John Morrison, 57, a third generation rancher from Kamloops, B.C., becomes Canada’s primary cattle sector lobbyist at what he figures is a good time.
“Prices are good and sales are increasing,” he said March 18 after being elected president of the Canadian Cattlemen’s Association at the CCA annual meeting. “I expect the good news will last for at least the next two years.”
Indeed, cattle industry representatives came to Ottawa last weekend in a positive mood.
They were fresh off a major victory against American cattlemen trying to saddle Canadian exporters with countervail and anti-dumping duties.
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They were carrying Beef Information Centre data suggesting that beef consumption in Canada is on the rise.
Exports to countries other than the United States increased 56 percent last year, are projected to rise again this year and soon will represent 20 percent of exports.
They are on the high price end of the cattle cycle and not in need of government help. And they figure that, unlike grain farmers, the federal government and its agriculture minister are on their side.
“I think Lyle Vanclief has been a good minister for us, understanding us, being there for us,” said past CCA president Ben Thorlakson from Airdrie, Alta. “I think Lyle has been good for us. The poor bastard is being attacked from all sides, but not from us.”
In fact, to illustrate the affinity between cattlemen and the federal government these days, the CCA last week presented certificates of appreciation to close to 20 federal bureaucrats from various departments who helped successfully defend the cattle industry against American unfair-trading allegations.
“By God, they helped make a difference,” said Thorlakson. “They were there in the trenches, doing the work on countervail.”
Break from tradition
Often in the past, the cattle lobby was more accustomed to fighting federal bureaucratic proposals than to bestowing commendations on civil servants.
The past president said the CCA does not support subsidies and cheque-writing as a government policy: “We want to be a competitive industry and not have support which props up the inefficient.”
Still, the cattle industry has some goals for making things better and for getting government support.
Morrison said the national identification program is a priority, as is working with the American industry to try to reduce the risk of future trade attacks and convincing Ottawa that it should replenish funds in the Beef Industry Development Fund when these run out in July.
Agriculture minister Vanclief said last week he continues to examine whether the $1 million industry development fund should be renewed.
“Discussions continue,” he said. “We have made no decisions.”
