Official Publication of the Saskatchewan Angus Association
Spring 2024 Publications Mail Agreement # 40019886
Saskatchewan Angus Association ~ 2023 Commercial Producer of the Year ~ ~ Jerry and Evelyn Chanig, Chanig Ranch, Mankota, Saskatchewan ~ ~ Chanig Ranch is located on the north slope of the Hudson Bay divide with its own special ecosystem. Jerry and Evelyn Chanig describe their location, 16 miles (26 km) southwest of Mankota, as “perfect cattle country”. The ranch covers 6,400 acres of native grass, tame hay and, since 1999, certified organic crop land. The Chanigs are fortunate to have several springs that provide clean fresh water for the cattle year-round. On their ideal land, they run 300 Angus cows and some yearlings for breeding or grassers. Jerry and Evelyn got their start in 1974 and purchased their first Angus bulls in the early 1980s. Jerry is a firm believer in buying two-year-old Black Angus bulls although they do buy the odd special yearling. When buying bulls, they look for eye appeal, the Angus head, stretch and good travel. Bulls are selected with the female in mind. As Jerry says, “good bulls are your cow herd”. Bulls are turned out with cows and heifers at the end of June. When calving starts, 80 percent of calves are born in the first cycle. Calving is mostly on native range pasture with natural shelter from coulees and hill sides. The Chanigs check their calves on saddle horse or 4-wheel bike and hope that they don’t need to use the snowplow very often. Weather is always their greatest challenge and concern. When animals need to be treated or handled, it is done on the prairie to minimize stress on people and animals. Branding takes place in mid-June with the help of neighbours and friends. In their
(l-r) SAA Past President Michelle Potapinski & General Manager Belinda Wagner presenting to
Jerry and Evelyn Chanig, Tracy Chanig-Hansen, Bonnie and Trevor Chanig continued on Page 8