When you think of Angus, the eastern coast of Canada is generally not one of the first things to come to mind. If I told you to picture Halifax, Nova Scotia, you would probably picture tall ships, lobster and friendly Maritimers. But in just a few weeks, Canadian Angus members will experience legendary Maritime hospitality with an Angus twist.
June 19 is the Canadian Angus Association's annual meeting. The Maritime Angus Association has lined up events and activities to help you play tourist for an extra two days before the meeting. And if you really want to make a holiday of it, why not head out extra early and take in the Maritime Junior Show and Field Day on June 12?
Time is running out, and so are the available hotel rooms. Flight deals can still be found, so register today.
The annual general meeting is a great opportunity for members to express their opinions and interact with other members. Excercise your right to vote, meet other Angus breeders from across Canada, take in presentations about issues facing our breed and of course experience what Halifax has to offer.
Come "wander the waterfront" in Halifax with the directors and members of the Canadian Angus Association. It's sure to be an amazing experience.
Posted by Tina Zakowsky
Feedback: cdnangus@cdnangus.ca
Friday, May 28, 2010
Friday, May 21, 2010
Register your show cattle early
If you plan to show Angus cattle this summer, you can save yourself money and stress by getting them registered well in advance of the deadlines. Most shows, including Canadian Angus Association Gold Shows, require purebred cattle to be registered in order to participate. Last-minute requests cannot always be accommodated, especially if the animal is randomly selected for a parentage spot test or we are missing information. Registering early also means you won't have to pay rush fees.
The changes to the genetic defect policy that took effect in January may also have an impact on the calves you intend to register and show. As of January 1, 2010 calves that have known carriers of a genetic defect in the first two generations (parental and grandparental) of their pedigree, without an intervening free result, need to be tested free of the causative gene to be eligible for registration. It may take 3-4 weeks for test results to be returned before an animal can be registered. Planning ahead can help you avoid disappointment and ensure your cattle can compete this show season.
June 10 is the registration deadline for Showdown, and Gold Shows start in July. Click here for the full Gold Show schedule.
Remember: the younger the calves are when you register, the cheaper it is to register them.
Posted by Tina Zakowsky
Feedback: tina1@cdnangus.ca
The changes to the genetic defect policy that took effect in January may also have an impact on the calves you intend to register and show. As of January 1, 2010 calves that have known carriers of a genetic defect in the first two generations (parental and grandparental) of their pedigree, without an intervening free result, need to be tested free of the causative gene to be eligible for registration. It may take 3-4 weeks for test results to be returned before an animal can be registered. Planning ahead can help you avoid disappointment and ensure your cattle can compete this show season.
June 10 is the registration deadline for Showdown, and Gold Shows start in July. Click here for the full Gold Show schedule.
Remember: the younger the calves are when you register, the cheaper it is to register them.
Posted by Tina Zakowsky
Feedback: tina1@cdnangus.ca
Friday, May 14, 2010
Information Meetings in Manitoba
Last week, I was a guest speaker at some producer information meetings the Manitoba Angus Association hosted about our Canadian Angus Rancher Endorsed program. Both went great with 46 people at Brandon and 22 at Ashern. I was joined by Hamiota Feeders who gave a presentation about how to get your calves ready for this fall's auctions.
People in Manitoba are hungry for information about our programs. If you missed my presentation about the Canadian Angus Association and Canadian Angus Rancher Endorsed, go to our website to learn more. Our website has lots of great information on it about Angus tags, help with your registration questions, and of course the Canadian Angus Rancher Endorsed program. You can also call our office at 1-888-571-3580.
Lois McRae, Canadian Angus director for Manitoba, and Arlene Kirckpatrick, Manitoba Angus Association secretary, both deserve a big pat on the back for doing a really good job putting on these meetings.
If you use Angus cattle in your breeding program, whether you raise purebred or commercial cattle, use Angus tags to qualify your cattle for Canadian Angus Rancher Endorsed. The participating beef programs need more Angus tagged cattle to meet demand. It's not too late to get your tags. Tag your calves now to get ready for the Canadian Angus sponsored feeder sales this fall.
Til next time,
Brian Good
Feedback: cdnangus@cdnangus.ca
People in Manitoba are hungry for information about our programs. If you missed my presentation about the Canadian Angus Association and Canadian Angus Rancher Endorsed, go to our website to learn more. Our website has lots of great information on it about Angus tags, help with your registration questions, and of course the Canadian Angus Rancher Endorsed program. You can also call our office at 1-888-571-3580.
Lois McRae, Canadian Angus director for Manitoba, and Arlene Kirckpatrick, Manitoba Angus Association secretary, both deserve a big pat on the back for doing a really good job putting on these meetings.
If you use Angus cattle in your breeding program, whether you raise purebred or commercial cattle, use Angus tags to qualify your cattle for Canadian Angus Rancher Endorsed. The participating beef programs need more Angus tagged cattle to meet demand. It's not too late to get your tags. Tag your calves now to get ready for the Canadian Angus sponsored feeder sales this fall.
