CBBC Activity Update

Canadian Beef Breeds Council participates in third annual Cattle Trail “From pasture to plate, the Cattle Trail tells the story of beef” Canadian Beef Breeds Council together with Livestock Gentec participated in another successful year at the Calgary Stampede Cattle Trail. In spite of the overwhelming obstacles presented by the recent flooding disasters that have wrecked havoc on not only the City of Calgary but surrounding areas, and more specifically the entire Calgary Stampede Park, the staff and volunteers were able to join forces and restore the facilities including the agricultural barns to house the annual Cattle Trail educational exhibits. “We are very pleased with the attendance results of 88,241 which although down from last year’s 100th birthday celebration, were very favorable and encouraging”, said Executive Director, Doug Fee. CBBC recorded international guests from countries including Argentina, Australia, Belgium, Brazil, Colombia, France, Germany, Guatemala, Ireland, Mexico, New Zealand, Norway, Scotland, UK and USA. “We thank all the breed associations for their participation and Livestock Gentec for their enthusiastic support and commitment to this worthwhile endeavor.” CBBC congratulates the Canadian Simmental Association on the hosting of the Beef Innovations 2013 Symposium in Calgary. CBBC was a Platinum Sponsor of the event which focused on providing information on research projects and included several international speakers. CBBC continues to finalize its search for the position of Executive Director and expects to finalize interviews next week.

CBBC seeks Executive Director

Position Profile Executive Director The Canadian Beef Breeds Council is currently recruiting for the position of Executive Director. The primary responsibility of the Executive Director (ED) is to ensure the direction, coordination, administration and development of the structure, people and systems of the CBBC according to established policies, procedures and guidelines as set out by the governing bodies, and the mission, philosophy and vision of the Board of Directors and its stakeholders. This position requires a visionary leader, capable of seizing and synthesizing the issues and the opportunities of the Canadian purebred beef cattle industry at every level of the beef value chain, from producer and breed associations to national and international markets. The successful candidate will: Provide overall vision and direction. • Continuously identify and pursue opportunities for funding as relates to preservation, optimization and promotion of purebred cattle genetics • Keep up to date with developments in the industry that may impact members and stakeholders • Ensure the presence, visibility and appropriate representation of the CBBC at local, national and international events Develop and manage the CBBC team. • Supervise, communicate and work effectively with CBBC staff to insure quality provision of a core of member services as well as effective and consistent communications with the membership and producers • Ensure prompt and efficient implementation of Board and Committee decisions • Promote a culture of cooperation and collaboration, encourage good performance and reward productivity • Understand, interpret and implement all pertinent legislation, rules and regulations, codes and standards locally, provincially, nationally and internationally Build synergies across various levels of stakeholders. • Serve as the primary spokesperson of the CBBC, representing the vision and serving as the voice of the purebred cattle genetics industry domestically with industry players and government representatives as well as internationally • Ensure timely relay of relevant industry information between all levels of the Canadian purebred cattle value chain and with other industry stakeholders • Collaborate with industry partners on the commercial side of the Canadian cattle industry to optimize the quality features and market refinement of Canadian beef based on genetic traits of purebred parents and hybrid advantage • Build and maintain good working relations with relevant provincial and federal government departments Identify and vigorously pursue market opportunities. • Design presentations highlighting the Canadian purebred cattle industry and the highlighting the superiority of Canadian cattle genetics in a manner that captures its uniqueness, value and consequence in domestic and targeted international markets • Work with exporters and Government of Canada commercial officers deployed internationally to provide front-line market development for the purebred industry at large, with a focus on CBBC members’ breeds The ED shall report to the CBBC Board of Directors, providing all information and support required by them in the execution of their duties. S/he shall work with the Board of Directors in setting the strategic direction and business plan of the organization by ensuring that performance objectives are clear, attainable and integrated at every level of the organization. The ED shall consistently support Board Committees in the successful pursuit of their mandates, with the goal of providing seamless operational support to the actioning of decisions. The successful candidate will be an ambitious individual with a drive to achieve personal and professional goals. S/he will possess the ability to lead and manage complex information and multi-national projects, especially in the areas of marketing and business development. As an engaging leader, this individual will possess a strong focus on delivering results while building consensus among diverse sets of stakeholders as well as motivating and leading high calibre teams and committees towards the achievement of common goals. S/he will be a superb communicator with 10+ years experience liaising with government officials, understand the decision-making mechanisms of government and demonstrate skill in the cultivation and maintenance of effective networks. The successful candidate shall possess an undergraduate degree and extensive business and industry experience in a field of relevance and preferentially (though not necessarily) emanate from an agricultural background. ---End---

