2012 Calgary Stampede International Agriculture Profile

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The official publication of the International Agriculture committee

Showcasing the Agricultural Industry to the world

I n t e r n a t i o n a l A g r i c u l t u r e

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celebrATInG our cenTennIAl

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Message from Canada’s Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food and minister for the canadian wheat board

Gerry ritzMinister of Agriculture and Agri-Food

Message from Minister of Alberta Agriculture and Rural Development

evan bergerMinister of Alberta

Agriculture and Rural Development

On behalf of the Government of Canada, a warm welcome to Canadian and international visitors to the 2012 Calgary Stampede, as we celebrate 100 years of “The Greatest Outdoor Show on Earth”.

While many things have changed over the past century, the Stampede remains a world-class gathering place that showcases the finest agriculture products and practices that Canada has to offer. Since 1912, the Stampede has been connecting producers to international markets and reminds all of us where the delicious food on our dinner plate comes from.

During your visit to the Stampede this year, you’ll discover world-class quality, innovation, safety and diversity of our livestock and all the other great products that have put Canada among the world’s leading agriculture and food producers.

I’m pleased the Government of Canada is supporting the International Room to help international visitors tap into our Canadian agriculture and food excellence. I promise you – once you get a taste of Canada’s safe, high-quality food, you’ll have to come back for more!

All the best for an enjoyable and productive visit. Here’s wishing the Calgary Stampede another century of success!

I am truly honoured to serve Albertans as Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development and it is my pleasure to congratulate the Calgary Stampede on their centennial year!

Agriculture is the second-largest industry in Alberta and is a valued and essential part of our economy. Rural roots run deep in Alberta and our province got its start from a foundation based on a rural way of life in a place of great opportunity. As both a farmer and rancher, I am proud of my connection to Alberta’s pioneer roots.

For 100 years, the Calgary Stampede has evolved and today is the “Greatest Outdoor Show on Earth” by combining the past and the present seamlessly in the heart of Alberta’s largest city. As one of the finest agricultural events in the world, the Stampede has something for everybody and highlights how agriculture impacts our daily lives. I encourage you to take the reins and experience and celebrate this memorable event this summer.

The International Room, located in the Agriculture Building, showcases Alberta’s diverse agriculture industry, allowing our visitors from around the world to talk with and ask questions of Alberta’s producers, breeders and top Canadian cattlemen and women.

While enjoying the Stampede, I encourage everyone to visit the many sights of our great province. From our rolling prairies to our snow-capped mountains and our prehistoric hoodoos, Alberta’s famous western hospitality and breathtaking natural scenery will make you glad you took an Alberta break.

mike casey, President and Chairman of the Board, Calgary Stampede

Welcome to the centennial issue of International Agriculture Profile.

As we reflect on the last 100 years of the stampede, it is clear that the themes that united us as a community in 1912 continue to unite us today. The very first calgary exhibition was created to bring Albertans together to celebrate our agricultural roots. For more than 100 years we have had a proud tradition of showcasing the best of this industry.

We are extremely excited that 2012 will mark the year that we begin construction of the Agrium Western event centre. Thanks to funding from Agrium and the federal and provincial governments, the new facility will be a state-of-the-art, world-class gathering place.

We can now continue our tradition of showcasing the best in agricultural innovation, internationally renowned events and urban and rural education programs in this brand-new facility.

Please accept my personal invitation to join us this year at the 2012 centennial stampede, from July 6 to 15, where we will continue to unite urban and rural calgarians while we showcase the best of agriculture in our province.

I look forward to seeing you at the 2012 stampede this July!

And we thankThe Calgary Stampede International Agriculture committee extends heartfelt thanks to the talented volunteer writers who enthusiastically captured the stories shared here. They took time from their work to demonstrate their curiosity, keen interviewing skills and strong writing abilities.

Our writers include members of the International Agriculture committee, other Calgary Stampede volunteers and industry colleagues.

Calgary

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Greetings from the Agricultural Managers of the Calgary Stampede

Max FritzSenior Manager Agriculture, Calgary Stampede

Robert WiseAgriculture Manager, Calgary Stampede

Message from the chairCalgary Stampede International Agriculture committee

Ted HaneyChair, International Agriculture committee

As the Calgary Stampede builds momentum to celebrate its Centennial, July 6 – 15, 2012, the Agriculture Department welcomes all visitors involved in the agriculture industry from around the globe and here at home, to join in this great commemoration with us. This year’s Stampede is going to be a truly global and memorable experience!

While Centennial celebrations are being held throughout 2012, this year’s 10-day Stampede is guaranteed to be an experience of a lifetime, as we reflect on the past 100 years of western heritage, culture and values. As we commemorate and honour a century of showcasing Stampede’s agriculture, we will also offer a peek into future exciting new developments on the horizon for agriculture on Stampede Park.

The Calgary Stampede agriculture events can trace their history back to the Calgary Agricultural Exhibition in 1886. As is still the case today, agriculture was an integral part of Alberta’s economy and the original Exhibition was a way to show off the region’s farming and ranching success. It wasn’t until 1912 that the rodeo was added to create the event we know today as the Calgary Stampede. Since then, agricultural events and showcases have continued to grow locally and expand globally, to make the Calgary Stampede an international meeting place to observe the tremendous impact of Alberta’s rural community. In reaching this significant milestone, we are excited this year to historically highlight each program with special displays in the Agricultural Pavilion, as we showcase the diverse and integral parts of Alberta agriculture.

Welcome to the 2012 issue of International Agriculture Profile, the official publication of the Calgary Stampede’s International Agriculture committee. This is a special year, as we celebrate 100 years of the Calgary Stampede. This is a time to reflect upon the gifts of nature, the innovations, and the leadership that have carried us across a successful century of human endeavour.

In these pages, you will trace our history through the stories of leadership and commitment that continue to shape our industry today. The common thread is a fundamental dedication to shaping a progressive society that is both caring and successful. Our future will build upon these same cornerstones of integrity, pride, hospitality and community service. This is the legacy and reality of our western heritage and values.

A century ago, a small community decided to expand its annual agriculture exhibition to create a truly amazing show — the Calgary Stampede. The new approach maintained the strong connections to Canada’s First Nations and to agriculture and added a new entertainment value featuring world-class rodeo. The past century has seen the Calgary Stampede flourish and develop along with Calgary, Alberta and Canada.

Today, Alberta’s agriculture and agri-food interests span the world — and continue to grow our legacy of rural culture. Our livestock, grains, oilseeds, pulses, forages, processed foods, genetics and advanced technologies are exported to all regions of the world. With the global human population expected to grow from 7 billion to 9 billion by 2050, much will be expected from our highly efficient food-producing industry over the next 40 years.

The Western warmth and hospitality of the Calgary Stampede present a tremendous opportunity to promote Canadian agriculture and agri-businesses on the world stage. Each year as our city dons its official “white hat” and invites the world to come celebrate, the International Agriculture committee welcomes thousands of agriculture visitors from across Canada and around the world to the Stampede.

Last year, we hosted over 1,850 agriculture visitors representing all sectors of the industry from 42 countries — providing the services, settings, programs and events to facilitate the meeting of business interests and fostering of business opportunities. The International Agriculture committee has worked hard in the past year to refine our program and the resources that it brings to agriculture and agri-food stakeholders.

I would like to thank Cam Clark as our Director Liaison. We have come to appreciate Cam’s quiet and steadfast support for our committee’s programs, services and objectives. I also thank Vice-Chairs Keith Jones and John Lee, Working Group Leads Aaron Grant (Sponsorship), David Collins (Strategic Planning), Candace Lyle (Events) and Jenn Norrie (Communications) — and all our volunteers, who bring the spirit of Western hospitality to each visitor they greet and each warm welcome they extend.

And special thanks to the International Agriculture Profile team. These volunteers have brought Alberta’s agriculture achievements to life in these pages, shining the spotlight on the dedicated men and women of our industry. My thanks to Tina Zakowsky (Editor), Doug Blair, Tanya Currie, Tyler Difley, Norma Dunn, Lotte Elsgaard, Robin Galey, Shannon Haney, Kerrie Harvie, Janet Kanters, Todd Kimberley, Jennifer Norrie, Megan Oleksyn, Annemarie Pederson, Jan Warren, Jay Whetter and Perry Wilkes for their contributions.

This year’s Centennial celebrations of the Calgary Stampede promise to be spectacular. We invite you to come join in the celebration. When you’re here, please come by the International Room (second floor Agriculture Building) or our booth in the Cattle Trail (in the barn) and say hello! We look forward to linking you to our industry and community.

2 I NT E R NAT I O NA L AG R I C U LT U R E C O M M I T T E E

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35 LoCALLy PRoDuCeD FooD InSPIReS boTh SouTheRn ALbeRTAnS AnD GLobAL vISIToRS

InTernATIonAl AGrIculTure commITTeecam clark(Director Liaison)

Ted haney(Chair)

keith Jones(vice-Chair Strategic Planning & Sponsorship)

John lee(vice-Chair Communications & events)

John Arnold

barry bennett

doug blair

Allan browarny

cherie copithorne-barnes

david collins(Strategic Planning & Innovation Lead)

brent difley

norma dunn

ramon Fosado

Aaron Grant (Sponsorship Lead)

shannon haney

kerrie harvie

Janet kanters

bill klasky

kate kolstad

larry konschuk

larry koper

david lantz

myra lever

syd loeppky

candace lyle (events Lead)

kim mcconnell

harvey mckernon

Jenn norrie (Communications Lead)

dave Phillips

doug sauter

christie simpson

rick smith

Julie stitt

deb Verbonac

Jan Warren

doug Wilson

Tina Zakowsky

special thanks to:

Tracey Foster (Agriculture Programming Coordinator Calgary Stampede)

The ProFIle TeAmPublisher:

calgary stampede International Agriculture committee

Editor:

Tina Zakowsky

doug blair

norma dunn

shannon haney

kerrie harvie

Janet kanters

Jenn norrie

Jan Warren

The Profile is the official publication of the calgary stampede International Agriculture committee. Published yearly, the Profile celebrates and showcases Alberta and canadian agriculture to the world. This is the 20th edition of the Profile.

The Profile is distributed throughout Alberta and across canada to agricultural producers, breed associations and industry representatives. The Profile is shared with worldwide friends of the calgary stampede and distributed at major American and International stock shows, through international agricultural associations, and through selected embassies and consulates.

To be added to the Profile distribution list, email the International Agriculture committee at: [email protected]

every effort is made to ensure the accuracy of content within the Profile. opinions expressed by individuals profiled within articles are their own. We apologize for any inaccuracies and accept no liability.

Graphic design: eldon b. rice design

Printer: Apache superior Printing ltd.

The InTernATIonAlroom Promoting Alberta& Canadian Agriculture Welcome to all Agriculture exhibitors and International Visitors.

The International room on stampede Park presents agricultural product and service exhibits, shares information on industry sectors and invites visitors to socialize with producers, industry specialists, exporters and government representatives.

members of all stampede committees, representing canada’s diverse agricultural sectors — are encouraged to bring their international guests and visitors too.

located on the second floor of the Agriculture building on stampede Park, the International room is open each day of stampede from 11:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. (1100 to 1900).

our International Agriculture committee members are on hand to welcome you, provide information and help ensure you have a memorable stampede experience. If you represent an agricultural group planning to visit this year’s stampede, contact us now and we’ll pre-register your group members for their visit to the International room; we’ll have your nametags ready. Follow the Agriculture links on calgarystampede.com to the International Agriculture/International room page.

The calgary stampede July 6 – 15, 2012 July 5 – 14, 2013 July 4 – 13, 2014 calgarystampede.com

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Larry Koper has been a member of the Calgary Stampede International Agriculture committee for more than 25 years, and he says that he still loves every minute of the work he does at the Calgary Stampede. His influence is felt far beyond the confines of the Stampede grounds, and the meaningful connections that he made during his travels and through his work in the International Room remain strong.

“Stampede is a big part of my life. Every Stampede I go to the International Room for a number of days and then I’m a Rotarian for the rest of the time,” he says. “I really do believe in the function of the International Room.”

Larry KoperInTernATIonAl AGrIculTure commITTee member And cAlGAry roTAry club VolunTeer

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In Profile:

During his time with the committee, Larry has made a very strong impression on those who visit the International Room. “I really do believe in the approach that the Stampede is taking in making our visitors feel really welcome and also giving them an opportunity to do business in Alberta. I’ve had people come back on a number of occasions after visiting the Stampede, making sure they look us up,” he says. There have been many good business transactions made.

Larry first became involved with the International Agriculture committee as an extension of his work with the Alberta Canada All Breeds Association, which existed in Alberta to promote Alberta livestock genetics. “We thought we would just get involved with the International Room to make sure that we could extend the business of promoting Alberta livestock,” he says.

Larry wasn’t always involved with agriculture. In fact, he grew up in Kimberley, British Columbia, a mining town at the time. Although Larry did not grow up on a farm, his grandfather and uncles farmed near Leduc, Alberta. “I used to visit the farm every summer,” he says. “I was interested in the outdoors. Very often I’d go to the hills, hiking all around.”

