The Canadian Shorthorn Report

Thanks again to all the bidders & buyers at the Who’s Your Daddy Sale this year. The high seller was

Saskvalley Jumper

314J to Ross Skori, Kinsella AB.

For the third year in a row we tested our yearling bulls for individual feed efficiency. This time it was at our own ranch with our new feed bunks. For the third year the results showed us that there is tremendous variation in feed efficiency within a pen of animals. For the third year the data proves that we can’t predict an animal’s individual feed efficiency by visual appraisal.

Feed efficiency (and residual feed intake) is a moderately heritable trait. We will be using this information to select bulls for breeding that excel in this trait. We tested 42 bulls for individual feed efficiency.

The test was conducted from January 26 - April 18, 2023

The Residual Feed Intake (RFI) was calculated by C-Lock Inc.

The bulls were fed a growing ration (50 Mcal/cwt Negain), not a high energy finishing ration

The average start weight was 665 lbs and the average ending weight was 974 lbs. Here are the results:

1) The bull with the lowest ADG gained 2.57 lbs/day. The bull with the highest ADG gained 5.15 lbs/day. The pen averaged 3.77 lbs/day.

2) The bull that ate the least amount of feed ate 15.03 lbs/day (all weights of feed are on a dry matter basis). This bull ate 2.08% of his body weight per day. The bull that ate the most amount of feed ate 22.14 lbs/day. This bull ate 2.26% of his body weight per day.

The bull that ate the least amount of feed based on his body weight ate 1.92% of his body weight. The bull that ate the most amount of feed based on his body weight ate 2.69% of his body weight. The pen averaged eating 18.96 pounds per day and averaged eating 2.32% of their body weight.

THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN THE LOWEST FEED INTAKE AND THE HIGHEST FEED INTAKE WAS 7.1 LBS/HEAD/DAY

3) The bull with the best feed:gain ratio was 4.12:1. The bull with the poorest feed:gain ratio was 6.10:1. The pen averaged 5.08:1. This year what was interesting was the apparent heritability of feed efficiency. As stated earlier feed efficiency is a moderately heritable trait. I know that what I am about to talk about is only based on 2 years of data, and that is a very small set of data, but we will see in the coming years if this type of consistency can be attained.

Saskvalley Sindy 219B is a cow that we raised from birth. Last year her son (Saskvalley Jangle 220J) ranked 2nd out of 37 bulls for RFI. This year her son ranked 1st out of 42 bulls. Saskvalley Sindy 37G is one of her daughters that is also in our herd. Last year 37G’s son (which she birthed as a 2 year old) ranked 15 out of 37 for RFI. 37G’s son in this year’s test ranked 5th out of 42. It will be interesting to follow the feed efficiency of cow lines and sire groups in the years to come. The bulls that we will test in 2024 will be the first group that will have individuals that will be sired by bulls that have been tested for individual feed efficiency and excel in this trait.

There is an old Chinese proverb that states “the best time to plant a tree is 20 years ago. The second best time is today”. I wish we had started doing this 20 years ago.

If you would like to discuss any of the above data or opinions please phone Barry

SASKVALLEY S STOCK FARM S

Saskvalley Jumper 341J- higher seller

Saskvalley Jangle 220J- herd sire

The Canadian Shorthorn Report

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Welcome to the Herd Edition of the Canadian Shorthorn Report. I hope that the summer has been kind to you so far. If all goes well, I will be seeing some of you at the Canadian Junior National Show in Carman in the not too distant future.

This issue is packed with news about the AGM that was held in Ontario this year, as well as some articles to help us to get show and sale ready. There are also some great reads on the 2 Legend of the Breed winners. Thank you to everyone who contributed articles and to the advertisers who believe in keeping this magazine running. Grab a cup of coffee, put up your feet and enjoy!

Adrianne

FALL 2023

7

Canadian Shorthorn Association President’s Message

First I would like to start by thanking the Ontario Shorthorn Association for hosting the 137th annual meeting at Kanata, Ontario. It was nice to see familiar faces and to meet so many breeders from the area. We had a good meeting and look forward to continuing with our projects that are underway. There was an excellent well attended banquet with a successful fund raiser. Congratulations go out to Rod and Sandy Schutz, Six S Shorthorns, Alberta and Bob Riviere, Uluru Shorthorns, Ontario for being named the Legends of the Breed for 2023. There were herd tours around local breeder’s farms on Friday prior to the meeting. A great dinner was hosted Friday evening by Edmun Farms, Heather and Curtis Munro and Jeffery Edwards.

One of the presentations at the annual meeting was given by Stephanie Lam, The University of Guelph on power of genomics. A reminder to breeders that with IGS, genetically enhanced EPD’s are quite affordable and Neogen does offer a package that also includes testing for defects. If you yourself don’t use EPD’s remember that many commercial and purebred buyers do so having EPDs expands your potential customer base. Our General Manager, Shayla Chapell also gave an informative presentation on the many features available on Digital Beef. Shayla is available to answer member’s questions so if you have any send Shayla an email!

Next year the CSA annual meeting will be held in British Columbia, the date and location to be announced later.

I would like to thank outgoing Ontario CSA director Dale Asser for her years of service and the many hours she has given to the Association. I would like to welcome the new Ontario director Martin Mason back to the CSA board. Also a thank you to our Manitoba Director and outgoing President Ray Arrmbruster. This year the Canadian Junior Shorthorn Association National Show is August 10 to August 12 at Carman Exhibition Grounds in Carman, Manitoba. For more information you can follow the CJSA on their Facebook page.

Work is proceeding on the World Shorthorn Conference which is being hosted in Canada in 2025. If you would like to volunteer for this exciting event please contact Dennis Cox 1-819-837-2086 or Grant Smith 1-250-8350133.

For office business, we are now able to take E-transfer for payments to make financial transactions easier for the members. For more information contact Shayla. Her office hours are Monday to Friday 8:30 am to 4:30 CST.

I am looking forward to serving as President of the Association for the next year.

