutch. All five of the plants are in Southern Alberta. The PGA’s head office is located in Taber, Alberta, as well as a seed division satellite office in Edmonton.

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A G R I C U LT U R E

C A N A D I A N B E E F H A S A N E M O T I O N A L S I D E ; A S T O RY T O T E L L . T O C O N S U M E R S , T H AT C O N N E C T I O N I S I M P O R TA N T.

BY OWEN ROBERTS

No question, beef is deeply rooted in Canadians’ identity. Its production helped open up and develop not only the West but other agriculturally significant areas across the country as well. These days, beef production is on the rise and is expected to increase by three per cent this year. Consumers have spoken: in a recent national survey, a whopping 98 per cent of respondents called burgers and steaks their top choice for the barbecue. And when it comes to labelling, they said it’s important that their beef is homegrown. In Alberta, beef is king. Beef from this province is celebrated at home and around the world. Renowned international chefs visit the province to study how it’s raised, processed and prepared, so they can serve it in their own five-star establishments back home. Take celebrity chef Zahie Téllez of Mexico City, for example. She prepared Alberta beef as a guest chef at the Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel last Spring and raved about the province’s many beef-friendly assets: a clean environment, superb livestock genetics and responsible animal welfare. “These factors add up to make this beef distinct,” she says. “Without them, you can’t raise beef that is this good.” In Téllez’s kitchen — and in kitchens everywhere, including those at the Calgary Stampede — meat and potatoes resonate. Consumers’ hunger for a return to basics almost always points to versatile, economical and nutritious potatoes as the perfect pairing with Alberta beef. P H OTO : Over 53,000 acres in Southern Alberta are sown with over 40+ potato varieties each year. Shown here, harvesting potatoes at Chin Coulee Farms, Coaldale, Alberta.

P H OTO TO P L E F T: Ken Lewis, of Lewis Farms Ltd., Spruce Grove, Alberta, along with his family, have been growing the meat and potato industry in Alberta for over three decades.

Photo by Potato Growers of Alberta

Photo by Anthony Houle

Abundant water for irrigation, fertile soil and hot, sunny summers help make Southern Alberta a superb place for potato production — the third highest potato yielding province in the Country.

P H OTO TO P :

Photo by Potato Growers of Alberta PROFILE 2018

At this summer’s Stampede, you’ll experience tonnes of potato goodness. In fact, over the ten days, vendors are expected to prepare about 45,000 lbs of potato chips, fries and mashed potatoes. The source of those products will be a surprise to many visitors. Most people associate potato production in Canada with Maritime provinces such as Prince Edward Island and New Brunswick, and in Western Canada, Manitoba. But Alberta too is a huge player in Canada’s $1-billion potato industry. In fact, with some 53,000 acres of production, almost exclusively in the southern portion of the province, Alberta has the third-highest potato acreage in Canada. Producers here grow more than 40 different varieties of potatoes. And here’s a key point of distinction: Alberta potato farmers are first in the nation in production per acre, thanks to excellent yields. The Potato Growers of Alberta credit fertile land, abundant water, warm days, cool nights, lots of sunshine and minimal disease or pests, for making the province a superb place for potato production. And they’re optimistic about the industry’s future. “With consumers increasingly buying more locally grown produce and wanting to support local growers and farmers, Alberta’s fresh potato industry stands poised for significant growth,” says the organization. Spruce Grove area farmer and rancher Ken Lewis has a unique perspective on Alberta potatoes and Alberta beef. Besides growing 400 acres of seed potatoes, he is also one of the top purebred beef bull producers in the province.

