2011 Calgary Stampede International Agriculture Profile

2 0 1 1 I s s u e / V o l u m e 1 9

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

DeVelopIng leADers for The Beef InDusTry

AgrICulTure In song

enTrepreneurs In foCus

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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

Jack HaydenMinister of Alberta

Agriculture and Rural Development

Welcome to the 2011 Calgary Stampede!

This event is a great opportunity to see, first hand, the contribution Canada makes to agriculture on the national and international stage.

Canadian farmers and food processors have a strong reputation for producing safe, high quality and delicious foods. Our Government is working hard with industry to open international markets for our world-class beef, cattle, livestock genetics and many other agriculture products.

We understand the role Canadian agriculture plays in driving our economy, and by putting Farmers First, we are helping to ensure a bright future for all Canadians.

We are proud to be implementing the Growing Forward program — our commitment to Canada’s agriculture sector. Our investment of $1.3 billion over five years will help farmers capitalize on emerging opportunities and compete in an increasingly global market.

This year marks the 125th anniversary of Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada’s research branch, which has been instrumental in the development of innovative solutions to the challenges farmers face every day. We will continue to look to their science and research to give Canadian producers the competitive advantage.

Congratulations to the Calgary Stampede on being such a great ambassador for Canadian agriculture. Best wishes to all for an enjoyable time at the Stampede.

Alberta has a storied tradition in agriculture that dates back more than a century. Our pioneers helped pave a path of growth and prosperity through hard work, determination and innovation. The many events held at the Calgary Exhibition and Stampede each year help celebrate this rich western heritage while highlighting, promoting and supporting our agriculture and food industry.

As Minister of Alberta Agriculture and Rural Development, I take great pride in welcoming all Canadian and international agriculture guests to Calgary for our annual “Greatest Outdoor Show on Earth.” During the 10-day Stampede, attendees can expect to see one of the finest agricultural sporting spectacles in the world. The event connects rural and urban communities and is an excellent opportunity for agricultural businesses to network and share ideas.

A notable attraction again this year is the International Room, centrally located in the Agricultural Building. It showcases Alberta’s diverse agriculture industry allowing visitors to talk with and ask questions of Alberta’s agriculture experts.

While enjoying the Stampede, I encourage everyone attending to also take in the sights and sounds of our great province. From our mountain parks to our scenic outlying communities, our famous western hospitality and breathtaking natural scenery will make you glad you did. Enjoy your time in Calgary and welcome to Alberta.

Mike Casey, President and Chairman of the Board, Calgary Stampede

For over a century Stampede Park has been a gathering place for the agricultural community to come together and showcase their industry — its innovation, dedication and success. Each July, the Stampede is proud to unite agriculture’s best and brightest to celebrate the progress and diversity of one of Canada’s most important industries. It’s a chance to meet with the top producers, breeders and industry experts all in one place and to learn and discuss all aspects of their business. The western heritage and values we hold so highly at the Stampede are a daily way of life for many of today’s farmers and ranchers. We work hard to ensure that way of life is carried on. Please accept my invitation to join us this year at the 2011 Stampede from July 8 to 17 when once again one of the premier agricultural showcases will come to the heart of Calgary, connecting rural and urban communities and bringing people from Alberta together with those from all over the world.

I look forward to seeing you at Stampede Park in July 2011!

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

Greetings from the Agricultural Managers of the Calgary Stampede

max fritzSenior Manager Agriculture, Calgary Stampede

robert WiseAgriculture Manager, Calgary Stampede

Allison WrightAgriculture Manager, Calgary Stampede

Message from the chairCalgary Stampede International Agriculture committee

Ted haneyChair, International Agriculture Committee

The Calgary Stampede invites all international visitors with an involvement in the agriculture industry from around the world and right here at home to join us during the 2011 Calgary Stampede; July 8–17, 2011.

As we continue to fulfill our vision to create meaningful year-round experiences for urban and rural audiences on Stampede Park, we invite you to experience this year’s signature programs that feature animals, showcases and western events.

Some exciting initiatives for 2011 including a new fully integrated, highly interactive experience that encompasses the complete production cycle of the beef cattle industry. As rural and urban come together at the Calgary Stampede, this presentation is a great chance for consumers to ask producers and industry experts any questions they may have about Alberta Beef. This journey of discovery will provide a look into the fascinating and innovative world of beef development and promises to be an experience to remember.

Along with these new advancements we will also continue to deliver our many world-class signature events including the World Championship Blacksmiths’ Competition, International Youth Livestock, International Livestock Auctioneer Championship, and the Cutting Horse Competition, a participating stop on the MERCURIA/NCHA World Series of Cutting which is expanding in 2011 to include a stop in Lyon, France. The Team Cattle Penning, the Working Cow Horse Classic, the Cowboy Up Challenge along with the Agrium Ag-tivity in the City agriculture education centre continue to entertain and educate our many visitors.

In 2010, we hosted over 2,200 exhibitors from over 38 countries and over 7,500 animals at Stampede Park. All indicators are pointing to an even bigger and better 2011 throughout Agriculture programming.

We look forward to seeing you during the 2011 Calgary Stampede; The Greatest Outdoor Show on Earth.

Welcome to the 2011 issue of International Agriculture Profile, the official publication of the Calgary Stampede International Agriculture committee. In these pages, you’ll discover the many faces of Alberta agriculture today — the men and women, companies and initiatives that are shaping the future of our industry. Each is an exciting and compelling story of commitment, dedication and innovation.

Our Western agricultural roots go deep. With rich ranch and farmland reaching west to the rolling foothills and lush prairie grassland stretching beyond eastern horizons, agriculture has been intrinsic to our Western development. When Calgary was incorporated as a town of some 500 people in 1885, it was just two short years before the town hosted its first agricultural fair.

Today the prairie still stretches to the horizon, and our salute to agriculture has grown into the internationally-renowned Calgary Stampede. 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 Agricultural committee welcomes thousands of agriculture visitors from across Canada and around the world to the Stampede.

Last year, we hosted close to 1,800 agriculture visitors representing all sectors of the industry from 38 countries — providing the services, settings, programs and events to facilitate the meeting of business interests and fostering of business opportunities.

This year we are building upon that success. The International Agriculture committee has worked hard this past year to expand our program and the resources that it brings to agriculture and agri-food stakeholders. In particular, I would like to thank past Director Liaison Mike O’Connor for his leadership over the past year. Amongst his many contributions, I would specifically like to recognize his assistance in strategically developing our corporate sponsorship program. I am very pleased to welcome back Cam Clark as our Director Liaison. The committee looks forward to working with Director Clark in the development of its programs and services. I also thank Vice-Chairs Keith Jones and John Lee, Working Group Leads Aaron Grant (Sponsorship), Candace Lyle (Events) and Tina Zakowsky (Communications) — and our volunteers, who bring the spirit of Western hospitality to each visitor they greet and each warm welcome they extend.


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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9 DevelopIng leADeRS FoR the BeeF InDuStRy

16 AgRICultuRe In Song

22 entRepReneuRS In FoCuS

InTernATIonAl AgrICulTure CommITTee

Cam Clark(Director liaison)

Ted haney(Chair)

Keith Jones(vice-Chair Strategic planning & Sponsorship)

John lee(vice-Chair Communications & events)

John Arnold

Barry Bennett

Kerrie Bennett

Doug Blair

Allan Browarny

David Collins

ross Deveson

Brent Difley

norma Dunn

Aaron grant (Sponsorship lead)

shannon haney

Bill Klasky

Kate Kolstad

larry Konschuk

larry Koper

myra lever

syd loeppky

Candace lyle (events lead)

evelyn main

Kim mcConnell

herb mclane (past Chair)

Jennifer norrie

Dave phillips

gary pike

Doug sauter

larry sears

rick smith

Julie stitt

Deb Verbonac

Jan Warren

Tina Zakowsky (Communications lead)

special thanks to:

Tracey foster (Agriculture programming Coordinator Calgary Stampede)

The profIle TeAm

Publisher:

Calgary stampede International Agriculture committee

Editor:

Tina Zakowsky

Kerrie Bennett

ross Deveson

norma Dunn

shannon haney

evelyn main

herb mclane

Jennifer norrie

Deb Verbonac

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 19th 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 www.calgarystampede.com to the International Agriculture/International room page.

The Calgary stampede July 8 – 17, 2011 July 6 – 15, 2012 July 5 – 14, 2013 July 4 – 13, 2014 www.calgarystampede.com


T H E P R O F I L E 2 0 1 1 3

Dr. Brian Edge was born and raised in the ranching community of Cochrane west of Calgary. His family was among the first pioneers in the area, with his grandmother arriving in 1885 and his grandfather one year later.

The Edge family is a known rodeo family. Dr. Brian Edge can list many relatives who have been champions, including an uncle who won two bareback championships at the Calgary Stampede in 1929 and 1931 and bull riding championships in 1930 and 1932. Norman was inducted into the Rodeo Hall of Fame. Dr. Brian Edge has other relatives who are professional calf ropers and bull riders. When Brian was younger, he competed in the boy’s steer riding competition at the Stampede.

Brian’s mother and aunts, all schoolteachers, ensured that Brian got a good education. His first six or seven years of schooling were completed at a little one-room schoolhouse before he went to what is now Mount Royal University in Calgary to finish his high school education.

His education was important, but it was the ranch that he loved. “My father was a rancher and I used to bounce around with him and watch as the new calves were born,” explains Dr. Brian Edge. “I’ve always enjoyed horses and cows. When I was young it was the biggest attraction to get out of school for a week to go gather cattle.”

As Dr. Brian Edge grew up, a veterinarian took him under his wing. Dr. Tom Sewall from the Brooks area often asked the future doctor to assist as he performed his tasks. Dr. Brian Edge also took a keen interest in the work of local veterinarian Dr. Bill Nagy.

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Courtesy Browarny photographics Inc.



After completing high school, Brian earned a Diploma in Agriculture from Olds College. At that time there were only two veterinary schools in Canada and only 20 students were accepted from Alberta. Brian received a Doctor in Veterinary Medicine in 1965. He has always practiced veterinary medicine in the Calgary area.

In 1967 Dr. Brian Edge began working with the Calgary Stampede. For ten years, he was the only veterinarian on the Stampede grounds, working 20-hour days. “I’d get there at 4:00 in the morning to help the dairy people,” recalls Dr. Brian Edge. “There were 1500 to 1600 cows, horses, pigs and sheep in the barns. Then it was off to the rodeo, back to the barns for a bit, and then back to the grandstand for the chuckwagon races. I’d work until almost midnight.”

