Get Their Perspective - Cybil Fisher
Cybil Fisher is self-employed cattle photographer who travels country year-round taking photos of show cattle, young sire daughters and farm favorites from every breed. Cybil began her career in 1996 with AgriGraphics and then decided to start her own business in 2001. Cybil has taken photos in the US, Canada, Mexico, and Europe over the years. Cybil resides in Green Bay, WI where her office is located. Cybil’s sister Rochelle mans the office and takes reprint orders on a daily basis.
Q: How has the US/Canadian border closing changed the dynamics of your business? If the border does open this year, what changes do you foresee to occur both here in the US and in Canada in the next 12 months?
A: Obviously, as a dairy cattle photographer, the biggest impact for my business has been the lack of Canadian Cattle being pictured at the US shows. NY Spring Show, Harrisburg, World Dairy Expo and Louisville were all shows that, in the past, had a relatively large Canadian attendance, and that all changed with the closure of the US/Canadian border. The other main change for us has been the reduced number of reprints ordered by Canadians on American cattle, be it because they purchased an animal, a family member, or have American cow/offspring selling in Canadian sales.
If the border does open, I don’t feel that the influx of Canadian replacement heifers into the States will be as great as it once was, mainly due to the higher cost of fuel and reduced value of the American dollar against the Canadian. The number of Canadian “type” animals imported will probably be the same as it was prior to the border closing…….(possibly a little less, owing to the loss of some herds and individuals in the past 4-5 years, who, in the past, were regular purchasers of Canada cattle for either “show” or “family” value). However, while I don’t see a major change in the amount of cattle that will cross….I do see a skyrocket in the price of the cattle that will come down from Canada, irregardless of the intended use. The Canadian farmers have had a long “dry spell”, and (like any businessperson would do in a similar situation), will use the border opening to their fullest advantage.