Interestingly, potatoes first led Lewis to buy cows as a way to get value out of his culled potatoes. Unlike consumers, cattle don’t mind if potatoes are somewhat misshaped or cosmetically blemished. So rather than treat such potatoes as waste, Lewis bought some cattle and fed them the discards. That was more than three decades ago. These days, his son Kyle and niece and nephew Jordan and Tyler Buba are business partners in the operation’s many facets. Lewis Farms Ltd. is a leader in seed potatoes and beef bull production. This Spring, the farm held its 33rd annual bull sale, which is attended by producers across Canada and the United States. Buyers look for Lewis’s purebred Simmental and Angus bulls because of their reputation for producing high-quality cattle. These animals sport many highly desirable traits: hardiness, good maternal instincts and temperament, feedlot performance and carcass values such as maximum yields and premium grades. “We’ve developed these cattle for North American conditions,” says Lewis. “We try to breed cattle that are faultfree. We keep trying to improve, to have more selections and options, and be affordable.” Many buyers think Lewis has hit the bull’s eye. At this year’s sale, he sold 265 bulls for an average price of $8,650. In the cattle world, that’s a very reasonable price for quality bulls that ultimately provide consumers with premium beef…like rib-eye steaks for the barbecue.

So that means he’s immersed in the development of both sectors. For example, the seed for Southern Alberta’s potato growers typically comes from a handful of specialized producers like Lewis, in north-central Alberta. Keeping a significant distance between the fields where seed is developed and where the potato crops are actually grown is vital; the isolation helps thwart plant disease from spreading.

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Lewis Farms Ltd. grow 400 acres of seed potatoes, 3,000 acres of grain, and run over 1,000 head of purebred Simmental and Angus cattle in Alberta.

P H OTO TO P R I G N T:

Photo by Anthony Houle

PROFILE 2018

The Valuable Interface Between Consumers, Farmers and Food P R O D U C E R S T O D AY FA C E C H A L L E N G E S T H AT T H O S E B E F O R E T H E M N E V E R D I D. R A P I D A D VA N C E S I N T E C H N O L O G Y L E A D T O U N T O L D B E N E F I T S F O R T H E I N D U S T R Y, B U T T H E Y C O M E AT A C O S T. A S H I F T T O D I G I TA L C O M M U N I C AT I O N C R E AT E S S O C I A L P L AT F O R M S W H E R E C O N S U M E R C O N F U S I O N C A N F L O U R I S H. BY STEPHANIE OSTERMANN

Most food consumers are now several generations removed from farmers, and this growing disconnect has contributed to the confusion that many consumers feel when it comes to food production. They have an almost nostalgic trust for farmers but lack a clear understanding of how the food they eat moves from the farmer to the store, and that uncertainty has led to a lack of trust for the food production system as a whole. In the widening gap between food consumers and producers, the Calgary Stampede is a major facilitator in fostering conversations of understanding. The Calgary Stampede, with its glittering midway, big-name concerts and countless new ways to deep fry foods, has deep roots in a rich history of agriculture in Alberta and beyond. But as Mackenzie Argent, agriculture programming manager at the Calgary Stampede

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points out, the 10-day exhibition, and countless other yearround efforts, are a vital part of closing the gap. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The Calgary Stampede reaches 1.3 million people every year. By creating interactive learning opportunities for consumers to learn key messages about how food is produced, we can create positive experiences for people to relate to food.â&#x20AC;? Some of those messages include the ones being shared at the UFA Cattle Trail, which draws more than 100,000 visitors during the 10 days of Stampede. Marking its eighth year in 2018, the Cattle Trail is an interactive journey focused on educating consumers about the beef industry, from gate to plate. Virgil Lowe, chair of the Beef Cattle Committee and business manager of Verified Beef Production Plus (VBP+), explains that the display has evolved to meet the interests

