BEEF BELONGS.
Across the working landscapes of Saskatchewan, the wetlands and grasslands needed by wildlife are owned and sustainably managed by ranchers like you.
As beef producers, you protect our province’s most important natural areas. Ducks Unlimited Canada (DUC) understands that a prosperous beef industry is central to healthy land, vibrant rural communities and abundant wildlife populations. We offer farmgate conservation programs designed to support your stewardship efforts and put money back in your pocket.
Z Need more livestock feed? DUC’s Forage Program pays $100/acre for field-scale conversion to perennial forage. Additional program incentives could take that to $200/acre.
Z Have land with water and grass? DUC’s Rangeland Program pays up to $5,000 to protect grasslands and existing wetlands for a 10-year term.
Z Conservation Easements (CEs) protect your land’s natural values in perpetuity, pay up to 35% of current land values, and have no restrictions on haying or grazing.
Z DUC’s Revolving Lands Program (RLP) can be a cost-effective option to expand your land holdings. RLP lands have been restored to tame grassland; since a CE is a condition of purchase, these lands sell for slightly below fair market value. There are no restrictions on haying or grazing.
A Saskatchewan Stock Growers Association (SSGA) Publication
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SSGA reserves the right to refuse advertising and edit manuscripts. Contents of Beef Business may be reproduced with written permission obtained from SSGA's General Manager, and with proper credit given to Saskatchewan Stock Growers Association. Articles submitted may not be the opinion of SSGA. SSGA assumes no responsibility for any actions or decisions taken by any reader from this publication based on any and all information provided.
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Industry Notice: Detection and Status of the Bovine TB Investigation
Overview
On November 29, 2024, the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) Ottawa Laboratory Fallowfield found that tissues collected from a six-year-old cow at slaughter in a federally-registered facility in Alberta had tested positive for bovine tuberculosis (TB).
Investigation Status as of December 16, 2024
Working with the information in the Canadian Livestock Tracking System (CLTS) database, CFIA identified a herd in Saskatchewan as the birth herd/herd of origin of the infected animal. This herd has been placed under quarantine until testing can be completed.
The timing of testing will be determined
after discussions with the producer to manage the operational impact of the process.
CFIA is continuing to work closely with the producers, industry associations, and provincial and federal agriculture and health authorities throughout the investigation.
All areas of Canada have been considered officially bovine TB-free in its farmed bovine and cervid species since 2006. An investigation of this detection will support international market access for Canada’s beef industry.
Process and Next Steps
In all cases where federally-regulated diseases are suspected or confirmed, the goal is to take appropriate and prudent control measures while minimizing disruptions to producers.
During a bovine TB investigation, quarantines and movement restrictions are placed on any implicated animals. Testing and, humane destruction through slaughter are carried out as required.
CFIA is in the very early stages of its intervention, which involves identifying all herds that came in contact with the infected animal during its life. CFIA has also begun laboratory testing to identify the strain of the bacterium as this may inform if there are connections to previous cases. This process can take up to 12 weeks to complete.
The tracing results from a 2023 investigation of a bovine TB infected herd in Saskatchewan did not identify any connection to this herd.
Detailed information on bovine TB and what can be expected during an investigation is available on the CFIA website. Investigation updates will be posted as more information becomes available.
Bovine TB has been subject to a mandatory national eradication program since 1923.
While all areas of Canada are considered to be officially free of bovine TB today, isolated cases in cattle may occur.
Human cases of bovine TB are very rare.
Exposure can occur through:
• The passage of fluids from an infected animal to an open skin sore,
• Extended close contact with an animal with active respiratory TB, or
• Consuming raw or unpasteurized animal products (such as unpasteurized milk) from an infected animal.
Generally, bovine TB does not pose a threat to public health in Canada because of the extremely low prevalence of the disease, the abattoir surveillance and testing programs in place, and practices such as pasteurization of milk.
Compensation and Financial Assistance
Producers are eligible for compensation for any animals ordered destroyed by CFIA as part of this investigation.
In addition, under the Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership, there is a suite of business risk management (BRM) programs available, including AgriInvest and AgriStability, to help farmers manage risk due to severe market volatility and disaster situations that are largely beyond their capacity to manage.
Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada is the lead federal department for these programs.
A Collaborative Approach
Disease investigations require a great deal of cooperation and collaboration.
Affected producers and industry associations, as well as federal and provincial departments, are cooperating in the ongoing investigation. The common goal is to protect human health, protect the health of Canadian livestock and, in the process, maintain market access.
REFERENCE
Canadian Food Inspection Agency
• Industry Notice - Detection of bovine tuberculosis in Saskatchewan (2024) https://inspection.canada.ca/ en/animal-health/terrestrialanimals/diseases/reportable/ bovine-tuberculosis/ saskatchewan-2024/2024-12-16
• Bovine Tuberculosis in Saskatchewan https://inspection.canada.ca/en/ animal-health/terrestrial-animals/ diseases/reportable/bovinetuberculosis/saskatchewan-2024
Bovine TB is a reportable disease. Any suspect cases must be reported to Canadian Food Inspection Agency.
It is most commonly spread through:
• Contact with infected animals' respiratory secretions and aerosols, feces, milk, urine, vaginal secretions, or semen; and
• Ingestion of contaminated food and water.
Progressive signs of disease:
• Weakness,
• Loss of appetite,
• Weight-loss,
• Fluctuating fever,
• Intermittent cough, and/or
• Lesions in the lymph nodes of the head and thorax, lung, spleen and liver.
While all investigations and response situations are different, the steps involved in a bovine TB investigation or response normally include:
• quarantine
• investigation
• destruction and disposal
• cleaning and disinfection
• compensation
• confidentiality
This activity remains important to ensure prompt detection and eradication of the disease—to prevent its establishment and spread.
- Canadian Food Inspection Agency
• What to expect if your farm is part of the investigation for bovine tuberculosis
https://inspection.canada.ca/animalhealth/terrestrial-animals/diseases/ reportable/bovine-tuberculosis/ farm-under-investigation/ eng/1449456995596/1449456996360
For more than 50 years, Pneu-Dart has offered the best remote injection equipment for your drug delivery needs.
Remote Drug Delivery (RDD) systems are designed to capture or medicate while minimizing stress on animals. Whether you're treating freerange cattle, sedating cervid livestock, or assisting in the translocation of wild animals, Pneu-Dart manufactures the products to handle every target situation.
Making Your Data Work for You with Record-Keeping Software
Alexis DeCorby Livestock and Feed Extension Specialist, PAg. Regional Services Branch, Ministry of Agriculture Government of Saskatchewan
Have you determined what it costs to feed your cattle during winter? Recorded birth or weaning weights on calves? Recorded treatment dates so you can determine when it is safe to ship an animal?
Good news: You’re already keeping records. Often the issue for producers is not keeping track of the data, but finding the time to analyze this data and make decisions based on it. Since time is a limited asset on any operation, a recently completed Agriculture Demonstration of Practices and Technologies (ADOPT) project aimed to determine if recordkeeping software could assist producers in keeping and analyzing their data to make management decisions.
The goal of this project was to determine if record-keeping software is user friendly and makes analyzing records easier.
Both producers in this trial were already keeping track of all the required records and wanted to use that data to drive decision making on their operations.
The producers were given a list of recordkeeping software options and were asked to select one to try. Based on their needs, the cooperators in this project chose HerdTrax and CattleMax. NOTE: The cost of these programs varies based on the size of your herd and the services offered. There may also be one-time start-up fees associated with these programs.
Initially, both producers were asked to enter cow and calf information for their entire herds. They were asked to record birth weights, weaning weights, cow weights and treatment/vaccine records. Producers were invited to keep track of other data that they prioritized; the criteria
• Able to track medical records (treatments) to ensure accurate withdrawal times
• Weighing cattle at multiple points in year has increased treatment rate accuracy
• Able to attach a photo of the animal in case a tag gets lost
• Ability to track animal movements between pastures easily
• Able to submit tag information directly to Canadian Cattle Identification Agency's Canadian Livestock Tracking System (CLTS) database
• In-person workshops were helpful
• Data is available anywhere with Internet access
• Able to track treatments and withdrawal times
• Being required to weigh cows has resulted in more accurate dosages with medication
• Easy to see year-over-year cow performance
listed was mandatory. Both producers had sizable herds with ~500 and 120 head, respectively.
The initial entry was the most timeconsuming part of the project. The HerdTrax operation reported 10 hours of time to enter data, initially; and the CattleMax operation reported four hours to enter data. In the following years, producers reported a significant reduction in time spent entering and analyzing data, at approximately four hours (~500 head operation) and two hours (~120 head operation), respectively.
After three years of data entry, both producers reported making changes because of using record-keeping software. The HerdTrax cooperator reported being more aware of performance data when selecting replacement heifers. Similarly,
• Doesn’t talk to breed association, resulting in double entry (more labour)
• If they switch to a different program, would have to re-enter data
• Fees are somewhat high
• Response time to questions can vary
• Doesn’t talk to breed association, resulting in double entry (more labour)
• Some of the advanced features took time to learn
• Software is still evolving. May have to relearn how to do something.
HerdTrax
Pro Con
CattleMax
Pro Con
the CattleMax cooperator used their data to identify consistently poor milking cows based on multiple years of data.
Both producers also reported being more accurate with their treatment dosages because they were basing the dose on actual cow weights, rather than estimating weights. Both producers found value in using record-keeping software to analyze their data and would recommend it to other producers.
The producer that used HerdTrax is planning to continue using the program to track their herd. The producer that used CattleMax will not be continuing, due to their purebred association not working with CattleMax, resulting in double entry.
Both producers were asked to share
pros and cons of using record-keeping software. Their key takeaways are listed in the tables on the previous page.
Thinking about using record-keeping software but not sure which software is best for you? Consider the recommendations below, developed based on feedback from our producer cooperators.
1. Talk to other producers that use record-keeping software. Both of our cooperators had previously researched record-keeping software, which helped give them a starting point when picking a program.
2. Start slow. Transitioning to recordkeeping software does not have to happen overnight. You may wish to
pick a group, such as your bred heifers, and enter their data as they calve this season. If you repeat this process, eventually, all your data will be in the program.
3. Use software resources to maximize your ability to analyze records. Both of our producers made use of the help services offered to them through the software companies to learn advanced features.
Do you have questions about getting started with record-keeping software or other livestock related questions?
Contact your local livestock and feed extension specialist or the Agriculture Knowledge Centre at 1-866-457-2377 for more information. B
Three for Free: Making Your Farm Records Work for You
Beef Cattle Research Council (BCRC) is offering three free cow-calf recordkeeping courses to inform and support good business decisions as a beef producer.
1. Records for Tracking Genetic Improvements - This seven-part online course will walk you through the process of monitoring genetic advancements by exploring records that aid in herd management decisions, such as selecting replacement heifers and bulls, and making culling choices.
2. Animal Health & Performance Records - This six-part online course will walk you through the essential steps of effective record-keeping, transforming data into actionable insights. You will explore the GOLD Standards for animal health records,
body condition scoring, calving distribution, cow-to-bull ratios, and more. Learn how to gather and store data that can be analyzed to create baselines, benchmarks, and goals, leading to improved business decisions.
3. Forage & Grasslands Records -
This six-part online course will walk you through the practical aspects of record-keeping for forages and grasslands. You will learn how to
Acknowledgement:
create a grazing plan by evaluating rangeland health, documenting forage crop production, managing feed inventory and testing, and calculating livestock forage demand and carrying capacity.
”Everything in moderation,” is what Oscar Wilde wrote and it applies to these courses too as BCRC recommends registering for one course topic at a time, which you can do here: www.beefresearch.ca/blog/courses
These courses have been developed through a collaborative project between Beef Cattle Research Council and Canadian Beef Breeds Council. Course content was reviewed through a cooperative initiative with Canadian Beef Breeds Council, Alberta Beef Producers, Saskatchewan Ministry of Agriculture, Maritime Beef Test Station, and University of Guelph.
