Canadian Beef Check-off Agency Elects New Members and Marketing Committee at AGM
(August 20, 2024 News Release) - The Canadian Beef Check-Off Agency (the Agency) is pleased to announce the Agency Board, following the Annual General Meeting.
The 2024/25 Agency Members have been announced as:
Primary Producers:
Andrea Van Iterson, British Columbia
Michelle Ball, Alberta
Sheila Hillmer, Alberta
Chad Ross, Saskatchewan
Mary Paziuk, Manitoba
Craig McLaughlin, Ontario
Sylvain Bourque, Quebec
Trevor Welch, New Brunswick
Bert Meyer, Nova Scotia
Nick Green, Prince Edward Island
Adeleen Bolduc, Canadian Cattle Youth Council
Canadian Meat Council:
Russ Mallard, Atlantic Beef Products
Andre Forget, Montpak
Jeff Cline, Cargill
Leslie Gold, St. Helen’s Meat Packers
Retail and Foodservice:
Denis Burelle, Sysco Canada
I.E. Canada:
Coral Manastersky, Maple Leaf Foods
A full financial report showed that the Agency received $18.3 million in national check-off revenue in the past fiscal year, and $1.3 million in import levy. Of that, 57% was invested in marketing by Canada Beef, 27% was invested in research through the Beef Cattle Research Council (BCRC), 5% was invested through the Public and Stakeholder Engagement (PSE) team, and 11% was invested in provincial research, market development and promotion projects by seven provincial cattle associations.
“I’m proud of what the Agency has accomplished over the past few years,” said Jeff Smith, outgoing Chair. “Producers in Canada should be confident in their check-off investments, and that we have, and continue to be focused on transparency and strong return on investments for our industry.”
Smith retired from the Agency board following the AGM after eight years, and two years of leading the Agency as Chair. The Agency elected Trevor Welch from Glassville, NB as the new Chair following the AGM.
“I’m excited to continue with the progress that Jeff has made at the Agency’s helm over the last two years as Chair,” said Welch. “The organization is in a place where we can continue to show strong value for the industry and also start exploring new ways to deliver that value on behalf of beef producers and the entire value chain.”
At the meeting, Agency General Manager Melinda German shared an update focused on the Agency’s programming, including the focus on education and compliance.
Canadian Beef Check-off Agency Elects New Members and Marketing Committee at AGM
“Our inspection program identified close to $400,000 in slipped check-off last year, which shows the significant return on the investment we have made into compliance and education,” said German. “The program is helping to ensure that everyone in Canada is playing by the same rules and has a level playing field.”
The Agency’s youth program has also picked up steam over the past year, with the second annual scholarship being awarded at the AGM, and the election of a new Youth Member position.
Outgoing Youth Member, Julie Mortenson, delivered a report on her two-year term with the Agency at the AGM and welcomed the newly elected Youth Member Adeleen Bolduc.
“I am really pleased with the Agency’s encouragement of youth involvement with the national check-off,” said Mortenson. “Young producers are key in helping grow the future of the beef industry in Canada and having them engaged with check-off discussions is paramount to that growth.”
This year’s $2,000 scholarship was awarded to Gus Halibert of Saskatoon, SK. The Agency received over 20 applications again this year, and the scholarship has proven to be one of the Agency’s most wide-reaching communications priorities for the second year in a row.
Following the Agency’s AGM, the board elected their Executive Committee.
Joining Welch on the Agency’s Executive Committee are Sheila Hillmer, Vice Chair, Sylvain Bourque, Finance Chair and Craig McLaughlin, Governance Chair.
The Agency’s delegates also re-elected two Members-at-Large this year: Clay Holmes,
Intercity Packers, and Cam Daniels, Harmony Beef.
The Marketing Committee also elected their Executive Committee, including Jeff Cline as Chair, Chad Ross as Vice Chair, and Russ Mallard as Finance Chair.
The Marketing Committee is responsible for planning and establishing Canada Beef’s strategic, business and operational goals and objectives and for the overall management and operation of the business and affairs.
The Marketing Committee has been announced as:
Elected:
Cam Daniels, Harmony Beef
Clay Holmes, Intercity Packers
Mike Guest, Western Prime Meat Processors
Jim Clark, Ontario Corn Fed Beef & Ontario Cattle Feeders Assoc.
