Beef Business January 2018 by Saskatchewan Stock Growers Association

CELEBRATING

Beef Business

IN PUBLISHING

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Saskatchewan’s largest circulated industry magazine Saskatchewan`s Premier Cattle Industry Publication Saskatchewan`s Premiere Cattlecattle Industry January 2018

A Saskatchewan Stock Growers Association Publication Publication Mail Agreement #40011906

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Contents

Beef Business

Cover photo courtesy of Wanda Knoss - Rockglen, SK

A Proud Saskatchewan Tradition Since 1913

A Saskatchewan Stock Growers Association (SSGA) Publication

Industry News 6

What Could You Get Done While a Robot Picks Up Bales?

Census of Agriculture 2016 – Livestock

New Rules for Prescribing and Use of Livestock Medications

Water Projects Must Comply with Environmental Standards to be Eligible for Funding

Wildfire Assistance Brings Some Relief to Ranchers

SSGA Beef Drive Closes in on Food Bank Donation Goal

Ag Industry’s Environmental Efforts Recognized in Provincial Climate Change Strategy

Agriculture Sector to be Hit by New Corporate Taxation Retail Meat Price Survey

Weekly Charts

Subscription Rate: 1 yr $26.50 (GST included) Published 5 times per year

Features 24

An Interview With Minister Lyle Stewart

Wildfires Spark Need for Risk Management Scrutiny

Plant Versus Animal Protein - Why the Debate?

Design and Layout: Jackson Designs Candace Schwartz Tel: 306-772-0376 email: cjacksondesigns@gmail.com

Science and Production

Prairie Conservation Action Plan (PCAP) Manager: Carolyn Gaudet Box 4752, Evraz Place, Regina, SK S4P 3Y4 Tel: 306-352-0472 Fax: 306-569-8799 email: pcap@sasktel.net

Online Portal Access for Producers and Dealers in 2018

Where's the Beef? Missing Livestock Files

SSGA Calls for Conservation Banking Pilot Project

Communication is Vital When the Prairie and Oil Share Common Ground

Scholarship Application

A Report from the SSGA President

Calendar of Events

Advertisers Index

Business Directory

Stewardship

Association News, Reports and Events

cycle This M a

Ple as

facebook.com/skstockgrowers @SK_StockGrowers JANUARY 2018

SSGA reserves the right to refuse advertising and to edit manuscripts. Contents of Beef Business may be reproduced with written permission obtained from the SSGA Manager and proper credit given to the Saskatchewan Stock Growers Association. Articles submitted may not be the opinion of the Association. SSGA assumes no responsibility for any actions or decisions taken by any reader from this publication based on any and all information provided. Publications Mail Agreement #40011906 Return undeliverable Canadian addresses (covers only) to: Saskatchewan Stock Growers Association Box 4752, Regina, SK S4P 3Y4

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Communications Manager: Marusia Kaweski Box 4752, Evraz Place, Regina, SK S4P 3Y4 (306) 757-8523 (306) 569-8799 (fax) ssgacommunications@sasktel.net Subscriptions Box 4752, Evraz Place, Regina, SK S4P 3Y4 Tel: 306-757-8523 Fax: 306-569-8799 email: ssga.admin@sasktel.net

Markets and Trade 21

General Manager: Chad MacPherson Box 4752, Evraz Place, Regina, SK S4P 3Y4 Tel: 306-757-8523 Fax: 306-569-8799 email: ssga@sasktel.net OR ssga.admin@sasktel.net Website: www.skstockgrowers.com

This magazine is printed on paper that is comprised of 50% recycled paper and 25% post-consumer waste. It is acid-free, elemental chlorine-free and is FSC certified

Contributors Marusia Kaweski Terry Bedard Tara Mulhern Davidson Chad MacPherson Jason Pollock Fonda Froats Joyce Parslow Jeff Gaye Shane Jahnke

www.skstockgrowers.com | ©BEEF BUSINESS | 5

Industry News What Could You Get Done While a Robot Picks Up Bales? A Saskatchewan innovation could offer farmers and ranchers more flexibility in how they use their time, while saving labour costs and improving safety.

second – it will stop when conditions underfoot reach pre-determined limits. If it does get stuck, designated tow hook locations allow for a safe recovery.

The DOT power platform is an autonomous system that can be equipped with different farm implements. It can take the implements – a seeder or sprayer, for example – into the field and get the job done without an operator, allowing the producer to spend more time on other aspects of the business.

The machine’s obvious uses are crop farming applications like seeding and spraying, but Meyer says DOT can prove useful in livestock operations as well.

DOT is a U-shaped diesel-powered platform. Specially-designed implements fit into the open frame and are operated by pre-programming or by remote control. It is equipped with sensors that allow it to operate accurately to within less than an inch and that provide built-in safety measures. The manufacturer says it is capable of making decisions, but will send alerts to the farmer if it is unsure how to proceed. According to Trent Meyer of SeedMaster, a sister company to DOT, the practical applications for the robot are up to the imagination of producers and implement manufacturers. “Anything a tractor can do, DOT can do,” he said. Engineer and inventor Norbert Beaujot, president of SeedMaster, rolled out the DOT platform at farm shows in 2017. The machines will be available to selected farms in 2018 and are expected to go into wider production the following year. Beaujot says the DOT platform is more efficient than a tractor pulling implements in the field. Since DOT carries the implement, it has enough weight to gain traction as a single unit – its 160-horsepower Cummins diesel engine does not have to propel a heavy tractor while also pulling a heavy piece of machinery.

“We envision that DOT will be able to run hay equipment, like a baler,” he said. “Or it could geo-reference bales in a field and go pick them up.” “It could operate an automated fencing machine,” he said. He said DOT could be useful in feedlots by electronically communicating with feed bunks and delivering feed where it is needed.

Meyer says there is “a long list” of implement manufacturers who are interested in developing DOTcompatible machines and he says those manufacturers want to know what producers need. “It’s all up to the imagination of producers and manufacturers,” he said. “We encourage farmers to go to the manufacturers and tell them what they need.” “Once it starts, it will move quickly.” B

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And DOT’s systems advise it of slippage and mud sinking measurements every

“It’s a labour piece first and foremost,” Meyer said. “It’s useful in any area of the farm operation where there is a safety issue. With its object-sensing technology it creates a safer work environment.”

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Industry News Census of Agriculture 2016 – Livestock The number of cattle and calves reported in Saskatchewan decreased by 2% from 2011 to 2.6 million head in 2016. Despite the decrease, Saskatchewan continued to report the second largest cattle herd in the country, following Alberta.

Active farms in Canada that reported beef cattle in 2011, but did not report any beef cattle in 2016 reported more acres of field crops. Soybean acres on these farms rose by just over 147,000 acres and canola area increased by almost 249,000 acres.

The number of beef cattle in the province declined 2% to 1.5 million head, as some producers sold stock to take advantage of higher prices and retire or shift to other aspects of agricultural production. The number of farms reporting beef cattle declined 12%. (Note: If you are ever reading information from Statistics Canada that talks about the “Beef Herd,” – that is equal to the total of Beef Cows plus Beef Heifers plus Feeder Heifers plus Steers.)

The number of dairy cows in Saskatchewan was relatively stable from five years earlier, edging down 0.1% from 2011 to 28,022 head in 2016. The number of farms reporting dairy cows declined 12% to 299.

Though the number of Saskatchewan farms reporting broiler, roaster and Cornish production increased by 5%, the total pounds of meat decreased by one half of a per cent. The number of Saskatchewan farms reporting table egg production increased by 15% and the number of eggs produced increased by 12%.

Nationally, the number of small (200 dairy cattle or fewer) specialized dairy farms decreased while the number of large (more than 200) specialized dairy farms increased, suggesting that the sector underwent some consolidation. Milk production in Canada increased despite a smaller dairy herd.

The 2016 census of agriculture reported 40,418 head of bison (up 3% from 2011); 6,900 head of elk (down 30%); 1,939 head of deer (down 53%); 39,896 head of horses and ponies (down 26%); 11,501 head of goats (up 10%); 110,015 head of sheep (down 3%) and 2,766 head of llamas and alpacas (down 32%).

Saskatchewan ranked fifth in terms of the number of pigs in Canada in 2016. The number increased 0.5% from 2011 to 1.0 million head in 2016. The growth was due to good market conditions from 2011 to 2016, which boosted the price of pigs relative to the period preceding the 2011 census. Increasing demand from

The number of Saskatchewan farms reporting honeybees increased by 41% to 374 and the number of colonies of honeybees increased by 23% to over 100,000. The volume of other pollinating bees decreased between 2011 and 2016.

Across Canada, the number of cow-calf operations decreased 10% from 2011 to 2016, while the average number of cattle on those farms increased 13%. Also nationally, the number of feedlots declined 14% with 2% fewer cattle reported on these operations. Both of these sets of numbers indicate consolidation in the cattle herd. Cattle and calf inventory was at its lowest since 1986.

other countries has supported prices and contributed to growth in the North American pig sector.

Next time . . . let’s compare beef cattle operations! B

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Industry News New Rules for Prescribing and Use of Livestock Medications In 2018, Health Canada will be making some changes to its Prescription Drug List that will have a big impact on the livestock industry and the way producers and pet owners care for their animals. Effective December 1, 2018 all Medically Important Antimicrobials (MIAs) for veterinary use will be placed on the Prescription Drug List (PDL) and will be sold only by prescription. Health Canada is in the process of adding to the prescription drug list those MIAs that were approved for veterinary use prior to 2004. By the end of 2018, livestock producers will have to get a prescription from a veterinarian for prescription drugs including in-water and in-feed formulas and prescription-medicated feed. “The purpose behind the change is to address the growing concern over antimicrobial resistance,” stated Saskatchewan’s Chief Veterinary Officer Dr. Betty Althouse. She added that Health Canada is looking to increase veterinary oversight of antimicrobial use. “They are bringing all of the antimicrobials into compliance,” she noted about the additions to the PDL. Veterinarians and clients have almost a year to get used to the changes. Meanwhile, Health Canada has already introduced other changes to the handling of livestock and pet medications. As of November 13, 2017, animal owners can no longer import MIAs for their own use. New oversight and new handling regulations come online in the spring for Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients for veterinary use and take effect May 17, 2018. Health Canada also plans the mandatory

reporting of MIAs sales by year’s end and to introduce new requirements and the expansion of the veterinary health products program to increase access to alternative animal health products for production animals. According to Althouse, Health Canada’s concern centres around medical access to antimicrobial medication. The increased use of antimicrobials could lead to resistant microbial strains, she added. Saskatchewan already has in place the Veterinary-Client-Patient Relationship (VCPR) which the Saskatchewan Veterinary Medical Association (SVMA) describes as a working connection and interaction between veterinarian, client and a specific animal patient or group of animals. According to the SVMA, all prescription drug sales require a VCPR while vaccines, apart from Rabies and non-prescription medications, can be sold without one. According to the SVMA, the existence of a VCPR requires established evidence which can include documents such as the medical records of a veterinary practice. These detail the relevant and timely interactions between veterinarians, animal owners and their animal patients. Evidence of interactions includes farm and home visits, clinic appointments, consultations, direct animal exams, lab reports and production report reviews. At the same time, having a VCPR does not automatically guarantee a prescription. Veterinarians will be following some new requirements in order to issue a prescription. They must establish a

valid VCPR before providing veterinary medical services. Their decision to issue a prescription must be based on an informed and evidence-based need. Veterinarians will also have to keep medical records that contain sufficient information to justify the prescription and use of the antimicrobial. They must also be available to follow up on cases. The federal government has made combatting antimicrobial resistance a national priority. Antimicrobial drugs have been defined as any natural, semi-synthetic or synthetic substance that can kill or inhibit the growth of microorganisms. They include antibiotics, antivirals, antifungals and antiparasitics. One outcome of the new rules is expected to be better regulation of animal medications and tracing mechanisms. This measure addresses consumer concerns about MIAs in foods. At the same time, the burden shifts to veterinarians who will be required to keep additional documentation and fulfill further requirements when prescribing medications, as well as have more interactions with clients and their animals. Health Canada is hoping that producers adopt a new culture of dispensing medications to their animals – only after a careful, informed decision by their vet. Undoubtedly, the success of the Health Canada initiative will unfold at the ground level when livestock owners will have to make health decisions about their animals as they juggle additional costs for veterinary services and increased recordkeeping. B

Thanks to the Saskatchewan Wildlife Federation for donating $20,000 to the Wildfire Relief Fund. Photo: Chad MacPherson, SSGA GM and Heath Dreger, SWF President

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Industry News Water Projects Must Comply with Environmental Standards to be Eligible for Funding Producers should take care when building dugouts in southwestern Saskatchewan. The Farm and Ranch Water Infrastructure Program may not cover its 50 per cent portion of the costs if dugouts interfere with critical habitat areas. Approval for funding under the program has been withheld, or in some cases approved conditionally, where the provincial ministry of agriculture has found projects to be non-compliant. Richelle Bourgoin, Executive Director of Program Design and Delivery Branch for the Saskatchewan agriculture ministry, said “it is a requirement that any applicant complies with federal and provincial legislation that would impact the development project. In this case it is the regulations that surround the designation of critical habitat for sage grouse in particular.” The South of Divide Conservation Action Program (SODCAP) and the SSGA are working with the agriculture ministry to determine how to mitigate damage from water projects, particularly dugouts, in the area.