It sounds exhausting and it no doubt was, but when asked about his favourite aspect of working with the Calgary Stampede, Dr. Brian Edge responds, “It’s the Stampede!” with unbridled enthusiasm before sharing a few of his more unusual cases.

There was the time that a family of elephants was performing in the grandstand show. The father elephant and baby elephant were happy and healthy, but the mother elephant stepped on something and punctured her foot. “I had never been so close to an elephant in my life,” recalls Dr. Brian Edge, “and I really didn’t want to be!” With help from the elephant’s trainer, Dr. Brian Edge was able to examine the foot and carry out a course of treatment that involved a 45-gallon washtub filled with warm water and Epsom salts. He was, however, concerned about how he could get the elephant to take the necessary medication. He vividly describes how the trainer cut a loaf of bread in half and filled it with a bottle of pills before presenting it to the elephant. “She ate it right away, and the trainer thought I did a great job,” chuckles Dr. Brian Edge.

Another memory that stands out was a particularly cold July. “The Monty Python reptile show was there, outside, and it was the first time it snowed during Stampede. All the snakes were sick with a pneumonia-like illness,” Dr. Brian Edge recalls. He treated each snake by giving it a small injection of antibiotics and then moved them into a warm building so they could recover.

The Stampede presented many firsts for Dr. Brian Edge, including the first time he treated pigeons. He chuckles at the memory: “There were two pigeons that ran into a guide wire and got cut. I got to stitch them up. I’d never treated a pigeon before.”

In addition to his work with the Calgary Stampede, Dr. Brian Edge has been a 4-H volunteer nearly his entire adult life. He has run a large animal veterinary practice, raises about 800 cattle on his ranch, served with a number of industry groups including the Veterinary Association, Alberta Beef Producers and Canadian Cattlemen’s Association.

Dr. Brian Edge is happy to be in the veterinary profession, and says it has always been a pleasure just being around the people at the Calgary Stampede. His involvement extends from visiting with people in the Ag-tivity in the City tent to working the Calgary Bull Sale and Calgary Horse Sale, fall shows, 4-H shows and horse shows.

“It has been one of my greatest pleasures working with the Calgary Stampede,” says Dr. Brian Edge.

tina Zakowsky (née Schwartzenberger) is a member of the International Agriculture committee, editor of the profile and is employed as the Member Communications Specialist for the Canadian Angus Association. tina calls the Calgary Stampede her “10 days of Christmas in July”. She may be reached at [email protected]

“I have been involved with the Calgary Stampede both as an employee and as a volunteer since the early 1970s. It is my opinion that Dr. Brian edge is truly a legend in his own time. Dr. edge has been around forever — there is absolutely no one left that knows more about the livestock ‘end’ of the Calgary Stampede than this kind, knowledgeable man.”— norma B. Dunn

“I’ve known Doc for over 50 years and we’ve worked together at the Stampede for over 30 years. he has a million friends when he’s walking up and down the barns, but when it comes to the medical part, friend or otherwise, the business comes first. he does the job he was hired to do. he’s always there when you need a friend and he’d do anything for anybody at any time.” — Chuck groeneveld, promotion Committee, Alberta Beef producers

Courtesy lee gunderson


T H E P R O F I L E 2 0 1 1 5

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The Calgary Stampede International Agriculture committee is comprised of volunteers who are passionate about Alberta agriculture and the Calgary Stampede.

Year after year, our visitors primarily come from England, New Zealand, Scotland, Australia, Wales, Ireland, Denmark, Sweden, Mexico, the United States and Canada. Our visitors in 2010 were no exception. Visitors came from all the major inhabited regions of the world including Norway, Isle of Mann, Belgium, France, Colombia, Netherlands, Switzerland, Germany, Falkland Islands, South Africa, Poland, Pakistan, Sweden, Croatia and Russia.

A commodity buyer visiting the Calgary Stampede from Singapore was about to give up on her quest for information about grains and oilseeds when she stumbled upon committee volunteers in the Ag-Tivity in the City tent. Through our volunteers, she was connected to potential suppliers. Other industries that guests requested information about include beef cattle, dairy cattle, breeding pigs, chicken, sheep and lamb, deer, horses, rodeo stock, processed vegetables, food processing, grains, oilseeds, pulses (lentils), cash crops, fertilizer, biodiesel, corn, wheat, canola and canola oil, education, animal health, veterinary medicine, equipment, agricultural financial services, and agricultural media services.

James Logan of Scotland met Dr. David Chalack, 2010 President and Chairman of the Board of the Calgary Stampede, in 2009 while James was touring Canada.

In the InternationalRoom 2010 In 2010, 1,762 VIsITors from 38 CounTrIes VIsITeD The InTernATIonAl room

on sTAmpeDe pArK. The InTernATIonAl room Is A plACe Where VIsITors

CAn esCApe The noIse of The mIDWAy AnD The summer heAT or rAIn, As

Well As An opporTunITy for InTernATIonAl VIsITors To leArn more

ABouT CAnADIAn AgrICulTurAl prACTICes AnD To mAKe InquIrIes ABouT

DoIng BusIness WITh AlBerTA AgrICulTurAl proDuCers. By T h e p ro f I l e T e A m



For years, James had wanted to attend the Stampede, but it wasn’t until he met Dr. Chalack that he made plans to visit. James told our volunteers that he was happy to have “finally made the trip to Calgary for Stampede.” James was very impressed with the Stampede. “The Royal Show in England, which was the biggest show in Britain, folded because it lost its agriculture base. Your province and the Calgary Stampede should never lose that cowboy heritage. It’s so important,” he said.

Elena Silantieva and Andrey Muraviev from Rusfood, a fresh and frozen food company in Russia, visited the International Room in 2010. They told committee volunteers that they picked up a lot of good ideas in Canada. In particular, Rusfood imported 25,000 tonnes of beef in 2009 and Elena and Andrey were looking at how Canadian beef cattle are bred and raised and contemplating importing live beef cattle from Alberta.

Ernie Badajos is a recent immigrant to Calgary from the Philippines. Ernie is a mechanical engineer interested in processed meats and livestock production. He asked for help from our volunteers to find information about packaging unique Philippine products for the domestic community and possible export as well as for information about building pig and chicken production facilities.

On the final Sunday of Stampede, all committee members who are on the grounds bid our guests farewell in Stampede style by singing Happy Trails. One visitor from Southern Australia told us as she left that the first story she would tell her children upon returning home would be that they must come to the International Room at the Calgary Stampede. She thanked us repeatedly for the hospitality and said she couldn’t wait to tell her friends about her experience.

For information about the International Agriculture committee, please visit our website at http://ag.calgarystampede.com and follow the links under events to the International Agriculture program

About the Artist Jerry Markham is an artist from British Columbia who is primary known as a landscape and plein air painter, but who enjoys painting anything that captures his interest. Painting from life is very important to Jerry in order to capture and represent the true essence of a subject. He comments: “Painting, for me, has evolved into a series of life experiences. It is a personal journey of discovery, challenges, and an exploration of knowledge. I am always surprised as to what subjects I find interesting and beautiful.” Jerry’s work has been featured in numerous publications including Southwest Art, American Art Collector, International Artist, The Artist’s Magazine, and the Canadian Brushstroke Magazine.

More about Jerry and his work can be found at http://www.jerrymarkham.com


T H E P R O F I L E 2 0 1 1 7

Ranchers who share a passion for the business and are dedicated to environmental sustainability realize the benefit of selling their brand by networking with like-minded others. By coming together with the common goal of marketing their beef to domestic and international audiences, the opportunity for success grows.

prairie heritage producers grow a successful Brand, heritage Angus Beef

Prairie Heritage Beef is a partnership of western Canadian ranch families that work together to sustainably produce and market beef within Canada and around the world. They set high standards by paying close attention to animal welfare, food safety, traceability, environmental stewardship and rural Canadian values. Their values reflect their agricultural heritage – honesty and integrity, trust and respect. Most important, their business is built on a healthy respect for relationships in everything they do.

The farm families who raise Prairie Heritage Beef have been producing wholesome, nourishing food for generations. For them, raising beef cattle is a way of life. They run their operations based on a foundation of family pride, a firm

Alberta-based branded beef programs flourish at home and abroadfor more ThAn A CenTury, rAnChers In AlBerTA hAVe Been proDuCIng some of

The WorlD’s BesT-TAsTIng Beef. prAIrIe herITAge proDuCers AnD CAnADA golD

Beef Are TWo AlBerTA CompAnIes ThAT hAVe enJoyeD suCCess WhIle promoTIng

The AlBerTA Beef ADVAnTAge ArounD The WorlD. By D e B V e r B o n AC

belief in old-fashioned farming methods, a deep commitment to environmental stewardship and the goal of generating fair returns for agriculture.

Each member ranch begins by completing the nationally recognized Environmental Farm Plan, focusing on issues such as manure and riparian and grazing management practices. A close relationship exists with organizations such as The Nature Conservancy and Ducks Unlimited Canada to enhance, protect and restore native habitat and wetlands.

Thanks to superior genetics, desirable growing conditions and industry support, Aberdeen Angus cattle are the number one beef cattle breed in Canada. They are also the choice for Prairie Heritage Beef. Each animal is hand-picked and hand-raised through meticulous birth records, parentage and feeding programs. Through the Canadian Angus Rancher Endorsed program, all animals are traced and verified to their herd of origin and genetically verified to come from either a registered Angus bull or female. The Canadian Angus Rancher Endorsed program is an initiative of the Canadian Angus Association that endorses Angus beef programs that follow a set of protocols and guarantees the beef comes from animals with at least one purebred Angus parent.

All Prairie Heritage Beef cattle are processed under the scrutiny of the Canadian Federal Inspection Agency (CFIA) which monitors production, protocol and procedure. This guarantees customers receive the world’s highest quality Angus beef with greater tenderness, delicious flavour and improved texture.

Prairie Heritage Beef is also verified through the Verified Beef Production Program (VBP), which is officially recognized by CFIA. It’s a producer-led program designed to help implement and verify that on-farm production practices minimize food safety risks.



Canada’s regulatory and safety standards are among the best in the world. Canadian beef provides the advantage of a unique grading system which factors in many important quality criteria for domestic and global customers, resulting in a more consistent product. The internationally respected food safety system begins at the grassroots with on-farm Hazard Analysis Critical Control Points (HACCP) programs, and the cattle feed safety system and animal disease surveillance system, both of which are monitored by the CFIA. Canada is the first country to have a national cattle identification system which enhances animal health control through its trace-back capabilities.

