Advocate spring 2014 by Melissa Ledoux

Spring 2014

Official Official Publication Publication of of the the Ontario Ontario Simmental Simmental Association Association

Advocate | Spring 2014

OSA Annual General Meeting March 01 2014 at 1:30 pm. Best Western / Peterborough

Ph 705.742.3454

If you are planning on attending and would like to stay for dinner please contact Debbie Elliott before February 21, 2014. Cost for Dinner if booked before Feb 22 $25.00 / after Feb 22 or at the door $35.00

Kara Enright and Keitha Donovan are finished their terms and will not be letting their name stand for nomination If you or someone that you know might be interested in running please let any Director know. If you want to nominate someone who will not be in attendance at the AGM you must have a signed letter of consent from the individual to let their name stand for election.

Banner Sponsors 2013 Royal Winter Fair

OSA would like to recognize and thank the following sponsors of the Banners at the 2013 Royal Winter Fair. Your support is appreciated. Bouchard Livestock International Hallridge Simmentals Sound, ON

•

Dr. Everett and Marylon Hall

•

Canadian Simmental Country

National Crossfield, AB Owen

•

Prospect Hill Simmentals • Andrew Schuller and Family • Granton, ON Leahy Stock Farms field, ON

•

Bernard and Lise Leahy and Family

Donovandale Farms

•

Rockridge Simmentals •

Bar 5 Stock Farms

Lake-

Sterling and Mona Burns

•

Indian River Cattle Company River, ON Alliance Simmentals Farms

•

Dave and Gayle Milliner

Gerald and Keitha Donovan •

Terry Lewis

Welland •

•

Poplar Simmentals

•

Perth, ON

Billy and Juanita Elmhirst

Royal Agricultural Winter Fair

Russell, Ontario

Ontario

Kevin Howatt

•

Indian

North Gower, ON

Gravandale Simmentals

Ron and Carla Nolan

•

Markdale,

Black River Farms

•

Norm Plume

•

Millbrook, ON

Cardinal, ON

Ferme Bischof in Memory of Beat Bischof Destiny Simmentals

•

Roxboro, QC

Todd and Karen Campbell Meaford, ON

V5 Simmentals in Memory of Bennie Vance

•

Ashburn, ON

O’Brien Farms

•

Wellesley, ON

Dan and Janet Munro

BIO, Guelph, ON.

The Robson Family

•

Wild Oak Farms • Hank, Tina and Brandon Hiddink • Bloomfield, ON

Robson Acres

•

Mike McCart

Ashton, ON

•

Arkacy Simmentals

Evergreen Odds

•

Dundalk, ON

Flo-Lar Farms in memory of Larry Behnke •

Calgary, AB

Ottawa Valley Simmental Club

Waydamar Simmentals

Delta Rho Farms

•

Burns Simmental

•

Russell Code

Dan O’Brien

•

Sutton, ON

Perth Road, ON

Winchester, Ont.

Maple Key Farms

•

Port Elgin, Ontario

NAPA Auto Parts

•

Cambridge, Ontario

Kanata, ON

Advocate | Spring 2013

Ontario Simmental President's Message

Advocate

Hello from the Valley: We started off our past year with a well-attended Annual General Meeting. Following that was the Simmental Innovations presentations in Guelph in July and wrapped up with the Royal in November. We have advertised in each of the Ontario Beef issues throughout the year as well as the official publication of the Ontario Cattle Feeders, the News Feed. We have utilized our page regularly in the Simmental Country magazine, as well as publishing a Spring and Fall issue of the Advocate. The OSA is in a relatively comfortable financial position with a Balance Sheet in excess of $30,000. The Board is at a crossroads as to whether to continue on the present path of running by the seat of our pants and continuing to advertise in the previously mentioned publications, or whether we should look at hiring or contracting someone to manage the Association. Hiring someone would definitely take some of the load off the Directors but at the same time it will most definitely drain the cash reserves over a relatively short period of time. The Board will be seeking input on this issue at the upcoming AGM. We are tremendously lucky to have the dedication and personal time offered by our OSA Board of Directors, as well as the continued efforts of Grace Oesch and the services of our Professional Accountant, Debbie Elliott. I would like to thank each of you for helping to make the past year a success. This year we have two retiring Directors and my term as representative for the Ottawa Valley is also finished. If you would like to let your name stand for nomination please let any of the Directors know. I think it was in 2002 that CSA put out posters promoting $1,200.00 Simmental calves. We are finally back to 2002 and above. Cattle prices are at record highs and the demand for Simmental genetics is very strong. There is a bright future for those who have stuck with it for the past years of challenges. Looking forward to seeing everyone at the Annual General Meeting on March 01 in Peterborough. Sincerely. Dan O’Brien