Harper Government grows agricultural trade partnerships with Russia and Kazakhstan

Astana, Kazakhstan, May 23, 2013 – Agriculture Minister Gerry Ritz concluded a successful agricultural trade mission to Russia and Kazakhstan where he strengthened the trade relationship with these growing markets and promoted Canada’s world-class livestock. Russia and Kazakhstan’s interest in Canadian agricultural products and expertise is increasing. Canada exported over $21 million of agri-food products to Kazakhstan in 2012, including $7.6 million worth of purebred cattle, making Kazakhstan Canada’s top market for purebred cattle. Canadian agri-food exports to Russia were worth more than $563 million in 2012. During the mission, the livestock industry signed commercial contracts valued at up to $11 million. “Our Government is committed to increasing Canadian exports to world markets,” said Minister Ritz. “By creating trade and business opportunities with countries like Russia and Kazakhstan, we are increasing farmers’ profitability and contributing to the economic growth of our country.” During the mission Minister Ritz witnessed commercial contract signings and helped to create more sales opportunities for the livestock industry delegation accompanying him. In Russia, Genesus secured an $8million contract for 6500 breeding swine. In Kazakhstan, Xports International sold Canadian purebred cattle valued at almost $3 million. Minister Ritz defended the interests of Canadian pork and beef producers by reiterating Canada’s opposition to Russia’s ban on ractopamine, a feed additive recognized by international regulatory agencies as being safe. The Russian government committed to sending veterinarians to Canadian meat facilities to see first-hand Canada’s robust inspection and regulatory system. Minister Ritz also discussed another important trade issue, by addressing the progress made on the negotiations of export certificates with the Customs Union member countries. He sought assurances that trade will not be negatively affected by the implementation of rules under the regional Customs Union, which had eliminated internal customs borders, notably between Russia and Kazakhstan. “We continue to collaborate with the Canadian meat industry to advocate for science-based import requirements in the Customs Union, while working hard to restore the ability of Canadian pork and beef establishments to export to Russia and Kazakhstan as they have before,” stressed Minister Ritz. In Kazakhstan, Minister Ritz addressed the Astana Economic Forum, a major international economic conference, where he highlighted the advantages of becoming a member of the World Trade Organisation (WTO) and the obligations that come with membership. He also underscored the importance for international trade partners to adopt a science-based approach to trade as a means of stabilizing trade, securing business, and promoting global food security. With his Kazakhstani counterpart, Minister Ritz built on the co-operation Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) signed in Ottawa last year and addressed the joint working Group meeting that is overseeing implementation of the MOU. The MOU aims to increase co-operation in the areas of animal and plant production and development, as well as knowledge sharing and exchanges of new technologies. For more information, media may contact: Media Relations Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada Ottawa, Ontario 613-773-7972 1-866-345-7972 Jeff English Press Secretary The Office of the Honourable Gerry Ritz 613-773-1059

CBBC Board of Directors Meeting - April 23, 2013

Canadian Beef Breeds Council and its new Board of Directors met on Tuesday, April 23rd, 2013. Newly elected President David Bolduc chaired the meeting which included a Director's Orientation Session followed by Committee Reports. Highlights include consensus to review Directors Manual each year, approval of Terms of Reference for each committee, review of budget for 2013 and future staffing. CBBC is actively seeking a permanent Executive Director and hopes to make a selection in July, 2013.

Ministerial Mission to Russia and Kazakhstan

Minister Ritz is conducting a mission to Moscow and Astana during the dates of May 21-25, 2013 and has invited Canadian Beef Breeds Council and its members to participate. In addition Alberta Agriculture and Rural Development and Minister Olson will be travelling to Kazakhstan and Ajerbaijan as part of the mission. The objective of this mission is for Minister Ritz to meet with counterparts, maximize business opportunities with a focus on livestock and genetics. CBBC will be represented by President David Bolduc and Past President Byron Templeton and look forward to reporting back on the highlights!