By paying careful attention to health and diet, Heritage Angus Beef consistently grades AA, with the majority grading AAA. These are Canada’s highest beef grades. All Heritage Angus Beef is guaranteed to be processed and certified according to the strict guidelines of the Halal Certification Agency of Islamic Society of North America, allowing export to Islamic societies.

By adhering to strong beliefs and protocols established and practiced among the ranchers, strong domestic demand for Heritage Angus Beef has developed among consumers. Through the marketing efforts of Prairie Heritage Beef founder Dr. Christoph Weder, demand continues to grow in countries such as Switzerland, the European Union, Hong Kong and Dubai.

“We produce food that not only meets but exceeds the exacting demands of discerning chefs and gourmands around the world. And we are doing it in a way that is sustainable for our families, our land and our communities,” says Dr. Weder.

World Class Beef. World Class standards

The “Gold Standard” is a term almost everyone recognizes as being synonymous with “the best.” For Canada Gold Beef Inc. (CGB), it represents their quest to deliver the best Canadian Angus beef to consumers at home and around the world — consistent, high-quality beef produced with passion by Canada’s top ranchers.

Everyone involved in CGB shares a passion and commitment to the business. Cow/calf producers, ranchers, feeders, veterinarians, nutritionists, CGB shareholders and staff combine years of experience, training and knowledge that are among the best in the industry.

CGB is a private company developing a beef value chain that includes cow/calf producers and feedlot operators as both participants and shareholders. The company’s objective is to create strategic partnerships with other value chain members like packers, value-added processors, food service fabricators, and domestic and international customers.

The Canada Gold Beef program focuses on three core values: first, a focus on customers; second, collaboration and information sharing through value chain collaboration;

and third, a production process that includes cattle selection, age and source verification and HACCP-based protocols. The company is focused on developing international markets for its products in countries such as Denmark, Germany, Italy, Switzerland, the United Kingdom, Japan, Asia and many others.

The trademarked CGB Triple Premium process starts with the selection of the best Canadian cattle that meet required qualifications. Participating ranches begin by completing and participating in the Environmental Farm Plan. The beef is primarily from Hereford and Aberdeen Angus cattle and is officially graded Canada AA or higher by federal government grading regulations.

CGB is tender beef, finished on a diet of pure prairie barley grain for over 100 days producing beef with excellent marbling and firm white fat. The marbling gives the beef its flavour, juiciness and tenderness. Canada Gold Beef sold in Europe complies with all EU requirements, is hormone free and is governed by the CFIA.

In addition to EU and CFIA requirements, CGB has its own production and traceability system that has been independently judged as one of the best in the world. CGB’s production system includes world-class animal welfare and environmental procedures and protocols.

Through the continuing success of businesses like Canada Gold and Prairie Heritage Beef, Alberta-based branded beef programs will continue to grow through domestic and international markets in the future.

Deb verbonac is an account manager for one of the largest agricultural-based marketing and communications agencies in north America. Deb resides on a ranch a short distance from Calgary nestled in the foreground of the Rocky Mountains. She is passionate about agriculture and the sustainability of this grassroots industry in Canada. Deb can be reached at [email protected] or [email protected]


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

Passion. Drive. Success. The Canadian Cattlemen’s Association (CCA) has created a fantastic national youth initiative that will provide industry-specific training and mentorship to help youths gain the experience, expertise and business insight necessary to sustain the cattle industry in the future.

The pilot project announced in July 2010 is geared toward beef producers between 18 and 35 years of age who demonstrate leadership potential. There are many different areas within the beef industry that they can choose to focus on. Jill Harvie, Cattlemen’s Young Leaders Development (CYL) Program Coordinator says, “Selected producers will be paired with an appropriate industry representative based on the application request. Participants can specify interests and be paired up with a

CCA board member or affiliate organization board member in areas such as animal health, international trade, international and domestic marketing, environmental research, advocacy and policy development.”

She adds, “Producers have a chance to participate in provincial, national and international high-level discussions that define the direction and future of the Canadian cattle and beef industries.”

Once a participant becomes a CYL member by completing either a professional or industry leader mentorship, there are endless opportunities. While gaining valuable learning tools to put in their personal life toolbox and building priceless business connections, the member can then qualify to apply for several international trips, including farm

tours, conferences such as the Five Nations Beef Alliance and International Livestock Congress and farm exchanges.

The door has swung open for young cattle producers to embrace this great opportunity that the Canadian Cattlemen’s Association has presented along with founding partners The Alberta Livestock and Meat Agency (ALMA) and Cargill.

to learn more or apply for a mentorship opportunity, visit www.cattlemensyoungleaders.com or contact Jill harvie directly at [email protected]

Kerrie Bennett, 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. She may be reached at [email protected]

DeVelopIng leADers for The Beef InDusTry

young people Who WAnT To explore A CAreer In The CAnADIAn Beef InDusTry

hAVe A neW opporTunITy for suCCess ThAnKs To The CATTlemen’s young

leADers DeVelopmenT progrAm. By K e r r I e B e n n e T T



Bayer and DUC are working together to identify, research and promote cropping system changes that benefit the conservation of natural resources in an economically viable way. They believe winter wheat has an important role to play in agriculture on the Prairies and joined forces in launching a North American project called Winter Cereals: Sustainability in Action (WCSIA).

WCSIA is a five-year $20-million North America-wide funding commitment from Bayer CropScience, with agronomic and environmental services provided by DUC and Ducks Unlimited Inc. in the United States. The WCSIA program goal is for 2,000,000 sustained acres of winter cereals to be grown across the Prairies.

In recent years, winter wheat production has gained a foothold on North America’s prairies acres. New varieties, improved marketing options and the agronomic advantages provided by the crop make it an attractive choice for growers to include in their crop rotation. Despite late harvests in 2008 and 2009 that created a challenge in reaching the 2,000,000 acre goal, in 2010 nearly 71,000 hectares of Alberta crop land was seeded with winter wheat, yielding 264,000 metric tonnes.

Winter wheat varieties on the Prairies today are often outperforming spring wheat by up to 40 per cent. Winter wheat is able to reduce weed pressure because of its early germination, which maximizes the efficiency of inputs. The crop also has reduced potential risk of grade loss compared to spring wheat, due to earlier maturity.

“Winter wheat is profitable and produces environmental benefits, which is a winning situation for growers,” says Paul Thiel, Vice-President, Innovation and Public Affairs with Bayer CropScience. “We want to demonstrate clearly that modern agriculture can support biodiversity. Farmers are great stewards of the land and support its growth.”

A study by Ipsos Forward Research showed that while growers appreciate the resource management benefits of growing winter wheat, only five per cent mentioned the environmental benefits as a reason they choose to grow the crop. Most growers said they are aware of the benefits to the soil, with fewer knowing about the benefits to waterfowl.

A norTh AmerICAn pArTnershIp In susTAInABIlITysusTAInABIlITy Is A WorD ThAT Is “CroppIng” up more AnD more In BusIness

DIsCussIons. DuCKs unlImITeD CAnADA (DuC) AnD BAyer CropsCIenCe hAVe

JoIneD forCes To help proDuCers puT The susTAInABle ADVAnTAges of

InCluDIng WInTer WheAT In TheIr Crop roTATIons InTo ACTIon.

Winter wheat:


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

Winter wheat is a duck-friendly crop. Many ducks nest on uplands (pasture or cropland) up to one mile away from a wetland. The density of hatched nests in winter wheat is 24 times greater than in spring-seeded wheat, as seeding equipment is not in the fields when waterfowl are nesting.

“The way farmers run their business in general is more environmentally focused than in the past, but we can always improve,” says Thiel. “Zero tillage and water conservation are part of the business of farming on the Prairies these days. Bayer CropScience has partnered with DU Canada under the general banner of sustainability to make sure farmers are aware of all of the benefits of winter wheat.”

The program has three main parts. One is an investment in genomics research, variety development and education about winter cereals. The second is to work together with industry and government on policy initiatives to enhance interest in growing winter cereals. The third is support of DUC biologists and agrologists to conduct research to ensure sustainable habitats and production systems.

“Winter wheat is a way that farmers can diversify against the uncertainty of moisture,” says Paul Thoroughgood, Regional Agrologist with DUC. “A dry spring can be good for seeding spring varieties, but it’s difficult to successfully seed in a wet spring. Winter wheat can use that spring moisture. It’s a way to mitigate risk since weather patterns change every year.”

“Many winter cereals are seeded into canola stubble as it is the best for trapping snow and maintaining moisture,” says Thiel.

Winter wheat, due to its unique timeframe for seeding and harvesting, requires special attention to maximize opportunity and produce profitable results. Experienced winter wheat growers plan ahead in order to consistently achieve successful results for their crop.

The introduction of new varieties shows that winter wheat has potential even under tough growing conditions. “In the future producers are looking for varieties with good disease packages, maturity, yield potential and marketing opportunities,” Thoroughgood says.

For more information on winter wheat and the Winter Cereals: Sustainability in Action partnership, visit wintercereals.ca

Why Winter Wheat?

Winter wheat offers many benefits when

included in cropping systems:

• Increasedprofitability–winterwheat

has consistently been one of the top net

income producers in recent years

• Increasedyield–winterwheatyieldsup

to 40 per cent more than spring wheat

• Winterwheatspreadsouttheworkload

by allowing a portion of seeding to be

completed in the fall and permitting an

earlier start to harvest

• Winterwheatoffersinsuranceagainst

inclement weather during spring seeding

and late season harvest

• Habitatforwildlife–waterfowlthat

nest in winter wheat are 24 times more

productive than those who nest in spring-

sown cereals



Through the years, the beef industry has played a dominant role in agriculture at the Calgary Stampede. Many breed conferences have been held with cattle enthusiasts arriving from most countries of the world to take part in beef husbandry discussions. The Calgary Stampede is honoured to have Stampede Park chosen as the Conference Speakers venue for the 16th World Hereford Conference.

The World Hereford Conference was last held in Calgary in 1976. The Stampede Corral had a standing-room-only audience of member supporters, Canadians and other world travelling well wishers partaking in two breed shows simultaneously. In class were 900 head representing the best of the North American herds. Visitors could not only enjoy the camaraderie of those of their own breed, they were given the opportunity to view other breeds’ showmanship on Park during their stay.

