Tyler Fulton on CCA priorities and leadership

What happens when a cattle producer walks straight into a trade war? That’s exactly the whirlwind Tyler Fulton stepped into when he became the new president of the Canadian Cattle Association (CCA) this March. In Season 3, Episode 10 of The Bovine podcast, brought to you by Alberta Beef Producers, host Kara Mastel sits down with Tyler to discuss his journey from a Manitoba cow-calf operation to leading national advocacy efforts for Canada’s 60,000 beef producers.

Born and raised on the family ranch, Tyler shares how his career in agribusiness and pork sector risk management eventually pulled him back into cattle and agricultural leadership. With a background deeply rooted in both farming and finance, his transition into cow politics was partly inspired by his father’s legacy—and driven by a growing passion for the cattle industry’s future.

But his new role didn’t come with a grace period. Instead, Tyler found himself in Washington within a week, navigating the complexities of trade tensions and pushing to protect Canada’s beef access under existing agreements. “You can’t get to the table without relationships,” he admits, emphasizing the long-term trust and presence needed for policy impact.

Trade, he argues, isn’t just a priority—it’s the lifeblood of Canadian beef. With 50 per cent of production destined for export, losing market access would be catastrophic. That’s why maintaining and expanding trade relationships with the U.S. and emerging Asian markets like Vietnam and the Philippines is top of mind for Tyler and the CCA.

But advocacy doesn’t stop in the boardroom. Tyler is also turning to social media to connect directly with producers—reminding them why their checkoff dollars matter, and why they deserve transparency and engagement from their national organization. “We’re all just trying to juggle,” he says.

He also stresses the need for better risk management tools. Now that market conditions are strong and margins are high, Tyler believes there’s a real opportunity to enhance tools like livestock price insurance and AgriStability with cost-shared premiums. “For the first time in a long time, we actually have something to protect,” he explains.

For young producers looking to get involved, Tyler offers this advice: don’t stay silent. Ask questions. Show up. Build networks. “Even if it shows your ignorance, that vulnerability connects you to others,” he says. “It makes you better.”

As Canadian agriculture faces volatility, opportunity, and transformation, The Bovine continues to spotlight the voices shaping the industry’s future. Episode 10 is not just an introduction to Tyler Fulton—it’s a real-time glimpse into the high stakes and human side of agricultural leadership.

Tune in, take notes, and maybe ask yourself: What’s your role in the next chapter of Canadian beef?