Shearwell RFID Reader
Honouring Western Heritage and Two Young Producers
The most recent Frontier Days & Canadian Cowboy Association Rodeo took place June 26-29, 2024.
Known for paying homage to Western heritage in Swift Current since 1938, the 86th annual event united two themes—preserving heritage and celebrating diversity—honouring the hard work of its founders and cultural diversity with Saskatchewan’s warm hospitality and old fashioned family fun.
The festival offered a variety of attractions, including rides, food, entertainment, and the new additions of a motorcycle stunt show, dinosaur exhibit, and a dance party.
Kinetic Park hosted cultural performances, agricultural competitions, and the rodeo which showcased bull riding and barrel racing while Swift Current’s downtown hosted a pancake breakfast and parades.
This longstanding heritage event offered something for everyone throughout the weekend—including a show halter for the youngest
has completed his second year of Animal Bioscience and applied to the Western College of Veterinary Medicine to further his studies. His aspirations include owning and operating a large animal veterinary practice and growing his herd of purebred and commercial black Angus cattle.
Each year a halter is presented to the youngest
in the Beef Division at the Swift Current Frontier Days Regional
Show. The halter is generously donated by Doug and Colleen Gillespie.
Arlis Hanson of Val Marie, SK, receives the SSGA Zone 3 & 12 2024 Scholarship from SSGA Zone 12 Past Chairman Rod Gamble at Swift Current Frontier Days Regional 4-H Show. Arlis
Photo courtesy of Mikayla Blaschuck
Emmitt Ruetz, member of the Clairbank 4-H Club, receives the show halter from SSGA Zone 3 Chairman Larry Flaig.
participant
4-H
Photo courtesy of Mikayla Blaschuck
Western Canada Feedlot Management School 2025
It’s a great time to expand your feeding knowledge base!
Saskatchewan Cattle Feeders Association, Government of Saskatchewan and University of Saskatchewan will be jointly hosting the 27th Western Canada Feedlot Management School at Saskatoon Inn & Conference Centre on February 11-13, 2025.
This year’s agenda features experienced cattle feeders and trusted experts on animal health, markets, feedlot nutrition programs and the overall business of cattle feeding. In addition, there will be virtual tours showcasing two Saskatchewan operations, Top Gun Feeders and Lane View Farms.
Producers from these operations will be on-site for an interactive question and answer session following their virtual tour.
The Livestock and Forage Centre of Excellence will, once again, host an afternoon of hands-on demonstrations.
The event will kick off with the opening keynote, Dr. Jessica Sperber from University of Nebraska, on the importance of bunk management.
Some additional highlights of the three-day event include tackling sorting behaviour in feedlot diets, biosecurity in the feedlot, and a 2025 cattle market update.
A thought-provoking panel session will feature a group of experienced producers to discuss marketing options and how to capitalize on cattle feeding opportunities.
The hands-on demonstrations will feature feed mixer efficiency, animal handling and proper dehorning and castrating techniques.
For more information, including the complete agenda or to register online, please visit Saskatchewan Cattle Feeders Association’s website at www.saskcattle.com.
A block of rooms is reserved at Saskatoon Inn until January 13, 2025. Please note that all attendees must register in advance of the event.
Please contact the Saskatchewan Cattle Feeders Association office for more information by email at office@saskcattle.com.
B
Cargill Announces Cut of 8,000 Jobs Worldwide
Founded by William Wallace Cargill in 1865 as a grain flat house in Conover, Iowa, and expanded with his two younger brothers Sam and Sylvester, Cargill Inc. is now a multinational food corporation known as America’s largest private company owned by the CargillMacMillan family with a reported net worth of $60.6 billion.1
After the World Bank’s analysis revealed a commodity price drop by four per cent from the second to the third quarter on December 3, 2024, 2 Cargill announced it would be cutting around five per cent of its workforce―translating to approximately 8,000 of 160,000 jobs worldwide.
However, according to a Global News report posted December 4th, Derek Johnstone, a spokesperson for the United Food and Commercial workers (i.e., the union representing most of the company’s estimated 8,000 workers across 70 locations in BC, AB, SK, MB, ON, and QC), Cargill’s plan to reduce its global workforce by thousands of jobs is not expected to affect front-line, unionized positions in Canada.
Johnstone also told Global News there was limited information about the specifics of the restructuring. However, Johnstone did confirm the union had not been informed of any layoffs affecting front-line production workers in Canada at that time. 3
A couple of days earlier on December 2nd, Cargill indicated they had implemented a long-term strategy earlier in the year that involved the layoffs in an interview with CNN.
Cargill informed CNN, “As we look to the future, we have laid out a clear plan to
Kori Maki-Adair
evolve and strengthen our portfolio to take advantage of compelling trends in front of us, maximize our competitiveness, and, above all, continue to deliver for our customers.” 4
REFERENCES
1. Forbes
Forbes Profile: Cargill-MacMillan family https://www.forbes.com/profile/cargillmacmillan-1/
2. World Bank Groups
Commodity Markets: Latest Commodity Prices Published World Bank Commodities Price Data (The Pink Sheet)
https://thedocs.worldbank.org/en/ doc/5d903e848db1d1b83e0ec8f74 4e55570-0350012021/related/CMO-PinkSheet-December-2024.pdf
3. Global News
Cargill layoffs not expected to impact Canadian union jobs: UFCW https://globalnews.ca/news/10901200/ cargill-layoffs-canada-union-jobs/
4. CNN
America’s biggest private company is laying off thousands of workers
https://www.cnn.com/2024/12/02/ business/cargill-layoffs-thousands/ index.html
Cargill
• How interest rates impact agricultural commodities
https://www.cargill.com/commodityprice-risk/how-interest-rates-impactagricultural-commodities
• A history of nourishing the world
https://www.cargill.com/about/ cargill-history-timeline
How interest rates impact agricultural commodities
For those who came of age hedging agricultural commodities during the previous decade of low to no interest rates, the last 18 months have likely been something of a shock. As interest rates have risen dramatically, a whole host of new factors have impacted agricultural commodity prices.
Issues like foreign exchange rates, exchange margins and overall market liquidity are suddenly interacting in complex ways that call for close attention, whether you’re producing those agricultural commodities or using them as inputs.
The conflict in Ukraine has compounded the situation further. As supply chain risk went up, so did the cost of hedging programs for all market participants. With interest rates rising at the same time, many discretionary participants left the market as funding for trading activities became harder to come by. Because global crops are often denominated in U.S. dollars, the rapidly strengthening U.S. currency also had a major impact.
All of this left those of us managing physical supply chains with a very different market structure: one with reduced volumes, less open interest, lower liquidity and higher volatility.
Inc .
Cargill
MARKETS AND TRADE
RETAIL MEAT PRICE SURVEY
FEATURE
Keeping an Eye on Your Cows’ Body Condition Pays off Now and Later
Jeff Gaye
“The eye of the master fattens his cattle,” says Dr. Andrew Acton, an Ogema veterinarian and board-certified specialist in beef cattle practice.
Acton was speaking about body condition in maternal cows, and how important it is for producers to monitor their cows’ condition through the different stages of their production cycles.
While there are health implications for the mother and the calf if a cow is either overweight or underweight, Acton says underweight cows are by far the bigger problem.
“It’s very seldom you’ll have cows too obese as a group, unless it’s something like going a full year without raising a calf,” he said. “Underweight is a huge problem for the industry when it happens. There’s potential given up in many different places when the cows are under-body-conditioned.”
Acton says the ratio of underweight to overweight cows is about 20 to one. So, what’s behind that?
“Not feeding them enough,” Acton said with a laugh.
He explained that recognizing the animals’ needs at different stages is important for good conditioning, as is taking care not to overstock pastures. Underfeeding can be a matter of not having the right forages available in the pasture, but more often, he says, it simply comes from grazing too many animals for the pasture to sustain.
Not supplementing properly is another issue. Acton says starting with a hay as the main forage will require supplementing based on what you have available, and what your cows specifically need.
“Another issue with poor body condition
is going to be management of different groups within a herd,” he said.
“If you’re trying to run a really tight ship, but all the animals are together, somebody’s going to lose out.”
It can be effective to have adult cows in one group, first- and second-calvers in another group, “and maybe cows with a problem in a third group either being managed separately or being fed up to be culled if they’re not appropriate for your farm,” Acton said.
“Now there’s lots of producers that don’t [group their cows], and there are lots that I think we can fairly say can’t. I guess you can never say ‘can’t,’ but what can you choose to do?”
Acton runs a small herd of his own, and he says he is able to watch the cows’ condition without separating the groups. Still, he said,“if I was trying to feed what each group needed, on the average, the bigger cows are going to get more, and those that need more nutrition are going to get left out.
“If you’re running a larger operation with several hundred cows, it’s easier to have split groups. You’ve got to make sure that everybody has access to everything they need—basically energy, then protein, then minerals, and good quality water,” Acton said.
It can be a matter of having enough bales on hand to get through winter, especially if a winter turns nasty. And it’s important to take the time of year into account when assessing the herd’s condition.
“A lot of people would look at certain group of cows and say, ‘oh yeah, they look fine.’ Yeah, well, they don’t,” Acton said. “They look like they just raised a really big calf. But now it’s January.
“They should look like that at weaning time, and that should be corrected as soon as possible.”
Body condition scores (BCS) in Canada range from one point for an extremely
Figure 6: Labelled illustration of a beef cow with a BCS score of three (3)
Figure 7: Generic cross section of the loin area
BCS 1
ENTIRE ANIMAL
Extremely thin
No fat in brisket or tail docks
All skeletal structures are visible
No muscle tissue evident
No external fat present
Dull hair
Survival during stress doubtful
BACK BONE
Individual vertebrae well defined, sharp
Can place fingers between each vertebrae
SHORT RIBS
Visually prominent
No fat present
Very sharp to the touch
Figure 1: Overview of a Body Condition Score of one (1) for a beef cow
BCS 2
ENTIRE ANIMAL
Thin
Upper skeleton prominent (vertebra, hips, pin bones)
Muscle tissue evident, but not abundant,
Some tissue cover around the tail dock, over the hip bones and the flank
BACK BONE
Individual vertebrae can be felt, but not as sharp
Can’t place fingers between vertebrae
SHORT RIBS
Feel individual ribs, sharp rather than very sharp.
Identify individual ribs visually
Figure 2: Overview of a Body Condition Score of two (2) for a beef cow
BCS 3
ENTIRE BODY
Ideal flesh for calving
Ribcage only slightly visible
Hooks and pins visible, but not prominent
Muscle tissue nearing maximum
Fat deposit behind shoulder obvious
Fat in brisket area
Tail docks easily felt
BACK BONE
Somewhat defined
Difficult to feel top of vertebrae
SHORT RIBS
Completely covered with fat, beginning to spread over rump
Individual ribs only felt with firm pressure
Figure 3: Overview of a Body Condition Score of three (3) for a beef cow
BCS 4
ENTIRE BODY
Skeletal structure difficult to identify
Obvious fat deposits behind shoulder, and at tail head
Fat on brisket and over shoulder
BACK BONE
Flat appearance to the top line
Can’t feel individual vertebrae
SHORT RIBS
Folds of fat beginning to develop over the ribs and thighs Can’t feel individual ribs, even with firm pressure
Figure 4: Overview of a Body Condition Score of four (4) for a beef cow
BCS 5
ENTIRE BODY
Obese
Flat appearance dominates
Brisket heavy
Bone structure not noticeable, “blocky” appearance
Tail head and hip bones almost completely buried in fat and folds of fat
BACK BONE
Flat back
Can’t feel backbone
SHORT RIBS
Completely covered by fat
Mobility impaired by large amounts of fat
Figure 5 : Overview of a Body Condition Score of five (5) for a beef cow
thin animal to five points for an obese animal. The ideal BCS is three points.