Cattle Trail wins International Fairs and Exhibition (IAFE) Award

Cattle Trail 2012 was awarded 1st place in the category of fairs with over 1,000,000 in attendance in relation to special agriculture educational exhibit. Not only did it place first in this category, but won the entire division (which was made up of 5 different category winners). CBBC and its members were proud to be a partner in this event and look forward to July, 2013 as being another successful year!

Tracking animals in real time

7. Tracking animals in real time by D. Larraine Andrews A new real time animal tracking system is attracting interest from livestock owners, community pastures and research groups, says Bradley Smith, livestock technology specialist with Alberta Agriculture. The project uses active radio frequency identification, or RFID tags, to transmit a signal to stationary receiving towers installed in the Pole Haven community pasture. The unique animal ID and location is then posted on Google maps for access by the animal's owner through a device such as a smartphone, tablet computer, laptop or desktop computer. Smith explains that the system allows a producer to know where their animals are located in real time without the need to spend extra time on horseback or all-terrain vehicles checking the herd. Such physical checks are still important but the tracking system allows almost continuous monitoring and greater peace of mind, Smith says. Pole Haven is located just east of Waterton Lakes National Park in rugged brush-covered country where predators such as bears and wolves are often a serious threat to livestock. If an animal has stopped moving, it can be quickly located to see if it requires medical attention or has been the victim of a predator. Early detection of predator losses increases the likelihood of receiving government compensation, he notes. The system also helps producers locate stragglers during the fall roundup, reducing riding time and potential losses from missed animals. The project will continue in 2013 in the same location. Although the system provided an acceptable accuracy level for the 2012 grazing season, Smith says one of the main objectives in 2013 is to improve that accuracy. He predicts commercial applications could be available as early as 2014. The system is suited to areas such as community pastures where owners can share the technology costs, or to producers with big herds spread over large areas of rugged grazing country typical of the eastern slopes of the Rockies. A mobile receiver is under development for use on a saddle horse or ATV. The receiver will complement the tower system or can be used on its own at a lower cost. Producers seeking more information can contact Smith at bradley.smith@gov.ab.ca or 403-653-5136.

Alberta Beef Industry Conference-February 20-22, 2013

Canadian Beef Breeds Council and its members are participating in the Alberta Beef Industry Conference in Banff, Alberta. CBBC is being represented by Byron Templeton, President. A booth of information materials hosted by Canadian Angus Association, Canadian Charolais Association, Canadian Hereford Association, Canadian Limousin Association, and Canadian Simmental Association is present for the full event.

Beef Value Chain Roundtable Meetings in Calgary

Past President Allan Marshall and Executive Director Doug Fee attended the Beef Value Chain Roundtable Meetings in Calgary on February 13th and 14th. Doug gave the industry and government delegates an update on the status and plans for organizational change to the Council's governing structure and also used the opportunity to express appreciation to CCMDC and ALMA for assistance in the work developing our new organizational plan and the recently approved market development plan.

CBBC participates at NCBA

Canadian Beef Breeds Council was represented by Byron Templeton, President and David Bolduc, Vice President at the recent NCBA Conference in Tampa, Florida "It was a great conference", says Byron, "well attended by producers froma all across the US, Canada and South America. The trade show is very cutting edge, state of the art products for animal health and management. It was good to have a Canadian presence there; we were able to network with many other breeds and genetics suppliers as to what Canada has to offer. I would heartily recommend it to anyone who is interested for next year in Nashville."

BIXS Carcass Data Guide Now Available

February 6, 2013 Calgary, AB – The Canadian Cattlemen’s Association (CCA) is pleased to announce the release of an important tool in the interpretation of data flowing from the Beef InfoXchange System (BIXS). The BIXS Carcass Data Guide helps BIXS users more fully understand how carcass data is collected and transmitted via BIXS along with specific information on what the data means. The guide explains the use of Computer Vision Systems (CVS) and the camera-derived carcass data linked to an individual animal Canadian Cattle Identification Agency (CCIA) ID tag. Mark Klassen, Director of Technical Services with the CCA, worked with Canadian processing plants on enhancing their CVS systems to support data exchange with BIXS and developed the guide. The BIXS Carcass Data Guide is a key step in helping users tap the value of the data BIXS provides by helping them interpret the carcass information received, he said. “It’s this understanding that can enhance management decision making and ultimately enhance the profitability of the producer and the quality of beef he or she produces,” Klassen said. Additionally, BIXS participants now have the ability to generate BIXS Carcass Data Reports that provide information on individual animals as well as BIXS Carcass Benchmark Reports, which compare an individual participant’s cattle to all others in the database. The guide explains these reports and how to obtain them in a BIXS account. There’s also information on the Canadian Quality Grade criteria and a description of the specific carcass information measures BIXS can produce on each carcass along with examples. The BIXS Carcass Data Guide is available on the BIXS website home page as a PDF download as well as on the CCA home page and within the BIXS database portal to validated BIXS participants. To download the guide go to www.bixs.cattle.ca and click on the BIXS Carcass Data Guide button. BIXS is presently funded through AAFC’s Agricultural Flexibility Fund, as part of Canada’s Economic Action Plan. For further information, contact: Gina Teel Communications Manager Canadian Cattlemen’s Association 403-275-8558 x 406 | teelg@cattle.ca www.cattle.ca