Thanks,

Bob

Bob Merkley

Bob Merkley

President & BC Director 604-607-7733

circlemshorthorns@telus.net

Casey Bishop

Alberta Director 780-603-8432

cbishopcattle@gmail.com

Ray Armbruster

Manitoba Director 204-859-2088

ray.armbruster@gmail.com

Martin Mason

Ontario Director 519-771-7066

martin.mason@redrosefarm.com

Richard Moellenbeck

Saskatchewan Director 306-287-3420

bellmfarms@outlook.ca

Marvin Peters Maritimes Director 902-315-2939

mipet@yahoo.com

Dennis Cox

Quebec Director 819-837-2086

triplejcox2018@gmail.com

Shayla Chappell

Secretary/Treasurer 306-757-2212

office@canadianshorthorn.com

CSA 2023 AGM Review-

Eastern Ontario and the Ottawa Valley hosted the 2023 CSA AGM in Kanata approximately 20 minutes from downtown Ottawa. The weather was lovely and sunny all weekend and the Hotel was within easy walking distance to a host of retail stores and restaurants.

The CSA directors and Shayla arrived Thursday afternoon to facilitate having a full day board meeting on the Friday. This is the only opportunity the Board of Directors has annually to sit down together and discuss the business of the association.

On Friday evening the Ottawa valley Shorthorn Club hosted a BarBQue at the farm of Heather and Curtis Munroe. It was a lovely evening with wonderful Shorthorn hospitality, delicious smoked brisket to dine on. A great opportunity to visit and catch up with one another once again and see some good Shorthorn cattle. Thank you to Heather and Curtis.

Saturday morning began with speakers. Our first speaker was our very own Shayla Chappell. It was an opportunity for members to meet and listen to Shayla in person. Shayla is now our general manager as well as our registrar. She assumed the duties carried out by SLA and Belinda Wagner on the first of January this year.

Shayla introduced herself and gave us a demonstration and an insight into areas of the Digital Beef software program we may not normally think about. Managing semen inventory and marketing opportunities within the program were featured topics.

Shayla encourages everyone to call with questions regarding the system. It has so much more potential than many of us realize to help in the management of our herds and operations.

Our second speaker of the morning was Stephanie Lam from the University of Guelph and the Elora Beef Research Station. Works with Dr Angela Cenovas. Elora’s new facility has the ability and potential to complete research projects addressing feed efficiency, fertility, health, meat quality carcass traits within the beef industry. It is hoped that through genetic testing and Genomics we can improve beef productivity end at the same time reduce the carbon footprint and

Review- Kanata Ontario

methane emissions.

Stephanie’s presentation stimulated several questions and comments which she handled extremely well. As beef producers we need to realize that there are several times more beef cows in the country than dairy cows. We probably have as many cattle in feedlots across the nation as there are milking cows.

Following a brief coffee break Grant Smith from BC gave a summary of his trip to the UK in 2022 on the World Shorthorn Congress. Grant was the sole Canadian participant. In 2025 it is Canadas turn to host this tour and event. It is a huge undertaking for a mostly volunteer organization in such a huge country. Dennis Cox as CSA board member from Quebec along with Grant are leading the charge on organizing the 2025 tour.

Following, Richard Moellenbeck gave a report on the Shorthorn Steer trial which will be completed shortly. This has been a great learning experience for all involved. It would be nice if we could put a larger group of steers together. If you would be interested in putting some steers into future trial please contact Richard.

Ray Armbruster gave a report on the Manitoba Bull Test station for this past year. This is one of the largest bull tests in the nation and has been running for well over 50 years. It is owned and operated by the Manitoba Beef Cattle Performance Association. Twenty nine Shorthorns were on test this past winter and the Shorthorn bulls held their own with respect to other breeds.

Following lunch the Annual General Meeting of the Association was held. This continues to be a time of transition but the finances are relatively stable and solid. We are always looking to cut some costs and generate some additional revenue. One interesting point is that the cost to CSA of payments made by credit card is approximately $7000 per year.

Following the Annual Meeting there was time to be enjoyed in the hospitality suite prior to the banquet. A lovely meal was served at the banquet and we were entertained long time RCMP Musical Ride officer Bill Stewart. Bill visited Buckingham palace on many occasion during his career. He played a leading role over many years in training and delivering the horses that the RCMP gave to the Queen. He had a wonderful presentation of pictures of himself, the RCMP Musical ride and Her Majesty. For many years they worked very closely with the Queens stables.

Throughout the evening a silent auction was running and approximately thirty items were auctioned live. Donations were exceptional and varied. We had home-made pies, hand crafted benches, East coast clams, Western art, an evening get away at the Auberge West Brome Quebec, semen lots and much more.

talents and to all those who attended and participated and supported. The AGM is an important event for the Shorthorn Association as a whole and we should never underestimate its value to us all.

Submitted by Martin Mason

Thank you to all those who sponsored, donated their time

Guest speaker Stephanie Lam

Shayla Chappell explaining Digital Beef

Bill Stewart and Ray Armbruster

2023 LEGEND OF THE BREED

Bo B Rivie R e- Ul URU Sho R tho R n S

Robert Howard (Bob) Riviere was born May 03, 1941 in rural Saskatchewan. He grew up on a small mixed farm near Kisbey, SK. Bob’s grandfather and father were French speaking immigrants from Belgium and his grandmother and mother were English. His father had a few commercial cows, pigs, chickens and horses. Life was difficult in those days in Saskatchewan and Bob worked on the farm until he was 18. During his last couple of years at High School he played a lot of hockey. At this time the banks were expanding rapidly and recruiting directly from High School. Bob started with RBC in August 1959 as a junior clerk, emptying frozen ink wells and stoking the fire. He moved to Maryfield, SK with one suit, two white shirts and $100 his father gave him, though he doesn’t know how he found the money for him. Unfortunately it was the last time he saw his father who soon passed away. Bob had the opportunity to go home and farm but he enjoyed the work at the bank so he convinced his mother to rent out the land.

Bob rose quickly through the ranks at RBC as he was recognized for his ability to clean up and manage operations across many different areas of the bank. He was transferred to BC and then on to the Yukon and then back to BC. In 1965 RBC wouldn’t allow Bob to take a leave of absence to travel so he resigned but was promised a job when he got back. He set sail for Europe on an ocean liner, landing in Southampton, England. Bob hitchhiked all over Europe, Africa, the Holy Land and finally back to England. He soon needed a job so he applied at banks in London, however salaries were less than what he would need to cover rent so returned to Canada.