Acton says a visual assessment can give producers a good idea of their cows’ condition. For a more accurate assessment, it helps to get your hands on and evaluate the fat layer at key body points.
“You need to get your hands on certain areas—the transverse processes or short ribs, the ‘fill’ along the middle of the back and over the ribs, as well as fat deposits that may or may not be by the tail head,” he said.
Maintaining cows’ body condition pays off with healthier, more robust calves year after year. Poor condition affects placenta development in the cow as well as development of the calf fetus. Quality and quantity of colostrum and milk also suffer. All of these affect the growth and development of the calf.
Acton says poor condition will even affect a cow’s capacity to produce any calves at all.
“More of the cows in poor body condition will not re-breed in a timely fashion,” he said. “You’ll end up with more of them the next year with later, lighter-born calves or just not pregnant at all.”
Acton says cows in good condition will have suitable energy and protein for fetal development.
“With a ration that’s low in protein you can end up with weak-born calves, like just born and not enough muscle development. Calves that won’t get up and won’t suck properly.
“So then you have an already weak calf that doesn’t give itself a good start. That’s kind of a double whammy as far as health problems go,” he said.
Proper body condition contributes to better birth weights and fewer calving problems. A cow with a BCS of two or lower “is probably going to have an underweight calf. And we will see as many continued on page 20
Cow Body Condition cont. from pg. 19
dystocia problems from a weak mother— as many or more—than we might expect to see from one that is overdeveloped,” Acton said.
It’s not just the under-conditioned cow’s strength and energy reserves that affect healthy calf production. A thin cow may have an underdeveloped placenta, limiting nutrient and oxygen transfer to the fetus. This can restrict fetal growth and increase the risk of preterm or underweight calves.
“They’re pieces of the same puzzle,” Acton said. “If the placenta doesn’t give enough nutrients and oxygen to the calf, he’s not going to grow. It might actually abort if it was bad enough.
“So we have seen problems with cows that are really undernourished. They’re usually getting quite weak themselves. If they do make it through to calving time, we could
FEATURE
see a weak cow having a very weak calf that’s not able to get up and going on its own. And that’s right back to placental development.”
Once a calf is born, the cow’s ability to produce good milk—and enough of it— are key to healthy weight gain. Cows who go into calving with underweight body condition generally produce less milk, and of poorer quality.
“With the cows calving in reasonable body condition, we want them in a rising plane of nutrition after calving—both so that they’ll milk to their potential, and that they’ll rebreed in an appropriate time,” Acton said.
“Even if the cow is a little on the thin side at calving, as long as they’re in a rising plane in nutrition, their reproduction for next year will be normal or close to normal.
“If they’re quite down in body reserves,
New Requirements for Manifests
As of January 1, 2025, The Animal Production Regulations require all manifests to contain Premises Identification (PID) numbers of the places of origin and destination and, if applicable, a declaration of security interest on the animals. Contact your local Livestock Services of Saskatchewan (LSS) office to access an updated copy of the manifest.
they probably won’t be able to milk very well. That’s going to hurt the weight of the current calf that’s on her,” he said. “But if you have a fitter cow calving and you’re meeting all their needs plus a little bit, they should milk pretty well.”
Milk concerns, Acton says, are more about quantity than quality. But low body condition does affect the quality of the cow’s colostrum, which can be serious for the health of the calf.
“You want the cow to have a normal immune system so she can spare the immunoglobulins they need in the colostrum. If she can’t mount a proper immunity response herself, she’s not going to put antibodies into the colostrum at an appropriate rate,” he said.
Acton says producers should be assessing their animals’ BCS through the production cycle, with an eye to beginning the recovery process after calving and weaning, through to next calving time.
In his own herd, he sees the cows that have weaned their first calf as the ones with the most catching up to do. Now is the time he will be bringing them home to supplement their energy and protein intake.
But overall, he says, the best time to get started is during the fall grazing season after the calves are weaned. Not only does it give the cows a good start to recovering their condition, it’s easier on the producer.
“If they need supplementation in the fall, it’s a lot easier to do it then. And your whole winter feed bill will be cheaper,” he said.
“And if I’m going to schlep buckets to them and give them a lot of grain, I’d much rather do some of it when the weather’s nice out than when it’s freezing cold.”
Acton says a good rule of thumb is that a one-point difference on a BCS score is roughly equivalent to 200 pounds of body weight. If your animals are currently scoring two points, you will want them
to gain about 200 pounds to come in at a score of three.
Producers can do visual assessments and regular tactile exams on their own, though they might want to consult with a partner, neighbour, or even a veterinarian to confirm their scores.
According to Acton, it’s important to look at your cows’ body condition as an investment in their ability to produce value for your operation and for the industry. While you are caring for the wellbeing of your cows and calves, “you’re also preparing for next year’s conception,” he said. “And that’s super-important.”
REFERENCES
Government of Saskatchewan
Agriculture Knowledge Centre
Body Conditioning Scoring
https://www.saskatchewan.ca/business/ agriculture-natural-resources-andindustry/agribusiness-farmers-andranchers/livestock/animal-health-andwelfare/body-scoring
Government of Alberta
What’s the Score: Beef Cow - Body Conditioning Score (BCS) Guide
Figure 1: Overview of a Body Condition Score of one (1) for a beef cow
Figure 2: Overview of a Body Condition Score of two (2) for a beef cow
Figure 3: Overview of a Body Condition Score of three (3) for a beef cow
Figure 4: Overview of a Body Condition Score of four (4) for a beef cow
Figure 5 : Overview of a Body Condition Score of five (5) for a beef cow
Figure 6: Labelled illustration of a beef cow with a BCS score of three (3)
Figure 7: Generic cross section of the loin area
https://www1.agric.gov. ab.ca/$department/deptdocs.nsf/all/ agdex9622/$FILE/bcs-beef-cow.pdf
Exploring Cattle Feeding Systems: Balancing Efficiency with Costs and Environmental Impact
Kori Maki-Adair, Alexis DeCorby and Saskatchewan Ministry of Agriculture
Cattle handling systems play a crucial role in the efficiency, safety, and well-being of livestock operations, especially in regions like Saskatchewan, where cattle farming is a significant part of the agricultural economy.
These systems, designed to manage and care for cattle with minimal stress, come in various forms and technologies, each offering distinct advantages and drawbacks. From reducing labour costs and improving animal welfare to the potential for high initial investments and maintenance challenges, understanding the full scope of these systems is vital for producers.
The Saskatchewan Ministry of Agriculture’s livestock team has put together the following information for Beef Business readers to explore the advantages, disadvantages, and costs associated with cattle handling systems in the province, providing insights for cattle producers looking to optimize their operations while balancing financial and practical considerations.
Beef Business Magazine extends our sincere thanks to Alexis DeCorby and her colleagues at the Government of Saskatchewan for sharing their invaluable time, perspective and services.
The seven most common types of cattle feeding systems
The pros and cons of each feeding system
1. Bale Grazing - a method of winter grazing that involves placing hay or other forage in large bales directly on pastureland. Instead of feeding cattle hay in a barn or feeding area, bales are placed on the field in specific locations, allowing animals to graze directly from the bales while staying outdoors.
Pro
• Flexible feeding sites
• Generally fewer equipment costs—no need to start a tractor daily
• Can distribute manure and organic matter across grazing site
• Less intensive labour requirements
• In many cases, meets protein and energy requirements for mature cows in good condition at mid-gestation—be sure to feed test
Con
• Potential for wildlife to feed on bales
• Can see high levels of wastage
• Need to manage twine/netwrap
• Potential for forage loss/weathering
• Not suited to meet requirements of young animals—best suited for mature cows in good condition
• If relying on snow grazing, need to have a backup plan for water
• For best utilization, usually need to cross fence and open paddocks throughout the feeding period
• May need to provide windbreaks, if no natural shelter existsStill need to provide bedding
2. Bale Processing / Shredded Bales - a series of steps taken to handle, break down, or recycle the material contained within bales, including:
Unpacking: The bales are often opened or loosened to access the materials inside.
Shredding: The material inside the bale may be shredded or broken down into smaller pieces for further processing.
Sorting: In some cases, the materials are sorted into categories based on type, quality, or intended use.
Pro
• Flexible feeding sites
• Can make low-quality feed more palatable by shredding
• Can distribute manure and organic matter across the grazing site
• Can provide supplements, if feeding daily
• Less labour required than traditional feeding sites
• In many cases, meets protein and energy requirements for mature cows in good condition at mid-gestation—be sure to feed test
Con
• Running equipment more frequently than some systems—likely 4+ days a week
• Can see high levels of wastage
• Can lose leaf material on forage, if overprocessing
• If relying on snow grazing, need to have a backup plan for water
• May need to provide windbreaks, if no natural shelter exists
• Still need to provide bedding
continued on page 24
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FEATURE
Cattle Feed Systems
cont. from pg. 22
3. Swath Grazing - a method of grazing in which cattle are allowed to graze directly on standing or windrowed (piled or swathed) forage that has been harvested and left in the field.
Pro
• Can be cost effective since equipment is not required for baling/feeding—no need to start a tractor daily during feeding
• Less labour required than traditional feeding sites
• Can distribute manure and organic matter across the grazing site
• In many cases meets protein and energy requirements for mature cows in good condition at mid-gestation—be sure to feed test
Con
• Subject to wildlife losses
• Can see high levels of wastage
• May see forage losses/weathering/mould/sprouting
• May need to shovel or break out swaths, if snow is hard and crusted over
• Potential for cattle to pick the best part of the forage
• Crops may contain anti-nutritional factors that need to be managed (e.g., nitrates, sulphur, mold/mycotoxins)
• Not usually suited to young animals—best suited for mature animals
• May need to provide supplemental feed, if the swaths do not meet nutritional requirements
• For best utilization, cross fencing is recommended, which can increase labour requirements
• If relying on snow grazing, need to have a backup plan for water
• May need to provide windbreaks, if no natural shelter exists
• Still need to provide bedding
4. Stockpile Grazing - a method of pasture management where cattle are allowed to graze on forage that has been grown and left standing (or stockpiled) during the previous growing season, typically in late summer or fall. It provides a natural feed source for livestock during the winter or in periods when pasture growth slows down.
Pro
• Flexible feeding sites
• Can be cost effective; little to no equipment required
• Extends grazing season
• Can distribute manure and organic matter (NOTE: preferential grazing areas are likely)
Con
• May see loss of nutrients due to weathering
• Excess snow may reduce grazing period
• Not usually suited to young animals—best suited for mature animals
• May need to provide supplemental feed to meet the animal’s nutritional requirements
• Forage stand must be managed to avoid winter kill—leave more forage than normal
• If relying on snow grazing, need to have a backup plan for water
• May need to provide windbreaks, if no natural shelter exists
• Still need to provide bedding
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5. Corn Grazing - allowing cattle to graze on standing cornfields. It is commonly used to supplement animal feed during periods when other forage options may be limited (e.g., late in the growing season or during winter months).
Pro
• Can be cost effective
• Can distribute manure and organic matter across the grazing site
• Generally a high-energy crop that, in some cases, can meet nutritional requirements longer through gestation and in colder weather
• Unlikely to lose grazing to snow/ice
• Provides some natural shelter for cattle
Con
• High potential for acidosis/grain overload, if managed incorrectly
• It is generally recommended to provide hay bales to reduce the risk of acidosis when corn grazing; equipment use will likely be required weekly
• More labour intensive than some other extensive systems; it is suggested that cattle be provided two to four days of grazing at a time. Cattle will need to be moved frequently.
• Cross fencing is required
• Not usually suited to young animals—best suited for mature animals
• Potential for losses due to wildlife
• May have anti-nutritional factors (nitrate, mold/mycotoxins)
• If relying on snow grazing, need to have a backup plan for water
• Still need to provide bedding
6. Total Mixed Ration (TMR) - a method that provides cattle with a well-balanced and uniform mixture of various feed ingredients. The goal is to optimize the nutritional intake of animals, ensuring they receive all necessary nutrients in every bite they take.