Michelle Ball, Alberta Beef Producers
Chad Ross, Saskatchewan Cattlemen’s Association
Appointed:
Jeff Cline, Canadian Meat Council
Leslie Gold, Canadian Meat Council
Russ Mallard, Canadian Meat Council
Andre Forget, Canadian Meat Council
Coral Manastersky, I.E. Canada
Denis Burelle, Retail and Foodservice
Jennifer Haley, Veal Farmers of Ontario
Canadian Beef Check-off Agency Elects New Members and Marketing Committee at AGM
Cline said he looks forward to chairing the Marketing Committee and working with member perspectives from across the beef value chain as they consider the challenges and opportunities for the Canadian beef industry together. "Canada Beef has an excellent team, and a new path under new leadership, and the Marketing Committee is ready to assist as they promote the advantages of high-quality Canadian beef in domestic and international markets,” he said.
Canada Beef President Eric Bienvenue welcomed the newest members of the Marketing Committee and looks forward to a continued collaborative process with the oversight group for the organization’s strategic business plan.
“Canada Beef has benefitted from strong operational oversight from the Marketing Committee. I have every confidence that with guidance and expertise from the new committee and chair, Canada Beef will be wellpositioned to expand the reach of Canadian beef and veal through strategic marketing and promotion initiatives,” he said.
Bienvenue wished departing committee members well and thanked them for their service to the beef industry. He also acknowledged the leadership of outgoing chair Russ Mallard, who will still be involved in the Marketing Committee as a Canadian Meat Council representative. “We appreciate Russ’s
continued support and the continuity his presence and experience will bring to the new committee.”
The Agency would like to recognize all outgoing members for their contributions to the Agency and thank them for their ongoing dedication to growing Canada’s beef industry:
Jeff Smith, Alberta Beef Producers
Jack Chaffe, Beef Farmers of Ontario
Larry Weatherby, Nova Scotia Cattle Producers
David Francis, PEI Cattle Producers
John Curtis, Canadian Meat Council
Julie Mortenson, Youth Member, Saskatchewan
The Agency’s 2023/24 Annual Report is available online at www.cdnbeefcheckoff.ca.
The Canadian Beef Check-Off Agency manages and administers the Canadian Beef Cattle CheckOff and the beef import levy. By working with core partners, the Agency ensures that check-off dollars are invested into research, market development and promotion programs that deliver measurable value to the Canadian beef industry. The Agency is responsible for communicating the value of the check-off and import levy investments, as well as training and education of producers and funding partners, regulatory management, collection and administration of check-off dollars.
Dr. Cheryl Waldner Receives 2024 Canadian Beef Industry Award for Outstanding Research and Innovation
Pictured left to right, Dr. John Campbell and Dr. Leigh Rosengren presented Dr. Cheryl Waldner with the 2024 Canadian Beef Industry Award for Outstanding Research and Innovation at the Canadian Beef Industry Conference in Saskatoon. Photo courtesy of BCRC.
August 21, 2024 (Saskatoon, SK) – A leader in beef cattle health and welfare has been awarded the 2024 Canadian Beef Industry Award for Outstanding Research and Innovation. Dr. Cheryl Waldner was honored tonight at the 2024 Canadian Beef Industry Conference, held in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan.
“Dr. Waldner’s work has no doubt improved the competitiveness and sustainability of the Canadian beef industry,” said Craig Lehr, chair of the Beef Cattle Research Council (BCRC) and a beef producer near Medicine Hat, Alberta. “Her extensive and proactive efforts while supporting others is greatly admired and appreciated.”
Dr. Waldner is a professor and researcher at the University of Saskatchewan’s Western College of
Veterinary Medicine. She is the current NSERC/BCRC Industrial Research Chair in One Health and Production-Limiting Diseases. Her work focuses on research in health and productivity of cow-calf herds with a special interest in developing tools for on-farm decisions using new technologies.
“Dr. Waldner’s ability to translate complex scientific findings into actionable guidance for producers is unparalleled,” said Dr. Stephanie Smith, chief veterinary officer at the Saskatchewan Ministry of Agriculture. “Through her efforts, Dr. Waldner has also advanced our understanding of geographical risk factors for mineral deficiencies, providing producers and veterinarians with valuable tools to preemptively address potential health issues.”
