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Canadian Cattlemen’s Association News
The promise of a new year brings new resolutions, goals, and optimism. This year is no exception – even on the heels of very challenging times for beef producers in 2021. Since day one on the job almost two years ago, it seems adversity has been at our doorstop, but we have accomplished much to the benefit of our industry, and I still believe we can help support Canada’s post-pandemic recovery. However, we do need the proper tools to bring our proposed solutions to fruition.
Collaboration continues to be the key ingredient in developing workable policy solutions that we can take to government to help mitigate the impacts of the challenges facing our sector as they arise. In 2020, I spoke a great deal about how stakeholders from across our industry and the broader agriculture sector mobilized to navigate and mitigate the impacts from the pandemic. The same holds true for 2021 – by working together, we were able to inform both the federal and provincial levels of government on the type of support needed by beef producers affected by devastating droughts and wildfires. We are also engaged in helping support the needs of beef producers in British Columbia (B.C.) dealing with flooding alongside the B.C. Cattlemen’s Association and assessing the supply chain impacts on producers and the broader industry across Canada.
Now that the 44th Parliament is in session, we are starting to meet with Parliamentarians of all stripes again. In early December, it was great to be back on the Hill for in-person meetings and events to better understand the priorities of the current Government and the opposition parties, as well as provide insights into how our priorities can support their goals and policies.
Of course, Canada’s economic recovery and climate change are top of mind for everyone, as well as the Next Agricultural Policy Framework set to launch in 2023. The Canadian Cattlemen’s Association (CCA) is working hard to bring strong recommendations forward for consideration. As negotiations on the next Framework proceed, it is our hope that a forward-looking framework is developed with an increased funding envelope and policies designed to foster a competitive business environment, as well as tackle the impacts of climate change.
Since the Federal-ProvincialTerritorial (FPT) Agriculture Ministers’ meeting in November, I’ve reflected on the discussions, outcomes, and our next steps in sharing our story and recommendations with the federal and provincial levels of government. It’s no surprise that the environment and climate change were key topics of discussion at this meeting. Conversations are now happening in agriculture policy circles on how to best weave environmental aspects into the next Framework, as well as how to improve economic resiliency and attract more investment to industry research and innovation.
To help secure our recovery, growing and expanding our market access for Canadian beef remains a high priority for us. We continue to push for trade limiting restrictions to be removed on Canadian beef, whether it’s by leveling the playing field when it comes to the remaining BSE-restrictions for specified risk materials, or addressing aspects of the Comprehensive and Economic Trade Agreement with the European Union (EU).
Over the last number of years, the Canadian beef industry has increased efforts to share its stewardship story. We have the unique ability to deliver significant environmental services including carbon storage and sequestration, wildlife habitat preservation and flood resiliency. As government policies and the next Framework are developed, it is critical that policymakers recognize that agriculture, and particularly beef production, play a significant role in meeting our climate change goals. Equally important is that environmental policies resonate with cattle producers as much as they do with government and the public. We also need to ensure that our story is heard, and that we are an active partner in policy consultations to avoid unintended environmental consequences, as well as any potential impacts to the profitability and sustainability of our industry.
Increasing investment into research and innovation is another pivotal policy consideration, as advancements in this area enhance our ability to be competitive, while supporting our stewardship and conservation efforts as primary producers. Having the opportunity to address the Agriculture Ministers, in November on this topic, was a great avenue to begin discussions on our research priorities, including renewing the Agri-Science Clusters and Projects programs, further encouraging industry and government applied research collaborations, and the need for predictable, long-term research funding commitments, for both basic and applied research streams, to help attract additional investments by the private sector.
We also cannot forget the
Bob Lowe, President
importance of having sufficiently funded business risk management programs, that are as market and production neutral as possible, and delivered consistently across all jurisdictions in Canada. There are many risks beyond our control and having effective and equitable safety net programs can be the difference for many farmers, ranchers and feeders getting through inevitable difficult times. This is particularly true for our younger producers who represent the future of Canadian agriculture.
We look forward to working with our industry stakeholders and Parliamentarians, to move our priorities forward, creating a win-win-win, for beef producers, Canada’s economy, and our environment. There are likely more tough days ahead, but with hard work and perseverance, we can make positive things happen for our industry. This work ahead won’t be easy, but anything worth fighting for never is.
Sugarloaf Charolais Thank You to our past female and bull buyers for showing confidence in our genetics
SLC Right Time 884F GCC 26D
Sons of Sparrows Aquarius 493B, Sparrows Resurrection 905G, LT Rushmore 8060 Pld, SLC Right Time 884F, plus other yearling and two-year old bulls AVAILABLE BY PRIVATE TREATY
www.sugarloafcharolais.com
Eric & Sheryle Anderson Scott & Kayley Anderson, Minburn, Alberta sugarloafcharolais@gmail.com Cell 780.787.0358 Farm 780.593.2153
POWER, PERFORMANCE & MEAT WE BELIEVE WE HAVE IT HERE
SONS OF CIRCLE CEE LEGEND 307A SONS OF HTA WYATT EARP 9108G
CIRCLE CEE LEGEND 307A HTA WYATT EARP 9108G
SONS OF LAKEVIEW LEGEND 104G SONS OF HTA MAXIMIZE 435B
Stop by to see for yourself. Our bull pen sells privately to many volume and repeat customers. WENDT & MURRAY FARMS LTD.
Grant & Janice Murray H 780-745-2429 C 780-871-1550 RR 5, Lloydminster, AB T9V 3A1
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BW 109 WW 674 BW 3.1 WW 49 YW 90 M 15 TM 40 Son of Elder’s Blackjack 788B, born Jan 20, 2021 Thank you to our 2021 bull buyers Visitors Always Welcome
Brad & Juanita Cline • Belmont, MB 204-537-2367 • Brad’s Cell: 204-523-0062 bjcline@mymts.net www.clinecattlecompany.ca
