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FIELDMEN
Robbie Chomik C 780-336-6424 robbie@charolaisbanner.com @RobbieChomik
Justin Harcourt C 306-383-7168 justin@charolaisbanner.com
Helge By C 306-536-4261 charolaisbanner@gmail.com
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The Charolais Connection is mailed to over 8,000 cattlemen nationwide. Those cattlemen include all purebred Charolais breeders, buyers of purebred Charolais bulls from the past six years and all subscribers to the Charolais Banner.
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Postmaster: Please return undeliverable publications (covers only) to: Charolais Banner, Box 115, Bruce, Alberta T0B 0R0,
Photo: Robbie Chomik
Homo Polled
Welcome to the First Issue of the Charolais Connection for 2025!
First off, we would like to congratulate Helge and Candace for their exceptional work in building this publication into what it has become today. Their dedication to the Charolais breed and the cattle industry as a whole has had a tremendous impact on many, and we are grateful for the opportunity to continue this important legacy. We also want to thank them for their ongoing support and guidance as we take the reins and navigate this new chapter. We are excited to carry the torch forward and ensure that the Charolais Connection remains a valuable resource for all of you.
As we step into this new year, we are pleased to introduce Justin Harcourt, our new Saskatchewan and Manitoba field representative. Justin is a well-rounded, knowledgeable young man who brings a wealth of experience and expertise in the cattle industry. We
are confident that he will be a great asset to the Charolais community, and we encourage everyone to introduce themselves if they see him at one of the many bull sales this spring. Justin’s passion for the industry and his commitment to helping producers will undoubtedly make a positive difference as we move forward together.
The cattle industry has been in a dynamic and exciting phase recently, and we are seeing positive trends that should give everyone reason to be optimistic. A recent CanFax report highlights the remarkable rally in 500-600 lb steer calf prices, which have surged by 25% or $500 per head from January to December. This is a significant gain, and experts predict that prices will average just under $430/cwt in 2024—an increase of 21% from 2023 and a 40% jump above the 2015 peak. We are also seeing impressive sale results, with commercial bred heifers reaching as high as $7,500 in December. This is a clear sign of the growing demand for quality livestock and the overall strength of the industry.
Ranch Review
Robbie Chomik
At the Charolais Connection, we are committed to helping you stay informed and engaged with the latest developments in the cattle industry. All our past Charolais Banner and Charolais Connection magazines are available on our website, where you can access a wealth of valuable information, including past sale catalogues, videos, and more. It is a great resource for anyone looking to stay ahead of the curve and ensure they are making informed decisions in today’s ever-evolving market.
We are here to support you every step of the way, so if Justin Harcourt, Helge By, or I can be of any assistance, please do not hesitate to reach out. We are committed to providing the service, support, and expertise that you have come to expect from the Charolais Connection.
Wishing you all a prosperous and successful 2025, and we look forward to working with you as we continue to grow the Charolais community together.
Have a great day, and we’ll see you at the sales!
“Only a Rich man can afford a poor bull.”
15th Annual Bull Sale
THURSDAY, MARCH 27TH, 2025 50 Yearling Bulls on Offer 14th Annual Bull Sale 50 Yearling Bulls on Offer THURSDAY, MARCH 28TH, 2024
ELDER’S MONUMENT 448M
Sparrows Pascal 239K x Elder’s Honcho 72E
BW 105, Aug 20 WW 810, Jan 2 YW 1360
3/4 Brother to Elder’s Manfredi 4129M
Heavy haired with eye appeal and will improve foot structure
Dam was the high selling bred heifer at the very first Superstar Sale in 2020
• Many Bulls -Homo Polled • Some Red Factor • Guaranteed • Free Delivery up to 200 km before May1/2025 Take home Sale Day & Deduct $100 Sale Broadcast Live
Sale Manager:
Helge By 306-536-4261
charolaisbanner@gmail.com
By Livestock
ELDER’S MEGATRON 499M
JWX Honky Tonk 5005H x Steppler Prince George 43A
BW 94, Aug 20 WW 830, Jan 2 YW 1370
Long and thick • Full brother to Elder’s Kapone 4111K the 2023 Canadian National Champion Bull
ELDER’S LARIAT 3111L
Full brother to our $20,000 high selling heifer, Elder’s Pretty Lady 4115M, in this year’s Superstar Sale
CML Raindance 996G x Elder’s Blackjack 788B
ELDER’S MORILLO 4136M
JWX Honky Tonk 5005H x HVA Baron 483D
BW 103, Aug 27 WW 765, Jan 2 YW 1300
Stout and stylish
Also a full brother to Elder’s Dalyce Ray 391L purchased in
ELDER’S MACHO MAN 412M
DC/CRJ Tank E108 P x Elder’s Houlio 4H
BW 88, Aug 27 WW 790, Jan 2 YW 1370
High performing with a cool look
Dam comes from our ever growing Design cow family
ELDER’S MARTINEZ 450M
Elder’s Houlio 4H x Elder’s Dalyce Rayel 80C
LT Justified 1528 Pld x WCR Commissioner 593 P
BW 92, Sept 15 WW 870, Jan 6 wt 1420
BW 82, Aug 27 WW 740, Jan 2 YW 1220
Heifer Bull!
Full brother to Elder’s Kingpin 2114K, who was purchased by MC Quantock Livestock Corp. in last year’s sale.
36244 C&E Trail, Red Deer County, AB T4G 0H1 403.877.2615 • oneill_09@hotmail.com
CCA Launches Terminal Sire Index (TSI)
The CCA is the first major Canadian breed association to release a multi-trait selection index for public use. Charolais bulls are often sought after as a continental breed component for terminal sire crossbreeding systems. The hallmark index is called the Terminal Sire Index (TSI for short) and has been widely used by commercial cattlemen to make sound breeding and purchase decisions as they incorporate Charolais genetics into their mating systems. As the name implies, TSI is a terminal index designed to rank sire candidates for use in a mating system where all progeny are harvested. TSI doesn’t include any maternal trait selection criteria as no replacement females are to be retained in the herd under this selection strategy. Thus, it shouldn’t be used in production scenarios where replacements are kept from these matings.
Selection indexes provide a single value that describes differences in expected profit in a specific production and marketing circumstance. The selection index simplifies the ranking of candidates across many available EPDs by placing economic weight on traits that have economic impact on the traits in the prescribed scenario. While the selection index is simple to use, it’s construction is not a trivial exercise.
TSI has been updated a number of times in nearly two decades of use. Recently, TSI underwent a major overhaul that featured development utilizing new state-of-the-art selection index construction software and updating of the phenotypic and
Bob Weaber, Ph.D.
economic data used to compute the index. The new TSI was developed to model a production scenario and breeding system where Charolais bulls are mated to Angus based cows, 2-years of age and older, and all progeny fed out with harvested carcasses marketed on a value-based grid which includes a premium structure for cattle that are in the upper 2/3 Choice quality grade. These development features are detailed below.
The biggest change in TSI is the development environment in which the economic weights are estimated. Sophisticated bio-economic software models are among the most effective and efficient means to develop a selection index. The software platform utilized to build-out TSI is called iGENDEC (an internet GENetic DECision support tool) hosted by the Beef Improvement Federation and developed by scientists at the University of Nebraska, the US Meat Animal Research Center, Kansas State University and private industry. iGENDEC development was funded through a USDA CARE (Critical Agriculture Research and Extension) grant program. iGENDEC provides a customizable selection index platform where the selection scenario, selection criteria (EPDs), economic assumptions, breeding system and breeds, as well as phenotypic parameters can be modified.
Once parameterized, iGENDEC simulates thousands of progeny under the model assumptions and produces the economic weights for the selection criteria to achieve the optimal selection index that maximizes progress toward the profit objective. The economic weights place monetary value on a one unit increase
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CANADIAN CHAROLAIS ASSOCIATION
Suite #230, 52 Gateway Dr NE Airdrie, AB T4B 0J6
403.250.9242 F 403.291.9324
www.charolais.com
@canCharolais
www.facebook.com/cdncharolais
PROVINCIAUX REPR É SENTANTS:
ALBERTA
Presidént: MIKE PANASIUK , Airdrie Secretary: Jamie Ehret, Hilda SASKATCHEWAN
Presidént: DALE WEINBENDER, Canora Secretary: Sarah Hordos, Raymore
MANITOBA
Presidént: OWEN SELLMAN, McCreary Secretary: Rae Trimble, Portage la Prairie ONTARIO
Presidént: KURTIS BLACK , Haley Station Secretary: Ashley Baker, Hastings QUEBEC
Presidént: MARK FROST, Kingsey Falls Secretary: Chantal Raymond, Sainte-Eulalie MARITIMES
President: BRETT FRANCIS, Crapaud, PEI
Secretary: Nancy Milton, Nine Mile Creek, PEI PERSONNEL
General Manager: CRAIG SCOTT Registry: LOIS CHIVILO
36244 C&E Trail, Red Deer County, AB T4G 0H1 403.877.2615 • oneill_09@hotmail.com
DE LA CHAROLAIS ASSOCIATION CANADIENNE
L’Association Charolais canadienne lance l'Indice de taureau terminal («TSI»)
L’ACC est la première association canadienne de races de boucherie dans l’industrie à publier un indice de sélection multi-caractères. Les taureaux Charolais sont souvent recherchés comme race paternelle de type continental dans les systèmes de croisements terminaux. Cet indice est en fait appelé indice de taureau terminal (« TSI ») et il est largement utilisé par les producteurs bovins commerciaux pour prendre de bonnes décisions de sélection et d’achat lorsqu’ils intègrent la génétique Charolais dans leurs programmes de reproduction. Comme son nom l’indique, le « TSI » est un index terminal conçu pour classer les meilleurs taureaux pour la production de veaux d’embouche dans un schéma de production où tous les descendants sont engraissés. Le « TSI » n’inclut aucun caractère maternel de sélection, car aucune femelle de remplacement ne doit être gardée dans le troupeau en vertu de cette stratégie de sélection. Par conséquent, il ne devrait pas être utilisé dans les schémas de production où on conserve des femelles d’élevage issues de ces accouplements.
