2010 International Profile
Total Page:16
File Type:pdf, Size:1020Kb
2010 ISSUE VOLUME 18 INTERNATIONAL AGRICULTURE 2010 CALGARY STAMPEDE: Athletes and agriculture THE LEGEND CONTINUES The canadian beef advantage: promoting canadian beef to the world Organic agricultural entrepreneurs The official publication of the International Agriculture Committee SHOWCASING THE AGRICULTURAL IND USTR Y TO THE WORLD MESSAGE FROM CANADA’S MESSAGE FROM MINISTER OF AGRICULTURE MINISTER OF ALBERTA AND AGRI-FOODS AND AGRICULTURE AND MINISTER FOR THE RURAL DEVELOPMENT CANADIAN WHEAT BOARD Gerry Ritz Jack Hayden Minister of Agriculture Minister of Alberta and Agri-Foods Agriculture and Rural Development A warm welcome to all guests at the 2010 Calgary Stampede! Agriculture is not only the largest renewable industry in our province but the foundation which Alberta was built on. Through The Calgary Stampede is a great showcase for Canadian agriculture both hard work, dedication and innovation, our forefathers overcame for Canada’s international guests and for all consumers. many challenges to create a province filled with opportunities. That As Canada’s Agriculture Minister, I am very proud of the reputation of spirit is celebrated every year at the Calgary Stampede. Canadian agriculture on the international stage. By putting Farmers The Stampede lives up to its reputation as the “Greatest Outdoor First, this Government is helping to make sure that the future of Show on Earth” by combining the past and the present together Canadian agriculture is bright. seamlessly in the heart of one of Canada’s busiest metropolitan cities. As one of the finest agricultural sporting events in the world, We are building on deep traditions and working with our partners to the Stampede provides networking opportunities for agricultural generate economic growth, jobs and prosperity going forward. businesses and highlights the different ways the agricultural industry Through Canada’s Economic Action Plan, we are delivering real results impacts all of our daily activities. As Minister of Alberta Agriculture for agriculture and investing in world class research and innovation to and Rural Development, I encourage you to come and experience move us forward. this memorable event this summer. We are proud of our international reputation for producing safe high- The International Room, located in the Agricultural Building, provides quality food. Our Government continues to open international markets international visitors with the unique opportunity to learn about and expand opportunities to sell our world-class beef, cattle, livestock Alberta’s agriculture industry in a hands-on setting. Producers, breeders genetics and many other products. We are working hand-in-hand with and top Canadian cattlemen and women are available on site to answer industry and other levels of government to continue to earn trust, questions about Alberta’s agriculture industry. respect and market access that Canadian farmers and processors deserve. In addition to visiting the Stampede, I encourage all visitors to take some time to enjoy our mountain parks and many outlying communities as Congratulations to the Calgary Stampede for being such a great part of your stay. Our famous western hospitality and breathtaking ambassador for Canadian agriculture. Best wishes to all for an enjoyable natural scenery will make you glad you did. time at the stampede! Dr. David Chalack, President and Chairman of the Board, Calgary Stampede I would like to personally invite you to come and experience one of the most unique agriculture showcases in the world. For more than 120 years, Stampede Park has been an important gathering place for agriculture in Alberta. We connect urban, rural and international communities and promote and preserve western heritage and values. The 2010 edition of the Calgary Stampede promises to be the best ever; please accept my invitation and join us at The Greatest Outdoor Show on Earth. And we thank Calgary The 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. COVER CREDIT: Peter Thompson. Read about the artist and his work on page 7. GREETINGS FROM THE MESSAGE FROM AGRICULTURAL MANAGERS OF THE CHAIR THE CALGARY STAMPEDE Calgary Stampede International Agriculture Committee Max Fritz Senior Manager Agriculture, Calgary Stampede Ted Haney Chair, International Agriculture Committee Welcome to the 2010 issue of International Profile, the official publication of the Calgary Stampede International Agriculture Committee. The 10 days of Stampede celebrate a rich Western heritage. Founded in the days when settlers came west for fertile