concentration of cattle at the water source makes things worse. “If you let cattle drink there, we all know that within a quarter mile around a dugout it gets grazed out pretty hard and you probably would destroy the habitat,” Harrison said. “So if we go in and create a dugout, fence it off and we pipe it somewhere else then you don’t have that quarter mile radius around the dugout where there’s a negative impact.” He said there is some impact from creating the dugout in the first place, “but a lot of these situations are expansions of existing dugouts. So that means we’re just trying to dig a little bit deeper and have a better water source - the damage has already been done.” Fencing off the dugouts and running pipelines to a less sensitive location involves considerable cost to the producer, and it’s not clear if those

According to SODCAP Executive Director Tom Harrison, possible solutions might include fencing off the dugout area and piping the water to a less sensitive location. “The sage grouse need habitat in these in sagebrush flats where we’re putting the water,” he said. “If you understand the area, there’s no springs, so a dugout where you actually have a water source has to be created right in the bottom because that’s where your runoff is. There’s no groundwater, or the groundwater that’s there is really deep or not very good quality.” The construction of the dugout disrupts the sage grouse habitat and the

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Bourgoin said the provincial government “is committed to working with producers to identify opportunities for project completion. “The program is designed to support a secure water supply in Saskatchewan,” she said. Applications to the program under Growing Forward 2 were accepted until September 30, 2017. Producers have until February 15, 2018 to submit claims for payment on those projects. B If you have any questions regarding FRWIP projects, please call 306-787-8149

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Industry News Wildfire Assistance Brings Some Relief to Ranchers “If you look at the whole picture, it overwhelms you,” rancher Paul Noerenberg said in describing his property in the wake of the October wildfire that destroyed most of his grazing land and decimated the lives of his neighbours in the Burstall area. “Basically, it’s a moonscape. There is nothing there. No birds. No wildlife. All you see are rocks and black dirt.” Noerenberg painted a grim picture of the devastation facing livestock producers in the border communities near Burstall, Leader and Tompkins. In October, wildfires swept through southern Saskatchewan leaving a trail of devastation and one fatality. James Hargrave, a volunteer firefighter, died as he helped battle the blazes. In September, a wildfire near Glentworth burned at least 3,500 acres of pastureland. The Burstall fires were the deadliest, destroying approximately 80,000 acres of cropland and pastureland and burning fences, outbuildings and other structures. In the aftermath, those affected by the fires had to assess their losses and make tough decisions about their futures.“This is very heavy on all our hearts,” said Noerenberg. “It affects everyone in different ways." Some, like Noerenberg, lost almost all of their grazing land and property, while others lost their animals. An estimated 770 cattle worth over 1 million dollars also perished. The constantly shifting high winds pushing smoke that day made it difficult for cattle to flee. “I was five days away from selling my calves,” said Syd McCurdy from Empress, who lost his entire 180-head herd, with the exception of two calves. Right after the fire, Dr. Klea-Ann Wasilow of the Maple Creek Veterinary Services was pitching in to help assess animals. “Each affected animal was assessed quickly to determine the degree of damage, likelihood of recovery and welfare concerns for the duration of recovery,” she 12

explained. Cattle in the wildfire sustained injuries ranging from mild scorching of the coat to fatalities. Depending on exposure levels to smoke and airway pollutants during the fire, cattle may have experienced short-lived upper airway irritation or more extensive damage of the upper and lower airways, Wasilow added. Dr. Megan Williams, veterinarian at Blue Sky Veterinary Services in Medicine Hat, AB also treated injured animals after the fire. She saw injuries ranging from severe burns, burned feet, scorched eyelids, to burned udders. “The biggest thing was their feet,” Williams stated. The fire was so hot that it burned their hooves. Recovery was not always possible. “If producers and veterinarians felt that there was extensive damage, a poor chance of survival or it was inhumane to attempt therapy, euthanasia was considered,” Wasilow stated. The loss of cattle had an economic impact on producers, but an emotional effect as well. “It’s kind of hard to see your cattle go like that,” Syd McCurdy said of his 40 head that had to be euthanized because they had sustained severe injuries. Producers still need to keep an eye on recovering animals. Dr Wasilow noted that each case of recovery is unique. “The focus has been placed on pain control, nutrition, protection from weather and managing secondary bacterial infections and complications of injuries sustained,” she added. As for the long term, it will be difficult to determine whether stress from the fires will have any impact on cattle growth and production. “Stress is never good for cattle,” Wasilow added. The wildfires also destroyed grazing lands. The grass was burned down to the roots leaving topsoil exposed. Since the fire, there has been little snow coverage and the wind has been blowing off the topsoil. McCurdy estimates that it will be three to five years before pastures recover. Still, the future looks uncertain. “The big thing will be next year,” he added. “If they don’t get the moisture and have another dry year,

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they can’t grow hay and there won’t be feed to support a herd.” During and immediately after the wildfires, the affected communities banded together. Neighbours gathered together to make food for the fire crews and to assist the evacuees and people who lost houses and had property damage. “I’ve had a lot of support since the fire,” said McCurdy, who lost nine miles of fences and six quarters of grass. He described the generosity of his neighbours who donated everything from calves to feed, although they too were impacted. Dr. Williams noted that the pharmaceutical companies were generous and donated medications for treatment. In the months that followed, those affected by the wildfires began to put their lives back together. As for rebuilding, each family has its own story. People like Noerenberg will rebuild and continue ranching. Some were near retirement and already had plans to wind down operations. They won’t be back. Noerenberg lost most of his operation’s infrastructure, including 95 per cent of his grazing land, the shop, historic barn, corrals and 30 miles of fencing which forced him to disperse his herd. “We will have to start from scratch,” he added. Even the small losses hurt. Noerenberg said that his farm went a week without power. “In the first few weeks there wasn’t a day that I didn’t push back a few tears,” the rancher noted. “You have to move on.” Noerenberg has a three-year recovery plan in place that will see phases of recovery for the yard, pastures and fencing. Within days of the fires, the Saskatchewan Stock Growers Association launched a Wildfire Relief Fund to help ranchers affected by the devastating wildfires get back on their feet. “The fires destroyed animals, buildings, fields, feed and everything else in their way. We started collecting donations of cash, hay, feed, trucking – whatever continued on page 14 JANUARY 2018

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Industry News Wildfire Relief cont. from pg. 12 people could offer,” said SSGA President Shane Jahnke. “We’re calling on anyone who is able to help, to pull together for the people in the ranching community who suffered damages and losses.” The SSGA’s Wildfire Relief Fund received a valuable boost from the Government of Saskatchewan in November which pledged to donate up to $100,000 in matching cash donations to the Wildfire Relief Fund. To date, the Wildfire Relief Fund has received $235,000 in cash, including the government’s matching donation and an estimated $200,000 in donations of feed, trucking and fencing and other materials. The SSGA continues to receive in-kind donations which includes feed, fencing and bales. The province also provided additional support. Through the Ministry of the Environment, non-permit harvested hay from the Qu’Appelle Coulee Ecological Reserve is being donated to help ranchers feed their livestock. The Ministry of Agriculture is making available grants of up to $10,000 to the five affected rural municipalities to support the disposal and burial of deadstock. The Agriculture Operations Unit worked with RMs to locate suitable deadstock burial sites. The Agriculture Ministry will also be helping producers with range health assessments and grazing management plans, which will extend into the spring of 2018 for further assessment as pastures recover. Saskatchewan Crop Insurance Corporation announced that it will be accepting interim applications from eligible producers who want earlier access to their AgriStability benefits for 2017. SGI

has permitted people who volunteered to haul donated hay through the Saskatchewan Stock Growers Association to use their farm plates. The Finance Ministry has authorized an exemption on marked diesel for volunteers transporting donated goods and equipment for Saskatchewan producers affected by the October 2017 wildfires. The Cypress Health Region offered mental health support to those impacted by the fires. In December, the Ministry of Government Relations announced that the Provincial Disaster Assistance Program (PDAP) would provide financial assistance to grazing lands damaged by wildfires. “Typically, PDAP does not provide assistance for wildfire losses, because most fire losses are insurable,” Minister of Government Relations Larry Doke said. “However, tame and native grazing lands are not insurable.” This was an important announcement because, while most of the damage from the fires was insurable, damage to the actual pasture land is not eligible for assistance. For the livestock producer the grazing lands are crucial to their operations. On the other hand, most of the fire damage experienced was not eligible for emergency assistance, such as the death or illness of livestock, fences, buildings or damaged bales. In the ranching community, those affected by the wildfires made it clear that they are not looking for handouts, but more like a leg up to get them back on their feet to return to operations. Although some noted that it would be helpful to have access to benefits like interest-free loans making it easier to get back on their feet. For the moment, the Saskatchewan government is not planning any credit programs

or tax relief. Many of those affected by the wildfires are realistic that it will be years before they return to the level of operation they had attained before the fire. The southern Saskatchewan wildfires have exposed some loopholes in planning, preparing for and mitigating this type of natural disaster. Syd McCurdy has been on the fire department for 35 years and has never experienced a prairie fire of this scale. Anecdotally, it has been at least a century since such a huge wildfire has occurred in the area. As a result, the province seems to have been caught unprepared. The fires drew attention to the need to develop more coordinated planning for large scale wildfires for rural parts of the province. After an extremely dry summer, fire bans were imposed across much of the south of the province. However, some would have preferred that it stayed in place until snowfall. Many areas, including around Burstall began lifting bans in the fall. Unlike floods or other disasters, prairie wildfires have their own specifics in terms of damage caused. Livestock producers found themselves falling between the gaps of emergency aid criteria. These wildfires illuminate areas to strengthen insurance coverage and emergency assistance programs. The location of the wildfire on the Saskatchewan-Alberta border caused further jurisdictional complexities when delivering assistance. Meanwhile, ranchers affected by the wildfires will pick up the pieces and aim to return their operations to pre-wildfire capacity. “I’d like to thank everyone who has helped,” said McCurdy. “I’ve tried to stay positive, life still goes on.” B

Thanks to Rosetown Mainline, Mainline Chrysler and Kindersley Mainline Motor Products for donating $15,000 to the Wildfire Relief Fund Photo: Curtis Merrifield, Paula Larson, Jason Ediger

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Industry News SSGA Beef Drive Closes in on Food Bank Donation Goal The SSGA’s second annual Beef Drive for Saskatchewan Food Banks looks set to match the success of its first initiative thanks to the generous contributions from the province’s beef producers. On World Food Day in October, the SSGA launched its now-annual Beef Drive with 3,000 pounds of beef donated by Weyburn area producers along with Western Prime Meat Processors. Inspired by last year’s success, the goal for the drive had been to collect 10,000 pounds of donated beef. As of mid-December, approximately 6,863 pounds of ground beef had been received with more being pledged. “Contributions keep coming in every day,” said SSGA President Shane Jahnke. “Our membership just wants to help those in need.” The SSGA initiated the first Beef Drive at the Canadian Western Agribition in Regina in 2016. Its goal was to collect a modest 1,000 pounds of beef. Instead, the project reached a remarkable total of 8,500 pounds of fresh ground beef.

partnered with the United Way Worldwide and have impacted 72 communities to date.

As part of the Beef Drive, SSGA members were able to assist by contributing an animal or by donating cash to defray the cost of processing. Three processors – Treen Packers, West Bridgeford Meats and Western Prime Meat Processors – are working with the SSGA to process the beef into hamburger. Subsequently, the meat is delivered to the Food Banks of Saskatchewan based in Regina and distributed through food banks across Saskatchewan.

From the SSGA’s two beef drives over the past two years, Saskatchewan food banks have received close to 15,000 pounds of beef, which has a market value of over $75,000. “The generosity of beef producers in our province has been amazing,” the SSGA President noted. “Thank you to everyone who donated an animal or made a cash donation. You have made this program an overwhelming success.”

“We would also like to thank the three processors who partnered with the SSGA as well as Elanco Animal Health for selecting us for their 100 communities initiative,” Jahnke stated. The SSGA initiative has been strengthened by a $10,000 contribution from Elanco Animal Health which chose to support the Beef Drive through its 100 communities campaign. Elanco has committed to help break the cycle of hunger in 100 communities across the world by the end of 2020. To achieve this goal, they have

The SSGA Beef Drive fills an important need for the food banks of Saskatchewan because ground beef is a food item that is not easy to provide for families needing assistance. The SSGA is continuing to accept donations for the Beef Drive. B For more information on how you can make a donation to the Beef Drive, contact the SSGA office at 306-757-8523.

2018 WESTERN CANADIAN HOLISTIC MANAGEMENT CONFERENCE February 2, 3 & 4, 2018 “Hop off the fence and learn about leadership and regenerative agriculture.”