Originally, Larry was a teacher and a principal, but partway through his career he made the switch to a rural lifestyle. “I had a family and I didn’t feel like bringing them up in the concrete jungle, so I went and bought some horses and cows and then from there I bought a place, about 300 acres, and started there,” he says. “I was very, very interested in horses.”

Larry became particularly interested in the Peruvian Paso horse breed. He first came across the breed during a trip to a stock show in Houston, Texas. “I drove out and thought I would find out a little bit about Texas. I came across a Paso horse show and I couldn’t figure out what the hell a Paso was,” he says. “I stopped, went into the show, looked at them and started to giggle because of their gait. I’d never seen anything like it.” After having an opportunity to ride one of the horses, Larry was hooked. “To ride a Paso, is to buy a Paso. They’re so smooth that it’s just unbelievable,” he says. “So I had to buy one.”

When he returned from the trip, Larry got himself into the business of importing and breeding Peruvian Pasos. He formed a business

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partnership with two fellow Paso enthusiasts, Leslie Jalkotzy and Rick Cones, and the three imported horses from South American countries like Peru and Guatemala and from the United States. “We really had some of the top stallions in North America up here in Canada”, he says. “When we started, there were only about a hundred or so Peruvians in Canada, and now there are many more, well over 1,000.” The partnership sold top quality animals across all of Canada and many back into the United Sates. Larry feels great as, “I put the first Peruvian stallion into New Zealand.” He is not presently involved in breeding horses anymore though; he says it is too much like work for him. He hasn’t completely cut ties with his Peruvians though, “I’ve still got six, and they’re just beautiful,” he says.

Through the people he met in his work with the International Room, Larry was able to extend his business. “The International Room has been an excellent place where you can make contacts,” he says. “It has been a really good association with the people that I’ve met in the International Room.”

As a breeder of Blonde d’Aquitaine cattle he has sold semen, embryos and animals into New Zealand, Australia, Brazil, the United States and Mexico. He was very actively involved with the Alberta Blonde d’Aquitaine Association as a member, as treasurer and as president. Through his work in the International Room, Larry promoted Blonde d’Aquitaine cattle for the association. He sent information about the

breed to the people visiting the Room. “We used to get the names of all the people that would come into the room and we would send their names and addresses out to the different breed associations,” he says. “We were really promoting Alberta genetics.”

Larry shows no signs of slowing down. He still owns around 300 acres of farmland northeast of Cochrane, Alberta. “I’m still playing cowboy,” he says. Retirement is not something that he thinks about often. “Generally speaking, we retire when we start getting old, but I’m in the very fortunate position where, instead of getting old, I’m going into my second childhood,” he says.

As for plans for when he does eventually retire, Larry says he would like to see, and play a part in securing, a new Stampede Agriculture facility and a new facility for the International Room. For now, he wants to continue his work with the committee and the Stampede. “I very much like the association I have with the people at the Stampede,” he says. “As long as I can do it, I’ll do it. As soon as I feel I’m getting in the way, I’ll move.”

Tyler Difley is a freelance journalist and Journalism student at Carleton University in Ottawa, Ontario. During the summer, he calls Calgary, Alberta, his home. He can be reached at [email protected]

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BillKlasky LONg-TIMe PROMOTeR Of THe CALgARY STAMPede HANgS uP HIS COWBOY HAT: 32-YeAR CALgARY STAMPede vOLuNTeeR BILL KLASKY WILL ReTIRe AfTeR THe CeNTeNNIAL STAMPede CeLeBRATION. B Y J e N N N O R R I e

In Profile:

In 1979, Calgary businessman Bill Klasky joined the volunteer ranks of the Calgary Stampede on the Promotions committee. Bill’s strong organizational skills made him an integral part of the Promotions committee as he took the role of organizing all of the outside bookings for the committee, from breakfasts to parades. He was also a fundamental component to the start of the greeting program at the Calgary International Airport.

The Promotions committee took Bill beyond Calgary and the 10-day festival in July. He and fellow committee members Glenn Street (currently a director with the Calgary Stampede) and Gordie West travelled in Great Britain to promote the Stampede at other fairs, expos and festivals. He spent seven years on the Promotions committee before moving to the Park Parade committee in the mid-1980s. The Park Parade committee program has since been discontinued, but during

his five years with them, Bill’s organizational skills were put to use as he resumed lead of scheduling events on park.

While Bill was spending his time with the Promotions and the Park Parade committees, the International Agriculture committee (IAC) was building their program and looking for the right man to bring in to grow the sponsorship area of the program. At that time, IAC member Bev Issacs, who Bill had volunteered on the Promotions committee with, recommended Bill as a new committee member to IAC chairman Jim McBride in 1990.

Unlike other International Agriculture committee members, Bill did not have any connections to or experience in the agriculture industry, but this was the start of bringing a balance of agriculture, business and community to the IAC. Bill brought a fresh perspective to the IAC program as an active member of the Calgary community and successful businessman and allowed


the committee to explore new avenues and connections to create awareness of the IAC program throughout the Calgary Stampede organization and also in the Calgary business community.

Bill has enjoyed his 20-plus years with the International Agriculture committee, meeting and greeting international guests with a story and a joke. Bill is a true ambassador of the Calgary Stampede and is a strong supporter of their volunteer system. The Calgary Stampede is strongly supported by their volunteers and Bill has been a proud contributor for the past 32 years.

As Bill hangs up his cowboy hat as a volunteer after the 2012 Centennial celebration, he’s pleased to see so many young people becoming involved in volunteer programs with the Calgary Stampede. Bill firmly believes that volunteer work should be fun and he’s been having fun for over 30 years with the Calgary Stampede.

We bid a final “Yahoo!” to Bill as we are grateful for dedicated volunteers like Bill Klasky. Happy Trails!

Jenn Norrie is an agriculture enthusiast and loves to travel, whether it is around Alberta or around the world. She can be reached at [email protected]

John Zacharias A Graduate of the Alberta College of Art, Calgary, John began his fine art career after 20 years in graphic art and advertising management. Born and raised on the prairies and a life-long resident of Alberta, his love for nostalgic treasures form the basis of his still-life works. “I derive great satisfaction from

painting something that has emotional and personal significance to me and my clients. These subjects can range from delicate crystal and lace settings to musical instruments, garden scenes and landscapes. Watercolor came easier to me as it was my preferred medium in graphic art design and commercial illustration. I love the control of flowing and soft blends that watercolor allows. I go a step further by detailing my subjects as some acrylic and oil painters do. This style often baffles people who are used to a certain looser style normally associated with watercolors.” John has started a series of landscapes in oil using a looser more impressionistic style. “An artist sometimes has to step outside the box in order to evolve and grow.” He plans to continue his highly realistic watercolors as well as working on his impressionistic oil technique. John has enjoyed sold-out shows and has been awarded ‘Collectors Choice’ and ‘Best of Show’ at major shows in Calgary, Alberta. His works have been collected by major corporations and private collectors throughout the world. In 2011 John was inducted into “West Guild” as a “Master Artist” and founding member at a ceremony held at the prestigious Hyatt Regency Hotel in downtown Calgary, Alberta.

About the Artist

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When the world’s top meat economists gathered in Calgary July 12 to 14, 2011 to attend an International Meat Secretariat (IMS) Economics Committee Workshop, many weren’t sure what to expect.

The Workshop attracted 48 international meat industry economists from 18 countries as well as representatives from the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) and the European Union (EU) Commission. Held in the BMO Centre on Stampede Park, The Greatest Outdoor Show on Earth set the stage for Workshop participants, who had been advised to leave their business attire at home and join in the Stampede spirit during their time in Calgary.

“When the decision was made in 2010 to hold the next conference in Calgary, expectations were great,” says Ted Haney, IMS Executive Council member, President of the

2011 Calgary Stampede Set the Stage for the

International Meat Secretariat Economic WorkshopThe WorkshoP — The ThIrd oF ITs kInd And The FIrsT To be held In norTh AmerIcA — WAs PlAnned To coIncIde WITh The cAlGAry sTAmPede, AlloWInG deleGATes To exPerIence The GreATesT ouTdoor shoW on eArTh. b y l oT T e e l s G A A r d

former Canada Beef Export Federation and Chair of the Calgary Stampede International Agriculture committee. “Everyone was excited to come and experience the Stampede, to see Canada and to see our industry, and all of that happened successfully.

“Most rewarding was to see the world’s top meat economists gather in Calgary and come together in the spirit of our great Western culture and hospitality. Good work was done and a great time was had.”

Getting Down to Work

The IMS Economics Committee Workshop was established to develop and improve members’ understanding of the factors affecting the world’s beef, pork and sheep meat markets. The first Workshop was held in 2007 in Holland; the second in 2010 in Uruguay.


The 2011 Calgary Workshop was sponsored by Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada and the Alberta Livestock and Meat Agency, with the Canadian Cattlemen’s Association, Canadian Pork Council and Canada Pork International providing support to the host organizing group led by Ted.

The three-day event saw speakers representing the beef, pork and lamb sectors from Europe, Africa, Asia, South America, North America and Oceania present country reports. Sessions also covered the short-term world market situation as well as more in-depth coverage of specific issues of importance to the global meat industry. Guest speakers from the poultry and aquaculture sectors gave summaries of their industries’ competitive forces over the next 20 years.

Interspersed with the business sessions, IMS guests experienced some authentic Western culture and hospitality, attending the chuckwagon races and Grandstand show, the International Agriculture Reception and the Rodeo. The group used the International Room as its non-business gathering point, where they always found a warm welcome.

In the early years of the last century, the sale of purebred bulls was the main avenue of genetic improvement. Then, in the last half of the century, new technologies were introduced that enhanced the capabilities of genetic development. These included artificial insemination, performance recording and embryo transfer. The most significant recent advance has been in the scientific area of genomics.

Early beef breeders in Alberta worked mainly with Shorthorn, Hereford and Aberdeen Angus cattle. Auction sales of beef bulls in Alberta have a long tradition. Breeders organized the first bull sale at Stampede Park in 1901. This year, The Calgary Bull Sale hosted their 112th annual sale at Stampede Park in February. Regional sales and private breeders’ sales occur throughout the province. An example of the longevity of this tradition is the Lacombe Bull Sale, which celebrates its 103rd annual sale in 2012. Commercial beef breeders throughout the

province purchase purebred herd sires at these sales to improve the genetics of their cattle herds.

During the early twentieth century, the company supplying the majority of the breeding stock was the Canadian Pacific Railroad (CPR). To assist settlers in establishing their farms, the CPR started a demonstration farm at Strathmore, Alberta, in 1910. By the end of 1928, they had placed more than 10,000 cattle, 1,000 horses, 1,300 swine and 7,000 sheep on Alberta farms. Much of this livestock was provided free of charge. Included in the cattle were Holsteins, Ayrshires, Aberdeen Angus and Hereford. The CPR Holstein herd became famous as a seedstock herd and was recognized all over North America. Cows carrying the farm name ‘Strathmore’ won the All-American award for the top 2-year-old ‘Holstein in Milk’ three times in the 1930s. In the 80 years that this contest has been held, only one other herd has equalled this achievement.

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A post-Workshop tour took the participants to a progressive feedlot in High River and an extensive cow-calf operation in Southern Alberta where they saw the operation’s breeding and management programs first hand.

The success of the Workshop was summed up by Bob Bansback, IMS Economics Committee Chair, who conducted the event. “The Workshop proved to be a great success for the participants in two ways,” says Bob. “In the discussion on major topics, we were able to take new insights home to our industries on a whole range of issues; and during the opportunities for relaxation with other delegates, many new friendships and contacts were made. In addition, we were able to enjoy the unforgettable experience of the Calgary Stampede!”

For more information on the International Meat Secretariat and future workshops visit www.meat-ims.org

Lotte elsgaard is a freelance writer in Calgary with over 15 years’ experience in agriculture technical and marketing material development and publishing. Lotte can be contacted at [email protected]

T H E P R O F I L E 2 0 1 2 9

The Canadian Pacific Railway, recognizing that the individual livestock breeders had taken a lead in genetic improvement, dispersed all of their herds in 1943 and 1944.

Another large herd of Holsteins owned by the Hays family of Calgary became equally as famous as the CPR herd had been. Hays Holsteins registered a total of 840 Holstein bulls in the 40-year period between 1918 and 1958 that were sold primarily in the Prairie Provinces, but also to many regions of Canada and the United States of America. A recent calculation of genetic origins of the Holstein breed in North America showed 95 per cent of all Holsteins trace to a Hays bull. Both Strathmore (CPR) and Hays showed their cattle at the Calgary Stampede Dairy Show for more than 30 years.

Early in the 1940s, artificial insemination (AI) was introduced in Canada. In 1943, Olds College, in co-operation with the Alberta Holstein Breeders Association and the Government of Alberta, opened an AI Centre at the College. Bulls were both leased from prominent Alberta breeders such as Hays Farms of Calgary and Hosfords of Edmonton, and purchased by the Government of Alberta. Fresh semen was distributed to technicians throughout the province who were employed by local AI co-operatives. This early AI Centre, operated as the Olds Livestock Breeding Club Ltd., focused primarily on Holstein dairy bulls. At that time, the purebred beef breed associations would not accept AI-sired calves for registration in their herd books. In 1956, the unit ceased operations as local AI co-ops who employed the AI technicians began to buy frozen semen from Ontario and British Columbia.

