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Dr. David Chalack was gratified to learn that he was being inducted into the Canadian Agricultural Hall of Fame, and wished to thank those who supported him. He was also a little surprised.
“My career is just starting,” he says.
Chalack was raised on a Holstein farm and received his Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine in 1975. He’s a partner at Rocky Mountain Holsteins and has been on a number of agriculture industry boards, including the Alberta Livestock and Meat Agency, the Calgary Stampede and the Dean’s Advisory Council for the University of Calgary Veterinary Medicine Faculty. One of the areas he is most active in is the promotion of genomics research.
The benefits of genomics research were apparent to Chalack when he became involved in the Holstein industry. Holstein breeders began using genomic information early on and saw tremendous gains in reliability and selection opportunities, Chalack explains. “It became very obvious very quickly that this pertains to all species,” Chalack says.
Chalack’s work with Alta Genetics brought him into contact with industry people from around the world, including South America, Australia, Asia, and Europe. He’s also had an opportunity to promote Canadian livestock genetics and genetic evaluation and programs, and has found that Canadian genomics researchers stack up well internationally.
“Certainly (in) the development of the dairy genetic evaluations we’ve been world leaders. And through all the various phases of proving of models and systems, Canada’s researchers have been in the lead,” Chalack says. He adds that the focus now needs to be on bringing the benefits of genomics research to the beef industry.
“There’s greater investment now on the genomics side to really help us (with beef genomics research),” he adds.
The beef industry will determine which areas of genomics research are most important. Ultimately, it comes down to profitability, Chalack explains. Identifying traits related to longevity, reproductive efficiency, disease resistance, and increased feed efficiency are some of the benefits of genomics research.
“We have one role in agriculture, and that’s to feed the world. And with burgeoning population numbers…that responsibility lies in producers doing a better job and being more efficient,” Chalack says. “We balance that with perhaps the lack of information that most consumers, now who are distant from the farm gate and don’t understand farming and the rearing of animals, we have a need to…look after the animal welfare issues.”
As chairman of the board and president of the Calgary Stampede, Chalack championed a new animal welfare policy, including developing an independent advisory panel to evaluate animal care practices. The Stampede’s animal welfare model has been so successful that exhibitions as far away as Houston and San Antonio have adopted similar policies.
Chalack is optimistic about the future of agriculture.
“Finally, after many many years of agriculture being a second-class sector in the minds of businessmen and people around the world, it’s elevated to its rightful spot of importance,” he says.
Clik here to view.
Dr. David Chalack was gratified to learn that he was being inducted into the Canadian Agricultural Hall of Fame, and wished to thank those who supported him. He was also a little surprised.“My career is just starting,” he says.
Chalack was raised on a Holstein farm and received his Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine in 1975. He’s a partner at Rocky Mountain Holsteins and has been on a number of agriculture industry boards, including the Alberta Livestock and Meat Agency, the Calgary Stampede and the Dean’s Advisory Council for the University of Calgary Veterinary Medicine Faculty. One of the areas he is most active in is the promotion of genomics research.
The benefits of genomics research were apparent to Chalack when he became involved in the Holstein industry. Holstein breeders began using genomic information early on and saw tremendous gains in reliability and selection opportunities, Chalack explains. “It became very obvious very quickly that this pertains to all species,” Chalack says.
Chalack’s work with Alta Genetics brought him into contact with industry people from around the world, including South America, Australia, Asia, and Europe. He’s also had an opportunity to promote Canadian livestock genetics and genetic evaluation and programs, and has found that Canadian genomics researchers stack up well internationally.
“Certainly (in) the development of the dairy genetic evaluations we’ve been world leaders. And through all the various phases of proving of models and systems, Canada’s researchers have been in the lead,” Chalack says. He adds that the focus now needs to be on bringing the benefits of genomics research to the beef industry.
“There’s greater investment now on the genomics side to really help us (with beef genomics research),” he adds.
The beef industry will determine which areas of genomics research are most important. Ultimately, it comes down to profitability, Chalack explains. Identifying traits related to longevity, reproductive efficiency, disease resistance, and increased feed efficiency are some of the benefits of genomics research.
“We have one role in agriculture, and that’s to feed the world. And with burgeoning population numbers…that responsibility lies in producers doing a better job and being more efficient,” Chalack says. “We balance that with perhaps the lack of information that most consumers, now who are distant from the farm gate and don’t understand farming and the rearing of animals, we have a need to…look after the animal welfare issues.”
As chairman of the board and president of the Calgary Stampede, Chalack championed a new animal welfare policy, including developing an independent advisory panel to evaluate animal care practices. The Stampede’s animal welfare model has been so successful that exhibitions as far away as Houston and San Antonio have adopted similar policies.
Chalack is optimistic about the future of agriculture.
“Finally, after many many years of agriculture being a second-class sector in the minds of businessmen and people around the world, it’s elevated to its rightful spot of importance,” he says.