Dr. Waldner’s extensive research has contributed to the development of tools for veterinarians and producers to monitor antimicrobial resistance and identify respiratory viruses and bacteria, including the recent creation of a Johne’s Disease testing decision tool to help manage the disease in beef herds.
“Dr. Waldner’s long-term commitment to leadership, teamwork and mentorship has been instrumental in nurturing the next generation of researchers and industry leaders,” said Dr. Sheryl Gow, veterinary epidemiologist at Public Health Agency of Canada. “Her collaborative approach, coupled with her commitment to excellence and integrity, exemplifies the spirit of innovation and collaboration that is essential for the continued growth and success of the Canadian beef sector.”
She received her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree in 1988 from the Western College of
Dr. Cheryl Waldner Receives 2024 Canadian Beef Industry Award for Outstanding Research and Innovation
Veterinary Medicine and her PhD in Epidemiology from the University of Saskatchewan in 1999. Throughout her career, Dr. Waldner has delivered more than 100 invited talks at regional, national and international scientific meetings.
“Her ability to successfully attract research funds and the appropriate collegial scientists to assist the study and reporting on industry issues makes Dr. Waldner the most significant researcher supporting an overall view of the research needs of Canada’s beef cattle industry,” said Dr. Eugene Janzen, professor emeritus at the University of Calgary Faculty of Veterinary Medicine.
As a researcher, professor and veterinarian, Dr. Waldner has more than 270 peer-reviewed publications, has supervised 15 PhD, eight MSc students, four post-doctoral fellows, one MPH thesis student, eight MPH nonthesis students, six research associates and numerous summer students.
“Leadership has many styles, and Cheryl’s style is to quietly come alongside,” said Dr. Leigh Rosengren, the Canadian Cattle Association chief veterinary officer. “She never seeks accolades, attention or limelight. She works tirelessly on behalf of her students and colleagues and sets an example of exacting professionalism paired with a demanding work ethic. She promotes her student’s successes while downplaying her own.”
The Canadian Beef Industry Award for Outstanding Research and Innovation is presented annually by the BCRC on behalf of Canada’s beef industry stakeholders. The award recognizes scientists and academics that are actively involved in strong research programs aligned with industry priorities, continually engage with industry stakeholders and demonstrate their passion and long-term commitment through leadership, teamwork and mentorship. Nominations are accepted by the BCRC from industry stakeholders and must be accompanied by letters of support from industry stakeholders and scientific colleagues. The recipient is selected by a committee comprised of beef producers, industry experts and retired beef-related researchers located across the country. The award was established in 2015. See past recipients.
Foot and Mouth Disease is everyone’s responsibility
BCRC Launches NEW Animated Video on Foot and Mouth Disease Prevention
Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) is a highly infectious virus that has disastrous consequences for the livestock industry and the population of beef cattle and other clovenhoofed animals worldwide. Fortunately, Canada has achieved FMD-free status, but everyone must stay vigilant to the risks and be prompt in our response in case of a possible outbreak.
A new animated video produced by the Beef Cattle Research Council demonstrates just how important following prevention and quarantine recommendations are for Canadian travelers.
The tale of Jennifer and Richard follows the two farmers on an excursion overseas to an area known to be infected with Foot and Mouth Disease. The decisions that the two travelers make upon their return to Canada highlight how simple, everyday decisions can lead to devastating consequences for the individual producer, and the Canadian beef industry.
For more information on Foot and Mouth Disease, and what we can all do to prevent foreign animal disease from coming to our country, visit the BCRC’s Foot and Mouth Disease topic page
Thanks to local beef producer Julie for allowing MBP to share this recent photo she posted to Instagram. She captioned it, "These girlies are on the move again this AM. I have some very very PiCkY
eaters this summer!"
Public consultations on Canada-United StatesMexico Agreement commence
(August 21, 2024 Global Affairs Canada News Release) The Canada-United States-Mexico Agreement (CUSMA) is a high-standard, highambition agreement that promotes the integration of Canadian SMEs into regional and global supply chains, while advancing the rights of our workers and our environmental priorities. The Agreement provides a stable, rules-based, and predictable trading environment for Canadian enterprises in North America.