of consumers, shifting from producer-focused, detail-heavy information to a consumer-friendly approach to providing information about the beef industry. “People are very engaged. They are genuinely interested and want to know about the beef industry and where beef comes from.” On the Cattle Trail, industry partners work together to support one key message in each zone. Those messages surround themes of people and community, food, natural resources, animal health and welfare, and efficiency and innovation. “The goal is to communicate the big picture message about the beef industry to the public, rather than overwhelming them with facts that might be more interesting to producers,” says Lowe. “They’re really interested in good stories, especially ones about the environment and animal welfare. They’re excited to learn about their food and meet people who actually produce it.” The conversation, once heavily entrenched in consumer defensiveness around their personal ethical beliefs, is shifting as well. “People are more interested in getting information,” Argent says. “They trust an industry that is transparent and open about how food is produced.” Recent research by the Canadian Centre for Food Integrity confirms this. Canadian consumers indicated that they felt the responsibility for communicating transparently was needed at every step of the food system, from growers to processors to grocery stores. But what about those people who don’t come to the Stampede and interact with exhibits like the Cattle Trail? Argent sees an increasing agricultural presence on social media which

has added even more positive dialogue. “With initiatives like Canada’s Agriculture Day, Meet in the Middle and everyday producers sharing their experiences on social media, people are seeing that farmers have a voice,” she says. Both Argent and Lowe agree that the Calgary Stampede is an important part of the digital dialogue as well. The Calgary Stampede is a powerful amplifier for these messages, with a social media presence that reaches far beyond on-park attendees. Since consumers are seeking information, it’s important that the agriculture industry as a whole be there to meet them with transparency and openness, especially online. Making producers accessible and reaching consumers can feel like an insurmountable task. “Without the Stampede, it would be impossible,” Lowe says. “The Stampede has the unique ability to attract everyone and still have a thorough understanding of agriculture. There isn’t any other organization that I can think of where they literally have a huge pool of staff and volunteers who drive into downtown every day from the country, to put on an agriculturally influenced exhibition right in the middle of a big city.” From pasture to plate, the UFA Cattle Trail tells the story of the beef industry. Dr. Cody Creelman, beef cattle veterinarian of Veterinary Agri Health Services, Airdrie, Alberta, performs an interactive demonstration that provides insights into calving for Calgary Stampede visitors at the UFA Cattle Trail, July, 2017.

P H OTO S :

Photos Courtesy of showchampions.com

PROFILE 2018

O u r c a t a l y s t:

Kim McConnell

Her Excellency the Right Honourable Julie Payette, Governor General of Canada, presented the Member insignia of the Order of Canada to Kim McConnell, C.M. during a ceremony at Rideau Hall on January 24, 2018. P H OTO C R E D I T:

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Sgt Johanie Maheu, Rideau Hall ÂŠ OSGG, 2018.

K I M M C C O N N E L L I S A C ATA LY S T. H E ’ S A C ATA LY S T F O R C A N A D I A N A G R I C U LT U R E , Y O U T H P R O G R A M M I N G , A N D O F C O U R S E , T H E G R E AT E S T O U T D O O R S H O W O N E A R T H , T H E C A L G A R Y S TA M P E D E . B Y B R Y N L U K O W I A K With an abundance of volunteer efforts, career experiences and a long list of recognitions, it can be hard to keep up with McConnell, but each summer, early in the month of July, you can find him in the International Lounge at the Calgary Stampede welcoming guests from all over the world and doing what he loves best — being a proud ambassador for agriculture. That’s right — the Order of Canada recipient, cofounder and former chief executive officer of AdFarm is also a long-time volunteer on the Calgary Stampede’s International Agriculture and Agri-Food Committee (IAC). “When I started on the IAC, our job was to look after international agriculture guests who were usually part of the cattle industry,” McConnell explains. “We’d make sure they had a good experience, answer any questions and work to connect them with various people in Alberta’s agriculture industry to make potential deals and improve business.” “A few years ago, we saw the need to formally recognize ourselves as a part of the food industry. We expanded our mandate to include the food industry, which then allowed McDonald’s to become involved and expanded the focus and value of our committee.” McConnell is the first to admit his love for the IAC. “It’s perfectly aligned with my personality. I love to promote agriculture, I love to promote the Calgary Stampede and I love to promote Canada. This committee allows me to do all of the above!” The IAC isn’t where McConnell’s involvement in the Calgary Stampede ends. “Three years ago,” he says proudly, “I had the tremendous honour of being elected to the Calgary Stampede Foundation. I chair the Programs and Activities Committee of the Foundation, where our primary focus is all of the Calgary Stampede youth programming, including the Young Canadians, the marching bands, Stampede School and 4-H.” “I’ve always been a passionate believer in 4-H and it is, in my mind, the greatest rural youth leadership program ever

