ILC 2011 – Calgary

Hello all!

It’s me – Buzzard. You’ve probably forgotten who I am since I haven’t blogged in almost a month. Cripes.
So take this as my sincere apology for sucking at blogging.

Ok – moving on. Last week I had the amazing opportunity to attend the International Livestock Congress in Calgary, AB, Canada. Myself and 19 other students from across the world (U.S., Australia, Canada, Brazil, Argentina and Venezuela) went on tours of the beef business in Alberta. Monday and Tuesday involved tours of an embryo transfer facility, Feedlot Health Management Systems (where I met a fellow K-Stater), the Cargill beef processing plant and Harvie Ranching.

Remember Jill Harvie? She is a member of the Five Nations Beef Alliance – here is a look at their video from 2010. I finally got to meet her – she and her family are doing such great things at their ranch and in the beef industry.

On Wednesday, the ILC group attended the Canadian Cattlemen’s Association annual conference. We heard a lot of commentary on the economic situation of the United States and Canada, foreign relations between Canada and the EU, and new ideas for marketing beef products in grocery stores. It was a very informative session but I have to admit, there was a gloomy outlook for the U.S. economy.

I would highly encourage any students (senior in undergrad and up) to apply for the ILC program next year.

Feels great to be blogging again!

Until next time,
Buzzard