C.L.R.C WORKSHOP AND 97TH
ANNUAL MEETING
Greeted by sunny skies and warming temperatures, about 50
people representing CLRC’s member associations gathered in Calgary on April 12
and 13 for the 2002 Workshop and Annual Meeting.
The annual Workshop was again very informative. After the
participants had been welcomed by CLRC Chairman Bryon Wilson, CLRC Director Dan
Stephenson chaired the proceedings.
Leading off the day was Rob McNabb of the Canadian
Cattlemen’s Association with an update on the Canadian beef cattle industry,
which is growing in terms of export production and income to Canadian farmers.
The CCA is very involved with trade issues, global marketing and food safety.
Julie Stitt of the Canadian Cattle Identification Agency
reported that the national identification program for cattle and bison is
coming up to the third stage of compliance. Beginning July 1. 2001, persons not
tagging animals leaving the herd of origin will be assessed monetary penalties.
The CCIA is experimenting with electronic button tags. An identification
program for sheep is to be developed.
With animal disease being a very current issue, Dr.
Larry Delver of the Canadian Food
Inspection Agency outlined how breeders can protect their herds from disease,
and how to recognize a wide variety of diseases, as well as the increased
surveillance being carried out by his agency.
Alan Browarny, a professional livestock photographer and
website designer explained how both a website and quality animal photographs
can be effectively used to market one’s breeding program and stock to a world
wide audience.
To close the day’s program, Bryon Wilson provided a summary
of the information that can be obtained from the CLRC website, including
pedigree information, member contact information, and forms and fee schedules.
For a more detailed report of the Workshop, click here.
Representatives from 23 member associations were present at
the Annual Meeting. Those in attendance
reviewed the usual reports and heard of the completion of the computer
replacement project at CLRC during 2001. It was noted that the Canadian Welsh
Black Cattle Society and the Canadian Maine-Anjou Association had joined CLRC
since last year’s Annual Meeting.
In the election for the Board of Directors, Peggy Newman, Blackie,
Alberta from the Canadian Sheep Breeders’ Association, and Dan Stephenson, Okotoks, Alberta (Canadian
Shorthorn Association) were re-elected to the Board for a two-year term, along
with new member Murray Roeske, Alcomdale, Alberta (Canadian Swine Breeders’
Association). Elected for one year terms were Mary Cork, Alliston, Ontario
(Welsh Pony and Cob Society of Canada) and Sharon Cooke, Blackie, Alberta
(Canadian Donkey and Mule Association). They will join continuing Directors
Sheryl Blackburn and David Trus. After the meeting, the Directors elected Peggy
Newman as Chairman and Dan Stephenson as Vice-Chairman.
The 2003 Workshop and Annual Meeting will be held in the
Toronto area on April 4 and 5, 2003.
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