Harvie and McConnell met just over eight years ago on a plane flying back from an industry meeting. “We connected instantly and his passion for agriculture and the people within the industry was immediately obvious to me,” Harvie tells. McConnell and Harvie formed a formal mentorship where they met every quarter and shared thoughts and business ideas. “I remember him saying something that really stood out to me. He said, ‘you know what, I believe in your business, but I’m investing in you.’ That meant a lot to me.” Echoing a common sentiment when referring to McConnell, Harvie explains how incredibly genuine and energetic he is. “It’s what sets him apart. People are enticed by his energy and attracted to it.” Harvie certainly isn’t the only one to recognize this. Earlier in the year, McConnell was invested into the Order of Canada, established in 1967 by Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. The Order recognizes persons in all sectors of Canadian society and the contributions they’ve made to Canada. “The Latin on the Order of Canada medal translates to, ‘they desire a better country,’” says McConnell. When he received the award, Governor General Julie Payette recognized him for everything he’d done in agriculture, rurally and with youth. “I’ve always been passionate about agriculture,” McConnell explains. “I think the time for agriculture is now. The interest that Canadians and the world have in our food and how it’s grown and produced has never been higher.” McConnell sees Canadian agriculture as having the opportunity to reach the next level and recognizes organizations such as the Calgary Stampede as playing an enormous role in both connecting the consumer to agriculture and connecting the rest of the world to Canada. “I can think of no better committee to be on than the IAC,” concludes McConnell.

developed. With the Calgary Stampede, I see a similar initiative being developed for the Calgary community — fun programming that develops leadership in youth. How could I not want to be a part of that?” says McConnell. Jill Harvie, programs manager, Canadian Cattlemen’s Association, is one of the many people who have been positively influenced by McConnell, his energy, his enthusiasm and his mentorship. Harvie’s involvement with the Calgary Stampede centres on cattle — she’s spent many Stampedes volunteering in the Cattle Trail exhibit and has also had her own cattle compete at the Stampede. Currently, she works with the IAC on behalf of Canadian Cattlemen’s Association in a sponsorship function.

IAC Committee member Kim McConnell welcomes guests to the International Room during Stampede.

PROFILE 2018

STRONG YOUTH, STRONGER COMMUNITIES

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F O U R Y E A R S A G O , K AY L A C A R T W R I G H T W A S J U S T L O O K I N G F O R T H E O P P O R T U N I T Y T O R I D E I N A R O D E O O R T W O , C A R RY I N G A F L A G . FA S T F O R W A R D T O J U LY 2 0 1 7 ; I N F R O N T O F 2 0 , 0 0 0 P E O P L E , T H E 2 0 - Y E A R - O L D A N D H E R H O R S E G A R U D A P R O U D LY C A R R I E D T H E C A N A D I A N F L A G A R O U N D T H E A R E N A D U R I N G T H E N AT I O N A L A N T H E M AT T H E W O R L D ’ S L A R G E S T O U T D O O R R O D E O , T H E C A L G A RY S TA M P E D E . BY KRISTINA BARNES

“I was looking for one rodeo to do flags at, but this was so much more,” says Cartwright, now a four-year member of the Calgary Stampede Showriders. Being that it is a Stampede youth group was very appealing. It’s such a big name and I’ve always wanted to be a part of Stampede.” The Showriders are just one of many performing arts and specialized youth education programs supported by the Calgary Stampede Foundation. The group of extremely talented young equestrians performs musical rides with a western flair at the Stampede, and regularly throughout Southern Alberta. They’ve also travelled with their horses to entertain in the United States and Europe.

