May 28, 2010
British Columbia Celebrates B.C. Beef Day

VANDERHOOF – British Columbians in communities across the province are being encouraged to buy local and celebrate the first ever B.C. Beef Day on Wednesday, June 2, 2010. 

“Our local ranchers work very hard in their dedication to quality beef production and that deserves some recognition,” says Nechako Lakes MLA John Rustad. “We have excellent, top quality beef in this province and by buying local, we are boosting local families that work as cattlemen and cattlewomen to put food on all our tables.”

B.C. Beef Day is a celebration of the cattlemen and cattlewomen who have been breeding and raising some of the finest animals in the world for more than 100 years.  Over many decades, ranching gave life to entire communities in rural B.C.  Today these cities and towns continue to reflect the values all British Columbians share:  hard work, integrity, and innovation.

“I have already ordered a side of beef this week from a local rancher to do my part in celebrating Beef Day,” adds Rustad.

“I encourage British Columbians to celebrate Beef in B.C. Day in their own ways,” says Agriculture and Lands Minister Steve Thomson. “It can be as simple as buying Canadian beef from the grocery store.  Or go all out and barbeque for family and friends.  Every purchase supports B.C.’s hardworking, world class ranchers.”

Ranching is essential to life in many parts of rural B.C. and a large contributor to the provincial economy.  The cattle industry in B.C. not only supports many rural communities, it provides jobs for workers in related industries, such as veterinary medicine, equipment sales, and feed businesses.  Over 4,000 B.C. ranches contribute over $250 million to the provincial economy.

Proclaiming B.C. Beef Day was a recommendation made by the 12-member Ranching Task Force (RTF).  At the request of Premier Gordon Campbell, the beef industry and the Province teamed up to indentify government and industry actions to support the ranching industry recoverfrom the challenging economic times they have experienced since 2003.  The task force was challenged to identify innovative ways of raising the profile of ranching and beef in B.C. 

To find a farm in your area that raises B.C. beef, visit www.bcfarmfresh.com.

Visit John’s website at: www.johnrustadmla.bc.ca

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