Pro
• Can tailor rations for all classes of cattle
• Usually less wastage
• Can manage feed more precisely
• Ability to force inclusion of mineral
• Limited risk for digestive upset, if the ration is formulated correctly
• Forage loss due to environment/wildlife is less likely
Con
• Usually more costly; largely due to yardage costs
• Adoption can be excessively expensive
• Feeding occurs daily or every second day
• Still need to provide bedding
• Manure needs to be managed in the spring (extra cost), potential for nutrient loading
7. Component Feeding - where different types of feed ingredients (components) are provided separately, allowing for precise control over the nutrient intake of the animals.
Pro
• Usually less labour intensive than TMR feeding
• No specialized equipment required
• May not need to feed daily
• Can still force mineral consumption, if providing supplemental grain
Con
• Potential for wastage, even when bale feeders are used
• If providing grain as an energy source, still need to feed daily
• Risk of acidosis/grain overload when providing grain in a trough compared to a TMR
• Still need to provide bedding
• Manure needs to be managed in the spring (extra cost), potential for nutrient loading
Costs
Costs for these systems are highly variable, depending on the forages used, the producer’s location and their specific nutritional goals. Beef Cattle Research Council (BCRC) and Saskatchewan Ministry of Agriculture have a number of resources to help producers determine their winter feeding costs.
Resources
• Saskatchewan Ministry of Agriculture specialists can help producers determine their forage cost of production.
• Saskatchewan Ministry of Agriculture also produces an equipment and custom rental rate guide, which may be helpful in calculating yardage.
• Saskatchewan Ministry of Agriculture specialists can help determine the daily cost of your ration, if feed tests and forage costs are provided.
• BCRC has a winter feeding calculator that may be of interest at https://www. beefresearch.ca/blog/winter-feedcost-calculator/
Year-End Interview with New Saskatchewan Minister of Agriculture
Introducing Saskatchewan’s New Minister of Agriculture: Daryl Harrison
Saskatchewan’s newly appointed Minister of Agriculture, Daryl Harrison, brings a wealth of experience and a deep commitment to the province’s agricultural sector. A long-time advocate for farming and rural communities, Harrison’s
appointment marks an important step for Saskatchewan’s agricultural policy.
Hailing from a farming background, Harrison understands firsthand the challenges and opportunities that Saskatchewan’s farmers face. He is dedicated to working alongside producers to foster sustainable practices, enhance food security, and strengthen Saskatchewan’s role as a global agricultural leader.
With an eye toward innovation and market expansion, Harrison’s leadership promises to support the growth of the province’s diverse agricultural industries, from crop production to livestock.
Harrison’s extensive experience in both the public and private sectors equips him with a unique perspective on the
needs of Saskatchewan’s agricultural community. His appointment reflects the government’s ongoing commitment to ensuring that Saskatchewan remains a strong and competitive force in the global agricultural market.
As Minister of Agriculture, Daryl Harrison is poised to be a key advocate for Saskatchewan’s farmers, ranchers, and agribusinesses, ensuring that the province continues to thrive as a major agricultural hub.
To equip livestock operators to take on 2025 with the information they need this year, Saskatchewan Stock Growers Association (SSGA) General Manager Chad MacPherson reached out to his colleagues in the provincial government with questions in eight areas of priority, and here are the Honourable Daryl Harrison’s responses.
Bill & Wendy Ayrey Evesham, SK
306-753-2500 (Home)
306-753-7040 (Cell)
780-753-7239 (Cole)
306-830-1282 (Jinaye) bwayrey@hotmail.ca www.ayreyherefords.com
FEATURE
PART ONE: PROVINCIAL PRIORITIES
Beef Business (BB): Congratulations on your appointment as Minister of Agriculture and Minister responsible for Saskatchewan Crop Insurance Corporation (SCIC).
What has been the biggest learning curve for you since becoming Minister of Agriculture? Do you have any personal goals that you would like to accomplish as Minister of Agriculture?
Honourable Minister Daryl Harrison (HMDH): Becoming the Minister of Agriculture for the Province of Saskatchewan has been the honour of a lifetime for me. I know I have some huge shoes to fill when it comes to the great past Agriculture ministers we’ve had in this province such as the late Lyle Stewart or my predecessor David Marit. I want to keep the agriculture industry in the province strong as it is the backbone of our economy. We are going to do that by continuing to invest in research and valueadded, expand irrigation and go around the world telling the story of our world class producers and their products.
BB: What are the Ministry of Agriculture’s priorities for the Saskatchewan livestock industry in 2025?
HMDH: We are currently in consultations with industry representatives from the Saskatchewan livestock sector on proposed regulatory changes to The Agricultural Operations Regulations. After we receive the feedback, we plan to proceed with the next steps in completing the required amendments by spring 2025.
Emergency management for diseases such as Foot-and-Mouth and African Swine Fever are a priority for the ministry and the industry. We continue to work with the federal agencies responsible for putting necessary measures in place to protect our industry from such threats.
As we near the half-way point, after almost two years into delivering Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership (Sustainable CAP) programming, the
ministry is working on a review in consultation with industry. Effective program review is part of our commitment to continuous improvement to ensure our programming continues to meet producer and industry needs.
As a province, we continue to keep the 2030 Growth Plan goals a priority, and the livestock sector is an important part of that plan. We have already reached our goals for the livestock sector for cash receipts to reach $3 billion and to double meat processing and animal feed valueadded revenue to over $1 billion. We continue to work towards sustaining these goals in the future years.
We are also continuing to evaluate and evolve Business Risk Management to ensure a strong suite of programming to support the livestock sector.
While we are making substantial progress to achieving those goals, we understand that the industry continues to face challenges, such as herd contraction and disease. The ministry is committed to working with industry on overcoming barriers and challenges with these goals in mind, while planning and preparing for those potential future challenges that could impact our industry.
BB: From your perspective, what are the biggest opportunities and challenges facing Saskatchewan’s livestock industry going into 2025?
HMDH: While livestock producers experienced improved moisture conditions in much of the province in 2024, dry conditions are still a concern to some areas. In addition, while strong market prices
are a great positive for our producers, they, in combination with the drought, are contributing to a further decline of the cattle herd.
The strong market for replacements is good news for our producers, but makes it financially difficult for new entrants or expansion in the industry. This is really a challenge that has created opportunities as it is currently profitable for livestock producers to reduce their herd or exit the industry; and therefore, many quality cattle are available, but the challenge is how to maintain them in the province.
I believe there are opportunities for growing the sector and there is strong demand for beef with a growing population to feed. Saskatchewan has large areas of land that are best suited for livestock production. This same land sequesters carbon, supports bio-diversity and provides habitat for species at risk. The ministry will continue to work to support the livestock sector to ensure its competitiveness and sustainability.
• SERVICES: Whether you are a specialty producer looking to get your product to a specific market or distributor, or if you are producing commodity livestock for sale, we can partner with you. From our multi-species capabilities to our ability to handle smaller volumes, we offer excellent capabilities for producers in the Canadian Prairies to maximize their profitability.
• FACILITY: We have a state-of-the-art facility to allow us to reach markets across Canada, the USA, and beyond. We understand producer’s needs, their care for their animals, and their honest, straightforward nature. Call us to hear how we can work together to get your product to market.
• GRASSFED: “True North Foods is partnered with A&W Canada to supply Canadian grassfed beef for A&W’s grassfed burger program.
Year-End
cont. from pg. 27
We are also committed to livestock research in the province. Improved vaccines, genetics and production information help the sector become even more resilient and profitable.
Given our closely integrated supply chain, the recent announcement of potential tariffs of 25 per cent on all goods exported to United States from Canada adds unpredictability for the sector and raises concerns about producers’ ability to do business with our neighbours. The trade environment is something the Ministry of Agriculture is watching closely.
PART TWO: RISK MANAGEMENT
BB: Is the province looking at any enhancements to AgriStability to make it a more effective program for livestock and mixed producers?
HMDH: The Government of Saskatchewan
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and other administrations are discussing proposals which could assist the livestock sector by adjusting the approach to how the Program values year-end forage inventory intended to be used on-farm. This change will help the AgriStability Program respond more effectively in years when feed is in short supply causing the price of feed to rise. Administrations are also investigating ideas to capture additional costs for livestock producers, with a focus on grazing.
BB: Industry has been asking for cost shared Livestock Price Insurance (LPI) premiums. What is the status of the request and does the Government of Saskatchewan support the request?
HMDH: Western Provinces are committed to ensuring our Program keeps pace with industry needs. Provincial working groups are currently researching and reviewing options for Program enhancements— including, cost-shared premiums.
Any cost sharing of premiums will require federal approval. Saskatchewan collaborated extensively with the recent expansion of LPI to the Maritimes, further working towards making this a national program.
BB: What concerns does the government have about cost sharing LPI premiums?
HMDH: Federally, there are concerns with cost-sharing LPI premiums, as it is currently not a national program and such a change may expose the Program to countervail actions from trading partners, among other concerns. Saskatchewan remains hopeful the Livestock Price Insurance Program will truly become a national program within the next few years.
BB: Is SCIC working on any additional enhancements to forage insurance for the 2025 growing season?
HMDH: SCIC and industry groups regularly collaborate to support their needs and to assist with overall direction of policy and programs offerings under the Forage and Crop Insurance Program. Most work on forage enhancements is driven by working with the Industry-Government Forage Insurance Task Team.
The goal of the task team is to ensure forage insurance becomes a viable and widely used tool. SCIC is looking at ways to assess soil moisture and plant growth. Work will continue studying new remote sensing technologies and seeing what potential product designs are possible.
BB: Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) recently announced a case of bovine tuberculosis (TB) was discovered in an animal that originated from a herd in Saskatchewan.
It is early in the investigation, but is the province looking at ways to close the gaps in our existing risk management programs with regards to additional feed expenses, and cleaning and disinfection expenses as a result of animal health investigations?
HMDH: Through best practices and regulatory oversight, our agriculture industry will continue to maintain Saskatchewan’s reputation as a safe, reliable source of agri-food products to the world.
The National Bovine Tuberculosis Eradication Program has limited the spread of the disease since its inception in 1923. Canada is officially considered bovine TB free by CFIA; though, isolated cases can still occur.
CFIA will continue their investigation of the 2024 case, determining the movement of the positive cow, tracing animals that entered or exited this herd over the last few years and testing this herd to determine its disease status.
The Ministry of Agriculture is working collaboratively with CFIA and the livestock industry as the investigation progresses. We are aware of concerns with respect to the financial impacts of animal health investigations on producers
FEATURE
and are exploring these concerns and opportunities to address them.
We have already communicated to CFIA through various channels regarding challenges our producers have faced during 2023 TB investigation process. We will continue to assess impacts on the livestock sector as the 2024 investigation proceeds.
PART THREE: CROWN LANDS
BB: Lands Branch has been consulting on changes to the provincial grazing lease formula. Are you able to share any details on the proposed lease formula?
HMDH: The proposed Crown land grazing formula will increase the annual stability and predictability of grazing rates by utilizing multiple year price averaging and rental cap parameters.
The current grazing formula has been in place since 1990. We heard from producers that the yearly rental variability created difficulty for budgeting. The proposed formula will enable producers to forecast their expenditures more accurately.
BB: What are grazing rates projected to be for 2025?
HMDH: The revised Crown land grazing formula and the 2025 grazing rate will be announced in March 2025.
PART FOUR: TRADE
BB: President-elect Donald Trump has announced plans to impose a 25 per cent tariff on all Canadian products. Does the
Ministry of Agriculture have a position on the proposed tariffs and how do you plan to respond?
HMDH: Saskatchewan has one of the fastest growing economies and lowest cost of living in the country, and our government will continue to support a unified approach when it comes to potential tariffs. We are working closely with both the provinces and federal governments.
