Federal Agriculture Minister Gerry Ritz was in Regina Monday for the opening of Canadian Western Agribition.
Ritz says Agribition's reputation for showcasing top quality genetics is known worldwide and adds to their efforts when talking with international markets.
"The genetics are unbelievable," he said. "Everybody I have talked to from around the world, when we start talking about beef in China or beef in Europe, they know Agribition."
Last year, Agribition hosted 127,000 people with 800 International Visitors from 65 countries. Ritz added that Canada’s Exports of Beef Genetics in 2013 totalled $23 million.
Meanwhile, with grain transportation continuing to be a major issue in Western Canada, Ritz was asked what will happen with the Federal Government's order in council regarding grain movement that is set to expire on Friday, but he was coy about revealing his plans.
"We're going to have to continue to see the railways take grain movement seriously as they do with other commodities," he said. "They've told us what types of requirements they're going to be able to move without interfering with some of those other commodities. It's very important for Saskatchewan to move its oil, potash and others as well, so we've taken all that into consideration.
"Of course, the railways would prefer that the Federal Government stay out of their business altogether, but that's not on," Ritz added. "I'm here to tell you that we'll keep them honest and keep their nose to the grindstone."
He says this year is a "value year", and not a "volume year," and they need more blending at port with the diversity of the crop this year.
Canadian Western Agribition continues to Saturday at EVRAZ Place.