An on-line petition that started Aug. 11 has collected 40,000 signatures from people who want the American border opened to live Canadian cattle.
Alex Baum, a car salesperson in Cochrane, Alta., and Dan Kroffat, a local retired wrestler, decided to do something to help ranchers.
“As nonranchers we were watching our customers going broke,” Baum said.
“At first our ranching customers disappeared from the dealership. Then we heard of bankruptcies to suicides to empty fridges to utilities turned off. I had no idea it was that bad out there.”
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The petition isn’t the first effort the duo has tried. Last year they organized a world beef eating championship to draw attention to the issue and raise money for local ranchers.
This year they are back with the event on Labour Day Sept. 6, which is also when the petition will be presented to politicians.
Baum said the world record is an individual who ate 10 quarter-pound hamburgers in 10 minutes. Last year, the Cochrane event’s best eater downed nine in that time.
This year the top eight finishers are back and eight other slots are open to new contestants. There will also be a category for companies to enter teams of four.
Money raised will be donated to Family Services to assist local ranchers in financial straits.
“We’ve got to do something. If nothing else we’ve raised awareness with politicians and had some fun.”
To sign the petition, go to www.producer.com and type “beef petition” into the go box.
