Elevating the Importance of Genetics in the Beef Production

Sandy Russell, CEO Canadian Beef Breeds Council

2022 was an extremely busy and exciting year for the Canadian Beef Breeds Council as we worked to focus on our key priorities for the organization and ultimately drive value for our members by advancing the importance of genetics within the Canadian beef industry. We were thrilled to see a large number of our members, industry partners and stakeholders gather for our Annual General Meeting on November 28 at Canadian Western Agribition in Regina where we were able to reflect on the progress that had been made and look forward to the opportunities that lie ahead.

At our 2021 Annual General Meeting we outlined four key priority areas for CBBC. Those priorities were:

1. Strengthening the financial standing of CBBC long term;

2. Advancing membership value and growth;

3. Elevating industry engagement; and

4. Driving the Canadian Beef Improvement Network (CBIN).

We have worked hard to deliver tangible results in relation to these key priority areas and were pleased to report our achievements in relation to these priorities and acknowledged the work that still lies ahead. Along with the traditional reports, we were able to showcase the progress made on the CBIN initiative and have Dr. Steve Miller, Director of AGBU from Australia provide a thought-provoking presentation reminding us of the value of genetics in beef cattle production to a large room of CBBC members and industry stakeholders.

During the AGM the CBBC members also confirmed their support for the current focus of our leadership on the aforementioned priorities and the work being done to achieve results for the membership by re-electing the Board of Directors for 2023. As a result, we are pleased to report that our 2023 CBBC Board of Directors are as follows:

• David Sibbald - Chair

• Marlin Leblanc – Co-Vice Chair

• Shawn Wilson – Co-Vice Chair

• Kevin Blair

• Ken Friesen

• Amanda Matthews

• Graham McLean

• Rod McLeod

• Hal Nixdorff

• Scott Severtson

• Dennis Serhienko

• Brett Wildman

Throughout the past year these directors have provided invaluable direction and considerable time to achieving the vision of CBBC and its initiatives. I look forward to continuing to work with this diverse group of leaders in the industry to achieve further outcomes for our members and continue to elevate the recognition of the role that genetic advancement plays in the overall success of the Canadian beef industry.

Throughout the past year, the CBIN initiative has been the focus of much of our work and continues to advance rapidly. As we have outlined on several occasions, the following four-step development plan for CBIN remains our overarching goal:

1. Build the Data Foundation: Build an operational system that will standardize data collection amongst participating Breed Associations;

2. Facilitate Data Linkages: Develop a cross-sector genetic data hub that will facilitate linkages of genetic data to traditional production metric.

3. Translate Data: Create the analytical resources to assist in the translation of genetic data into informed decisions that allow increased value capture from conception to consumption; and

4. Drive Adoption: Advance the understanding of the value of genetic data incorporation and resource utilization across the entire beef production system.

With this broad vision in mind, we will be able to provide genetic information and analytical tools that will help capture the full value of genetics across the entire beef production chain.

Those in attendance at our AGM were able to see first-hand the new registry portal that is being developed. The new system was met with very positive feedback, much excitement for what has been accomplished through the collaborative effort and hard work of many and anticipation for the opportunities that the system will provide for our members. With the first stage of development advancing, we are shifting our focus to facilitating the data linkages that will truly capture value across the entire industry. The leadership from within our CBIN Advisory Panel, along with our CBBC Board of Directors continues to drive for success through focused advancements in CBIN. While we know the task ahead is large and there will be bumps in the road along the way, collectively we continue to make strides forward in achieving that broad vision.

Often it feels as though there isn’t much we can control in the beef industry but with the right information and resources there are things within our control that will generate increased value within our individual businesses and at the broader industry level. Genetic selection decisions are one of those things. The importance of genetics in the beef business has often been minimized or even forgotten altogether at times but CBBC has worked hard recently to shift the conversation and raise the awareness of the value that genetics offers to our industry. While changes and advancements seldom occur overnight, we hope you have started to see some of the fruits of our labour with genetics being discussed around more tables and being part of the solutions for success in the Canadian beef industry. The seedstock sector has a large role to play in driving value in beef production and through the collaborative effort of CBIN we are collectively building the resources to allow the Canadian beef industry to fully capture the value of genetics. The work ahead is substantial but so too are the opportunities. CBBC members, stakeholders and members believe the reward is worth the investment.

Sandy Russell Chief Executive Officer Canadian Beef Breeds Council 306-281-7873

srussell@springcreekconsulting.ca

It didn’t take long for board members and staff at the Canadian Cattle Association (CCA) to get back into the swing of things following the holiday season. The promise of a new year has brought a renewed energy to push forward on key policy files impacting cattle producers across the country, investing in our next generation, and continuing conversations with government and consumers about how raising cattle in Canada is part of the climate change solution.

January 1, 2023, saw new regulations come into force designed to further improve safety and address driver fatigue. These regulations mandate the use of Electronic Logging Devices (ELD) by federally regulated carriers and work hand in hand with Hours of Service rules for commercial drivers. These new regulations are in addition to the recently amended Humane Transport Regulations for Livestock, which limits the withdrawal of feed, water and rest (FWR) to 36 hours for weaned cattle in transit.

Safety is paramount and should never be compromised, but for the livestock industry this important issue extends further than motor vehicle safety. Commercial drivers are responsible for the welfare of the livestock they are hauling and any changes to the regulations should also consider their unique needs.