“The bond I’ve made with my horse and the friendships I’ve gained are something I’ve always wanted. It’s made a lot of my dreams become a reality,” Cartwright reflects on the past few years, adding, “Showriders has made me a better horsewoman and a better person. Ultimately it’s taught me things that aren’t necessarily teachable elsewhere.” Growing up just west of Calgary, life on the family ranch meant climbing onto a horse even before she could walk. It also meant being surrounded by many other animals to love and care for.

“We always had cats, dogs, chickens, cows and horses growing up. One of my jobs when I was about three years old was putting milk jugs in my wagon and pulling them to the barn for the bottle calves.” Moving on to 4-H was a natural fit, and Cartwright was a member of several beef clubs, participating in livestock and judging seminars, summer camps, a ski trip and even lip sync competitions. It also brought her to Stampede Park for another Calgary Stampede Foundation youth program, 4-H on Parade, the largest annual gathering of 4-H members in Canada.

“Strong youth, stronger community — it’s that simple,” says Mike Jewitt, manager of Youth Campus Operations

for the Calgary Stampede Foundation.“ It’s why the Calgary Stampede Foundation creates and supports youth programming. When we provide opportunities for youth to thrive, we help to create motivated and engaged young people empowered to do amazing things in our community.” 2017 has been a remarkable year of transformation for the Foundation’s youth programs, with the opening of some very special spaces as part of its Youth Campus. Three major milestones were achieved, as students moved into the new state-of-the-art performing arts studio in the Spring and Calgary Arts Academy in the Fall. A celebration to open the BMO Amphitheatre finished the year off on another high note.

“By investing in these incredible facilities, together we are investing in the future,” says Jewitt. Cartwright is also looking to the future, and another exciting year with the Showriders. Her horse Garuda, who is now 18 years old, will be taking a break from performances. While he’ll still receive lots of love and his favourite treats of jelly beans, pancakes and bananas, it will be her Paint gelding Max joining her in the arena. And she enthusiastically encourages others to follow in her footsteps and give the Showriders or 4-H a try.

“You will not regret it. If you put the effort in, the outcome will multiply. You receive a lot of opportunities not many get to experience,” Cartwright says, adding “If you’re not learning something new you become stagnant in a world that is constantly changing. And like the 4-H motto says, ‘Learn to do by doing!’”

“When I was in the Jumping Pound 4-H club, our show and sale was at 4-H on Parade. It was the big event! It was where all your hard work paid off.” Much like her

experience with the Showriders program, Cartwright says her time in 4-H was full of life lessons. “I haven’t come across

any other youth program that builds life skills quite the same as it does in 4-H. The opportunities that 4-H offers are countless.”

PROFILE 2018

Agricultural Lifestyle Spurs Creativity in Art

I T ’ S N O T J U S T C A N O L A T H AT B L O O M S I N A L B E R TA S U N S H I N E . R U R A L M A K E R S , C R A F T E R S , A R T I S A N S , W R I T E R S , M U S I C I A N S A N D A R T I S T S H AV E L O N G B E E N PA R T O F A L B E R TA’ S A R T I S T I C L A N D S C A P E , A M U LT I T U D E O F T H E M F L O U R I S H I N G O N FA R M S A N D R A N C H E S A C R O S S T H E P R O V I N C E . B Y V I R G I N I A W I S H A R T

For Alberta College of Art and Design (ACAD) student Robyn Feluch, it’s all about connecting people with nature. Growing up west of Calgary, Feluch aims to share experiences from her agricultural lifestyle, and her appreciation of the local landscape through her glass artworks at this year’s youth division of the Calgary Stampede Western Art Showcase.

“Muzzles” takes a touch and feel approach to interactive artwork, with the purpose of connecting urban dwellers with Feluch’s animal-filled rural surroundings.