This week the Government of Canada launched public consultations to gather Canadians’ views on CUSMA. The consultations will provide Canadians with an opportunity to share their views on and experiences with key areas of CUSMA, including elements of the agreement that are working well and those that can be further improved.
The feedback received from these consultations will inform Canada’s priorities in preparation for the first joint review of CUSMA by Canada, the United States and Mexico in 2026 and ahead of Canada’s chairing of the 5th meeting of the CUSMA Free Trade Commission, in 2025.
To participate in the consultations, Canadians are encouraged to review information provided at the page linked below. The consultations will be held until October 31, 2024.
Quick facts
• In 2020, CUSMA replaced the North American Free Trade Agreement. CUSMA continues to safeguard Canada’s preferential market access in the United States and Mexico.
• CUSMA spans a market of around 500 million people and represents nearly 30% of the global economy.
• In 2023, the 3 countries imported a total value of close to $2 trillion in merchandise from each other an increase of 3.4% from 2022. That’s nearly $5.3 billion in trade that crossed their borders every day.
Related products
• Fourth meeting of the CUSMA Free Trade Commission
• Canada advances trade priorities at third annual Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises Dialogue of CUSMA
Associated links
• Join the discussion: Consulting Canadians on the operation of the Canada-United States-Mexico Agreement (CUSMA)
• About CUSMA
• CUSMA: Table of contents
• CUSMA governance and committees
• Doing business in North America
• Canada-United States relations
• Doing business in the United States
• Canada-Mexico relations
• Doing business in Mexico
CCA and NCFA Optimistic about Rail Strike Developments
August 22, 2024
SASKATOON, SK - The Canadian CattleAssociation (CCA) and the National Cattle Feeders’ Association (NCFA) express appreciation tofederal Labour Minister Steven McKinnon for stepping forward toaddress the work stoppage of Canada’s Class 1 railways.
Through the Minister’s action of enacting Section 107 of the Canada Labour Code, the labour dispute will move to final binding arbitration through the Canadian IndustrialRelations Board.
“The impactsfrom this rail strike stand to not only to impact the beef sector but our entire trading relationships. After discussions with our North American beef industry counterparts this week, we are pleased tosee this move, toget the economy moving againand continue totheflowof goods with our trading partners,” stated NathanPhinney, CCA President. “Wecontinue tocall on thegovernment to deem agriculture and agri-food an essential service, so that there are not disruptions in the future.”
“Wearegrateful Canada’s trains will be moving again soon. The Canadian beef industryrelies upon the timely delivery of cattlefeed by rail tofeed our national herd consisting of millions of animals. Cattle are on a very specific feeding schedule and the wellbeing of animals is at risk if there are even brief delays in feed delivery,” stated JaniceTranberg, NCFA President & CEO.
Canadian National Railway Co. (CN) and Canadian Pacific Kansas City Ltd. (CAPAC) locked out 9,300 engineers, conductors and yard workers after negotiations failed late yesterday.
CCA and NCFA encourageall parties involved to get trains moving againas soon as possible.
For further information, contact:
Carol Reynolds
Communications Manager
Canadian Cattle Association
403-451-0931| reynoldsc@cattle.ca
Gina Devlin
Communications Manager
National Cattle Feeders’ Association
403-250-2509 ext. 204| gdevlin@cattlefeeders.ca
The Canadian Cattle Association is the national voice for Canada’s beef cattle industry representing 60,000 beef farms and feedlots. www.cattle.ca
2024 Reg Schellenberg Next Generation Legacy Award recipient announced at the Canadian Beef IndustryConference
August 20, 2024
Saskatoon, Saskatchewan - The Canadian Cattle Foundation (the Foundation) presentedthe second annual Reg Schellenberg Next Generation Legacy Award to support the Canadian Cattle Young Leaders (CYL) Program last night at the Canadian Beef Industry Conference.
The recipient of the 2024 award Cassie Marchand from Vernon, BC was presented by Lynn Grant, Vice President of the Foundation & Canadian CattleAssociation Board member.
The Reg Schellenberg Next Generation Legacy Award honours individuals who embody the spirit of humble leadership, mentorship, collaboration and dedication to the Canadian cattle industry, and mirrors Reg’s dedicated leadership.
