Canadian Cattle Young Leaders
Dr. Chelsea Allan is a full-time large animal veterinarian in Ottawa, Ont., where she owns and operates a farm with her husband that they purchased in 2020. In the spring of 2021, they welcomed their first cattle, marking the beginning of a journey deeply rooted in regenerative farming practices. Allan is dedicated to improving soil health and fostering a balanced ecosystem that supports both wildlife and livestock. She raises grass-finished beef and provides high-quality, sustainable food for her local community while prioritizing the health of the land and animals under her care. Beyond her work on the farm and as a veterinarian, Allan is passionate about learning and sharing knowledge to advance the agricultural industry. Her mentors are Tim and Donna Prior, who own Brussels Agri Services Ltd./Cowboy Loft and Grazing Meadows Wagyu near Brussels, Ont.
Emily Jamieson is the administrator at Brooks and District Feeders Co-operative, located in the heart of Alberta’s cattle country. A native of southern Ontario, Jamieson moved west as a young adult, where her passion for the beef industry was sparked and continues to grow. Now living just outside Brooks, Alta., Jamieson supports local producers by financing cattle with Brooks and District Feeders and helps them navigate the complexities of the industry. Her work, however, goes beyond administration — she credits her hands-on experience in the ranching world, from calving heifers to brand inspection to the mentors who took the time to share their knowledge with someone new to the sector. Jamieson is also an avid photographer, with an interest in capturing the people and landscapes of rural life. Her mentor is Stacey Domolewski, a research and innovation co-ordinator with the Beef Cattle Research Council. Domolewski is also the owner of Ramblin’ Rose Creative, a business that combines branding photography with family photography. Domolewski is also a certified yoga teacher offering classes in her local community and online, fostering wellness and connection. She farms in Maple Creek, Sask., with her partner Neil.
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Jennifer Babcock has been promoted to chief government and international affairs officer with the Canadian Cattle Association, a new leadership role within the organization. Since joining CCA, Babcock has a proven track record of advocacy successes including multiple campaigns, issues management and continuing to build CCA’s reputation as an effective stakeholder. Her efforts led to a consistent position on the Hill Times Top 100 Lobbyists list. Babcock will lead CCA’s initiatives to promote and protect the interests of Canada’s beef cattle industry domestically and internationally.
Ellen Davis has accepted a role as Prince Edward Island’s new livestock champion. Davis grew up in Mates Corner, N.B. She earned a bachelor of science from Dalhousie University’s agricultural campus, where she was a member of the Woodsman Team during the school year. In the summers, she worked on various local farms to broaden her understanding of different farming operations. Davis will be working to help producers in whatever area they need assistance. She will consult with industry partners and livestock groups to help grow the Island’s beef herd, help producers increase profitability and expansion, and support new entrants as they get started.
Congrats to Bruce Christie, named the Food and Farming Champion at Farm and Food Care Ontario’s Annual Speakers’ Conference in Mississauga, Ont. The Food and Farming Champion Award has been presented annually since 1999, recognizing individuals, organizations, or businesses that have taken the initiative to engage consumers about agriculture in Ontario.
Christie spent 43 years working for Shur-Gain (now Trouw Nutrition), where he served as the marketing manager and was instrumental in developing innovative livestock, poultry and pet products. He played a key role in creating the model farm exhibit at the Canadian National Exhibition, helping educate urban Canadians about livestock farming. A champion for the industry, Christie helped establish the Canadian Agri-Marketing Association and the National Farm Animal Care Council. He chaired the Ontario Farm Animal Council (OFAC) from 1999 to 2004 and was instrumental in the talks that resulted in OFAC and AGCare merging to form Farm and Food Care Ontario. He later became the inaugural chair of Farm and Food Care Canada, now the Canadian Centre for Food Integrity. Beyond his leadership roles, Christie and his daughter Jennifer climbed Mount Kilimanjaro in 2014 to raise funds for Farm and Food Care Ontario. He has mentored young agricultural leaders through the Junior Farmers’ Association of Canada and the Ontario Agricultural College. As president of the college’s Alumni Association and chair of the Alumni Foundation, he helped raise over $2 million for University of Guelph programs.
Cody McBride has been hired as the new supervisor for the Picture Butte Feeder Co-operative, as of last month. He has more than 25 years of expertise in the agriculture and financial sectors, including seven years running feeder finance companies, five years as a brand inspector and 13 years working at ATB Financial in agriculture lending.
Congratulations to Jack Chaffe, who received the King Charles III Coronation Medal in March 2025 at the Ontario Cattle Feeders’ Association board meeting in London, Ont. The award was presented by MPP Mathew Rae. Throughout his career, Chaffe was a board director, committee chair and president of the Beef Farmers of Ontario, a board director for the CCA, co-chair of foreign trade, co-chair of domestic agriculture policy and regulations, Ontario’s representative for the National Beef Check-off Agency, and the representative to the Canada Beef Marketing Committee and the Canada Beef Grading Agency, as part of the Canadian Cattle Association. He was also a pioneer in the Ontario Corn Fed Beef Quality Assurance Program and Canadian Roundtable for Sustainable Beef pilot.