Til next time,
Brian Good
Feedback: cdnangus@cdnangus.ca
Friday, May 7, 2010
Watch us on tv!
If you live in Alberta or can tune in Access television, check out the program Innovative Business in Alberta on Saturday, May 8th and Saturday, May 29th at 11:30 am. The Canadian Angus Rancher Endorsed program will be featured.
Calgary - Channel 13
Edmonton - Channel 9
Lethbridge - Channel 13
Red Deer - Channel 9
Medicine Hat - Channel 13
Alberta is returning to a strong economy. In order to stay competitive and on the leading edge, companies are developing creative approaches and initiatives that will maximize their growth and the growth of their clients. Whether in the resource sector, agriculture or the First Nations, this episode of Tune Into will introduce you to some extraordinary companies building a bright future for all Albertans. Participants featured in this episode are:
Posted by Tina Zakowsky
Feedback: tina1@cdnangus.ca
Calgary - Channel 13
Edmonton - Channel 9
Lethbridge - Channel 13
Red Deer - Channel 9
Medicine Hat - Channel 13
Alberta is returning to a strong economy. In order to stay competitive and on the leading edge, companies are developing creative approaches and initiatives that will maximize their growth and the growth of their clients. Whether in the resource sector, agriculture or the First Nations, this episode of Tune Into will introduce you to some extraordinary companies building a bright future for all Albertans. Participants featured in this episode are:
- Alberta Women Entrepreneurs
- Canadian Angus Association
- Goodfish Lake Development Corporation
- Laricina Energy
Posted by Tina Zakowsky
Feedback: tina1@cdnangus.ca
Thursday, April 29, 2010
Promoting Canadian Angus Beef in BC
I've just returned to the office from a short trip to British Columbia. I travelled with Deb Verbonac and Ben Graham from AdFarm to lend support to some of the participants on the Canadian Angus Rancher Endorsed program.
We attended a meat tasting at La Rua Restaurante in Whistler, BC. Special thanks to Mario Enero for being such a great host. This event was put on by Alberta Meats which is made up of Heritage Angus Beef, Sturgeon Valley Pork, Canadian Rangeland Beef and Bision Inc. and Cedar Creek Winery. The event was attended by chefs and restaurant owners in the Whistler area and was very well received.
We next attended a meat tasting at Earls Yaletown in Vancouver. This was also hosted by Alberta Meats and was attended by approximately 50 chefs and owners of restaurants in Vancouver as well as representatives from food markets in the area. These two events are a great start to getting Canadian Angus beef on more restaurant menus.
We also had the opportunity to visit the Lepp Farm Market and Hopcott Premium Meats, two very modern markets that specialize in local products. These two groups do an excellent job of promoting local agriculture and are differentiating products and adding value for local producers. I think this is a business model that we will see a lot more of over the course of the next decade as consumers increasingly want to know where their food comes from.
This was a very progressive group of people that are breaking new ground in helping a cross-section of agriculture sectors. They are working hard and assuming a lot of risk to break into new markets. They should be commended for a job well done. This isn't the normal route that the Canadian Angus Association travels, but we see a need to connect with consumers to get more Angus beef on menus. This may be best done through working with the foodservice industry.
Special thanks go to Ken Friesen of KFC Farms for helping to organize the tour and acting as tour guide/chauffeur.
Posted by Michael Latimer
Feedback: michael1@cdnangus.ca
We attended a meat tasting at La Rua Restaurante in Whistler, BC. Special thanks to Mario Enero for being such a great host. This event was put on by Alberta Meats which is made up of Heritage Angus Beef, Sturgeon Valley Pork, Canadian Rangeland Beef and Bision Inc. and Cedar Creek Winery. The event was attended by chefs and restaurant owners in the Whistler area and was very well received.
We next attended a meat tasting at Earls Yaletown in Vancouver. This was also hosted by Alberta Meats and was attended by approximately 50 chefs and owners of restaurants in Vancouver as well as representatives from food markets in the area. These two events are a great start to getting Canadian Angus beef on more restaurant menus.
We also had the opportunity to visit the Lepp Farm Market and Hopcott Premium Meats, two very modern markets that specialize in local products. These two groups do an excellent job of promoting local agriculture and are differentiating products and adding value for local producers. I think this is a business model that we will see a lot more of over the course of the next decade as consumers increasingly want to know where their food comes from.
This was a very progressive group of people that are breaking new ground in helping a cross-section of agriculture sectors. They are working hard and assuming a lot of risk to break into new markets. They should be commended for a job well done. This isn't the normal route that the Canadian Angus Association travels, but we see a need to connect with consumers to get more Angus beef on menus. This may be best done through working with the foodservice industry.
Special thanks go to Ken Friesen of KFC Farms for helping to organize the tour and acting as tour guide/chauffeur.
