Bull Elk
In the past few weeks, a number of articles in the media have focused on the elk farming industry. Normally we welcome the attention and are quite keen to discuss our industry, its future and the issues we are facing.
However, we have noticed that the recent flurry of articles was based only on a few issues and tended to dwell on the negatives facing the industry. We are here to set the record straight!
The constant opposition to elk farming by a few vocal misguided individuals has created a climate where the facts are easily distorted. What our producers raise on their farms is domestic livestock - not wildlife. We are not involved in the capture of wildlife and their containment behind fences - we raise livestock. As an organization we strongly oppose this practice. Not unlike other types of farms (cattle, hogs, chicken, bison, horses, ducks, etc.) we are part of agriculture.The fact that elk exist in the wild is equal to the fact that horses, bison, ducks, fish, pheasants and other species also exist in the wild and farms at the same time, and in the same region.
Our elected officials have chosen the easy way out and decided to reject the cervid harvest preserve initiative. Gone are principles of the right to farm, property rights and fair competition. We are saddened that a small group of vocal activists was able to muscle their way through our government with rumours, lies, innuendoes and fear-mongering. We have been labeled barbaric and abhorrent. Quite to the contrary, we believe in, and promote, the humane treatment of our animals.
Our proposal is not so different than what is practiced in several countries, from Europe to Asia and from our own country and the United States to New Zealand
Bull Elk
Our producers have been denied the same rights as their colleagues in other regions and therefore will have to compete without the benefit of all parts of the diversification of our industry.
Reason had nothing to do with Premier Klein’s statements and final decision. There are artificial lakes filled with fish ready to be harvested. The province has its own cervid harvest preserves. There are a number of other hunt farms with other types of livestock. But Premier Klein was convinced by this vocal lobby and has now wrongly decided that Alberta producers will not be able to fully diversify.
We would like to acknowledge that indeed the industry has recently faced several challenges.
Chronic wasting disease (CWD) and the perception of the disease has certainly hurt some of our markets. The good news is ALL tests conducted relating to the ONE CWD case in Alberta have been NEGATIVE. While all scientific reports to date say that CWD does not transmit to humans, the industry has taken strong measures to ensure that animals that might be infected by the disease do not reach the food chain. However, the perception of the disease has worried some people - we wish to assure them that there are no risks in consuming elk products.The Canadian Food Inspection Agency, Health Canada, the United States Department of Agriculture - all agree on this point.
The drought has created an additional hardship for our producers. Not only do they face the same problem of finding affordable hay as do their other counterparts (cattle, bison, etc.), but they also have difficulties gaining access to slaughter facilities.
The current drought-initiated sell off in other livestock industries has created a backlog at these facilities. As well, a few restrictions facing our industry complicate the situation even further. The fact that our elk are tested for CWD prior to the meat being released provides an added confidence in our meat products. Clients from all over the world have requested products coming from Alberta for this reason.
On a positive note, we have had more buyers of velvet antler than ever in the past. Over 75% of the 2002 velvet antler production has already been sold! This is a first for our industry this early in any given year. While prices are still low, they have increased by close to 30% since last year. We expect that the rise in prices will continue next season.
While breeding stock values have dropped, I am pleased to say that at a sale this month, some elk were sold for over $10,000with the highest valued elk at $20,000. Elk and deer producers have invested $42 million in the local economy in the 2000-2001 year. A number of jobs have been, and are being, created through direct farm labour, velvet processing plants, slaughter facilities, etc.
The Alberta elk industry will continue to prosper. While the last few months have been difficult for our producers, and some are prepared to give up elk farming, others are growing their herds and new producers are entering the business. This is one of the youngest agricultural industries and the time to be part of it is now. And, to those few special interest groups who make their living by preying on legitimate enterprise, fasten your seat belts. We are here to stay!