Arriving in Vancouver after his 10 month trek abroad, he was hired back by RBC and stayed with them until he retired in 2003, having moved up the ranks to Vice President. During his tenure he had as many as 5000 employees in his responsibility and worked in several different countries including two separate stints each in the US and Australia.

of whom live in Ontario.

Bob started in cattle in 2004 with the purchase of 5 black Angus cows in Saskatchewan. In 2005 he switched to Shorthorns and managed them with his cousin Gerry Wyatt and his wife Betty. From that time on, Bob has never looked back and he has been immersed in the breeding and promoting of shorthorns all over North America. Under the name “ULURU Shorthorns”, Bob has purchased from breeders far and wide: Horseshoe Creek, George Cleggett, Wolf Willow, Red Rose, Crawfdown, Diamond, Muridale , ArSuLu, Waukaru, Lakeside and many, many more. Bob has always researched pedigrees extensively, paying particular attention to performance even before EPDs were as available as they are today from IGS.

In 2007 Bob along with Grant Alexander, Gerry Wyatt, Bill Huber and John Thompson became a founding member of the Sun Country Bull Sale which this year had its 16th annual sale. Bob sold bulls in that sale until 2012 when he moved some of his cows to Ontario after his cousin Gerry sold his farm in Saskatchewan. For the past 10 years Bob has boarded cows at Hill Haven and still very actively studies pedigrees and EPDs before letting Hill Haven know how he wants his cows bred.

Canadian Shorthorn Association

Bob met and married Sandra in 1969 while they were both at the bank in Montreal. Sadly, Sandy passed away in 2019. They have two daughters, Michelle and Lori and 3 grandchildren, Erin, Maddy and Sophie all

Bob’s interests and involvements with shorthorns is wide and varied and almost unequalled. He was a Director and later Treasurer of The Ontario Shorthorn Association. Bob has shown cattle at the Royal, Agribition and Louisville including some of his favorite bulls; ULURU Buster 6T in Louisville, Red Rose Ruffian , ( Bob was a partner with Martin Mason) and Hill Haven Distinction ( a partner with Hill Haven) He would occasionally hop in his truck and trailer, often with Jim Murray and head off across Canada or the US to deliver animals they had sold as well as those of fellow breeders. During these deliveries they would take long side trips to visit prominent breeders such as Bakenhaus, Waukaru, Dale Studer and many more, all in pursuit of shorthorn knowledge and spreading the benefits of Canadian shorthorns along the way. As well, for many winters he and Gerry Wyatt and their wives spent time in Florida and the main entertainment for Bob and Gerry was going to cattle shows and sales all over Florida and beyond. Breeders down there knew nothing about Canadian shorthorn genetics until they showed up and as a result more than a few sales

came out of their visits. One could honestly call Bob an unofficial Canadian shorthorn ‘ambassador” and he still regularly attends Agribition even without cattle as well as the Revival sale in Michigan.

In 2017 the CSA needed to find a system for capturing and displaying performance data for its Canadian members. There were several products on the market but an undertaking of this magnitude and financial consequence required considerable research and analysis of the software systems available. Bob’s extensive and valuable project management background with RBC made him an ideal candidate. Bob agreed to do the work which took countless hours of phone calls and meetings with Digital Beef, Abri, IGS and CLRC. Then, after presenting his findings including cost benefits, a decision was made and Bob spervised and managed the shorthorn specific design and testing of the Digital Beef and IGS systems and full implementation by the end of 2018 along with the registry staff at the Limousin Association who were hired as CSA’s registrar at that time. As if that wasn’t enough, Bob volunteered to drive to Ottawa with a U-Haul trailer to pick up many dozens of boxes of registry data from CLRC which he stored in his house for many months until it could be shipped to the Regina office.

In conclusion of this project, the CSA is now in a world class position as regards its pedigree and performance data available to all CSA members and anyone who signs into the system looking for Canadian shorthorn genetics. One could say Bob was a little a head of his time as he started in 2010 the Canadian Shorthorn Genetics Mall, an online source for semen, embryos and bulls, free to any breeder who had Canadian shorthorn genetics for sale. It ended when the CSA established its own website several years later. Although Bob’s children never had the opportunity to get involved with his shorthorns, Bob has always been a huge junior supporter from the start. On more than one occasion he has volunteered and provided, free of charge trailering of heifers from Ontario to shows as far away as Brome, Quebec, just to help out kids who didn’t have access to their own trailers. Outside of shorthorns, Bob has held many volunteer

community positions over the years. He has sat on the New York Bankers Association, Beacon Hill Community Association and Past President of Kinsmen and Past Commodore of the Oakville Power Boat Club where he now has a Life membership and still docks his 32 foot power boat. In addition, Bob still finds time to go to his hunt camp several times a year, both winter and summer in the great Ontario north where he and his group of buddies hunt and fish. For the commitment Bob has shown to the Shorthorn Associations both provincially and nationally and the opportunities he has provided us we would like to thank Bob for all he has done We believe Bob to be a very worthy candidate for recognition by the CSA as one of our “Legends of the Breed”.

Canadian Shorthorn Association

On July 3rd, with his daughters, Michelle Riviere and Lori Riviere-Doersam by his side, Bob passed away.

Bob fought his cancer and other health issues bravely, until he knew it was time to let go.

His spontaneity and zest for life will be greatly missed, but his family hopes to keep his memory alive through his philanthropic activities and by sharing the many stories about him.

Uluru Suzette 1G

Uluru Buster 6T

Robert (Bob) Howard Rivere May 3, 1941- July 3, 2023

2023 LEGEND OF THE BREED

Six S Fa R m S - the S ch U tz F amily

With over forty years of history in the registered shorthorn business, Rod and Sandie Shutz and family of Six S Farms in Parkland County, Alberta have been breeding shorthorn cattle that are right for the times for nearly two decades.