Harper Government Invests in New Technology to Support Cattle Industry

Edmonton, Alberta, January 10, 2013 - An Alberta company will boost the value and use of genomics in the cattle industry with new trait identification tools. Parliamentary Secretary Pierre Lemieux, on behalf of Agriculture Minister Gerry Ritz, and the Honourable Laurie Hawn, PC, CD, MP (Edmonton-Centre) announced today an investment in Delta Genomics Centre to provide genomics technology to the Canadian cattle sector in order to optimize productivity. "Our Government remains focused on the economy, and Canada's world-class beef industry relies on the latest technologies to increase their competitiveness and grow our economy," said PS Lemieux. "Using genomic tools for breeding and selection can help producers lower costs of production and deliver a better quality product to the market and boost their bottom lines." "The continued success of Canadian agriculture depends on the ability of our producers to remain at the top of the pack when it comes to innovation," said MP Hawn. "This investment shows that our Government is committed to the advancement of our agriculture innovation sector." The investment of more than $575,000 will help Delta Genomics Centre accelerate the adoption of new genetic profiling tools that are more accurate, less costly and less time-consuming than traditional DNA tools. Potential future benefits extend to feed lot owners and processors, who will use the technology to efficiently pinpoint animals with the right meat qualities. These innovative tools use genomics technology to give producers the chance to look "under the hide" and make improvements to their cattle. Genomics, the study of an animal's genetic composition (DNA) or "profile," can identify valuable traits like disease resistance, carcass quality, or feed efficiency. Using new technology, the tools identify SNPs (single nucleotide polymorphisms) which are genetic markers that can be tracked between parents and their offspring. Trait selection for markers such as meat quality, animal health and feed efficiency can lead to a more consistent product in the marketplace. Similar technology is being implemented in other countries. The funding will help Delta Genomics Centre collect and analyze samples from the cattle sector for SNP testing. The samples and profile results will be catalogued for use by Canadian breed associations. "This project is an essential stepping stone to get the benefits of genomics into the hands of producers on the ground" said Colin Coros, VP Operations of Delta Genomics Centre. "It will allow our project partners to adopt a new sire identification tool, which is fundamental to using more in depth DNA profiles for genetic improvement of Canadian cattle." This project is supported through the Agricultural Innovation Program - a $50-million initiative announced as part of Canada's Economic Action Plan 2011 and part of the Government's commitment to help Canadian producers benefit from cutting-edge science and technology. The Program boosts the development and commercialization of innovative new products, technologies, and processes for the agricultural sector. For more information about this and other Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada programs, please visit www.agr.gc.ca. Additionally, the new Growing Forward 2 agreement signed by Ministers and AAFC last month will continue to drive innovation and long-term growth in Canada. Governments have agreed to invest more than $3 billion over five years in innovation, competitiveness and market development. For more information on GF2, please visit www.agr.gc.ca/growingforward2. For more information, media may contact: Media Relations Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada Ottawa, Ontario 613-773-7972 1-866-345-7972 Jeff English Press Secretary The Office of the Honourable Gerry Ritz 613-773-1059

