We received some sad news recently that Charlie Gracey passed away at the age of 88.
Charlie served as General Manager and Executive Vice President of the Canadian Cattlemen’s Association from 1970 to 1990.
It is difficult to adequately cover all of Charlie’s contributions to the industry, but he will be remembered for playing a leading role in developing a new grading system in 1972 and addressing animal health issues including the eradication of Brucellosis. Charlie was the original proponent and architect of standardized procedures in packing plants. He was also active in the areas of tax policy for farmers, capital gains rollover provisions, tax deferral on forced livestock sales and the like.
Charlie led the movement to privatize Canada’s beef grading system. The Canadian Beef Grading Agency (CBGA) was established in 1995 and Charlie served as the founding president.
Charlie was also active in the Canadian Cattle Identification Agency (CCIA). Charlie spoke with passion and commitment to beef producers across the country in support of CCIA at a time in the history of the beef industry of unprecedented animal health issues.
Charlie also had the vision for Canfax. Canfax is a division of the Canadian Cattle Association. Canfax has been providing expert analysis of markets and trends in the ever-changing North American beef industry for over 50 years. Charlie’s publication “The Cattle Cycle” is still a must-read for all and is available at Canfax.
Charlie was inducted into the Canadian Agriculture Hall of Fame in 2001.
Charlie was a great mentor to many of us and helped establish CCA as a leading voice in Canadian agriculture. His leadership and impact endure.
A celebration of life will be held sometime this summer. In lieu of flowers, support your local butcher.
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