President, Ontario Simmental Association

Melissa Ledoux Graphic Designer 348 Allen street, Shefford Qc, J2M 1E7 melissaledoux@me.com www.mel-design.ca Published show results, sale results, events, annoucements, etc. will only be listed in the Advocate if delivered to the graphic designer in writing or email. Simmental related photographs you wish to share are also encouraged. ADVERTISING RATES B&W ¼ Page

$75

B&W ½ Page

$110

B&W Full Page

$175

Color Full Page

$300

Color Inside Covers

$325

Color Back Cover

$375

Yearly Card Ad

$75

YEARLY CONTRACTS Receive 10% discount on regular rates with exception to the cards ads. YEARLY CONTRACTS Consists of 2 issues Must be a paid OSA member to advertise * 1 year | Membership $30 3 year | Membership $85 *Prices may change according to printing costs. ADVERTISING & COPY

DEADLINES

All advertising, copy, and photographs must be submitted by the following dates ISSUE1

ISSUE2

Advocate | Spring 2014

February | September |

DUE: Dec 31st DUE: July 31st

OSA Board of Directors 2014 President

Treasurer

Dan O'Brien

Debbie Elliott

T613.761.2403

T519.345.2785

dan.obrien@sympatico.ca

dje@djfarmscattle.com

Past President

Keitha Harris-Donovan

East Central Director

dovovandale_simmentals@hotmail.com

C705.878.1713

Glenn Wotton

T613.257.2617

elmtreefarms@i-zoom.net

Vice President

Tina Hiddink

Director

Carla Nolan

C613.399.3239

tina.hiddink@scotiabank.com

T905.873.0897

Past Vice-President

OSA Director & CSA Director

C705.761.0896

C519.923.9188

Billy Elmhirst ircc@nexicom.net Secretary

Grace Oesch

T519.656.2199

gravandale@netflash.net

David Milliner dgmilliner@everus.ca Director

Kara Enright

T613.478.3404

kara_langevin@hotmail.com

Cover Picture Taken at Indian River Cattle Company, Indian River, ON Winter 2013

If you have a cover shot for the Advocate,

please send it to Melissa.

ONTARIO YCS DIRECTORS President

Brittany Barkley Vice-President

Craig Matthews Secretary-Treasurer

Nicole Giles Directors

Andreanna Sullivan, Catherine Walsh, Kaylea Donovan, Mariah Wotten, Sidni Hobbs, Sophie Wotten, and Victoria McEldon

Advocate | Spring 2014

2014 Royal Judge Nominations 1: Indian River Cattle Company nominate. The seconder is Victoria McEldon.

Dr Scott Shaake from Kansas State University and SFI Simmentals in Kansas

BIO not available at time of printing

2: Ron of Ron & Linda Stewart & Sons nominate The seconder is Mike of Stewart Livestock

Barry Wesner of Wesner Livestock Ent. from Chalmers Indiana

Farms 300 acres - Corns Soybeans & hay Barry raises Simmental & Angus cattle, showing all over the U.S. Has judged livestock show in Washington DC - Utah - Ohio - Indiana - Illinois Has worked for Farmer Co-op as feed consultant for cattle & hogs 3: Todd Campbell, Destiny Simmentals nominates The seconder is Glenn Wotten from Elm Tree Farm

Kyle Lewis, the fourth generation of Lewis Farms in Spruce Grove

Kyle accepted the nomination. Kyle was very favourably suggested by many Western based breeders, all commenting on his integrity, reputation, knowledge and experience that he has gained from judging leading shows at Edmonton Farmfair (Charlois -2010) and this past fall both the Commercial Show and Bull Pen Show at Agribition, as highlights of the multiple shows he has sorted. With this year being a National Show, what could be more fitting then a YCS graduate from one of the elite herds of Canada that are offering over 300 bulls in there 2014 29th Annual bull sale, from there black, red and fullblood breeding. We will find Kyle to be a true Simmental breeder and promoter, who will carry the message from the RAWF in regards to the depth of quality from all breeders exhibiting.

