Livestock genetic exports receive funding
The Canadian Livestock Genetics Association is receiving $3 million in federal funding to help exporters develop and expand new markets for Canadian livestock genetics.
The focus of the project will be on exports of dairy, sheep and goat genetics, which in 2016 generated more than $150 million.
The not-for-profit association is looking to increase those exports to more than $200 million through trade missions, training and promotion.
Wennekamps named Cattleman of the Year
Werner and Chris Wennekamp received the Cattleman of the Year Award from the Lloydminster Agricultural Exhibition Association during the Stockade Roundup purebred cattle show Nov. 3.
The annual award is presented to those who have made an outstanding contribution to the cattle industry as well as their commitment to excellence, exemplifying quality rural life and involvement in the community.
The Wennekamp family operates Devondale Stock Farm near Lloydminster, Sask.
4-H awards scholarships
4-H Canada and Canadian National Railway have awarded the 2017 4-H Canada Leadership Awards of Distinction (L.E.A.D.) to four recipients. The recipients are:
- Sara Kate Smith, British Columbia, community engagement and communications
- Evan Krebs, Ontario, science and technology
- Sadie-Jane Hickson, environment and healthy living
- Thian Carmen, Nova Scotia, sustainable agriculture and food security
L.E.A.D. is 4-H Canada’s most prestigious scholarship, which recognizes those who demonstrate personal development, community impact and leadership excellence.
Each recipient receives a $20,000 scholarship toward their four-year post-secondary studies. They are also matched with a mentor.
Farm and Food Care Ontario updates publication
The fourth version of The Real Dirt on Farming is now available.
The publication is a nation-wide initiative designed to help Canadians connect with their food and the farmers who produce it: who they are, what they do and why they do it.
Three million copies have been distributed to libraries, doctors’ offices, registered dietitians, political leaders and educators and through inserts in national publications since it’s first printing in 2006.
The publication addresses common questions and misconceptions about Canadian food farming using stories and credible science.
It also highlights innovations that support Canada’s diverse food system and supports building relationships with non-farming groups.
This year’s edition includes new data from Statistics Canada’s 2016 Census of Agriculture.
The initiative is supported by a wide range of sponsors and developed with the help of a team of experts. A full 60 page publication is currently available online at RealDirtonFarming.ca.
