District 13 Director Ben Fox has been elected as the new president of Manitoba Beef Producers.

The new executive was elected during the group's annual general meeting last week in Brandon.

Fox paid homage to the men and women who formed the association over 40 years ago and said MBP will continue to work towards those same ideals.

“Their belief was to make the beef industry stronger in Manitoba by allowing producers to make their own choices; to raise and feed and market their cattle unencumbered by ordinance and legislation and regulation. This group had the vision, the fortitude and the dedication to see it through,”he said. “There were battles but they were victorious in delivering this organization we get to enjoy today. It’s this foresight and this dedication that I hope we can capture over the next few years and help deliver and direct a Manitoba beef industry that is the strongest in the country...There will be struggles and trials in the coming months but I am excited about these challenges and willing to meet them head on.”

Three incumbent members maintained their positions as Ramona Blyth and Tom Teichroeb will continue as vice-president and second vice-president respectively, with Peter Penner as treasurer.

Dianne Riding will replace Fox as secretary.

Outgoing President Heinz Reimer, who served in the role for three years, will remain on the board for one year before retiring.