4: Jean O’Connor, Triple Rose Simmentals nominates The seconder is Russell Code, Arkacy Simmentals

Kelly Bruns From South Dakota

BIO not available at time of printing

Thank you to the many Bidders and Buyers at the Harvest Sale 2013 Stop by and visit our booth at the Ottawa Valley Farm Show at the EYC Centre, March 11th, 12th and 13th HARVEST SALE 2014, SATURDAY OCTOBER 18TH, 1:00PM, Metcalfe, Ontario. Ivan Matthews 613.835.3363 • Nancy Neuman 613.821.5567 • Kelly Lewis 613.327.3479 CONTACT: Order Catalogues or more information Email : ottawavalleysimmentalclub@gmail.com

Advocate | Spring 2014

Hints on Successful Tattooing As proper identification of animals is the basis for the purebred industry, this is the most important factor a breeder should consider. Animals can be turned away from shows, sales, and for export purposes because of improper, indistinct, or just plain erroneous tattoos. Placing a tattoo on an animal should be a simple matter, but it seems it causes many breeders problems mainly because not enough care is taken at the time the tattoo is applied. Read these tips over, inspect your cattles tattoos when you have a moment, evaluate your present technique, and see if you can improve on your own tattooing method. Tools of the Trade tattoo pliers, small brush (a toothbrush works well) for rubbing paste into the tattoo letters, rag for cleaning ear, alcohol as solvent to wet rag with to remove wax, tube of paste ink. Dont store the tattoo letters in a pile at the bottom of a container point will become bent or dull. Clean, sharp, straight needles make for good tattoos. Applying tattoo select a spot between the ribs, well into ear and well away from the hairy edges of the ear. Press firmly and release, pressing the ear away from the pliers if necessary to avoid tearing the skin. Note if the punctures made are indistinct or ripped, leave it to heal for a week and try again. Avoid hitting a rib, as this causes excess bleeding and will result in one side of the puncture being too shallow and the other side too deep, making a poor tattoo. N.B. Extremely important to thoroughly clean the dirt and wax from the ear. Apply the paste ink to the ear. There are many types of inks, but paste is recommended. Colors vary, but green works best. Dont put the paste directly on the tattoo needles, work the paste into the punctures with the brush. If any blood appears, apply more paste and rub it in until it stops. If the tattoo is a good one, the excess ink may be removed immediately, but usually it is left on to help minimize bleeding. Dont place tattoos in the hairy edges. Remember when doing calves, place the tattoo well into the ear. As the calf grows, the hairy edge works into the ear. A good tattoo, well into the ear, away from the hairy outer edges and plainly visible is the desired result. Place the breeder letters in the top, running between the first and second ribs. The use of a flashlight speeds up the reading of tattoos, but well placed, distinct tattoos should require no aid to read them. Dont confuse 6's and 9's. Once you've placed the tattoos in the pliers, check on a piece of cardboard before placing in the ear.

1 A clean ear is the first step to a successful tattoo. Clipping ears may also be necessary to avoid interference from hair.

2 Apply ink between the first and second ribs. The ink should thoroughly cover the skin.

Gathering materials is the first step in getting ready to tattoo.

Sanitizing tattooing equipment is just one way to follow biosecurity protocol.

4 Keep a firm grip on the calf or kid to avoid any movement that could cause the tongs to slip.

After several weeks, the tattoo should become legible as the dried ink flakes out of the calf’s or kid’s ear.