farmland and vast grassland prairies—it is a heritage of hospitality, co-operation and free enterprise. These values live on today, as you’ll discover in the pages of our publication and our stories of men and women of agriculture; their dedication, their innovations and their achievements. The spirit of free enterprise has taken our agriculture and agri-food Robert Wise Allison Wright industries into the forefront of innovation—and onto the world Agriculture Manager, Agriculture Manager, stage. Each year, the International Agriculture Committee welcomes Calgary Stampede Calgary Stampede thousands of agriculture visitors from across Canada and around the world to the Stampede. The International Agriculture Committee works to bring these members of the world agricultural community The Agriculture Department of the Calgary Stampede invites all together to share ideas, facilitate business opportunities and foster international visitors with an involvement in the agriculture industry cultural understanding. and agriculture leaders right here at home to join us during the 2010 Calgary Stampede. This year, the Committee is increasing its focus on business—on how we can directly meet the needs of Canadian companies which As we fulfill our Agriculture vision to create meaningful year-round experiences for urban and rural audiences on Stampede Park by are active in world trade. The culmination of this focus will be an producing and hosting signature programs that feature animals, enhanced environment, where agriculture business can take place— showcases and western events, we invite you to experience this year’s particularly during the 10-day festival—and which will bring agriculture events. 2010 will see enhancements made to our existing program like companies closer to the great brand that is the Calgary Stampede. the Beef Cattle Showcase, the Agrium Agtivity in the City—Discovery Centre, and Heavy Horse Programs; it will also include the introduction To undertake this task, we have re-structured the International of a brand-new event, the Cowboy Up Challenge. The Calgary Agriculture Committee to increase the involvement of all committee Stampede Cowboy Up Challenge, the first of its kind in Canada, is a members. The new structure features two vice chairs (Keith Jones, Vice multi-faceted sporting event that showcases both horse and rider as Chair of Sponsorship and Strategic Planning; and John Lee, Vice they manoeuvre through a series of obstacles demonstrating both Chair of Communications and Events) who work closely with our five their amazing horsemanship skills and incredible speed. We will working group leads. Operationally sound, the new structure utilizes also of course continue to host our signature programs like the UFA Steer Classic, World Championship Blacksmiths’ Competition , the many diverse talents and strengths of our volunteer members to International Livestock Auctioneer Competition and the ever-popular ensure that the Committee and its services are aligned with the needs of BMO Farm Family Awards to name a few. Canadian and international agriculture companies. As international agriculture guests we promise that you will be We are excited about the prospect of further expanding our program treated to genuine western hospitality as you connect with Alberta’s and the resources that it will bring to agriculture and agri-food agriculture experts. stakeholders. In embracing the frontier spirit of free enterprise, we All of our efforts would not be possible without the amazing support are also continuing the tradition of great Western hospitality to we receive throughout the year. We would like to recognize the great Canadian and international agriculture guests. contributions that are made by our volunteers, contributors and industry partners. It is because of these efforts we continue to be a year-round, world-class gathering place for Calgarians and visitors while preserving and promoting western heritage and values. We look forward to seeing you at the “Greatest Outdoor Show on Earth” this July. THE PROFILE 2009 1 THE CONTENTS INTERNATIONAL 8 athletes and agriculture 13 the canadian beef advantage: promoting canadian beef to the world ROOM Promoting 24 organic agricultural entrepreneurs Alberta & Canadian INTERNATIONAL AGRICULTURE COMMITTEE Cam Clark (Director Liaison) Agriculture Welcome to all Agriculture Ted Haney Keith Jones John Lee (Chair) (Vice Chair Strategic (Vice Chair Planning & Sponsorship) Communications Exhibitors and International visitors. & Events) The International Room on Stampede Park presents agricultural product and John Arnold Larry Koper