After a couple years of being forced to hold conferences online because of COVID-19, participants at the 2022 Canadian Beef Industry Conference got a chance to kick up their boot heels in person.
Ricky Seelhof, chair of this year’s conference held Aug. 16-18 in Penticton, B.C., said it saw packed crowds for much of the event with a theme of reconnect today and invest tomorrow.
“I think that was definitely done,” she said. “Everybody was happy to see each other and, of course, having all the meetings, getting updates and it gets you thinking about the future and what the beef industry has in store for us.”
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“It’s been tough across the whole country really and other countries as well,” said Seelhof.
She said Canada continues to be a leader in sustainable beef production.
“We have a huge opportunity as producers to keep sharing our knowledge and teaching people the benefits of beef and how we can use beef on the landscape to help develop and keep things healthy,” said Seelhof, referring to some of the ideas she heard at the conference. “I think we have to take that and run with it and keep sharing our stories.”
The Environmental Stewardship Award was a highlight of the conference for Seelhof because it showcases the principles of the beef industry.
“Honestly, that was my favourite part because that is an award all ranchers want to win,” she said. “If we don’t take care of our land, it’s not going to take care of us and give us anything back so I think that needs to be recognized with the sustainability side.”
The social aspect of this year’s conference was one of the most important things coming off the pandemic, Seelhof said.
“Seeing everybody again and making those connections — everybody has been meeting over Zoom the last couple of years,” she said. “It’s a great tool to have but it just isn’t the same as meeting people in person, face to face.”
As for the future of the industry, there is optimism.
“There is still a huge demand for beef and I think it’s going to keep climbing as you get more population growth,” said Seelhof. “People are still eating beef and that’s great.”
