Tyler Fulton, a cow-calf producer from Birtle, Man., is the newly-elected president of the Canadian Cattle Association. Fulton steps into the role at a critical time for Canada’s integrated beef supply chain with the U.S. — an issue he sees as the most pressing facing the sector, given that half of Canada’s beef production is exported—most of it to the U.S.
Fulton says that trade access isn’t just important, it’s essential to the entire industry’s viability. In this interview, he details the advocacy efforts CCA has undertaken in Washington, D.C., where he and other representatives held over a dozen meetings with lawmakers, highlighting the mutual benefits of seamless cattle movement across the border.
Beyond trade, Fulton discusses the need for improvements to business risk management tools. He advocates for cost-shared premiums under the Livestock Price Insurance Program to bring risk support for beef producers closer to what’s already available to crop farmers. Reforming AgriStability to better include large feedyards is also on the CCA’s radar. Fulton voices frustration that despite strong industry support for these tools, government pushback continues to cite outdated trade concerns, limiting meaningful progress.
Animal disease preparedness is another area where Fulton sees room for immediate improvement. From biosecurity gaps to the need for a workable traceability system, he stresses that planning now could save the industry from future disruption. He also calls attention to the importance of supporting younger producers, especially as many face high costs and increased exposure to price and trade-related risk.
Despite current optimism around cattle prices, Fulton urges a continued focus on policy and tools that help producers, both established and new, manage volatility and invest confidently in the future. It’s a message rooted in experience, practicality, and a clear sense of what’s needed to keep the beef sector thriving.
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