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.