Saskatchewan has a strong relationship with United States, just as Canada does. Our Ministry, for example, has built strong relationships with U.S. state agriculture secretaries, directors and commissioners and we will continue reaching out to find common ground with U.S. stakeholders on this important issue.
United States is Saskatchewan’s largest and most important trading partner, with about $40 billion worth of imports and exports crossing the border every
Year-End Interview cont. from pg. 29
year. Over 90 per cent of Saskatchewan’s exports to United States are related to food or energy. Our exports lower the cost of living for millions of Americans, and result in thousands of jobs here at home.
For example, Canadians purchase $722 per person in U.S. agricultural products annually. Americans purchase $118 per person in Canadian agricultural products annually. Saskatchewan agriculture and food exports to the U.S. totaled $6.7 billion in 2023.
Our province imported about $1.4 billion worth of agriculture and food products from United States that year, which is estimated to support about 7,500 jobs in United States. Saskatchewan looks forward to continued work with our colleagues across Canada and in United States on this issue.
FEATURE
PART FIVE: FARM LAND SECURITY BOARD
BB: The Provincial Auditor of Saskatchewan recently raised concerns about the foreign ownership of agricultural land. How is the province planning to address these concerns?
HMDH: Protecting Saskatchewan farm land is a priority for the Ministry of Agriculture and the Farm Land Security Board, and we appreciate and welcome the recommendations recently put forward in the recent Auditor’s report regarding regulation of foreign ownership of farm land in the province.
The Farm Land Security Board assesses approximately 40,000 rural land transactions each year and is responsible for reviewing and determining applications for exemptions to the ownership requirements set out in the Saskatchewan Farm Security Act As indicated in the report, no illegal ownership was found in all sale
transactions sampled by the Auditor, and it was determined that in large part, the Board’s existing procedures were appropriate and fulfilled its legislative mandate.
As stated in the report, Board staff did not request statutory declarations in nine of 18 out-of-province corporate transactions; they did, however, review all 18 transactions to confirm if they were Canadian or Canadian residents purchasing. In each of the nine instances where a statutory declaration was not requested, the purchasing corporation was Canadian; often, these are family corporations and, where this was unclear, a declaration was requested.
The Board has adopted the auditor’s recommendation on mandatory declarations and is now requesting declarations from all out-of-province purchasers. Of course, there’s always room for improvement and options for enhanced legislative tools continue to be explored. Most of the 10 recommendations in the Auditor’s report
LEGENDARY
were, in fact, already a priority for the Board and implementation is underway.
PART SIX: ENVIRONMENT
BB: The Canadian Sustainability Standards Board (CSSB) recently released their standards. Does the Ministry of Agriculture have a position on the standards? Do you have any concerns about potential impacts on the Saskatchewan economy?
HMDH: First of all, I’d like to say thank you to Saskatchewan Stock Growers Association for bringing attention to the important issue of climate and sustainability disclosure standards as they were being developed internationally and in Canada.
The Government of Saskatchewan has been following initiatives of the CSSB including the consultation on draft Canadian Sustainability Disclosure Standards from March to June 2024, and the release of the standards on December 18, 2024.
The Government of Saskatchewan provided input into the CSSB’s consultation expressing significant concerns with how the standards will affect the viability and competitiveness of Saskatchewan’s economy.
Concerns included:
• Compliance costs and administrative burden;
• The inclusion of Scope-3 greenhouse gas emission reporting;
• The unlikelihood of United States and Mexico, two of our closest trading partners, requiring Scope-3 greenhouse gas emission reporting;
• How Saskatchewan is characterized as an area of high-water stress; and
• Other concerns.
In our submission, we asked for a detailed costing analysis of complying with the standards in Canada and the implications of applying the industry-based guidance
FEATURE
on implementing climate-related disclosures.
We also asked for implementation timelines to be phased in and extended,
a means to ensuring workers are able to return home at the end of the workday.
The government has a statutory obligation to review the Parts of the Act at
Regulations, 2020, are
continued on page 32
@jeremypatzermpjeremypatzer.com jeremypatzer@parl.gc.ca
Year-End Interview cont. from pg. 31
or United States, a valid out-of-province driver’s licence offers the same privileges it does in their home province, territory or state.
For drivers with licences from a reciprocal country (i.e., a country that Saskatchewan has an agreement with to recognize each other’s licences as equals) outside of Canada or United States, Saskatchewan Government Insurance (SGI) may waive the Mandatory Entry-Level Training requirement if there’s acceptable proof that the worker has five years of Class 1 experience in the past 10 years.
From May 21, 2024, until May 21, 2025, if you’re employed in the agricultural sector, you can use your home jurisdiction
FEATURE
Class 1-equivalent licence. During the exemption period, you can operate Class 1 vehicles in Saskatchewan as long as your home-jurisdiction licence remains valid.
SGI is responsible for licensing in the province. More information on this item can be obtained from SGI.
CONCLUSION
BB: Is there anything you would like to highlight to our readers to conclude this interview?
HMDH: It is great to see high prices and some good snowfall as 2024 draws to a close and a new year begins. I hope to see these trends continue into 2025.
As a ministry, we continue to provide ongoing support for animal health and biosecurity, and in particular, strengthening the livestock and poultry sector’s emergency preparedness and resilience. This sector is an important contributor to the province’s economy and our long-term Growth Plan goals.
I look forward to working together with you in my new role as the Minister of Agriculture to support future growth and help address growth barriers.
“We have purchased bulls from EDIE CREEK for many years. The bulls have worked hard and have all proven that they are easy calvers. We like that the bulls are raised the way we ranch. Our feeding style is low input and the bulls have flourished on it. The Bouws have built a great business that we can trust and we plan to be a customer for a long time.”
- M. Rempel, Winnipegosis, MB
Maintaining Wellness During High Production Seasons
Cynthia Beck
As a beef producer, have you ever taken a moment to think about the knowledge that you require to get your job done? Or about the number of job roles that you occupy in your operation?
On any given day, a producer may need to play the role of a veterinarian to treat a sick animal, a mechanic to maintain or fix machinery, an agronomist to produce feed, a nutritionist to measure feed component requirements for optimal livestock herd health, a business manager to budget and plan ahead, a genomics expert to select and manage livestock bloodlines, an accountant to balance books and deal with government regulations, a marketing and salesperson to sell one’s products, a therapist to maintain farm family relationships, and the labourer who does an endless amount of manual work.
One may also want to add in there a meteorologist, or maybe a psychic, to predict the weather for planning the work to get done.
You, and the people who work with you, are the most important assets on your operation.
It is easy to forget that, especially during busy seasons.
Raising cattle is demanding and beef producers have a lot on their plate on any given day. Because stress is so much a part of the lifestyle, it is not usually on the list of things to do. Priority lists, during this time of year, usually include feeding and bedding cattle, thawing water bowls, chopping ice, and maintaining machinery to avoid frosty weather breakdowns—hopefully.
Who has time for anything but the workload, right?
If you noticed the lug nuts were loose on your tractor tire, would you take a few minutes to tighten them before you started chores, or would
you think to yourself ‘I don’t have time for this’ and keep driving that tractor until the tire fell off?
If you continued to do chores with only three tires because there was no time to fix it, how productive would that be?
You may find yourself shaking your head at this situation and thinking ‘this is common sense, of course I would tighten the lugs before the tire fell off.’ This situation of not making time for basic maintenance may seem ridiculous; however, we do this to ourselves on a regular basis.
We do it by tackling the workday without eating food or drinking water in the morning, by skipping meals and eating supper late at night to get more work done, by cutting our sleep short in favour of working, by putting off medical appointments because there’s no time, and by not taking time away from the farm or ranch to give ourselves a break from the stress.
Our brains and bodies are a lot like a tractor. Regular maintenance helps us to be more productive, improves decisionmaking, helps to regulate our emotions, and helps us to manage stress better.
Self-maintenance does not have to be time consuming or costly, it’s not bubble baths and weekend getaways. Self-maintenance is simple and straightforward: drink water, eat nutritious food, sleep, take a break from the stress.
Cynthia Beck , M.Sc., is a Registered Psychologist (provisional) providing mental health services and psychological assessment in rural Saskatchewan.
She proudly volunteers on the Board of Directors for the SaskAgMatters Mental Health Network Inc., and Canadian Western Agribition.
Cynthia is an active advocate for mental health in agriculture. She provides tailored presentations, and develops and delivers agriculture specific mental health programming.
Cynthia has collaborated with industry partners to research and promote agricultural mental health at provincial, national, and international levels.
Her family operates Beck Farms, a multi-generational mixed cattle and grain operation near Milestone, Saskatchewan.
It also helps to shower now and then.
Drink a glass of water in the morning and throughout the day to help your brain, muscles, and blood flow. Proper hydration improves mental clarity and supports endurance for getting the work done. Mental clarity helps to improve decisionmaking and balance emotions, manage stress, reduce risk-taking behaviours and improve safety.
Eat food in the morning and during continued on page 34
Photo courtesy of Candais Bakke
Maintaining Wellness cont. from pg. 33
the day that will fuel your brain and body. There is definitely such a thing as “hangry,” (i.e., hungry and angry), and anyone who has worked cattle with their family on an empty stomach knows it! Adequate nutrition improves cognitive function, muscle strength and stamina, and helps to fight fatigue.
Cognitive function is our brain power, which again helps to improve decision-making and balance emotions, reduces risk-taking behaviours, and improves safety. If you or your helpers are aggressively working cattle and everyone is shouting, sorting sticks are flying, and the cattle are not cooperating, please take seven minutes for the humans to walk away, drink some water, and eat a snack (e.g., granola bar, carrots, apple, cheese, beef jerky).
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negatively impacts our productivity and relationships with family or hired hands. It also reduces our ability to problem-solve effectively. Adding positive activities to our life helps us to cope with stress better and helps to improve mood.
To reduce financial barriers to receiving mental health supports, SAM pays for producers, their family members, or employees to receive six hours of counselling annually at no cost to the producer.
These activities can be brief and easy, like going for a coffee, visiting a friend or neighbour, playing cards, reading a book, going for a walk, playing a sport, or enjoying a hobby. It may seem impossible to get away from the workload, but taking that time will benefit you. Taking a break from the stress is like taking a breath of fresh air—it helps us to feel rejuvenated, to see problems from a different angle, and to feel less overwhelmed.
Our thoughts, behaviours, and emotions can create a cycle of symptoms that impairs our ability to cope with stress and can worsen our cognitive and physical health. Recognizing the signs that we are experiencing challenged cognitive health is one thing, doing something about it is another.
Make yourself a priority and do the basic self-maintenance of drinking water, eating nutritious food, getting adequate sleep, and taking the occasional break from the farm or ranch. These small changes can make a big impact towards improving overall health, ability to cope with stress, and your productivity level.
The humans will have more patience, the cattle will be grateful, all will cooperate better, and the job will get done more quickly. Taking a few minutes to do that basic self-maintenance will save you time.
Get adequate sleep (seven hours) and if the time of year prevents it, such as calving time, take a daytime nap. Hauling your exhausted butt around is not productive. Fatigue impairs our cognitive and physical functioning, reduces our productivity, and makes it more difficult to manage emotions and stress. Fatigue is also a major cause of farm accidents.
Please make time to get away from the stress of your farm or ranch. Being under constant stress
Dealing with the day-to-day stressors is typically manageable—until it’s not. There are many different factors that impact a person’s ability to cope with stress. As mentioned, dehydration, hunger, and fatigue have major negative impacts on stress management.
Another important factor for helping ourselves is to recognize the burden that we place onto our own shoulders. Expectations are incredibly heavy. Recognize whose expectations you are trying to meet or live up to, which is especially the case in generational family farms.