In 1965, a revolution occurred in the beef industry when Harry Hays, then Minister of Agriculture for Canada, authorized the establishment of a Maximum Quarantine Station to permit the importation of cattle from Europe. These would be the first importations of beef cattle to North America since 1905. The first group of Charolais were imported in 1966, followed by Simmental and Limousin in 1967 and 1968. Over the next seven years, many breeds were imported into Canada.

There was instant demand for frozen semen from these imported bulls. The majority of the bulls were located in Alberta and the other Prairie Provinces where no AI semen collection facilities had been opened. To meet the demand for these genetics, two new semen collection facilities — Prairie Breeders at Priddis, Alberta and Western Breeders Ltd. at Balzac, Alberta — began offering custom collection and semen marketing services. By 1974, there were seven semen-producing businesses operating in Alberta. The AI industry conducted training programs to teach more than 3,000 breeders and ranchers to inseminate their own cows in the 1970s.

This was a tremendous growth period in the use of AI in beef cattle and is historically referred to as the ‘exotic breeds boom.’ The established beef breeds known as the British breeds soon adopted AI and became a major part of the beef AI industry. The beef economy experienced a downturn in 1975 and only Western Breeders — now Alta Genetics Inc. — of the original seven facilities is still in operation today. Alta Genetics has become one of the largest AI companies in the world exporting semen to more than 60 countries.

embryo transfer multiplies the genetic impact of the best cows PhoTo: Alta Genetics 1989


In 1971, an exciting new technology was introduced to Alberta and the world: embryo transfer (ET). Alberta Livestock Transplant Ltd. of Calgary was the first commercial embryo transfer company in the world. The ET technology rapidly improved and by 1983, non-surgical methods of harvesting and implanting embryos had been achieved and embryos had been successfully frozen. The ability to freeze embryos produced a world export opportunity for Alberta beef and dairy breeders. As an example, more than 15,000 embryos were exported to Australia and Russia alone in the 1980s. Many transplant firms were established during the 1970s and 1980s.

The international demand for Canadian breeding stock is driven by the genetic quality and the healthy condition of Canadian cattle. The dairy and beef breeds have performance recording and evaluation systems as well as sophisticated genetic evaluation programs that document quality. This allows foreign buyers to have complete confidence in Canadian cattle.

Genomics is the latest technology to be introduced to livestock breeding. It is in the early adoption stage, but is already used

to select dairy and beef cattle for breeding purposes. Genome Alberta, who is a partner in Genomic Canada, has many research projects underway in the field of DNA analysis. Of particular interest to the livestock genetic industry is the DNA analysis of young animals for economically important traits. It is now possible to know the relative genetic value of young animals with high reliability, speeding up genetic improvement.

Livestock genetic improvement in Alberta has a long history of continuous improvement and innovation. The Alberta industry has been responsive and often the leader in Canada and the world introducing and improving new technologies. The scale and expertise in the many facets of livestock genetic improvements in Alberta bodes well for the future.

Douglas G. Blair is a member of the International Agriculture committee and is a co-founder of Western Breeders/Alta Genetics and served as CEO for 35 years. He is an inductee in the Canadian Agriculture Hall of Fame and may be reached at [email protected]

Semen and embryos on their way to Brazil and Argentina 1987

On left Jaimie Ellehoi of Semaltex/Western Breeders

Holstein bull calf presented to Vice Premier of China Gordon Delair evaluating semen for freezing at Western Breeders

T H E P R O F I L E 2 0 1 2 11


The Cattle Trail begins with live animals and the people that raise them. Visitors are able to ask questions and learn about the high-quality genetics that help create a healthy animal with strong yield. Moving along the Cattle Trail, visitors learn about traceability tools, like ear tags, that play an integral role in herd health and food safety. The Cattle Trail allows for visitors to interact, ask questions, see, touch and feel some of the industry technology that ensures they get delicious, nutritious and safe beef in local stores and restaurants.

The Background

Early in 2010, Donna Smith, a seedstock producer from Olds, Alberta, and long-serving member of the Calgary Stampede Beef Cattle committee, suggested that it would be a great advantage to have visitors to the Calgary Stampede understand and “see with their own eyes” the way in which an animal moves through the production cycle from the pasture to the consumer’s plate. It is an idea that The Calgary Stampede embraced and in 2011, the inaugural Cattle Trail was presented.

“I felt the easiest way for the general public to understand the process would be to take it from pasture to plate… and the Calgary Stampede totally endorsed it, ran with it, and broadened it far beyond my expectations,” says Donna.

The Exhibit

Alberta beef cattle herds account for 39 per cent of the Canadian population and the 10-day festival provides an excellent opportunity to showcase this very complex and essential industry. Throughout the Cattle Trail Exhibit — hosted in the agricultural complex on Stampede Park — the entire production cycle from pasture, cow/calf production, herd management, genomics and genetics, veterinary care, auction marts, feedlots, transportation, through to the butcher’s shop is on display in an interactive and educational presentation. Industry experts are involved at each ‘stop’ along the trail to explain the process of the production cycle — including land/water resource management, the science of beef cattle selection, record keeping and traceability at auction marts and consumer trends in the types and cuts of beef.

The cATTle TrAIl exhIbIT debuTed AT The 2011 cAlGAry sTAmPede. The exhIbIT

Tells The “GATe To PlATe” sTory oF AlberTA beeF. b y s h A n n o n h A n e y

new Agriculture exhibit Wows Visitors


T H E P R O F I L E 2 0 1 2 13

In addition to providing an exceptional educational resource for the consumers of Alberta meat products, the Cattle Trail allows the opportunity for local business and producers to showcase their livestock and livestock products. Completely interactive, the Cattle Trail allows visitors of all ages to engage in the learning process — children are encouraged to take home seed packs of wildflowers, a herd record book, an ear tag with their name on it and much more. With a live animal display that tells the agriculture story and can educate both rural and urban visitors, the focus on animal welfare, food safety, natural product and resource management, and continuous improvement of health and nutrition for animals and consumers are the key messages to visitors.

As with any initiative and undertaking of this magnitude, the investment and support of the Alberta Livestock and Meat Agency (ALMA), and other industry partners helped take the Cattle Trail from concept to reality. The Cattle Trail aligns with ALMA’s priority to educate consumers about Alberta beef

and beef production. ALMA works with industry partners, including the Calgary Stampede, on initiatives that help Alberta’s meat and livestock industry become more competitive and sustainable. ALMA is proud to partner with the Calgary Stampede on their Cattle Trail display.

According to ALMA, “We think Alberta beef is the best and know local and international consumers expect the best for their families. Alberta beef delivers.” ALMA’s strategic investment of more than $211,000 helped design and create the interactive displays that help visitors better understand the cattle industry.

Be sure to stop at the Cattle Trail during your visit to the 2012 Calgary Stampede — we look forward to seeing you there!

Shannon haney has been volunteering with the Calgary Stampede for over 10 years, and promises all visitors it will be “an experience of their lifetime!” This sentiment has been true for every person she has had opportunity to host. Please contact Shannon at [email protected]

The man behind The cameraThe InTernATIonAl AGrIculTure commITTee losT A recenTly reTIred VolunTeer In 2011. VIsITors To The InTernATIonAl room oVer The yeArs WIll remember The quIeT GenTlemAn Who WAs rArely Found WIThouT A cAmerA In hIs hAnds. by n o r m A d u n n

WAlT broWArny...

Over the past five decades, at any livestock show the question, “Has anyone seen Walt?” always meant that someone was looking for Walt Browarny, the world-famous livestock photographer from Calgary, Alberta. His premature passing will leave a noticeable void in show rings of the future.

Walt’s career plan was sidetracked when he originally applied for a job at Imperial Oil’s Technical Research lab 1960s. The position was not yet available, so to compensate in the meantime, he was offered the opportunity to work in the photo lab. He never did leave photography.

Having been given many opportunities to take livestock pictures for executives of his company, Walt made a decision to study livestock photography very seriously. In 1966, as a freelance photographer, he won the Canadian Press Award for a photo of a boy being bucked off a pony in the Little Britches Rodeo and the rest is history.

Walt accomplished the best techniques by studying the type of animal and recognizing its best features in order to “bring them forward” in the photograph. Walt’s long-time friend Ted Pritchett said that Walt became the creator of untouched livestock photography thus making him the originator of the Browarny style in the industry.

Ted also indicated that Walt could have been a professional football or hockey player or a top photographer in the competitive industrial field but chose livestock photography for which he would become recognized around the world.



Even in its early days, the Kotelko family’s farm was fairly progressive. A 1983 decision to buy calves to add value to the family grain farm turned out to be one of the wisest business decisions the Kotelko family ever made. Bern Kotelko decided to purchase 50 Angus and 50 Hereford calves in an attempt to add value to the farm. That decision resulted in Highland Feeders, the 35,000 head capacity feed yard and cattle ranch that Bern runs today with his brother Mike.

Highland Feeders is one of three companies that evolved from the Kotelko family grain farm. Mike heads up Growing Power, Canada’s first integrated biorefinery, which converts manure into bio gas energy and odorless bio fertilizer. Bern’s son Peter is the head engineer. Growing Power not only produces enough power to sustain the ranch operations, they produce a surplus of energy that powers more than 3,000 homes. The

sustainable, Traceable beefThe koTelko FAmIly WAnTed To Add VAlue To TheIr FAmIly GrAIn FArm neAr VeGreVIlle, AlberTA. They hAVe creATed An enVIronmenTAlly susTAInAble oPerATIon, A brAnded beeF

ProGrAm, And mosT ImPorTAnTly, A ProFITAble enTerPrIse. by T I n A Z A koW s k y

Spring Creek Ranch:

third company that the Kotelko family operates is Spring Creek Ranch, a hormone- and antibiotic-free Angus beef program.

Twelve years ago, the family saw consumer demand for natural, traceable beef and began working with producers and the Canadian Food Inspection Agency to meet that demand. When Bern’s daughter Kirstin graduated from university in 2006, her father handed her the responsibility of marketing and distributing the family’s branded beef product to the consumer marketplace.

Kirstin worked with producers raising Angus cattle, knowing that superior quality was just as important to consumers as beef raised without hormones and antibiotics. There is consumer demand for Angus beef, and Spring Creek Ranch saw production benefits as well. For example, the increased AAA grading provided by the Angus cattle allowed Spring

“A man who will go anywhere, anytime, and come up with the finest quality that the combination of human talent, metal and glass mechanism, living creatures and weather can produce,” Ted said about Walt in 1976.

Walt was a master of time management as his clients depended on his ability to have the finished product delivered quickly in order to meet their press deadlines. Walt’s gracious off-camera personality made him a very popular ambassador for the livestock industry wherever he travelled.

Walt’s experience also took him to the Calgary Zoological Society to not only become the official photographer but also an Associate Director. He accumulated the largest zoological bank of photographs in Canada as well as livestock photos.

His work has been featured in Reader’s Digest and on a book jacket produced in Germany, in addition to many recognitions from clients and breed associations around the world.

Browarny’s photograhic success came through total family involvement. Walt was no doubt the mastermind behind the

camera, but he could not accomplish all that he achieved without the devotion of his entire family, namely his wife Marie and his children, Allan and Shannon.

Walt’s legend will live on as Allan and Shannon have evolved the Browarny Photography success and continue to be the premier photographers at livestock shows and have taken the business online at www.ShowChampions.com

Allan is also a member of the Calgary Stampede International Agriculture committee as his dad was for many years.

norma Dunn is is a member of the Calgary Stampede International Agriculture committee and on the Profile Team. She has worked independently in communications and promotions for 30 years in all aspects of Alberta livestock. now retired in okotoks, she refers to herself as having spent “A Lifetime in Agriculture” yet still playing an active volunteer role. She can be reached at [email protected]

T H E P R O F I L E 2 0 1 2 15

The partnership will allow for expansion of the fresh product offerings to Canadian consumers.

Kirstin notes that they have also been fortunate to work with Calgary Stampede Executive Chef Derek Dale from the launch of their branded beef program. Kirstin was familiar with Derek’s philosophy of buying and serving local product before Spring Creek launched their beef program. The Calgary Stampede ended up becoming one of Spring Creek’s first customers. Spring Creek Angus beef is featured on Calgary Stampede menus at various functions throughout the year. Spring Creek also supplies the beef for beef on a bun sold at the grandstand concessions. “It’s very exciting to be able to tell customers that our beef is being served at the Stampede,” says Kirstin.

Spring Creek is also proud to be a family operation. Bern’s wife Donna is involved in all three companies. Over the years, she has worked closely with Bern on procurement and producer relations. She has also helped Kirstin with marketing, visiting chefs, hosting dinners at the ranch and pitching in wherever needed.

While Spring Creek Ranch is enjoying success, they continue to plan for expansion and even more success. “My hope for Spring Creek Ranch,” says Kirstin, “is that it encourages the next generation to consider entering agriculture or taking over the family farm.” She is very proud of the work that Spring Creek Ranch has done to provide a different option for producers to market cattle.