“My art is about the connections between human beings, animals and the world we live in. I am blessed to live in a rural environment: the world of baby animals and cold morning chores. These connections are a constant source of strength for me. They spark my creativity,” says Feluch. “My hope is to bring that feeling of connectedness to those who have not had the same experience growing up.” Ceramicist and rancher Marney Delver, whose drawings and pottery have been showcased at the Calgary Stampede Art Auction, shares that deep connection to her agricultural lifestyle. Raised in the Millarville area, Delver spent much of her youth on her grandparent’s farm, nurturing her love of animals, nature and the creative process.

Feluch’s glass art takes an interesting twist in this three-dimensional installation artwork, featuring light and shadows to create part of the background image. Robyn Feluch lives in the foothills of the Canadian Rockies outside of Calgary. She is in her fourth year at the Alberta College of Art and Design (ACAD) majoring in glass. Upon graduation, Feluch plans to open up her own hot glass shop. Feluch’s artwork will be showcased in this year’s youth division of the Calgary Stampede Western Art Showcase.

26 I N T E R N A T I O N A L A G R I C U L T U R E A N D A G R I - F O O D C O M M I T T E E

“Clay is my passion,” says Delver enthusiastically. “The process of taking a soft, supple element f rom the earth and transforming it into something strong, durable and aesthetically pleasing never ceases to fascinate me.” As with Feluch, Delver dug into her creative calling at ACAD, and was encouraged to make ceramics her major. “I was on the road to a degree in Commercial Art,” says Delver. “It was a pivotal moment, and I am so thankful that I took that muddy, clay road.” Fast-forward 20 years to find Delver out in her sunny, countryside shop: tractor in the front, studio in the back. Surrounded by cattle, horses, sheep and dogs, Delver finds all the inspiration she needs to fire her creative brain on a daily basis. “I aim to reflect the beauty of the natural world in all my pieces. The exploration of seasonal colour, texture and pattern are integral to my work. I try to capture the effortless splendor of the world around me, mirroring the intricacies of Mother Nature’s aweinspiring creations.”

The devil is in the details when working with clay. Creating these award-winning, world-class pieces requires a vivid imagination, intense attention to detail, and a good pinch of patience — all of which Delver has in spades. “When I’m working with clay, I don’t get the immediate satisfaction my drawings give me,” explains Delver. “A large pot can take up to a month to create, until that moment of truth when I open the kiln door.” Similarly, Feluch’s work in hot, kiln-formed glass strives to marry her love of the visual storytelling of a painting, to the solidity and transparency of glass. “I’m excited about bringing those two together and seeing where the creative process will take me. Glass is hot, fluid beauty,” Feluch explains. “To work with glass, you must gently direct it towards the outcome that you want, much like riding an untrained horse — all you can hope for is to gently guide the momentum forward, toward the creative vision you hope to achieve.” Delver’s current focus is creating larger works that draw the observer inside, to discover the secret gems that may be hidden on first inspection, like a robin’s egg or a delicate butterfly.

“Red Influence” Delver’s diverse artistic skill set is demonstrated in her pastels, drawings and pottery. “Red Influence”(above) and “Ranch Hands” (right) showcase Delvers adeptness with a pencil and pastels, in addition to her work in ceramics.

Delver’s lifelike, highly detailed ceramic artwork mirror the natural flora and fauna of her surroundings on her ranch outside of Fort Macleod.

Feluch’s most recent work is a collection that celebrates our love of horses, depicting the ways in which we express that special bond.

“Wild Composition”

“Lately I have been working on the moment of discovery when a horse first touches your hand,” says Feluch. “The Muzzles are a series of glass horse muzzles that have been specially prepared so they feel like you are touching a real, live horse’s nose.”

“Ranch Hands”

“I’m looking forward to the reaction to this interactive display. It is my hope that for that one brief moment, I can create a unique opportunity for connection through art.”

