Several cattle industry initiatives were announced during Canadian Western Agribition in Regina, Sask.
Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada (AAFC) Minister Lawrence MacAulay highlighted an investment of roughly $4.5 million dollars for four projects to the Canadian Cattle Association (CCA).
The largest of the four projects relates to Canadian beef sustainability and the work of the Canadian Roundtable for Sustainable Beef. Saskatchewan cattle producer Ryan Beierbach said the industry does more than talk sustainability.
“We measure what we do and how we can and are improving our environmental, social and economic impacts and benefits. This funding helps to do that measuring, and to improve the value chain bring certified sustainable beef to market,” Beierbach said.
The Guardians of the Grasslands game was developed to take the short documentary into classrooms and to fairs and exhibitions to engage youth with what grazing means for landscape renewal and habitat for many species.
Another project involves improving Canada’s on farm beef producer program Verified Beef Production Plus (VBP+) with modules on animal health, animal care and biosecurity. It shows the way to continued improvement in practices and sustainability on farms and ranches.
Another CCA project being funded is exploring technological improvements to forage insurance. The Grassland Production Index project is developing an interface for satellite-based information that aims to improve understanding of and delivery of forage insurance offerings.
The Canadian Beef Breeds Council will also receive up to $871,200 over three years through the AgriMarketing program to promote Canadian beef cattle genetic exports by attending international events, conducting market assessments, and developing a new marketing strategy, according to AAFC.