The livestock shows were ideal for those out-of-country world travellers but could not compare to the thrill of actually being in that rodeo infield; later holding on to the track rail screaming for their chosen chuckwagon team to go over that invisible finish line first; and sitting back even later to enjoy the evening musical grandstand performance and fireworks display.

New Zealand’s Jan Wills is Secretary General of the World Hereford Council. Her announcement that Stampede Park shall be the Opening Ceremonies venue for the 16th World Hereford Conference in our 2012 Stampede centennial year was welcomed wholeheartedly. Canadian Hereford cattle breeders are jubilantly making plans.

Jan says, “Hereford members from all around the world are looking forward to visiting Calgary and viewing Canadian Hereford genetics which have spread and populated so many Hereford herds around the world. Added to that, there is something special about the Canadian cowboy, their horses and Stetson hats which make a unique atmosphere so wonderfully captured by the entertainment at the Calgary Stampede.”

Jan adds, “Performance recording and how it is interpreted across member countries will be discussed and in particular how different traits are recorded and evaluated in various countries and particularly Europe. “The value of hybrid vigour and how important crossbreeding is to the Hereford industry will also be discussed. Other issues will be the progress in validating DNA testing and its accuracy across different environments.”

The hereforDs reTurn To sTAmpeDe pArK In 2012VIsITors from ArounD The WorlD WIll gATher In AlBerTA In July for The 16Th

WorlD hereforD Congress. By n o r m A D u n n


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

“For the Open Forum,” Jan concludes, “the main emphasis and topics will definitely appeal to the commercial beef breeders. Speakers are planned to demonstrate the value of Herefords in the commercial beef industry in various parts of the world; meat and successful branded Hereford products are also profiled.”

Pre-conference tours begin on British Columbia’s coast and feature a Hereford Field Day in Abbottsford; drive up the Coquihalla Highway to the famous Douglas Lake Ranch north of Merritt, and continuing through Banff National Park arriving at the Calgary Sheraton conference headquarters hotel. The Stampede Park Palomino Room in the Bank of Montreal (BMO) Centre has been sanctioned for the conference forum with World Hereford Congress special events also on Park. Sunday, July 15 will be a free day to visit Stampede exhibits and take in the rodeo and chuckwagon finals. Then, it’s off to the heart of cattle country, Olds, Alberta, where the World Hereford Cattle Show will take place on July 16 and 17 followed by a rancher day on the 18th. Post-conference tours continue on into the weekend across the nation.

Canadian Hereford Association General Manager Gordon Stephenson has announced that Dr. Jay Cross of Bar Pipe Hereford Ranch in Okotoks has been named Conference

Chairman. Gordon indicates that attendance at the 16th conference will no doubt greatly increase due to the fact that the Calgary Stampede is held in high esteem around the world.

Hereford breeders around the world are eager to discuss their plans to attend. Enrique Larraechea Garcia and Senora Patricia of Montevideo operate an estancia with their sons near Peralta in Northern Uruguay. They are excited about the conference being held during Stampede. Larraechea runs a large Horned Hereford herd, breeds race horses and grazes hundreds of sheep. He says, “We really are looking forward to going to the World Hereford Conference in 2012. We loved attending the Calgary Stampede with you before we assisted with the World Sheep and Wool Conference back in 1986. It was so enjoyable to renew our friendship again while attending the 11th WHC meetings in South Africa in 1992.”

Clive and Kate McEachern operate Ardno Horned Hereford Stud north of Geelong in Victoria, Australia, and “definitely” plan to attend in 2012. They say, “We were thrilled to attend the Calgary Stampede in 1997 as we had heard about it for many years. The focus of the show was on stock and there were many breeds of horses which we had never seen before. This included the magnificent Suffolk Punch that stands at an impressive 19 hands high. We especially enjoyed the chuckwagon races which are a unique spectacle, as there is not an equivalent experience anywhere else in the world. In Calgary we were surrounded by cowboys, it is certainly a ‘hat town’! We also enjoyed visiting a number of Hereford herds in the area and meeting the breeders. The tour to Banff and Lake Louise was another highlight as there was wonderful scenery and glaciers.”

Just across the Canadian border at Valier, Montana, the Line One Holden Hereford breeders ranch of Jack, Tresha, Brooke and Brad Holden can be found. Jack is excited that the 16th WHC venue will be close to home. He has exported embryos around the world and has many clients in Canada. “Sales into Canada have been good to us,” declares Jack. “The family is tickled that the Conference coincides with the Stampede. We hope to meet all of our friends there.”

Worldwide enthusiasm for the 16th World Hereford Conference bodes well for its success. To have it in conjunction with the Centennial Calgary Stampede makes it a particularly celebratory event. What could be better than cowboys, horses and cattle — legendary white-faced Hereford cattle!

For more information, visit www.hereford.ca

norma Dunn 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.



For many years, the Calgary Stampede hosted what’s known as the International Youth Livestock Show during the 10-day festival. Participants brought livestock to the Stampede grounds to compete in many different events testing their skills and production in hopes of winning a scholarship. In 2010 the Calgary Stampede International Youth Livestock committee gave the traditional event a new look.

International Youth Livestock committee Chair Tracy Lundago worked with fellow volunteers and event stakeholders to ensure that this new event was a success. And that it was —

participation rose from approximately 80 youth at the 2009 Youth Livestock Show to a tremendous 341 competitors and over 600 head of livestock from across Western Canada. The five-day event north of Calgary at Olds, Alberta, tested participants in a youth marketing competition, a multi-species judging competition, conformation, showmanship and a senior herdsman quiz. The youth brought their projects, showing in three species classes — dairy, heavy horse or beef. Calgary Stampede International Youth Scholarship interviews and Grandstand Presentations were awarded on Stampede Park.

Tracy’s reflection of the opportunities existed in all facets of the event including increased participation, sponsorship, scholarships, industry synergies, transition to renowned clinicians, adult programming, signature components, achievement showcases and overall heightened awareness of unique programming. Sponsors helped make the event come to life.

Tracy says, “Summer Synergy is a platform to promote evolution and transformation within the agriculture sector through the generation that will drive the industry in the future. There is no question that Summer

youth Welcome summer synergyfor mAny young rurAl KIDs, IT’s A DreAm for Them To pArTICIpATe In An

InTernATIonAl lIVesToCK shoW; A plACe Where mAny frIenDs gATher TogeTher

To reACh personAl AChIeVemenTs AnD DeVelop sKIlls. In 2010, The CAlgAry

sTAmpeDe VeereD onTo A neW pATh, lInKIng up WITh olDs AgrICulTure soCIeTy,

AlBerTA 4-h AnD olDs College To proDuCe A youTh lIVesToCK InITIATIVe CAlleD

summer synergy. By K e r r I e B e n n e T T


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

Social media has become a great power to spread the word to the world, and a partnership of agri-preneurs in Alberta have built their business online using these online mediums to get information about agriculture out to the world.

FarmOn.com is an online company that was started in 2006 by a group of entrepreneurs in Alberta who wanted to create a place where people would be able to connect, network and mentor about all aspects of agriculture including production, operations and finance.

FarmOn.com has taken advantage of the Internet and different forms of social media to allow access to agriculture by removing the barriers of distance, cost and travel. Life is busy between work, family and activities but through the internet there are more opportunities to learn, socialize, network and do business because there is no closing time. This is very important, especially with younger audiences as they are more inclined to want information immediately. The fact that FarmOn.com has recognized this opportunity and created a community to exist where people involved in agriculture can come to network, learn and connect is a great example of what more industries should be doing to encourage young people to stay involved and interested.

FarmOn.com has created an online community where people can network and initiate conversations about agriculture and learn from each other. They have also provided the opportunity for mentorship through their Farm Masters program where young people can connect with experienced professionals. They

hosted an online broadcast of the Perfect Pitch, a competition for young rural entrepreneurs to pitch their three-minute business plan for the chance to win valuable business coaching and a $25,000 investment to start their own business. Others could watch the pitch live online or visit the site and watch at a time that was convenient for them.

An online market place is currently under development. This initiative is essentially a virtual farmers market that will combine social media and e-commerce. This market will provide the opportunity for producers to tell the story about their product and allow them to connect with the consumers, something no other online farmers market currently offers. FarmOn.com intends to provide an opportunity for people to market their product, set their own prices, and create a market and a demand for their products.

One of the key lessons that the FarmOn.com partnership learned early on is that the network you already have established is a powerful thing and through online social networks you can evolve your network to find people that share your passion, have extensive knowledge on business and other areas of interest, and you can access them at any time of day without leaving your house.

visit Farmon.com for more information.

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]

farmon.com:Young Alberta Agri-preneurs Capitalize on Social MediafACeBooK, TWITTer, youTuBe, Blogs, TWeeTs — These Are All Terms ThAT hAVe

BeCome pArT of our eVeryDAy lAnguAge As The WorlD hAs gone onlIne To fInD

enTerTAInmenT, neWs, eDuCATIon As Well As neTWorKIng AnD soCIAlIZIng.By J e n n n o r r I e

Synergy can provide a bridge between the individual focus of the stakeholders that is critical to maintaining historical identity while forging a progressive program that promotes stronger agriculture relationships.”

Tracy’s eyes light up when she talks about their big ambitions in the future. Looking ahead to 2011, there are two

major enhancements: the creation of the Provincial 4-H Sheep Show and increased sponsorship. This level of youth livestock scholarship will position the International Youth Livestock committee with its partners in Summer Synergy as the largest youth livestock showcase and scholarship program.

For more information on Summer Synergy, visit www.calgarystampede.com or www.oldsagsociety.com

Kerrie Bennett, 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. She may be reached at [email protected]

sarah Wray and Kelly Wilson, farmon.com agri-preneurs



Australian-born, Alberta-raised Gord Bamford is a country singer with strong ties to the Calgary Stampede. He says his music is about remaining true to his roots. For Gord, those roots are firmly entrenched in Lacombe, Alberta.

“All my life I’ve been around agriculture,” says Gord, noting family members are involved in both the cattle and grain industries. Rural life for Gord included sports, chores and hard work, but also included joining the local 4-H club and visiting the Calgary Stampede.

Agriculture in songThe proVInCe of AlBerTA hAs A Very sTrong AgrICulTure InDusTry. CATTle AnD

Crops permeATe All AspeCTs of lIfe In AlBerTA. The InDusTry eVen fInDs ITs WAy

InTo The lyrICs of our CounTry sIngers. meeT TWo AlBerTA musICIAns Who

hAVe AgrICulTurAl rooTs ThAT InfluenCe TheIr musIC.