Marney Delver lives with her husband and their two children on a farm south of Fort Macleod. Since graduating from ACAD with distinction, Delver’s drawings and pottery have been showcased at the Calgary Stampede Art Auction, and have been commissioned and purchased by people around the world. Delver’s artistic endeavours are often interrupted by the call of duty on the ranch, which she thoroughly enjoys, such as looking after and tagging her calves.

“Succulents”

PROFILE 2018

The Real Dirt on

Canadian Agriculture A G R I C U LT U R E I S A N I M P O R TA N T PA R T O F A L B E R TA A N D C A N A D A’ S PA S T, P R E S E N T A N D F U T U R E . F R O M T H E E S TA B L I S H M E N T O F T H E F I R S T P E R M A N E N T T R A D I N G P O S T B Y P E T E R P O N D I N 1 7 7 8 O N T H E L O W E R AT H A B A S C A R I V E R , A G R I C U LT U R E I N A L B E R TA H A S H E L P E D D E V E L O P T H E L A N D I N T O T H E F L O U R I S H I N G A N D R E N O W N E D P R O V I N C E T H AT I T I S T O D AY. B Y H O N O R A J A C K S O N R O E Each early settler strived against harsh climates, lack of infrastructure and limited technology. Families overcame all these hardships and turned this province into one of the breadbaskets of Canada. The Calgary Stampede has celebrated this perseverance and dedication for over 130 years and has truly demonstrated how the spirit of agriculture can bring a nation together. The future of agriculture is now on the forefront of everyone’s minds. With the continued strain on the environment to create higher yields for a growing population, the question is, ‘What are we doing to maintain the environment for future generations?’ Alberta, one of the leaders in the agricultural industry, is always developing and promoting sustainable agriculture throughout the country.

TO SEED OR NOT TO SEED?

WHERE’S THE BEEF?

Currently, there are over

Since the time of the great Cattle Barons of Alberta, the cattle industry has been an identifying product of the province.

123

million hectares (303 million

acres) classified as suitable for long-term cultivation in Canada, which support 12.6 million hectares (31.2 million acres) of crops that are grown in Alberta annually. The main Alberta crop exports are wheat and canola seed with a total export value of over $4 billion dollars annually. Thanks to new technological advances and innovations, more than half of all the farmland in Canada is cultivated using no-till practices, which reduce soil erosion by up to

Through water, soil and biodiversity management, the Canadian grain sector is becoming a leader in the adoption of environmentally sustainable practices.

28 I N T E R N A T I O N A L A G R I C U L T U R E A N D A G R I - F O O D C O M M I T T E E

Alberta has the most cattle in Canada, accounting for

41.6

% of the national herd, which produces approximately 653,000 tonnes of beef. Thanks to Alberta’s sizeable land base and ample supply of homegrown forage and feed, the Alberta Beef brand has become synonymous with the highest quality of beef in the world. Cattle producers in Western Canada are some of the most efficient in the world, with the overall cattle herd producing less than half the emissions of other countries’ herds. This is due to improved genetics, high-quality feeding programs and better land management. Due to the continuous actions of the Canadian Roundtable for Sustainable Beef and the continued dedication of our producers, the Canadian beef industry is becoming a global leader for increasing the sustainability of the beef value chain.

SCRATCHING OUT A LIVING Since chicken has become the most consumed type of protein in Canada, chicken production has grown substantially over the last few years in Alberta. There are 252 registered broiler farms in Alberta that produce

138.1

million

kilograms of meat per year. With 170 registered egg farmers producing 60.9 million dozen eggs per year, this positions Alberta as the fourth largest poultry producer in Canada.

CANADIAN AGRICULTURE — THE TRUE NORTH, STRONG AND FREE

BRINGING HOME THE BACON

One in eight jobs are related to agriculture in Canada.