“Reg Schellenberg demonstrated strong leadership in the Canadian beef industry and is passionate about seeing future generations of producers succeed,” said Bob Lowe, Chair of the Foundation.
In December 2022, Reg Schellenberg, President of the Canadian Cattle Association, suddenly passed away. In lieu of flowers, the Schellenberg family requested that donations be made through the Canadian Cattle Foundation to support the Canadian (CYL)Program.
“On behalf of our family, thank you to the Canadian Cattle Foundation and Canadian Cattle Young Leaders Program for working with us to honour Reg’s legacy and his contributions to build a strong industry for the next generation,” Shannon Schellenberg, Reg’s wife.
Through this fund, each year, a CYL graduate will be selected to receive the Reg Schellenberg Next Generation Legacy Award. To recognize theexceptional qualities and contributions of the nominee, the judging committee will select an outstanding young leader who embodies the same dedication and leadershipfor the Canadian beef sector that Reg displayed. The award includes a travel bursaryto attend the 2025 Saskatchewan Beef Industry Conferencealong with a belt buckle donated bythe Schellenberg family ranch, Perrin Ranching 19960 Ltd.
CYLs were encouraged to nominate one of their peers for the award based on criteriabuilt with the Schellenberg family, including but not limited to being a positive, humble leader with the ability to bring people together to achieve a commongoal, and being an overall exceptional ambassador of the Canadian beef industry. Interviews were conducted with the top nominees to select this year’s recipient.
The Canadian Cattle Association is the national voice for Canada’s beef cattle industry representing 60,000 beef farms and feedlots. www.cattle.ca
The Foundation would also like toacknowledge the donation of $10,000from the Saskatchewan Beef Industry Conference in 2023 to support this award. The Foundation is extremely grateful for this support shown from Reg’s home-province of Saskatchewan, which will help to continue his long-lasting legacy in the Canadian beef industry.
If you would like to contribute to the Reg Schellenberg Next Generation Legacy Award, or if you are interested in partnering with the Canadian Cattle Foundation to invest in the next generation of the Canadian beef industry, please contact foundation@cattle.ca
For further information, contact: Carol Reynolds Communications Manager Canadian Cattle Association 403-451-0931| reynoldsc@cattle.ca
The Canadian Cattle Association is the national voice for Canada’s beef cattle industry representing 60,000 beef farms and feedlots. www.cattle.ca
Cargill beefs up its investment in young leaders of the Canadian beef industry
August 20, 2024
Calgary, AB - The Canadian Cattle Association (CCA) is pleased to announce that Cargill has elevated its partnership to becomea Platinum Partner of the Canadian Cattle Young Leaders (CYL) Program.
Cargill has been acornerstone partner since the inception of the Canadian CYL Program, demonstrating theirunwavering support of young Canadian beef farmers, ranchers and industry professionals. Cargill’s funding will alloweach mentee access to up to a $3000 travel budgetan increase of $1000 each. Cargill’s increased support also helps to fund mentors’ attendance at the annual CYL Graduation at the Canadian Beef Industry Conference with theirmentee. The Canadian CYL Program is sincerelygrateful to Cargillfor its three-year funding commitment to make these program improvements possible.
“The Canadian CYL Program has made many positive impacts inthe Canadian beef industry since it started in 2010; contributions made possible with the funding support of long-time supporters like Cargill," said Nathan Phinney, CCA President. "Welook forward to seeing the tremendous impact of Cargill’s investment in creating a resilient and sustainable beef industry in Canada.”
Cargill is a true ally to the next generation, extending their support beyond financial contributions. Their involvement over the years includes collaboration onworkshops and tours, participating in the CYLSelections Competition where program participants are chosen annually, and providing program mentors.
“As along-time supporter of the Canadian CYL Program and its mission, Cargill is thrilled to showour continued commitment with this increased contribution,” said Kristine Tapley, Sustainability CustomerEngagement Manager,Cargill. “The strengthof our supply chain depends on the strengthof programs such as these, mentoring future leaders of our industry to continue producing high-quality, sustainable Canadian beef.”
Cargill joins McDonald’s Canada as aPlatinum Partner of the Canadian CYL Program.The 2024-2025 Canadian CYL Program year will kick off in September.