Moosomin Community Centre Moosomin, SK Cost $150 (Meals Included) Friday Night - Registration and Local Food Reception Saturday - Producer Panels, Cover Crops, Carbon Capture Info, Supper & Keynote Speaker Sunday - Your Ranch and Your Surroundings More Information & Registration at www.holisticmanagement.ca

Regenerative learning from

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| ©BEEF BUSINESS | www.skstockgrowers.com

JANUARY 2018

Industry News Ag Industry’s Environmental Efforts Recognized in Provincial Climate Change Strategy With the threat of a federally-imposed carbon tax on greenhouse gas emitters in the new year, the Saskatchewan government announced its own climate change strategy called “Prairie Resilience: A Made-in-Saskatchewan Climate Change Strategy” in early December 2017. “This plan is broader and bolder than a single policy such as a carbon tax and will achieve better and more meaningful outcomes over the long term,” Saskatchewan’s Minister of the Environment Dustin Duncan stated while unveiling the plan. The strategy involves a more comprehensive, sector-wide approach aimed at preparing for the effects of climate change and reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Rather than imposing a punitive method for exceeding emissions, the idea behind the strategy focuses on ensuring a viable economy in the future by encouraging cutting-edge, environmentally-friendly technologies and innovation. The province has chosen to focus on two key principles, readiness and resilience, and to develop resilience policies in targeted areas of natural systems, physical infrastructure, economic sustainability and community preparedness. “This is about protecting our people and communities as much as it is about working with industry and others to reduce emissions here in Saskatchewan,” Minister Duncan stated. In contrast to the federal plan to tax overemitters, the Saskatchewan strategy has been designed to encourage companies to become more efficient. A key aspect of the strategy proposes developing and implementing output-based performance standards for large emitters that are specific to each sector. The government plans to develop these standards after consulting with industry throughout 2018. The environment minister made clear that the province is not implementing a carbon tax. 18

The biggest deviation from the federal approach is that Saskatchewan plans to allow those emitting above the standard to become compliant by choosing from a set of flexible options that best suits that industry. The strategy lists these measures as improving facilities to reduce emissions, purchasing a carbon offset, using best performance credits, using a market mechanism outlined in the Paris Accord and paying into a technology fund. This system was designed to keep the province’s industries competitive. “The fact is that a lot of our economy is trade exposed. [Our industries] are competing against places that will not face a carbon tax or any sort of environmental regimes and in a competitive marketplace,” Minister Duncan explained. Most importantly, it will recognize actions already taken by industry to reduce emissions. “One of the things that industry has been saying to us regarding a carbon tax plan, is that it doesn’t take into account the things already being done by industries to reduce their emissions,” Duncan explained. “Some companies have invested, in some cases, a significant amount of capital, and under the federal approach, they really don’t get any recognition for that.” Performance credits would recognize investments into technologies, the ability to exceed performance standard. This credit could be applied to their reporting requirements. “Our climate change strategy recognizes the investment and innovation that has taken place and sets out the road map for future actions,” Minister Duncan concluded. “Our intent in all of this is to be good stewards of the environment. But we also want to see the economy continue to grow,” said Duncan. “It’s the ability to

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balance the environment, but also our ability to continue to attract investment to Saskatchewan and to keep people in Saskatchewan.” As for the agricultural industry, the new climate strategy does not anticipate developing a separate standard for agricultural producers. “Saskatchewan’s climate change strategy aims to recognize innovative agricultural practices that help to reduce or sequester carbon emissions. Agricultural producers will benefit from being eligible to participate in the new offset program, which will create additional value for actions that result in carbon sequestration or reduced emissions, especially from agricultural soils, wetlands and forests,” stated Duncan. Additionally, Saskatchewan has almost 12 million acres of native pasture land that also stores carbon. “In agriculture, the province is a global leader in low-emissions practices, including zero- and low-tillage practices, increasing the ability of our soils to sequester carbon,” Duncan pointed out ways the province's ag sector is already contributing to GHG reduction. “In addition to diversified crops, 4R nutrient stewardship, new drought-resistant crop varieties, grazing rotations, and beneficial management practices, these actions can all enhance yield, improve carbon sequestration and improve resilience.” The beef industry has been able to reduce GHG emissions by adopting improved genetics and better feeding and management practices. It’s had a noticeable effect. Over the 30-year period between 1981 to 2011, methane emissions dropped by 14 per cent, nitrous oxide emissions by 15 per cent and carbon dioxide emissions by 12 per cent. continued on page 19

JANUARY 2018

Industry News Congratulations to Belinda Wagner on receiving the inaugural Celebrating Women in Agriculture award presented by the Canadian Western Agribition and BMO. Belinda has been a dedicated leader, mentor and volunteer in the agriculture industry for the past 25 years Hon. Lyle Stewart, Belinda Wagner, Hon. Brad Wall, Bruce Holmquist , CWA President and Tafaline Wall, BMO Regional Vice President

The 2018 Saskatchewan Livestock Association Honour Scrolls will be presented on January 25th at the SK Beef Industry Conference banquet in Saskatoon. This year’s recipients are: Janet & (The Late) Dale Blair, Drake, SK Garner & Lori Deobald, Hodgeville, SK Brian & Glenys Weedon, Swift Current, SK For more information or to purchase banquet tickets, call Shannon at 306.731.7610. Climate Change cont. from pg. 18 These figures reflect the province-wide downward trend in GHG emissions that totalled 75 million tonnes in 2015, the National Inventory Report detailed. This represents almost 10 per cent of Canada’s emissions and two per cent of global emissions. Unlike the federal carbon plan, the Saskatchewan strategy aims to make the whole province more efficient, thereby reducing GHGs through such measures as adopting the 2015 National Building JANUARY 2018

Code; creating a freight strategy to improve delivery times; reducing fuel and increasing efficiency and developing a climate resiliency model. This strategy grew out of Saskatchewan’s White Paper on Climate Change released in October 2016 focusing on mitigation through technological innovation and adaptation.

want to blink first, fearing concessions to Saskatchewan will open the door to other provinces unraveling its carbon plans. A constellation of factors could yet determine the fate of a carbon tax being imposed on Saskatchewan. Much will depend on who will become the new premier of the province.

The new year promises a carbon showdown. The federal government has set its sights on carbon pricing as the most effective approach to reduce GHG emissions, while Saskatchewan has staunchly declared that it will not implement a carbon tax. Ottawa does not

Meanwhile, over the next year, the provincial government plans to consult with industries and stakeholders and prepare the necessary legislation and develop standards for its climate strategy. The strategy is expected to be implemented in 2019. B

www.skstockgrowers.com | ©BEEF BUSINESS | 19

Industry News Agriculture Sector to be Hit by New Corporate Taxation Canadians rang in the New Year with new corporate tax changes becoming effective on January 1, 2018. These changes represent the largest overhaul of corporate taxation in decades. The entire process has been fraught with controversy. The federal government announced proposed changes in early July and gave a 75-day consultation period. Although 21,000 submissions were made in response to the proposals, the changes were announced within a week. Critics of the proposals regarded the consultation period too brief and the changes made too quickly without consideration of the feedback. After a lot of negative feedback, the government rolled back some of the proposed changes. “They abandoned the proposed changes to capital gains. That was a positive change,” said Daniel Kelly of the Canadian Federation of Independent Business. One of the proposed changes raising concerns is income sprinkling. Business owners can lower their taxes by sharing income, salaries or dividends with their family members. The new rules around income-sharing go into effect on January 1, 2018 for the 2018 tax year and going forward. According to the CFIB, 75 per cent of its members have family working in business. In fact, Kelly notes that most small businesses have family members who work, play a role or own shares in their businesses. After promising clarifications, the federal government only announced them in the waning weeks of 2017. According to the clarifications provided for income sprinkling, family members who are significantly involved in a business are excluded from potentially being taxed at the highest marginal tax rate. These individuals include the business owner’s spouse who meaningfully contributed to the business and is aged 65 or over; adults aged 18 or over who have made a substantial labour contribution to

the business during the year, or during any five previous years; adults aged 25 or over who own 10 percent or more of a corporation earning less than 90 percent of its income from the provision of services and is not a professional corporation; and individuals who receive capital gains from qualified small business corporation shares and qualified farm or fishing property. In addition, those who are aged 25 or over who do not meet any of these exclusions will be subject to a “reasonableness test” to determine how much income, if any, would be subject to the highest marginal tax rate. The reasonableness test would determine whether the salary is reasonable for the work performed, said Kelly. However, he pointed out that there is low confidence in Canada Revenue Agency’s ability to assess a reasonable salary. However, the government did try to clarify the number of hours a week required to be considered a substantial labour contribution. It also contends that this reasonableness test will be simple for business owners to complete. Nevertheless, the CFIB remained critical that it does not reflect the many formal and informal ways family members contribute to a business. It also believes that the new regulations will only create more red tape for families, although the income sprinkling measures were partly clarified. Kelly pointed out that business owners will have to track different kinds of data. “We don’t want to discourage young people from taking over family farms,” he said. For agriculture, the proposed changes to capital gains had been the biggest worry. However, the government stepped back from these changes. On the other hand, agricultural operations will be hit particularly hard by the proposed regulations to income sprinkling. “In a family business working relations are informal,” Kelly points out. It is difficult to track hours for agricultural work when

work is concentrated in certain parts of the year and there can be no rigid tracking of hours. There are other issues such as multiple family members working in the same business. Some children are on the payroll full-time, while others attend university but assist at peak seasons. There are still plenty of unanswered questions about spouses who are not directly involved in the business but contribute in other ways. “There is a deep lack of understanding on the part of the government of how independent business operates and how farming operates,” said Kelly. The CFIB is calling for spouses to be exempt from the income-splitting test to recognize the crucial formal and informal roles they play in business. Another area of concern will be the changes to passive income rules which will affect farms especially. This was the most contentious issue in October. Passive income rules affect investments, such as property, held in a business to set money aside for business investments, emergencies or for retirement. The government proposed that this passive income over $50,000 be taxed at a much higher rate. The small business rate will continue to apply to annual passive income up to $50,000. The government insists that the changes to passive income will target only the very wealthy. According to the CFIB, this threshold may be too low if a business is saving to grow and get to the next level. It is asking for the government not to move ahead with the $50,000 threshold and raise it to $250,000. Overall, the CFIB is pleased that the government stepped back from its proposals for corporate taxation changes. “Business owners are trying to do the right thing,” said Kelly. However, businesses will still need an accountant to determine how the rules apply to their situation. The CFIB is calling for the entire package of continued on page 21

| ©BEEF BUSINESS | www.skstockgrowers.com

JANUARY 2018

Markets and Trade RETAIL MEAT PRICE SURVEY as of January 2, 2018 ($/lb)

CO-OP

SAFEWAY

SAVE-ONFOODS

SOBEYS

SUPERSTORE

3.79

5.39

6.19

5.39

4.98

3.99

4.39

4.66

Roast/cross rib

5.99

6.99

3.17

6.99

6.11

Roast/rib

9.99

19.99

10.42

Roast/outside round

3.99

7.49

4.93

Steak/rib eye

13.49

17.39

18.48

17.39

Steak/round

6.49

5.75

Steak/sirloin

5.99

11.39

10.99

12.49

7.65

Steak/T-bone

16.99

15.59

13.60

19.99

23.99

19.17

CUTS Ground beef/lean Ground beef/regular

Steak/tenderloin

* these items were not in the display case on this date

Corporate Taxation cont. from pg. 20 proposals to become a comprehensive renewal of the income tax system and if the changes remain as proposed, then they should be implemented in January 2019 giving businesses time to prepare. They are also asking that businesses be waived from audits this year. The federal government estimates the number of family businesses affected by the new proposed changes will be fewer than 45,000 or less than three percent of Canadaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s 1.8 million Canadian-controlled private corporations. The changes are expected to bring $200 million more in revenue to the federal government. B

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www.skstockgrowers.com | ÂŠBEEF BUSINESS | 21

Markets and Trade SK Weekly Average Price Heifers 500-600 lbs

2014 260

2015 2016

210

2017

Wk 1 Wk 4 Wk 7 Wk 10 Wk 13 Wk 16 Wk 19 Wk 22 Wk 25 Wk 28 Wk 31 Wk 34 Wk 37 Wk 40 Wk 43 Wk 46 Wk 49 Wk 52

160

280

2016 2017

130

Source: CanFax

Weekly Canadian Dollar

210.00

0.98

200.00 190.00 180.00

2014

170.00 160.00

2015

150.00

2016

140.00

2017

130.00

CDN $ - US terms

Price per hundred weight

2015

180

AB Fed Steer Prices

0.88

2016

0.83

2017

0.78

5 yr avg

0.68

Wk 1 Wk 4 Wk 7 Wk 10 Wk 13 Wk 16 Wk 19 Wk 22 Wk 25 Wk 28 Wk 31 Wk 34 Wk 37 Wk 40 Wk 43 Wk 46 Wk 49 Wk 52

0.93

0.73

120.00 Source: CanFax

Source: Bank of Canada

Lethbridge Barley Price

Alberta Weekly D1 & D2 Cows 270

160 150 140 130 120 110 100 90 80 70 60

2014 2015 2016 2017

Price per tonne

250 230

2014

210

2015

190

2016

170

2017

150

Wk 1 Wk 4 Wk 7 Wk 10 Wk 13 Wk 16 Wk 19 Wk 22 Wk 25 Wk 28 Wk 31 Wk 34 Wk 37 Wk 40 Wk 43 Wk 46 Wk 49 Wk 52

Price per hundred weight

2014

230

Wk 1 Wk 4 Wk 7 Wk 10 Wk 13 Wk 16 Wk 19 Wk 22 Wk 25 Wk 28 Wk 31 Wk 34 Wk 37 Wk 40 Wk 43 Wk 46 Wk 49 Wk 52

310

Source:CanFax CanFax Source:

Wk 1 Wk 4 Wk 7 Wk 10 Wk 13 Wk 16 Wk 19 Wk 22 Wk 25 Wk 28 Wk 31 Wk 34 Wk 37 Wk 40 Wk 43 Wk 46 Wk 49 Wk 52

Price per hundred weight

360

Price per hundred weight

SK Weekly Average Price 500-600 lbs Steers

Source: CanFax

For more information visit www.canfax.ca

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JANUARY 2018

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Feature An Interview with Minister Lyle Stewart That was really the biggest downside of the year.