Pork production is another growing sector of the livestock industry in Alberta. From 300 different hog farms,

1.5

million pigs translate

into 242,000 tonnes of pork produced in Alberta annually. This livestock sector is important to Albertans as it provides $412 million to the provincial economy and accounts for 10,000 jobs.

Agriculture employs over

2.1

million Canadians.

Over one-quarter of Canadian farmers are female and Alberta has the second highest proportion of female operators in Canada at

30.8

Today in Canada, one farmer feeds over 120 people.

Canada is the world’s largest producer and exporter of mustard seeds, flaxseed, peas, lentils, durum and canola. Canada is the world’s second largest exporter of malting barley, which is used to brew beer.

125

There are over different fruit and vegetable crops grown all across Canada. In Canada, all these crops must battle against 30,000 species of weeds, 3,000 species of nematodes and 10,000 species of insects. In Canada, aquaculture, or fish farming, generates $

3.1

billion in economic

activity and creates over 15,000 jobs. > A newly emerging industry in Canada is insect farming, which provides a major source of protein in human and animal diets. With the growing Eastern market, it is expected that demand will continue to increase for this type of product.

A big tip of the hat and thank you to the following organizations for providing information for this article:

The Canadian Roundtable for Sustainable Crops

Alberta Egg Farmers

Agriculture Statistics Canada

Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada

Albert Pork Council

Alberta Chicken Farmers BC Salmon Farmers

> Thanks to Canada’s conservation practices, it takes 50,000 fewer gallons of water to grow an acre of corn than it did 20 years ago. > In Canada, research is being done to turn straw into gold…of sorts. There is work being done to put a new paper on the market made from wheat and flax straw. PROFILE 2018

WE’RE GREATEST TOGETHER —

L- R: Tina Zakowsky (IAC), O’Neil Carlier (AB Minister of Agriculture and Forestry),

and Bryan Walton (IAC)

C onnecting the industry of Agri-Food

L- R: Paul Barker (IAC), Andre Chabot (2017 Councillor, City of Calgary), Dave Lantz (Director Calgary Stampede Board),

and Shane Doig (Director, Calgary Stampede Board)

L- R: Gail Clark-Lane, Tim Lane, Heather Lawton (Chair, CS Ag-tivity in the City),

Robert Wise (Director of Agriculture and Western Events, Calgary Stampede)

L- R: Ron Glaser (Canada Beef), Francis Andres (Canada Beef), Mr Dionisio Pérez Jácome (Ambassador of Mexico to Canada),

and Mauricio Euresty (Canada Beef)

L- R: Deb Wilson (BIXSco), Jill Harvie (Canadian Cattlemen’s Association), Tom Lynch-Staunton (Canadian Cattlemen’s Association),

Wendy Arnold and Fawn Jackson (Canadian Cattlemen’s Association)

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L- R: David Sibbald (President & Chairman of the Board, Calgary Stampede)

and Mary Beth Sibbald

L- R: Richard Gotfred (MLA Calgary Fish Creek), Lesley Conway (Director, Calgary Stampede Board) and Scott Hutcheson

L- R: Darrell Janz (CTV News), Joan Cool (IAC), Teri McKinnon (Calgary Stampede Honorary Life Director)

and Dr. David Chalack (Past President, Calgary Stampede)

L- R: Dr. David Chalack (Past President, Calgary Stampede), Ed Knash (ATB Financial) and Jerry Bouma (AFSC)

L- R: Chat Sangha (McDonald’s Canada) and Usmann Jutt (McDonald’s Canada)

L- R: Bob Lowe (Alberta Beef Producers) and Trish Vachon

L- R: Akesh Aheer, Leela Sharon Aheer (MLA for Chestermere - Rocky View), Cherie Copithorne-Barnes (IAC Vice-Chair), Marshall Copithorne (CL Ranches), Prasad Panda (MLA for Calgary Foothills)

L- R: The Honorable Ted Menzies (Canadian Agricultural Hal of Fame)

and Dave Solverson (Canadian Cattlemen’s Association)

PROFILE 2018