About Cargill
Cargill is committed to providing food, ingredients, agricultural solutions, and industrial products to nourish the world in a safe, responsible, and sustainable way. Sitting at the heart of the supply chain, we partner with farmers and customers to source, make and deliver products that are vital for living.
The Canadian Cattle Association is the national voice for Canada’s beef cattle industry representing 60,000 beef farms and feedlots. www.cattle.ca
Our 160,000 team members – including our 8,700 colleagues in Canada – innovate with purpose, providing customers with life’s essentials so businesses can grow, communities prosper, and consumers live well. With 159 years of experience as a family company, we look ahead while remaining true to our values. We put people first. We reach higher. We do the right thing—today and for generations to come. For more information, visit Cargill.com and our News Center
About the Canadian Cattle Young Leaders
Canadian Cattle Young Leaders (CYL) welcomes young people ages 18-35 across Canada, involved in various aspects of the beef supply chain, to be paired with an industry leader in their specific area of interest for a nine-month mentorship. Through mentorship, networking, and travel, the Canadian CYL Program acts as an industry succession planning tool to equip the next generation of leaders with the skills and tools they need to continue to drive the growth and profitability of the Canadian beef industry. Since established by the Canadian Cattle Association in 2010, the program has seen over 200 CYL graduates. Program applications are open annually for ages 18-35 on our website from early January to the end of March. Learn more at www.canadiancattleyoungleaders.ca
For further information, contact: Carol Reynolds Communications Manager Canadian Cattle Association 403-451-0931| reynoldsc@cattle.ca
The Canadian Cattle Association is the national voice for Canada’s beef cattle industry representing 60,000 beef farms and feedlots. www.cattle.ca
CCA Announces National Environmental Stewardship Award recipient from Nova Scotia
August 21, 2024
Saskatoon, Saskatchewan - The Canadian Cattle Association (CCA) ispleased to announce Holdanca Farms, located nearWallace Bay, Nova Scotia, as the recipientof The Environmental Stewardship Award (TESA) for 2024.
Holdanca Farms is owned and operated byfather-daughter duo, John and Maria Duynisveld, who focus on ensuring that their management practices are economically sustainable while also enhancing the environment, which is home tomany wildlife species.
They raisegrass-fed beef cattle, sheep, pastured pigs and poultry, and can custom graze up to 150 head of beef cattle, depending on the year.They manage the land to benefit both livestock production and environmental sustainability – of their 500 acres, 250 acres is a managed, biodiverse native woodlot, and the other 250 acres is in long-term(30 plus years) pasture production.
Nova Scotia’s North Shore is akey stopping point and breeding location for migratory birds. They’ve recorded over 1000 wild species on thefarm, and over thirty of those are threatened or endangered. The Duynisvelds ensure that thereare spaces inthe barns and sheds for barn swallows to safely enter and exit during breeding seasons and protect thenests from damage. During nesting periods, they avoid cutting forages and put fences around the nests to prevent livestock from unintentionally damaging the nests. John and Maria believe that gaining knowledge of these endangered species and protecting their habitat is critically important to the longevity and success of native species.
The award was presented in-person by Mike Duguid, Co-Chair of CCA’s Environment Committee and Kelleen Tait, AgricultureServices Leader and Food and Beverage Processing Leader with MNP, during the Canadian Beef Industry Conference(CBIC). Holdanca Farms was one of six regional nominees from across Canada vying for the prestigious national award.
“The Duynisvelds truly demonstrate land and wildlife stewardship,” said Duguid. “Holdanca Farms is a testament tohowresponsible farming practices can go hand in hand with success and their importanceto protecting and preserving our land and wildlife.Wewant to congratulate allprovincial and regional nominees for their outstanding dedication toenvironmental stewardship and for setting a remarkable examplefor sustainablefarming practices across Canada.”
Thank you to our Platinum Sponsor, MNP, and our Foundational Partners, Ducks Unlimited Canada, Birds Canada,and the Canadian Roundtablefor Sustainable Beef (CRSB), for supporting this year’s TESA program. CCA would also like to recognize the contributions of our judging committee, KarliReimer with Ducks Unlimited Canada; Norine Ambrose with Cows & Fish; Doug and LindaWray, 2023 TESA recipients; and Brad Downey with the Alberta Conservation Association, who had the difficult task of selecting this year’s recipient.