Saskatchewan Agriculture Minister Lyle Stewart took the time before Christmas to answer our questions about the past year, the coming year and the outlook for the province’s beef industry. Here is a transcript of that conversation: Beef Business (BB): What have been the highlights and some of the downsides of 2017 for Saskatchewan’s cattle industry? Minister Stewart: One highlight as we come to the end of the year is that prices are good. We are hopeful that we can have a really strong 2018 out of this bump in prices. And you know, it was very dry in the south. For the most part the grass kind of held out through the summer, and we got the calves to market in more or less the same time as usual. So it was a decent production year considering how dry it was in the south. Overall our livestock receipts for 2016 are estimated to be right around two billion dollars, so that’s not bad. And 2017 may be slightly below that, but 2018, hopefully, if these prices continue well into the year, they could be higher again. So we’re in a good spot around that two billion anyway. And we think about the people who suffered the wildfires in the southwest. That was a tremendous thing, including injuries and a loss of life, and substantial losses to some individuals and families.

BB: What are the biggest challenges and opportunities facing the livestock sector in 2018?

there to grow our industry and expand our sales, into a good high price market that’s not going anywhere. I think the opportunity will help a lot with what I consider to be the challenge, which is expansion.

Minister Stewart: I see growth for the cattle industry as a challenge. We’ve been through some decent price cycles, and still we haven’t seen much growth.

BB: You introduced some opportunities in the context of the challenge of growing the industry. Do you see other opportunities beyond that?

I think we need to find ways, maybe some more vertical integration in the province might be helpful. If we can get some packing capacity back that would be a help. But we also need more irrigation to be a regular supplier of quality feed even in dry times, things of that nature.

Minister Stewart: I also think about expanding our markets and taking on additional markets, but we have to remember that NAFTA is not dead yet and we’re very hopeful that it won’t be. It’s part of our job, as Canadian exporters, to get the message across particularly to our American counterparts but also our Mexican counterparts in that deal, that everybody benefits from NAFTA.

I think we just need a few more good years back to back and get people thinking about expanding in the cattle industry again, because there’s all kinds of opportunity. I see turning that corner and getting into a prolonged expansion phase as the biggest challenge, but I think the biggest opportunity is in the new markets that are opening up to us. Now that the Canada-European trade agreement has been signed, that should open up some opportunities. Some of the product that goes into that market may be sort of specialized product from our perspective in Western Canada, but still a good high priced option for some sales. Look at the TPP, the Trans-Pacific Partnership, with or without the United States. Even without the US it is a bigger advantage for us at least for a while, particularly on the cattle side. I led a trade mission to Japan this fall and I learned that they really do prefer our beef over US beef. I think there’s a huge opportunity there if we can get chilled beef to Japan, and in quantity, and develop some trade linkages there some business partnerships between our producers and packers and importers in Japan. I think there’s a huge opportunity

All three countries benefit greatly from NAFTA. The trade numbers over the years show it clearly. There are no losers in NAFTA. And that’s the message that has not been getting out. It doesn’t seem to be in the interest of the US administration to get that message out. But it’s certainly in our interest and we have to do a better job at the industry and government levels of getting that message out to our counterparts in our NAFTA partner countries, because that’s the thing that will save it. I’m concerned about the US administration’s attitude toward it. But if we can make more people, in the United States particularly, understand what a benefit it has been and will continue to be, then maybe we can get away with some minor tweaks to the deal. But radical change would be very harmful. And if the deal is scrapped altogether, that removes opportunity from our industry. It could actually be part of expanding our markets if it’s maintained or improved. So it’s a time of flux as far as that goes. continued on page 26

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JANUARY 2018

Feature Minister Interview cont. from pg. 24

We need to really think about starting to fill that Japanese market to an extent that we never have. And then, even if we are unsuccessful with NAFTA, we should still be able to maintain what we have and maybe even grow a little. BB: How optimistic are you that the TPP and NAFTA negotiations will be successful? Minister Stewart: Well, having been in Japan and having followed the fairly preliminary TPP talks, I’m reasonably optimistic about the TPP. I think we have a real good shot at that if our federal government doesn’t throw too many social pieces into the mix. I mean we’re not going to dictate to countries like Japan and Malaysia and Vietnam how they carry on their domestic business. So if we make conditions like that a part of the deal, it’s going to be a deal killer. We can’t do that. We can’t run their countries for them. They have their own standards. And we have to allow them their national sovereignty. It’s no different than if the Americans try dictating to us what our rules should be. We’d push back. And so we can’t do it over there either. Short of our federal government trying to push its social agenda on the Pacific Rim, I think we have a great opportunity there and I am fairly optimistic about it. In regard to NAFTA, I’m not as optimistic. I’m still hopeful - cautiously optimistic might be a way to say it, or at least cautiously hopeful. I can’t predict what President Trump will do and so far everything he’s said about the deal has been negative. And negotiations are fairly well along there. I’m not as optimistic about saving NAFTA as I am about getting into the TPP. BB: Your government recently announced its made-in-Saskatchewan climate change

strategy. How does agriculture, and specifically the livestock sector, play a role in the strategy? Minister Stewart: Our climate change plan recognizes ag’s role in promoting climate resiliency as we move forward. Our cropland and our grassland are huge carbon sinks in this province, and it’s time that that was recognized. They continue to sequester more and more carbon as time passes. The Global Institute for Food Security is doing some research on this, because we asked them to. We believe that agriculture is better than carbonneutral in this province. Both the crop sector and the livestock sector. And so we’re trying to get some hard numbers and hopefully we’ll show that that’s true, or that we’re at least neutral, and that would be a great help. Because the half of the province that isn’t agriculture is covered with forest, and it’s hard to argue that that’s not at least carbon-neutral. We’re probably in the best spot of almost any sub-national jurisdiction in the world as far as our carbon neutrality or our emissions against our sequestration, however you want to look at it. We’re in very good shape and we should be getting credit for what we’ve done here, and what we’ve maintained here, and what we continue to do here, rather than be penalized by a carbon tax which does not do anything to reduce emissions. We’ve done a lot of work in agriculture to reduce emissions both in the crop and livestock sectors. And it’s about time that was recognized. BB: With the province’s current financial situation, do you anticipate any major changes to the agriculture budget in 20182019? Minister Stewart: No, I don’t anticipate anything major. There may be, we haven’t gone through the Treasury Board yet or that budgeting process, but I wouldn’t predict anything major, no.

| ©BEEF BUSINESS | www.skstockgrowers.com

BB: The new Canadian agricultural partnership was signed this summer. Are there any major changes that producers should be aware of? Minister Stewart: One thing that I think is a benefit with Agri-Stability, reference margins can no longer drop below 70 per cent. In many circumstances with the previous program, reference margins could drop well below 70 per cent, which made the program not very helpful at all. But the positive change that comes out of the renegotiation is that reference margins are limited at a low of 70 per cent. I think producers will find that program to be a little more helpful under the new agreement than under the last five-year agreement. So I’m happy about that. There was no new money available, anything we did we had to take out of some other allotment. So some of that was paid for out of Agri-Invest. Some of the difference in projected payouts in Agri-Stability will come out of Agri-Invest. That’s not a positive but I think overall the changes to Agri-Stability are the main positive that comes out of this. It’s very difficult to negotiate a whole new suite of programs when you know going in that you have exactly the same number of dollars that you had five years ago. That’s limiting for everybody, but neither the federal government or any of the provinces had any extra cash to throw around so we’re kind of stuck with that scenario. BB: Last year, due to financial constraints, the province was unable to make any improvements to forage insurance coverage. Is the province looking at making any improvements for 2018, including the implementation of a fire insurance program for forages? Minister Stewart: That is being contemplated. Crop Insurance is busy developing a fire insurance program and looking at what can be done to enhance forage insurance in general. Details will be rolled out at a continued on page 28

JANUARY 2018

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Feature Minister Interview cont. from pg. 26 later date, but there are some changes being contemplated at least. BB: The province has announced PDAP assistance and a $100,000 matching grant to help the producers recovering from the wildfires. Is the province considering any additional interim assistance? Minister Stewart: No, not at this time. But you know I want to thank the Saskatchewan Stock Growers Association for starting the relief fund for areas that were affected by the wildfires. I think that’s a great thing that the Stock Growers did. You’re not only a provincial livestock organization, you’re a responsible community group and that really is appreciated.

Unfortunately, of all the programs we have, none of them really fit this situation because most of the hard assets that were destroyed by the fire were insurable and none of our programs cover insurable assets. But PDAP re-evaluated and came to the conclusion that they could cover the loss of grass that had been saved for winter grazing. And I think that’s a major step on their behalf. It will be helpful to producers to help pay for the feed they have to purchase to replace that grass that was saved for the winter grazing programs for this winter. And come spring, we expect the grass to recover. It normally does. Fires are different I guess, and it will be monitored and our rangeland specialists from the ministry will be out with producers monitoring the recovery of that grass. Hopefully that will be back to normal as quickly as possible. Of course it will be a lot quicker if there’s some spring moisture.

BB: Do you have any other message you’d like to pass on to our readers? Minister Stewart: Well you know, our farmers and ranchers are the best in the world. We operate in a way that safeguards our livestock and the environment, and we continue to produce more and more. And we do that because we’re early adopters of technology in both the livestock and the grain side. And my message to our producers is thanks for all you do. You’re the best there is. We appreciate how you continue to produce more and more and with less cost to the environment. And let’s keep doing what we do out there. I wish all of your readers a very merry Christmas and a happy, healthy and prosperous 2018. B

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Feature Wildfires Spark Need for Risk Management Scrutiny by Marusia Kaweski, SSGA Communications Manager

Extreme dry conditions were experienced in the south of the province in the summer and fall of 2017. Forage acres relied on the existing subsoil moisture for growth. With little snow coverage so far this winter, questions abound about hay and pasture production in 2018. Producers have real concerns about how the past dry season may impact 2018 forage production without sufficient precipitation during winter and spring.

Rainfall Insurance Program for pastureland if seasonal precipitation falls below the long-term average. This program is based on historical weather data taken from 131 weather stations located across the province. Unlike the forage program, producers do not have to submit a claim, which is started when the April to July seasonal precipitation falls below the long-term normal readings for the selected station. This norm is based on monthly weightings selected by the producer who determines the percentage of precipitation needed in the months of April through July to produce the optimum forage crop.

Saskatchewan Crop Insurance Corporation (SCIC) has been encouraging forage and livestock producers to study the many types of insurance options that are available for forage crops in the event that producers experience losses from another growing season.

For example, in 2017 the Forage Rainfall Insurance Program was able to provide benefits to an average of two-thirds of producers participating in the program. This helped to offset the reduced grazing capacity from the dry conditions experienced throughout the summer.

After meeting with industry two years ago, the SCIC introduced enhancements for forage insurance to strengthen the program and make it more useful for producers. The SCIC has programs and options to reduce the risk for forages grown for feed, sale or seed. Producers can also insure a guaranteed forage yield for hay crops including alfalfa, grass, clover and greenfeed. The insured yield is based on the producer’s long-term individual forage production. According to the SCIC, producers can file a claim when the actual forage production for the year falls below the yield guarantee.

The Forage Establishment Benefit Option was created to protect newly-seeded forage acres against an establishment failure. According to the SCIC, this standalone option is not linked to any yield-loss insurance. The forage acres are intended for hay, grazing or seed production. This option includes forage acres seeded between October 15 and June 20. The SCIC notes that newly-seeded acres grazed in the year of seeding are not eligible for coverage.

The severe drought and the late fall wildfires in southern Saskatchewan have put the spotlight on insurance coverage, especially for pastures and fencing.