For more information, including locations to purchase Spring Creek Angus beef, visit http://springcreek.ca

Tina Zakowsky (née Schwartzenberger) is a member of the International Agriculture committee and editor of the Profile. She is currently on maternity leave from her job at the Canadian Angus Association. She may be reached at [email protected]

Creek Ranch to target high-end retailers and restaurants. Angus cattle also offered a more consistent carcass weight and required fewer days on feed, resulting in decreased costs.

These advantages have been especially important in allowing the Spring Creek Angus beef program to grow. It is challenging for hormone- and antibiotic-free beef to compete with commodity beef for consumer dollars. For that reason, says Bern, Spring Creek targets discerning consumes who are looking for a higher quality product and who are willing to pay more for it.

The company has rigorous protocols that include Angus genetics, dietary restrictions, accountability and traceability and that prohibit the use of feed additives and supplementary hormones. The Kotelkos have a good network of producers and have no problem finding cattle that adhere to the protocols. “Producers are more technologically savvy,” explains Kirstin. “They’re keeping better records and there is a shift in their mentality. They’re seeing that it’s not so hard to keep records and that the extra effort and return is profitable for them.”

Spring Creek Ranch has recently partnered with XL Lakeside, a Canadian packing plant, to expand their beef program. The partnership will allow Spring Creek to grow their producer network, make more products available to Canadian consumers and will allow for some international expansion to locations such as China. They predict that their output will quadruple in 2012. Currently, fresh and frozen Spring Creek Angus Beef can be found in Canada Safeway stores and frozen beef products can be found in Co-op, Sobeys and Save-On-Foods stores across Western Canada. A number of Alberta restaurants also carry Spring Creek Angus beef.

PhoTo: courtesy of kotelko family


T H E P R O F I L E 2 0 1 2 17

Celebrating our CentennialThe FIrsT cAlGAry sTAmPede WAs held In 1912. Guy WeAdIck

orGAnIZed IT As A TrIbuTe To WesTern herITAGe And VAlues.

oVer The lAsT 100 yeArs, The sTAmPede hAs sTAyed True To

ThAT mAndATe. by TInA ZAkoWsky

PhoTo: Jack de lorme photo


For 10 days every July, the city of Calgary transforms into a tribute to the Wild West era. Downtown lawyers and chief executive officers of multinational corporations trade their business suits for blue jeans and cowboy boots. Companies decorate their office buildings and retail locations with corral fence boards and straw bales. Country music can be heard on nearly every corner. Locals and tourists gather for free pancakes and coffee. Calgarians and visitors alike embrace the Stampede spirit and celebrate our western heritage and values. After 100 years, there is no end in sight for this amazing festival with humble roots.

Before there was a Calgary Stampede, there was a Calgary Exhibition. The Calgary and District Agricultural Society organized an exhibition that was held in October 1886. In 1889, the Calgary and District Agricultural Society acquired 94 acres of land from the Dominion of Canada and built a race track, cattle sheds and an exhibition building. This land remains the site of Stampede Park today.

The Calgary Exhibition remained a modest annual event. Then in 1908, a cowboy named Guy Weadick performed in the exhibition as a trick roper. He was also a skilled promoter who wanted to create a tribute show to the Wild West. It took him four years, but he arranged $100,000 in financing from a group of influential ranchers and businessmen who came to be known as the Big Four: George Lane, Patrick Burns, A. J. McLean and A. E. Cross. With their financial support, the first Calgary Stampede took place from September 2 – 7, 1912.

The event was a success. Guy arranged for 400 head of Mexican steers and as many wild horses as he could find to be brought to the Stampede grounds from nearby ranches. The funding provided by the Big Four meant $20,000 in prize money drew top rodeo competitors from across North America as it was nearly quadruple the prize money offered at any other North American rodeo competition. Nearly 2,000 First Nations people participated in the parade, which was attended by an estimated 80,000 people — an astonishing number because Calgary’s population

T H E P R O F I L E 2 0 1 2 19

at the time was just over 60,000 people. The Duke of Connaught and Princess Patricia watched the Stampede from a viewing box built especially for the Royal guests.

Tom Three Persons of the Kainai First Nation won the saddle bronc championship, the most coveted prize, for riding a horse named Cyclone to a standstill. The rodeo events at the first Stampede were much different than today’s Stampede Rodeo. For example, there were no chutes. In the bucking bronco event, horses were blindfolded. The last cowboy or cowgirl who remained on horseback was declared the winner.

Most of the major events offered a first prize of $1,000, a saddle and a gold belt buckle. Guy encouraged people to dress western throughout the Stampede and offered cash prizes for the best dressed cowboys, cowgirls, Indians and even store fronts.

Despite the success, the Stampede was not held again until 1919. That year’s event was a “Great Victory Stampede” celebrating the end of the war.

Guy convinced working ranches to enter their authentic chuckwagons and roundup crews into the first Rangeland Derby in 1923. The winner was the first team to round a figure-8 track and light a fire in his stove. Prizes totalled $275. Bill Sommers, a stagecoach driver from the Yukon, won the first Rangeland Derby.

In 1923, the Stampede was held in conjunction with the Calgary Exhibition. The combined event was such a success, it has been held every July since then.

The first Stampede breakfast was also held in 1923. A chuckwagon driver named “Wildhorse Jack” Morton camped at the Canadian Pacific Railway station in downtown Calgary. Jack cooked his breakfast pancakes on a stove in the back of his chuckwagon and shared them with his friends. He began inviting people who were passing by to join them, giving birth to a Calgary Stampede tradition. Pancake breakfasts are held every day at various locations throughout the 10-day festival and are as integral to the Stampede as the parade, cowboy hats and calf roping.


The first Calgary Stampede Queen, Patsy Rodgers, was appointed in 1946. In 1947 a contest was held adding a princess to the Stampede Royalty, and in 1948 a second princess was added. The tradition of the Calgary Stampede Queen and Princesses continues today.

1946 also saw the debut of an internationally recognized symbol of the Calgary Stampede — the white cowboy hat. The Herron ranching/oil family wore the first white felt hats made by Smithbilt that year. In 1949, Mayor Don Mackay donned a white Smithbilt hat on a mission to promote Calgary and began handing out the white hat to visiting dignitaries. The white cowboy hat has become such a symbol of Calgary that white cowboy hats are often presented to visiting dignitaries and celebrities as a welcoming gift to Calgary.

Guy Weadick’s last appearance at the Stampede was in the parade in 1952, one year before he died. He was inducted into the Canadian Rodeo Hall of Fame in 1982.

The 1970s saw several significant developments for the Stampede. The Calgary Stampede Showband led the Stampede parade for the first time in 1971. In 1976, attendance broke one million people for the first time. This attendance threshold has been met or exceeded at every Stampede since 1985. 1979 saw the first chuckwagon canvas auction, where businesses bid for advertisement space on the chuckwagon canvasses.

The Stampede announced the “half million dollar rodeo” in 1982. Each main rodeo event competitor vied for a $50,000 prize in the showdown, at the time the richest prize ever offered in the history of the sport. Today’s Stampede Rodeo is still among the world’s richest rodeos, offering over $2 million dollars in prize money.

Guy created a template for the Stampede. His vision was to have the city and First Nations people involved, to have good international ties, to invite celebrities, to have a good volunteer program, and of course, to have the ideal location. This template has been followed for 100 years.

The Calgary Stampede is a non-profit organization with approximately 350 full-time staff members, 3,500 Stampede-time staff and 2,100 volunteers on 47 committees who dedicate themselves to making sure that The Greatest Outdoor Show on Earth lives up to its name. After 100 years of changes and improvements, the Calgary Stampede shows no signs of slowing down. Staff, volunteers, Calgarians and visitors are all looking forward to seeing what the next 100 years will bring to The Greatest Outdoor Show on Earth.

Tina Zakowsky (née Schwartzenberger) is a member of the International Agriculture committee and editor of the Profile. She is currently on maternity leave from her job at the Canadian Angus Association. She may be reached at [email protected]

The Big Four

In 1912, Guy Weadick convinced four wealthy

citizens to provide funding to establish the Calgary

Stampede, a tribute to the west and our cowboy

heritage. The four citizens who funded Guy’s dream

were George Lane, Patrick Burns, A. J. McLean and

A. E. Cross.

George lane and his partners purchased the bar u ranch. George was an excellent cowboy and a leader. he achieved international recognition as a centre of breeding excellence for cattle and purebred Percheron horses between 1902 and 1925. his world-class Percherons were bred to meet the demand for draught horses by homestead settlers.

Patrick burns enjoyed success in the ranching and meat packing industries. The P. burns and co. ltd. meat packing company was established in calgary in 1890. It became one of the largest businesses of its kind in the world, with branches in london, liverpool and yokohama. Patrick also worked as a cattle buyer. he owned large amounts of land which he used to raise cattle.

Archie (A. J.) mclean came to Alberta in 1886 to work with cattle. In 1887, he became manager of the cy ranch of the cypress cattle company near the southern Alberta town of Taber. he established his own company to ship cattle to the british Isles.

Alfred ernest (A. e.) cross came to calgary from ontario in 1884 as a veterinarian and assistant manager of the british-American horse ranch co. In 1885 he started his own ranch, the A7 near the southern Alberta town of nanton, thereby becoming one of the West’s most prominent cattlemen. The A7 is still owned by the cross family and remains one of the largest ranches in the West. In 1892, Alfred founded the calgary brewing and malting co.

All four of these men were also involved in politics. A. e. cross, George lane and (A. J.) mclean were elected members of the legislative Assembly of Alberta and Patrick burns was appointed to the senate of canada. They were respected businessmen and great leaders.

T H E P R O F I L E 2 0 1 2 21

More Than 100 Years of Trophies

The InTernATIonAl room FeATures mAny TroPhIes. VIsITors enJoy

lookInG AT Them buT FeW knoW The hIsTory behInd These symbols oF

AchIeVemenT. by To d d k I m b e r l e y

It is the picture of opulence, a veritable symbol of Western Canadian ranching royalty. Standing nearly three feet tall, and weighing upwards of 40 pounds, the Austin Trophy seems more emblematic of a century-old sporting competition than its true purpose —the annual prize for the best Hereford at the Calgary Bull Sale.

But this magnificent silver mug, presented by Leonard P. Lord of Herefordshire, England, and first won by Warren Smith of Olds, Alberta, back in 1952, is probably worth more to the regional ranching community than the Stanley Cup, the Grey Cup, and the Brier Tankard all rolled into one.

“If you look closely at the names engraved on the Austin Trophy as a snapshot of our industry, you’re talking about progressive leaders for their time. It’s really a who’s who

of the beef cattle industry in Western Canada,” says Mabel Hamilton, the president of the Alberta Cattle Breeders Association, which operates the Calgary Bull Sale.

The Austin Trophy is but one thread making up the rich tapestry of agricultural achievement at the Calgary Stampede, which marks its centennial celebrations in 2012.

Take a stroll through the International Room on the second floor of the Agriculture Building, and you’ll see shelves upon shelves laden with trophies, plaques, sculptures, bowls, cups, and bronzes commemorating achievement, perseverance, and dedication in the agricultural arena.

The International Room contains an estimated 70 pieces of hardware that are still handed out annually at The Greatest Outdoor Show on Earth — commemorating

PhoTo: Todd kimberley


everything from bulls to heavy horses to dairy cattle to sheep to waterfowl. The Stampede’s archives department also has about 30 out-of-circulation trophies for competitions that are no longer held.

The majority of these trophies are handed out every spring at the Calgary Bull Sale — the world’s oldest continuous consignment bull sale, dating back to 1901.

Prime examples include a pair of Alberta Aberdeen Angus Association Trophies — one for the Best Group of Three Aberdeen Angus Bulls, one for the Best Pair of Aberdeen Angus Bulls — which were both won for the first time in 1952 by Roy Ballhorn.

The Sir William Rootes Cup, presented to the owner of the Grand Champion Aberdeen Angus, first changed hands in 1957. Flint and Flint, the first winners, have been continuous consignors at the Calgary Bull Sale ever since.

The Alberta Angus Breeders McBride Trophy may not be all that old, with a 1998 introduction, but it’s surrounded by history. Lillian McBride, the matriarch of the McBride family, is 100 years old, and Belvin Angus, which has won the trophy six times, has been a Calgary Bull Sale consignor for four generations.

A good number of the trophies in the International Room are dedicated to the magnificent beasts of the heavy horse industry. There’s the Starlight Koncarness Perpetual Trophy established by the Alberta Percheron Club in 1970, the George E. Church Memorial for the Champion Percheron Team, the Keith Crawford Memorial for 3-Year-Old Percheron Mare, and the Earl F. James Memorial/Crystal J Percherons Trophy for Champion Team of Purebred Mares.

A heavy horse show has been part of Calgary’s agricultural fair since 1886, from the Calgary and District Agricultural Society fair to the Inter-Western Pacific Exposition Company agricultural and industrial fair to the Dominion Exhibition to the Calgary Industrial Exhibition to the Stampede.