Rod was born in Edmonton on October 24, 1947. After graduating high school, Rod attended NAIT, where he received a ticket in refrigeration and air conditioning. In 1967 Rod and Sandie were married and started a family. Through the next few years they would move to Calgary to work with Thermo-King and eventually become the branch manager. But ambition and a desire for a new challenge would lead them back to the St. Albert area near Edmonton, where they would buy the UFA bulk station. In 1978 Rod and Sandie bought and began to manage the family farm. They lived

from the Masson’s, of Dusty Valley Farms, and the other from Fehlauer’s of Keriglen Shorthorns. The goal of the Six S herd is to produce bulls that meet the needs of the Canadian Cattleman.

Every herd has a bull that has made a big impact and for Six S it is S.S. Rushmore. In more recent years, Eionmor Highlander 70G has been a farm favourite.With over 60 offspring recorded, Highlander 70G has left his mark on the Six S herd.

in the original farm house until 2006, at which time they bought a new farm and built a home just a few miles from the original farmstead.

Canadian Shorthorn Associatio

Sandie was born on June 2, 1947 and after marrying Rod, was a busy full time wife and mother to their four children, Warren (Michelle) children Faith, Olivia and Logan. Colin (Brandy) children Landon, Halle and Brodie. Geof (Tobi) children Gracie and Evan. Lana (Stephen) children Birkley and Cohen. Sandie would work various full and part time jobs at there local St. Matthews Lutheran church as well as the local Alberta Treasury Branch.

Six S Farms started in the Shorthorn business in 1984, with the purchase of 2 Shorthorn bulls. One

Six S Farms has been a proud partner of the 4’s Company Shorthorn Production Sale since its inception and continue to market their genetics through this historic event each year. Over the many years of being in the purebred seedstock business the Six S prefix has had many accomplishments and influenced breeding programs throughout the industry both purebred and commercially. Rod and Sandie and family exhibited there cattle throughout the summer and

Jim Mauser, George Schaeffer, Rod & Colin Schutz Geof & Warren Schutz

Six S cattle on winter pasture

fall at shows such as Alberta/ Canadian Junior Shorthorn Show, Farmfair International, Canadian Western Agribition, Calgary Stampede, Olds Fall Classic and many other junior and jackpot events.

Currently, Six S Farms is being run by Colin Schutz and his son Landon. The 2nd and 3rd generation of the Schutz family are utilizing both the knowledge and the genetics from the past 40 plus years, to continue to grow, adapt and promote the purebred Shorthorn sector.

Rod and Sandie have taken a step back from the day to day activities on the farm. They are enjoying retirement through travel, and spending time with grandkids, family and friends. They are however, always ready to give advice and help with chores. They are still strong supporters at breed events.

Colin and Landon are building off the established genetics of Six S and are continuing to have success in the show ring and in marketing Six S cattle.

Congratulations to Six S Farms for becoming Legends of the Breed. May your influence and commitment to the breed continue for many years to come.

Six S Marilyn 14G with Six S Marilyn 14K (BSG Profitwise 1767) at side

There are some really nice JSF Van Gogh 106J calves

Prepare For The Perfect Picture

A picture may say a thousand words but in the cattle business it may be a matter of a thousand dollars. A good picture, a picture that shows the best qualities of your animal is key when marketing them. Here are a few tips and tricks to help make your picture day run smooth, whether you are picturing yourself or hiring a professional.

The success of picture day starts long before your photographer shows up. Walk through your cattle have them used to people, not in the side by side, not in the tractor actually walk, it makes a huge difference!

Planning is important. Book your photographer early, there is a large number of sales in a short window of time, we book up quickly. When booking your photographer keep in mind deadlines, not only catalogue deadlines but advertising and promotional deadlines as well. Living in Canada we all know the weather can be unpredictable so ensure time for a backup date within your deadlines. Ideal time line for catalogue is 5-7 weeks prior to the sale. Allow your photographer time get pictures labeled, edited and sent back to you, I tell my clients roughly a week from the time the picture are shot to the time they will recieve the final product. Making a plan with your photographer takes a little stress off everyone in sale preparation.

Know your market, and prep your cattle accordingly. If you are marketing show heifers your picture day prep may be a little different than if you are selling herdbulls to commercial producers. How ever you decided to prep your animals have them ready for when the photographer shows up, this allows the cattle some time to get over the excitement of going thru the chute or sorted. Having cattle ready and waiting is a photographers dream, it keeps everyone focused and helps the day run smoothly. The best pictures usually come in the first five minutes of the animal being in the pen, when they are attentive to their surroundings. If your animal loses interest don’t be afraid to give that animal a break, move on to the next one and give the uncooperative animal time to chill.

Pen Setup can make or break a picture day. Have a pen that the cattle are used to that is clean, dry, secure and somewhat level. A pen that has the subject animal on the north side of the photographer, with a clear uncluttered background or a solid backgound, ie: windbreak, bales etc. Even firm ground helps with proper feet placement, the less hills and holes the more natural the animals is liable to stand. Having other cattle around is very important. This could be a panelled area or even as simple as having another animal tied up at the end of the pen. Hot wire pens are a great set up for picture pens, but only if your

cattle are used to it.

In the Pen having good “ear getter” can really help to make the day. If you are the one helping in the pen, stay calm and try to stay patient, animals sense anxiety and if you are worked up chances are the animal is going to work its self up. Don’t be shy, don’t be afraid to make weird noises or move around to get the animals attention. If you don’t have patience hiring a helper isn’t a bad idea or ask your photographer to bring help.

Video Day, much the same as picture day. Ideally the pen is similar to picture day set up but for sure have cattle at both ends of the pen. Video day is when larger pens work better as it allows the animal space to walk out. On the side that the cattle are walking on it is ideal not have to have any corners that the cattle can get in to and spin around. A gradual curve I find works best to have the cattle walk nicely around the edge of the pen in the fluent movement. Have two people in the pen on video day is key. Placing one at each end of the pen, not only will this save to a ton of steps it speeds up the process. If you have an animal that is a little quick having that second person can help to slow the animal down. Happy Picturing!

Article written by MelissA McrAe

Melissa is the owner/operator of Prairie Pistol Designs. She has a passion for cattle and photography. She has a diploma inCommunicationArts,majoringin Advertising and Public Relations. She was born and raised at MarMac Farms in South West Manitoba.

