Canadian Western Agribition signs MOU with Australian, Mexican beef shows

May 24, 2024

Canadian Western Agribition is preparing for a new year of events and is connecting with organizations around the globe to help further their reach.

They signed a pair of Memorandum of Understandings with Congreso de las Estrellas and Beef Australia, two international beef organizations, to better connect with international beef producers.

CWA CEO Shaun Kindopp talks about some of the work they've been doing connecting with others to learn more about the international community.

"The last 60 days have been busy for us at Agribition. We were down in Guadalajara, Mexico and we were just down in Rockhampton, Australia, both trips were fantastic. The MOUs are both fairly similar but Beef Australia was a little bit more well-established. They happen every three years and they began in 1988. Congreso de las Estrellas, they're a bit of a newer show, so I think they just finished their third year."

"A lot of the focus for us was how can we help them grow their show and implement some best practices and some of that with a large focus being put on international recruitment, you know, incoming buyers, you know, genetic promotion and whatnot. We're trying to get more Mexican delegations to come up to Agribition. We have great support from them, from the Mexican government to the Mexican cattle ranchers and whatnot to come up."

"With Beef Australia, it's the same thing, a lot of it is focused on how we can collaborate on best practices. Last year Agribition saw a little over 50 delegates come from Australia, which, We're proud of. It's not a short flight but you know we've got fantastic animals and genetics on display here at Agribition and we pride ourselves on being a place where people can come and do business."

Kindopp says that so far their main show in November has the initial stages going well.

"We've added some new pieces over the last couple of years and a big focus this yearis going to be let's just get even better at the things that we've added. I don't want to do it at 50 per cent. I want to be able to do it at 100 per cent and do it very well and do it to our standards. So we're going to continue to evolve."

"We've added some different things this year, our golf tournaments back for a second year. We've got a junior show that's going to be happening on June 1st on the grounds and just trying to do more year-round presence to continue to grow the Agribition name. We're in the middle of finalizing all of our things for a Community Foundation. So you know there's big things on the horizon for Canadian Western Agribition and I'm very proud of the direction that we're heading."

Click here to see more...

Video: How a Desire to Lead Brought This Wheat Breeder to Canada

Gurcharn Singh Brar is a wheat breeder whose path meandered from the breadbaskets of Punjab, India, to the sprawling fields of the Prairies. In a candid conversation, Brar shared insights into his journey, the challenges faced, and the undying passion that fuels his quest for better crops.

It all began with a childhood rooted in the wheat fields of Punjab, where agriculture isn’t just a livelihood but a way of life. His fascination with wheat and its potential led him to pursue a bachelor’s degree in agricultural sciences at Punjab Agricultural University. It was during this time that he encountered the spectre of rust diseases, particularly stripe rust, which plagued the region’s wheat crops. Determined to combat this menace, he set his sights on a journey that would take him across continents.

Venturing abroad for his graduate studies, he found himself in Saskatchewan at the Crop Development Centre (CDC), working under the mentorship of renowned researchers like Randy Kutcher and Pierre Hucl. Here, he delved deep into the world of wheat genetics, focusing on stripe rust resistance — a quest that would shape his academic pursuits for years to come.

After completing his master’s and Ph.D. in six and a half years, he embarked on a professional journey that would see him traverse academia and research. From brief stints as a research officer to landing his dream faculty position at the University of British Columbia’s Plant Science program, his career trajectory was marked by a strong drive to make a difference in the world of wheat.

Despite the allure of British Columbia’s unique agricultural landscape, he found himself wanting to return to the vast expanses of the Prairies, where wheat reigns supreme. He recently returned to the Prairies and is the new wheat breeder at the University of Alberta in Edmonton.

“The opportunity to lead an established wheat breeding program at the University of Alberta was a dream come true. With the necessary resources and infrastructure in place, I’m excited to drive innovation and develop high-yielding wheat varieties tailored to the unique conditions of northern Canada,” he says.

Brar, one of Seed World Canada‘s 2024 Next-Gen Leaders, has become known for identifying novel sources of resistance to priority diseases and his efforts in developing wheat germplasm with multiple disease-resistant traits.

In addition to his groundbreaking research, Brar is committed to mentoring the next generation of agricultural scientists.

“I believe in nurturing talent and empowering students to pursue their passions,” he says. “Watching my students grow and thrive in their research endeavours is hugely rewarding.”

As he looks ahead, Brar’s vision for the future of wheat breeding is clear: “My number one target is to develop high-yielding wheat varieties adapted to the northern climates of Canada. By focusing on early maturity and strong straw traits, we can maximize yield potential while ensuring resilience to environmental challenges.”

His decision to also join the Prairie Recommending Committee for Wheat, Rye, and Triticale (PGDC) executive as member-at-large came from a desire to play an even more important role in the world of Canadian cereals.