Common unhelpful behaviours that people may engage in when experiencing challenged cognitive or physical health:
• Working excessively (we are very good at using work to avoid dealing with other things)
The more things a person has to deal with, the more difficult it can be to manage. When the stressors pile on top of a person, such as dealing with financial concerns, the weather, too high of workload, and difficult family relationships, the chronic or constant stress can take a toll on a person’s health, both cognitively and physically.
• Sleeping too little or too much
• Eating too little or too much
• Avoiding situations or people because of stress or possible conflict
• Avoiding daily chores or farm maintenance
• Being angry or aggressive toward people, livestock, machinery (e.g., throwing tools)
• Being confrontational or using anger to avoid communication
• Constantly worrying or focusing on the negative
It can be difficult to identify when the stress is too much or when a person’s cognitive or physical health is being challenged. There are signs that we can watch for, and it is usually easier to recognize these signs in someone else than in ourselves.
If the expectations are genuinely your own, are they realistic? Make to-do lists that can realistically be accomplished in one day. When we have to-do lists that go on forever or have tasks that have been on the list for over six months, we are setting ourselves up for failure with those impossible lists.
Be realistic, be honest with yourself, and aim to set yourself up for success. Make yourself a “Taa-Daa” list, which is a list of items that can be accomplished in the morning, cross off the completed tasks (literally cross them off) and get yourself a boost of dopamine, which is a feel-good neurotransmitter. Then make another list for the afternoon.
For folks experiencing symptoms of anxiety or depression, these lists are incredibly beneficial to help a person recognize they are accomplishing something, even during times when it feels impossible to do anything. These types of lists include self-maintenance tasks, which seem so basic but are important to recognize. Making Taa-Daa lists also helps improve communication with your helpers as to what needs to get done in a day.
One question often asked by producers relates to knowing when it is time to seek professional help for managing stress or coping with symptoms of challenged health. Now. The answer is now.
Producers, in general, hesitate to reach out for supports and typically by the time they do, their symptoms are severe. That’s like doing chores with three tires and then another tire falls off. The tractor can no longer do its job and your productivity has basically ground to a halt, and that whole situation was far more manageable (and less costly) with a little bit of maintenance early on.
Seeking professional supports can feel daunting. It is important to keep in mind that looking for a mental health professional is very similar to finding a good pair of work boots. It may take a few tries of having conversations with different mental health professionals to find someone with whom you feel comfortable. In Saskatchewan, there are a variety of mental health supports available.
SaskAgMatters Mental Health Network Incorporated (SAM) was developed by a team of individuals from the agriculture industry who recognized the need to get mental health services directly to producers. SAM aims to bridge the gap between producers and mental wellness supports by breaking down barriers identified by producers (Beck et al., 2024; Pavloff et al., 2024).
SAM counsellors have an understanding of the agricultural lifestyle and many are active producers themselves. To reduce financial barriers to receiving mental health supports, SAM pays for producers, their family members, or employees to receive six hours of counselling annually at no cost to the producer.
Wait time is reduced as SAM clients are prioritized. Travel time and travel cost are also reduced as SAM therapists offer
FEATURE
a variety of delivery methods, including in person, telephone, or virtual sessions. Certain therapists also offer flexible appointment times.
Coping with the stressors of the agricultural lifestyle does not need to be dealt with alone.
If you are a Saskatchewan producer, a family member, or an employee of a Saskatchewan producer and would like more information on accessing free mental health supports, please visit www.saskagmatters.ca and click on Services.
If you would like to make a difference to mental health in Saskatchewan agriculture, please consider donating to the SaskAgMatters Mental Health Network Inc., where all proceeds donated go directly to delivering mental health services to Saskatchewan producers, their family members, and their employees.
Free mental health services in Saskatchewan:
SaskAgMatters Mental Health Network Inc.
www.saskagmatters.ca
Online Therapy Unit
www.onlinetherapyuser.ca
Telephone: 306-337-3331
Counselling Connect Saskatchewan
www.counsellingconnectsask.ca/crisisservices
Common unhelpful thoughts that indicate challenged cognitive health:
“Everyone is further ahead than me.”
“I’m going to lose the farm.”
“I can’t do this.”
“How come the neighbour can afford that and I can’t?”
“I’m a failure.”
“I don’t deserve to be happy, loved or successful.”
Suicide Crisis Helpline Telephone: 988
REFERENCES
Science Direct
Beck, C.D., Peynenburg, V., Patterson, T., Titov, N., Dear, B.F, & Hadjistavropoulos, H.D. (2024).
Acceptability and effectiveness study of therapist-assisted internetdelivered cognitive behaviour therapy for agriculture producers. Internet Interventions, 35.
https://doi.org/10.1016/j. invent.2024.100709
American Psychological Association Pavloff, M., McCutcheon, J. M., Beck, C. D., Laventure, S., Farthing, P., Duff, E., Wasko, K., Szafron, M., Disiewich, K., Entz, F., Heuchert, B., Weinheimer, A., Labrecque, M. E., Labrecque, C. S., Little, K., & Lustig, J. (2024).
Cultivating perceptions of farm culture: Perspectives from the Canadian prairies. Journal of Rural Mental Health, 48(2), 120–131.
https://doi.org/10.1037/rmh0000243
SCIENCE AND PRODUCTION
ACTIVE MISSING LIVESTOCK FILES
October 16 to December 10, 2024
NOTE: If you have any information related to these or any missing livestock file, please contact Livestock Services of Saskatchewan or RCMP Livestock Investigator Cpl. Owen Third at 306-537-9448.
SCIENCE AND PRODUCTION
SCIENCE AND PRODUCTION
Between now and December 31st, 2025 active Members of the SSGA will receive a $1,250 Young’s Equipment Gift Card for Parts and/ or Service at any Young’s Equipment location with the purchase of any of the following new units:
- Case IH MFD Loader Tractor (60-185 HP)
- Case IH RB565 Round Baler
- NDE Vertical Mixer
- Highline BP60 series Bale Pro®
In addition to that, we will donate $250 per unit sold to the Saskatchewan Stock Growers Association to support their formidable cause.
Chief Executive Officer Jason Pollock Livestock Services of Saskatchewan
As we prepare for another year of raising top quality beef, Saskatchewan’s updated Animal Production Regulations which were implemented in July 2024, and with certain items coming into force in January 2025, have a few changes that are worth noting.
For many producers, this time of year allows for some additional reading and preparation; so, I thought it would be appropriate to highlight some changes that will affect us all. The updated provincial regulations can be found online at: publications.saskatchewan.ca/api/ v1/products/124000/formats/144371/ download
First, a special thanks to the hardworking team at Livestock Services of Saskatchewan (LSS) for the vital role they play in keeping our industry moving. Their dedication to ensuring security, transparency, and efficiency within the regulatory framework is a cornerstone of our success. Their efforts allow us to maintain trust in our transactions at the speed of commerce, which benefits us all.
This fall run saw fewer cattle than in the past due to a variety of market and weather conditions. It is unclear how the industry will respond long term to the
Preparing for Change: What Saskatchewan Cattle Producers Need to Know
Jason Pollock
current market conditions, but any way you slice it, our inspectors respond to the demand and deliver consistent service. This service has become critical as the value for cattle is skyrocketing.
Having an inspection team that is looking out for you and your business is critical to retain the support of buyers, sellers, and perhaps most importantly, lenders that provide critical funds to allow for the commercial transactions—that now easily reach into the millions.
Without the confidence our inspection system places into our industry, it could be very difficult to secure the cash required to carry out our business. The LSS team works year-round to ensure the entire system is there to support you and your business goals as livestock operators. I am proud of them all and grateful to work with such a dedicated group of people.
It’s clear to me that our industry is entering a new era of traceability and compliance. The federal traceability legislation is still expected to move forward in 2025, which means that new reporting requirements of premises identification (PID), radio frequency identification (RFID) tags, etc., will be introduced and come into force soon. The Health of Animals Regulations can be found online at: inspection.canada.ca/ english/reg/jredirect2.shtml?heasanr
Federal Humane Transportation of Animals Regulations are already here and required for transporters, including you as a producer, to comply with. Provincial regulations are another layer of compliance focused on commerce. While these changes and requirements bring challenges, they also pave the way for tools like MyLivestock.ca to help us navigate them more efficiently.
What’s Changing?
Here’s a snapshot of the updates you need to know:
1. Livestock Manifests: The requirement for manifests remains unchanged for transporting cattle, with limited exemptions in Section 8-1(2). This paperwork ensures accountability and consistency in cattle movement.
2. Inspection Certificates: Previously referred to as permits, these certificates verify compliance ownership standards. They are essential for certain movements, like transport after sale, and movement out of province to feedlots and abattoirs.
3. Federal Traceability Alignment: The provincial updates dovetail with upcoming federal traceability legislation, which includes reporting premises ID, RFID tag information, dates, etc.
MyLivestock.ca: Streamlining Compliance
To meet these requirements without losing valuable time, tools like MyLivestock.ca are game changers for producers by using data that is stored in their profile. It allows for fast, easy, and accurate completion of required forms for different types of movements.
Here’s how it can help:
• Manifests: Complete and store manifests for non-inspected and inspected movements; inspected movements will be rolled out in phases by LSS as conditions allow.
• Animal Transport Records (ATR): Complete and store ATRs
SCIENCE AND PRODUCTION
digitally to meet federal Humane Transportation of Animals regulatory standards.
• Transfer of Care (TOC): Required to document transfer between caretakers.
• RFID Tag Data Submission: Report RFID tag details directly to the Canadian Livestock Tracking System (CLTS) database.
• Brand Renewal: Simplify the process of renewing registered brands online.
• Record Management: Store manifests, inspection certificates, and traceability documents in one place for easy access.
As a producer, I look at the changing landscape and see the coming tsunami of paperwork that all the regulations represent. A manual paper process means
a lot of work that I don’t always have time to complete.
I find it challenging to stay on top of it all anyway, and the thought of having more layers added on using the same data in different ways for different requirements has the potential to frustrate me more than anything. This platform takes the headache out of paperwork, letting us focus on what we do best—raising top-quality cattle.
Why It Matters
These changes are about more than compliance—they’re about strengthening our industry. With enhanced traceability, we can protect our markets, respond swiftly to challenges, and maintain the confidence of consumers at home and abroad.
By leveraging tools like MyLivestock.ca and working with our dedicated LSS inspectors, we can navigate these updates smoothly and continue building a resilient and reputable industry.
I encourage you to take advantage of a cold winter afternoons, indoors after chores are done, to familiarize yourself with the recent changes and explore digital solutions like MyLivestock.ca.
Let’s make these regulations work for us and ensure Saskatchewan’s cattle producers remain leaders in the field.
Wishing you all the best in the coming year. B
SCIENCE AND PRODUCTION
Supplementation MattersNavigating Trace Mineral Requirements of a Beef Herd Beef
How can I best meet the mineral requirements of my beef herd? It comes as no surprise that the answer to this question is not a simple one. There are many factors impacting the mineral requirements of beef cattle such as stage of production, age and body condition. These are further compounded by the bioavailability of the mineral source provided and any antagonists that may be present in the diet.
Regional variations in the trace mineral content of forages and soils create high risk areas where trace mineral deficiencies are more likely to occur. Supplemental sources need to be provided to prevent production declines, animal health events or reproductive wrecks.
Copper deficiency in mature beef cows is an issue across Canada
Recently published data from work led by Dr. Cheryl Waldner with the Western College of Veterinary Medicine in Saskatoon, SK, showed 64 per cent of mature beef cows in Western Canada and 59 per cent of mature beef cows in Eastern Canada have less than adequate copper status.1 This is based on data collected in 2019.
“One of the trends we saw with the copper data was that it looked a bit more regional in the younger cows. But when we looked at the mature cows, the extent of the problem across the country became really apparent,” Dr. Waldner explains. “If you are a cow-calf producer in Canada, you need to worry about copper supplementation in your herd regardless of your location.”