Calving 2025

“Farming is a profession of hope.” Brian Brett Even when things aren’t going well, a farmer is still planning for the future, hoping for better results tomorrow. For most of us, the 2023 calves are close to weaning, the cows should be carrying our 2024 calf crop, and if we haven’t started yet, it’s time to start thinking about the 2025 calf crop. Now is a good time to assess the cow herd and decide if they are meeting your goals and if the current management style is working for you.

This time of year is the most economical time to get the cows body condition score where it needs to be. If the cows are thin, or if the pastures are struggling, it may be beneficial to wean the calves earlier. Thinner cows will not be milking to their full potential, so there may be the added benefit to the weaned calf growing faster post weaning. It will also give the cow more time to gain the weight she needs before calving so she can rebreed sooner the following year. The lower the body condition score, the longer it takes for the cow to rebreed. The calf in utero is also affected by the condition of the cow. Smaller, weaker calves may be the result, along with less and lower quality colostrum, and come fall you’ll have a lighter calf at weaning. Assessing a cow’s condition in 2023 and adjusting your management accordingly, has a direct impact on the 2024 calf, and the birthdate of the calf in 2025.

Pulling your herd bull has multiple benefits. Knowing when your calving season starts and finishes is always nice if you miss sleeping through the night! A shorter calving season will give you a more uniform set of calves come weaning time, making their management much simpler. The cows that are less fertile will eventually cull themselves. And your herd bull, will be able recover from breeding season

with very little input and be ready to roll come the following year.

If you haven’t been able to visit your neighbour, or other Shorthorn herds to see their calves, this would be a great time of year to do it. Sale and show season is just around the corner. Whether you’re looking for a replacement heifer, a show heifer for yourself or a junior member, or just wanting to see the offspring of certain sires, there is plenty of opportunity to look around before deciding what will be a benefit to your herd. If AI is part of your program, starting your search now will give you more time to find just the right bulls to add to your program. Cattle shows are a great place to meet up with old friends, make some new ones, and see a wide range of breeding programs.

Happy planning y’all!

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HeritageShorthorngeneticswillstrengthenanyModern Shorthornbreedingprogrambyaddingpositivegenetic traitswhilerenewingthevigorandversatilityofyour Shorthorns.

Visitwww.HeritageShorthorn.orgto:

—ExplorethebenefitsofHeritageShorthornsand Expandyourmarketingopportunities.

—FindCanadianbreederswhohaveHeritagebloodlines.

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Canadian Heritage Shorthorn: Mandalong Super Flag X-M437910 Owned by: Dr Gary Carter of Okotoks, AB

COLDSTREAM FARM

Join us this fall, Saturday October 14th, at the farm or online @ ASM for our 1st Production Sale. Most of our showstring plus daughters of our 2022 National Grand Champion 2 yr old, Waukaru Pendleton 0061, and half sisters to our 2022 National Jr Show Champion Bull, National SR Show Champion Jr Bull, & Ontario Show Bull of the Year, Coldstream Pendleton 7K will be on offer. Come for lunch at the farm and stay for close out or connect online for this impressive offering

Feathers & Farmland

Bobolink

As the Grassland Conservation Manager for Birds Canada, my work focuses working together with producers on the challenges and the opportunities to halt and reverse bird and biodiversity loss in our agricultural landscape.

I’m excited to bring to you the first installment in a four-part series showcasing some of the birds that make their homes on cattle farms and ranches!

Description: Male Bobolinks are the only North American bird that have white backs and black underparts, and kind of look like they are wearing a tuxedo backwards. They also have a large yellowish or buffy nape. They are about the size of a robin and you can listen for the males singing their bubbly song in the spring and early summer, often while perched on tall plants or fence posts. Some say they sound like R2D2 from Star Wars!

Habitat and Distribution: You can find Bobolinks right across the Prairies, in central British Columbia, and throughout the southern portions of Eastern Canada. Bobolinks are most abundant in areas of tall grasses and forbs, look for them in your moist hayfields and pastures. They will inhabit wetlands that draw down during dry periods if the vegetation is allowed to remain.

Interesting Facts and Conservation: Bobolinks are polyandrous, meaning that the offspring a female produces in a single clutch could be from multiple different fathers! They also rack up the miles, flying to and from South America every year, a round trip of around 12,500 miles. Over a lifetime, a Bobolink might fly the equivalent of 4-5 times around the Earth!

Your hayfields and pastures provide habitat for these Species at Risk that are continuing to decline. Delaying haying until young have learned to fly in mid-July helps Bobolink

nestling survival. If you have to cut your hay before July 15th, leaving reserves of uncut patches, using flushing bars on your haying equipment, cutting at a 10 kph or less, and cutting in an inside out pattern will all allow more Bobolinks nests to stay intact or allow adults to flush out before being run over by haying equipment. All of these management techniques will help ensure this charismatic grassland bird will continue to be a part of the agricultural landscape!

Scan the QR code for more information about Bobolinks, including what they sound like!

Birds Canada’s mission is to drive action to increase the understanding, appreciation, and conservation of birds in Canada. For more information about us and our work please visit birdscanada.org or birdscanada.org/grasslands

If you have any questions or would like more information about the Bobolink, other birds, or about our work, please feel free to reach out to me.

Ian Cook

Grassland Conservation Manager

icook@birdscanada.org

Photo Credit:Kalia Ritchie

CSA AGM Herd Tour 2023

The 2023 CSA annual meeting hosted in Kanata,Ottawa by the OSA started with a farm tour of the Ottawa Valley on May 26th. First stop was at Cloverleaf Farms in Portage Quebec run by Jessica Cox Stephens and Scott Stephens.There farm runs around 70 to 80 commercial cows plus a flock of 200 ewes.They are building up a herd of purebred shorthorns. Some of the foundation stock came from Dennis Cox, Triple J Shorthorns. One exceptional animal in the herd was Cloverleaf Maverick 2J, a Hill Haven Firestorm son that had some calves that stood out in the herd. Some of the other calves that caught your eye was a Millbrook Fireball calf and 2 JSF Time Square calves. Cloverleaf Juniper 2J was a good uddered daughter of Bell M Guinness that really caught your eye.

