The Canadian Cattlemen's Association held its annual general meeting last week in Ottawa.

President Dave Solverson says they held a Parliamentary reception, where the organization had an opportunity to talk with politicians. Solverson says it was busy schedule with lots to cover, noting work still needs to be done in the area of foreign trade.

"We'd like to get bone in beef to China - we still only have boneless access," he said. "That would really improve the value of that market. Of course, we need the government of Canada to act quickly to ratify the Trans-Pacific Partnership deal."

One of the AGM highlights was the announcement by Federal Ag Minister Lawrence MacAulay of over $4 million dollars in funding for three innovative research-related projects that will help improve Canada's marketing opportunities against competitors.