Posted by Michael Latimer
Feedback: michael1@cdnangus.ca
Friday, April 23, 2010
Having our voices heard
On Tuesday, April 27 I will have the opportunity to present to the House of Commons Standing Committee on Agriculture and Agri-Food (AGRI). The Committee is embarking on a cross-Canada fact-finding tour in order to meet young farmers and discuss with them the various challenges and issues in their sector. They will also discuss the programs which have been introduced to attract young farmers, facilitate funding, share information, promote the farming profession and provide training. This committee is made up of Members of Parliament who represent all major parties.
This is a great opportunity to have the issues that face the cattle industry brought to the attention of our federal government. As I will have limited time, the specific issues that I will be addressing are access to financing and farm succession planning. There are many other issues that are of concern to the industry but these are the ones that I feel could be realistically addressed by this committee.
What issues do you see young farmers facing, and do you have ideas for making agriculture a more appealing career choice for young people? Share your thoughts with us at cdnangus@cdnangus.ca
Posted by Michael Latimer
This is a great opportunity to have the issues that face the cattle industry brought to the attention of our federal government. As I will have limited time, the specific issues that I will be addressing are access to financing and farm succession planning. There are many other issues that are of concern to the industry but these are the ones that I feel could be realistically addressed by this committee.
What issues do you see young farmers facing, and do you have ideas for making agriculture a more appealing career choice for young people? Share your thoughts with us at cdnangus@cdnangus.ca
Posted by Michael Latimer
Friday, April 16, 2010
About Genetic Defects
Genetic defects in beef cattle have been receiving some attention recently and many breeders have some questions. We have added an information sheet to our website that summarizes the basic facts about genetic defects. You are welcome to print it and share it with your fellow breeders and customers.
Genetic defects are present in every beef breed. These are inherited conditions, not diseases, and they cannot be spread by contact or air. There are very few carrier animals in the Canadian Angus herdbook and even fewer confirmed cases of affected calves. Recent advancements in DNA technology enable us to test for the genes that cause defects and prevent breeding carrier animals.
We regularly update our website with the most current and comprehensive information about specific genetic defects and which animals have been tested. Questions about genetic defects can be directed to me.
Posted by Kajal Devani
Feedback: kajal1@cdnangus.ca
Genetic defects are present in every beef breed. These are inherited conditions, not diseases, and they cannot be spread by contact or air. There are very few carrier animals in the Canadian Angus herdbook and even fewer confirmed cases of affected calves. Recent advancements in DNA technology enable us to test for the genes that cause defects and prevent breeding carrier animals.
We regularly update our website with the most current and comprehensive information about specific genetic defects and which animals have been tested. Questions about genetic defects can be directed to me.
Posted by Kajal Devani
Feedback: kajal1@cdnangus.ca
Friday, April 9, 2010
Hero Burger Restaurant Review: Cooked to perfection and tastes homemade
While we don’t often do food and restaurant reviews on our blog, I wanted to take the opportunity to share an experience I had last week with everyone. While on vacation in Ontario I had the chance to eat at a Hero Certified Burger location in Richmond Hill, which is north east of Pearson International Airport. I was extremely curious to see if Hero Burgers lived up to the hype I’ve heard since they joined as a licensed participant in the Canadian Angus Rancher Endorsed program. Let me assure you that they did not disappoint. From the moment I walked through the door which proudly displayed the Canadian Angus Rancher Endorsed logo, I was impressed. The service was fantastic and the food was excellent. With a choice of burger size from a 4 oz, 6 oz or 8 oz there is something for everyone. Then they cook your burger after it is ordered, it makes you seriously consider which of their toppings to add. With a choice of 7 different cheeses and portobello or sautéed button mushrooms, fire roasted peppers and Canadian Peameal bacon just to name a few. It was obvious that this is going to be much more than a typical run of the mill fast food hamburger. It was served quickly, cooked to perfection and tasted like something homemade.
We should be proud as a breed that we are a part of this company’s success. While currently they are only located in the Greater Toronto Area, anyone who is there or going through should stop in and see for yourself, one of the many success stories since the launch of the Canadian Angus Rancher Endorsed Program. I applaud Hero Burgers for their use of 100% Canadian Angus beef and their promotion of that. Remember as producers your chance to be a part of this is easy. Purchase your Angus RFID tags and use them in animals sired by one registered Angus parent. For further information, contact me.
Posted by Cheryl Hazenberg
Feedback: cheryl1@cdnangus.ca
We should be proud as a breed that we are a part of this company’s success. While currently they are only located in the Greater Toronto Area, anyone who is there or going through should stop in and see for yourself, one of the many success stories since the launch of the Canadian Angus Rancher Endorsed Program. I applaud Hero Burgers for their use of 100% Canadian Angus beef and their promotion of that. Remember as producers your chance to be a part of this is easy. Purchase your Angus RFID tags and use them in animals sired by one registered Angus parent. For further information, contact me.
Posted by Cheryl Hazenberg
Feedback: cheryl1@cdnangus.ca
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