Another new shorthorn breeder Brad Debeau brought out a couple of cow calf pairs, a 2 yr old with a Byland Flash calf, and a 3yr old with a really fancy Hill Haven Cognac heifer calf.

Next stop was Sanford Farms the Herd of Allan and Emily Humpries of Forester's Falls, ON. Allan's dad, Bill, had a good Dual Purpose herd back in the 1970's and 80's in the Toronto area. 10 years ago they relocated to Renfrew County and in the fall of 2020 started back into the shorthorns purchasing 9 head at the Ontario Fall Classic Sale. Since then, they have purchased from Poplar Park, and Muridale and in 2022, they purchased some Heritage Shorthorns from Whispering Hills Farm from Oregon. 2 other purchases made in the fall of 2022 were 2 Heritage Shorthorns from Diamond Shorthorns in Alberta going back to Haumont Shorthorns. Both these cows calved to Miami Baron, a Heritage Shorthorn bull from the 1970's. Their breeding philospy is to introduce more Heritage shorthorn genetics. One bull they are using is Maxton Bold Crusader a bull the Humpries purchased at the 1980 World Congress in Calgary. This bull was Grand Champion Dual Purpose bull and high selling bull.

The next stop was Triple E and Double G Shorthorns of Arnprior ON. The herds of Elmer and Mary Ellen Evans and Gary Evans.Triple E Shorthorns have been breeding quality shorthorns for over 25 years. Their Senior herd sire is H Bar D Apollo 24G, a bull that was purchased at the Sun Country Bull Sale. He is producing some impressive calves and yearlings. 3 cows that stood out in the herd were sired by JTPH Beat The Heat. Another bull that Gary purchased in the fall of 2022, Cornerview Karate 14K ,is a standout son of Hill Haven Firestorm who was Grand Champion Shorthorn bull at Victoriaville Fall Show. The Evan's have always been great supporters of the Ontario Fall Sale and showed at the local shorthorn shows.

Next stop was Edmun Farms, Almonte ON, were Heather and Curtis Munro and Jeff Edwards hosted a barbeque along with the Ottawa Valley Shorthorn Club. On the menu was smoked brisket, pulled pork, salads and dessert. The meal was enjoyed by over 50 people.After supper we toured the herd of Shorthorns. Some of the highlights were senior herd sire Millbrook Red Rock 29G an outstanding Hill Haven Firestorm son.We also saw a good Muridale Phantom son, and a couple of ET calves sired by CSF Evolution and SS Fizz. Edmun Farms runs around 60 beef cows consisting of a purebred herd of Shorthorns, Angus and also some commercial cows.

Written by Steve Bartlett

Picture taken by Dan Stephenson

Pictured is a cow sired by Saskvalley Yesterday 116Y and the bull calf at side is a Byland Flash. The pair is owned by Edmun Farms.

Manitoba

Hello from Manitoba! As I write this report, we are nicely settled into the summer months and cows are all out to pasture.

The Manitoba association had some new faces elected at our last AGM. I would like to introduce Nicki Stewart, Tyler Vodon and Terrance Vodon, they have been a great addition to our board.

Our directors have been busy, we have an exciting few months ahead. In a couple of weeks we will be hosting the MSA Provincial Summer Show in Hamiota, MB on July 20. Our beautiful Manitoba summer days offer a great way to take in a cattle show, with socializing over dinner to follow.

Manitoba will also be the location of the CJSA National Show August 10-12 in Carman, MB. The National Junior Board has been working diligently to make this a fun filled event. It’s always great to have our out of province juniors come, the friendships made during these junior events will serve the kids well going forward.

The most exciting event we have been working toward will be held this fall, in Brandon, MB. We are the host province for the National Shorthorn Show to be held at AgEx, October 25-28. This year marks the 50th anniversary of AgEx and it is set to be one to remember. The Shorthorns will be one of five National Shows to be there that week, angus, charolais, Hereford, and simmental will also host their respective nationals. There is sure to be some amazing cattle on display from across the country, from many breeds. Plan to be in attendance, you do not want to miss out in this monumental event!

Hopefully all are doing well, and getting those timely rainfalls our pastures and crops need. I know that conditions vary tremendously from province to province, and region to region, if you can find a way to help out fellow producers during these challenging times,

please do so.

I look forward to seeing you all down the show road!

By Lesley Hedley, MSA President

Saskatchewan

Greetings from the Saskatchewan Shorthorn Association! First and foremost, we would like to thank Adrianne Vandersluis for taking over as editor of this magazine – what a tremendous loss this would have been for our breed, had no one come forward! We would also like to express our appreciation for Grant Alexander, past editor/creator of the magazine, and major promoter of our breed. Best wishes to everyone involved, moving forward. Updates from the Saskatchewan Association:

• Please make note of our new email address! saskshorthornassociation@ outlook.com

• Our website is in the process of being updated! This is where you will find information regarding Canadian Western Agribition, as it comes available. We also have a Classifieds tab for Saskatchewan breeders to advertise their stock. Please visit www.saskshorthorns. com

• We have also joined the Facebook world! If you’re interested in following along, you can find us by searching Saskatchewan Shorthorn Association (@ saskshorthorns). Here we feature CWA information, Saskatchewan sales, Association updates, etc.

We’d like to take this opportunity to remind 4H’ers of a few items:

• Local 4H clubs: any kids who are showing Shorthorn/ Shorthorn influenced animals

are eligible for a prize from the association for their respective achievement day. (Leaders: please email the association with details)

• If any Saskatchewan kids receive Club Champion or Regional Champion with their Shorthorn/Shorthorn influenced animal, please email information (including photo) to the association no later than September 1st to be eligible for a prize. Prizes in this regard are awarded at the annual banquet, where we ask that the child present details of their animal & 4H achievements.

The biggest item on our agenda is, of course, Canadian Western Agribition. This year’s show is fast approaching - mark your calendars for November 20th-25th. We will have more details re: the Shorthorn event schedule in the near future, at which time we will post on our website. We would like to remind everyone of our annual banquet held in conjunction with CWA (typically the Thursday evening) – this is really a nice evening to participate in, featuring a wonderful meal, a short awards program, and fellowship with other Shorthorn breeders/ enthusiasts. We would love to see more people attending this event. More details to come soon.