Les indices de sélection fournissent une valeur unique qui décrit les différences dans le bénéfice attendu dans un contexte spécifique de production et de commercialisation. L’indice de sélection simplifie le classement des taureaux évalués selon différents EPD, en attribuant un poids économique aux caractères qui ont une incidence monétaire sur les caractères
Parv Bob Weaber, Ph.D.
importants du schéma d’élevage considéré. Bien que l’indice de sélection soit simple à utiliser, son calcul n’est pas un exercice si facile.
Le « TSI » a été mise à jour plusieurs fois en près de deux décennies d’utilisation. Récemment, il a subi une refonte majeure, soit le développement d’indices de sélection à la fine pointe de la technologie à l’aide de nouveaux logiciels d’évaluation et la mise à jour des données phénotypiques et économiques utilisées pour calculer l’indice. Le nouvel indice « TSI » a été élaborée selon un modèle de production et un système d’élevage où les taureaux Charolais sont accouplés à des vaches Angus croisées âgées de deux ans ou plus, et dans lequel les carcasses de tous les descendants engraissés sont commercialisées sur la base d’une grille de paiement incluant une structure de prime pour les bovins classés à l’intérieur du 2/3 supérieur de la catégorie “Choice”. Ces caractéristiques de développement sont expliquées ci-dessous.
Le plus important changement avec l’indice « TSI » est l’environnement de développement dans lequel les pondérations économiques sont estimées. Les modèles de logiciels bioéconomiques sophistiqués sont parmi les moyens les plus efficaces et efficients pour élaborer un indice de sélection. La plateforme logicielle utilisée pour produire l’indice « TSI » est appelée iGENDEC (un outil de support à la sélection génétique disponible sur Internet) hébergé par la “Beef Improvement Federation-BIF” et développé par des scientifiques de l’Université du Nebraska, du centre “US Meat Animal Research Center”,
..continued on page 22
de l’Université du Kansas et de l’industrie privée. Le développement de iGENDEC a été financé par un programme de subventions du “USDA CARE (Critical Agriculture Research and Extension)”. L’outil iGENDEC fournit une plateforme d’indice de sélection personnalisable où le scénario de sélection, les critères de sélection (EPD), les hypothèses économiques, le système de sélection et les races, ainsi que les paramètres phénotypiques peuvent être modifiés.
Une fois paramétré, iGENDEC évalue des milliers de progénitures selon les hypothèses du modèle considéré et il produit les poids économiques pour les caractères considérés afin d’obtenir un indice de sélection optimal qui maximise le progrès vers un objectif de profit. Les poids économiques attribuent une valeur monétaire à une augmentation d’une unité du caractère donné, alors que tous les autres caractères sont maintenus constants. Après l’application des pondérations aux EPD des caractères de sélection, les valeurs sont additionnées pour former l’indice. Le modèle inclut les relations génétiques et phénotypiques entre les caractères et, par conséquent, cela permet de tenir compte des réponses à la sélection corrélées. iGENDEC modélise également les différences entre les races et les effets de l’hétérose. Dans le cas de l’ITT, les caractères de sélection sont les EPD pour le poids de la carcasse à chaud (“CW”), le persillage (“Marbling”), la surface de l’oeil-de-longe (“REA”), l’épaisseur du gras (“Fat”), le gain en post-sevrage (“YW”) et la facilité de vêlage direct (“CED”). Pour recevoir une valeur d’indice ITT, les animaux doivent avoir des EPD publiés pour tous ces mêmes caractères. L’ingestion de matière sèche (“DMI”) est incluse dans les pondérations économiques avec une valeur génétique prédite par l’association entre le gain en postsevrage (“YW”) et la valeur de “DMI”. Il existe une forte corrélation génétique entre la croissance et le “DMI”, de sorte que les animaux ayant des niveaux
élevés de croissance devraient avoir un une valeur “DMI” quotidienne plus élevée.
Comme le démontre la figure 1, l’ingestion d’aliments (“DMI”) correspond à une part importante de l’indice et représente un coût important de l’alimentation des bovins. Le poids de la carcasse, le persillage et l’épaisseur du gras sont les plus grands déterminants de la valeur de la carcasse dans un système de commercialisation basé sur la valeur. L’importance de la surface d’oeil-delonge dans les grilles de prix actuelles est principalement attribuable au poids supplémentaire de la carcasse. La pondération économique de l’indice reflète alors principalement l’impact de la surface d’oeil-de-longe sur les variations de catégorie de rendement. Étant donné que les changements de catégorie de rendement représentent une valeur sensiblement moins élevée que les changements de catégorie de qualité dans le modèle de grille de paiement, la surface d’oeil-de-longe a une importance relative plus faible. Le deuxième grand domaine de changement pour l’indice « TSI » est la mise à jour des paramètres économiques et de performance animale du modèle. Dans tous les cas, des données publiques disponibles ont été utilisées pour alimenter le modèle. Une période de dix ans a été incluse pour tenir compte des relations moyennes entre les coûts et les revenus durant un cycle complet de production. Les tendances en matière d’alimentation et de rendement des bovins au cours de la dernière décennie comprennent le nombre additionnel de jours d’alimentation pendant la période de croissance et de finition, l’augmentation du poids de finition des animaux et l’augmentation du coût de l’alimentation et de la valeur des carcasses de bœuf. De plus, l’industrie produit des bovins de classement sensiblement supérieur avec des primes substantielles attribuées pour les bovins classés “Prime”, dans le 2/3 du programme et “Choice”. Toutes ces
tendances sont représentées dans les nouvelles paramétrisations du modèle de l’indice « TSI ». Les paramètres des parcs d’engraissement sont indiqués dans le tableau 1. Les données présentées sont la performance moyenne mensuelle des bovins sur dix ans du rapport “Focus on Feedlot” de l’Université de l’état du Kansas. Le modèle de production comprend : 170 jours en phase de finition, un coût d’alimentation livré de 261 $ la tonne (0,1308 $ / lb), un gain quotidien moyen de 3,60 lb avec une ingestion quotidienne de 22 lb de matière sèche par jour. Ensemble, ces coûts donnent un coût de gain de 92,69 $/ 100 lb. Les paramètres de carcasse sont résumés dans le tableau 2 et représentent les moyennes projetées selon la race et cela pour les taureaux moyens Charolais selon les données publiées par l’USDA. Les mesures comprennent la performance prévue pour la naissance, le sevrage et la croissance jusqu’à l’âge d’un an. Les données sur les prix incluses dans le modèle représentent une moyenne hebdomadaire sur dix ans des prix des bovins d’engraissement. Le tableau 3 présente les prix des carcasses compilés par l’USDA pour cinq zones de référence aux États-Unis pour les bouvillons et les génisses avec carcasses autour de 600 livres. De même, le tableau 5 comprend la moyenne hebdomadaire des primes et des pénalités pour les cinq zones de référence de l’USDA en ce qui concerne la qualité et les classes correspondantes. Comment utiliser l’indice « TSI » : L’introduction de l’indice « TSI » dans une décision de sélection de taureaux est simple et directe. Cet indice est exprimé en dollars et représente les différences de valeur des descendants des taureaux engraissés et vendus selon une grille de prix basée sur la valeur après l’engraissement. Les valeurs d’indice « TSI » présentées sont basées sur un nombre de veaux produit par conception. On s’attend à ce que les utilisateurs de l’indice « TSI » se
..continued on page 26
40M
SIRE: SCX JEHU 233E
972G
100K TESTED - HOMO POLLED
SIRE:
Co-Owned with Circle 7 Charolais
CML CIRCLE 7 Co!" 100M
Tout
d’abord, nous tenons à féliciter Helge et Candace pour leur travail exceptionnel qui a permis de faire de cette publication ce qu’elle est devenue aujourd’hui. Leur dévouement à la race charolaise et à l’industrie bovine dans son ensemble a eu un impact considérable sur de nombreuses personnes, et nous sommes reconnaissants d’avoir l’occasion de perpétuer cet héritage important. On veut aussi les remercier pour leur soutien et leurs conseils continus alors qu’on prend les rênes et qu’on navigue dans ce nouveau chapitre. Nous sommes ravis de porter le flambeau et de veiller à ce que Charolais Connection reste une ressource précieuse pour vous tous. Alors que nous entamons cette nouvelle année, nous sommes heureux de vous présenter Justin Harcourt, notre nouveau représentant sur le terrain en Saskatchewan et au Manitoba. Justin est un jeune homme complet et compétent qui apporte une richesse d’expérience et d’expertise dans l’industrie bovine. Nous sommes convaincus qu’il sera un grand atout pour la communauté charolaise
Les affaires au ranch
et nous encourageons chacun à se présenter s’il le croise lors d’une des nombreuses ventes de taureaux ce printemps. La passion de Justin pour l’industrie et son engagement à aider les producteurs feront sans aucun doute une différence positive à mesure que nous avançons ensemble.
