canadian hereford association Report

by Michael Latimer- Executive Director

The Better Your Beef strategy will feature prominently in 2023 and the foreseeable future for the Canadian Hereford Association. It is more than a marketing campaign; it sets direction for the breed as a partnership between breeders and the Association.

Where it benefits the Hereford breed, we will partner with service providers, industry groups and other breed associations. This is to establish the identity of the seedstock genetics sector as being collaborative, forward thinking, service oriented and efficient. We need to ensure that we provide services that allow breeders to develop cattle that are suited to their environment, opportunity to make a profit and reduce any burdens associated with registering and transferring cattle.

As we work toward an efficient modern registry system, we are making a few changes. Effective January 1, 2023, the CHA will no longer require the original registration certificate to be returned to the office to complete transfers or corrections. We still require the same detailed information to maintain the accuracy of our registry and to avoid any unnecessary errors. Authorizations can be submitted via email to info@hereford.ca, contact the CHA office for more information. As we are continually developing new registry programs and processes, we may have a few bumps in the road but in the end will strengthen the system creating a better user experience for CHA members.

Youth development is a key pillar of the Better Your Beef Strategy, establishing connections where Hereford is the breed of choice for upcoming generations of cattle producers. The Bonanza show hosted by the Canadian Junior Hereford Association has been the gold standard of youth livestock events in Canada for over 40 years. We want to ensure that our youth have an opportunity to network, build lasting friendships, develop skills, and choose to remain in agriculture. We are exploring the development of new programs focusing on young adults who are past the age of participating at Bonanza and interested in an agriculture career but need an opportunity to remain engaged in the system.

Bonanza ‘Head Strait to the East’ will be hosted in Prince Edward Island at the Rodd Brudenell River Resort from July 25-29, 2023. This is part of ‘Hereford Week in Canada’ and the Canadian Hereford Association will be hosting its summer meetings and AGM. This year we will feature guest speakers and information sessions on topics relating to the beef industry in general and those specific to Hereford breeders. There will be activities for a wide range of interests, so I welcome you to attend whether you are exhibiting cattle or interested in enjoying PEI in the summer.

On behalf of the Canadian Hereford Association, I wish everyone a successful calving and bull sale season. I look forward to meeting with members at sales and events through this spring and summer.