To consign to the CWA

Shorthorn Sale contact R&R Sales Management, Richard Moellenbeck, Box 47 Englefeld, SK. S0K 1N0. Phone: 306-287-7904. Email: bellmfarms@outlook.com

We are dry across the province as I write this, and I hope this has changed by the time this issue is published! Hope everyone has a great rest of your summer, and I’m looking forward to seeing you on the fall show trail!

Best regards,

Anna Wright Secretary/Treasurer

Alberta

The Alberta Shorthorn Association will host its Annual General Meeting in Stettler, AB on July 7-9. This event will be held in conjunction with the Alberta Junior Shorthorn Show as well as a Shorthorn Influenced steer and heifer jackpot show.

Nearly 30 4-H members in Alberta received awards from the ASA for exhibiting shorthorn influenced animals this spring.

Upcoming fall shows:

Olds Fall Classic will be held September 29October 1, 2023 in Olds, AB.

Farmfair International will be held November 8-11, 2023 in Edmonton, AB.

Casey Bishop

Thank you for you support to our program

Shawn Vachal-Pearl Valley Shorthorns, ND

Jim &Jared Martin- Brunthill Farms, SK

Riley Blake- Spring Hill Cattle Company, AB (2)

Kent Shaver- Waniska Cattle Corp., SK

Glen Robinson- Medicine Lodge Shorthorns, BC

Luke Lochart- Lochart Ranch, SK

Fraser Hodgson, Huron Grove Farms, ON Kevin & Dianne Baird, AB

Jim Abernethy-Spruceholm Ranch Ltd., MB Colin Kintop, MB

Private Treaty:

Cam & Tracy Wood, MB. (5 heifers)

Tyler May - Boreal Heritage Livestock, AB (heifer)

Visitors welcome anytime Anwender Cattle Company

Gary, Kim & Sadie Anwender Radville, SK gks.acc@outlook.com

306 815-7878 306 869-7038 306 815-7038 anwendercattlecompany.com

May Norton CBF Valentina 2K Durham West 4-H

Joline Quinn Glen Islay A Pretty Lady 5K Durham West 4-H

Morgan Lehmann Steer: Jim Rosthern 4-H Beef Reserve Champion Steer

Morgan Lehmann Saskvalley Glenda 178K Rosthern 4-H Beef Grand Champion Heifer

Emma Lehmann Steer: Maverick Rosthern 4-H Beef

Zane Gunderson Silverwillow Corrine 1K Holden 4-H Beef Supreme Female/ Grand Champ Heifer Beaver District Res Champ Heifer

Photo credit: Gracie’s Images

Ainsley Fraser Cowichan 4-H Beef Head for the Hills Betty 2K Top Shorthorn Heifer

Photo credit: Jennifer Buck

Charlie MacNeil Cowichan 4-H Beef Top Shorthorn Influence Steer

Photo credit: Jennifer Buck

Photo Credit: Ella Wright

Phoenix MacRae Younger Battle River Beef Club Lola & Coconut

Easton Patterson Steer: Trent Grand Champion Steer

Show Cattle- Keeping them Healthy on the Show Trail

Written By Dr. Christine Ewert Hill

Cattle that travel the show circuit face unique health challenges as they mix with animals from all sorts of herd health backgrounds, face the stress of being separated from their herd mates (sometimes even being the lone animal to attend a show which in itself can be very stressful to a herd animal), environmental stressors such as alternating back and forth between warm humid allergen/ dust filled barns to below freezing temps, transportation in trailers with debris blowing up into their airways, long hauls with unusual mixed up times from their normal sleep and feeding patterns, showing in extreme heat of summer, baths and aerosol sprays, clipped heads/hair in winter months, etc. In addition, some show cattle are young, growing animals without fully mature immune systems. With this in mind, there are some things that can be done to try to keep cattle healthy and at their best for the show ring, and perhaps more importantly to try to mitigate the risks of bringing home disease to the rest of your herd.

A good nutritional plane is a must to creating an animal that is show ring ready. Immune systems are very closely tied to gut health. Even minor changes to a diet can decrease immune function. If deciding to give a show day feed optimizer ration to try to make the animal look more full, consider giving for the days up to the show so the gut flora can adjust. It’s worth noting that overly obese animals and under fed cattle both have poor immunity. A good internal and external antiparasitic will help with immunity and overall appearance.

We want to keep cattle drinking on the road. A different tasting water can be off putting to cattle. There are products on the market that can be added to the water to remove chlorine tastes, filters to help make water taste better, tricks such as adding a bit of flavored drink crystals at home and away so when the cattle are on the road, the change in flavor is disguised. Caution: if adding electrolytes to water, be sure to follow the mixing instructions, and also offer free choice water without electrolytes. If mix too concentrated, it is essentially like giving salt water and can be dehydrating. A chunk of salt block at the stall can help replenish salts lost to perspiration on hot days, and it can also encourage a healthy thirst for a new water supply.

Vaccination is a key preventative measure for show cattle health. Following your veterinarian’s herd vaccination recommendations and having a quarantine area where show cattle can stay for a few days after returning home from a show will help lower disease spread to your herd. Consider vaccine to prevent BVD, IBR, Pi3, BRSV, ITEME, and Pasteurella. Failure to do your herd and show cattle for these transmissible diseases can result in a plethora of problems from pneumonia to abortion storms to poor herd fertility.

There are some good intranasal options that can be given within a few days of a show to provide localized immunity

for show cattle. These are especially nice because they kick in quickly, provide a nice immune boost at show time, and are not injectable so not worried about injection site swelling or pain.

A little attention to show string biosecurity includes the following procedures. Use your own water pails and feed pails. Do not let your show animals drink from a common trough, do not fill your pails from a common trough, and do not let your animals drink from other farms’ water pails. The same applies to feed tubs-use your own. Consider having footwear that is only for shows, and different boots for on your farm. (An alternative is to clean and disinfect footwear or use boot dips upon return to the home farm.) This is to help prevent spread of enteric (gut) pathogens.

A final thought to health on the show circuit is the ability to assess it. Having a thermometer in your tack box is a great tool to determine if an animal may be under the weather. Normally, a bovine temperature is between 38-39.2 degrees Celsius. Any variation from that should be taken seriously.