Gord Bamford By T I n A Z A KoW s K y

Gord attended the Calgary Stampede for the first time when he was six years old. “It’s the Greatest Outdoor Show on Earth,” says Gord. “At that time I just wanted to go on all the rides and eat cotton candy, but I loved it and I kept coming back.” Gord readily admits that he dreamt of playing music at the Calgary Stampede. That dream became reality when he opened for the legendary George Strait at the 2009 Stampede.

As an adult, Gord ended up working as a concrete truck driver, coming up with ideas for songs while driving around. In 1994, he won a local radio station’s talent contest. The prize included a professional studio recording session. Still, it was not until 2004 that Gord achieved commercial success with six Top 20 radio hits from the album Life is Good. Gord spent a lot of time on the road playing clubs, halls and rodeos. He found stories everywhere he went and took advantage of each opportunity to write the songs to tell those stories.

As he built his career, Gord remained a regular Stampede visitor. Then, thanks to Ed Harris’ help, Gord was introduced to the right people at the Calgary Stampede. In 2008, the year that Gord received his first Juno award nomination for Country Recording of the Year, the Calgary Stampede asked him to write the Stampede theme song. Gord describes the result of that request, This Old Hat, as “one of my favourite songs that I’ve ever written.” He adds that it was a tremendous honour to be asked.

Children and the western lifestyle are both very important to Gord. In addition to his musical involvement with the Calgary Stampede, Gord is also involved with 4-H. Set up as a fundraising initiative, 4-H members across the country have the opportunity to sell Gord Bamford CDs. A substantial portion of the profits go back to their 4-H clubs. This effort, coupled with Gord’s tremendous fundraising monies raised through his Gord Bamford Charitable Foundation, helped earn him the prestigious 2010 Canadian Country Music Association Humanitarian of the Year Award.


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

Tim Hus By r o s s D e V e s o n

In addition to being a country music artist, Gord is a country music fan. He finds it easy to write songs that touch on agriculture. “My grandpa was a rodeo cowboy, a hard-nosed blue-collar guy,” says Gord. “My grandpa said you get what you give and I try to follow that model. I try to focus songs on positive events and try not to write about anything negative.”

“If you’re a country music fan and you’re a true country artist,” continues Gord, “you try to write about it. My heart is in country music and I’ll never try to follow the trend.”

While Gord hopes that he will continue to enjoy success, he is also quick to say that he would have “no issues going back to driving a concrete truck or working 10, 15, or 18 hours a day on a farm” if his music career were to end.

As the 2010 Canadian Country Music Association’s Male Artist of the Year and a 2011 Juno nominee, it looks like Gord will continue to enjoy success while singing about what he loves. Jimmy Hughes of Calgary’s Classic Country radio station AM 1060 may have summarized Gord’s success best when he said “Gord Bamford has a great, great sound. His music is big and so is his talent and he plays this driving country music. He does ballads, but you should see him here during the Stampede. People go wild.”

tina Zakowsky (née Schwartzenberger) is a member of the International Agriculture committee, editor of the profile and is employed as the Member Communications Specialist for the Canadian Angus Association. tina calls the Calgary Stampede her “10 days of Christmas in July”. She may be reached at [email protected]

If you have ever worked in a coal mine, ridden a bull, roped a steer or worked on a pipeline in Canada, chances are you’ve heard of Tim Hus. He’s as pure a Canadian country music singer and storyteller as you’ll find anywhere in this great nation.

Tim began his dream of playing country music seven years ago and has played in practically every honky-tonk, rodeo, and tractor pull across Canada. Tim is an accomplished storyteller who drew inspiration from his father at an early age. Tim’s father, Helmut Hus, settled his family in the Kooteney region of British Columbia in the late 1970s after immigrating to Canada from Hamburg, Germany. “My father was a world traveller, working on railways and on merchant ships his



whole life,” says Tim. “He was always the life of every party or gathering — a gifted storyteller — which is probably the reason why I’m doing a similar thing with my music today.”

Born in Nelson, British Columbia, Tim grew up there, but now calls Alberta his home. “I settled in Calgary because it’s the capital city of ranching and rodeo in Canada,” says Tim. “I chose to build my career in Calgary because of the western heritage that surrounds it.” His unique blend of storytelling, humour and melody make Tim Hus a country music singer like no other. Although country music is his passion, it took a few years for Tim to decide to give the “Cowboy Singer” in him a chance at success.

“I’ve worked in fish hatcheries, logging camps and even as a beer truck driver at a brewery before I started into the music business,” says Tim. “Those early experiences and the people I’ve met along the way are the inspiration I draw on for the songs I write.”

Tim Hus’ style of music captures the essence of small-town life in Canada. His songs tell uniquely Canadian stories of life in mining towns, fishing camps, pipelines, rodeos and cattle ranches. He adds, “The inspiration for my music comes from those who live and work on the land — or the grassroots of rural Canada as I like to call it. They all share a common bond in their work ethic and dedication to each other and their families.”

Tim Hus readily admits that he’ll never be a big Nashville star and that he’s content with being relatively unknown outside of Canada. “Someone once told me that you owe yourself five years to go after your dream,” says Tim. “If you haven’t made any progress after five years, you can go on to other things content that you gave it an honest effort.” As it turned out, after five years in the music business, Tim signed with Stony Plains Records, committing himself to keeping the foot stompin’ traditions of Canadian country music alive. He credits country music legends Ian Tyson and Stompin’ Tom Connors as inspirations, and says he’s proud to be one of a small fraternity of Canadian country music storytellers.

For Tim Hus, life on the road, singing his songs, are what his dreams are made of. “I can honestly say that if I won the ‘big jackpot’ tomorrow, I’d keep doing the same thing that I’m doing today.” And since Stompin’ Tom Connors once said that he’d like to eventually “pass the torch to Tim Hus”, the rest of us can rest easy knowing that torch will be in good hands.

Ross Deveson is a member of the International Agriculture committee and is employed by Bayer CropScience based in Calgary, Alberta. he can be reached at [email protected].


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

Tim Hus readily admits that he’ll never be a big Nashville star and that he’s content with being relatively unknown outside of Canada. “Someone once told me that you owe yourself five years to go after your dream,” says Tim. “If you haven’t made any progress after five years, you can go on to other things content that you gave it an honest effort.” As it turned out, after five years in the music business, Tim signed with Stony Plains Records, committing himself to keeping the foot stompin’ traditions of Canadian country music alive. He credits country music legends Ian Tyson and Stompin’ Tom Connors as inspirations, and says he’s proud to be one of a small fraternity of Canadian country music storytellers.

For Tim Hus, life on the road, singing his songs, are what his dreams are made of. “I can honestly say that if I won the ‘big jackpot’ tomorrow, I’d keep doing the same thing that I’m doing today.” And since Stompin’ Tom Connors once said that he’d like to eventually “pass the torch to Tim Hus”, the rest of us can rest easy knowing that torch will be in good hands.

Ross Deveson is a member of the International Agriculture committee and is employed by Bayer CropScience based in Calgary, Alberta. he can be reached at [email protected].

Pulses are unique among grain crops because of their ability to take nitrogen from the air and turn it into a form that can be used by plants. Estimates from Stats Canada show that Alberta’s pulse production has increased steadily since 1991. International demand is the main driver for this growth with Canada exporting approximately 75% of its pulse production to more than 150 countries around the globe. Pulse crops grown in Alberta include field peas, dry beans, chick peas, faba beans, and lentils. Production of pulses occurs in most cropping regions with field peas being the most commonly harvested crop.

Historically, pea crops were a leading production crop in Eastern Canada, with an average of 720,000 acres grown each year during the late 1800s and early 1900s. However, these crops did not make their debut in Western Canada in any significant way until the 1970s, when a surplus of wheat encouraged farmers to diversify into cash crops such as rapeseed (canola), lentils, peas and other specialty crops.

Alberta pulse Cropspulses Are The eDIBle seeDs of legumes, lIKe lenTIls, BeAns, peAs AnD ChICKpeAs.

WhIle TrADITIonAl grAIn Crops suCh As WheAT AnD BArley remAIn The

mAInsTAy of AlBerTA’s grAIn InDusTry, The pulse Crop Is mAKIng ITs oWn mArK.By e V e ly n m A I n

estimated Acreage (in 000s) of pulse Crops in Alberta by year

fIelD peAs

Dry BeAns

ChICKpeAs lenTIls fABA BeAns

1991 167.1 n/a 12.2

1992 200 12 n/A 45 2.9

1993 300 30 n/A 30 3

1994 400 25 n/A 40 3

1995 465 30 n/A 38 2.5

1996 290 25 n/A 20 0.2

1997 385 35 n/A 25 0.45

1998 510 45 n/A 15 0.55

1999 470 47 n/A 22 0.3

2000 660 45 50 32 2

2001 650 59 100 15 3

2002 650 40 45 12 2.5

2003 635 52 25 15 2

2004 700 47 15 18 5

2005 555 50 30 20 4

2006 630 53 40.7 11 9

2007 610 53 50 n/A n/A

2008 770 45 n/A n/A n/A

Source: Statistics Canada, Field Crop Reporting Series; Alberta Agriculture Special

Crops Report; Stats Canada Census of Agriculture

n/A = statistic not available



Today, technological improvements, changing markets, reduced summer fallow acreage, continuous cropping and direct seeding are encouraging the growth of pulses. Benefits of growing pulse crops include the extension and diversification of crop rotations, increased available nitrogen, improvement of soil management and the contribution to soil organic matter.

Also contributing to the increase of acreage of pulses in the Canadian prairies is the nitrogen-fixing ability of pulses and the improved control of disease and weeds through better crop rotations. The trend toward a favourable environmental profile has also contributed to the increase in acreage of cultivated pulse crops. Add the awareness of environmental factors to an increased desire by consumers to consume a diet that has a higher nutritional and energy profile and you’ve got the right ingredients to support an increase in production.

Pulse crops fit the nutritional bill nicely; they are high in protein, fibre and complex carbohydrates and low in fat and sodium as well as being excellent sources of vitamins, minerals

and antioxidants. The consumption of pulse crops in Canada is relatively low, with only about 20% of the Canadian population consuming these crops regularly. Canadians are slowly beginning to consume more pulses when dining at restaurants and many organizations and agencies are promoting their benefits.