“Historically, the Stampede has been the leading draft horse show in Western Canada, and Alberta has long been a centre for producing some of the best draft horses in North America,” says Bruce Roy, a heavy horse historian who’s been a Stampede volunteer since 1959.

“George Lane, who was one of the Big Four (the Stampede’s founders), operated the Bar U Ranch (now a national historic site) south of Longview. The Bar U Ranch was the largest purebred Percheron operation ever seen in the world, and Lane was a great exhibitor at the Stampede, and the Calgary Industrial Exhibition, throughout his lifetime,” he adds.

“And Pat Burns, another of the Big Four, was a great supporter of the Clydesdale breed. The two breeds became great rivals, since these two men were great rivals in the show ring.

“I’ve never been able to verify this,” adds Bruce, “but the old-timers have told me that the very first chuckwagon races were true chuckwagons, ranch-style, and the horses that drew them, were Clyde/Clyde crosses from Burns and Percheron/Percheron crosses from Lane.”

The dairy industry, too, has a special place in Stampede lore. While the Stampede’s Dairy Classic is now held in the spring, it too has continuous roots back to 1886 when it was first established at the Calgary and District Agricultural Society agfest.

Still in circulation are such prizes as the George R. Longeway Memorial Trophy for Grand Champion Female Ayrshire, and the Francis Wright Memorial Trophy for Holstein Best Udder.

“People look to the Dairy Classic as the top show in Western Canada,” says Debbie Lee, who chairs the Stampede’s Dairy Classic Championship Show committee. “It’s definitely become a tradition.”

The woolly ruminants are also worth their weight in silver, bronze and lacquered wood in the International Room.

The J.L. Quance Memorial Trophy, for the Best 5 Hampshire Rams, dates back to 1951, when it was won by Dave Lewis. The Birks Trophy for Best Flock: Suffolk, Hampshire, and Southdown Sheep was first hoisted in 1952 by C.H. Borwick of Drumheller, Alberta, while the Robert W. Hall Memorial Trophy, for Best 5 Suffolk Rams, was originally captured in 1951 by P.J. Rock and Son.

“There have been sheep at the Stampede, in some capacity, since its inception. Back in the days when the Stampede started as an ag exhibition, more or less, every farm had a little bit of everything,” notes Pam Barker, longtime volunteer with the Stampede’s sheep committee. “Some of the big cattle ranches also had big sheep flocks, so there’s always been sheep at the Stampede in the same way as there has always been horses and cattle.”

The Stampede is basking in some well-earned glory this year, 100 years after Guy Weadick organized the very first edition as a way of preserving the Western values that he thought were already fading into the Alberta sunset.

Visitors are invited to peruse the trophies in the International Room throughout the Stampede.

T H E P R O F I L E 2 0 1 2 23

Celebrating 100 YearsThe Calgary Stampede marks its centennial in 2012, and the message The Greatest Outdoor Show on Earth is sending out to the city, the province, the country and the world is: We’re Greatest Together!

“The focus of the Centennial has always been on the Stampede looking outward to the community, versus looking inward and having our own celebration,” says Laura Babin, the Stampede’s Centennial Strategist. “The history is important — looking back and paying tribute — but so is looking forward and seeing what the Stampede looks like in the years ahead.”

The Stampede will celebrate five main themes as it prepares for its Centennial: create, dress, ride, dine and dance.

The first is Create — after all, the Stampede is a creation built on the energy and vision that built Calgary and Alberta.

Not long after the founding of the city of Calgary, an agricultural society was formed to promote the settlement and development of a land filled with potential. The first Calgary Exhibition was held in 1886. In 1908 the annual exhibition was honoured as Canada’s Dominion Exhibition. One of the attractions at the very successful event was a Wild West show that counted among its attractions a trick roping cowboy named Guy Weadick.

Something about Calgary inspired Guy and set his showman’s imagination to work. Guy’s vision was for a celebration of the frontier. In 1912, Guy returned to the city and found backing from the “Big Four” — prominent businessmen who could see the vision and were prepared to back it with their own resources. The only qualification placed on their sponsorship by George Lane, A. E. Cross, Patrick Burns and A. J. McLean was that both visitors and participants receive “a square deal”. The not-for-profit organization that operates today’s Stampede still keeps that guideline in mind.

A new initiative created for the Stampede’s Centennial is the My Stampede program that encourages visitors to share their past Stampede experience on a space reserved on the Stampede’s website. “Videos, photos, poems,” enthuses Laura. “Everybody’s Stampede is different, but it has been interesting to see the wonderful pictures and stories. Some amazing moments are being shared.”


Another Centennial theme is Dress, and it would be hard to talk about Stampede dress without thinking of a white hat. Created for the Herron family to wear in the 1947 Stampede Parade, the white hat became the symbol of the enthusiastic crowd of the Calgary Stampeders football team supporters who went to Toronto for the 1948 Grey Cup. Before long, being “white-hatted” was part of the city’s greeting ceremony for VIPs — Prince Philip got his first one in 1951 — and even the city’s flag has a white hat on it.

Ride is another Centennial theme — and a pretty obvious one. The Greatest Outdoor Show on Earth is one of the world’s great celebrations of the horse culture of the western plains. The original inhabitants had notable horse skills, and among the first Europeans to come and settle where the Bow River meets the Elbow River were a detachment of Royal Canadian Mounted Police. The cattle ranching culture was next, bringing with it the heroic figure of the cowboy on horseback. All of these elements — First Nations, Mounties and cowboys — are, and always have been, mainstay features of the Stampede.

The Stampede could even be said to owe its location to a horse — specifically, the horse that threw Canada’s Deputy Minister of the Interior while he was touring the Calgary area in 1884. The man from Ottawa was taken to the home of Major James Walker to recover from a broken collarbone. Major Walker was one of the leading proponents of the idea of an agricultural exhibition for Calgary and likely mentioned this interest to his guest on occasion. The Major thought a piece of land in a bend of the Elbow River, although it was a fair way out of town, would make an excellent exhibition ground. Perhaps the Deputy Minister was convinced, perhaps he was just grateful, but the area that is now Stampede Park was duly purchased by the Calgary Agricultural Society with the stipulation that it would always be reserved for exhibitions.

When they were out on the range, cowboys ate at a mobile kitchen called a chuckwagon. Occasionally, overcome by the competitive atmosphere of a rodeo, informal races were held. For the 1923 Stampede, Guy, now the manager of the combined annual Exhibition and Stampede, decided to formalize the contest and organized the predecessor of today’s Rangeland Derby.

That wasn’t the only Stampede tradition started by the chuckwagons. One of the outfits in attendance for that first race took their rig downtown and cooked breakfast for the public. For years afterwards, this was a common practice among the wagon racers.

Another Centennial theme is Dine, and the myriad of Stampede Breakfasts hosted by community and social groups, businesses and politicians during Stampede week is a vital part of the spirit of fun that makes the Calgary Stampede such a great party.

The final Centennial theme is Dance. Certainly there are lots of dance images connected with the Stampede. Anyone who has seen the astonishing artistry and athleticism of a native hoop dancer is unlikely ever to forget it. A roomful of people in western dress always looks like a square dance is about to happen as soon as the fiddler gets there. Calgary’s rich mosaic of ethno-cultural groups offer a remarkable variety of dances. Really, though, dance is a theme because, well, that’s just what you do at a party! Come help us celebrate as We’re Greatest Together!

For more information, visit calgarystampede.com/mystampede or calgarystampede.com

Agriculture Centennial Celebration Zone

The Agriculture centennial celebration

Zone will be open daily throughout the

2012 calgary stampede in the Victoria

Pavilion. The Victoria Pavilion served as

the centre of the stampede’s agricultural

activities for decades. The Agriculture

centennial celebration Zone is open

to everyone and especially welcomes

back former volunteers, exhibitors,

participants, sponsors and champions

from a century’s worth of agricultural

competitions and exhibitions.

Throughout the 2012 stampede, the

Agriculture centennial celebration Zone

will feature engaging displays representing

various stampede agricultural activities,

including the World championship

blacksmiths competition, the heavy horse

Pull, the cutting horse competition,

draft horse Town, the World stock dog

championship and the north American

sheep shearing challenge, just to

name a few. These agricultural exhibits

will be showcased as part of a daily

rotating spotlight.

The Agriculture centennial celebration

Zone will provide a vibrant representation

of the stampede’s rich agricultural past,

with live animal exhibits, a speaker’s

corner, beautifully restored farm

equipment, volunteers dressed in period

attire, and more.

T H E P R O F I L E 2 0 1 2 25

World hereford conference legacy

A s c A l G A r y P r e P A r e s T o h o s T T h e 2 0 1 2 W o r l d h e r e F o r d

c o n F e r e n c e I n c A l G A r y I n J u l y , I T b r I n G s b A c k m e m o r I e s o F

T h e 7 T h W o r l d h e r e F o r d c o n F e r e n c e ( W h c ) T h A T c A n A d A

h A d T h e P r I V I l e G e o F h o s T I n G I n 1 9 7 6 . by n o r m A d u n n A n d P e r r y W I l k e s

The 1976 WHC was attended by delegates and observers from 18 member countries. Invitations were sent to an additional 34 countries, eight of which responded and sent representatives to the Conference. This milestone event introduced the world to Alberta’s outstanding beef cattle genetics.

The World Hereford Council was formed in July of 1951 in Hereford, England, when representatives from Great Britain, the United States, Canada, Argentina, Uruguay, South Africa, New Zealand and Ireland met to form this new governing body. At the 4th WHC held in Dublin, Ireland, in June of 1964, the aims of the Council were focused on maintaining the purity of the breed and spreading the genetic influence of the breed to developed and developing countries. Working closely with the United Nations Food and Agricultural Organization in developing countries, the World Hereford Council spearheaded a program to provide semen to large-

scale breeding programs to expedite the genetic improvement of domestic cattle.

Other issues dealt with by delegates attending the World Hereford Council meetings were related to the reciprocal recognition of pedigrees between member countries. These issues were soon resolved and as the technology and health protocols were developed, live cattle, semen and embryos were easily exchanged between member countries throughout the world.

Canada’s bid for the 7th World Hereford Conference was successful and that’s when the work started. Determined to stage a world-class event, the Canadian Hereford Association directors and manager, and the presidents and managers of the provincial associations, came together to start planning for 1976.


Local Ranching Family Celebrates the Calgary Stampede and the 2012 World Hereford Conference

By K e r r i e H a r v i e

it is with great enthusiasm and excitement that Canada welcomes the 2012 World Hereford Conference. Cattlemen from around the world will come to alberta, Canada in July 2012 to view Canadian Hereford genetics and have the opportunity to experience the Calgary Stampede Centennial celebrations.

The Harvie family, Hereford breeders from Central alberta, is very fortunate to host and partake in this great event. They plan on taking Hereford steers to the Calgary Stampede to participate in the UFa Steer Classic competition taking place on Saturday, July 14, where they will be competing for the Grand Champion Hereford Steer. if successful, they will be eligible for the Calgary Stampede Overall Champion, competing against all other breeds.

as the Harvies compete in the UFa Steer Classic, the other Hereford Conference guests will have the opportunity to experience the Calgary Stampede, taking in the rodeo, chuckwagon races and grandstand performance and many other exhibits on display.

as the Calgary Stampede comes to a close, the delegates will move north to the rural community of Olds, alberta, where the World Hereford Cattle show will take place on July 16 and 17. The World Hereford Conference will come to a close on July 18 with a rancher Day and a farewell barbecue dinner and closing ceremonies.

The Harvie family is excited to host international guests as they are proud Hereford ranchers and this will provide a once-in-a-lifetime platform to market their genetics to other Hereford breeders from around the world.

visit www.hereford.ca for all the World Hereford Conference details.

Kerrie Harvie, P.Ag. is a member of the International Agriculture committee. She is extremely passionate about the agriculture industry and embraces it in both her professional and personal life. Alongside her husband Scott Harvie, they live on a ranch near Olds, Alberta, raising top seedstock including Polled Herefords, Charolais and Simmental. She can be reached at [email protected]

Keep in mind that the planning was taking place before memory typewriters, fax machines and the Internet. Long-distance phone calls were expensive, especially overseas calls, and international travel was not as inexpensive and common as it is today. No less than 11 committees were established to address, plan and carry out all of the details related to every detail surrounding Conference events.

The Banff Springs Hotel was selected as the headquarters for the World Hereford Conference meetings. However, the beautiful setting in the Rocky Mountains which attracts tourists from all over the world was not to everyone’s liking. One committee member said “Why are we taking people up to Banff to look at a pile of rocks?”

I do not think there was anyone in attendance, including the person previously quoted, who did not agree that the Rocky Mountain site was an excellent choice.

Topics covered in 1976 included chromosome research being conducted in Australia, carcass evaluation, standardization of performance and progeny testing of bulls, and vaccines for cancer eye control. When the formal business and Council discussions wrapped up in Banff, it was off to Calgary for the World Hereford Conference show staged at The Greatest Outdoor Show on Earth, the Calgary Stampede.

The show was held in the 3,500 seat Corral at the Calgary Stampede. Canadian Hereford and Polled Hereford breeders brought the best they had and visitors enjoyed seeing over 600 head of Canada’s best Herefords. It was a great boost for Canadian breeders as several offshore breeders bought Canadian Genetics.