Putting into action a few simple protocols and preventative health strategies can make the show season fun and safe.

Northern Exposure - Spring Edition

February 27, 2023

115 Straws of Semen Avg $111 Semen sold to AB, SK, MB, ON, QC

High Sellers: Millbrook Tribute FB 6023JSexed Heifer Semen - $330/straw

Millbrook Tribute FB 6023J$165/straw

Millbrook Fireball 23F - $153/straw

Head for the Hills Offender 4J$140/straw

Manitoba Bull Test Station

March 26, 2023

18 bulls averaged $4,733

10 heifers averaged $3,140

High Selling Bull – Lot 601 – SLSF Whisky 34K – Consigned by Sunlite Stock Farms – Purchased by Melba Stock Farms and Crooked Post Shorthorns

High Selling Heifer – Lot 905 – Uphill Juanita 4K – Consigned by Uphill Farms – Purchased by Bell M Stock Farms

High Selling Percentage Bull - Lot 607 – KCC Big Ticket 5K – Consigned by Kroner Cattle Co. – Purchased by Tabytha Larocque

Sale Reports

16th Sun Country Shorthorn Sale Report

March 23rd, 2023. Moose Jaw, SK

23 head grossed $89,000

Average -$3870.00

$6500 – lot 1 – HC Hollywood 6H (possession) to R&R Rintoul Farms, Simpson, SK

$6500- lot 12- Diamond Creek Legendary 9K to Beattie Farms, Beiseker, AB

$6000-lot 17- Diamond Creek Epic 48K to One Bar One Ranch Ltd., Irvine, AB

$5000-lot 14-Diamond Creek Keeper 15K to Black Thunder SS, Cupar, SK

$4500- lot 7- HC Knockout 18K to Brian and Adeline Geisel, Lampman, SK

Top heifer- $4000- lot 101 HC Breathtaker 12K to Bender Shorthorns, Neudorf, SK

The 5th Annual Western Prime Shorthorn Bull and Female Sale

April 1, 2023

VJV Auction Mart in Westlock, AB Strong cattle prices help fuel a successful sale for all involved.

2 year old bull avg. $4,900.00

Yearling bull avg. $3,650.00

Commercial Shorthorn influence open heifers avg. $1,970.00

High selling 2 year old bulls: Lot 12 Crooked Post Ranchman 48J for $6,000.00 to Wolff Land and Cattle at Dapp, AB. The Wolff family were volume buyers taking home 3 bulls this year.

Lot 2 Starbright Legend 10J for $5,500.00 to Clearwater Farms Ltd at Fort Assiniboine, AB.

Lot 16 Sharom Jalapeno 46J for $5,500.00 to Les and Anna-Marie Kochan at Flatbush, AB.

High selling yearling bulls: Lot 25 ST Kronos 1K for $5,250.00 to Goldenview Farms at Smoky Lake, AB.

Lot 19 Sharom Knight 46K for $4,300.00 to Perry Shwetz at Waskatenau, AB.

Several other yearling bulls sold for $4,000.00 that day. There was strong buyer support from BC, Alberta and Saskatchewan.

20th Annual Who’s Your Daddy Shorthorn Bull & Female Sale

April 6, 2023 Saskatoon, SK

Auctioneer: Michael Fleury

27 Two-Year Old Bulls Avg $5490

9.5 Yearling Bulls $4237

6 Yearling Heifers $3291

High Sellers

Lot 43 – Saskvalley Jumper 314J$8500 – This long bodied, big red bull was a crowd favourite and topped the sale. Purchased by Ross Skori, Kinsella AB.

Lot 20 – Muridale Big John 61J$7750 – A powerful roan son of Fraser’s Gunner is heading south to Dustin Heitkamp in North Dakota, USA.

Lot 27 – Muridale Great Plains 128J - $7750 – Another Gunner son that the Muris brought to town was also popular. This attractive roan bull was purchased by Jason Fendelet, Hafford SK.

Lot 18 – Muridale Hector 6J ET$7500 – An embryo calf through the mating of Hector and Goose 76Y was a sale feature at the sale. He is head to Bethune SK to Ronal Ermel’s herd.

Lot 1 – Bell M Stockmaster 2K - $5500 (50% interest, 50% possession) – This sale feature brought to town by the Moellenbeck’s combined proven pedigrees and a unique data set into a an impressive red Shorthorn bull. He was purchased by Saskvalley Stock Farms, Rosthern SK.

On Target Shorthorn Bull Sale

Anwender Cattle Company along with consignors Mosside Shorthorns

held online March 4th to 6th,2023.

13 lots sold. Buyers were from 5 provinces and one US state.

High selling bull-ACC candy’s Jim Beam 71J sold to Shawn Vachal, Pearl Valley Shorthorns,ND $7550

Second high selling bull- ACC MNM Candy’s Jaw Buster 74J sold to Jim & Jared Martin, SK $7500

ACC Candy’s Krunch 14K sold to Riley Blake, AB $6500

ACC Bull 48K also sold to Riley Blake, AB $6001

ACC Bull 62K sold to Jim Abernethy, MB $5000

March 25, 2023

High selling bulls

Glenford De Niro 42K. $7500 to Uphill Shorthorns

Glenford Editor 78K. $7500 to Majestic Shorthorns

Glenford Crimson 80J. $6250 to Brent Gardner

Glenford De Niro 75K. $6000 to Muridale Shorthorns

Females

Glenford Lady 57K. $5000 to Long Lake Shorthorns

Glenford Wimple 18K. $4000 to Lingley Livestock.

17 bulls grossed 82,008. Avg 4824 4 heifers grossed 16,250. Avg 4062

Bender Shorthorns & Star P Farms Online Bull & Female Sale

Jenna Lingley

Hearth & Home

Go ose Creek Shorthorns

Dan and Jill Stephenson, Diamond Shorthorns are pleased to announce the marriage of their daughter Jacqueline to Wyatt Elliott on June 17th. Congratulations

Sadie Anwender convocates from University of Regina June 10,2023 with Bachelor of Business Administration with a major in Accounting. Congratulations Sadie!