L’industrie bovine a récemment traversé une phase dynamique et passionnante, et nous observons des tendances positives qui devraient donner à chacun des raisons d’être optimiste. Un rapport récent de CanFax souligne la hausse remarquable des prix des veaux de boucherie de 500 à 600 lb, qui ont bondi de 25%, soit 500$ par tête, de janvier à décembre. Il s’agit d’un gain significatif, et les experts prédisent que les prix seront en moyenne légèrement inférieurs à 430$/quintal en 2024, soit une augmentation de 21% par rapport à 2023 et un bond de 40% au-dessus du pic de 2015. Nous constatons également des résultats de ventes impressionnants, les génisses de reproduction commerciales atteignant jusqu’à 7,500$ en décembre. C’est un signe clair de la demande croissante d’animaux de qualité et de la force globale de l’industrie.
Chez Charolais Connection,
Robbie Chomik
nous nous engageons à vous aider à rester informé et engagé face aux derniers développements de l’industrie bovine. Tous nos anciens magazines Charolais Banner et Charolais Connection sont disponibles sur notre site web, où vous pouvez accéder à une multitude d’informations précieuses, notamment des catalogues de ventes passées, des vidéos et bien plus encore. Il s’agit d’une excellente ressource pour tous ceux qui cherchent à garder une longueur d’avance et à s’assurer de prendre des décisions éclairées sur le marché en constante évolution d’aujourd’hui.
Nous sommes là pour vous soutenir à chaque étape du processus, donc si Justin Harcourt, Helge By ou moi-même pouvons vous aider, n’hésitez pas à nous contacter. Nous nous engageons à fournir le service, l’assistance et l’expertise que vous attendez de Charolais Connection.
Nous vous souhaitons à tous une année 2025 prospère et fructueuse, et nous avons hâte de travailler avec vous alors que nous continuons à développer ensemble la communauté charolaise.
Bonne journée et on se voit aux ventre très bientôt!
L’ASSOCAITION CHAROLAIS CANADIENNE, CONTINUED FROM PAGE 22
conforment généralement à ce schéma de production. Dans l’exemple cidessous, on s’attend à ce que le taureau A produise une progéniture qui rapporte en moyenne 50 $ de plus par tête que celle du taureau B.
Taureau A: TSI 300 $
Taureau B: TSI 250 $
Différence : 50 $ par tête
L’indice « TSI » n’est pas un outil de
sélection approprié pour l’évaluation des taureaux dans un schéma où les femelles de remplacement seront gardées. Le modèle terminal utilisé ne tient pas compte de la rétention de femelles de remplacement et, par conséquent, n’inclut aucune pondération pour les caractères maternels. En fait, une mauvaise utilisation de l’indice peut engendrer une situation d’antagonismes génétiques. On s’attend à ce que l’emphase supplémentaire mise sur la croissance et le poids de la carcasse ait un effet génétique corrélé qui ferait en sorte que les femelles matures de plus grande taille auraient des besoins d’entretien accrus, ce qui pourrait être contre-productif dans un schéma d’élevage des femelles de remplacement.
Pour rechercher les valeurs des EPD et des indices « TSI » publiés par l’ACC, visitez : https://charolais.com.
in the trait given all other traits held constant. After the weightings are applied to selection criteria EPS, the values are summed together to form the index. The model includes genetic and phenotypic relationships between traits and thereby accounts for correlated responses to selection. iGENDEC also models relevant breed difference and heterotic effects.
In the case of TSI, the selection criteria are the EPDs for hot carcass weight, marbling, ribeye area, fat thickness, post weaning gain and calving ease direct. Animals must have published EPD for CW, REA, Marbling, Fat, WW, YW and CED to receive a TSI value. Dry matter intake (DMI) is included in the economic weightings with a genetic value predicted through the association between DMI and yearling weight (YW) EPD. There’s a strong genetic relationship between growth and DMI so animals with high levels of growth are expected to have higher daily DMI.
As presented in Figure 1., DMI accounts for a significant portion of the index and accounts for a large cost component in cattle feeding. Carcass weight, marbling and fat thickness are responsible for the largest value determinants in carcass pricing in a value-based marketing system. The importance of ribeye area in current pricing models is primarily through added carcass weight. The economic weighting in the index then mostly weights the impact REA has on changes in yield grade. Since yield grade changes are substantially less valuable than quality grade changes in the grid pricing model, REA has a smaller relative emphasis.
The second major area of change in
TSI is the updated animal performance and economic parameters in the model. In all cases, publicly available data was used to inform the model. A 10-year period was included to capture the average relationships of costs and revenues across an entire cattle cycle. Trends in cattle feed and performance in the most recent 10-year period include extended days on feed in the growing and finishing period, feeding to substantially heavier out weights and the increased cost of feed and value of beef carcasses. Additionally, the industry is realizing substantially higher grading cattle with substantial premiums realized for Prime, Upper 2/3 (program) and Choice grading cattle. All of these trends are represented in the new TSI model parameterizations.
Feedlot parameters are reported in Table 1. The data presented is the 10-year, monthly average cattle performance from the Kansas State University Focus on Feedlot report. The production model includes: 170 days in the finishing phase, delivered feed cost of $261/ton ($0.1308/lb.), average daily gain of 3.60 with daily dry matter intake of 22 lb. per day. Combined, these result in a feedlot cost of gain of $92.69/cwt. Carcass parameters are summarized in Table 2 and represent expected breed of sire means for average Charolais sires from published USDA data. Metrics include expected performance for birth, weaning and yearling growth.
Pricing data included in the model represents a 10-year weekly average of fed cattle prices. Table 3 reports the USDA reported 5 area dressed beef price for steers and heifers with carcasses over and under 600 lb.
Similarly, table 5 includes the USDA 5-area weekly average premium and discount schedule for quality and grades.
How to Use TSI:
Implementation of TSI into a terminal sire selection decision is simple and straight forward. TSI is reported in dollars and represents the differences of sires’ progeny values when harvested on a value-based pricing grid after feeding. The TSI values reported are on a per conceived calve basis. It is expected that users of the TSI index generally conform to this production circumstance. In the example below, we would expect Sire A to produce progeny that average $50 per head more net return than those of sire B.
Sire A: TSI $300
Sire B: TSI $250
Difference: $50 per head
TSI is not a suitable selection criterion for evaluation of sires where replacement females will be retained. The terminal model used doesn’t contemplate replacement female retention and therefore, doesn’t include any maternal trait weightings. In fact, misuse of the index may induce a set of genetic antagonisms. The extra emphasis placed on growth and carcass weight would be expected to have a correlated genetic effect of making larger sized mature females with increased maintenance requirements which may be counterproductive in a replacement scenario.
To search CCA’s EPDs and TSI values visit: https://charolais.com.
BAR SK HEATHER 304L, sired by M&M Outsider 4003 Pld, exhibited by Bar SK Cattle Company Ltd., Lloydminster, SK, was selected Princess of the Prairies Champion Bred Heifer overall breeds, by a panel of judges at the Lloydminster (SK) Stockade Roundup
JMB DUPLICATE 402M, sired by TR CAG Carbon Copy 7630 ET, exhibited by JMB Charolais, Brookdale, MB, was Champion over all breeds in the Bull Calf Jackpot Show, at Brandon Ag-Ex.
BECK’S THROTTLE 201K, sired by DC/KCM Marksman E1145 PET, exhibited by Steppler Farms, Miami, MB, won Supreme Champion Bull honors at the Brandon, MB Ag-Ex Show. There were eight breeds competing.
Cornerview Charolais, Cobden, ON, won Supreme Champion Pair of Bulls over all breeds at the Expo Boeuf Show in Victoriaville, QC. CORNERVIEW MEPHIS 34M & CORNERVIEW MILWAUKEE 30M are both sired by LT Justified 1528 Pld.
CRG MISS REDEEMED 4K by CCC WC Redemption 7143 PLD ET and her bull calf DMC MCCORD REDEEMED 4M by CRG Outta Here 954G exhibited by Darren McCord, Kanata, ON, was Grand Champion Charolais Female and Supreme Champion Female overall breeds at the Renfrew Fair (A BOSS Show). This female was also Supreme Champion Female at Barrie Fair, Beachburg Fair and Shawville Fair.
