As I write this message, my time as president is rapidly coming to an end. I am thankful for my family’s support at home and the support of so many crews that let the Canadian Cattle Association’s (CCA) elected leadership take time away to serve the industry beyond the home operation. Our voice as cattle […] Read more
Passing the presidential baton
CCA Reports, from the April 2025 issue of Canadian Cattlemen
Canadian Cattle Association advocates for beef producers through tariff uncertainty
CCA Reports, from the March 2025 issue of Canadian Cattlemen
There is no such thing as a quiet time in the cattle industry, but it feels like the first part of 2025 has been busier than other years. The days leading up to and immediately after President Trump’s inauguration were intense as I juggled my farm responsibilities with media interview requests and meetings to discuss […] Read more
Knowns and unknowns for Canada’s beef industry in 2025
CCA Reports, from the February 2025 issue of Canadian Cattlemen
As I write this column at the beginning of the new year, I’ve reflected on the similarities between cattle production and geopolitics — and how the political world affects our sector along with the entire economy. As of this writing, there is so much uncertainty in the political world. An unpredictable president-elect is making waves […] Read more
Cattle producers need a voice in Ottawa
CCA Reports, from the January 2025 issue of Canadian Cattlemen
These update columns have generally been about what the CCA is doing to optimize markets, regulations, legislation and the overall industry conditions for beef cattle producers. I thought a bit more of the “how” we do those things would be of interest. A good portion of our policy work focuses on Ottawa. New or up-for-renewal […] Read more
Progress made in Canada’s cattle industry with work to be done
CCA Reports, from the December 2024 issue of Canadian Cattlemen
This time last year, I wrote about our continued advocacy efforts to expand price insurance to the Maritimes. In 2024, price insurance became available and is the first step to helping current producers and the next generation in the region. The next step that we’re working on is cost-shared premiums, equitable to crop insurance. Federal […] Read more
CCA vocal on proposed legislation that threatens beef industry
CCA Reports, from the November 2024 issue of Canadian Cattlemen
As we head into fall, we tend to stockpile feed and supplies for our herds and families, to prepare for winter. Then, we take time to reflect and strategize for the upcoming year. The wheels in Ottawa are certainly not slowing down for winter. If anything, things are amping up for a federal election, which […] Read more
CCA focuses on animal health issues, national beef strategy
CCA Reports, from the Sept. 24, 2024 issue of Canadian Cattlemen
Now that it’s fall, things are getting crisper, and prices are still strong — but it’s time to think about the next season. As with farming and ranching, it is difficult to predict or anticipate what the next season will bring in the political world, but the Canadian Cattle Association (CCA) is staying ahead and […] Read more
Semi-annual update: Trade, TESA and livestock price insurance
CCA Reports, from the Sept. 3, 2024 issue of Canadian Cattlemen
As I look back over the accomplishments and how much our producers have overcome this year so far, I continue to be humbled to represent them at a national level. Fires, floods, strikes, policy roadblocks — our producers and provincial organizations have dealt with many adverse issues this year but I am seeing a great […] Read more
Livestock tax deferral coverage increases, price insurance pilot launches in Maritimes
From the August 2024 issue of Canadian Cattlemen
With the summer months upon us, some folks take holidays. We know that isn’t the case when you’re a beef producer. Making hay while the sun is shining and praying that the rain stays away when the fields are ready for baling is what we do. CCA’s work on the hill has paid off over […] Read more
Foreign animal disease, food safety and trade top Canadian Cattle Association’s agenda at Mexico meetings
From the June 2024 issue of Canadian Cattlemen
Spring 2024 has brought new hope and started off with better weather-related conditions than last year. We are still working with the federal government on the Livestock Tax Deferral Program for producers. Our first step was to have them acknowledge the importance of the program and its effectiveness in providing relief for producers in the […] Read more
Canadian Cattlemen Presents: Depth of Field