Dr. Van Mitchell and his team at Metzger Veterinary Services in Ontario performed trace mineral screening tests in 2023 on calves coming into Ontario feedlots. They found that 56 per cent of calves
Cattle Research Council | BeefResearch.ca
sourced from Western Canada (Manitoba, Saskatchewan and Alberta) were marginal or deficient in copper. This is compared to 33 per cent of Ontario calves falling in the same category.
“Generally, for copper deficient cattle, we attribute this to poor forage quality, little to no mineral intake or high sulfate or molybdenum in the diet,” he explains.
Dr. Andrew Acton with Deep South Animal Clinic in Ogema, SK, says copper deficiency is the most common one he has observed through his practice and notes it can also be one of the hardest to correct.
“Everything is an interrelation between copper, molybdenum and sulfur. An imbalance in one can cause problems with the others,” he explains.
In addition to molybdenum, high sulphate levels present in water sources or in some alternative feeds, can further limit the bioavailability of copper in the diet. Therefore, despite supplementation, many herds may still be deficient.
Selenium status is a regional concern
When it comes to selenium, 73 per cent of cows in Eastern Canada and 33 per cent of cows in Western Canada have serum selenium levels of 0.8 parts per million or less, which is considered less than adequate.
“If you are a cow-calf producer in Canada, you need to worry about copper supplementation in your herd regardless of your location.”
Dr. Cheryl Waldner Western College of Veterinary Medicine
The research from Dr. Waldner’s group also evaluated molybdenum levels in beef cows and found significant regional variation. Molybdenum is found in soils and in plants, and it can tie up copper. This means if molybdenum is present in the forage, any copper that is also there is no longer available for use by the animal. This results in secondary copper deficiency.
• A primary mineral deficiency occurs when cattle are consuming a diet devoid of that mineral.
• A secondary mineral deficiency occurs when cattle are consuming enough of a specific mineral to meet requirements, but mineral antagonists are present in the diet which interfere with the normal absorption of that mineral.
“There are a few smaller areas across Western Canada where we see a problem, basically west of Highway 2 in Alberta and into BC. But the big thing that came out of those maps is how much more common selenium deficiency is in Eastern Canada,” Dr. Waldner explains, adding that for producers in Ontario, Quebec and the Maritimes, the increased regional risk of low selenium needs to be considered when evaluating a mineral supplementation program.
“It is a soil-derived issue,” says Dr. Mitchell, “and it is definitely the largest problem we see (in terms of mineral deficiency) in Ontario-sourced calves. It is a big contributor to bad calf scours outbreaks, calves that are weak born and poor immune responses.”
In addition, most forages and crops grown in Ontario are deficient in selenium, meaning that without supplementation, cattle are not receiving adequate amounts from their diet.
“Our area (South-Central Saskatchewan)
is not typically deficient in selenium, and we are a little more likely to see selenium in excess in some herds,” Dr. Acton notes. “When we do see issues, it is likely related to drought conditions and certain plants being consumed.”
SCIENCE AND PRODUCTION
“During gestation, the cow will sacrifice some of her own body stores of trace minerals for the fetus, and, in some cases, the calf will be born with adequate levels while the cow is now deficient because of it,”
“It is common practice to provide a selenium injection to a calf at birth, but these will often take four to seven days to have a positive effect on a deficiency. So, doing it at birth may be too late in a truly deficient calf; the focus needs to be on the pregnant cow.”
Selenium esponds predictably with supplementation, in that body levels go up relatively quickly when supplementation is provided. However, producers need to ensure that intakes are adequate and the right level of trace minerals are formulated into the product.
Dr. Van Mitchell Metzger Veterinary Services
“If producers get a load of mineral that is not designed for a selenium deficient area, there is not enough selenium in there. Even if cows consume adequate amounts based on the label, it’s still not enough,” Dr. Mitchell cautions.
Consequences of a trace mineral deficiency
Trace mineral deficiencies can take months to manifest into clinical symptoms, depending on factors such as diet, water quality or health status, says Dr. Acton. Symptoms observed are often not unique to any specific deficiency and can include low conception rates, late-term abortions, poor-performing cattle despite high-quality feed, reduced immune response or rough hair coats.
Many trace minerals, such as copper and zinc, are essential for pregnancy, and when cow requirements are not met, they are at an increased risk of being open in the fall.
Both Dr. Acton and Dr. Mitchell stress that supplementation during gestation is one key timeframe which impacts both calf and cow health and production as well as the cows future reproductive performance.
Dr. Acton says.
“When a cow is deficient during gestation, that calf is also born deficient. And when they get a poor start, it’s going to affect them for their entire productive life,” Dr. Mitchell explains.
“It is common practice to provide a selenium injection to a calf at birth, but these will often take four to seven days to have a positive effect on a deficiency. So, doing it at birth may be too late in a truly deficient calf; the focus needs to be on the pregnant cow.”
Good trace mineral nutrition becomes even more important in younger cows. These animals are still growing themselves and must balance what they are putting into their calf while still meeting their own needs.
“Another aspect is the impact of trace minerals on immune system function, both in terms of the risk of animals getting sick and how they are able to respond to the vaccines we are giving them,” Dr. Waldner explains.
When cows and calves do not have adequate trace mineral levels, their ability to respond to vaccinations is reduced.
Monitoring a beef herd's trace mineral status
There are several tests available that can be used in diagnosing trace mineral deficiencies, which include serum samples and liver biopsies. Using these tools in routine testing can help identify potential production-limiting situations, but must be done with a full understanding of the limitations and how to interpret the results.
“In the case of copper, the liver is the gas tank, and the bloodstream is the fuel line. The gas tank supplies the fuel line, so if the fuel line is low, then it means copper levels are very low or close to being deficient,” Dr. Acton explains.
“When we are looking at a herd problem to start with, the serum samples are a nice screening test,” he says. “If we take 10 or 20 samples and we see 30 per cent deficient, we know we have a big problem going on because more of them are probably deficient than that.”
Dr. Waldner adds that “blood tests are quicker, easier and typically cheaper. Due to this, we are more likely to sample more cows from a wide range of management groups than when we sample liver.”
“In the case of copper, the liver is the gas tank, and the bloodstream is the fuel line. The gas tank supplies the fuel line, so if the fuel line is low, then it means copper levels are very low or close to being deficient.”
“The immune system is very complicated, and we need all aspects of it to be firing,” she says. “There’s evidence to show that trace mineral nutrition is important for both the parts of the immune system that create antibodies to the vaccine and the parts of the immune system that directly impact the cells that are important to the immune system response.”
Dr. Andrew Acton Deep South Animal Clinic
She says a lot of producers are using free choice supplementation, which results in a high variation in trace mineral intakes. “When the mineral status of the cow herd is very variable, doing a small number of potentially more sensitive liver tests could miss the extent of the problem.”
Serum levels of trace minerals will fluctuate depending on the consistency of mineral intake, cautions Dr. Mitchell, adding that a deficient animal might
continued on page 44
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Supplememntation Matters cont. from pg. 43
actually show adequate levels with a blood test if the liver has recently mobilized stored levels to compensate for the deficiency.
While blood samples are an excellent first step in monitoring a herd’s mineral status, the use of liver biopsies is recommended when it comes to determining mineral supplementation requirements or if an acute issue is observed within the herd.
“To know how much to supplement, the liver stores need to be known, which is where liver biopsies come into play. They allow for the precise measurement of essential nutrient levels and detection of deficiencies or toxicities that are not easily identified through external signs or routine blood tests,” Dr. Waldner says.
When to test for trace mineral status
When clinical signs are presented, or a herd is experiencing less than optimal production performance, liver or blood samples are recommended by all experts as part of the diagnoses process. The results can also highlight potential nutritional issues for a given feeding period.
“If we are seeing issues with weak born or stillborn calves, this gives an indication that the issue is with winter feeding. If calves are born healthy, bright and alert, but after weaning get sick and we have high pull rates, now we are looking at summer nutrition,” advises Dr. Mitchell.
Some producers may want to evaluate the trace mineral status of their herds routinely to ensure formulated rations are meeting requirements.
Dr. Waldner and Dr. Acton suggest that monitoring trace mineral status at fall pregnancy checking is ideal. Testing at this point should allow ample time to adjust supplementation to correct any identified deficiencies prior to calving.
Work with your veterinarian and nutritionist to ensure the trace mineral requirements of your herd are being met.
REFERENCE
Beef Cattle Research Council Supplementation Matters - Navigating Trace Mineral Requirements of a Beef Herd https://www.beefresearch.ca/blog/ navigating-trace-mineral-requirementsof-a-beef-herd/
Seasons change. Forages change. Your herd’s health shouldn’t.
SmartLic offers the flexibility to create custom feeding programs that promote balanced nutrition—supporting every stage of production, year-round.
It’s not just another tub. It’s the season for SmartLic.
We value the confidence that producers, feedlots, and packers have placed in our program, and look forward to contributing the industry in the coming years. more profitability and efficiency to
T WO -Y E A R OLDS
A REPORT FROM JEFF YORGA PRESIDENT, SASKATCHEWAN STOCK GROWERS ASSOCIATION
President Jeff Yorga Saskatchewan Stock Growers Association
Welcome to the often imitated but never duplicated Beef Business Christmas edition. Our hope is that the fall has been a success, and you are able to spend some time with the people that matter most to you.
As you may have heard, there had been a case of bovine TB reported in Saskatchewan. Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) is starting the trace outs and we should have a better understanding of the situation into the new year.
It is important that as an industry we offer support to the people affected and let them know that they are not alone in this, especially during this time of year. Having worked through a CFIA quarantine, I can say for certain that it is extremely difficult. We want to make it clear to the people who are affected that we are behind you 100 per cent.
Saskatchewan is free of bovine TB. The last case resulted in no clear source of origin. That is incredibly concerning. Disease doesn’t just show up on its own… but the king’s wildlife does. Any attempt at trace out must include significant testing in the wildlife populations.
Once more, information on the source of this infection is clear, our organization will make this a clear priority. Until then, we will work to make sure the producers affected have our full support and can come to a speedy resolution.
The Canadian Sustainability Standards Board (CSSB) has printed their final guidelines. After consultations, they made no changes! Disappointed is not a strong enough word to convey our feelings around this result (but probably the only word that we can print).
Once fully implemented, the CSSB standards will cost each producer up to an estimated $15,000 annually in accounting and compliance costs. Choosing not to comply will limit access to financing, insurance, and potentially—markets. These voluntary standards have been laughed at by the United States, our largest trading partner, giving us a significant competitive disadvantage.
We have been active on this file for more than three years. The industry needs to stand up and say ‘no’ to an unelected bureaucracy. For too long there has been a “go along, to get along” attitude.
The results, time and time again, have primary producers getting thrown under the bus with added cost and regulation. Our check-off agencies have been quiet on this file, publicly. Their voice, standing alongside primary producers, is long overdue.
During Agribition week, I was able to sit down with our new Minister of Agriculture for Saskatchewan. The Honourable Daryl Harrison
and I covered the gamut of topics.
We look forward to working with him to improve the beef industry and agriculture in Saskatchewan. It is refreshing to talk with someone in that position with dirt on his boots. Congratulations again on the appointment, Minister Harrison.
We would like to take a moment to thank all those that continue to support the Saskatchewan Stock Growers Association Beef Drive. Food Banks around the province have been the beneficiary, and at this time of year, it does not go unnoticed.
Thank you for making this program an annual success. The beef industry has a long history of supporting those in need and this is a perfect example.
Until next time,
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year -
Saskatchewan Stock Growers Association President Jeff Yorga and Saskatchewan Minister of Agriculture Daryl Harrison exchange ideas at Canadian Western Agribition in November 2024
ASSOCIATION
Please submit meeting resolutions on or before February 5, 2025: Mail: Box 4752, Evraz Place, Regina, SK S4P 3Y4
Telephone: 306-757-8523 Email: gm@skstockgrowers.com
•
•
•
Marilyn Evelyn Adele Jahnke
December 10, 1944 ~ December 18, 2024
Marilyn Evelyn Adele Jahnke, of Herbert, SK, and formerly of Gouldtown, SK, passed away suddenly on December 18, 2024.