While all commercial drivers must be prepared to handle possible emergencies and adverse driving conditions, the transport of livestock can have additional unforeseen delays that can result in impacts to welfare of the animals. Any delays in loading, unloading or at border crossings count as “on-duty time”. This is problematic for livestock haulers as a driver cannot simply pull over and go “off- duty” as they could with inert freight. Most livestock trailers are passively ventilated and require movement to maintain an appropriate environment. It is often not feasible to unload animals during unexpected delays due to limited rest facilities, animal stress, and biosecurity risks.

CCA is working with a coalition of national livestock associations to actively engage the Government of Canada to address the aspects of the regulations that may unintentionally compromise the welfare of live animals (and bees). Collectively, we are proposing harmonization with the transportation regulations in the United States (U.S.), which provide an exemption of drivers’ on-duty time with a 150-mile air radius (240 km) of their load origin and destination. We are also asking for clarity on enforcement so drivers know how and when emergency situations can allow them to extend their time driving to best manage the welfare of the animals in their care. This flexibility is key and should come into play only occasionally.

As we move forward on this file, it’s impossible not to think about Reg Schellenberg and his strong dedication and passion for animal health and care. He strived to bring common sense recommendations to government that acknowledged the unique circumstances facing the Canadian beef industry, while ensuring the proper care and welfare of animals. Traveling to his funeral it was striking to me how vast Canada is, reminding me that policy and regulations need to take this into account.

CCA also continues to push on one of our key budget asks for the establishment of a Canadian vaccine bank for foot and mouth disease (FMD) through conversations with Parliamentarians and department officials. In recognition of the strong integration of the North American beef value chain, the CCA has collaborated with our counterparts in the United States (U.S.) and Mexico to call with a united voice for continued investment in FMD vaccine banks in each country.

Canada’s establishment of this critical infrastructure will be a major milestone in our preparedness against the threat of FMD. In anticipation, CCA is providing leadership to national and international collaborative efforts on emergency planning and preparedness. Domestically, through Animal Health Canada, CCA is working with government and other at-risk commodities to ensure the vaccine bank can be operationalized effectively in an emergency situation. Internationally, we have identified a shared need for continuity of business plans for use in a possible FMD outbreak in North America.

Our young leaders also kicked off the year on a strong note with a total of six representatives from our leadership development programs travelling to Denver, Colorado. Trip participants took in the National Western Stock Show, industry tours, and networking opportunities with representatives from the beef industry in the U.S. to better understand how cooperation and collaboration between our countries supports and maintains our integrated supply chain, helps add value on both side of the border, and dealing with issues of importance to Canadian and American beef producers. A special thanks goes out to the Consulate General of Canada in Denver for their efforts in coordinating an interesting program for our young leaders and providing funding to support their travels.

We are very proud of the opportunities our youth programs provide to strengthen the next generation of our industry. We encourage any youth, ages 18-35, interested in getting more involved in the Canadian beef industry and wanting to make an impact to consider applying for the Canadian Cattle Young Leaders program. The application period is now open and closes on March 31, 2022. Apply today using the QR code below.

In closing, I am looking forward to being in Ottawa to celebrate Canada’s Agriculture Day on February 15. This event provides an excellent opportunity to build on the conversations we have been having with Parliamentarians, government officials, and consumers about the important contributions that Canadian cattle producers make to addressing food insecurity, helping secure our economic recovery following the pandemic, and being a part of the climate change solution.

Nathan Phinney CCA President

CONTACT:

Angie Stump Denton

Beef Improvement Federation Communication Coordinator

angiedenton@ksu.edu

785-562-6197

Register Now for 2023 Beef Improvement Federation Research Symposium and Convention

MANHATTAN, KAN. – Registration is now open for the 2023 Beef Improvement Federation (BIF) Research Symposium and Convention. This year’s event will be hosted July 3-6 in Calgary, AB, Canada.

The deadline for early registration is February 28, 2023. Attendees can save $50 (U.S) by registering early. Registration includes a student and media option. Online registration is available at BIFSymposium.com. Early reservations at the Hyatt Regency Calgary, the headquarters hotel, are also highly recommended. You can also find hotel information posted to BIFSymposium.com.

The BIF Symposium features two and one-half days of educational programming with focused on this year’s theme “Precision Breeding.” Monday, July 3, kicks off with the Young Producer Symposium at 1 p.m. followed by the Welcome and Scholarship Reception. Monday evening the National Association of Animal Breeders (NAAB) will host its biennial symposium at 7 p.m.

Tuesday’s general session will feature presentations by Dr. Peter Amer, AbacusBio Limited Managing Director; Dr. Eileen Wall, Scotland’s Rural Collegehead of Research & Professor of Integrative Livestock Genetic; Dr. Filippo Miglior, Lactanet Canada Scientist and Innovation executive; and Dr. Brian Kinghorn, University of New England, Australia.

Wednesday’s general session speakers will include Dr. John Crowley, AbacusBio Limited; Dr. Juan Pedro Stieble, Iowa State University Lush Chair for Animal Breeding & Genetics; and Mokah Shmigelsky, OneCup AI CEO.

Tuesday afternoon and Wednesday late morning technical breakout sessions will focus on a range of beefproduction and genetic-improvement topics. A highlight of this year’s symposium will be a Technology showcase at Olds College on Tuesday afternoon.

For registration and more symposium details, including hotel information, visit BIFSymposium.com. Prior to and during this year’s symposium, be sure to follow the event on social media channels using the hashtag #BIF2023.

Each year the BIF symposium draws a large group of leading seedstock and commercial beef producers, academics and allied industry partners. The attendance list is a “who’s who” of the beef value chain, offering great networking opportunities and conversations about the issues of the day. Program topics focus on how the beef industry can enhance value through genetic improvement across a range of attributes that affect the value chain.