This way, by providing individual coverage, each farm’s forage insurance reflects the conditions on their farm and the management of their forage acres. According to the SCIC, it is recommended that producers update their forage production information annually to ensure that their current coverage reflects the conditions on their farm. Another change made to the SCIC’s programs has been to offer the Forage 30

The Forage Diversification Option has been developed for any forage feed crops that are not insurable under the basic forage insurance program, says the SCIC. This is an area yield program. Coverage and any claim calculations are based on insured barley acres in the risk zone. In addition to poor forage crops in 2017, the dry conditions sparked wildfires and numerous grass fires that took their toll on pasture fencing and corral infrastructure. According to Chad Parenteau, of W.W. Smith Insurance Ltd. in Swift Current,

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the issue of insuring fences and corrals is somewhat complex. “The quick answer is yes,” he stated. “Coverage can be placed on fences and corrals.” After reviewing the various coverage offered by their insurance companies, Parenteau determined that all of them provided extensions for pasture fencing and corrals. “All of our insurance companies offer package extensions that will automatically include an average $5,000 for pasture fencing and corrals that are located on the home quarter or attached to farm outbuildings insured on the policy,” he said. Parenteau noted that these extensions still have to be purchased and listed on the policy to take effect. Coverage becomes complicated when considering coverage for pasture fencing located off the home quarter, Parenteau pointed out. His research into this issue determined that “any pasture fencing has to be specifically scheduled on the policy for it to be insured.” The average premium cost of the packages examined were $0.46 per $100 of the insured value of the fencing. For example, $100,000 in fencing would cost $460 a year to insure. “When purchasing this coverage for pasture fencing, the only peril insured against would be fire,” he added. Parenteau highlights another aspect that makes pasture fencing coverage problematic. “Not all insurance companies will insure pasture fencing,” he noted. After polling the many different insurers working with his office, Parenteau discovered that only 50 percent of them will offer coverage on pasture fencing located away from the home quarter. The agricultural insurance industry has become more responsive to the needs of its clients in recent years. Insurance coverage has become more specialized and tailored to an individual producer’s farming conditions with numerous add-ons and extensions. Producers are continued on page 34

JANUARY 2018

Feb 27 2018

selling sons of

Best of both worlds B u l l

150

head sell

S a l e

at the farm, Grenfell, SK

SVS Captain Morgan 11Z

KWA Lawmaker 59C

MFI Jeremiah 9022

Sales managed by

Double Bar D Farms Box 580 Grenfell Saskatchewan Canada S0G 2B0 www.doublebardfarms.com kenshau@yourlink.ca Ken Dimler 306-697-7204 Richard Dimler 306-697-7298 Allan Hjertaas 306-452-8427

JANUARY 2018

www.skstockgrowers.com | Â©BEEF BUSINESS | 31

Connecting Sustainability and Beef Production in Canada

VERIFIED BEEF PRODUCTION PLUS

IN SASKATCHEWAN

DRIVING CONSUMER CONFIDENCE

A PRACTICAL APPROACH TO VERIFYING SUSTAINABILITY

PROOF OF RESPONSIBLE MANAGEMENT

Canadian Beef is Sustainable, Safe and Wholesome. Let’s become VERIFIED and show consumers why! E

OF: PReOdibility TH

Take the Training

Apply SOPs on the Beef Operation

Complete the On-Farm Audit

IN-PERSON WORKSHOP OR ONLINE

STANDARD OPERATING PROCEDURES

VERIFICATION OF THE OPERATION

Education on Food Safety, Animal

Industry-led practices focused on Food

Care, Biosecurity, and Environmental

Safety, Animal Care, Biosecurity, &

Stewardship Management Practices:

Environmental Stewardship during beef

•

Inject in the Neck, Reduce Broken

production are being used on the cattle

Needles, Meet Withdrawal Times

operation:

•

Keep Records (Treatments, Deaths)

•

Beef Code of Practice, Disease Prevention, Manure Management

Our 3rd party auditors are also beef producers and understand the industry. It takes about 3.5 hours and is mostly done in the comfort of your home, through discussion and review of your records.

•

Feedlots: 3 months of Records

This 3rd party verification gives credit

•

Cow-Calf: 6 months of Records

towards the excellent things you do.

ENHANCING CONSUMER CONFIDENCE IN THE WHOLESOMENESS OF BEEF To learn more about Visit verifiedbeefproductionplus.ca or contact Coy Schellenberg, VBP+ in Saskatchewan: SK Coordinator, at 306.859.9110 or SK@verifiedbeef.ca

The dairy, pork and poultry industries have all implemented some type of Quality Assurance program similar to ours. Retailers and consumers are looking for it. This is our opportunity to use an industry created program to enhance our social license to produce beef, and to increase consumer trust. There is strong potential to increase local consumption and global exports of Canadian beef. VBP+ validates sustainable production practices, on-farm. Let’s show the world why Canadian beef is the safest, highest quality protein product on the planet!

WANT TO BECOME REGISTERED WITH THE VBP+ PROGRAM? VBP+ REGISTRATION STEPS •

you need records as per the Must Do’s in the VBP+ Producer Manual

•

then contact your provincial VBP+ office to request a validation audit if all components are met

•

we will help prepare you for the audit, ensuring that you understand our program and that you are ready (Producer Checklist & SelfAssessment)

•

then the auditor will connect with you directly to schedule the on-farm audit

VBP+ IS A NATIONAL PROGRAM RECOGNIZED BY THE CFIA To learn more about Visit verifiedbeefproductionplus.ca or contact Coy Schellenberg, VBP+ in Saskatchewan: SK Coordinator, at 306.859.9110 or SK@verifiedbeef.ca

Feature Risk Management cont. from pg. 30 advised to consult with their insurance brokers about their insurance packages, the coverage available, premiums and the coverage wording, for the best deal. Policies need to be scrutinized for gaps to ensure producers are protected for extreme conditions experienced in recent years such as fires and floods. It has also become a more competitive industry and Parenteau advises producers to look around.

The survey results will help build new tools to identify sellers and credit approved buyers wherever they may be located. In this way the producer can be assured that when sales are made to credit approved buyers, the producer will be paid.

nt to Take a mome line fill out an on k Survey Ag Credit Ris

“If you are using an insurance broker that has access to multiple insurance markets, and you do find yourself insured with a company that does not offer pasture fencing coverage, I recommend asking your broker to remarket the policy with another insurer that will offer the fencing and corral coverage if it is a coverage that is important to you,” he said. B

The study will examine and create new mechanisms to protect producer sales against default by buyers.

http://www.cfacrmp.com/registration/producer/

On the Ranch, Russell, Manitoba Wednesday, February 21, 2018 Black and Red Simmental, Angus and Simm-Angus Bulls

mjsimmentalangus@gmail.com

www.mjsimmentalangus.com mlg@glasmanfarms.com

www.glasmanfarms.com find us on

Miles, Bonnie & Jared Glasman Home: 204.773.3279 Miles’ Cell: 204.773.6275 Jared’s Cell: 204.796.0999

M&J_half-stockgrowers.indd 1

Sale Managed By: T Bar C Cattle Co. Ltd. Chris: 306-220-5006

| ©BEEF BUSINESS | www.skstockgrowers.com

Matthew & Leanne Glasman Home: 204.773.3209 Matt’s Cell: 204.773.6055

12/18/2017 3:57:27 PM

JANUARY 2018

www.skstockgrowers.com | Â©BEEF BUSINESS | 35

Feature Plant versus Animal Protein - Why the Debate? by Joyce Parslow Executive Director, Marketing and Consumer Relations, Canada Beef Inc.

Introduction From both the perspective of an individual’s health as well as the environmental impacts of our food systems, the benefits of plant versus animal sourced protein foods has often been a topic of debate. This topic will likely gain momentum this year with Health Canada’s release of a revised Food Guide slated for early 2018.

individuals. Protein can be sourced from plant sources such as cereals, legumes, nuts and pulses – e.g. whole wheat bread, lentils, beans and almonds, as well as animal sourced proteins such as dairy (milk, yogurt and cheese) and poultry, fish, pork and beef. As such, Canada’s Food Guide has traditionally had Meat and Alternatives as one of the four recommended daily food groups.

In October 2016, Health Canada announced a Healthy Eating Strategy which included revising Canada’s Food Guide, a document that is used to shape public policy recommendations and education for healthy eating.

The environmental impacts of dietary patterns is complex and not well supported by evidence for sound policy development and recommendations. Based on an extensive literature review, researchers conclude that although the number of journal articles on the subject of environment and diet has grown enormously in recent years, this remains a relatively new area of research and the evidence base to inform dietary interventions for reduced environmental impact is incomplete and scant.

There are two primary concerns with the proposed new Food Guide: 1. The guiding principle that encourages intake of a primarily plant-based diet with a focus on increased reliance on plant protein and less on animal based protein. 2. The consideration of environmental benefits in shifting toward diets higher in plant-based foods. And while traditionally, the primary focus of public health dietary strategies has been to develop recommendations that promote health and well-being and to reduce the incidence of dietrelated disease, recently global dietary strategies are also including controls of environmental impacts on the food system. This trend is seemingly driving Health Canada’s decision to include the assumed environmental benefits of increasing plant-based foods in the diet as a Food Guide consideration. Background Protein is important for healthy growth, maintenance and repair throughout all life stages, especially for infants, children, aging adults and physically active

Beef for health There are four food groups in Canada’s Food Guide: Meat and Alternatives, Dairy, Fruits and Vegetables and Grains. The contributions of these food groups to the diet vary, each bringing their own unique set of nutrient benefits. It is important to consider that it is not a matter of ‘either/or’ when it comes to plant or animal sources of protein, but rather fitting a combination of the foods from each food group as a part of meals for optimal nutrition. As recently as 2015, the World Health Organization cited that meat provides a number of essential nutrients and, when consumed in moderation, has a place in a healthy diet. The many essential nutrients found in meat include: high quality protein, highly bioavailable iron and zinc, riboflavin, thiamin, niacin, vitamins B6, and B12.

Advice to reduce red meat consumption is not responsible dietary advice since it could put Canadians at risk of iron, zinc, vitamin B12 deficiencies and inadequate protein intake leading to sarcopenia. Beef, food systems and environmental impacts Global food systems cause major impacts on the environment. And, as such, changes in the dietary patterns of individuals are being considered internationally as a leading strategy to lessen environmental impacts - including those of Health Canada’s revisions to the Food Guide. The way our food is produced, processed, distributed, and consumed – including the losses and waste of food – can have environmental implications, such as greenhouse gas emissions (GHGs), soil degradation, decreases in water quality and availability and wildlife loss. However, in a recent literature review study published by Australian researchers of Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO), researchers cited a lack of evidence to base diet recommendations on environmental factors, citing a disconnect between the science informing strategic climate action in the agricultural sector and the science informing public health nutrition. “Taking all of the available evidence, there is little that can be concluded, at this time, about dietary strategies to reduce environmental impact." Dietary change is not the only way of reducing environmental impacts associated with the food system. Other important strategies include: • Efficiencies in production and food transportation • Reductions in food waste • Sourcing food locally continued on page 38

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JANUARY 2018

Feature Plant vs. Animal Protein cont. from pg. 36 Beef and environmental issues Cattle in Canada are raised primarily on a grass-based pasture system (80 percent of their feed comes from forage) (Commission for Environmental Cooperation, 2015). Typically, cattle are then finished in a feedlot where they are fed a high-energy diet including grains for about 90-120 days. • Cattle production utilizes marginal land that is not suitable for growing other food crops. In many areas in Canada it is not feasible, or friendly to the environment, especially in native grasslands, to grow food other than livestock. In Canada, cattle typically are raised on marginal lands and soils that can’t be used to grow other crops. Of Canada’s native grasslands, 70 percent have been cultivated or developed, with only 30 percent remaining. Cattle are the main users of these grasslands and help preserve their function and health,

including soil carbon storage, biodiversity, wildlife habitat and migration, water filtration, and nutrient recycling. • Canadian beef production accounts for only 0.04 percent of global GHG emissions. In Canada, livestock represent about 3.6 percent of Canada’s total GHGs, while transportation accounts for 28 percent of Canada’s GHG emissions. (Environment Canada, 2015). • Land used for cattle production represents 33 percent of agricultural land in Canada, while creating 68 percent of the wildlife habitat capacity. Canadian beef production helps preserve 1.5 billion tonnes of carbon in Canada. If regulatory frameworks were to put a dollar value on this carbon storage, it would be approximately $82.5 billion. • Cattle grazing keeps grasslands healthy by reducing invasive plant species and providing nutrients for soil. • Grazing lands helps to preserve wildlife biodiversity and helps to maintain bird

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migratory patterns. • Manure is a very important source of fertilizer to grow crops and replenish soils. Without it, more chemical fertilizer would need to be manufactured which increases the carbon footprint of crop production. Manure is well managed in Canada under strict regulations to prevent and minimize runoff and eutrophication into water. Environmental farm plans and nutrient management plans help beef ranchers and farmers maintain healthy soils and healthy stream systems. • Only 9 percent of annual cropland is used for growing cattle feed in Canada. Much of the grain or other forage used in feeding cattle was intended for human use, but don’t meet the standards necessary for human consumption, a secondary benefit of helping to control food waste. Cattle are also fed the byproducts, essentially waste, from human continued on page 40

JANUARY 2018

24th Annual Bull Sale

Saturday, March 3, 2018 - 1:00 pm At the Ranch, Carievale, SK (heated sales arena)

180 Bulls Sell

Herd Bulls Designed by Ranchers for Ranchers

Red & Red Blaze Simmental Bulls

50 20

Polled Yearlings Coming Two Year Olds

• All bulls born, bred & developed right here at MRL • Large sire groups 1/2 and 3/4 brothers Penfulls of uniform bulls in every category • Sight Unseen Buyer’s Program • Affordable Bu (Can’t make it sale day, give us a call. lls • Quality in Quantity Almost 25% of our bulls sell SUS. and 95% go Many repeat customers year after year.) to Commercial Co wboys. • Semen evaluated and guaranteed • Free Delivery in Western Canada. Cost sharing to the East Black & Black Blaze 50 Polled Yearlings Polled Simmental Bulls 20 Coming Two Year Olds (Our trailer is most likely going right past your gate.) • Sound rugged Bulls developed on a high roughage ration (Born, bred and fed to work and stay working) • Extra age bulls ready to cover some ground. Offering 50 May/June coming Two Year Olds and January/February born yearlings. • Genetically engineered to excel for the commercial cattleman. Calving ease, performance and packed full of maternal traits.

