CBBC Report

Michael Latimer CBBC Executive Director T he COVID-19 pandemic and related restrictions on public gatherings was taking effect in Canada in the heart of the 2020 bull sale season. This could have been devastating to our farmers and ranchers, but our industry quickly adapted, and bulls sold at prices similar to those of the previous year. This demonstrates the resiliency of Canadian cattle producers and something that we can be all be proud of. We are now heading into the fall and the pandemic continues. While restrictions are slowly being lifted, there are still many in place that will disrupt our normal business operations into the new year. The restrictions and timelines for opening economies are different for each country, province and state. In some cases, it varies within a province, which makes this situation even more complex. Despite these impacts, we now have the advantage of time to prepare for the fall run of feeder calf, production sales and harvest.

We need to recognize that restrictions on international travel and between some regions within Canada will continue for the foreseeable future. It is important to communicate with our American and Mexican friends that Canadian beef cattle genetics are still able to be transported across the border with similar requirements that were in place prior to the pandemic. This also applies to other international destinations although delays should be expected, and we need to plan accordingly. Canadian cattle and genetics can move, it is people that are facing travel and gathering restrictions. The cattle business in Canada is still open for business.

Agriculture was deemed an essential service early in the pandemic and under most circumstances, cattle producers are able to cross the Canada/USA border to conduct business, which includes the transportation, purchasing of cattle and providing services. At the time of writing this article the Canada/ USA border is still closed to non-essential travel, so if you are planning to cross you will need to ensure your documentation is in place and you can demonstrate the nature of your business in the other country. Every situation is different and depending on circumstances

and reason for travel your eligibility to cross the border will vary. I recommend searching relevant websites for up to date information. They should include the Government of Canada- Public Health Agency (canada.ca), Canadian Food Inspection Agency (inspection.gc.ca), as well as your provincial health agency site and the one that you will be travelling to. There are still health protocols such as quarantine periods in place that need to be adhered to for everyone’s safety. Confirm eligibility and requirements for travel early in your or international buyers planning process to avoid unnecessary disruptions and delays.

If you are attending or hosting a production sale this fall, we have developed a set of recommended guidelines that will help you prepare and ensure your friends, customers, employees and family remain healthy. This and other information regarding the pandemic can be found on the Canadian Cattlemen’s Association website (www.cattle.ca/cca-resources/covid-19).