Cowal Miller, Jarvis, ON, won Supreme Champion Female over 43 entries with his heifer calf sired by Sparrows Trump Card 943G at the Caledonia Fair 4-H Show. Judge Adam Smith, Guelph, also made Cowal’s 1,600 lb silver steer Grand Champion in the nine head class.
Anna Nesbitt, Nestleton, ON, had Grand Champion Heifer over all breeds at the 80 head East Central 4-H Championship, in Lindsay with CEDARDALE LAINEY 53L by WC Uncharted 7328 P.
Brett Nesbitt, Nestleton, ON, showed the Reserve Champion Heifer over all breeds with CEDARDALE LAINEY 41L by Cedardale Jaguar 111J as judged by Adam Smith.
Snake Valley Farms Ltd., Champion, AB, won the Cattleman’s Choice Champion Bull at the 2024 Medicine Hat Pen Show with SVC OSLO 16L, sired by SCX Jehu 233E.
Hunting, Fishing and Cattle
Many of you have seen Nate Marin working ring at various sales in the past, but what you may not know, is how he spent the off season for 15 years and what he is doing now. We hope you find it as interesting as we did.
Nate Marin was raised on a mixed farm near Radville, Saskatchewan, with his parents, Garnet and Giselle Marin and sisters Leanne, Erica and Alana. His dad did some grain farming and always had cows around. In the mid-nineties, that shifted to mostly cows, primarily Simmental and Angus and used some Charolais bulls.
Nate went through the 4-H program while he was in school. He spent some time at Merit Cattle Co. with Trent and Janelle Leibriech, Southview Ranch with Shane Kaufman and when he graduated he spent a couple of falls with Brent Stewart showing cattle.
“In the summer of 2001, my friend Justin Morrison was helping Tom Warnyca, of WTK Polled Herefords, prepare for their dispersal and when I got home from guiding, I went to help him. A lot of the cattle were purchased by DeShazer Cattle Company. Justin and I went to Texas where we spent the winter showing cattle at many of the major shows including Fort Worth and Houston.”
“When I returned, I went to live with my Uncle Brian (Bobcat) and worked for LLB. That was my first winter clipping bulls with Chub and Jose. Working with Chub was a very steep learning curve. At the time I couldn’t clip with my left hand, Chub would make me do everything left-handed including eat dinner. If I started eating with my right hand, he would take my food away from me. It’s funny looking back on it, but at the time, I could have killed him. After that, I started clipping bulls on my own with Justin Morrison and Cody Doud (Mongo). When Justin went to manage Soo Line Cattle
Co. I continued to clip sale cattle. I have probably clipped over 100,000 head when you include dispersals.” He has a few aches in his shoulders to prove it.
Nate did some custom showing for a few guys, starting with Brian McKenzie and ending with Bar E-L, but there were many others in between. “They would send cattle to my place in September to get ready for the fall shows, Luke Lewis, Rose Currie and I would then take them to Edmonton and Regina.”
“We got lucky and showed in quite a few Supremes in both places, we made it to the finals, but never managed to win the Agribition Supreme, although we did win the Farmfair Supreme once.”
He started working ring at sales in 2007 with his first sale in Melita, Manitoba, with Brent Carey and Dennis Erickson. Dennis and Brent were great mentors and helped him a lot. He has worked ring at hundreds of sales and across most breeds.
Growing up in Radville, he hunted gophers, birds, deer and coyotes. What you may not know about Nate is that he was a hunting guide in the North West Territories for many years.
“In the spring of 1999, my uncle Bobcat, got me a the phone number of an outfitter, Bill Mckenzie, of Gana
River Outfitters, in the North West Territories. When I called, Bill said they needed help and if I thought I could last three months in the bush, to come. He didn’t know me, and I didn’t know him, but it worked out. When Bill retired and my friend Harold Grinde took over, I continued to work for them. I was 18 when I started and I worked there for 15 seasons or so. The last few years, I was only going up for a couple of hunts.”
“I started as a wrangler, basically the guy who cuts firewood and looks after the horses. In the morning, you would catch and saddle the horses before the guides
and hunters were awake. They were turned loose, with hobbles and bells around their necks at night. Every morning was different as they would hide in the bush, or take off down the trail for miles making them hard to find. I would go up to Northern BC where the horses were wintered around the 25th of June to shoe them, drive them up the Alaska highway and trail them 150 miles through the mountains to base camp. The season would start the 15th of July and hunters would fly in by float plane to base camp on the 14th.”
“When I went there, I had never seen a sheep, or a
caribou, or even a mountain,” he laughs. “That first year one of the guides got sick and they were short a guide, so I ended up guiding a caribou hunt.”
“That first hunt I guided, we came across a group of caribou bulls. We picked the biggest bull out of the group and I asked the hunter what he thought. He thought he looked pretty good and asked what I thought. I said it was the biggest one I had ever seen (it was the first one had ever seen) so he shot it. We got lucky and it ended up being an extremely big bull.”
“After a few years, I would stay home longer to help with haying and fly in with the hunters at the beginning of July.”
“The early hunts, we would be hunting Dall sheep, but many hunters often had a tag for caribou as well. Sheep was their primary animal, so after they they got their sheep, we would go looking for caribou. The first of September we would start hunting moose and do one or two moose hunts. We would trail the horses out about the 25th of September, many of the years the water was freezing and there was snow on the ground. The hunters came from all over the world, but they were mostly Americans.”
“I only guided one grizzly bear hunt. Residents of the NWT are the only ones allowed to shoot one bear a lifetime. We had a resident come to hunt one year and my friend Cody Prichard and I guided guided him to get a moose, caribou and bear. The bear hunt got really exciting as the hunter wounded it and we went into the thick willows after it. I thought the bear would be dead in the bush but he wasn’t. We were following the blood trail when the bear heard us and he circled around to the side of us and came charging out of the bush towards Cody, Cody was able to raise his gun to his hip and shoot and hit the bear which was only 10 feet away. The bear turned and headed back into the willows. Being young and
maybe dumb, we decided to keep following the bear, which was again still alive the next time we found him. This time, it was in a small open meadow, he came at us again, in the end there was three empty guns and one dead grizzly bear.”
Nate does have some bear hides in his lodge. “At one time, you could get a non-resident grizzly bear tag in the Yukon, so when we got done guiding one fall, a group of us went up the Wheaton River hunting for ourselves and I was lucky enough to get a grizzly.”
“Typically, horseback hunts would be 12 twelve days and backpack hunts 10 days. When hunting with the horses we would ride trail horses packed with all our gear a day or two from the main camp and set up wall tents and hunt the valleys close to that location. If we didn’t find what the hunter was looking for, we would pack up the horses and move to a new location and set up camp again and hunt from there. When the hunter did tag out, we would head back to the main camp and the hunters would hang out and fish on the a lake. We would repack pack boxes, reshoe horses, do laundry and get ready for the next hunt. We also prepared the hides for the taxidermist. They were salted fleshed, and the ears, nose and eyes were turned, and hide was dried.”
“The guide was responsible for getting the trophy out. We would skin, butcher and debone the animal on the mountain where it was shot. We had to carry it out in our backpacks, so we tried to trim as much fat and bone off them as possible to cut down on weight.
The first sheep hunt I was ever on, I was helping another guide, Dale, and the hunter killed a nice ram. Dale loaded all the meat in my pack, and he took the head and hide. I couldn’t believe how heavy a sheep was, I made the comment to Dale a couple times, but he just laughed. When we got back to camp that night there were 20 lb of rocks packed in
Wallaby in New Zealand
Tahr in New Zealand
with the meat, Dale was rolling around on the ground laughing. I’ve never let anyone pack my bag since then. I learned a lot from Dale that first year.
Later in the season it would start to freeze at night, I didn’t have the best sleeping bag so I would pile all my clothes on top and zip it to the top. One night, my feet were so cold I couldn’t sleep and thought it was my poor-quality sleeping bag. Even though I had my sleeping bag zipped to the top, no matter what I did, I couldn’t get my feet warm. When I got out of bed in
the morning to get the horses, I noticed that Dale had unzipped the bottom half of my sleeping bag. Again, he was laughing at me.”
“I spent most of my time with the horse crew but did a couple of years where I we just backpacked. When you have horses, you eat real food, sleep in big tents and have extra clothes. When you are backpacking, you just eat have freeze-dried food, chocolate bars, sleep in pup tents and have 2 extra pair of socks. They would basically fly you into the mountains, land on a gravel
The north end of the Quesnel Lake
A view of the lodge
ROSS LAKE CHAROLAIS
Niagara Creek feeds these falls into the Quesnel Lake
Nate cooking our catch
bar and kick you out to wander around with whatever you could carry on your back. Backpacking was good because when you got up the mountains and were able to find water, you could stay up high and keep hunting. With the horses, you had to come back down the hill every night to look after your horses. When you had finished a backpack hunt, you could find a level spot or a gravel bar close to where you were for them to land the super cub to pick you up.
Later in my seasons, we had satellite phones so we could call camp to tell them where we wanted to get picked up by plane. When I started, there were no sat phones, so we would lay a blue tarp on the air strip or gravel bar with rocks on the corners so the wind wouldn’t blow it away. Every few days, they would fly over and if there was a blue tarp, they knew we were ready to leave. Sometimes, we had to sit near a landing strip for a couple of days waiting for them to come.”