BIXS hits milestone with launch of carcass data reporting

The Beef InfoXchange System (BIXS) recently activated two reporting tools for registered producers to generate detailed carcass data reports on their cattle registered onto the BIXS database. The tools allow users to see detailed carcass data lists as well as a benchmark report on their carcass data. These and other recent developments represent milestones in the evolution and delivery of the BIXS to the Canadian beef industry. Currently the BIXS database houses approximately 1.5 million detailed carcass data records linked to Canadian Cattle Identification Agency (CCIA) tag numbers. Cargill Foods and XL Beef are submitting these computer vision system camera-derived records retroactive to January 1, 2012. This data includes yield and quality grades, carcass measures such as marbling score, ribeye area, and fat depth. BIXS staff along with cooperating beef producers developed and tested the reporting tools that provide registered users with the carcass data lists and benchmark reports "We are grateful for the assistance of those beef producers who stepped up to help us develop and test these reporting functions," says BIXS program administrator Holly LaBrie. "It took us awhile to get it right but those producers, and others that have tapped into their individual animal carcass data thus far, have welcomed the new ability to see what kind of beef they produce from their cow-calf operations." The reporting functions within BIXS will continue to evolve to include more carcass data as well as feedlot data as development and testing continues. To complement the new tools, the CCA and BIXS teamed up with the CCIA to build an additional data tool that enables users to quickly import their tag ID and cattle birthdate data into the system. BIXS registered producers can simply click a button to import all their cattle tag ID and birthdate records from their CCIA – Canadian Livestock Tracking System (CLTS) account retroactive to January 1, 2010 and populate their BIXS cattle (tag ID) inventory. Once the information is in the system, users can generate carcass data reports using the newly launched carcass data report tools. Carcass records in the BIXS database are from Jan 1, 2012 onwards. However, it is possible that carcass data on cattle born from May 2010 onwards could be in the carcass data pool in BIXS , provided the cattle were slaughtered at Cargill or XL Beef. Registered BIXS users will find the CCIA data pull tool at the bottom of the 'Enter Your Data' birthdate event landing page. Each time a user 'pulls' data they see a log of events found/created and updated in their BIXS account from their CLTS account.

CCA Congratulate Queen's Diamond Jubilee Medal Recipients

CCA congratulates Queen’s Diamond Jubilee medal recipients December 4, 2012 Calgary, AB – The Canadian Cattlemen’s Association (CCA) is pleased to announce that 38 Canadians will be awarded the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal for their significant contributions to the beef industry, their community and their country. Today, 19 Alberta-based recipients will be honoured during the Alberta Beef Producers (ABP) Annual Meeting in Calgary. These recipients will receive their medals from CCA President Martin Unrau and Past President Travis Toews at a special ceremony during the ABP evening banquet. CCA President Martin Unrau said it is a special honour to be able to recognize the professional contributions of so many respected individuals in the industry that have worked hard to make a difference. “The cattle and beef industry is filled with individuals who are passionate about the industry and whose efforts have and continue to drive real change. The industry as a whole is better off due to their contributions,” Unrau said. The remaining 19 recipients will receive their medals over the next two months at events in their home province held in conjunction with the appropriate CCA provincial member association. Here is the full list of Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Medal recipients: Morrie Thomas, BC Rudy Johnson, BC Anne Dunford, AB Arno Doerksen, AB Ben Thorlakson, AB Bob Prestage, AB Brian Nilsson, AB Chris Mills, AB Cor Van Raay, AB Darcy Davis, AB Dave Plett, AB David Andrews, AB Dennis Laycraft, AB Eugene Janzen, Ph.D, AB Garnet Altwasser, AB Hugh Lynch-Staunton, AB John Stewart-Smith, AB Julie Stitt, AB Len Vogelaar, AB Steve Morgan-Jones, AB Mabel Hamilton, AB Tim McAllister, Ph.D, AB Brad Wildeman, SK Gary L. Jones, Sk John McKinnon, Ph.D, SK Neil Jahnke, SK (posthumously) Marlin Beever, MB Carolyn McDonell, ON Charlie Gracey, ON Graeme Hedley, ON Jock Buchanan-Smith, ON Margaret Jean Hutton,ON Stan Eby, ON W. Ronald Usborne, ON Henry Knight, NB Robert Acton,NB Charlie MacKenzie, NS Darlene Sanford, PEI The CCA congratulates all the recipients on their achievement. We would also like to recognize the following individuals who were nominated by other organizations (and supported by the CCA) who will be receiving medals for their significant contributions to Canada's beef cattle industry: Martin Unrau (MB); John Newman (ON); Harvey Dann (MB); Shirley McClellan (AB); and Red Williams (SK). For further information, contact: Gina Teel, Communications Manager Canadian Cattlemen’s Association 403-275-8558 x 406 | teelg@cattle.ca www.cattle.ca For media interested in attending the event, contact: Katelyn Laverdure, Public Affairs Manager Alberta Beef Producers 403-561-8578| KatelynL@albertabeef.org