Pictures taken from: «Tattooing 101: Reviewing the Basics of Identifying Calves», University of Arkansas. 8

Advocate | Spring 2014

Top Ten No Cost or Low Cost Marketing Tools for Your Cattle Business In this installment of Top Ten marketing tools, I discuss the need to comply with proper Internet etiquette, known as “Netiquette”. This term refers to the expectation that Internet users will follow generally accepted conventions, or social behaviours, when using the Internet. This article will describe “Netiquette” expectations when creating and distributing marketing email messages (Email permissions); and the right to use photographic images (Copyright permission). Let’s start with Email Do’s and Don’ts! • Do add a compelling “Subject line” which can be searched and found easily. Don’t miss out on this prime piece of email real estate. An interesting “Subject line” hooks people into reading the content of your email – that’s the whole point. • Do re-read and spell check your outgoing email – your professionalism is at stake. Set your email program to auto correct errors as you type, and do a final spell check before you hit the “send” button. • Do remember to provide your contact information – all of it. Include links to your website, blog, Facebook page, etc. You can automate this in your email program under “insert signature”, and then you just have one click to insert all your contact info into each email you send out. It’s the courteous thing to do, so people can reach you. • Don’t send “spam” (unsolicited commercial email). Only send email to those with whom you have an established relationship (see “Email Permissions” paragraph below). Spam has grown exponentially over the years and today amounts to approximately 80 to 85% of all the email in the world. • DON’T USE ALL CAPITAL LETTERS in the body of your email – it is considered the equivalent of “shouting” at someone! IT’S NOT POLITE TO SHOUT!!! • Don’t reveal other recipients’ email addresses in the “TO” or “CC” boxes. If you are sending out a bulk email message to 100 recipients - you are revealing what should be 100 confidential email addresses. Instead put your own name (or a generic name such as “Recipient List” and use your own email address) in the “TO” box. You can then put your 100 email address list in the “BCC” box – and no other recipients’ email addresses will show up in the delivered email copy. • Don’t automatically hit the “reply all” button if you only need to “reply” to the original sender – everyone is overloaded with unwanted and unnecessary email. Don’t add to the problem. • Don’t use a former email on “Subject A” to send a new email on “Subject B”. It makes it difficult for the receiver to file and retrieve. Start with a fresh email or, if you must use a previous email, at least be sure you change the subject line to your new topic. • Don’t abuse the options of flagging your email as “important” or requesting a “delivered” or “read” receipt. If you always use these options (it’s the equivalent of “crying wolf”) and no one will pay attention to any of your emails. EMAIL PERMISSIONS: So, when is a legitimate email marketing message not considered “Spam”? When the sending party has implicit or actual permission from the addressee to make contact. Typically this means having an established business connection with the addressee, such as someone

who has: • purchased a product or service from your business in the past – i.e. a previous customer • purchased a product or service from your business recently – i.e. an existing customer • signed up to receive a periodic newsletter, or special offers from your business • initiated contact with your business by email, telephone, written correspondence, or submitted comments or an enquiry on your website’s guest book or “Contact Us” form • provided you with their business card or placed an entry form in your “free draw” box Let’s say your “Email permissions” list becomes is too cumbersome to handle – you have so many contacts and/or you have so many email marketing messages to send out (woo hoo!). You can move up to using email campaign management software such as Constant Contact or Mail Chimp (some fees will apply) to automate the process and save you loads of time. Such software also provides statistics on delivered/ opened mail which can be useful. However, when you start using these programs you will be required to sign off that all your contacts are “Permission-based”. So you might as well keep your contact list(s) “clean” right from the start and not be considered a “Spammer”. PHOTOGRAPHIC COPYRIGHT PERMISSIONS: Most of us are aware that it is not “kosher” to download proprietary software, music or other original content, without paying for it. Copying other’s artistic works for personal gain is prohibited by Canadian law. Copyright infringement seems to get fuzzy for some folks when it comes to purchasing photographic images. Just because you bought a photograph image from a professional photographer at a show or event, doesn’t necessarily give you the “all uses” rights to that photograph. You must ensure you have the photographer’s permission to use that image (digital or printed) for ads in publications, or placing on your website, or sending out with a media release. Some photographers build “all uses” rights into the original price of the images you purchase. Others may charge an additional fee. Contact the photographer to find out, and request written permission to reuse the photo(s). Get all your ducks in a row and have that documentation readily available. When submitting photographic images to a magazine editor, to your webmaster, or accompanying a media release, be sure to include the photographer’s name (for photo credit) and the information describing the image – a “cutline” or caption for the photo. Netiquette is not only a nicety; it’s a measure of your everyday business practices. It’s one more indication that you are a reputable person running a respectable operation. In the marketing industry we like to say “perception is reality”. What it means is that your customers’ perceptions of you are their reality, and will cause them to want to do business with you, or not! Guard your business image carefully. Marnie Somers is a freelance writer and web designer. Her marketing tips articles have been published in numerous cattle publications across Canada. She is the designer/webmaster for numerous livestock producers and other agribusiness clients. She also has a thriving sideline sending out bulk Emails on behalf of clients to promote upcoming cattle sales or new herd sires. Somers may be contacted via email at: marnie@horsescoops.com. Her Marketing Tips blog may be found at www.horsescoops.com/blog/ Advocate | Spring 2014