She was a trailblazer as Saskatchewan Stock Growers Association’s (SSGA) first female president, serving from 2002 to 2004. Marilyn was instrumental in guiding SSGA through the BSE crisis in 2003, advocating tirelessly for producers and promoting the importance of women’s roles in agriculture. Alongside her husband Neil, she operated a ranch near Gouldtown.
Marilyn was known for her leadership in agriculture, her community service, and her dedication to causes like wildfire relief. She was awarded the Queen Elizabeth II Platinum Jubilee Medal for her efforts. Marilyn remained deeply involved in the livestock sector, even after retirement, and cherished time with family, friends, and her community.
A Memorial Service will be held in her honour at the Morse Community Hall in Morse, SK, on January 10, 2025, at 1 p.m.
Donations to the Saskatchewan Stock Growers Association Zone 3-12 scholarship would be greatly appreciated by her family.
On behalf of SSGA’s Board of Directors, staff, and members, Beef Business Magazine extends our heartfelt condolences to Marilyn’s family, friends, and loved ones.
Feed like a BOSS
Simmental Angus SimAngus
Saskatchewan Prairie Conservation Action Plan Partnership Kicks off New 5-year Strategic Plan
Carolyn Gaudet
Since 1998, Saskatchewan Prairie Conservation Action Plan (SK PCAP) has been bringing Saskatchewan’s prairie grassland conservation organizations together through the PCAP Partnership. It started as a collection of 16 partners as a subcommittee of Saskatchewan Stock Growers Association; and since then, it has grown into a decades-long commitment that has sparked numerous resources, high-profile events, education and awareness campaigns and a current partnership made up of 35 organizations.
In 2023, the SK PCAP Partnership met to discuss and develop a five-year strategic plan. The 2024-2028 PCAP Strategic Plan marks the sixth consecutive five-year plan developed by its partners. The Partnership chose to realign the vision, update the mission, significantly refine the five-year goals, and identify key actions to advance the mission.
The PCAP Partnership’s shared mission is to facilitate the conservation, enhancement, and restoration of Saskatchewan native prairie ecosystems for all living things; including, the people whom derive cultural and socio-economic value from these lands, through our core strategies of:
A. Collaborating for and promoting the maintenance and enhancement of native prairie; which includes promoting and participating in the International Year of Rangelands and Pastoralists in 2026, continuing to build capacity for prairie conservation through in-person events.
B. Enabling the current and next generation through education, knowledge transfer and innovation;; which includes collaborating to promote alignment of the K-12 curriculum with PCAP’s mission, maintaining and improving SK PCAP’s hub of relevant and up-to-date information, developing a mechanism for collaboration to facilitate more effective data sharing and increasing intergenerational engagement and connection to native prairie.
C. Supporting land users to continue beneficial land practices; including, maintaining and enhancing SK PCAP’s land users’ section of the website with relevant programming and promoting and supporting knowledge transfer and mentorship amongst land users.
Most of the 35 SK PCAP Partners have signed on to support the five-year
strategic plan, as they recognize the critical importance of preserving the prairie ecosystems in Saskatchewan, which are not only of local significance but also contribute to the broader global effort to address climate change and protect at risk species.
“It is an outstanding achievement that in Saskatchewan we have conservation groups working in partnership with farmers, ranchers, and government,” says Kelly Williamson, PCAP Chair. “The formal PCAP Partnership has been going strong for over 25 years and will continue into the future to bring awareness of the value of native prairie to Saskatchewan residents and beyond.”
The SK PCAP’s strategic approach to increasing awareness about habitat restoration, species-at-risk protection, and community engagement resonates with PCAP Partner values and aspirations for a sustainable future. In November 2024, the PCAP Partnership gathered for a Signing Ceremony to kick off the new plan and to discuss the new strategies.
For more information on SK PCAP and to view the 2024-2028 PCAP Strategic Plan, please visit our website at www.pcap-sk.org.
In November 2024, the PCAP Partnership gathered for a Signing Ceremony to kick off the new plan and to discuss the new strategies.
Winter Grazing Considerations on Native Grasslands
Mindy Hockley-Anderson
Winter has hit full force in much of Saskatchewan, and for many ranchers that means bringing cattle closer to home or areas that are more accessible for feeding. Each ranching operation has a different system when it comes to feeding animals throughout the winter, but if you are planning to winter graze native pastures, there are multiple considerations to factor in before making a decision.
If you do have access to native grass pastures for winter grazing, they can be an incredible asset to delay or reduce using stock piled feed. Some native grass species are more resilient when grazed during their dormant period in the fall and winter, and this is because when these grasses are dormant, the plant will store its carbohydrate reserves in their root systems.
For example, on a healthy rangeland that is populated by cool-season grasses such as Western Wheatgrass, Northern Wheatgrass, and Western Porcupine Grass, native grass species are able to provide excellent nutrition in the colder months.
Western Wheatgrass itself has high protein levels in the spring, up to 18 per cent, but will decrease down to three to four per cent as the plant matures through the growing season. As the protein levels fall, the digestible carbohydrate levels will increase by 40 to 50 per cent late in the season, making it a desirable forage in the fall and winter.
When you are planning your grazing rotation for the year, it’s all about balancing your tame and native grass land bases. Utilizing your tame grass at the start of the year is a great way to defer your native grazing to later in the year.
Tame grasses tend to be less sensitive to early season grazing and their nutrient value and palatability will decline earlier in the year compared to native species. Tame grasses are usually the first to green up in the springtime while some native grasses don’t emerge or actively grow until June or July.
For example, Winterfat, also known as the “ice cream plant,” is incredibly sensitive to grazing April through July, but it is an extremely beneficial plant to utilize in your winter or fall grazing because the crude protein levels remain between nine and 14 per cent in the colder months— making it able to support both pregnant and lactating animal requirements.
Ideally, your winter grazing site is rested for the majority of the year to allow for a build of vegetation. If you do graze the site early in the year and receive little to no precipitation, the pasture may not have a chance to recover before being grazed again.
One of the best ways to increase range health is by resting pastures or creating a rotation that allows for at least one pasture to be rested every year for a full year. A single year of rest can allow for the plant community to recover from previous grazing pressure, increase litter amounts, and stockpile available grazing.
Keep in mind that if the land has been consistently over grazed or was stressed by environmental factors such as drought, it can take years to recover with even small amounts of grazing pressure.
Winter grazing on native grasslands must have an adaptive and practical approach. If a freak snowstorm were to hit, do the cattle have shelter from the elements and access to water? Are they able to access the grass if it’s under snow?
We must also take into account the condition of the animals because even if it is an easy winter, most animals will need to supplemented in order to keep body condition. A pregnant cow’s nutritional needs will greatly increase as she gets closer to calving; so, ensuring you are meeting her needs is key to keeping a productive cow herd.
Depending on the operation, how you supplement will also look different. Some landowners may choose to feed a grain ration, pellets or hay bales, in addition to
providing access to native grass.
Where you feed or supplement cattle can also have an impact on your native grasslands. Grasslands are known for their incredibly diverse plant communities that have evolved over hundreds of years. Feeding grain or hay can risk introducing seeds of plants that aren’t typically occurring on native grasslands.
Ideally, any sort of grain or pellet should be fed in a trough or feeder off the ground. If you are feeding directly on ground, try to pick an area that is already subject to disturbance, such as close to corrals. When picking a feeding site, also keep in mind spring runoff and how that may introduce unwanted seeds to other areas of your native grasslands.
When considering whether or not winter grazing is a viable option for your ranch, the questions may seem endless. Saskatchewan Stock Growers Foundation (SSGF) has range technicians that can come out and assess your grasslands to provide a benchmark of how healthy they are and their ability to support grazing.
This includes looking at the plant community and seeing if the grasses that are present would be suitable for late season grazing. These assessments give SSGF and the landowner more information to see if changes are needed to increase grassland resiliency.
As ranchers plan for the upcoming grazing cycle, SSGF can be looked at as a tool in their toolbox. Rangeland assessments can be done on your native grasslands to help you make more informed decisions on your grazing rotations moving forward.
For more information visit our website at www.ssgf.ca B
NATIVE GRASSLANDS?
GRASSLANDS?
The Saskatchewan Stock Growers Foundation has programs and funding available for landowners to protect and improve native grasslands while focusing on keeping ranchers in control of their land.
Examples include cross fencing for increased grazing management, invasive weed control, livestock water system development, seeding native grass and much more!
Our Programs:
Term Conservation Easements
Habitat Management Agreements
Habitat Restoration Agreements
Results Based Agreements
Grass Banks
Contact us for more details!
www.ssgf.ca communications@ssgf.ca 1-306-530-1385
THANK YOU TO OUR PROGRAM FUNDERS
CALENDAR
ADVERTISER INDEX
Linthicum Ranch Ltd.
Murray & Jan Linthicum (306) 266-4377 Open replacement and bred heifers for sale. Black/black baldy heifers.
Glentworth, SK
THE EXECUTIVE
Jeff Yorga
SSGA BOARD OF DIRECTORS
DIRECTORS AT LARGE
Neil Block, Abbey, SK 306-587-7806
President Flintoft, SK Phone: 306-531-5717
Kelly Williamson
1st Vice President
Pambrun, SK Phone: 306-582-7774
Henry McCarthy
2nd Vice President Wawota, SK Phone: 306-577-8091
Garner Deobald Past President Hodgeville, SK Phone: 306- 677-7777
Chay Anderson
Finance Chair Fir Mountain, SK Phone: 306-640-7087
Find email contact for the Executive Directors at skstockgrowers.com
Gerry Delorme, Assiniboia, SK 306-640-7493
Calvin Gavelin, McCord, SK 306-478-7748
Joe Gilchrist, Maple Creek, SK 306-662-3986
Adrienne Hanson, Langbank, SK 306-421-8538
Lance Hockley, Yellowgrass, SK 306-891-8189
Gord Kozroski, Gull Lake, SK 306-672-7463
Kelly Lightfoot, Assiniboia, SK 306-642-8977
Kurtis Reid, Martensville, SK 306-220-2226
Lee Sexton, Hanley, SK 306-544-2660
Chris Williamson, Mankota, SK 306-478-7036
Kelly Williamson, Pambrun, SK 306-582-7774
ZONE CHAIR DIRECTORS
Zone 1 - Henry McCarthy, Wawota, SK 306-739-2205
Zone 2 - Karen McKim, Milestone, SK 306-436-4616
Zone 3 - Larry Flaig, Assiniboia, SK 306-266-2070
Zone 4 - Brad Howe, Empress, AB 306-661-0409
Zone 5 - Aaron Huber, Lipton, SK 306-331-0097
Zone 6 - Dave McKenzie, Delisle, SK 306-493-8127
Zone 7 - Darcy Moen, Kyle, SK 306-962-3944
Zone 12 - Chay Anderson, Fir Mountain, SK 306-640-7087
AFFILIATE DIRECTORS
Garner Deobald - SK Charolais Affiliate 306-677-2589
Gord Ell - SaskMilk Affiliate 306-535-1922
Kyron Manske - SK Simmental Affiliate 306-267-7530
Marlene Monvoisin - SK Angus Affiliate 306-648-8200
Rob O’Connor - SK Hereford Affiliate 306-550-4890
Ray Rintoul - SK Shorthorn Affiliate 306-917-7805
Ian Thackeray - Man-Sask Gelbvieh Affiliate 306-861-7687
Gord Schroeder - SK Sheep Affiliate 306-933-5582
Jeff Yorga - SK Limousin Affiliate 306-531-5717 APPOINTED
Dr. Andy Acton - Veterinary Advisor, Ogema, SK 306-459-2422 SASKATCHEWAN CCA DIRECTORS
Ryan Beierbach, Whitewood, SK 306-532-4809
