An update from the Government Desk

When you think of Mexico, you probably envision Tequila, Mariachi music, beaches and hot weather.

Well, while there might not be beaches, the rest is quintessential Guadalajara, Jalisco – the birthplace of Tequila and Mariachi, and renowned for its hot climate. But what you might not have associated with this vibrant city is a cattle show – yet that’s precisely what led me to the Mariachi homeland.

I had the opportunity to join FarmFair International on an Alberta trade delegation to Guadalajara to tour local ranches and attend the Congreso de las Estrellas 2024. Think of it as when the country comes to town, but with a Mexican twist. FarmFair International, Alberta’s largest cattle show, was attending alongside representatives from the Alberta and Canadian governments to foster relationships with Mexican producers.

It’s impressive how much of an impact Canadian seedstock producers have in Mexico, with 70 per cent of genetic imports originating from Canada. This influence is evident when you peruse a show program for Angus, Hereford, Simmental and Charolais; a significant portion of the class stems from recognizable pedigrees. Even at a glance, the cattle look Canadian – stout, moderate, functional and hormonally balanced.

Mexican producers expressed that they look to Canada for new genetics precisely because of the type we breed for. Canadian cattle have maintained their practicality in the market while enhancing the breeds.

You might wonder if Canadian cattle can withstand the heat in Mexico, but interestingly, they do. In fact, some producers claim that the hair on Canadian cattle is beneficial during the cold, dry season nights. At higher altitudes where temperatures can drop to single digits, Canadian cattle fare better compared to Brahman cattle – or so I’ve been told!

Despite this, B. Indicus breeds were well represented on ranches and at the show. Breeds like Brangus, Brahman, Braford, Simbra, Beef Master and Santa Gertrudis were all present. As you move further south in Mexico, these breeds become more popular due to the humidity and parasitic load.

So, how did Canadian genetics find their way so far south? Relationships play a crucial role in the cattle industry anywhere, but they are particularly significant in rural Mexican culture. Pivotal individuals and organizations like FarmFair International are doing an exceptional job in building connections and capitalizing on relationship-building opportunities in the region.

I was lucky enough to also meet with some of the beef commissions to discuss the issues they’re facing. The discussions in their organization are very similar to here and in some cases the same. Different from us, Mexico is facing United States Department of Agriculture (UDSA) restrictions with Tuberculosis (TB), which has massively impacted their calf prices. In restricted states prices are about one-quarter of Canadian prices whereas unrestricted states like Chihuahua are about half.

There’s an exciting opportunity to collaborate with Mexico as a trade partner, especially in the seedstock industry. It’s truly fascinating to see Alberta genetics showcased on a global stage, a testament to the leadership of Alberta seedstock producers and the commercial producers who guide their decisions.

This article was first published in Volume 4 Issue 2 of ABP Magazine (June 2024). Watch for more digital content from the magazine on ABP Daily.