Bill and Harold had a bonus for the guides, after 3 years you got to shoot a caribou and after 5 years you got to shoot a sheep. “When it was my year to shoot a caribou, my tag was back at base camp. We were finishing a moose hunt and they were coming to fly the hunters, moose meat and horns back to camp. They also planned to drop off my tag so I could hunt for a couple days before we had to trail the horses out. That day was 9/11 and all planes in north America were grounded, so by the time the plane could fly and I was able to get my tag, I only had a day to hunt before we had to trail horses out for the season. Gary one of the other guides came with me. About midafternoon, we found a herd of caribou bulls bedded down. We snuck up to them just as they were getting up and moving around, there was one really big bull in the herd. The plan was for Gary to keep an eye on him while they were milling around starting to leave, while I got set up to shoot. When I was ready, they were all single file walking away from us. Gary said he’s the second one. So, I shoot the second bull and down he comes. I’m kind of celebrating but Gary
is still looking through his binoculars. He looked over and said oh shit he’s the second one now. We both had a good laugh; I shot the wrong one.”
“One of the more memorable hunts I had was with “Charles Eddy, he was a judge from Arkansas I got to guide a couple times. Charles was up on a sheep hunt the year he turned 83, we hunted for a few days with no luck. Finally, we found a decent ram. It was on the opposite side of the valley almost at the top of the mountain, and it was starting to get dark. Charles asked what do you think he is? I thought he was nine years old and 33 or 34 inches long, which is not a monster but a respectable size. I asked him what he thought of him. Charles replied, “well I got a brother that has size 13AA shoes, that’s a long narrow foot. My brother has a poor friend that can’t afford much. My brother has these shoes he hates, and he just isn’t wearing. He asks his friend what size are your feet? I have some shoes I’d like to give you. The friend says the same size as yours. It wouldn’t have mattered what size his feet were, he was going to wear those shoes. He said, if you can get me to that sheep, he will fit.” Charles was able to climb the mountain at 83 years and harvest a mature Dall ram, which is quite a feat.”
Nate went hunting in New Zealand once with a guide friend Braden. Braden was starting a hunting outfit in his New Zealand homeland, so they drove around looking at different areas to hunt. They explored the South Island for a month, in New Zealand there is no season or limits, so they were able to hunt ducks/geese, rabbits, chamois, tahr, stag, and wallabies.
“The last hunt I did in the NWT was for Arctic Red River Outfitters in 2019.” In the fall of 2020, Nate bought his current fishing lodge on the Quesnel Lake. In 2021, he started guiding fishing trips on the lake and surrounding rivers and lakes. His operation is called Blue Chute Cottage and Guiding, named after the blue clipping chute that he used to haul around to clip sale cattle. Nate spends most of his summers at the lake guiding anglers and fly fisherman.
Quesnel Lake is a glacial lake or fjord in British Columbia and is the major tributary of the Fraser River. With a maximum depth of 2000 ft, it is claimed to be the deepest fjord lake in the world, the deepest lake in BC, and the third-deepest lake in North America, after Great Slave Lake and Crater Lake. It is T-shaped and is 62 miles on the west-east arm and 30 miles long on the north arm. Nate’s lodge is situated right in the junction of the three arms. Quesnel Lake has lake trout, bull trout and some of the largest wild rainbow trout in the world. There is a big salmon run that travels through the lake and into the rivers that feed the lake, which makes for some of the best fall fly fishing.
Nate lives in Quesnel with Reanne Sanford, her son Jax and their daughter Lainey. Reanne has KRS Simmentals and her family have Angus and Commercial cows, they sell around 50 bulls each year privately. He spends October through April working ring and managing sales with Bohrson Marketing. Since moving to Quesnel, Nate’s time has also been spent doing some judging, fitting clinics and demonstration days. The area feels lucky to have him as a resource and have utilized his skills.
Now Lainey is getting interested in cows. “She loves to spend time with her grandmother during calving. We were recently at the World Simmental event and Luke Lewis and Jordan Bubba, of Westbrook Ventures, had a string of cattle there on display and Lainey got to show one. She absolutely loved it and thought it was the best day ever.”
“Last year, she got to show a heifer at the IPE in Armstrong. She thought that was really great. When we got home, she spent days showing dogs with a show stick on the front lawn.”
“The hunting stories have changed to fishing stories, but the outdoors is definitely wherewhere Nate feels most at home. His work with the cattle industry is strong and his interest is keen. In whichever industry you meet him, you are sure to feel welcomed by his smile, knowledge and honest character.
Nate judging the Agribition Supreme Show
Lainey practising showing the dog
SOUTHL A ND ANGUS • CHAROLAIS
Shane & Lexi Cadieux Shaunavon, SK
Shane cell 306-297-7781
Lexi cell 306-294-8877
Cole cell 306-294-8334 scadieux@sasktel.net
March 2, 2025 1:00 pm
Chris Poley: 306-220-5006
Shane Michelson: 403-363-9973
Ben Wright: 519-374-3335
Levi Rimke: 204-851-4515
Southland Seven 7J x SVY Bellringer 952G
VMN Habanero 137L x Cornerview Evinrude 1E
WCR Bold Move x JMAR Benaiah 1E66
HRJ Holy Water 55H x SOS Chuck Wagon 54C
32M
SVY Mayfield 30H x JMAR Benaiah 1E66
52M
SVY Mayfield 30H x Kirlene Dockage 58X
HVA Fireball 662F x SOS Chuck Wagon 54C
PINE BLUFF CHAROLAIS & FERN CREEK SIMMENTALS
SELECT
Pleasant Dawn Mobile 103F x Steppler Tandem 157A Silverstream Padra P7 x Sparrows
WCR Bold Move 168P x LT Bridger 9191 PLD
DCR Mr Silver Gun E516 x Rosso Double Down 8Z
Can’t attend any of these sales in person?
ARRA is proud to be partnered with these sales and to provide on-site buyer representation on sale day.
FEBRUARY
Feb 7 - Anchor D Simmental & Charolais
Feb 8 - Redline Livestock
Feb 13 - Richmond Ranch
Feb 15 - P&H Ranching, Circle G & Gallelli Charolais
Feb 15 - Prouse Ranch
Feb 19 - McLeod Livestock, Triple M & Anderson Bred Heifers
Feb 19 - Beck Farms & McCoy Cattle Co.
Feb 20 - Bull Rush
Feb 21 - Northway Cattle Co.
Feb 23 - Rosedale Farms & Roselea Farms
Feb 24 - Parsons Cattle Co.
March 1 - Turnbull Charolais
March 2 - Legacy Charolais
March 5 - Twin Anchor
March 7 - Northern Classic
March 8 - Horseshoe E Charolais
March 9 - Early Sunset Ranch
March 10 - Palmer Charolais
March 11 - Desertland Cattle Company
March 13 - Dersta Farms
March 15 - Pleasant Dawn Charolais
March 17 - Simple as Black and White Bull Sale
March 18 - Poplar Bluff Stock Farm
March 21 - Stephen Charolais & Bar H Charolais
March 22 - Lazy S Limousin & Charolais Bull Sale
March 25 - Prairie Distinction Bull Sale
March 31 - Prairie Lands Bull Sale
April 4 - Daines Cattle & O’Neill Livestock
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As we start the new year, I’ve reflected on the similarities between cattle production and geopolitics—and how the political world then impacts our sector along with the entire economy.
Right now, there is so much uncertainty in the political world. An unpredictable president-elect is making waves with every social media post. Canada’s Prime Minister started the year by resigning and proroguing Parliament until March 24 and we will likely have an election this spring. President-Elect Trump’s proposed 25 per cent tariffs cannot be forecasted in any way
Knowns and Unknowns
(level, timing, form, list of goods, countries) and we are preparing for every outcome.
It reminds me of how much cattle producers depend on things we cannot predict—weather, markets, currency, workforce, demand. On the farm and at CCA we have to do our best at predicting what we can, make peace that we cannot know everything, and most importantly lean in on what we can do. 2024 was a busy year and the year ahead is shaping up to be even busier. We’re already preparing for various political scenarios to effectively advocate on behalf of beef producers across the country.
