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.