CCA Pleased with WTO dealine on COOL

December 4, 2012 Calgary, AB – The Canadian Cattlemen’s Association (CCA) is pleased that the World Trade Organization (WTO) arbitrator today established a firm deadline for the United States (U.S.) to ensure its Country of Origin Labeling (COOL) requirements square with its WTO obligations. The U.S. now has until May 23, 2013 to comply with the Panel and Appellate Body reports adopted by the WTO Dispute Settlement Body this past July, confirming that U.S. COOL legislation discriminates against Canadian livestock in the U.S. market. CCA President Martin Unrau thanked Agriculture and Agri-Food Minister Gerry Ritz and International Trade Minister Ed Fast for their concerted efforts on the COOL file over the years. “Today’s good news is the direct result of Canada initiating the arbitration process with the WTO in September after efforts to negotiate an implementation date with the U.S. were unsuccessful, and the latest in a series of positive results due to the Ministers’ efforts on a challenging file,” he said. “The CCA looks forward to continuing its work with its U.S. allies and counterparts to develop a solution that eliminates the discrimination of Canadian cattle in the U.S. market,” Unrau said. CCA representatives were in Washington, D.C. recently meeting with congressional leaders to advocate a timely resolution to this dispute and support legislative changes proposed by the majority of the U.S. industry that would end the discrimination caused by COOL. COOL has affected billions of dollars of commerce in cattle and beef products since it was implemented in 2008. The current impact of COOL on Canadian producers is estimated to be $639 million per year. For further information, contact: Gina Teel Communications Manager Canadian Cattlemen’s Association 403-275-8558 x 406 | teelg@cattle.ca Cell: 403-875-3616 www.cattle.ca -30- Thanks, Matthew French Communications Coordinator Canadian Cattlemen's Association 310, 6715 - 8th Street NE Calgary, AB T2E 7H7 T 403-275-8558 ext. 414 F 403-274-5686 frenchm@cattle.ca www.cattle.ca

Canadian Livestock Producers Receive Tax Deferrals

OTTAWA, Ontario – Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada announced Nov. 29 that a list of designated areas eligible for tax deferrals has been expanded. The tax deferral is for the benefit of producers coping with extremely dry growing conditions on forage yields. Eligible producers in designated areas can defer income tax on the sale of breeding livestock for one year to help replenish breeding stock in the following year. “Proceeds from deferred sales are included as income in the next tax year, when they may be at least partially offset by the cost of replacing breeding animals,” according to the agency. “In the case of consecutive years of designation, producers may defer sales income to the first year in which the area is no longer designated.” To qualify, the breeding herd must have been reduced by at least 15 percent. Thirty percent of income from net sales can then be deferred. In cases where the herd has been reduced by more than 30 percent, 90 percent of income from net sales can be deferred. “Our government understands the difficulties faced by livestock producers due to unforeseen weather and we are acting,” said Agriculture Minister Gerry Ritz. “With this tax deferral, producers in another 34 drought-affected municipalities will be able to redirect money towards restocking next year.” Eligible producers will be able to request a deferral when filing their 2012 income tax returns.

Harper Government Supports Livestock Traceability and International Marketing at Agribition