Norma Dunn, a member of the Canadian Hereford Association living in Calgary, was asked to take an active role in structuring of the women’s program. Norma’s involvement ended up covering a far broader range of activities than the women’s program, for which Duncan Porteous was forever grateful. Norma continues to contribute to the Calgary Stampede as a member of the International Agriculture committee.

The post-conference tours were well attended by overseas visitors and Canadian cattle producers. There were over 1,000 people in attendance at the field day held at B & H Herefords at Millet, Alberta. The tours of farms and ranches throughout Canada gave visitors the opportunity to meet and mingle with purebred and commercial cattle producers in a more relaxed atmosphere. The farm and ranch tours provided the opportunity for visitors, especially overseas visitors, to ask questions and become more familiar with Alberta’s outstanding beef cattle genetics.

Keith Jones, Vice-Chair of the International Agriculture committee, remembers the excitement and achievement of these tours. “We worked for six weeks to prepare Jones Hereford Ranches at Balzac to host our field day, and it was a tremendous business success. The 1976 conference, show and tours facilitated semen and embryo sales from Alberta to the United Kingdom, Australia, New Zealand, Uruguay and Sweden. In 1982, Don Anderson from Inverary Herefords in Australia bought the Australian semen rights to our Calgary Bull Sale Reserve Champion bull “85L”. Don was one of the Australians who first visited Canada during the 1976 World Hereford Conference, admired the quality of Canadian Hereford genetics, and went on to sell and use over a quarter million dollars worth of semen on “85L” in Australia.”

T H E P R O F I L E 2 0 1 2 27

distinguished honour for one of The calgary stampede’s owndr. dAVId chAlAck, PAsT PresIdenT And chAIr oF The cAlGAry sTAmPede, WAs InducTed

InTo The cAnAdIAn AGrIculTurAl hAll oF FAme For hIs conTrIbuTIons To The cAnAdIAn

AGrIculTure IndusTry. by s h A n n o n h A n e y

The Canadian Agricultural Hall of Fame honours and celebrates Canadians for outstanding contributions to the agriculture and food industry and publicizes the importance of their achievements to Canada. In 2011, Dr. Chalack joined the ranks of Canada’s most influential individuals when he was inducted into this prestigious institution. He is the youngest person to receive this honour.

Dr. Chalack’s contributions to the agriculture industry in Canada are substantial. A strong advocate and expert in livestock genetics, Dr. Chalack has had a significant impact on the development of and the investment within this industry in Canada. A veterinarian by profession, Dr. Chalack has proven his leadership and commitment to the agricultural industry through his involvement on many industry boards of directors including the Alberta Livestock and Meat Agency (ALMA), Alberta Ingenuity Centre for Livestock Genomics and the Advisory Board for the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA). Dr. Chalack is also the president of Rocky Mountain Holsteins Inc. and is the Canadian Sales and Marketing Director for Alta Genetics Inc.

Dr. Chalack served as President and Chairman of the Board of the Calgary Stampede in 2009 and 2010. He has been commended for his “greening” initiatives to make Stampede Park more environmentally friendly. He has also been commended for his vision and efforts toward transforming Stampede Park into a future year-round inner-city park destination for Calgarians.

The members of the Calgary Stampede International Agriculture committee wish to extend their congratulations to Dr. David Chalack on this most deserved achievement!


After spending so much time planning and executing all of the activities required to stage the last World Hereford Conference held in Canada, it was gratifying to everyone involved the positive impact the Conference had on the demand for Canadian Hereford genetics.

The world of communications has changed dramatically since 1976 with Google, Wikipedia, the Internet, webinars, websites, Twitter, Facebook, Linked In… the list goes on and on. Information is just a click away and covers just about everything a person would want.

The cattle business isn’t much different. Many breeders have purchased semen or embryos overseas through the personal recommendation of a friend or fellow breeder, or from a

picture on the Internet. They cannot wait to travel abroad to observe the bull or embryo donor of the genetics they have purchased.

norma Dunn is is a member of the Calgary Stampede International Agriculture committee and on the Profile Team. She has worked independently in communications and promotions for 30 years in all aspects of Alberta livestock. now retired in okotoks, she refers to herself as having spent “A Lifetime in Agriculture” yet still playing an active volunteer role. She can be reached at [email protected]

Perry Wilkes is the former executive Director of the Canadian hereford Association and a former partner in Western breeders Ltd. which became Alta Genetics Inc.

PhoTo: Tracy lamb, mopani communications


Canadian Program Honours Young Farmers Who Are Outstanding in Their FieldEACH FAll, lEAdErs FrOm CAnAdA’s AgriCulTurE indusTrY gATHEr TO HOnOur THE WinnErs FrOm THE CAnAdA’s OuTsTAnding YOung FArmErs’ PrOgrAm. THE PrOgrAm is An AnnuAl COmPETiTiOn THAT rECOgnizEs FArmErs THAT dEmOnsTrATE ExCEllEnCE in THE FiEld OF AgriCulTurE And COnTribuTE TO THE PrOmOTiOn OF THE indusTrY. bY J E n n n O r r i E

Local Farmers Honoured as Alberta’s 2011 Outstanding Young Farmers

matt and Tara sawyer were selected as Alberta’s Outstanding Young Farmers in 2011 to represent Alberta at the national Outstanding Young Farmers’ awards program.

The couple operate a mixed grain and beef operation at Acme, Alberta. matt began farming in 1993, renting 360 acres from his grandfather. They now farm 2,500 acres of a 4,500 acre operation of owned and rented land. Their focus is in grains and oilseeds with a small herd of 50 commercial black Angus influenced cattle, grazing on marginal land.

The sawyers have made progress and improvements to their operation through implementation of environmental stewardship initiatives, such as adopting no-tillage practices.

On the cattle side of their operation, they sell their calves to a small feedlot that allows them to monitor their performance and offer a traceable, branded beef product to consumers.

“The sawyers have found a terrific balance in their farm operation — building a productive operation with stewardship initiatives while working in time to actively participate and support their industry and community through volunteer work,” says derek Janzen, Western Vice-President of Canada’s Outstanding Young Farmers.

both matt and Tara are involved in their community with 4-H and their local Elks and Order of the royal Purple lodges. Tara volunteers at their children’s school and as a soccer coach. matt graduated from Olds College with a diploma in agricultural production and is the chairman of the Alberta barley Commission and serves as a director of the Western Canadian Wheat growers Association.

The sawyers operate their farm with their three children, ages 10, 8 and 6.

Further information on Alberta’s Outstanding Young Farmers’ Program can be found at www.oyfalberta.com

Canada’s Outstanding Young Farmers’ program is open to participants 18 – 39 years of age where the majority of their income is generated from on-farm sources. Participants are selected from seven regions across Canada. The seven regional winners go on to represent their respective regions at the National Awards Program, where they are recognized for their achievements and judged by a distinguished panel during oral interviews and a presentation on their farming operation using the following criteria:

• Progress made during their farming career

• Maximum utilization of soil, water and energy conservation practices

• Crop and livestock production history

• Financial and management practices

• Contributions to the well-being of the community, province and nation

Two of the seven honourees are chosen by the judges to be named Canada’s Outstanding Young Farmers.

2012 marks the thirty-second year of the Canada’s Outstanding Young Farmers’ Program. The National Event will be held in Charlottetown, PEI, from November 27 to December 2, 2012.

The program maintains its vitality through the continued support of its alumni members, national sponsorship by organizations such as CIBC, John Deere, Bayer CropScience and Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada and is supported by AdFarm and the Canadian Farm Business Management Council.

For more information on Canada’s Outstanding Young Farmers’ Program please visit www.oyfcanada.com.

Jenn Norrie is an agriculture enthusiast and loves to travel, whether it is around Alberta or around the world. She can be reached at [email protected]

T H E P R O F I L E 2 0 1 2 29

In recent years there has been a steady increase in lamb production across the province and now that consumers are demanding more, many producers are trying their hand in this lucrative industry.

A 2004 survey by Serecon Management Consulting Inc. forecasted that the demand for lamb in Canada would increase by 40 per cent by 2020, and that trend is already being exceeded.

With 50 per cent of lamb in Canada imported from Australia and New Zealand, at a time when these countries are suffering adverse weather conditions and increasing production costs, the result is a worldwide shortage of lamb. Alberta producers have recognized the world supply shortfall and are increasing domestic production to meet the Canadian demand for lamb.

Margaret Cook of the Alberta Lamb Producers (ALP) points out that it is not just new producers entering the market, but also beef and hog producers converting their operations to join the profitable lamb industry. The ALP is supporting this growth by increasing both the resources and tools for new and experienced producers alike, to encourage increased productivity and profitability.

“This market is continually expanding as consumers are actively seeking locally produced and sustainable products,” says Margaret. She also says that many consumers are buying lamb because they are looking for different experiences and are finding lamb to be a versatile, healthy red meat alternative. In particular, baby boomers and “foodies” are buying lamb on a regular basis, both to cook at home as well as ordering in restaurants. This increased demand is also supported by the traditional and religious preferences of the rising ethnic population in Canada.

Alberta lamb producer Shayne Horn, co-owner of Tangle Ridge Ranch near Thorsby, Alberta, also attributes lamb’s growing popularity to culinary trends and advancements. “We see people who have had negative experiences with eating what

they thought was lamb in the past. Most of the time, these folks had tried mutton and were turned off by the strong smell and taste. We have been able to convert a lot of people that were adamant they did not like lamb after they realized how mild and tender ours is,” he comments proudly.

Restaurants are also starting to offer more diverse lamb options, helping to expose different means of adding lamb to a meal outside of the typical chops. We are seeing unique and innovative dishes across Alberta as chefs create meals utilizing lamb in creative, delicious ways consumers thought impossible. These innovations are helping to shed a new light on local food and offer a local, fresh source of red meat.

When asked why he got into the lamb business, Shayne was quick to share, “We were encouraged to produce lamb because we have a small land base, which meant we needed to find small animals so that we could raise enough of them to be economical. We also did a lot of research into the profitability of ranching and realized that there was a lack of supply of Alberta lamb to satisfy the significant demand.” After significant research into the lucrative industry, Tangle Ridge Ranch was up and running. “We believe that if we take care of the land and water, it will take care of us. This is the principle we use every day to produce a lamb product that is not only delicious, but is sustainable for years to come,” he concludes.

With this steady growth over the years, producers have been forced to adapt their production practices to meet the increased demand. The ALP is promoting a business-focused approach to lamb production, encouraging producers to utilize good information to enable them to make sound management decisions for their operations. Alberta producers are leading the country in taking advantage of radio-frequency identification (RFID) technology to help them gather information to improve their management practices.

“Producers need to have good control of their costs and operate a profitable business,” says Margaret. Even the government recognizes this growing sector and the ALP has been working with them to provide producers with affordable access to working RFID systems to facilitate traceability and increase management benefits.

lamb:

Alberta’s other red meatAlberTA hAs AlWAys been knoWn As beeF counTry, buT WITh WorldWIde shorTAGes oF lAmb, AlberTA Producers Are sTePPInG uP To The PlATe To conTrIbuTe To The domesTIc demAnd For lAmb. by m e G A n o l e k s y n


Lamb Facts:

• As of July 1, 2011, the number of sheep on canadian farms increased 2.2% to 1.1 million head from the same date in 2010.

• Canada exported 3,000 lambs during the first half of 2011 after four years of virtually non-existent exports.

• New Zealand is the world’s largest lamb exporter, shipping 340,000 tonnes a year, 10 times more than its closest competitor.

• Lamb is meat from sheep under one year old; mutton is from sheep more than one year old.

• There is evidence that sheep were domesticated by 8900 bce in Iraq and romania. some of the oldest traditional recipes from Greece date back several thousand years.

source: statistics canada www.statcan.gc.ca/pub/23-011-x/23-011-x2011001-eng.pdf

Shayne agrees that the data that can be tracked with RFID technology is very beneficial to making management decisions on farm and applauds the new government funding assistance. “By offering funding for the equipment (which is expensive) it makes it affordable for the average lamb producer, and helps us to become more competitive,” he says.

And competitive they shall be. To help spread the word that Alberta lamb producers are becoming a force to be reckoned with, the Calgary Stampede Sheep Showcase returned in 2011. Featuring activities and events for everyone from consumers to international visitors to the many Alberta lamb producers who attended, the Sheep Showcase highlighted the diversity of the industry. The two-sided exhibit promoted all aspects of the lamb and sheep industries. One side displayed live animals and videos to teach visitors about animal husbandry and best management practices, while the other side was set up like a bistro café to demonstrate the diverse products while also allowing attendees to email recipes to themselves.

It appears that the pieces are all in place for lamb to take its place alongside beef in the Alberta red meat category. Consumer demand is increasing, producers are stepping up to the plate and an industry is eager to promote a versatile product — all the elements of success.