We had a demanding year on Parliament Hill driven mainly by private member’s bills. Thanks
POWER, PERFORMANCE & MEAT — WE BELIEVE WE
Nathan Phinney, President ..continued on page 76
go to many for appearing before committees, writing letters, meeting with members of parliament and senators, hosting tours across Canada, and generally making our voices heard. Threats to future trade negotiations (C-282), opportunities to lower the carbon tax burden (C-234), attempts to target and potentially shrink animal agriculture (C-293 and C-355) and other private member’s bills have been a larger focus of CCA’s time and activity than in past years. We have also weighed in on financial proposals around capital gains, the advance payments program limits, business risk management programs, trade deals and ambition and environmental reporting for
SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 15 JNR FARMS SIMMENTAL BULL & HEIFER SALE
TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 18 VIRGINIA RANCH/SKYWEST SIMMENTALS BULL SALE
SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 22 TRI K CATTLE SIMMENTAL BULL & HEIFER SALE (W/ALBRECHT FARMS)
WILLINGDON, AB
INNISFAIL, AB
BEAVERLODGE, AB
MONDAY, FEBRUARY 24 BEECHINOR BROS SIMMENTALS AND CHAROLAIS & GUESTS BULL & HEIFER SALE BENTLEY, AB
WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 26 SPRING LAKE SIMMENTALS, THE ZIMMERS - BULL SALE
FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 28 LONE STONE FARMS SIMMENTAL & RED ANGUS BULL SALE
SATURDAY, MARCH 1 BRIDGE CITY SIMMENTAL BULL SALE
MONDAY, MARCH 3 12TH ANNUAL SPRING SELECT SIMMENTAL BULL SALE
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 5 21ST ANNUAL SWANTEWITT & SAGE SIMMENTALS BULL & HEIFER SALE
THURSDAY, MARCH 6 TRANSCON’S 7TH ANNUAL NEXT STEP SIMMENTAL BULL SALE
DAYSLAND, AB
WESTLOCK, AB
SASKATOON, SK
DAWSON CREEK, BC
SHININGBANK LAKE, AB
THORSBY, AB
SATURDAY, MARCH 8 TRANSCON’S RED DEER COUNTY BULL SALE INNISFAIL, AB
MONDAY, MARCH 10 12TH ANNUAL NORTH COUNTRY RANCHLAND SIMMENTAL BULL SALE
DAWSON CREEK, BC
FRIDAY, MARCH 14 HIGH BLUFF STOCK FARMS CHAROLAIS & SIMMENTAL BULL & HEIFER SALE INGLIS, MB
SATURDAY, MARCH 15 MCRUER SIMMENTALS ANNUAL BULL & HEIFER SALE W/ RICH MC SIMMENTALS KILLARNEY, MB
THURSDAY, MARCH 20 JANZEN RANCHES 32ND ANNUAL SIMMENTAL & RED ANGUS BULL SALE ROSEMARY, AB
SATURDAY, MARCH 22 9TH ANNUAL LEEWOOD RANCH SIMMENTAL BULL & HEIFER SALE MANNVILLE, AB
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 26 CAMDEN CATTLE CO. 13TH ANNUAL SIMMENTAL BULL & HEIFER SALE W/ NIWA RANCHING CO NEW BRIGDEN, AB
SATURDAY, MARCH 29
TUESDAY, APRIL 1
TRANSCON’S 30TH ANNUAL ADVANTAGE SIMMENTAL & CHAROLAIS BULL SALE SASKATOON, SK
TRANSCON’S NORTHERN CONNECTION SIMMENTAL & CHAROLAIS BULL SALE ST. PAUL, AB
FRIDAY, APRIL 4 TRANSCON’S PEACE COUNTRY SIMMENTAL BULL SALE BEAVERLODGE, AB
TUESDAY, APRIL 8 SPRINGTIME ALLIANCE BULL SALE CANDIAC, SK
FRIDAY, APRIL 11 BIG HILLS SIMMENTALS & GUEST BULL SALE BRANDON, MB
THURSDAY, APRIL 17 SHADY NOOK SIMMENTALS BULL SALE LACOMBE, AB
A New Cattle Product (Ferappease) with Multiple Benefits to Your Herd
Roy Lewis, DVM
We start 2025 with a bang and a new owner to the Charolais Banner. Robbie and Candice Chomik. I know they will continue with the successful format that has always been evident in the Charolais breed magazine. I am very pleased to still be doing articles for both the Banner and the commercial Connection magazine. As always if any members have a veterinary health or production topic they figure would benefit the rest of the readership, do not hesitate to contact me and we will get that done. Being a veterinarian in the west I may be unaware of some concerns in eastern Canada, so I always want to write something of benefit to all. I know both Helge and Candace By will still be involved and I have much appreciated their commitment to benefit the Charolais breed and its members.
Today’s topic involves a greatly beneficial new product called “ferappease” that may have a place in your cattle operation whether purebred or commercial. I have researched and used this product in practice and on the farms’ own cattle and see it as a tool in improved cattle production.
It is a natural calming product, which is long lasting (they say up to two weeks) of effectiveness. It is a pour on product put in two places just above the nose and then behind the poll and has a couple different applicator guns that can be used. It works on the principal of pheromones breathed in products that in this case calm the animal. Because they are breathed in from the product applied above the nose, it takes effect within 15 minutes.
The great news is you can see the effect on the cattle. If anyone is going to use it do your own trial, the first time and use it on half the cattle and see if you see a difference. I will explain where I see it having the best effect but over time other uses will be found.
There is a standard dose for mature animals is 5 cc above the nose and 5 cc behind the poll. Below 400 pounds the dosage is half the rate. The stuff behind the poll is absorbed slower affecting the hypothalamus of the brain and results in less threat perception. With less threat perception, this leads to less adrenalin so decreases inflammation improves weight gain and minimizes health concerns such as pneumonia. This same technology has been used in other species. Bison as an example have a higher threat response so the dosage gets increased for them.
There has been a lot of research done both in the southern US at Texas A & M University but also in large groups in South America. Cattle are cattle I suppose but it would be good to see some Canadian work under winter conditions in Canada for sure. This product is basically some fatty acid molecules and so there is no withdrawals to be concerned about. The measured benefits are things like for weaned calves up to an 80 % reduction in mortality. This trial was on extreme high-risk calves but even a 10-20 reduction in mortality would be great. In cattle transported a fair way we see things like less dark cutters, a two-thirds reduction and higher carcass weight by 10-20 pounds. These all lead to a greater return.
We see things like less bawling
and walking at weaning. They spend much more time lying. With cattle transported to slaughter, less standing and more laying down at the plant and resting.
This product was mainly developed for the weaned calf and if given at processing, the protective response to vaccines should improve and with fewer cattle sick and less antibiotics used. To me, with an option for long-term stress reduction there are instances where, especially in purebred production, you can get double benefit. Bull calves weaned and then put together should fight less. It may even be tried at semen testing time and will still be on board when you do the rechecks as a potential usage. In this regard, I may try it as spot usage on bulls which were a little higher strung.
I would try it on any cows that need to be assisted at calving or need to be brought in to be milked if having difficulty accepting a calf. Having them a little calmer will allow bonding with the calf and facilitate milk let-down. Have it and try it to see if there is a difference, if there is it is reassuring to know it should help for many days to come. For delivering bulls if going long distances and especially if going to be in a trailer by themselves it may be an idea to try it. Purebred cattle that are clipped for sales. This product will cost roughly $3.50 to $4.00 per head and is not a prescription product so will be available for sure at your local veterinary clinic as well as feed and farm supply outlets across Canada. The great news to me is you are the judge, as you should see a difference with your cattle.
..continued on page 76
companies. That is at home in Canada. There are also forces and momentum outside Canada to consider.
In late 2006, Livestock’s Long Shadow was released by the UN’s Food and Agriculture Organization. This flawed piece of research blamed animal agriculture for more pollution than any other sector of the economy. This research was done in part by counting every bit of greenhouse gas production in the livestock-based food production sector and comparing it to others with only partial accounting. This error was corrected over time, but the message of that original piece continues to be trotted out by antimeat activists globally. We know those anti meat groups are out there; they show up in meetings and consultations here in Canada and abroad. Knowing that, we have and will continue to show up where we see threats and opportunities to counter those voices with the positives of Canadian beef and cattle production.
The greenhouse gas footprint of Canadian cattle production is less than half the global average. Canadian cattle landscapes are homes to not only carbon sequestration but many species of birds and wildlife that depend on grazing to develop and maintain habitat features they rely on. We know these facts,
but we cannot be sure they will be brought to standard setting bodies, policy making bodies and other international groups that set goals and policies that Canada uses as a base to set our own goals and policies and international commitments. Policy once set is a hard thing to turn. It is much easier to impact in its formative stages. That is not only a big part of our advocacy in Ottawa but our international advocacy as well. By expanding our advocacy to international forums, we’re seeing the pendulum swing back in our favour. We have science and evidence on our side—and our credible voice carries weight with policy makers.
At home I can generally figure out what needs work and how to address it. The policy world is so broad and complex, I am glad we have a strong team working strategically on our behalf. CCA has developed an international team beef network to figure out where to be and how to engage effectively and we have built a team to get the work done. My time as the elected lead of the Canadian Cattle Association is winding down. It has been a challenge to be everywhere I have been requested to be, but I want to assure producers that every decision taken weighs the potential impact we can have, the potential cost in producers’ dollars of going to
HERD HEALTH, CONTINUED FROM PAGE 72
Veterinarians may use this on painful or stressful procedures. I have even had those who are halter breaking make that job considerably easier or when transporting to a show or across the country after
make that impact and the impact of letting those events unfold without our impact. That is often overlooked. Decisions are made whether we show up or not. We have to decide if others will fight on our behalf or if events are safe to unfold with other voices left to be most impactful.
This all takes time and money. I am thankful for my family’s support at home and the support of so many crews that let CCA’s elected leadership take time away to serve the industry beyond the home operation. Our voice as cattle producers is needed at the table. I see how we are received and that has helped me say yes to the requests over the years.
