CCA semi-annual update

This article was first published in Volume 4 Issue 3 of ABP Magazine (September 2024). Watch for more digital content from the magazine on ABP Daily.

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 turnaround on many fronts. Cow-calf prices remain strong and crops are generally looking good. As long as we keep our numbers strong, and growing, I am sure we can continue to provide what the world is demanding – more quality Canadian beef.

2024 so far has been filled with advocacy travel while we push to keep markets open and forge new ones. We are learning that we are earning a seat at international tables and it’s making a difference. One of our current priorities is to keep an eye on the looming U.S. federal election. However, the upcoming Canada-United States-Mexico Agreement (CUSMA) review is more of a threat than an opportunity. We enjoy an integrated North American market for our cattle and beef, and this is a key to our competitiveness, cooperation and profitability. Thickening borders is not the answer – we need to voice the positives of trade – in both directions, and that will be a big focus in the next 18 months. As a proactive measure, we are busy building and preserving relationships with all involved so we can protect trade with our largest partner.

The recent strikes have also underscored the importance of streamlining trade with the U.S. and eliminating the 100-day residency rule for U.S. exports to Korea. With the U.S.’s 100-day rule currently in place, this placed even more pressure when farmers have had to ship across border. We are thankful the strikes are over but recognize that they underlined the importance of keeping our supply chain efficiently operational – and that we will do all we can to ensure that happens. Science and rules-based trade are more important now than ever.

We were glad to see the Livestock Price Insurance (LPI) two-year pilot officially launched in two Maritime Provinces. The new program will permit producers form New Brunswick and Prince Edward Island – and soon Nova Scotia – the ability to purchase insurance on price protection for their beef cattle in the case of an unforeseen market disruption. CCA and the Canadian Cattle Youth Council have been advocating for this program for many years, following the implementation of LPI in western provinces. It’s a valuable tool for beef cattle producers to help navigate uncertainty and risks related to adverse weather events. It is also critical for those entering the sector or looking to expand their herds.

The Federal, Provincial, and Territorial (FPT) Ministers of Agriculture meetings in July were a great opportunity to have our voices heard and we were persistent wiht our business risk management and AgriStability asks. The provinces are all on board and we are looking to the federal government to move on the proposed changes before the next five-year policy agreement comes into effect.

Our meetings during the Canadian Beef Industry Conference gave us an opportunity to assess where we are with our advocacy goals and determine how much push to give certain files in order to maximize our influence to support our producers. It is often a balancing act at CCA – deciding which levers to pull and when – just like producers needing to decide when to buy and when to sell. Sometimes you have to take a gamble, and sometimes your hand is forced. The sweet spot is being in a proactive, relationship building position with all options on the table.

We are very proud of our Youth Council and all they have accomplished in helping to build up our industry and our herds. Their help on the advocacy front has been invaluable, and I look forward to working shoulder to shoulder with them to have our industry’s voice heard. They are bright representations of the future of the beef industry.

On to the sustainability front, we are especially pleased to have so many worthy provincial nominees for The Environmental Stewardship Award (TESA). IN our eyes, each one is worthy of recognition and I know the provincial organizations had difficulty choosing ones to nominate to the national level. We were pleased to see so many of the nominees at the Canadian Beef Industry Conference and to see the national award go to the father-daughter duo, John and Maria Duynisveld, of Holdanca Farms from Wallace Bay, Nova Scotia.

The cohesiveness of the Canadian beef industry keeps getting stronger and stronger. An area for improvement is encouraging our industry to tell our stories, brag about our successes and ensure we present with one unified voice. It’s a great honour to be part of the Canadian Beef Advisors team, and the group’s recent status update outlining industry progress on growing demand, productivity, competitiveness and connectivity are reasons to be proud.

Let’s keep sharing our challenges AND successes.