2 minute read
From the Field
This fall I attended all four of the major shows in Brandon, Toronto, Edmonton and Regina. It was so good to see the cattle and crowd numbers back to pre-Covid levels. Smiling faces and lots of excitement were part at each of these events, as everyone seemed happy to be back to some sense of normalcy.
Sales so far this fall have been very strong, with many new faces and breeders participating. The new breeder list in this issue is quite impressive number wise.
Watch for updates on some exciting programs being put on by the Friends of Canadian Charolais Foundation. At our recent zoom meeting, we developed a Mentorship program, a Breeders’ School, an AI School and a CCYA Incentive program which will be highlighted on a website and through social media platforms. These programs will be beneficial for all breeders, and we are already planning for the next Foundation Sale to be held in conjunction with the CCA AGM and Alberta Weekend June 9-11. Mark your calendars now, as you will not want to miss this fun and educational few days.
Progressive Ataxia (PA) has been a point of discussion this fall as well. This is a genetic condition that has been around for decades with very minimal problems. The worst thing we can do is panic, fear it and promote it in the industry. At the commercial level with Charolais bulls going on other breed females, it is a total nonissue. On commercial Charolais cows there is a very slim chance of any problems. I have never seen an affected animal and I doubt there are many of you who have as well. Please do not put any testing results in your bull sale catalogues and have our commercial customers question using Charolais unless they are all tested. It is another unnecessary test and expense at that level. If you want to check your herd bulls, donor females and work around it, that can be done with ease. Craig Scott has more information on this in his report in this issue.
This fall there have been many commercial cows going to market, so we all need to be aggressive in our marketing to pick up more market share and replace the customers who have quit. Some of this is drought, some is age, some is just being burntout after the tough spring calving and keeping the calves healthy. It is unfortunate because with the North American cow numbers down, the cattle market looks poised to be very good for several years.
Also in this issue, you will see the Charolais Calendar. The Charolais Banner has been producing this as a fundraiser for groups in the industry for many years. It started with the Charolettes many years ago. When that group disbanded, we offered the opportunity to the Canadian Charolais Youth Association. It is just one of the ways we choose to support the industry. This is a great fundraiser for the CCYA and we thank everyone who participated in it and all the junior members who helped sell it.
Robbie Chomik and I are now preparing our spring picture and video schedules so if you would like some help with those and to promote the program in the Spring Connections, give us a call.
Until next time,
Helge
