CSA Receives $250,000 Gift for Genetic Improvement

NEWS RELEASE
For immediate release
November 8, 2007

CSA Receives $250,000 Gift for Genetic Improvement and Provides Matching Funding
Garth Sweet Simmental Foundation Created

CSA President Murray Jacobson, Judy Sweet and CSA Board Member Stewart Ainsworth

Edmonton, Alberta – Northlands – The Canadian Simmental Association (CSA) today (Nov 8th) received the largest individual gift in its 40-year history in Canada.

Judy Sweet, of 4 S Simmental in Drayton Valley, Alberta presented a cheque to CSA President Murray Jacobson for $250,000 in memory of her late husband, Garth Sweet. The presentation took place at the National Simmental Show and Sale at Northlands. The Sweets have been CSA members since 1982.

Mrs. Sweet requested that the gift be used for research and development in the Simmental breed with a primary focus on genetic improvement. At its recent meeting, the CSA Board agreed to match the gift, bringing the total to $500,000.

“The Simmental breed and pedigrees were Garth’s love and I am honored to do this on his behalf,” says Mrs. Sweet. “This was a way for me to see the breed go further, keep his name alive and also encourage others to contribute to the Foundation for the betterment of the breed.”

With today’s announcement, the CSA renamed its recently established CSA Foundation to the Garth Sweet Simmental Foundation. The foundation was announced as part of the Association’s 40th Anniversary celebrations launched at its Annual General Meeting this past August in Ottawa.

The Foundation will administer funds from various fundraising initiatives in three main areas: genetic research and development; the Dr. Dixon Scholarship program; and youth development through the Youth Canadian Simmental Association.

“We are honoured and overwhelmed at Mrs. Sweet’s generosity and her focus on the future of the Simmental breed, particularly as the CSA celebrates its 40th Anniversary,” says Jacobson. “We will ensure this gift and the matching funds from the CSA are used to secure Simmental’s continued place as the breed of choice and Garth Sweet’s legacy in the purebred beef community.”

Dr. Bob Kemp of RAK Genetic Consulting Ltd. based in Lethbridge, AB, a genetics consultant who has worked extensively with the CSA, will oversee the funds and research projects.

“This is an outstanding gift that will create significant opportunities to move genetic improvement programs for the breed and the purebred industry to the next level,” says Kemp. “My aim will also be to find additional project partners and I think it is realistic to predict the total pool of funding could top $1 million.”

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For more information, please contact:

Bruce Holmquist
Industry/Member Liaison
Canadian Simmental Association
Cell: (403) 988-8676
bholmquist@simmental.com