“THE BULL BUSINESS” IS WHAT WE DO! Supplying Quality Herdbulls to progressive Cattlemen for over 40 years! For over 40 years we have been committed to and focused on providing herd bulls that will excel for commercial cowboys. Over the years we have listened to our customers to provide herd bulls that work in today’s industry under real world ranching conditions. Our breeding program isn’t influenced by the showring or the flavour of the month but rather genetics that work for everyday cattlemen who make their living in the cow business. Herd bulls that will sire calves with moderate birth weights, explosive growth, structural soundness with eye appeal and packed full of maternal power. Extra age bulls Jan/Feb born yearlings and check out the large group of May/June coming two year olds for 2018. Sound, rugged herd bulls that will cover some ground. No fluff, no puff. The top 170 bulls from our highly regarded cowherd of almost 700 mother cows and the most elite herd bulls in the business. Come see for yourself what keeps the commercial cowboys coming back year after year. Give us a call, text or email for a full color catalogue and bull video.

JANUARY 2018

Red & Black Angus Bulls

30 15

Polled Yearlings Coming Two Year Olds

& Black Simmental & Angus Bulls 50 Red April/May Coming Two Year Olds

www.skstockgrowers.com | ©BEEF BUSINESS | 39

Feature Plant vs. Animal Protein cont. from pg. 40 food processing, such as pea screenings and distiller’s grains. • Environmental footprint research showed that there was a 15 percent reduction in GHGs between 1981 and 2011 and the carbon footprint from beef production is 24 percent lower due to research innovation and improved production practices. Improved efficiencies also improved land use, with 25 percent less land being used to produce the same amount of beef. Individual Eating Habits That Can Make a Difference to Environmental Impacts Here are some mindful habits individuals can make to adjust their eating habits and make a difference to environmental impacts: Eat recommended serving sizes • Over-eating is a form of food waste.

Data suggests that greenhouse gas emissions are positively correlated with total energy intake – that is, the larger the portion size, the higher the greenhouse gas emissions. • ‘Super-sizing’ can considerably impact the environmental footprint and doesn’t do any good for your body either. It’s time to re-think the value and amount of resources that go into our food. • Eat real foods and reduce ultraprocessed foods • Consumption of discretionary foods impact the environment negatively from a need for resource input for development and health negatively as well. • New research conducted by the Canadian Heart and Stroke Association reveals that half of our daily calories come from ultra-processed and discretionary foods and that children aged 9 to 13 are the biggest consumers, with over 57 percent of their calories coming from these low-nutrient, high-calorie food

| ©BEEF BUSINESS | www.skstockgrowers.com

sources – across ALL socio-economic brackets. The more processing involved in food production, the more pronounced environmental impacts from the food system will be. As a personal control measure, choose to eat real foods – those minimally processed/closest to their natural state, and reduce ‘discretionary’ food consumption. • Many developed countries' dietary patterns have changed to incorporate a higher proportion of discretionary foods as part of the daily diet with a growing proportion of calories coming from these empty-nutrient foods such as alcohol, chocolate and baked goods; cakes and biscuits; savoury snacks like potato chips and French fries; sugar sweetened beverages; snack bars and ice cream. Choose foods that contribute to your health and well-being so their production impacts count as a benefit. continued on page 42

JANUARY 2018

www.skstockgrowers.com | Â©BEEF BUSINESS | 41

Feature Plant vs. Animal Protein cont. from pg. 40 • Enrich food skills, such as planning meals and cooking know-how, to take advantage of basic core foods that are better for health and the environment. Buy what you need and use what you buy • Food wastage directly relates to environmental impact because of the amount of energy and resources that are needed to go into making that piece of food. In 2014, the value of food waste and loss in Canada was estimated at $31 billion. Reducing food waste is an immediate way to ensure we aren’t wasting resources. • When grocery shopping, buy what you can use so you don’t have food spoil. Some handy tips are to plan your meals, and use a shopping list when going to the grocery store. • When eating out order what you can eat, split meals or take home what you can’t eat in order to eat it later.

Conclusion It’s important to remember no one food contains all nutrients. Beef should be consumed and valued for its high quality protein, content of zinc, iron, selenium, B-vitamins and more. Beef is lean when trimmed, fills you up with high quality nutrients for very few calories, is delicious and fits into a heart healthy diet. But we should enjoy eating other sources of protein for their unique package of nutrients as well. Healthy eating is truly a matter of balance and moderation. As Canadians, we are lucky to have a variety of choices in the marketplace when it comes to the foods we have available. We encourage you to make your own decisions about what foods you eat for health, but remember that variety and moderation are key! B

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JANUARY 2018

11th Annual

Sun Country Shorthorn Sale

March 6th, 2018 1: 00 PM Johnstone Auction Mart, Moose Jaw, SK

In the past 10 years, we have sold herd bulls to purebred breeders in 7 provinces and 12 states, but we are most proud to have had over 90% of our bulls sell to commercial producers across Canada and the US. This sale offers thick made, easy fleshing breeding stock for the beef industry. Sale will be broadcast live at www.dvauction.com

A sampling of the type of bulls that will be offered:

Offering

yearling and two year old Shorthorn bulls and

replacement heifers.

For more information contact : HORSESHOE CREEK FARMS LTD. Grant & Chris Alexander Box 580, Weyburn, SK S4H 2K7 306-861-5504 (c) horseshoecreek@sasktel.net www.horseshoecreekfarms.com JANUARY 2018

ROCKING L CATTLE COMPANY Hector & Dylan Lamontagne Box 452, Wawota, SK S0G 5A0 306-739-2598 hj.lamontagne@sasktel.net www.rockinglcattleco.com

ANWENDER CATTLE CO.

Gary, Kim & Sadie Anwender Box 770, Radville, SK S0C 2G0 306-442-2090 gks.acc@sasktel.net www.anwendercattlecompany.com

www.skstockgrowers.com | ÂŠBEEF BUSINESS | 43

Science and Production Online Portal Access for Producers and Dealers in 2018 by Jason Pollock, CEO, Livestock Services of SK

The transition of livestock inspection from the Ministry of Agriculture to the newly formed organization Livestock Services of Saskatchewan “LSS” occurred on January 1, 2014. One of the items transferred to LSS consisted of a database that had been in service for over two decades. The database was required to manage the core services of LSS: brand registry, dealer licencing and livestock inspection. In 2014, it was essentially on its last legs. There was a definite need to replace the antiquated livestock information management system with one that would meet the commerce-based and emerging healthbased movement needs of industry. In my last article, I mentioned that October 31, 2017 marked the end of a two-year project to upgrade our data management system. This phase of the project replaced the functionality of the old database and set the foundation for the next phase of interactive functionality for service delivery. The result of our efforts is a state-of-the-art, industryfirst, web-based application to manage core LSS services and positioned us to meet the challenges of managing data in compliance with the Cattle Implementation Plan (CIP). It is anticipated that we will see some conclusion on the issue of movement compliance in 2018 and we want to be ready. Our efforts now centre on preparing for delivery of new self-service features made available to producers and industry partners through our web portal. The portal is simply an online gateway for the industry to log into and access their individual information and request services. Since it is web-based, the portal allows for access through any computer, tablet or cellular device with a data connection.

The portal will allow producers, dealers and industry partners to access and manage their information or request services through the creation of a simple individual online account with LSS. After completing a secure on-line registration process producers will have the ability to access the portal to renew brands, print brand certificates and request brand transfers. Producers and dealers will also have the ability to populate a paperless eManifest for animal movement. The eManifest will have the data fields required to meet commerce needs and those of the CIP. The functionality exists within the eManifest to capture PID and for the producer to plot the precise latitude/ longitude coordinates for where the livestock are loaded. The electronic document will reside in the LSS database and will be readily accessible for review by the producer or to accommodate movement reporting requirements on the producer’s behalf. There will be the option to print a paper copy or save an electronic copy to their own computer if so desired. A bonus feature includes access to all previous manifest records for inspected animal movement. LSS was able to import manifest records from the old database dating back to 1992. This functionality should enhance the producer’s existing management records and serve as a secure back-up for manifest based transaction and movement records. The portal will provide livestock dealers with the same functionality as a producer along with the ability to manage their licence renewals and invoices for inspection services. LSS is currently collaborating with market operators to eliminate duplication of data entry for

manifests by integrating components of their market database with ours. It is anticipated that this market software integration with the LSS system will also speed up the creation of electronic transportation permits for outbound cattle and provide movement reporting records to meet CIP requirements. Other portal functionality includes the ability to book an inspection, report missing or stray livestock, download forms and search for dealers or brands. The home page for your account will contain a calendar that is populated with auction market sale dates in your chosen area. Choosing a sale to consign your animals to will launch an eManifest pre-populated with that market’s information as well as your own profile information to ease the entry of data. Our goal is to evolve our service offering to our clientele in enough time to address emerging pressures facing the entire beef value chain. The new traceability landscape will definitely look different to all parties involved. The database solutions developed used the best current knowledge available for what lays ahead and may or may not hit the future mark one hundred percent. LSS’s database solution has this reality in mind, it is scalable, flexible and ready to adapt as movement reporting rules solidify and the industry requires changes. Throughout this article, I have referenced the CIP many times. A copy of the Cattle Implementation Plan can be found on canadaid.ca. It is worth a look. I have also mentioned our new portal and its features and services for producers and dealers. Over the course of 2018, we will be moving forward with registering continued on page 47

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JANUARY 2018

SSGA 100th Limited Edition Print

“Riding for the Brand” by Bernie Brown Print size: 11.5” x 22”

ORDER FORM - PlEASE FAX TO 306-569-8799

Framed size: 17.5” x 28”

CONTACT INFORMATION:

Print Only: $80 (shrinkwrapped)

NAME:________________________________________________________

Framed Print: $230

______________________________________________________________

Shipping charges $15 + GST for individual orders

PH: (

ADDRESS: _____________________________________________________

) __________________ FAX: (

) ______________________

EMAIL: _______________________________________________________ PRINT ORDER INFORMATION:

ExclusivE OffEr:

Personalize the print by adding your brand at no additional charge.

 PRINT ONLY $80 Quantity:___

Total: $__________

 FRAMED PRINT $230 Quantity:___

Total: $__________

PAYMENT INFORMATION:  CHEQUE

(Make cheque payable to the SK Stock Growers Association)

 CREDIT CARD # _____________________________________________ TYPE OF CARD:  MC  VISA (Shipping charges add $15) $__________ 5% + GST: $__________ TOTAl Amount Paid: $__________

Box 4752, Regina, SK S4P 3Y4 • Phone: 306-757-8523 JANUARY 2018

www.skstockgrowers.com | ©BEEF BUSINESS | 45

ATTENTION LIVESTOCK OPERATORS Expected livestock identification and traceability regulatory amendments will require all livestock operations to identify their premises with their local provincial or territorial government premises registry. Livestock operators can PREPARE in two easy steps 1. Contact your local PREMISES REGISTRY with your legal land description to confirm or acquire a valid premises identification (PID) number for your livestock site 2. Contact CANADIAN CATTLE IDENTIFICATION AGENCY to confirm or acquire a Canadian Livestock Tracking System database account, and enter your valid PID into it, by toll-free telephone 1-877-909-2333 or email info@canadaid.ca

FIND your local PREMISES REGISTRY BRITISH COLUMBIA: 1-888-221-7141 ALBERTA: 310-FARM (3276) SASKATCHEWAN: 1 - 8 6 6 - 4 5 7 - 2 3 7 7 MANITOBA: 1-204-945-7684 ONTARIO: 1-855-697-7743 QUEBEC: 1-866-270-4319 NEW BRUNSWICK: 1-506-453-2109 NOVA SCOTIA: 1-800-279-0825 PRINCE EDWARD ISLAND: 1-866-PEI-FARM NEWFOUNDLAND & LABRADOR: 1-709-637-2088 YUKON: 1-867-667-3043 46

| Â©BEEF BUSINESS | www.skstockgrowers.com

JANUARY 2018

Science and Production Active Missing Livestock Files December 2017 Brand location

RCMP subdivision

Livestock Branch contact

Date reported

North Battleford

North Battleford 306-441-6353

Nov 20

NVB

N/A

Carlyle

Moosomin 306-435-4582

Dec 1

NVB

N/A

Outlook

North Battleford 306-441-6353

Nov 15

Two year old heifers

Carlyle

Moosomin 306-435-4582

Dec 11

Cows

Watrous

North Battleford 306-441-6353

Dec 5

Area missing from

Number of head

Animal description

Baljennie

Draft mares

Carlyle

Yearling heifers

Conquest

Purebred Black Angus bull calves

Kisbey

Watrous

Brand description

Moosomin 306-435-4582

Dec 11

Information provided by Livestock Services of Saskatchewan

Online Access cont. from pg. 44 dealers and producers to provide access to these services. We will be using a variety of methods to engage people in the registration process and provide adequate help to get them started. It is important