Regina, Saskatchewan, November 19, 2012 – The Harper Government has invested in Canadian Western Agribition to track the movement of all livestock entering and leaving the exhibition grounds as well as to promote Agribition in foreign markets, David Anderson, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Natural Resources and for the Canadian Wheat Board and Member of Parliament for Cypress Hills—Grasslands, announced today on behalf of Agriculture Minister Gerry Ritz. "Our Government's top priority remains the economy, and Canada's agriculture and agri-food industry plays an important role in creating jobs and keeping our economy strong," Anderson said. "These investments, totalling close to $250,000, will help enhance our traceability, animal health emergency management, and food safety systems, in addition to promoting our products in foreign markets, leading to increased profits for our farmers." MP Anderson was attending the opening of Agribition's new cattle handling facility along with Saskatchewan Agriculture Minister Lyle Stewart and Regina Mayor Michael Fougere. Agribition is Canada's largest livestock exhibition with approximately 3,500 entries for various shows and sales, as well as several hundred head of rodeo stock. "With the help of this funding, Agribition can maintain its status as North America's best beef show," said Marty Seymour, Chief Executive Officer of Canadian Western Agribition. "Our show continues to be the leader in international livestock marketing, and now traceability. We are the first show to implement traceability across our entire system." The Harper Government investments include $100,000 under the Livestock Auction Traceability Initiative (LATI), a three-year, $20-million initiative funded under the Agricultural Flexibility Fund as part of the Economic Action Plan. This project ensures that all animals featured at Agribition have radio-frequency identification tags, and their movement is tracked using mobile reader technology. Another investment of $147,000 through the AgriMarketing Program is helping Agribition to organize and coordinate international market activities, promote itself in foreign markets, and establish the International Business Centre. This will help solidify Agribition's reputation as one of the most sought-after agricultural marketplaces in the world, connecting international buyers with Canadian exporters. Through the AgriMarketing Program under Growing Forward, the Harper Government is investing $88 million to help industry implement long-term international strategies, including international market development, industry-to-industry trade advocacy, and consumer awareness and branding activities. The Harper Government has identified market development as a priority under Growing Forward 2, and this announcement is another example of what is being done to enhance competitiveness and drive innovation and long-term growth in Canadian agriculture. For more information on LATI, please visit www.agr.gc.ca/LATI. For more information on AgriMarketing, please visit www.agr.gc.ca/AgriMarketing. - 30 - For more information, media may contact: Media Relations Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada Ottawa, Ontario 613-773-7972 1-866-345-7972 Jeff English Press Secretary The Office of the Honourable Gerry Ritz 613-773-1059 **********

CBBC Setting New Directions

Canadian Beef Breeds Council is contacting each of its breed association members as well as exporter and service provider members for their input into the role of CBBC and the services it provides. Mauricio Arcila, Technical Services Coordinator, will be contacting each breed association member in the days ahead and reviewing the following : 1) Defining your market, both domestic and export; 2) Where do you see potential new markets? What is your process for identifying new markets, both domestic and export; 3) What could the CBBC be doing for you to support your goals, both domestically and internationally? 4) Define your relationship with trade/sales facilitators and any issues that have been encountered? 5) Research. What would your top three research guidelines be regarding genetics industry issues should the CBBC gain access to research funding? 6) Service Provision by the CBBC - you will be invited to rank various services that CBBC provides currently and ones that you would like CBBC to offer in the future; 7) Reporting on sales to demonstrate value - is there anything that you believe important for us to keep in mind while designing a template with CanFax for reporting purebred cattle sales domestically and internationally? We look forward to hearing from you!

Canadian Beef Breeds Council participates in Official Opening of Livestock Consultative Centre, Orenburg, Russia Vice President, David Bolduc presented an overview of the Beef Value Chain in Canada and the role of the Canadian purebred cattle producers in this chain. Also presenting were Gordon Stephenson, Canadian Hereford Association, Dr. Roger Davis, Davis-Rairdan Embryos International. The Signing of Agreement on Cooperation between the Canadian Hereford Association and the Russian National Kazakh Whgite-Headed Breeders Association, the signing of Agreement on Cooperation between the Canadian Hereford Association and the Russian National Hereford Breeders Association, and the signing of the Contract between Xports International and LLC Orenburg Ivolga for the delivery of genetics, were completed. The meetings included presentations from the following: 1) Yury Berg, Gobernment of Orenburg Oblast; 2) Fred Gorrell, Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food; 3) Fedorov Nicolay, Minister of Agriculture of the Russian Federation; 4) Valery Kalashnikov, Academic Secretary, Department of Zooltechny, Russian Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Academician 5) Sergey Miroshnikov, Director, All-Russia Research Institute of Beef Cattle Breeding, Russian Academy of Agricultural Sciences; 6) Colin Jeffares, Assistant Deputy Minister of Agriculture, Alberta Province 7) Sergey Solovyov, Minister of Agriculture, Food and Processing Industry of Orenburg Oblast; The meetings were followed the next day with tours of cattle ranches including Kalmyk and Hereford breeds.

October 14, 2012 CBBC will be working with Agriteam Canada to develop an Updated Domestic and Export Development Marketing Plan. The plan is to be submitted to CCMDC in early January and will cover the period from April 1, 2013 to March 2014. CCMDC has approved a grant to the Council that will enable us to complete an updated Domestic and Export Marketing Plan. We have engaged Agriteam Canada to coordinate and complete the plan which must be submitted by January 14, 2013