For more information on Alberta Lamb Producers, visit www.ablamb.ca

Megan oleksyn is the owner of southpaw communications, a strategic communications, PR, media and branding company that focuses on helping grassroots organizations and small or rural businesses. originally from a ranch in northern Saskatchewan, Megan is still a self-described agvocate and works educating consumers on food production and promoting local products. Contact her at [email protected]

PhoTo: courtesy of shayne horn

T H E P R O F I L E 2 0 1 2 31

E L A n C O: A comPAny WITh An eye on more ThAn The boTTom lIne. by TA n y A c u r r I e

Sponsor Profile:

Communities are built, in part, on the idea that individuals come together to reach common goals. On a smaller scale, sponsorship is also based on achieving common goals. This year’s sponsor profile sheds light on Elanco, one of the Calgary Stampede International Agricultural committee’s (IAC) valued sponsors.

With Elanco’s focus on positively influencing the beef industry and the IAC’s mission to “bring members from the world agricultural community together to share ideas, to facilitate business opportunities, and to foster friendship and cultural understanding,” sponsoring the IAC is a good fit. According to Brent Difley, Manager Business Development Canada/Latin America, by engaging with the IAC, Elanco “supports organizations that shape the future of the Canadian agriculture and livestock industry,” in which Elanco is invested.

From modest beginnings providing antibiotics to veterinarians, Elanco has grown over the last 50 years into an international company that researches and develops

agricultural and animal health products such as antibacterials, parasiticides, anticoccidials, productivity enhancers, feed additives, pet medicines, and food safety solutions to more than 75 countries.

Beyond the high-quality, safe products that Elanco brings to the world market, the company’s dedication to corporate citizenship might be its most admirable quality. One example of Elanco’s corporate citizenship is their support of Heifer International (www.heifer.org), which aids communities from developing countries in producing affordable food. Together with Heifer International’s help, 100,000 families will be lifted out of poverty in a sustainable manner.

Companies sponsor for a variety of reasons: to gain name recognition, get their message heard, or support organizations that hold similar beliefs, to name a few. According to Brent, Elanco partners with organizations that “represent our industry and will have an impact on the future of the Canadian Beef industry. The [IAC] is a great example of such an organization.”

PhoTo: courtesy of elanco


T H E P R O F I L E 2 0 1 2 33

IAC programs, such as hosting in the International Room, the International Agriculture Reception, the International Agriculture outreach booth in the Cattle Trail and publishing Profile magazine, allow Elanco to connect with industry partners, customers and stakeholders. Additionally, by sponsoring the IAC, Elanco has an international platform to positively influence decision makers in beef production, both in Alberta and Canada, and communicate their message to “apply safe, new and proven technologies to food production now and in the future.”

Elanco’s focus on research and development, corporate citizenship, and feeding the world highlights some of the reasons they are the feature sponsor of this year’s Profile magazine. Clearly, Elanco is a company whose vision includes more than just the bottom line.

For more information about Elanco’s many philanthropic efforts focused on world hunger, the human-animal bond, agricultural leadership, the environment and community service, visit www.elanco.com

Tanya Currie is a stay-at-home mom and aspiring freelance agricultural writer. Currently surrounded by the trappings of inner-city life, she feels most at home on the back of a fast horse out in the rural Alberta landscape of her youth. She can be contacted at [email protected]

A cAnAdIAn success sToryThe beAuTIFul yelloW-FloWered FIelds you see As you Fly InTo cAlGAry or drIVe ThrouGh souThern AlberTA durInG sTAmPede TIme Are A GreAT cAnAdIAn success sTory. The croP Is cAnolA, And From ITs seeds come one oF The World’s heAlThIesT Food oIls. cAnolA oIl’s heAlThy AdVAnTAGe hAs eArned cusTomers All oVer The World And mAde cAnolA A huGe conTrIbuTor To The cAnAdIAn economy. by J Ay W h e T T e r

C a n o l a :

Canola was developed in Western Canada in the late 1960s. Plant scientists used traditional plant breeding methods to remove erucic acid and glucosinolates from rapeseed and come up with a new crop that hit on two valuable needs for Prairie agriculture: a highly desirable food oil from a plant well adapted to our northern growing conditions. The name Canola comes from the words “Canadian oil, low acid”.

What makes canola oil healthier than other oils and fats? A few things, actually. Canola oil has 50 per cent lower saturated fat than both olive oil and soybean oil (most “vegetable oil” is soybean oil). Saturated fat raises the bad cholesterol in blood and has been linked to increased risk of coronary heart disease.

Canola oil also compares to olive oil in monounsaturated fat content, which may reduce the risk of coronary heart disease by lowering bad cholesterol in the blood and helping control blood glucose. Canola oil is high in omega-3 fat, which helps protect against heart attacks and strokes, and canola oil contains no trans fat.

“Canada’s summer climate — with its warm days and cool nights — is a key factor in producing canola’s healthy oil profile,” says Simone Demers Collins, market development and promotions coordinator with the Alberta Canola

Producers Commission. “Canola excels in temperate climates. It cannot achieve such low saturated fat levels when grown in areas that do not have warm days and cool nights.”

Canola meal, which is the high protein feed source left over after you squeeze out the oil, is an important feed ingredient for livestock producers. California is the top export destination for Canadian canola meal. Dairy producers in California, the largest milk-producing state in the U.S., use canola meal to boost milk output by one litre per cow per day compared to diets without canola meal. China is another large meal market where dairy producers are interested in this one-litre-per-cow-per-day benefit.

Canada exported $7.4 billion worth of canola oil, meal and seed in 2010 – 2011 and could exceed that total this year. The U.S. is the biggest market, with China, Japan and Mexico rounding out the top four. The domestic market is also important. Canola is the most popular food oil in Canada.

Overall, canola contributes over $15 billion to the Canadian economy each year. Canola generates more farm income than any other crop in the country, making it an important crop for Canada’s 43,000 canola growers. Canola also generates thousands of jobs in research, grain handling,


transportation, marketing and processing. New global demand for canola oil prompted a building boom in Canada’s oilseed crushing capacity.

Two new facilities in Yorkton, Saskatchewan, as well as expansion at a number of other sites across the country have doubled Canada’s canola crush in the past five years. New facilities are also being constructed to produce biodiesel made from oilseeds, creating another way for canola to contribute to the economy. In Alberta, several facilities also specialize in “cold-pressed canola oil”, which is an alternative to extra virgin olive oil. Cold-pressed canola oil retains its bright colour and flavour, and is becoming very popular in high-end restaurants throughout Alberta.

Growth will continue. The canola industry has set a target to reach 15 million tonnes of canola production and sales per year by 2015. The target was set in March 2007 when canola production in Canada was 9 million tonnes. In 2011, Canadian farmers grew 14 million tonnes of canola, with 5.3 million tonnes of that total grown in Alberta. It is expected that a new record in excess of 15 million tonnes will be reached in 2012, three years ahead of the industry’s goal.

“With improvements in yield and in efficient use of inputs, growers can achieve these target production levels while keeping canola acres at less than one-quarter of all arable acres in Western Canada — a level considered sustainable for the long

term,” says Greg Sekulic, Canola Council of Canada agronomy specialist in Alberta. “Our goal is to make canola the key part of an economically viable and environmentally sustainable crop rotation that includes cereals such as wheat and barley, and legume crops such as peas and lentils.”

To find out more about canola oil and canola production while visiting the Calgary Stampede, stop by the Canola Learning Centre, located in the Ag-tivity in the City tent. You can talk with people involved in the canola industry, collect recipes that showcase all the different uses for canola oil, and see and feel canola seed.

“Families make a beeline for the booth every year to play in the canola seed boxes,” Simone says. “The boxes are filled with canola seed and have lots of toy farm machinery in them for kids to play with.”

The Canola Learning Centre’s theme for 2012 is “history” in honour of the Stampede’s centennial. The booth will celebrate canola’s history, and offer visitors “Fields of Home,” a children’s book written by Dawn Ius and illustrated by James Grasdal.

Simone uses three key words – local, healthy and versatile – to underscore her canola marketing efforts in Alberta. These same healthy and versatile characteristics have made canola oil desirable all over the world, as well.

PHOTO: Courtesy of the Canola Council of Canada

T H E P R O F I L E 2 0 1 2 35

Locally Produced Food

Inspires both southern Albertans and Global VisitorsTo s TAy s u c c e s s F u l I n FA r m I n G , m A n y o P e r AT I o n s h AV e d I V e r s I F I e d I n To u n c h A r T e d T e r r I To r y . T h e r e s u lT I s A G r A s s r o oT s m o V e m e n T To WA r d T h e P ro d u c T I o n o F u n I q u e , l o c A l ly P ro d u c e d F o o d P ro d u c T s T h AT o F T e n co m b I n e A m e A s u r e o F s o u T h e r n A l b e r TA h I s To r y W I T h A P I n c h o F co m m u n I T y b u I l d I n G . by r o b I n G A l e y

In Alberta, diversification in agriculture has produced both a grassroots community movement and a wide range of successful business ventures targeted to small niche markets. Diversifying a farming operation for profitability can take many forms, from agri-tourism and u-pick berries to specialty meat products or home-baked honey-sweetened apple pies.

Some southern Alberta producers have diversified in profitable directions that support the local food movement, built one-on-one connections between farmers and customers and preserve the ecological sustainability of the southern Alberta landscape.

Kayben Farms: Currants are Always in SeasonClaude and Judy Kolk have developed a successful agriculture-based business on 154 acres just off Highway 2 between Calgary and Okotoks. They bought the property as an investment in the 1990s while Claude was pursuing a career outside of farming as an engineer and Judy was a stay-at-home mom.

They have slowly transformed it into a unique business offering a full garden centre and tree nursery, u-pick strawberries and black currants, family adventure park, on-site restaurant and a value-added line of fruit-based food products the family business harvests and produces on site.

“We initially planned to harvest the black currant crop and sell it as a commodity. But before we even had our first crop, the world price dropped significantly and we realized we were going to need to make value-added products and market them ourselves,” Judy says.

Kayben Farms now sells 17 value-added products that make use of their own harvest, including jams and jellies, barbecue sauce, dessert topping, juice and salad dressing.

When the family planted 20 acres of black currants a decade ago, it was a major turning point. “Once we started growing black currants and people started coming out to the u-pick, we found they were also coming here to the farm setting to picnic and get away for a little time out. We realized that agri-tourism was going to be a really good fit for us,” says Judy.

The family developed an agri-tourism venture called Sunshine Adventure Park. Families come out to enjoy the large outdoor play structures and an inflatable trampoline built into the ground. They can also enjoy picnicking, wandering through the garden centre or greenhouse, picking fruit and locally sourced gourmet food on the patio at JoJo’s Café.

“Our daughter Stephanie is the chef, and we have a garden and greenhouse here that provide produce and herbs for the café. Beyond that, we use as many local producers for ingredients as we can — including for elk, bison, grains and honey,” says Judy. The restaurant also provides a banquet space for business meetings and Christmas parties.

JoJo’s Café and the Garden Centre are open May through mid-December. Sunshine Adventure Park is open May through October. For more information, visit www.kayben.com

Olson’s High Country Bison: Raised on the Open RangeThe Olson family has been raising bison in southern Alberta for nearly 20 years. Their business, Olson’s High Country Bison, markets gourmet meat products to the Calgary area.

“Bison is raised locally and it’s historically at home in southern Alberta, so we thought it would be appropriate to focus on selling it locally. Also, selling locally limits our carbon footprint, and people relate better to bison as a local product,” says Tom Olson.


Successfully marketing the end product is an important part of Olson’s High Country Bison’s success, but Tom and Carolyn Olson’s goal has more to do with conservation. Their purpose is to bring back the wild bison by helping people see the gourmet potential in the animal as a food source.

Bison are ecologically well-suited to the prairies, and their grazing style improves the landscape. They also improve health as a leaner protein source than many meat alternatives.

“Bison has been around for thousands of years, but it is a relatively new product to consumers. It cooks differently from beef, but if it is improperly cooked, it affects the quality of the final product,” Tom explains.

The Olsons have worked to develop strong relationships with local chefs, giving them lots of opportunity to experiment with a range of bison cuts to determine which cooking methods produce world-class dishes.

“Bison is a gourmet product. The chefs are willing to try new cooking methods to use the lesser-known cuts in ways that create gourmet meals. After consumers have eaten a flavourful, well-prepared bison product in a restaurant, they’re more likely to cook with it themselves,” says Tom.

The Olsons allow buffalo to roam free and feed on large areas of restored native grassland. They also allow natural family groups to develop and stay together. “Our product is a bit of a niche market because we raise conservation bison. We try to keep them wild. We’re not focused on a mass market, we’re focused on a market that looks for high-quality food, cares about sustainability and how the land and animals are taken care of,” Tom says.

To help chefs and retailers get a good handle on the Olson’s bison operation, they are invited down to tour the Olson’s ranch regularly. “We view chefs and retail outlets as our partners. We need them and they need us. Without them, we couldn’t have developed this great conservation project that we’ve had underway for so long.”

Olson’s High Country Bison is continuing to grow. The operation currently has four ranches that cover 50,000 acres in Alberta, Saskatchewan and Manitoba, with a herd of about 4,000 bison. For more information, call 403.313.6200.

