   The losses to British Columbia’s cattle industry are staggering.
   More than two million acres – much of it grazing land – has gone up in flames. And more than 30,000 cattle have literally been in the line of fire.
   From all reports, the B.C. Cattlemen’s Association (BCCA) has worked around the clock organizing feed, pastures, transportation, and financial support.
   The nightmare for some B.C. producers won’t end when the wildfires are finally extinguished.
   BCCA general manager Kevin Boon told the media that miles of fencing, barns, and equipment have been destroyed along with cattle genetics, feed sources, and livelihoods.
   The emotional toll will be gut wrenching.
   Boon said many ranchers “have watched generations of hard work, sweat, and equity go up in flames in front of them. They have seen the cattle that they spent hundreds of hours caring for and nurturing left unprotected, and in some cases, put in harm’s way... (they) are watching their past and their future go up in smoke.”

Raise your voices

   While its intentions may be good, the federal government’s attempt to tax its wealthiest citizens will hurt Canadian farmers.
   Ottawa plans to change income sprinkling, capital gains, and passive income for private corporations. These changes could significantly affect multigenerational farms, limit expansion, innovation, and circumvent succession planning.
   The Canadian Cattlemen’s Association (CCA) and the Canadian Federation of Agriculture are among 35 organizations in the Coalition for Small Business Tax Fairness. Together they are working to have the proposed tax changes taken off the table.
   A consultation period on the tax changes is underway. The CCA is urging cattlemen to contact their MPs and voice their concerns before it closes Oct. 2.

(Hashtags #unfairtaxchanges or #taxesinéquitables)

More information can be found by visiting www.mnp.ca/en/agriculture and following the link to the Potential Impacts of Changing Tax Regulations on Ranching Operations pdf.

Wrong name

There was an error in our story “Trevor Welch – N.B.’s 2016 Beef Producer of the Year,” in the Spring issue of Atlantic Beef & Sheep.
Trevor’s son, Taylor, was incorrectly identified in the article as Tyler. ABS apologizes for any confusion this may have caused.