Canadian Beef News

Beef Industry News

GENEX MARKETS PREGNANCY TEST
Genex Cooperative, Inc. is marketing the DG29™ bovine pregnancy test in Ontario, Western Canada and the Maritimes. DG29 is an easy-to-use blood pregnancy test allowing producers to draw blood samples from their cattle on the farm or ranch, forward samples to a certified laboratory, and receive pregnancy diagnosis results quickly and accurately via fax or email. Read more . . .

GRANT MOFFAT HERD BUILDER AWARD 2011
Kayla Zamrykut, a 20 year old producer from Rorketon; Braden Calvert, a 16 year old producer from Carberry; and Raina Syrnyk, a 16 year old producer from Ethelbert were the 2011 recipients of the Grant Moffat Herd builder Award. Read more . . .

NEW ADDITION TO TRANSCON LIVESTOCK STAFF
Transcon Livestock Corp. has announced that Darren Paget has joined their team as a full time fieldman. Darren's background includes being both a Charolais and Simmental breeder. He can be reached at cell 403-323-3985, e-mail Darren.transcon@gmail.com

$750,000 INVESTMENT in QUANTUM GENETICS
The Agri-Opportunities program is investing $750,000 in Quantum Genetics Canada Inc. to commercialize a new technology that is now helping producers send their cattle to market at the optimum time. The project will create 30 jobs in Saskatchewan, generating new revenues for the Canadian-based company and reducing operating costs of feedlot operators. >> Read more . . .

US BEEF CHECKOFF GOES DOWN MEMORY LANE
Do you remember when a movie ticket cost under four bucks? It was 25 years ago when the US National Beef Checkoff first started at $1/head (and still is). Read the new series featuring the successes and challenges of the program since its inception HERE. Note that beef is the #1 selling protein in the US at 64.1 lbs./person - latest statistics from Statistics Canada (2009) put beef consumption at around 50 lbs./person per year.

SIMMENTAL AWARDED $1.7 MILLION RESEARCH INVESTMENT
The Government of Canada has announced an investment of $1.7 million to the Canadian Simmental Association from the Canadian Agricultural Adaptation Program (CAAP). Using DNA and other genetic data, this three-year project will help cattle breeders identify, select and breed cattle that have higher fertility and mothering ability, growth and feed efficiency, and produce a more desirable beef product. Under CAAP, projects can receive up to 85% funding. Read the news release HERE.

2011 Canadian Livestock Auctioneer Champions
Brennin Jack of Heartland Livestock, Regina, SK was named winner of the 2011 Canadian Livestock Auctioneer Championship held June 10 this year in Kitchener/Waterloo, ON. Reserve Champion went to Traivs Rogers of Nilsson Brothers Inc., Clyde, AB with Rob Bergevin of VJV Foothills Livestock at Stavely, AB. placing third. A total of 22 auctioneers took part in the event held during the Livestock Markets Association of Canada annual convention. The competition was covered live on DLMS.ca. Congratulations to all participants. >> COMPLETE RESULTS.

PETA SpONSORED RESEARCH AIMS TO REPLACE "REAL" MEat
ABC News reports that PETA is funding research into growing test tube meat in a lab as a sustainable way keep up with consumption. Whether that sounds appetizing or not, it may become reality. Read "When you sit down to eat a steak in the future, it may be one that's paid for by PETA," HERE.

NEW STUDY FINDS STAPH IN ALMOST 50% OF US MEAT
A new study by Dr. Lance Price, director of the Center for Microbiomics and Human Health at the Translational Genomic Research Institute, reports finding Staphylococcus aureus in almost 50% of US meat. The study tested 136 samples of meat and poultry from five cities nationwide, finding that 47 per cent were contaminated with Staph and that more than half that Staph was of the drug-resistant variety. Their results were published recently in the journal, Clinical Infectious Diseases. Anti-meat bloggers are now having a hayday despite the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention documenting a 20% reduction in illnesses caused by the pathogens it tracks over the past 10 years.
Read stories in the Los Angeles Times including response from the meat industry (pointing out the study's flaws) along with a follow up on the author's recommendations on TheBeefSite.com. Even though the study concludes that animals are the predimonant source, the cause of Staph in meat appears to be unclear and highly debatable.

4TH ANNUAL MANITOBA YOUTH BEEF ROUNDUP JULY 29-31
The 4th Annual Manitoba Youth Beef Roundup will be held in Neepawa, Manitoba this year July 29, 30 & 31. Interested youth up to the age of 25 Years as of Jan 1, 2011 from all breeds of cattle (Purebred and Commercial) are welcome. The goal is to prepare young entrepreneurs in the livestock industry, through this exciting showcase of youth, cattle and friendly competition. It encompasses a variety of competitions and events to match all interests and skill levels of participants. Some of the events are team grooming, individual and team judging, team marketing, showmanship, marketing, sales talk, art, photography, scrapbooking as well as cattle classes of all breeds. Schedule, entries and more information will be on the Manitoba Angus website at MbAngus.ca as available.

LESS THAN 12% OF US FOOD DOLLAR REPRESENTED BY FARMS
The newest figures from the USDA show that farms and agribusinesses now represent less than 12% of every US food dollar. This handy chart from US National Corn Growers Association Blog (click chart to enlarge) asks when will consumers realize higher food prices could be caused by the other 88% of costs involved? More information here from the USDA's website.

Can Canada's be much different? Statistics Canada shows that even while beef prices were at their lowest over the past few years, the average retail price increased - view their figures here. This year Food Freedom Day was February 12th - marking the calendar date by which the average Canadian earned enough to pay the entire year's grocery bill. Charts comparing commodity and retail prices in Canada from 1979 to 2009 (apparently the latest data available) can be found on the Canadian Federation of Agriculture's website here (fresh and frozen beef chart on the right).

