The BCRC Congratulates Andrea Brocklebank on Selection as CEO of the Canadian Cattle Association
The Beef Cattle Research Council (BCRC) congratulates Executive Director Andrea Brocklebank on being selected as chief executive officer of the Canadian Cattle Association (CCA). Andrea’s appointment, effective March 1, 2026, recognizes her outstanding leadership on behalf of Canada’s beef sector.
“Andrea has devoted her career to ensuring beef producers have practical, economical, science-based solutions and the tools to adopt them,” said Dean Manning, Chair of the BCRC. “Her deep understanding of our industry and proven ability to build partnerships will serve CCA, its members and all Canadian beef producers exceptionally well. We look forward to continued collaboration with CCA.”
Andrea has served the BCRC for the past 20 years, guiding its growth and building its reputation as an industry-leading organization with a strategic approach to research, quality assurance and knowledge mobilization. Her thoughtful, forward-looking leadership style, grounded in integrity and collaboration, has fostered exceptional mentorship within her team and built strong, trusted, solution-focused relationships with producers, industry partners, government representatives and other stakeholders.
“During Andrea’s tenure, the BCRC greatly increased strategic research investments, expanded its mandate to include a focus on knowledge mobilization, created a researcher mentorship program and developed research chair positions in partnership with key research institutions and matching industry and government funders, all while keeping a sharp focus on producer value. We’re proud to see her take on this role,” said Craig Lehr, past chair of the BCRC.
Andrea holds a Master of Science in Agricultural Economics from the University of Saskatchewan and brings practical, producer-grounded experience to this position. This work is complemented by work in the cattle feeding sector and agriculture finance prior to joining CCA/BCRC in 2004.
“I’m honored to continue serving Canada’s beef producers in this new capacity,” said Brocklebank. “The BCRC’s producer-led research, quality assurance and knowledge mobilization programming has strengthened our industry’s competitiveness. As CEO, I’m committed to advancing CCA’s advocacy and partnerships so Canadian beef producers can thrive in a changing global environment.”
The BCRC will work closely with CCA leadership to ensure a smooth transition and maintain momentum on executing the BCRC’s established business plan and renewing the industry’s research, quality assurance and knowledge mobilization priorities to support growth in beef demand, increase productivity and earn public trust.
As part of this transition, Tracy Herbert has been appointed interim executive director of the BCRC, effective March 1. Tracy has been a key member of the BCRC team since 2011, serving in roles focused on knowledge mobilization, communications and sector engagement. She brings a strong background in leadership and collaboration, along with a deep understanding of Canada’s beef industry and the research and extension that support it.
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For further information, contact:
Tracy Herbert
Knowledge Mobilization and Communications Director
Beef Cattle Research Council
306-850-5026 | [email protected]
Tina Zakowsky
Communications Manager
Canadian Cattle Association
403-451-0931 | [email protected]
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