As we head into 2025, I know we will continue with trade focus and as the unknown’s become reality, CCA will be prepared to advocate on behalf of all of us. I want to thank all the producers out there who contribute to their provincial cattle associations. Some of those funds help CCA on the national and international issues we continue to work on. We work well together on behalf of beef cattle producers from coast to coast. I hope the great prices to date continue with positive weather across the country. Regardless we will keep showing up and leaning in, and we will find ways to respond to the next unknown coming at us.
a sale. Time will reveal how you may use this product in your herds. There is no doubt that production gains and better health outcomes and potentially less use of medications could be the lasting benefits of this product. Again, everyone should use their own judgment, and we will be able to fine tune its usage to maximum benefit.
Tips on Delivering Backward and Breech Calves
Heather Smith Thomas
Most calves are born head first, front feet extended, but some are positioned backward (posterior presentation) and may not survive unless assisted. The backward calf usually suffocates because his head is still inside the cow when his umbilical cord breaks or pinches off-as his midsection comes through the cow’s pelvis. Unless you can speed the birth process when he reaches that point, he will die.
DIFFERENCE BETWEEN BACKWARD AND BREECH
A backward presentation is considered normal, because the calf can be born—though he may not survive. If the hind legs don’t enter the birth canal, however, the calf is breech (rump first, hind legs forward in sitting position), and cannot be born. The rump presses first against the cow’s cervix when she begins early labor and her uterine contractions start moving the calf toward the birth canal. Some people confuse the terms “backward” and “breech” but there is a huge difference in the seriousness of these two situations. Without assistance to reposition the hind legs, the breech calf will die, and the rotting calf and subsequent infection may kill the cow. To deliver a breech calf, the legs must be brought into the birth canal. If a posterior or breech presentation is recognized and dealt with early, however, there’s a good chance for saving the calf.
DELIVERING THE BACKWARD CALF
Dr. Cec Ruschkowski (a 1984 graduate of WCVM who has
been practicing in Oyen, Alberta) says backward calves can be a challenge to get them out alive, and a backward delivery may cause problems for the calf. “The force involved while pulling the calf may result in stifle injuries or broken legs or ribs. Assessing cervical dilation is very important in determining progression of the birth. There is generally inadequate cervical dilation with a backward calf and you have a hard pull,” she says. The calf is not streamlined, coming backward. Nature has things programmed for frontward delivery, stretching the cow’s cervix and vulva gradually as the front legs and head come through and then the larger shoulders and even larger hips. But with hind legs coming first, the hindquarters (largest part of the calf) come through first, and this takes a lot of stretching. The hips are difficult to pass through the cow’s pelvis and the calf’s ribcage tends to catch on the way through. When pulling a backward calf, use lots of lubricant-putting it as far into the birth canal as you can, alongside the calf.
It may take the cow a little longer in early labor to get those long hind legs aimed in the right direction. “When his feet start to emerge through the vulva, you can tell they are hind feet; the heels and bottom of the hooves will be pointed up rather than down like normally presented front feet,” says Ruschkowski. This is usually easy to see, even when cows are checked with binoculars or camera.
But before you assume the calf is backward and before you start pulling, reach into the birth canal (after the cow is restrained) to feel
the whole leg. If those are hind legs you will feel the hocks. If they are front feet you will feel knees (and head, unless it is turned back). Sometimes a calf will be upside down or sideways, coming crooked—and when the feet first appear they point upward. Always be sure which part of the calf is presented before you put chains on and start to pull.
Ruschkowski says you need to take your time at first, especially when pulling a backward calf, and let the cow’s cervix stretch. If you can’t get the rear end coming through readily, quit before you break the calf’s ribs as he comes through the pelvis.
“If you’ve had lots of experience delivering backward calves, you’ll know when to quit, and not try to exceed your capabilities. With a frontward calf, you can usually stop and push it back before the calf is in jeopardy (and have it delivered by C-section), but once you start on a backward calf, you are committed,” she explains.
“One difficulty is assessing whether the calf is alive or dead. This is easier to tell, with a frontward calf (such as checking for a suckle reflex when you put a finger in the mouth, or pinching between the toes to get a reaction),” she says.
Once you have the hindquarters through the cow’s pelvis, you have to pull hard and fast, to get the calf out before he suffocates. After the umbilical cord pinches off or breaks as it comes through the pelvis, the calf must start breathing, and if his head is still inside the cow he can’t breathe.
“So pull slowly at first, to let
the cow dilate, and to make sure you will be able to get the calf out without a super-difficult pull, and then go for it—to get the calf out quickly,” she says.
This is when it helps to have several people, because sometimes if the person working the calf puller can’t get the calf out fast enough at the end, helpers can grab onto the calf’s hind legs and pull it on out.
BREECH CALF
When the calf’s hind legs don’t straighten out in early labor and don’t enter the birth canal, the cow won’t begin hard straining. You may think she is still in early labor, and wait too long to check her.
Eventually the placenta detaches.
“Placental separation, tangled umbilicus and improper position lead to fetal distress and death. This is the challenge with a breech calf. You have to recognize that the cow has been in early labor too long and is having a problem. The producers who recognize it soon enough and bring the cow in quick enough for us to deliver a live calf get a pat on the back from us; they are good herdsmen and they know when a cow is in trouble,” says Ruschkowsi. If it’s a mature cow that should have calved quickly, and she’s still acting like she’s in early labor, it is time to check her. “If you are not experienced at correcting a breech presentation, you shouldn’t try. This takes experience, and long arms!” It’s very difficult to reach the hind feet, since they are clear up by the calf’s head.
“If you realize this is the situation,
don’t break the water bag if you are not capable of correcting this yourself,” Ruschkowsi says. Once the water bag is broken, the clock is ticking and you are losing time to get the calf delivered while it is still alive. If a person can reach far enough and feel the umbilicus on a breech calf (if you have long enough arms, and experience) you can tell if the calf is alive or dead.
If the calf is breech, the rump must be pushed forward (so it’s not jammed against the cervix) so there will be room to grasp and maneuver each hind leg—one at a time--and bring it into the birth canal.
This will be easier if the cow is standing, rather than lying down. When she’s lying down, all the weight and pressure of her abdomen is against the calf, making it harder for you to push him back farther into the uterus. Also, she won’t be pushing against you quite as hard if she’s standing, and it’s also easier for you to get both arms into the birth canal when you and the cow are standing up.
It’s a tight fit to get both arms in, especially if you have big arms, but it’s the best way to get a breech calf repositioned. There is enough stretch in the vulva and vagina to get both arms in; remember that a calf coming through this space is wider than two arms.
The calf must be pushed back as far as possible. Hold him forward with one hand pushing against his rump, and grasp a leg with the other, bending the hock and lifting it upward, rotating it as you lift. Reach farther forward along that
leg until you can find the foot. This takes a long arm, and if you are a small person you’ll need someone else to do this, with a longer arm. Draw the foot backward in an arc, keeping the hock joint flexed tightly and calf pushed as far forward as possible. Keep your hand cupped around his toes so they won’t scrape or tear the wall of the uterus as you bring that foot around to the rear. Keep the hock joint flexed tightly and lift the foot over the cow’s pelvis.
Do the same with the other hind leg after you have the first one straightened out behind the calf and into the birth canal. Make sure the umbilical cord does not get caught over one of the legs (and torn) as you lift the leg. Once both hind legs are extended and in the birth canal, you can attach chains and pull the calf, just as you would a backward calf, using lots of lubricant, and giving the cow time to dilate— since she won’t have had a chance yet to dilate. If it is impossible to bring the legs into the birth canal, don’t try too long before calling your veterinarian or someone who has more experience (and maybe longer arms!) so you can get the calf out while it is still alive. If your veterinarian cannot reach the legs either, he/she can deliver the calf by C-section.
“We’ve found that a breech calf is one of the most common presentations with twins, so we always check for a second one,” says Ruschkowski.
