Alberta rancher named to McDonald’s global breeders and model farmers program

An Alberta rancher has been chosen as McDonald’s Canada first-ever Canadian representative of its global breeders and model farmers program.

Stephen Hughes of Chinook Ranch, will join 33 other producers, breeders, farmers, and growers from 17 different countries as part of the company’s global program. According to a news release, the members represent eight different types of products and commodities, such as beef and potatoes.

The program’s objective is to identify model beef producers in each of the top 10 countries that supply McDonald’s beef, including Canada, which is the third largest supplier of beef to the McDonald’s system worldwide. Other countries included are: the United States, Australia, Brazil, France, New Zealand, Germany, Ireland, Poland, and the United Kingdom.

“I am touched to have been chosen as the first McDonald’s model breeder in Canada,” Hughes says. “I am happy to be an example of all the good work that is done in my industry, and I salute McDonald’s commitment to Canadian breeders.”

Hughes was selected based on his long-standing commitment to innovative farming practices, including year-round rotational grazing techniques. Appointed McDonald’s breeder of Canada, his duties will include: inspiring fellow pastoralists and farmers, sharing his experiences with them, showcasing Canadian beef producers’ best practices, and engaging stakeholders on the impact he has made at his ranch.

“The establishment of the model breeders and farmers program in Canada is a logical continuation of our journey to beef sustainability and helps us meet the growing demand from consumers for beef from responsible sources,” says John Betts, president and CEO of McDonald’s Canada. “By collaborating on projects like this, everyone wins: our company, our suppliers and our customers.”

Since 2003, McDonald’s Canada has been sourcing its entire beef lineup directly from Canada.

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Categories: Advocacy / Cattle / Food / Livestock / News