In July 2010, the Calgary Stampede featured pulses on the menu at Savour Canada where Canadian food products were the feature of the show. While more and more chefs are introducing dishes featuring pulses on their menus, other individuals are finding creative ways of adding these products to their diet. One promising idea is the incorporation of lentils into sports energy bars. The Ginki bar, produced in Manitoba, compares itself to other leading sports performance bars as providing similar nutritional values and higher benefits for athletes because the primary ingredient, lentils, are significantly lower in glycemic index.

evelyn Main is a member of the International Agriculture committee. She may be reached at [email protected].

smoky split pea soup

Ingredients:

8 cups low-sodium vegetable broth, divided

1 medium yellow onion, chopped

3 cloves garlic, finely chopped

1 teaspoon smoked paprika (pimentón)

1/3 cup sundried tomatoes (not packed in oil), chopped

1 pound dried green split peas, rinsed

freshly ground black pepper

method:

In a large pot, bring 1/2 cup broth to a simmer over medium-high

heat. Add onion and garlic and cook about 6 minutes or until onion is

translucent and tender. stir in smoked paprika and cook 1 minute. Add

tomatoes, peas, remaining 7 1/2 cups broth and 1 cup water and bring

to a boil. reduce heat to low, cover and simmer about 40 minutes or

until peas are tender.

purée soup with a hand-held immersion blender or in a blender or

food processor until smooth and creamy. return to heat and simmer

5 minutes more, stirring occasionally. season with black pepper

and serve.

lentil Chili

Ingredients:

8 cups low-sodium vegetable broth, divided

1 medium yellow onion, chopped

1 large red bell pepper, chopped

5 cloves garlic, finely chopped

4 teaspoons salt-free chili powder

1 (16-ounce) package brown lentils (about 2 1/4 cups lentils)

2 (15-ounce) cans no-salt-added diced tomatoes

1/4 cup chopped cilantro

method:

Bring 3/4 cup broth to a simmer in a large pot over medium-high heat.

Add onion, bell pepper and garlic and cook about 8 minutes or until

onion is translucent and pepper is tender. stir in chili powder and cook

1 minute, stirring constantly. Add lentils, tomatoes and remaining 7

1/4 cups broth. Bring to a boil, reduce heat to medium-low and simmer,

partially covered, 30 minutes or until lentils are almost tender. uncover

and cook 10 minutes longer. stir in cilantro and serve.

Recipes Courtesy of Derek Dale, Calgary Stampede Executive Chef


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

When the Canadian Pacific Railway was expanding across Canada, one of their goals was to develop beautiful gardens to showcase the fertile soil and entice settlers to move west. A century later, Jason has taken the tradition of CPR agents supporting horticulture, greenhouses and research centers and helped it evolve. Jason has not only developed beautiful gardens, he has taken a garden centre, tree nursery and greenhouse and added a replica CPR train station and a caboose to create a unique Alberta venture, Aspen Crossing.

Located 50 miles southeast of Calgary near the community of Mossleigh, Aspen Crossing is more than a garden centre with a train theme. It also offers a year-round dining and theatre experience and more recently, a campground with caboose sleeper cars. Visitors to Aspen Crossing can experience the ambience of dining in a rail car, an overnight stay in a rail car, or enjoy a morning cup of coffee from the conductor’s chair up in the cupola of the caboose.

With a population of 100, the community of Mossleigh is not large enough to sustain a garden centre. Jason knew that he had to do something to appeal to a wider market outside of the Mossleigh area. He thus obtained the late John Diefenbaker’s 1887 Pullman dining car and the adventure of a high-end restaurant became Jason’s new thrust.

Knowing also that a garden center is a seasonal business, Jason began planning special events such as Christmas markets, winter festivals, train days and ladies’ nights out. Dinner theatre evenings held in the dining car are all about train travel and each play is written especially for Aspen Crossing.

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Real. Good. Food. Searching for an opportunity to supplement the family income, Tamara Taylor researched opportunities to develop a home-based business that would combine her education in Animal Science and desire to grow a sustainable career. After researching alternative breeds of livestock, Tamara, her husband Mark and their young sons William and Nathan, acquired a small herd of Berkshire hogs. This rare heritage breed is world-renowned for excellent carcass quality, flavour and tenderness and is known for their hardiness and adaptability to living outdoors. A herd of meat goats that is easy to manage was added as a lean red meat alternative.

The end of the first production cycle proved a great success. The prolific nature of both the hogs and goats resulted in greater quantities of product than could easily be distributed through online sales alone. The Taylors determined that direct marketing to the consumer was the best way to maximize

returns for their venture. In 2008, the Taylors partnered with Tamara’s parents Dayle and Alice Murray to open a retail location on Main Street in Caroline. The store was the perfect venue to promote the sale of naturally raised Ravenwood farm fresh Berkshire pork, goat meat and the Murray’s cattle.

The retail location was well received in the community and the Taylors learned that other producers were facing the same challenges taking their products to market. Partnering with other local producers who embraced the philosophy of naturally raised livestock, Ravenwood Farm Fresh Meats added chicken, bison, venison, lamb, spices, sauces and eggs to their product offerings. Ravenwood now works with more than 30 local farm families to market their products ensuring a consistent, steady, year-round supply with uniform quality.

At the completion of their first year in business, Ravenwood launched a major renovation of their retail location, expanding

A fAmIly AffAIrloCATeD In The fooThIlls of The roCKy mounTAIns AnD Along The CoWBoy

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Jason’s efforts paid off and he has been able to expand his business. A second greenhouse was added in 2005 and a gift store was added in 2006. He has gone from a small staff of three in 2004 when Aspen Crossing opened to a staff of 20 plus a business manager in 2010. Jason believes that digging in the soil and watching beauty bloom, enjoying the history of life related to the trains is a good experience.

Aspen Crossing also cares for local community development and has worked to help make the community a destination for tourists. These efforts have spilled over into supporting local history by acquiring a century-old home which will become a museum and coffee house. To facilitate group gatherings and catered events, an 85-site, fully serviced campground and “caboose cabins” have been developed. Mossleigh still has three wooden grain elevators beside its railway tracks. Wooden grain elevators are becoming an increasingly rare sight on the Alberta prairies.

With the town of Mossleigh’s proximity to the garden centre, it faces future community development with a scenic tourist train reminiscent of a time when train travel was essential for developing Western Canadian communities. Aspen Crossing is virtually turning back time to develop our knowledge and understanding of trains. Jason is currently working on the prospect of allowing visitors to ride the ”Western Heritage Scenic Railway”.

The soil has certainly sprouted fertile ideas at Aspen Crossing, and the future looks bright for the community.

For more information, upcoming events or to sign up for the newsletter, visit www.aspencrossing.com

Jan Warren is a volunteer on the international Agriculture committee of the Calgary Stampede who works with new venture business development for value adding in the agriculture industry. She has a vast network of ag connections in southern Alberta, and loves to show off the innovative growing and producing in this part of the world! Contact her at [email protected]


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

the space from 1,000 square feet to 3,000 square feet. The new location includes an on-site butcher shop, a “100 Mile Market”, a commercial kitchen and Country Café. ‘Pasture to Plate’ encompasses the philosophy of the business and is the mandate of the café. Encouraged by the response, Ravenwood brought an experienced butcher specializing in traditional methods of preparing sausage, bacon and jerky to the team. Within the butcher shop, sides of beef hang in large coolers to dry age, allowing the meat to gain a rich flavour.

While the store in town continued to expand, the farm has made several changes to meet the increasing demand. Ravenwood Ranch is now home to beef cattle, Jersey dairy cattle, Berkshire hogs, sheep, goats, ducks, rabbits and chickens. Expanding marketing activities to include farmer’s markets in Calgary and Red Deer, Ravenwood has been able to increase their exposure and client base. Customer service options include free delivery and custom butchering for wild game. Customers appreciate the traditional butcher shop feel where they can order specific cuts of meat and have them wrapped in brown paper while they wait.

In the summer of 2010, Ravenwood introduced Community Supported Agriculture Farm Tours allowing families to spend the day handling the animals, fencing, weeding, painting, feeding and harvesting. The evening

meal was prepared from meat grown on the farm and vegetables harvested that afternoon. The families stayed overnight, sleeping under the stars. Gaining a real connection to where their food comes from, the families developed a true appreciation for the commitment to “Real. Good. Food.” that defines Ravenwood.

Ravenwood’s ground-breaking approach to production and marketing led to an Agriculture Policy Framework’s Best Practices Award for innovation in agriculture in 2009. In 2010, Tamara and Mark were named finalists for Alberta’s Outstanding Young Farmer’s Award. The storefront butcher shop was the recipient of several awards for its bacon and jerky at the Alberta Food Processor’s Meat Industry competition in 2010.

From its humble beginnings three years ago, Ravenwood has far surpassed the original goals of a small home-based business. With dedication, hard work and community support, the Ravenwood family has been able to build a business that allows their passion to enhance their careers.

For more information, visit www.ravenwoodranch.com

Shannon haney has been an active Calgary Stampede volunteer for many years and says the Calgary Stampede is her favorite ‘season’ of the year.

Shannon can be reached at [email protected]

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The roots of agriculture run deep at the Calgary Stampede. What began in 1886 as the Calgary Agricultural Society has grown to become one of the top agricultural showcases in Canada. It supports the Stampede’s purpose — to preserve and promote western heritage and values — by creating a dynamic schedule of livestock shows, educational opportunities and exciting competitive events. Stampede Park is a year-round gathering place; at any time of the year agriculture can be found.

“Agriculture is not just a job; it is a passion for the staff and volunteers involved at the Calgary Stampede, as it is for the producers in the industry,” says Robert Wise, Agriculture Manager. “Eleven full-time staff and 450 volunteers are faithful to the department’s mandate, which includes education, programming and industry support as well as encouraging the next generation of agricultural producers.”

Fewer people today have a direct link to agriculture and farming. Many “urbanites” have never been on a farm and do not have a clear understanding of where their food comes from or how it is produced. This Calgary Stampede uses this as an opportunity to educate the public about food production and how food can be grown in a healthy and environmentally sustainable manner.

There are two key educational programs that bring knowledge of agriculture directly to the city. Aggie Days presented by Encana is a school-focused program that brings teachers and students in grades 1 through 6 out of the classroom in early April and walks them through live displays and interactive activities that teach them about agriculture in Alberta. The showcase is also open to the public.