“Grown Right. Here” Program Keeps Stampede Food Local

The calgary stampede makes a conscious

effort to support local producers year-

round. “locally grown is one of the

hottest food trends out there right now,”

says derek dale, executive chef with the

calgary stampede. “but I think it’s more

than a trend, I think it’s going to be here

for a long time. It’s an idea that we at the

stampede really want to support.”

To help increase the use of locally

produced foods, the calgary stampede

launched its “Grown right. here”

program in 2008. As a result of the

program, the organization now has

over 20 local suppliers providing food

on a year-round basis. “They provide

everything from meat and poultry

to fresh vegetables, pulses, fruits,

saskatoons (berries) and black currants,”

says derek.

building relationships with the suppliers

is also a priority for the stampede,

derek says. “creating and maintaining

relationships with local food producers

is a big part of it. We visit the farms to

ensure the quality of the product and to

develop a good relationship with

the farmers.”

While the quantity required sometimes

makes it impossible, locally grown

food is used whenever possible by

the calgary stampede. It’s included in

catering menus, in premium seating

restaurants, at mavericks restaurant,

and in some products available at the

concessions as well.

“We’re trying to follow the shift in

consumer consciousness by starting to

buy local products. Plus, when guests

come to visit calgary for the stampede,

it’s nice for them to get to try something

local. Tasting locally produced food is

what people visiting from other countries

want,” derek says.

PhoTo: Janet kanters

T H E P R O F I L E 2 0 1 2 37

Calgary Urban Harvest Project:Transforms Fruit into Community BuildingThe potential for local food production doesn’t end at Calgary’s city limits. In fact, the city is home to tens of thousands of fruit trees and shrubs that produce an abundant harvest. Unfortunately, many homeowners don’t have time to pick their fruit or know how to prepare food with it if they do.

The Calgary Urban Harvest Project now provides a solution. “If you look closely at ecology you quickly see that there is no such thing as waste, so when I saw all this fruit being wasted, I became very interested,” says Adrian Buckley, permaculture designer and director of the Calgary Urban Harvest Project.

“I’m seeing a lot of interest in urban agriculture,” he says. “The fruit we pick is natural and a solution for homeowners who are not using it. It’s an untapped energy source and it’s also a way to bring people together. It has a very strong community building function. People are getting very excited about it.”

The Calgary Urban Harvest Project had its first organized picking season in 2010, when volunteers picked 6,000 pounds of fruit. Homeowners signed up to receive a call from volunteer fruit pickers in the fall. If they invite volunteers to pick their fruit, they receive a one-third share of the harvest; volunteers receive a one-third share; and the final one-third is donated to the community through farmer’s markets or other events.

In its second season in 2011, the group had 300 registered volunteers, about half of whom picked fruit from some of the 900 homes registered in the project. Overall, Adrian estimates, the group visited around 250 homes this season and picked around 5,500 pounds of fruit.

Adrian’s goal is to grow the project at the community level, using community coordinators to manage it in their own neighbourhoods, and develop partnerships with organizations that can volunteer to pick and make use of the harvest.

In 2012 the Calgary Urban Harvest Project will host a Crabapple Festival to highlight the value of this under-used fruit. Crabapple trees are numerous in Calgary, but much of the harvest is never used. “It’s a very common type of food here that is good for you and very tasty but harder to work with in the kitchen,” Adrian says.

The group also plans to build partnerships with the culinary industry to develop additional end uses for the harvest, and engage with the community through attendance at festivals, farmers markets and community events. “We have enormous potential to develop solutions to the problems that have developed as a result of urbanization and suburbanization, but it takes creativity and a different way of looking at things to see those opportunities and act on them,” Adrian says.

Robin Galey is a writer specializing in agricultural production. She can be reached in Calgary at [email protected]

PhoTo: Janet kanters


The Calgary Bull Sale:

The similarities between the Calgary Bull Sale and the Calgary Stampede are very evident in the strength of the volunteer components of each organization and the dedication of the supporters, the community and the industry for the continuation of these spectacular events.

Some History On September 14, 1900, the Territorial Purebred Cattle Breeders Association was established. The mandate of this organization was to “promote the development and improvement of purebred cattle in Western Canada.” As Calgary was a new and thriving community with convenient access to the railway and ample accommodations for visitors, it was chosen as the host location for the inaugural purebred cattle sale. Breeds including Shorthorn, Aberdeen Angus and Herefords were represented at this sale. The sale was a success and as such, the Bull Sale was born. In 1902, the sale was relocated to the exhibition grounds at Victoria Park (commonly known as Stampede Park) and has since remained in this location.

The continued growth of this sale saw the entry of additional breeds including Ayrshire, dairy breeds and Galloway. In 1903, this event became known as the Livestock Convention Week. Alberta and Saskatchewan became provinces in 1905 and as such, the Territorial Purebred Cattle Breeders Association was renamed the Alberta Cattle Breeders Association (ACBA). This annual event saw the addition of a ‘fat stock show’ which introduced other livestock to this week-long convention including swine, sheep, poultry egg as well as ‘carloads’ of steers and heifers. This annual fat stock show was held every year until its conclusion in 1974. The sale of 1906 was the last year that female purebred cattle were prepared and offered for sale — often a very difficult undertaking after a harsh winter and calving season — and in 1907, this sale became and has remained a bull sale exclusively.

As Calgary growth continued, so did the growth of the purebred herd sizes throughout the province. In 1915, the dairy breeds had developed significantly and it was decided to separate the dairy and beef breeds for sale purposes. An annual show specifically for dairy stock was created and this show is hosted in the fall of each year.

more than a century old eventA n A n n uA l e V e n T. r e A l ly , A h I s To r I c e V e n T. F o r 112 y e A r s , T h e c A lG A r y b u l l s A l e h A s b e e n A n I n T eG r A l PA rT o F T h e W e s T e r n c A n A d I A n l I V e s To c k I n d u s T r y. by s h A n n o n h A n e y

PhoTo: Walt browarny

T H E P R O F I L E 2 0 1 2 39

This annual event developed as much around the livestock show and sale as it did around the personalities and socialization that occurred during the week-long event. The main hotels in Calgary including the Palliser, Alexandra, York and Grand Union were host to the majority of travelling cattlemen. The herdsmen and livestock caretakers for each of the entrants were often on 24-hour duty to ensure the safety of the livestock during the show schedule and often bunked in spare stalls in the livestock pavilion to watch over their charges and be available should any problematic situation arise. A pot-bellied stove was located in an area of the pavilion known as the ‘Boar’s Nest’ that would often be a gathering place for the herdsmen as it was a place of warmth throughout the evening.

The economic downturn of the 1930s was evident in the cattle industry, and strict culling and castration regulations were introduced to maintain the selection quality of animals entered into the Calgary Bull Sale and the quality of animals developing the herds throughout the industry. As the economy began to improve in the late 1930s, these restrictions were relaxed and animals were allowed to return to their home herds if the animal’s defect was not considered a severity worthy of slaughter. A minimum bid of $100 was also introduced into the sale regulations in 1943.

The growth of the Calgary Bull Sale encouraged the further separation of the bull sale and Livestock Convention Week. By the 1950s, the Calgary Bull Sale and Fat Stock Show were a separate operating entity held annually in March. This also added new rules for the sale including a reduced stock age of three years or younger; and the practice of weighing and

recording averaging daily gain was introduced in 1959. Prize monies were discontinued in the late 1960s with ribbons and trophies presented to the winning entries.

The 1970s proved to be a decade of change for the purebred cattle industry as pressures from consumers increased as did the import of many continental breeds, creating challenges for the Calgary Bull Sale with entry of these new breeds into the annual event. The regulations at the time dictated that for new breeds a minimum of 50 bulls be entered into the sale and a minimum of 30 of these animals be sold — these were difficult restrictions for the new breeds. In 1978, the first Simmental bull was entered in the Calgary Bull Sale, and in 1980, the first Charolais bull was sold in the sale. Polled Hereford breeders hosted their own sale from 1976 to 1984 at which time they entered the Calgary Bull Sale and discontinued their separate sale. In 1986, Limousin bulls entered the sale and in 1989, Saler bulls joined the sale group.

The 1970s also represented the commercial peak of the sale, in financial terms, with strong participation from international buyers seeking the best Canadian genetics. Through the 1970s and 1980s, a large amount of bulls were sold to the U.S. and Mexico, and Calgary Bull Sale was the place to be seen by international cattle breeders. Since the 1950s, the show has featured judges from Argentina, South Africa, Australia, many U.S. states and most Canadian provinces. In 1974, the sale grossed over $1 million for the first time. That year saw $1,082,245 grossed on 612 bulls, or an average of $1,768, which is remarkable since at that time a new pickup truck sold for about $2,800. In 1979, the sale grossed over $2.5 million for 602 bulls, for an average of $4,222 per bull.

Show/Sale Rules of Livestock Convention Week – 1903 (very similar to those of current year’s show)

• All bulls must be halter broke, ringed and supplied with a good halter

• The Association reserves the right to remove any animal considered to be of inferior quality, unhealthy or not representative of its breed

• All animals must be registered purebreds, owned by their contributors for a minimum of six months prior to the sale

• The bulls were to be shown in rotation of by breeds, and alphabetical rotation within breeds

• Animals up to age six were eligible for the sale

In the first decade of the Calgary Bull Sale, 60% were Shorthorn; 14% Hereford; 3% Angus; 23% Dairy and Galloway and the average price for the decade was $89.84. In 2012, the sale consists predominately of Hereford and Angus breeds with an average sale price of $5,727.

PHOTO: Walt Browarny PHOTO: Walt Browarny


The cAlGAry sTAmPede InTernATIonAl AGrIculTure commITTee exIsTs To shAre An AlberTA AGrIculTurAl hosPITAlITy exPerIence WITh our InTernATIonAl GuesTs And sTAmPede FAmIly.

The calgary stampede International Agriculture committee thanks the following partners whose support is essential for our program

The Calgary Bull Sale had gained international recognition and buyer confidence as providing the best stock that Canada offered, in addition to hosting strict selection criteria with stringent health regulations and veterinarian inspections.

In 2000, Jim Hole, a 50-year breeder and consignor at the Calgary Bull Sale was quoted: “All over the world, the Calgary Bull Sale is recognized as offering for sale the best beef cattle genetics available. It has taken 100 years of breeders bringing their best bulls to Calgary to build this reputation. The Alberta Cattle Breeders are fortunate in that there are a lot of good young progressive breeders who appreciate this and will not allow the Calgary Sale to lose its reputation.”

Several families and personalities have and continue to be a dynamic part of the development and growth of this vibrant event. The stories the walls of the agricultural barns could tell and the romances that have blossomed — the event has history that lives far past the annual event. There is a family whose involvement began in the sale of 1918 with Shorthorn cattle and generations of this family continue to be a very essential part of this event, including holding significant committee and volunteer positions — this same sentiment is echoed in many families who continue to be cornerstones of this sale.

Other notable folks include Don “Suds” Sutherland — cattle fitter and hoof trimmer — who at one time worked on nearly all the bulls in the sale; he was booked from Christmas each year until the sale was complete and he comments that although it was an extremely busy time, he “loved every minute of it — especially the camaraderie among the people.” Walt Brownary was the official photographer for the Calgary Bull Sale from 1969 until his recent passing. There is rarely a show picture to be found without the stamp of Walt’s name in the bottom corner. Don Stewart, an inductee into the Alberta Agricultural Hall of Fame, was the General Manager of Agricultural Portfolio for the Calgary Stampede, the individual responsible for the Calgary Bull Sale and an integral part of the development of the Calgary Bull Sale for many years.

112 Years Later The quality of the Calgary Bull Sale persists into the 21st Century and continues the progressive approach to beef genetics in providing an exceptional venue for the cattle industry — nationally and internationally — to congregate annually and continue to grow the camaraderie within the cattle and livestock industry. A Ranch Horse Sale has been introduced and is hosted simultaneously with the Bull Sale as a value-added component. An online viewing and bidding registration option has increased buying opportunity for many unable to attend in person, and an enhanced website with a full gallery presenting the sale entrants continues to provide evaluation criteria for potential buyers. Another new sale feature includes an ultrasound of all bulls prior to sale with the results being communicated prior to sale time. Showing the growth of commercial Alberta herds, a heifer show component was added this year (2012); offspring of previously sold bulls are offered, further validating the quality of animals that are hosted at the Calgary Bull Sale.

As is true with any event of this grandeur, the Calgary Bull Sale has continued success due to the values, goals and business practices that have defined the cattlemen of this industry. The past, present and future directors of this organization have maintained and mandated the continuance of improving the purebred industry and enhancing cattle genetics. This annual event continues to be one of the social events of the year in this industry, and the quest for continued improvement in the livestock and business practices have allowed the longevity and exceptional success of this 112-year-old event and the long-standing relationship this event continues with the Calgary Stampede.


Choose Canadian! • For our high-quality foods• For our dedicated people• For our commitment to food safety and innovation

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Choisissez les produits canadiens! • Pour nos aliments de haute qualité• Pour nos gens dévoués• Pour notre souci de la salubrité des aliments et de l’innovation

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Documents

2012 Calgary Stampede International Agriculture Profile