JANUARY 2018

that LSS move carefully and methodically through this phase to allow for the best possible results. With this in mind, we will be advancing our way slowly through the process using focus groups and small pilot projects before a general push to all producers. We anticipate great feedback

as we start to unveil the portal and we look forward to making these features and services available to our stakeholders over the coming year. B

www.skstockgrowers.com | ÂŠBEEF BUSINESS | 47

Stewardship SSGA Calls for Conservation Banking Pilot Project by Jeff Gaye

The Saskatchewan Stock Growers Association wants to bring stakeholders together with the aim of developing a habitat conservation banking system for Saskatchewan. The idea is to use conservation banking to mitigate environmental damage from industrial land use and to reward producers for their stewardship efforts. At its 104th Annual General Meeting, SSGA members adopted a resolution calling on the federal and provincial governments to explore such a system. Livestock producers could earn credits for expanding wildlife habitat and could then sell those credits to industries that cause unavoidable damage. Conservation banking rewards producers for their environmental stewardship. Not only does it offset potential damage from other industries, it actually works to expand existing habitat for species at risk. “The system is proven to expand habitat,” said SSGA President Shane Jahnke. “Ranchers are conserving and expanding natural habitat in the normal course of doing business, so this will reward them for their efforts and encourage them to do even more.” The SSGA is gathering with government and industry stakeholders later this month to explore setting up a pilot project. Some industrial developments currently include environmental offsets in their development proposals. These may include direct measures to mitigate the project’s environmental damage and are often completed well after the development has been built. According to Jaret McDonald, SaskPower’s Manager (Biodiversity), Strategic Issues Management and Environment, from SaskPower’s perspective, despite best efforts, new projects cannot always avoid

sensitive habitat. Instead of negotiating and implementing project offsets that take time and technical expertise, a habitat bank would be a readily available and cost effective method if needed to meet project regulatory requirements. Like any bank, investments increase in value over time and can provide habitat benefits well in advance of future withdrawals. Conservation banking differs from these offsets in that the environmental enhancement is not necessarily tied to or part of a specific development project and is usually completed before the development is built. This encourages ranchers and other agricultural producers to start their habitat enhancement and earn credits as part of the normal course of their operations.

“The ministry recognizes that conservation banks have the potential to support industry mitigation and enhanced land stewardship actions and we’ve been working on standards and tools to provide a foundation for such approaches,” Kirychuk said. “Government is only one player in this. It will take input and involvement from the SSGA and other industry and environmental organizations to help devise and implement credible approaches that help industry get their environmental compliance requirements met. We look forward to collaborating with the SSGA as well as industry and ENGO [environmental non-government organizations] partners on these promising directions,” he said. B

Measurable outcomes are built into the system, and help to determine how many credits the producer earns and how they are paid. In some conservation banking systems, the enhanced habitat is monitored over several years, with the producer being paid year by year as objectives are met. Other conservation banks are set up as preservation banks – rather than launching projects to expand habitat, a producer undertakes to preserve existing habitat. Saskatchewan’s environment ministry has expressed interest in the proposed pilot project. “The SSGA’s interest in moving marketbased conservation approaches forward is recognized and appreciated,” said Brant Kirychuk, the Ministry of Environment’s Executive Director of Fish, Wildlife and Lands Branch.

| ©BEEF BUSINESS | www.skstockgrowers.com

JANUARY 2018

Stewardship Communication is Vital when the Prairie and Oil Share Common Ground by Tara Mulhern Davidson

The energy industry is a vital part of Saskatchewan’s economy. Gas wells and oil pump jacks dot the landscape in many parts of the province. The infrastructure that goes along with a booming energy business – the well heads, pipelines, rights-of-way, transmission lines, roads, compressor stations, and more – are located mainly on agricultural lands. While there are pros and cons to industrial activity on any type of land, the potential environmental risks of such operations are unique on native prairie. Darren Ippolito, a beef producer from Kisbey, SK, is no stranger to oil activity on his ranch, which is situated south of the Moose Mountains in the heart of the Bakken Field. He operates Moose Creek Red Angus along with his parents Glenn and Donna, and partner Kylie and young son Kord, and their farm has dealt with

the oil industry for generations. At SK PCAP’s 2017 Native Prairie Restoration and Reclamation Workshop, Ippolito shared some of his experiences and expectations regarding oil development on native prairie, during a producer-focused session titled “Landowners and Industry Working Together.” When it comes to ranching alongside oil development, “communication is the beall and the end-all,” explained Ippolito, who has himself worked in the oil field. “One of the biggest issues is companies often don’t understand native prairie. They treat it the same as tilled acres or tame grass, even though it isn’t,” he said. “It’s hard to relay that a decision made today could have twenty-five years of effects, and no matter how hard we work or how good our management is, we can’t fix it,” he pointed out. Money often means

Minimal disturbance drilling sometimes includes the use of matting when on prairie. Photo credit: Sheila Taillon

more to oil businesses than time, “but with native prairie, we talk in years, not in hours.” “I am pro oil and gas, I know it is good for our communities, it’s good for the tax base,” he clarified, but added it certainly changes the dynamics of a cattle operation. He also cited challenges with land ownership, and said because of oil continued on page 50

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www.olefarms.com www.skstockgrowers.com | ©BEEF BUSINESS | 49

Stewardship Communication cont. from pg. 49 revenues; land simply doesn’t trade hands as often, but rather is kept in the family. This means ranchers often have to rely on rented pasture, which can create risk for long-term viability. “From the outside looking in, it all looks pretty good, but there is good and bad.” From his perspective, Ippolito believes prairie restoration and reclamation goals are more likely to be achieved when the oil company is open minded. “The companies we deal with that tend to be successful are open to anything and any suggestion,” he explained. Other companies are more rigid and have a set plan and do not like to deviate from that plan. “You have to build relationships and work to find common ground with all of them,” he said. “The easier it is for them, the easier it is for us.”

Ippolito is straightforward about what he expects from industry. He wants companies to honour timelines and appointments and listen to the landowner’s perspective.“When families have been ranching here for a century, we know the land,” he explained. He also suggested working directly with company decision makers to have an efficient flow of information. Face-to-face meetings with project managers and environmental consultants are helpful for minimizing risks to native prairie. Ippolito tries to stop potential problems by making himself available to work with companies on everything from project location to seed mixes and noxious weed prevention. “Native prairie gives us great joy, it is a link to our history,” Ippolito stated. “I expect industry to respect what is there.” SK PCAP will host the 2018 Native Prairie Restoration and Reclamation Workshop (NPRRW) in Saskatoon, SK on February 7 and 8, 2018 at the Saskatoon Inn. The

A prairie landscape at Moose Creek Red Angus. Photo credit: Kylie McRae

theme is “Look to the Future, Learn from the Past” and the event includes expert speakers, case study exercises, a trade show, a poster session, and many networking opportunities. Visit www. pcap-sk.org for more information or to register. B

Canada’s Red, White and Black Bull Sale March 17, 2018 ∙ 1:00 PM

Johnstone Auction Mart, Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan Breeds Represented: Polled Hereford Horned Hereford Red Angus Black Angus Limousin Charolais Simmental

Consignors • • • • • • • • • •

Lone Pine Cattle Services Six South Acres LV Farms Bieber Herefords GWG Polled Herefords Wascana Cattle Co. Mission Ridge Herefords Torch View Cattle Co. Rock -N -Roll Farm Triple H Farm Ltd.

• • • • • • • • • •

JRP Herefords Eden Meadows Farm Flying F Ranch Craigs Simmentals & Charolais Coulee Crossing Cattle Co. Glennie Brothers Triple H Cattle Co. Blue Sky Charolais Clipper Cattle Co. Gold-Bar Livestock

Check canadaredwhiteblackbullsale.weebly.com

for more information regarding the final list of contributors and the bulls consigned. Follow the sale on Facebook for updates.

For information regarding Canada’s Newest Bull Sale please contact Rob O’Connor, Lone Pine Cattle Services Telephone (306) 550-4890

JANUARY 2018

THANK YOU STOCK EXCHANGE EXHIBITORS ABC CATTLE CO. - WHITEWOOD, SK ANDERSON CATTLE COMPANY INC. - SWAN RIVER, MB BAR CR ANGUS - PERDUE, SK BRIDGEWAY LIVESTOCK - WAWOTA, SK CEDARLEA FARMS/WINDY WILLOWS FARM - HODGEVILLE, SK CITY VIEW SIMMENTALS/ABOUND LIVESTOCK - PARKBEG, SK CRESCENT CREEK ANGUS - GOODEVE, SK DAVIDSON GELBVIEH/LONESOME DOVE RANCH - PONTEIX, SK DIAMOND C LIBERTY ANGUS - MELVILLE, SK DOUBLE ‘F’ CATTLE CO - PARKSIDE, SK DUAL E CATTLE CO./U6 LIVESTOCK - WYNYARD, SK EASTONDALE ANGUS - WAWOTA, SK HEXTALL LIVESTOCK - GRENFELL, SK JP CATTLE CO. - MCAULEY, MB JPM FARMS - GRAVELBOURG, SK KENRAY RANCH - REDVERS, SK LAKELAND COLLEGE - VERMILION, AB MCCOY CATTLE CO. LTD./BECK FARMS - MILESTONE, SK MCINTOSH LIVESTOCK - MAYMONT, SK MINBURN ANGUS - MINBURN, AB SIX MILE - FIR MOUNTAIN, SK SMART FARMS ANGUS - MOOSOMIN, SK T BAR K RANCH - WAWOTA, SK VERMEULEN FARMS - CEYLON, SK WARD’S RED ANGUS - SASKATOON, SK WHITECAP CHAROLAIS/HOWE RED ANGUS - MOOSE JAW, SK WINDY HILL LIVESTOCK - MOOSE JAW, SK WRAZ RED ANGUS - WAWOTA, SK

ANDERSON CATTLE COMPANY INC. - SWAN RIVER, MB BECK FARMS - LANG, SK BLACK GOLD SIMMENTAL - LLOYDMINSTER, SK CAS-BAR CHAROLAIS - BLAINE LAKE, SK CEDARLEA FARMS - HODGEVILLE, SK COCKBURN RED ANGUS - BRIERCREST, SK CRESCENT CREEK ANGUS - GOODEVE, SK DEER RANGE FARMS LTD. - STEWART VALLEY, SK DOUBLE C RED ANGUS - FOAM LAKE, SK DOUBLE ‘F’ CATTLE CO. - PARKSIDE, SK

EASTONDALE ANGUS - WAWOTA, SK FLYING F RANCH - WEYBURN, SK FORDEN FAIRVIEW FARM - PUNNICHY, SK HBH FARMS INC. - RIVERS, MB J SQUARE S ANGUS - GRAYSON, SK JPM FARMS LTD. - GRAVELBOURG, SK LONE PINE CATTLE SERVICES - VIBANK, SK LV FARMS LTD. - MIDALE, SK MCCOY CATTLE CO. - MILESTONE, SK MCINTOSH LIVESTOCK - MAYMONT, SK PHEASANTDALE CATTLE COMPANY LTD. - BALCARRES, SK SOUTH VIEW RANCH - CEYLON, SK T & S FARMS - ROSE VALLEY, SK T BAR K RANCH - WAWOTA, SK WRAZ RED ANGUS - WAWOTA, SK

DEVON BARNARD - MOOSOMIN, SK BLAIRSWEST LAND AND CATTLE - DRAKE, SK CAB RANCH - WHITEWOOD, SK COCKBURN RED ANGUS - BRIERCREST, SK GEHL RANCH - HODGEVILLE, SK GOUDY’S PRAIRIE ACRES - STOUGHTON, SK HEBERT LIVESTOCK VENTURES - WAWOTA, SK JACKSON FAMILY FARM - HUMBOLDT, SK JP CATTLE CO. - MCAULEY, MB KATTLE KOUNTRY - MORTLACH, SK KNAPP FARMS - SOUTHEY, SK KNOX LAND AND LIVESTOCK INC. - BRIERCREST, SK LAKELAND COLLEGE - COMMERCIAL BEEF UNIT - VERMILION, AB MCVICAR STOCK FARMS LTD. - COLONSAY, SK MEBS RANCH - BROADVIEW, SK NU-HORIZON ANGUS - LIPTON, SK PHEASANTDALE CATTLE COMPANY LTD. - BALCARRES, SK RAYMOND LAND & CATTLE LTD. - ANEROID, SK RBD RANCH - MILESTONE, SK ROCKIN’ LAZY M RANCH - MOOSE JAW, SK SENTES FARMS - RAYMORE, SK SMART FARMS ANGUS - MOOSOMIN, SK THREE STAR SIMMENTALS - WEYBURN, SK TRIPLE H CATTLE CO. LOTD. - CUPAR, SK WESTMAN FARMS - VERMILION, AB WESTWOOD LAND & CATTLE LTD. - FILLMORE, SK

SEE YOU NEXT YEAR! NOVEMBER 19-24, 2018

www.agribition.com

JANUARY 2018

Association News, Reports, and Events

Zone Scholarships Students pursuing secondary education with family members who are active SSGA members are eligible to apply for SSGA Zone scholarships. Application deadline is Feb 1. For more information: http://stockgrowers.com/resources/ The SSGA Zones 3 and 12 Board recently installed a new sign on the #1 Highway by Gull Lake. Photo courtesy of Matthew Gerbrandt

SSGA Meeting Notice SSGA SEMI-ANNUAL MEETING January 25th, 2018 at 8:30 am Saskatoon Inn

Please submit resolutions to: the SSGA office Box 4752, Evraz Place, Regina, SK S4P 3Y4 Phone: 306-757-8523 Fax: 306-569-8799 email: ssga@sasktel.net *Please note that you do not have to be registered for SBIC to attend our semi annual meeting*

(Part of the Beef Industry Conference)

Saskatoon, SK

sk stockgrowers.com 54

| ÂŠBEEF BUSINESS | www.skstockgrowers.com

JANUARY 2018

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Association News, Reports, and Events A Report From Shane Jahnke President, Saskatchewan Stock Growers Association In an effort to address rural crime, including cattle theft, the SSGA and other producer groups are continuing to work together on getting a dedicated agriculture police presence in the province. We hope to see more on this in 2018.

