Canadian Simmental Association

For Immediate Release

August 9, 2004

Canadian Simmental Association Develops Maternal Reporting

Calgary, Alberta - The Canadian Simmental Association is developing cow herd based reporting. This reporting varies from traditional reporting methods used by breed associations because it focuses on the performance and productivity of the cow herd, rather than simply looking at the calf crop.

Through the Total Herd Enrolment program, data is collected on females over time. All vital maternal information is reported, including breeding information, mothering ability, calf vigour, cow body condition, mature size and calf weaning performance.

The new reports target complete herd reporting and production unit efficiencies. For example, calving distribution and breeding success reports are currently being tested. The first reports are targeted for delivery this fall after further testing, and new features will be added over time. Reports will be available to breeders through a password protected website.

The additional data collected by breeders is also being targeted for genetic evaluation, as the amount of data reaches a critical mass. The new data and reporting will assist Simmental breeders in making objective decisions when breeding for important traits in commercial beef production.

The CSA is a non-profit, member-owned organization. Its primary function is to maintain the pedigree herd book of Simmental cattle in Canada. It is committed to the betterment of the Simmental breed through its performance programs, research, education, advertising and promotion.

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For more information contact: Alana Lunn

CSA Marketing & P.R. Specialist

Phone: 403-250-7979

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For Immediate Release

March 3, 2004

CANADIAN BEEF BREEDS COUNCIL

Canadian Cattle Industry Mission to Russia

A delegation of Canadian cattle industry representatives conducted a mission to Russia February 21 through March 2, 2004. Mission stops included Moscow, where members of the delegation met with and presented to government and industry officials, as well as several locations outside of the Russian capital.

The mission was supported by the Government of Canada; Alberta Agriculture Food and Rural Development; Alberta Beef Producers (ABP); Canadian Western Agribition; and breed association members of the Canadian Beef Breeds Council.

Participating in the mission were Gary Smith and Kate Kolstad, Alta Exports International; Arno Doerksen, Alberta Beef Producers; Extension Specialists Don Milligan and Arvid Assen, Alberta Agriculture, Food and Rural Development; Larry Brack, Canadian Western Agribition; Herb McLane, Canadian Beef Breeds Council; Don Peters, Canadian Charolais Association; Nells Nixdorf, Canadian Hereford Association; Debbie Verbonac, Canadian Limousin Association; Alana Lunn, Canadian Simmental Association; Ray Depalme, Salers Association of Canada, and Dr. Larry Delver, Canadian Food Inspection Agency.

The objective of the mission was to identify near-term opportunities for the export of Canadian breeding cattle, genetics, and related products and services.

�The mission was a follow-up to an inbound mission from Russia that attended Canadian Western Agribition in Regina last November�, stated Gary Smith of Alta Exports International. �At Agribition last fall, we signed a detailed Memorandum of Understanding with principals in the Russian livestock industry to provide them with Canadian breeding stock, semen, and embryos, as well as supporting technologies - as soon as possible. While much work still needs to be done, we are pleased with the results of this mission and the progress made to date.�

�Given the current state of the Canadian beef cattle industry as a result of BSE, I believe it is important to explore every opportunity for trade�, said ABP Chair, Arno Doerksen. �There is good potential for the sale of Alberta cattle to Russia. While the scope of that opportunity obviously cannot replace the lack of access to the U.S., it is also incumbent upon our leadership to support all aspects of our industry. The mission was an eye-opening experience. There is a market there not only for cattle, but it also holds huge promise for the export of beef. I believe we should aggressively pursue this part of the market�.

�We are pleased to have been able to support this activity�, said Herb McLane, Executive Vice President of the Canadian Beef Breeds Council. �This was a large mission in terms of the number of participants, but it indicated to the Russians the seriousness with which we as Canadians view their potential for business. The model that we employed is one that has led to positive results in other jurisdictions, such as China. All members of the team had an integral role to play in the delivery of the message. The Russians learned about the structure of the Canadian livestock industry and the fact that while we value competition amongst breeds, we work collaboratively together for the benefit of the entire sector. There are a number of similarities and commonalities between Canada and Russia, all of which will provide a basis upon which to develop a sound and sustainable trade environment.�

Next steps in the process include the finalization of a health chart for breeding cattle.

�We had the support of the federal government and Alberta provincial government on this mission�, said Smith. �We will continue to require that support. Negotiations on a workable health chart for breeding cattle is at a critical juncture. We intend to continue to request the active involvement of Canadian regulators, as well as regulators in Russia through our clients, to complete this part of the process.�

Contacts:

                        Gary Smith: 403-350-9802

                        Arno Doerksen: 403-641-2498

                        Herb McLane: 403-730-0350

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