Ian Thorleifson inducted into Hall of Fame
In 1988, the elk farming industry was just beginning to emerge from its “Game Farming” beginnings in North America. A few years of wildlife management for Ian Thorleifson and a trip to New Zealand – where Red Deer farming was booming – for Ian’s parents Ray and Thora stimulated their resolve to build the industry in Canada. They bought their first elk in Saskatchewan that year, but had to leave them in the care of a SK farmer when Manitoba interfered politically in their plans.
No matter what challenges arose, Ian remained absolutely committed to continuous improvement for the rest of his career. He served as Executive Director of Provincial and National Elk Farming Associations, travelled to many Conferences and Symposia in countries around the world, raised, bought and sold thousands of animals, represented the industry in hundreds of meetings with government regulators, and completed two editions of The Elk Farming Handbook – the “Bible” for producers worldwide.
35 years ago, Ian was a contributor to the formation of the North American Elk Breeders Association (NAEBA). During those years, only a dozen members were recognized and honored by induction into the Hall of Fame. Ian is the most recent inductee.
The industry has established elk as the newest domestic livestock species in North America. Many challenges have been faced and surmounted, the most difficult of which were the establishment of stable markets for the diversity of products that elk produce, and battling with regulatory interference based on fears surrounding CWD – the prion disease of cervids. Only a relatively few farmed elk have been infected, compared to the huge number ordered to be destroyed by health authorities. Only about 100,000 head remain on farms in North America, but they are the strongest and best adapted for agricultural production for the future.
Ian remains as resourceful and committed as ever to continuing to build and improve the industry as we leave those difficulties behind .
PHOTO CAPTION: Ian Thorleifson who grew up in Baldur, was inducted into the North American Elk Breeders Association Hall of Fame. He is being recognized for his continued outstanding dedication and service to NAEBA and the North American Elk Industry.us.