January 25
M.C. Quantock Bull Sale, 12 noon, Lloydminster (SK) Exhibition Grounds
January 31
Wirstuk Farming & Ranching Bull Sale, 1 pm, at the farm, Cutknife, SK
January 31
Southside Charolais Dispersal Sale, VJV Auction, Rimbey, AB
February 1
Howe Coulee Charolais Private Treaty Bull Sale, at the farm, Moose Jaw, SK
February 1
Hill 70 Quantock Bull Sale, 12 noon, at the ranch, Lloydminster, AB
February 7
Anchor D Ranch Bull Sale, 1 pm, at the ranch, Rimbey, AB
February 8
MJT Cattle Co. Ltd. 31st Annual Bull Sale, 2 pm, at the ranch, Edgerton, AB
February 10
Valley’s End Charolais Private Treaty Bull Sale, at the farm, Bridgeford, SK
February 12
Steppler Farms 14th Annual Bull Sale, at the farm, Miami, MB
February 14
Springside Farms Bulls For Every Budget Charolais Bull Sale, Stettler, AB
February 15
Prouse Ranch 5th Annual Bull Sale, at the farm, Invermay, SK
February 15
P & H Ranching Co. Bull Sale, 1 pm, Innisfail (AB), Auction Mart
February 15
St. Martin Test Sale, Saint-Martin de Beauce, QC
February 15
Denbie Ranch with Guests Myhre Land & Cattle & Bar J Charolais, 2 pm, Ste. Rose (MB) Auction Mart
February 15
Ross Lake Charolais Private Treaty Bull Sale, Stettler, AB
February 18
Rawe Ranches 42nd Bull Sale, 1 pm, at the ranch, Strome, AB
February 19
Calendar of Events
McLeod Livestock & Triple M Farms
Bull Sale, 1 pm, Cow Palace, Olds, AB February 19
Beck Farms & McCoy Cattle Co. Bull Sale, 2 pm, at the farm, Milestone, SK
February 20
Prairie Cove Charolais Bull & Select Female Sale, 1 pm, at the ranch, Bashaw, AB
February 22
Quebec Select Bull Sale, at Ferme Claude Lemay, Shawinigan, QC
February 22
Triple C Charolais Bull Sale, 1 pm, Ashern (MB) Auction Mart
February 22
Pure Production Charolais Sale, 1 pm, Hoards Station, Campbellford, ON
February 22
Kay-R Land & Cattle Bull Sale, 1 pm, at the farm, Waskatenau, AB
February 23
McKeary Charolais & Diamond L Ranch Tradition Bull Sale, 4 pm, Compeer (AB) Community Hall
February 23
Rosedale Farms & Roselea Cattle Bull Sale, Sturgeon County, AB
February 23
Bull Fest’25, 1 pm, Camrose, AB
February 24
Parsons Cattle Company Bull Sale, 6 pm, VJV Auction Mart, Ponoka, AB
February 24
Beechinor Bros. Simmentals & Charolais Bull Sale, 1 pm, at the farm, Bentley, AB
February 24
KSL Simmental & Charolais 7th Annual Bull Sale, 2 pm, at the farm, Beaverlodge, AB
February 25
Acadia Colony Charolais Bull Sale, 1 pm, Dry Land Trading Corp. Veteran, AB
February 28
HEJ Charolais 20th Annual Bull Sale, 1 pm, at the farm, Innisfail, AB
March 1
Turnbull Charolais 5th Annual Bull Sale, 1 pm, at the farm, Pincher Creek, AB
March 1
Ferme Louber Annual Bull Sale, 1 pm, at the farm, Ste-Marie de Beauce, QC
March 2
Legacy Charolais 8th Annual Bull Sale, 1 pm, at the farm, Botha, AB
March 2
Southland Charolais & Angus Bull Sale, 1 pm, Heartland Livestock, Swift Current, SK
March 4
Johnson Ranching Bull Sale, 1 pm, Provost (AB) Livestock Exchange
March 5
Pine Bluff Charolais & Fern
Simmental Bull Sale, Farm Gate Timed Online, Love, SK
March 5
Twin Anchor Charolais Bull Sale, 6 pm, Holloway Sale Barn, Castor, AB
March 6
Nahachewsky Charolais Bull Sale, Farm Gate Timed Online, Norquay, SK
March 7
CK Sparrow Farms Bull Sale, 2 pm, at the farm, Vanscoy, SK
March 7
Nish Charolais 19th Annual Bull Sale, 6 pm, Perlich Bros. Auction Mart, Lethbridge, AB
March 7
Future Farms & Charworth
Charolais Select Charolais Bull Sale, 1 pm, Innisfail (AB), Auction Mart
March 7
Meridian Agriculture Co. Ltd
Charolais Bull Sale, 1 pm, Acadia Valley, AB
March 7
Northern Classic Charolais & Simmental 22nd Annual Bull Sale, 1 pm, Evergreen Park, Grand Prairie, AB
March 8
Transcon’s Red Deer County Bull Sale, 1 pm, Innisfail (AB), Auction Mart
March 8
Horseshoe E Charolais 27th
Annual Bull Sale, 2 pm, at the farm, Kenaston, SK
March 8
Blackbern/WhiteWater 14th Annual Charolais Bull Sale, 1:30 pm, Renfrew Pontiac Livestock Facility, Cobden, ON
March 8
Phillips Farms Charolais Open House & Private Treaty Bull Sale, at the farm, Estevan, SK
March 8
Oakstone Land & Cattle Bull Sale, 1:30 pm, at the farm, Bawlf, AB
March 10
Palmer Charolais 14th Annual Bull Sale, 2 pm, at the farm, Bladworth, SK
March 11
Desertland Cattle Charolais Bull Sale, 5 pm, at the ranch, Sedalia, AB
March 11
Harvie Ranching Bull Sale, 1 pm, at the ranch, Olds, AB
March 11
Ron-Way Charolais & Friends Bull Sale, Renfrew Pontiac Livestock Facility, Cobden, ON
March 12
Sweetwater Ranch & Thistle Ridge Ranch Bull Sale, Taber Ag Plex, Taber, AB
March 13
Creek’s Edge Land & Cattle Bull Sale, Farmgate Timed Online Auction, at the farm, Yellow Creek, SK
March 14
High Bluff Stock Farm Bull & Female Sale, 2 pm, at the farm, Inglis, MB
March 14
Scott Stock Farm 12th Annual Bull Sale, 1 pm, at the farm, Crossfield, AB
March 15
Sliding Hills Charolais 19th Annual Bull Sale, 1:30 pm, at the farm, Canora, SK
March 15
Pleasant Dawn Charolais 24th Annual Bull Sale, 2 pm, at the farm, Oak Lake, MB
March 15
Rollin’ Acres/Whiskey Hollow & Guests 14th Annual Bull Sale, 2 pm, Maple Hill Auction, Hanover, ON
March 15
Balamore Farm Ltd. 13th Annual Bull Sale, 2 pm, at the farm, Great Village, NS
March 15,
Select Genetics 19th Annual Bull Sale, 1 pm, Forsyth Ranch, Herbert, SK
March 15
Lazy S Charolais Bull Sale, 1 pm, VJV Auction Mart, Dawson Creek, BC
March 15
Continental Connection Bull Sale, 2 pm, at Pinnacle View Farms, Quesnel, BC
March 17
Simple as Black & White Bull Sale, 1 pm, Medicine Hat (AB ) Feeding Company
March 17
Highway 21 Group & Brayshar Charolais Bull Sale, 1 pm, at the ranch, Hanna, AB
March 17
TRI-N Charolais Ltd. 10th Annual Bull Sale, 2 pm, at the farm, Lenore, MB
March 18
Diamond W 23rd Annual Bull Sale, 1:30 pm, JTM Livestock, Minitonas, MB
March 18
Poplar Bluff Stock Farm 9th Annual Bull Sale, 2 pm, at the farm, Chauvin, AB
March 19
Cedarlea Farms Bull Sale, 1:30 pm, at the farm, Hodgeville, SK
March 19
HTA Charolais Bull Sale, 1:30 pm, at the farm, Rivers, MB
March 19
Saddleridge Charolais Bull Sale, 1 pm, at Bow Slope Shipping, Brooks, AB
March 20
White Meadow Charolais Online Bull Sale, Farm Gate Timed Online, Pipestone, MB
March 20
Footprint Farms Bull Sale, 3:30 pm, at the ranch, Esther, AB
March 21
Stephen & Bar H Charolais & Guest Bull Sale, 1 pm, Whitewood (SK) Auction Mart
March 22
K-Cow Ranch Bull Sale, 1 pm, at the ranch, Elk Point, AB
March 22
Cornerview Charolais Bull Sale, 1:30 pm, at the farm, Cobden, ON
March 22
Lazy S Cattle Co. Bull Sale, 6 pm, VJV Auction, Rimbey, AB
March 22
McAvoy Charolais Bull & Open Heifer Sale, 1:30 pm, Saskatoon (SK) Livestock Sales
March 22
Limestone Charolais Bull Sale, 1 pm, Clinton (BC) Rodeo Grounds
March 22
Dry Creek Ranch Bull Power Sale, Dawson Creek, BC
March 23
Best of the Breeds Bull Sale, 1:30 pm, Heartland Livestock, Yorkton, SK
March 25
White Lake Colony Charolais Bull Sale, 1 pm, Balog Auctions, Lethbridge, AB
March 25
Prairie Distinction 11th Annual Bull Sale, 1 pm, Beautiful Plains Ag Complex, Neepawa, MB
March 25
Top Cut 35th Annual Bull Sale, 2 pm, Stockman’s Weigh Co., Mankota, SK
March 25
Charmark Ranches Bull Sale, 1 pm, Bow Slope Shipping, Brooks, AB
March 27
C2 Charolais Bull Sale, 1 pm, at the farm, La Riviere, MB
March 27
Elder Charolais Farms 15th Annual Bull Sale, 1 pm, at the farm, Coronach, SK
March 28
McTavish Farms 14th Annual Bull Sale, 1 pm, at the farm, Moosomin, SK
March 29
Borderland Cattle Company Bull Sale, 1:30 pm, at the farm, Rockglen, SK
March 29
Tee M Jay Charolais Bull Sale, 1 pm, Ashern (MB) Auction Mart
