Investment will improve beef quality

Drayton Valley, Alta. – An investment of $1.7 million in beef research will benefit beef quality and the overall competitiveness of the industry, says the federal government.

Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada made the investment to the Canadian Simmental Association (CSA) on Monday. The CSA is committed to developing tools to assist its membership in improving beef production in Canada. The Association also works to encourage, develop and regulate the breeding of Simmental cattle in Canada.

Using DNA and other genetic data, the three-year project will help cattle breeders identify, select and breed cattle that have higher fertility and mothering ability, growth and feed efficiency, and produce a more desirable beef product. The results will be shared through various beef sector groups, including the Canadian Beef Breeds Council.

“As a result of the Government’s financial support, the CSA and our project partners are able to continue to work together to ensure Canada’s seedstock sector is at the forefront of genetic research and global competitiveness,” says Rick McIntyre, CSA president.

“This project will assist Canadian producers in our ongoing efforts to supply premium quality genetics, cattle and beef to both the domestic and international marketplaces.”