Canadian Cattle Association Pleased with Federal Funding of Several Industry Improvement Initiatives
November 26, 2024
Regina, SK
Tyler Fulton, Vice President of the Canadian Cattle Association (CCA), was glad to be in Regina
today at the Canadian Western Agribition (CWA), Canada’s largest livestock and beef cattle
show, where the Honourable Lawrence MacAulay, Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food
highlighted an investment of up to $4,569,682 for 4 projects to the CCA. The funding is provided
through the AgriAssurance Program – National Industry Association Component and the
AgriCompetitiveness Program, two federal initiatives under the Sustainable Canadian
Agricultural Partnership.
During the event, Minister MacAulay also participated in a roundtable discussion with cattle
industry leaders. The event provided the opportunity to gather cattle industry stakeholders and
to celebrate the welcome funding announcements.
The largest of the 4 projects relates to Canadian beef sustainability and the work of the
Canadian Roundtable for Sustainable Beef. Canadian Roundtable for Sustainable Beef Chair
and Saskatchewan cattle producer Ryan Beierbach said of the funding “The Canadian industry
does more than talk sustainability. We measure what we do and how we can and are improving
our environmental, social and economic impacts and benefits. This funding helps to do that
measuring, and to improve the value chain bring certified sustainable beef to market.”
The environmental benefits cattle provide are not easy to show everyone. CCA’s Public and
Stakeholder Engagement division developed a Guardians of the Grasslands game to take the
short documentary into classrooms and to fairs and exhibitions to engage youth with what
grazing means for landscape renewal and habitat for many species. PSE Chair Bob Lowe said
“This funding helps extend industry’s voice into classrooms in new provinces and to trade shows
across the country. We have a great story, but we don’t get to show it to everyone. This reaches
a much wider audience.”
Another project involves improving Canada’s on farm beef producer program Verified Beef
Production Plus (VBP+). VBP+ has modules on animal health, animal care and biosecurity
aspects. All the aspects show the way to continued improvement in practices and sustainability
on farms and ranches across Canada. The funding will help VBP+ continue evolving and
reaching more producers
The One other CCA project being funded is exploring technological improvements to forage
insurance. The Grassland Production Index project is developing an interface for satellite-based
information that aims to improve understanding of and delivery of forage insurance offerings.
Fulton added “Exploring new ways to help producers manage risks is key to improving industry.
All these projects do that. Risk of consumers not understanding the benefits of cattle on the
land, risks producers face from weather challenges and the risk of standing still on production
practices or marketing undertakings. The support Minister MacAulay’s announced today shows
his ministry’s support of the Canadian Cattle Association’s many steps to improve the outlook
for Canadian cattle producers.”
Quotes
“This federal investment is vital for our hardworking farmers, so they can continue raising first rate cattle while embracing practices that protect our land and livestock. I’m so pleased to
support initiatives that promote quality and sustainability to ensure that Canadian beef remains
a trusted choice for our customers around the world. Together, we’re building an even stronger
future for the beef industry and Canadian agriculture.” – The Honourable Lawrence MacAulay, Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food
For further information, contact:
Ryder Lee
General Manager
Canadian Cattle Association
1-403-408-9356 | ryder@cattle.ca