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Charolais breeders from around the globe are in Canada for the World Charolais Congress.
The last time the World Congress was in Canada was in 2006 when it was held in Alberta.
Helge By, President of Charolais Charbray International says this year they wanted to show their International visitors more of Canada, and a chance to see the breed on farm by visiting more producer operations.
He says the Charolais breed is known for its ability to adapt to their environments, but having different genetics, different potential growth, carcass qualities, and structural soundness.
Participants from 12 countries are taking part in the Canadian event with people coming from Estonia, Sweden, England, Scotland, Wales, Ireland, France, the U.S., Mexico, Australia, and New Zealand.
By says, it's a meeting of the Charolais fraternity, sharing genetics and sharing knowledge.
The group arrived in Ontario late last week, and as they travel west, they are visiting Canadian Charolais producers and doing some sightseeing along the way.
In Ontario, the group took part in the Rollin' Acres Charolais event, visited Cedardale Charolais and Miller Land and Livestock. In Manitoba, the group visited Steppler Farms, HTA Charolais and Hunter Charolais. In Saskatchewan, they visit White Cap Charolais, Rosso Charolais, BoviGen - a full service state-of-the-art bovine reproduction center, Norheim Ranching, Cedarlea Farms and CK Sparrow Farms Ltd. In Alberta, the group will stop at the Highway 21 Group and McLeod Livestock.
Highlighting the event is the World Charolais Congress Genetics for the World Sale on Wednesday, July 3rd at McLeod Livestock at Cochrane, Alberta, giving participants an opportunity to take home some top-quality Charolais genetics from Canadian breeders.
By points out that everybody is always looking to improve what they have at home and blend in genetics from around the world.
"Here in Canada, we've blended genetics from multiple countries as well over the 70 years that the breed has been here and developed them to fit our environment. Other places in the world have done the same."
Once the group hits Saskatchewan and Alberta, they will have about 100 people taking part.
By says it's one thing to see things (animals) on advertising or social media, but it's another to really get your eyes on the live animals, and see the environment that they're raised in.
"Candace and I, we've been in a lot of countries around the world. Going to a show, is going to a show, but when you get on to farms and see how they do things, see how you can adapt some things that they're doing in other countries. That's what they're coming here to see. What they can take from Canada, not just the genetics, but some of the learning that can happen by visiting with breeders from around the world that they can take back and adapt into their own operation."
To hear Glenda-Lee's conversation with the President of Charolais Charbray International Helge By click on the link below.