The Canadian Cattle Association is the national voice for Canada’s beef cattle industry representing 60,000 beef farms and feedlots. www.cattle.ca
About TESA
CCA’s TESA recipient is named annually during the Canadian Beef Industry Conference and has recognized the outstanding stewardship efforts of Canadian beef producers since 1996.
For further information, contact: Carol Reynolds Communications Manager Canadian Cattle Association 403-451-0931| reynoldsc@cattle.ca
The Canadian Cattle Association is the national voice for Canada’s beef cattle industry representing 60,000 beef farms and feedlots. www.cattle.ca
North American cattle industry leaders meet to discuss common challenges facing producers across Canada, United States and Mexico
August 21, 2024
Saskatoon, Saskatchewan - The Canadian Cattle Association (CCA) hosted the 3rd 2024 triannual trilateral meeting with its North American counterparts,the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA) and Confederación Nacional de Organizaciones Ganaderas (CNOG) on the sidelines of the Canadian Beef Industry Conferencethis week. The trilateral meeting gives an opportunityfor leadership to discuss the challenges and opportunities facing beef producers across Canada, United States and Mexico. Topics at this year’s trilateral focused on trade policy, the upcoming reviewof the Canada-United States-Mexico Agreement (CUSMA/USMCA/T-MEC) in 2026 and international engagement on antimicrobial resistance.
“The beef industry is highly integrated across North America and with theupcoming review of CUSMA in 2026, it is crucial for us to have these trilateral meetings with our friends tothe south. With the challenges that our sector is facing globally, we are stronger working together, to push back against non-tariff barriers and other unscientific international policies that impact beef producers. –CCA President Nathan Phinney
“NCBA greatly values our relationships with our Canadian and Mexican counterparts and our ability to come together as allies to tackle issues facing cattle producers across NorthAmerica. In addition to discussing international trade and animal health concerns, I am also encouraged that CCA, CNOG, and NCBA continue standing together to push back against lab-grown proteins.Theselab-grown protein companies aretrying to capitalize from the incredible reputation of realbeef in their efforts to sell ultra-processed products created in bioreactors. Together, we are working to ensure lab-grown proteins are properly regulated and transparently labeled to avoid consumer confusion with our products that are made with only one ingredient, beef.” - NCBA President Mark Eisele
“The North American trading relationship is keyfor our country. Mexico is growing in exports in the agricultural sector and specifically beef and cattle is competing with products like beer, tequila, and avocados.” - CNOG President Homero García de la Llata
Through CUSMA, beef producers across all three countries benefit from the market-based demand for our product. As we approach the 2026 review, the combined leadership of CCA, NCBA and CNOG are emphasizing the success that it continues to bring to our industry.
At the same time, we’re looking at opportunities to work together against global challenges including non-tariff barriers we arefacing inother jurisdictions and international commitments
The Canadian Cattle Association is the national voice for Canada’s beef cattle industry representing 60,000 beef farms and feedlots. www.cattle.ca
that impact the cattle sector. Despite recognizing antimicrobial resistanceas an urgent global one-health threat, the North American beef sector is aligned and pushing back against unfounded antimicrobial reduction targets without considering sector specific needs. Responsible antimicrobial stewardship is essential to supporting the health and welfare of cattle, which includes increased access to veterinary products.
Front of mind today, is the impending rail strike in Canada. Leadership discussed their concerns of howthe labour action will have unintended negative trade consequences across North America and agreedthat this work stoppageneeds to end quickly.
CCA, NCBA and CNOG leadership determined aunified approachto address international challenges facing the countries' producers and will continue to work on thesefiles together, in lead up to the next trilateral meeting in San Antonio, Texas in 2025.
For further information, contact: Carol Reynolds Communications Manager Canadian Cattle Association 403-451-0931| reynoldsc@cattle.ca
Hunter Ihrman
National Cattlemen’s Beef Association hihrman@beef.org
Steve Johnson
National Cattlemen’s Beef Association srjohnson@beeg.org
The Canadian Cattle Association is the national voice for Canada’s beef cattle industry representing 60,000 beef farms and feedlots. www.cattle.ca