The festivities are underway outside Victoria’s Parliament Buildings today as the Government of British Columbia and current ranching community leaders are celebrating B.C. Beef Day with a nod to the province’s future agriculture community leaders. The B.C. 4-H program, an organization dedicated to empowering young people is celebrating 100 years in British Columbia this year.

B.C. 4-H members and volunteer leaders have joined the fifth annual B.C. Beef Day celebration along with the B.C. government, BC Cattlemen's Association, BC Association of Cattle Feeders and the BC Association of Abattoirs.

The 4-H program stands for head, heart, hands and health, and members learn the 4-H pledge: “My head to clearer thinking, My heart to greater loyalty, My hands to larger service, My health to better living, For my Club, my Community and My Country.” There are more than 2,200 members and 600 leaders in 160 B.C. 4-H clubs throughout the province.

B.C. Beef Day recognizes the strong partnership between government and the ranching community while acknowledging industry’s contribution to the provincial economy. In 2012, the cattle industry produced 197 million pounds of beef at a farm-gate value of almost $225 million, an increase of 20% from the previous year.  

(flickr.com)

Quotes:

Agriculture Minister Norm Letnick -

“This day is a great setting for us to celebrate a strong government and industry partnership as we continue to work together on ensuring a strong economic future for B.C. food producers. It is great to see young people joining us at this year’s B.C. Beef Day as we congratulate B.C. 4-H on 100 years of developing leaders and strengthening communities.”

BC Cattlemen’s Association general manager Kevin Boon -

“B.C. Beef Day is our opportunity to educate members of the legislature, government staff and the public about the value of the beef industry in B.C. Our ranchers are proud to steward the lands and protect waterways that provide benefit for all British Columbians. Ranchers are committed to ensuring the sustainability of the beef industry for our youth and generations to come.”

BC Association of Cattle Feeders president Bill Freding -

"The BC Association of Cattle Feeders is pleased to celebrate 100 years of 4-H in British Columbia along with our industry partners. 4-H has been an important part of helping young people to understand the value of agriculture in our province. We reap the benefits from the lessons learned in 4-H as more and more young people choose to make working in the British Columbia beef industry their career and life choice.” 

BC Association of Abattoirs president Mike Noullett -

“We are happy to be a part of this industry partnership to raise awareness about the benefits of buying local Certified BC Beef from our top producers and craft abattoirs across the province. British Columbians feeding their families high quality, healthy B.C. beef support local farmers, sustainable agriculture and the local economy.”

B.C. 4-H manager Kevin Rothwell -

“The 4-H beef project has been a cornerstone of B.C. 4-H assisting our young people in acquiring an understanding of beef cattle production and management through the experience of owning, caring for, and maintaining records on beef cattle. Our members develop the skills, patience and understanding of the handling practices essential in working with beef cattle and an appreciation of the cattle industry and its importance in the local community, the province and the country.”

Learn More:

BC Cattlemen's Association: http://www.cattlemen.bc.ca/

BC Association of Cattle Feeders: www.bcacf.com

BC Association of Abattoirs: http://bcmeats.ca or http://bcabattoirs.org

B.C. 4-H: http://www.bc4h.bc.ca/home

Keep up to date on the latest in B.C. foods and beverages: https://www.facebook.com/FoodsBC

Media Contacts:

Dave Townsend
Government Communications and Public Engagement
Ministry of Agriculture
250 356-7098
250 889-5945 (cell)