Canadian Beef Trade Team Explores Kansas Seedstock for Future Partnerships

In a move to strengthen cross-border agricultural partnerships, a Canadian trade team toured Kansas in late October to explore the state’s esteemed beef genetics.

Organized by the Kansas Department of Agriculture (KDA), the tour brought together a diverse group of breeders from Saskatchewan and Alberta, with interests spanning Angus, Charolais, Hereford, and Simmental breeds. This initiative showcased Kansas’s commitment to expanding its beef industry internationally.

During their stay, the Canadian delegation visited multiple premier Kansas seedstock operations, including McCurry Angus Ranch in Burrton, Bar S Ranch in Paradise, Schrader Ranch in Wells, and Fink Beef Genetics in Randolph.

The tour culminated with a visit to the American Royal livestock show in Kansas City, providing an overview of Kansas’s robust livestock offerings.

Shari Leachman from Big Gully Farms in Saskatchewan praised Kansas’s representation, noting, “Each family represented the state with a high standard of practicality, professionalism, hospitality, and industry foresight.”

The Kansas producers emphasized quality and innovation in their practices, qualities that resonated with the Canadian visitors.

“This trade mission was the direct result of an outbound trade mission to Canadian Western Agribition last fall,” explained Suzanne Ryan-Numrich, KDA’s international trade director.

“It highlights the growing interest in beef genetics and the potential for cross-border partnerships in the beef industry. Through these trade missions, Kansans have had the opportunity to market purebred beef cattle and expand their global networks.”

KDA’s involvement in the U.S. Livestock Genetics Export (USLGE) program, backed by USDA Market Access Program funding, underscores its mission to support and enhance all facets of agriculture.

These connections not only promote Kansas beef on a global scale but also offer Canadian breeders insight into Kansas’s approach to sustainable and profitable cattle production.

For further inquiries about Kansas’s agribusiness opportunities, Tessa Beeman, KDA’s agribusiness development coordinator, can be reached at [email protected] or 785-564-7474.

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