I hope everyone had a good Christmas and I want to wish you all a Happy New Year. We can be thankful that 2017 is in the books as it sure was a challenging year. The government’s decision on the divestiture of the Saskatchewan Pasture Program (SPP) wasn’t a surprise but producers weren’t expecting it to happen so quickly. The process is following the template created from the PFRA transition and the first patron groups are set to take over management for the coming grazing season. Although the bovine TB investigation started in 2016, it has continued through 2017 for the seventy one producers involved in the trace-in process. Recently, the CFIA announced that they had completed the final testing of trace-out animals. Trace-in testing continues to progress with only ten of the original thirty-five Saskatchewan trace-in premises still under quarantine. The prescribed burn that was originally scheduled for a portion of the Matador Pasture was put on hold for the time being. The SSGA continues to stand behind grazing as a better option for dealing with invasive grass species rather than lighting a match to grass that hasn’t been grazed in 40 years.

The SSGA was happy with the government’s decision to assist in dealing with the issue of cougars in the province. It was a step in the right direction, but we have a long way to go to solve this problem. The SSGA plans to continue working toward finding additional tools to help producers address livestock predation issues in Saskatchewan.

negotiation of international free trade agreements. Please plan on attending the SSGA Semiannual meeting on January 25, 2018 during the Saskatchewan Beef Industry Conference (SBIC) in Saskatoon, SK. This meeting gives producers a chance to catch up on what is happening in their industry and the additional opportunity to socialize and learn something that you can apply to your operation. As always, if you have any comments, questions or concerns please feel free to give me a call. B

The 2nd Annual SSGA Beef Drive continues to exceed our expectations. To date we have been able to deliver 6,863 pounds of ground beef to the Food Banks of Saskatchewan. I would like to thank Gord Roger and Elanco Animal Health again for their contribution to this program. And thank you to everyone else who has contributed and helped make this initiative such a success. The SSGA continues to be overwhelmed by the response to the Wildfire Relief Fund. The support for the ranchers affected by the wildfires continues to be outstanding. To date the fund has collected over $235,000 in cash donations (including $100,000 from the Government of SK) and over $200,000 in donated feed, trucking and fencing materials. These donated resources have begun to reach producers who were impacted by the fires and these efforts will continue in the coming weeks. The SSGA is still accepting donations. Going forward into 2018, the SSGA will continue to work on the industry’s behalf on the above issues and additional things, such as fire insurance for pasture and hay crops, SK climate change strategy and the

JANUARY 2018

Calendar of Events JANUARY January 24-25 SK Beef Industry Conference Saskatoon, SK January 25 SSGA Semi-Annual Meeting Saskatoon, SK January 27 M.C. Quantock “Canada’s Bulls” Bull Sale Lloydminster, AB/SK The Saskatchewan Stock Growers January 31 Moose Creek Red Angus 2 Year Old Sale Kisbey, SK FEBRUARY Association has entered into a February 1 Scholarship Application Deadline partnership SSGA withZone Flaman to February 2-4 Western Canadian Holistic Management Conference Moosomin, SK increase February 3 Memberships Hill 70 Quantockand Ranch Barn Burnin’ Bull Sale Lloydminter, AB/SK February 6-9 Western Canada Feedlot Management School Regina, SK Subscription readership. February 7-8 Native Prairie Restoration & Reclamation Workshop Saskatoon, SK February 8 Carlrams 9th Annual Bull Sale Cut Knife, SK February 12 Advertising deadline for March issue of Beef Business February 15 Nordal Limousin and Angus Bull Sale Saskatoon, SK th Athabasca, AB February 19 Ole Farms 13 Annual Family Day Sale As of September 1, 2008 the Saskatchewan February 21 M&J Farms Bull and Female Sale Russell, MB The sponsored membership February 22prize by Benlock Farms Love What You Do Bull & Female Sale Grandora, Flaman will be a Stock Growers will be offering a majorSKprize th February 22 Chapman Cattle Co. 12 Annual “Forage-Developed” Bull Sale Stettler, AB draw for all paid new and renewal of existing February 23 Standard Hill Connection Black Angus, Red Angus and Polled Hereford Sale Maidstone, SK as follows: FebruarySpecs: 27 FullDouble Bar D Best of Both Worlds Bullmemberships Sale Grenfell, SK rear door, side door, MARCH slots for side window slides, rock guard, 2-3,500 lb torefl exSale axles March 1 Calgary Bull Calgary, AB New or Existing Memberships: th LaBatte Simmentals with Meadow Acres Simmentals 38 Annual Bull and March 2 1 year $105.00 entry Female Moose1Jaw, SK The member that sellsSale the most SSGA new th March 3 McMillen Ranching Ltd. 24 Annual Bull Sale Carievale, SK memberships will receive a free registration for 2 year $194.25 2 entries March 4 two to theR2009 Plus Simmentals 18.th Annual Bull Sale Estevan, SK SSGA AGM 2 year spousal $97.12 1 entry March 5 Ashworth Farm 15th Bull Sale Oungre, SK $262.50 entries March 6 Sun Country 11th Annual Shorthorn Sale3 year Moose3Jaw, SK year spousal $131.25 2 entries March 11 Early Sunset “Only the Good Ones Sell”3Production Sale Edam, SK th Red & Palmer Charolais with Nielson Land & Cattle Life Co 7 Annual Charolais, $1050.00 10 entries Bladworth, SK March 12 Black Angus Bull Sale spousal $525.00 4 entries Bowerman Bros., Wish Bone Cattle Co., Life Nesset Lake Angus and Island Hill March 15 th Angus 13 Annual Black Angus Bull Sale Meadow Lake, SK All draws will be made at the 2009 SSGAMedicine Annual Hat, Convention March 16-18 Cody Sibbald Legacy Classic AB March 17 Canada’s Red, White and Black Bull Sale Moose Jaw, SK more information or to becomeMoose a member, March 20 City View Simmentals and Ivanhoe Angus 8thFor Annual Bull Sale Jaw, SK

SSGA MEMBERSHIP

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please contact the SSGA office at 306-757-8523

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New

1 Year $157.50................... Spousal $78.75 Spousal $145.69 2 Year $291.38 .................... 3 Year $393.75 .................... Spousal $196.88 Lifetime: $2625.00 ............ Spousal $1312.50 Junior Membership 1 Year $26.75 2 Year $52.50 3 Year $78.75 Subscription 1 Year $26.25 2 Year $47.25 3 Year $68.25

Name _______________________________________________ _ Address_ ____________________________________________ _ City/Town______________ Prov_____

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SSGA MEMBERSHIP

Drive

Phone (________) _________________________________Email ______________________________ Ranch/company name___________________________________________Herd Size ________________ Fall Sale Dates___________________________Spring Sale Dates ________________________________

www.skstockgrowers.com | ©BEEF BUSINESS | 57 JANUARY 2018 In order to be eligible to receive the prize a member, subscriber or advertiser who’s entry is drawn must answer a g skill question. testin The chances of winning the sponsored membership prize draw is dependant on the number and type of membership sold during the membership drive of September 1, 2008 to the 2009 AGM. During a comparable d in 2007, perio there were approximately 300 new and renewal memberships sold.

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SSGA BOARD OF DIRECTORS THE EXECUTIVE

Shane Jahnke President/Director at Large Gouldtown, SK

DIRECTORS AT LARGE Phone: 784-2899

Bill Huber 1st Vice President/Director at Large Lipton, SK Phone: 336-2684 Kelcy Elford 2nd Vice President/Director at Large Caronport, SK

Phone: 690-5309

Jeff Yorga Finance Chair Flintoft, SK Phone: 531-5717 Doug Gillespie Past President Neville, SK Phone: 627-3619

Jerry Chanig, Mankota Keith Day, Lacadena Gerald Duckworth, Courval Glen Elford, Milestone Calvin Gavelin, McCord Joe Gilchrist, Maple Creek Paula Larson, D'Arcy Norm Nordgulen, Assiniboia Lee Sexton, Hanley Barry Olney, Estevan Roy Rutledge, Assiniboia

ZONE CHAIR DIRECTORS Zone 1 Zone 2 Zone 3 Zone 4 - Zone 5 - Zone 6 - Zone 7 - Zone 12 -

Henry McCarthy, Wawota Stephanie Deg, Weyburn Rod Gamble, Pambrun Brad Howe, Empress, AB Bill Huber, Lipton Brent Griffin, Elbow Kimberly Simpson, Kyle Kelly Williamson, Pambrun

478-2658 375-2934 394-4211 436-4688 478-2558 662-3986 379-4523 642-4961 544-2660 421-1495 642-5358

AFFILIATE DIRECTORS

Garner Deobald - Charolais Affiliate, Hodgeville 677-2589 Jack Ford - SaskMilk Affiliate, Wishart 328-4700 Tara Fritz - SImmental Affiliate, Shaunavon 297-3147 Ian Leaman - Shorthorn Affiliate, Chaplin 631-3694 Laird Senft - Angus Affiliate, Fort Qu’Appelle 332-4823 Corbin St. John - Goat Breeders Affiliate, Brock 460-7361 Jeff Yorga - Limousin Affiliate, Flintoft 531-5717

APPOINTED DIRECTORS

Dr. Andy Acton- Veterinary Advisor, Ogema

459-2422

SASKATCHEWAN CCA DIRECTORS

739-2205 891-9894 582-2077 661-0409 336-2684 854-2050 375-5534 582-6102

Pat Hayes, Val Marie Lynn Grant, Val Marie Reg Schellenberg, Beechy Duane Thompson, Kelliher

298-2284 298-2268 859-4905 675-4562

Listings of email and fax numbers can be found on the SSGA website at www.skstockgrowers.com

JANUARY 2018

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B R E E D E RS Your AD could be here! Contact 306-757-8523

(306) 567- 4702

LLB Angus Your AD could be here! Contact 306-757-8523

Box 688, Davidson, SK S0G

Helen Finucane phone: 306-584-2773 cell: 306-537-2648 Carlyle, SK

Annual March Bull & Female Sale Private Treaty Sales LEE & LAURA BROWN Box 217, Erskine, Alberta T0C 1G0 Phone: 403-742-4226 email: llbangus@xplornet.com

www.llbangus.com

Saskatchewan Stock Growers Association, Advocating for Independent Cattle Producers in Saskatchewan for 104 Years.

Your AD could be here! Annual Online 2 Year Old Bull Sale 3rd Friday in March

Contact 306-757-8523

Trevor, Cheryl, Brett & Carter Branvold Box 205 Wawota, Saskatchewan S0G 5A0 Ph: 306 739 2924 | Cell: 306 577 9141 gbtangus@sasktel.net | www.gbtangus.com

JANUARY 2018

RAGE AHEAD

witH HiGH-quAlity sEED

GET $100 BACK PER 50lb BAG OF FORAGE SEED FROM CPS AND DuCkS uNliMitED CANADA! As a producer, you care about your land and the environment. You know that high-quality forage crops are important because they help produce healthy, hefty cattle – and that makes you happy. Forage crops not only provide sustainable grazing sources for livestock, they’re part of sound land management. Forage crops also diversify crop rotations, prevent erosion and retain nutrients. The 2018 Forage Program helps with the cost of seeding, and includes the extensive line-up of Proven® Seed forage varieties. Sign up and get your ducks in a row before spring! Ask us about our other programs including fencing, wetland restoration and more.

Questions? Call 1-866-252-DuCK (3825), email du_regina@ducks.ca or visit your local CPS dealer.

Proven® Seed is a registered trademark of Crop Production Services (Canada) Inc. CROP PRODUCTION SERVICES and Design is a registered trademark of Crop Production Services Inc.

JANUARY 2018

WORK IT WEIGH IT WRAP IT FEED IT

HAUL IT

MIX IT

SPREAD IT

NEED IT!!

Whether youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re looking to put up some hay or spread manure, Norheim Ranching has you covered. Our full line of livestock products are focused on you. Visit us online or give us a call anytime.

NORHEIM 1-306-227-4503

RANCHING

Your Livestock Equipment Specialists

norheimranching@sasktel.net