Agrium Ag-tivity in the City increases awareness of Alberta’s agriculture industry during the 10-day Stampede in July. In a massive tent in the centre of the agricultural exhibits,

stampede park is the place to find agriculture all year longAgrICulTure AT The CAlgAry sTAmpeDe Is noT lImITeD To The eVenTs ThAT TAKe

plACe oVer 10 DAys eACh July. sTAmpeDe AgrICulTure ComprIses 365 DAys of

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VolunTeers. By A n n e m A r I e p e D e r s e n

Working Cow horse Classic 4-h steer show


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

volunteers and industry representatives provide an overview of the complexity, diversity and successes of the Alberta agriculture industry. Visitors can experience everything from the livestock sector, greenhouses, biodiesel and all points in between through expansive and interactive exhibits.

The livestock industry, in particular beef production, is a significant part of agriculture in Alberta. The livestock show season begins with the 111-year-old Calgary Bull Sale in March. This event brings top breeding stock together and is a benchmark for other bull sales across the prairies and the western United States.

Stampede Park next hosts the Dairy Classic Championship Show, which celebrated its 125th year at the Stampede in 2011. Junior and Reserve Junior Champion and Grand and Reserve Grand Champion Holstein and Jersey honours are awarded, as well as a Youth Judging Clinic, the SuperCow Class and the Annual Explosion Heifer Sale.

Every May, Stampede Park is filled to capacity with hundreds of 4-H members and their projects for 4-H on Parade, which is the largest event of its kind in Canada. Classes include beef female and steer shows, horse and heavy horse shows, sheep shows and dog agility shows, as well as life skills displays and visual arts. This event showcases the passion and commitment of the next generation of agricultural producers.

The richest steer show in Canada, the UFA Steer Classic has been part of the Calgary Stampede for more than 25 years. It draws the best of the industry and from 11 breed class winners, one will be crowned Grand Champion Steer and earn $10,000 in prize money. A new junior scholarship program will be incorporated in this year’s show, with the Champion and Reserve Champion steer being sold by auction after the show. The Quality Beef Competition continues to be an exciting element of the Steer Show offerings as the competition identifies carcasses of superior quality.

New for 2011 is Canadian Feeder Cattle Showcase. This pen competition will elevate the engagement of commercial producers and the feedlot industry, while celebrating the success of this predominant industry in Alberta, and will be held in conjunction with our International Livestock Auctioneer Championships.

The Sheep Showcase display explains the diversity and depth of the sheep industry in Alberta including meat and wool exhibits. Suffolk, Katahdin and Cheviot breeds are Alberta’s top three breed varieties. Young lambs attract a great deal of attention from adults and children alike. Another crowd pleaser is the North American Sheep Shearing Challenge, which attracts shearers from around the globe.

The World Stock Dog Championship is a two-day event during the Calgary Stampede bringing the best competitors from all over North America together. These events are fun for spectators and competitors alike; the border collies that are bred for this type of work clearly can’t wait to get started.

The Miniature Donkey Showcase features top industry breeders showcasing the easy going nature of these four-legged companions through meet-and-greets and obstacle demonstrations.

Top honours can be won by more than livestock. Throughout the year, men, women, horses and dogs — on their own or in teams — want to be named top in their field.

The Canadian Horseshoeing Championship in March brings together the top blacksmiths from across the country to vie for the “best in Canada” title. The World Championship Blacksmiths’ Competition takes place during the Calgary Stampede. Top Farrier Science students from three different colleges earn their place as “helpers” during the World Championship, giving them up-close access to the best farriers in the world. The opportunity for competitors to share their

Working Cow horse Classic 4-h steer show



experience and knowledge during the internationally attended competition has led it to be considered one of the most prestigious events of its kind.

The Western Performance Horse Committee is responsible for some of the most dynamic horse and rider competitions around. During the Calgary Stampede, three of these events take centre stage: the Calgary Stampede Team Penning Competition, Calgary Stampede Cutting Horse Competition and the Calgary Stampede Working Cow Horse Classic. These events draw top competitors from all over North America as they are sanctioned by the individual associations and count toward their yearly aggregate.

In October, both the Canadian Team Cattle Penning Association National Finals and the Calgary Stampede Cutting Horse Futurity presented by Wrangler take place at Stampede Park and round out the competition season.

On the horsemanship side, a recent addition is the Calgary Stampede Cowboy Up Challenge. The Cowboy Up Challenge is a multi-faceted equestrian sporting event that showcases both horse and rider as they manoeuvre through a series of obstacles demonstrating both their amazing horsemanship skills and incredible speed.

The Heavy Horse Show presented by Halliburton is just about as impressive as it gets. The Belgians, Clydesdales, Percherons and Shires were originally bred for heavy work. The epitome of pomp and ceremony come together when the majestic six-horse hitches from all over North compete to music from the Calgary Philharmonic Orchestra.

The Calgary Stampede Heavy Horse Pull puts the big guys to work. Teams of two horses (with the help of a teamster) pull up to three times their own weight a distance of 14 feet in an attempt to gain bragging rights for the year.

Draft Horse Town pays homage to the mighty “draft horse” and the significant role they played in building Western Canada. Draft Horse Town offers Stampede visitors a slice of living history, plenty of hands-on activities and exhibits, and a close-up look at these magnificent animals in action.

The Calgary Stampede is dedicated to supporting the future of agriculture in Alberta. A number of events are specifically for youth competitors and many of the shows and competitions include youth classes.

During the 10 days of the Calgary Stampede, youth in agriculture are truly showcased. The International Youth Livestock Show recently underwent a transformation. The new program, Summer Synergy, was the result of a partnership between the Calgary Stampede, Olds Agricultural Society, 4-H Alberta and a number of provincial beef breed associations. In its inaugural year, 341 youth between the ages of nine and 20 showed more than 600 animals and competed for more than $340,000 in post-secondary scholarship money.

The 4-H Rodeo that takes place in the fall is another opportunity for rural youth to compete and showcase their skills and abilities.

Agriculture is an enormous part of the history of the Calgary Stampede and Alberta, and it continues to play a significant role in the economy and well-being of our province. Because of the work of a dedicated team of staff and volunteers, agriculture continues to be a dynamic and exciting component of what the Calgary Stampede has to offer — all year long.

Annemarie pedersen is Stakeholder Communications Manager at the Beef Information Centre and chair of the Calgary Stampede’s Agriculture Media committee. She is a born and raised Calgarian who grew up loving the Stampede.

Cowboy up Challenge


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

Cowboy up Challenge



Ice-cold beer is a popular summer refreshment in our country. Alberta’s malt barley producers come from a long history — a 10,000 year history in fact — of barley cultivation. Their ability to raise a top quality and consistent product is a primary reason Canada is internationally recognized for its first-class beer.

Beer, like many of the best things in life, likely came about by accident. Barley was one of the first and most important old-world cereal crops, grown primarily for food and later for livestock feed. About 6,000 years ago, Sumerians (living in what is modern-day Iraq) realized that dried barley bread, when mixed with water, fermented into a first form of beer. Their delight at the discovery soon spread and beer brewing was quickly adopted by neighbouring peoples and every subsequent civilization, right up to the modern day.

Today, the vast majority of beer is still made from barley. Given that beer is the third most widely consumed beverage in the world after water and tea, there is global demand for malting barley crops. And, given that barley remains the world’s most important livestock feed, it’s likely that barley will continue to be a staple of Canadian agriculture long into the future.

Canada is the world’s second-largest producer of barley. The dry climate and wide-open spaces of our prairie provinces are ideal for barley production. Alberta farmers grow about half of Canada’s total production, or more than five million tonnes every year, making this crop second only to wheat in produced tonnage in the province.

About 80% of the barley grown in Alberta is a malt variety. However, because taste and purity is so important to the finished malt, only the very best and most consistent barley — about 20% of the total malting barley grown — is selected by maltsters.

In order to be selected, the malting barley grains must possess a wide variety of characteristics, including low moisture content; uniform size; specific protein levels; right colour and maturity; freedom from disease, pests and chemicals; no broken, damaged or weathered kernels; and no pre-harvest germination. Malting barley not selected for malt ends up primarily as livestock feed, though a small amount is used in other human food forms and bioproducts.

Given the highly exacting requirements, farmers have to be incredibly careful through every stage of production, harvesting and storage in order to increase the likelihood that their grain will be selected for malting. Yet the financial premium over

livestock feed (usually in the range of about $50 per tonne) means the hard work pays off for those producers who manage to grow the perfect malting barley.

Malting barley selected for malting must first be “malted”. To create malt, barley grains are allowed to germinate, or sprout roots. Preparing to grow into a plant, the grain increases its soluble starch content in order to provide the tiny seedling with energy for growth. At this point, the maltster heats the grain to a precise point to stop the growth of the plant but still allow a natural enzyme that converts starch into sugar to keep working in the grain.

In order to make beer and other alcohols, malt is combined with yeast, which acts on the high sugar content to create carbon dioxide and alcohol. Additional barley, roasted to a higher temperature, is added to give beer differing flavours and colours.

Approximately one million tonnes of Alberta-grown malting barley is selected for malting. Of the total malting barley destined for alcohol, about three-quarters is brewed right here in Canada. The other quarter is exported to international brewers, mostly in China, the United States, South Africa, Colombia, Japan and Mexico.

Beer may be an ancient invention, but the science of perfecting it continues on many levels, including at the barley growing level. One key reason our barley crops remain internationally competitive is the top-notch cereal crop research facilities that exist in our province. Teams of highly skilled scientists work out of Lacombe, Alberta, at the federal government’s Lacombe Research Centre and the provincial government’s Field Crop Development Centre. In addition to developing new, higher yielding crop varieties, these scientists study disease resistance as well as rotational and nutrient adjustments that might benefit production yield.

Alberta’s barley future looks bright. Cheers!

For more information, visit the Alberta Barley Commission website at www.albertabarley.com

A born and raised farm girl, Madeleine Baerg is a Calgary based freelance writer who lives and loves agriculture. She writes for multiple provincial and national agricultural publications, and is planning to one day soon move her two small children back to a farm. you can reach Madeleine at [email protected]

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Growing Beer:


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

Laser Equation Ltd. has been a Calgary Stampede International Agriculture committee sponsor for two years and looks forward to continuing this tradition. Although the company has no direct business correlation to the Calgary Stampede, Laser Equation takes responsibility for many of the parts and pieces that are used to design and build the large pallets that transport Canadian agricultural products worldwide. Predominantly industrial in nature, many of the products created at Laser Equation Ltd. are used in the drilling and completions processes in the oil and gas industry.

laser equation ltd.The AssoCIATIon BeTWeen A CompAny ThAT CreATes pIeCes, shApes AnD pArTs

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Sponsor Profile:

Bob’s journey is an original one. Bob was raised southwest of Longview on a cattle ranch that is still operated by the family today. Originally raising purebred Herefords in the United Kingdom, Bob’s father immigrated to Canada in 1928 and purchased the Longview property. Raised on the ranch, Bob helped with chores and participated in the activities associated with the growth of a family farm. Upon completing high school, Bob join the Navy and for seven years, learned, built and developed his skills as a machinist as he travelled the world by ship.