U of T STUDENT MAKES CASE AGAINST "MEATLESS TUESDAYS"
Kudos to a University of Toronto student for voicing opposition to the recently introduced "Meatless Tuesdays" at University College's residence dining hall. Writing a comment column in The Varsity, Oliver Bailey states the initiative "makes the uncomfortable suggestion that accommodation for special interest groups simply is not enough. Apparently, accommodation also involves limiting the freedom of choice for others."
Who is Bailey? No idea, except that he states he "resent(s) the residence council taking aim at one of the key industries that still supports many of my family members."
Read the entire column HERE.

WHOLE FOODS ADOPTS ANIMAL WELFARE RATING
If you want to have a look into the where the future of livestock food production is heading read about the "5 step" rating system newly adopted by Whole Foods Market in the US. Whole Foods, a retailer specialising in organic and high-welfare foods, has a significant following (even if not everyone can afford the prices) and is regularly featured on Top Chef and similar programs on The Food Network. The Animal Welfare Rating System is the signature programme of Global Animal Partnership, a non-profit organization "that facilitates and encourages continuous improvement in animal agriculture." Full story on TheBeefSite.com HERE.

FOR BEST RESULTS, GO TOPLESS!
Don't get excited, we're just talking about beef (of course) and beef roasts in particular. The heading above is currently in use by the Beef Information Centre to draw consumer attention to 'best practices' for oven roasting - all in time for the festive season. Go topless as you 'season, sear, reduce and stand'. Read about it HERE or visit beefinfo.org for tips and recipes.

US BEEF CHECKOFF FUNDS EXPLOREBEEF.COM VIDEOS
Three videos on raising beef directed towards consumers can be found at ExploreBeef.com. The videos, made by communications students, explain that most cattle are raised on environmentally responsible family farms and the majority of feedlot operators actually care about animal welfare. Well worth a watch and passing on the message. >> VIDEOS

US NATIONAL CATTLEMEN'S BEEF ASSOCIATION LAUNCHES BLOG
If you are wondering what our beef counterparts in the US are up to, check out the new "Beltway Beef" Blog created to serve as a 'sounding board' for the industry.

CANADIANS RESPONDING TO PRIVATE-LABEL BRANDS
MeatPoultry.com reports that according to a new public opinion survey more than 80% of Canadian grocery shoppers say they purchase private-label brands. Full story . . .

SK Stock growers lauNches "Where beef comes from"
Kudos to the Saskatchewan Stock Growers Association for launching a new children's book entitled "Where Beef Comes From" at their 97th Convention and AGM June 13-15 in Moose Jaw. The book could become an important resource in educating future decision-making consumers and is applicable across the country. More details and ordering information available HERE (pdf).

'SPONSOR A STEAK FOR A SOLDIER' NEEDS YOUR HELP
Harvey and Jackie Dann of Alert Agri Distributors Inc. in Manitoba are asking for help to "Sponsor a Steak for a Returning Soldier & Their Loved One". The idea is to supply a great Canadian steak for servicemen and women returning from active duty at homecomings held at bases across the country. Over 12,000 steaks will be required over a two year period with ribeyes and New York strips on the menu. This is being organized to show the beef industy's recognition and appreciation for service while deployed in Afghanistan and other locations throughout the world as members of the Canadian Military. To learn more about the program or to contribute, CLICK HERE.

CATTLE NEED A RIDE? CHECK OUT Cowpool.ca
In all aspects of the purebred cattle business, efficient management practises have become a necessity of survival. One of the noticable expenditures is delivery of animals across the country. All too often, cattlemen are seen on the highway with half a load, or worse still, an empty back haul. Out of a brainstorming session with cattleman, came an idea to raise efficiency with no cost to producers - cowpool.ca.
Cattlemen are invited to go on the site and enter information and read what is already there. It is hoped it will encourage efficiency and help everyone save a few dollars. "During the busy bull sale season, I always get calls from producers wondering if I know of anyone hauling cattle one direction or another. We try to help guys get their loads together instead of everyone making individual trips, but you always hear of someone who just made the trip and could have taken a few more head. We thought by putting it on the net, we would be able to broaden the scope for longer hauls and access a larger pool of producers. I usually know what is happening in a few breeds, but if all breeds participate, the benefits will multiply," says Helge By, co-owner of By Livestock, the company behind the idea. "It just seemed a natural extension of the services we provide. We're always looking for ways to help." For further information contact: Helge By 306-536-4261.
(We think this is a terrific idea and fits right into the EverythingAngus philosophy. Be sure to visit cowpool.ca before you head out on that next long haul.)

Are you buying Canadian Food?

According to the video "Choose Canadian" produced by the makers of Hellmann's Mayonnaise the chances are slim unless you make a conscious effort. Did you know that over a 15 year period our food imports have risen 160% while Canada's population only rose 15%? That includes a 600 (yes, I said 600) per cent rise in red meat imports over the last 40 years. That might just explain the current state of the beef industry in Canada.
To view the video, CLICK HERE or visit EatRealEatLocal.ca (newest version of Flash is required to view the Hellmann's site.) The video has been making the email rounds and is definitely worth passing on to all your city friends and contacts. To insert a link to the video in an email, link to the EverythingAngus "Where's the Beef" blog named Angus Beef Canada HERE: http://www.angusbeefcanada.blogspot.com (copy and paste). And remember to pass on your local sources of Angus Beef so city folks know where to find the good stuff.

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