2013 OYCSA Results SHOWMANSHIP Peewee • Faythe Barkley Novice • Reegan Sawyer Junior • Nicole Giles Intermediate • Angeline Sullivan Senior • Ashley McNevan Champion Showperson • Angeline Sullivan Reserve Champion Showperson • Ashley McNevan CONFORMATION Heifer Calf • Craig Matthews with Rosemead Amaretto Yearling female • Katie Falconer with Maple Key Flirt Bred & Owned Yearling • Brittany Barkley with Hi-Tech Zaira 2 yr old cow • Kaylea Donovan with JF Ebony’s Joy 1217Y Mature cow • Morgan MacIntyre with Ruby’s Dream 130X

Grand Champion Female • Morgan MacIntyre with Ruby’s Dream 130X Reserve Champion Female • Katie Falconer with Maple Key Flirt Champion Bull • Andreanna Sullivan with Sully’s Triple A Reserve Champion Bull • Brittany Barkley with Hi-Tech Amaretto OVERALL AGGREGATE POINTS Peewee • Faythe Barkley Novice • Emma Falconer Junior • Nicole Giles Intermediate • Vivian Batty Senior • Brittany Barkley

Champion Showperson Angeline Sullivan

Reserve Champion Showperson Ashley McNevan

Grand Champion Female Morgan MacIntyre with Ruby’s Dream 130X

Reserve Champion Female Katie Falconer with Maple Key Flirt

Advocate | Spring 2014

Thanks to Clare Sullivan for donating this heifer which was auctioned at the Royal Elite Sale

Thanks to the Purchasers. Charles Burns, Larry Barkley and Glenn Wotton

Previous Donors • • • •

O'Brien Farms 2006 Jetstream Livestock 2007 Prospect Hill 2008 Robson Acres 2009

• • • •

Art & Marilyn Kerr 2010 Bar 5 Simmentals 2011 Donovandale 2012 Sully’s Farm 2013 Advocate | Spring 2014

Upcoming Events

April 26/27, 2014

Youth Forum

New location: Markham Ontario Fairgrounds March 1, 2014

OSA Annual General Meeting Peterborough, Ontario

July 25th – 27th, 2014

CSA Annual General Meeting

March 22/23, 2014

Elkhorn Resort Riding Mountain National Park, Manitoba

London, Ontario

July 25th – 27th, 2014

March 29th, 2014

Erickson, Manitoba

Carson’s, Listowel

October 18th, 2014

Saturday April 5th @ 1 pm

Metcalfe, Ontario

with Saunders Charlois Keady, Ontario

November 7th – 16th, 2014

Western Fair District Junior Beef Expo

National YCS Show

The PIC BIO Tested Bull Sale

Harvest Sale 2014

Futures One Bull Sale

Royal Agricultural Winter Fair National Simmental Beef Show Show Day and Time – TBA

Caught you looking! Place your card ad here!

V-5 Simmentals Fullblood Cattle with the Commercial Man in Mind

Be Noticed

mel Design

Websites } Business cards } Advertisements } Photography }

482 cooke rd RR#1 Stirling, ON K0K 3E0

613.395.4794

brandleesim@hotmail.com

R.R.#1, Wesport, ON, K0G 1X0

Phone: 613-273-2255

Email: nff@rideau.net Website: www.norwoodfamilyfarm.ca

Visitors Always Welcome

Advocate | Spring 2014

gravandale@netflash.net

Advocate | Spring 2014