Returning home after serving his country, Bob was employed with several companies as a machinist, continuing to learn, hone and develop his skills in this industry. Eager to enhance his career, Bob completed a two-year technical program at the Southern Alberta Institute of Technology (SAIT). Diploma in hand, Bob saw the opportunity to develop the skills of others and became an instructor at SAIT for several years. His classes included machinists and millwrights, and mechanical and industrial engineering technologists.

With a vision for the future, Bob saw the need for a local company with the ability to design and create parts that were being imported at high costs and required long turnaround times. In 1994, Bob and a partner opened Laser Equation Ltd. and brought the first laser cutting machines and equipment to



Calgary. Starting with less than a handful of employees, Bob began an intensive marketing campaign to raise awareness in the Calgary community that this technology was now available locally.

In part, this marketing campaign was an education for industry to teach the Calgary community to use CAD (Computer Assisted Drafting) programs to design the parts and pieces required for production of their equipment. As the industry’s education developed, so did the technology of these CAD systems. Today, a simple click of a mouse button emails a file to the machine’s computer to produce the cuts to the exact specifications required — whether 10 pieces or 10,000.

In 2005, Laser Equation Ltd. opened business at a newly built location, and a few years later, Bob bought out his original partner to become the controlling shareholder in Laser Equation Ltd. Today the company boasts 14 full-time employees, four laser cutting machines and three high-pressure water jet cutting machines and a fantastic building located near the Calgary International Airport.

It is a choice of passion that has enabled Laser Equation Ltd. to join in sponsorship of the International Agriculture Room. When asked why Bob chose this sponsorship opportunity, his answer was clear: “I have come to the Stampede every year I

In 1902, entrepreneurial land owners in the town of Raymond, southeast of Lethbridge, started the first plant for processing sugar beets.

Back in the early 1900s there was a great deal of engineering and planning to develop and expand irrigation on the land in southern Alberta. Sugar beets were a profitable way to support this expansion. In 1930 a big plant was built at Picture Butte, located northeast of Lethbridge, and expansion in 1950 required a plant at Taber, located east of Lethbridge.

This crop originally supported the expansion of irrigation districts and water management capacities built alongside the river systems. Combined with the heat and sunlight hours in southern Alberta, southern growers now have many opportunities and crop alternatives.

Sugar beets are a root crop with the ability to withstand frost that grows best in rich, deep soil and temperate climates. Sugar beets are a rotation crop, planted once every four years to minimize potential disease problems. In the early days, it was also a very labour-intensive crop requiring thinning, weeding and harvest by hand. It wasn’t until the late 1990s that manual work decreased as more technology created alternatives to the very difficult hoeing that many of our early immigrants worked at. In the 1970s, the sugar refining was centralized and upgraded in Taber, and the other plants were closed.

When mature, sugar beets are an off-white colour and look similar to a pointed turnip with a rosette of large leaves. The leaves and tops are removed before harvesting. The beet roots that are in good condition are stockpiled outdoors using specialized equipment and are held for up to 175 days to await processing.

A spoonful of sWeeT suCCessIn The hIsTory of The souThern AlBerTA prAIrIe, There Is An AsTounDIng

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could since my childhood. I believe that the Stampede raises the profile of the Calgary community and enables sponsors to reach the people that volunteer and work for the Stampede.”

Bob met his wife Mary at a Valentine’s Day dance, and their family includes three sons, two living in Calgary and one living in Vancouver. Bob and his wife are avid travellers and love to experience new places with each trip — one of Bob’s favourite trips thus far being a vacation in Costa Rica. True to their musical introduction, Bob enjoys country music from all years, the classics and new artists.

Bob’s annual Stampede traditions include a stop at the hot dog and mini doughnut stands for treats on park. The Grandstand Show is also a favourite — as Bob suggests, “I feel sorry for folks not able to have the opportunity to see this show — it is amazing each and every year and very special to watch!”

For more information on laser equations, visit their website at www.laserequation.com

Shannon haney has been an active Calgary Stampede volunteer for many years and says the Calgary Stampede is her favorite ‘season’ of the year.

Shannon can be reached at [email protected]


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

The 2010 Sugar Beet King is a Queenevery year an award is given to the

producer who has the greatest sugar

content in the highest quantity of

production. The Taber area is home

to about 200 sugar beet producers.

These farmers plant 34,000 acres of

sugar beets which are refined in a local

processing plant to produce almost

10% of Canadian sugar.

This past season’s title was given

to: marleen lauwen and her family!

Congratulations!

The sugar beets are carried into the factory in a water flume. They are grated and soaked in hot water to remove the sugar syrup. The syrup is then filtered, concentrated through evaporation, crystallized and dried. One of the fun things to see is crystalline sugar in the drier falling like a waterfall.

Much of the water removed through cane sugar refining and sugar beet processing still contains sugar, so it is pumped back into the system to be used again. Molasses is recycled through the sugar beet refining process an average of four times to remove the maximum amount of sugar.

The sugar produced from sugar beets is identical to the sugar produced from sugar cane. Sugar processed from sugar beets accounts for 40% of the sugar used around the world. Sugar beets and sugar cane are both processed into granulated sugar, icing sugar and liquid sugar.

Sugar’s best value is its use as table sugar and for baking. It is also used in the fermentation process to make products containing alcohol. Many other uses for sugar are being researched, from sizing for textiles to plastics.

In southern Alberta, the leaves that remain in the field after the sugar beets are harvested are fed directly to livestock or worked into the soil as green manure. Sugar beet residue, or pulp, is used to produce a highly nutritious animal feed or is further processed for use as fibre or other products. Molasses can also be used extensively for yeast production, and non-caffeinated beverage production.

The sugar refined in Taber is sold primarily in Western Canada with a small quantity exported to the United States and Mexico. Today, Lantic Inc. works with about 200 growers in the Taber area to produce sugar beets and Alberta sugar. These farmers plant approximately 34,500 acres of sugar beets and rotate their crops with beans, peas, wheat and barley to replenish the soil.

Many agriculture ventures and crop varieties are grown by the innovative producers who support the sugar beet industry. It has been a sweet little taste of success for the growers in southern Alberta.

Jan Warren is a volunteer on the international Agriculture committee of the Calgary Stampede who works with new venture business development for value adding in the agriculture industry. She has a vast network of ag connections in southern Alberta, and loves to show off the innovative growing and producing in this part of the world! Contact her at [email protected]



Although the Calgary Agriculture Exhibition dates back to 1886, the Calgary Stampede — as a unique showcase and celebration of the romance and authentic culture of the old west — was born in 1912. The original features of rodeo, parade, community participation and First Nations involvement remain as popular today as they were a century ago.

One of the world’s great urban extravaganzas, the annual Calgary Stampede is brought to life by the energy of thousands of community volunteers and the enthusiasm of an entire city. The Calgary Stampede is one of Canada’s most recognized and respected brands. Its ongoing social, cultural and economic relevance to Calgary comes from its role in reflecting and reinforcing the unique identity of the city and its people. Calgarians — from students to tradespeople to executives — embrace the Stampede spirit by dressing in western shirts, jeans, cowboy hats and cowboy boots in a show of true community spirit. Hay bales and wooden corral fence boards are brought in to decorate businesses and make them look “western”. Visitors from around the world are amazed by how the entire city is transformed for 10 days each July.

The 100th anniversary of the Calgary Stampede will be no exception. The Stampede centennial celebration, July 6 to 15, 2012, will be the highest profile event in Alberta since the 1988 Winter Olympics. More than just a bigger-than-usual

10-day festival, the 2012 Centennial Stampede is a unique opportunity at a significant moment in time for our province and our country.

Planning for our Centennial is well underway with more than 300 suggestions for how to best celebrate submitted by volunteers and employees of the Calgary Stampede. These suggestions are being reviewed to choose those that are the most fitting to engage our community and raise awareness of our iconic organization at home, across Canada and around the world.

Our priorities in 2012 are focused on creating the experience of a lifetime through innovative new programs such as those that celebrate the agriculture industry, aboriginal culture and our western lifestyle; leveraging worldwide interest in this special event to showcase Calgary and Alberta to the world; and building a legacy by advancing several key infrastructure projects – such as revitalizing our agriculture facilities, enhancing Indian Village and creating a river park – so that our Centennial serves as springboard for the next 100 years.

In 2012 we will invite Calgarians to reflect on what the Stampede as a community-building organization has accomplished. We will say thank you for 100 years of unflagging support. We will celebrate, but perhaps more important the legacy of 2012 will be what the Calgary Stampede will offer the community for the next 100 years.

Alberta and its livestock industries are synonymous with a

heritage of pride and drive. We've earned our world-wide reputation of excellence.

Internationally-recognized safety standards. Quality beyond compare.

For Albertans, and for the world, it's nothing but the best.

For more information visit

or Ropin' The Web atwww.alma.alberta.ca www.agriculture.alberta.ca

Alberta's Best

Canada

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

Celebrating 2012: The Centennial of a Canadian Icon

former premIer of AlBerTA peTer lougheeD onCe sAID ThAT, In hIs opInIon, The

CAlgAry sTAmpeDe Is The ThIrD-mosT sIgnIfICAnT eVenT In AlBerTA’s hIsTory,

surpAsseD only By The gAInIng of proVInCIAl sTATus AnD The DIsCoVery of oIl.


Alberta and its livestock industries are synonymous with a

heritage of pride and drive. We've earned our world-wide reputation of excellence.

Internationally-recognized safety standards. Quality beyond compare.

For Albertans, and for the world, it's nothing but the best.

For more information visit

or Ropin' The Web atwww.alma.alberta.ca www.agriculture.alberta.ca

Alberta's Best

Canada


has contributed to Canada’s international reputation for producing safe, high quality agricultural products and food.

For more information on Canadian products, visit www.eatCanadian.ca

ont contribué à la réputation internationale du Canada comme producteur d’aliments et de produits

agricoles salubres et de grande qualité.

Pour plus de renseignements au sujet des produits canadiens, consultez www.mangezCanadien.ca

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2011 Calgary Stampede International Agriculture Profile

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Transcript of 2011 Calgary Stampede International Agriculture Profile