Beef Business March 2012

Beef Business Beef Business ‘

Saskatchewan’s largest circulated industry magazine Saskatchewan`s Premiere Cattlecattle Industry Publication September 2010cattle industry magazine Saskatchewan’s largest circulated ‘

March 2012 May 2010

In This Issue: Selecting the Right Bull p. 18 Pasture Lease Agreements p.30 Canadian Simmental - Leading the Beef Industry in Genomic Innovations p.47 Livestock Patrons Assurance Fund p.49

A Saskatchewan Stock Growers Association Publication Publication Mail Agreement #40011906

Working for Producers

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Wednesday, April 4, 2012 At the Ranch, Wood Mountain, Saskatchewan

Selling 168 Bulls and 60 Heifers 1500

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View Sale Book and Sale Cattle Photo Gallery at www.peakdotranch.com or phone Carson Moneo 306-266-4414 Clay Moneo 306-266-4411 Email:peakdot@gmail.com

Contents

Beef Business

Cover photo courtesy of Ivanhoe Angus - Belle Plaine, SK

A Proud Saskatchewan Tradition Since 1913

A Saskatchewan Stock Growers Association (SSGA) Publication General Manager: Chad MacPherson Administrative Assistant: Wilma Switzer Box 4752, Evraz Place, Regina, SK S4P 3Y4 Tel: 306-757-8523 Fax: 306-569-8799 email: ssga@sasktel.net OR ssga.admin@sasktel.net Website: www.skstockgrowers.com

Industry News 6

Provincial Check-Off Doubles

6

Alcohol Is Bad For You

8

Asian Openings - We Have Returned

11

R-CALF Confused About COOL - They Still Don’t Get It

12

EU Monitoring New Virus

Advertising Sales - Tracy Cornea Tel: 306-693-9329 Fax: 306-692-4961 email: tracy.cornea@gmail.com

Markets and Trade 15

Grassing Cattle in 2012

15

Regina Retail Meat Price Survey

16

Weekly Canadian Dollar

16

Alberta Weekly D1 & D2 Cow Prices

16

Saskatchewan Weekly Average Prices

Subscriptions - Wilma Switzer Box 4752, Evraz Place, Regina, SK S4P 3Y4 Tel: 306-757-8523 Fax: 306-569-8799 email: ssga.admin@sasktel.net Subscription Rate: 1 yr $26.50 (GST included) Published 5 times per year

Feature 18

Selecting the Right Bull

25

Estate Planning

30

Pasture Lease Agreements Reduce Uncertainty

35

Livestock Inspections for Financing

36

Where’s the Beef? Active Missing Livestock Files

39

Corn Grazing

42

Biosecurity Tips for Cow/Calf Operations

44

Genomics Somewhat Simplified

47

Canadian Simmental - Leading the Beef Industry in Genomic Innovations

49

Livestock Patrons Assurance Fund

50

Saskatchewan Shorthorn Annual Report

53

Saskatchewan Simmental Association Report

54

A Report From the SSGA President

56

2012 Semi Annual Meeting Resolutions

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

Science and Production

Association News and Reports

Stewardship 57

SK PCAP - Keeping Invasive Species Out of Native Prairie

58

Calendar of Events

59

Advertiser Index

Prairie Conservation Action Plan (PCAP) Manager: Michelle Clark Box 4752, Evraz Place, Regina, SK S4P 3Y4 Tel: 306-352-0472 Fax: 306-569-8799 email: pcap@sasktel.net SSGA reserves the right to refuse advertising and to edit manuscripts. Contents of Beef Business may be reproduced with written permission obtained from the SSGA Manager and proper credit given to the Saskatchewan Stock Growers Association. Articles submitted may not be the opinion of the Association.

SSGA assumes no responsibility for any actions or decisions taken by any reader from this publication based on any and all information provided.

Publications Mail Agreement #40011906 Return undeliverable Canadian addresses (covers only) to: Saskatchewan Stock Growers Association Box 4752, Regina, SK S4P 3Y4

Contributors

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Did you know that the SSGA is Saskatchewan's oldest agricultural association? cycle This M a

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This magazine is printed on paper that is comprised of 50% recycled paper and 25% post-consumer waste.

It is acid-free, elemental chlorine-free and is FSC certified

MARCH 2012

Garner Deobald Kevin R Elmy Patricia Farnese Trilby Henderson Ralph Howes Chad MacPherson Carolyn McCormack Sean McGrath

Harold Martens Travis Peardon Kathryn Ross Leanne Thompson Jim Warren Cam Wilk Betty Wyatt Grant Zalinko

www.skstockgrowers.com | ©BEEF BUSINESS | 5

Industry News Provincial Check-off Doubles The Saskatchewan Cattlemen’s Association (SCA) has voted to increase the provincial portion of the mandatory, but refundable, beef marketing check-off by 100% -- to $2.00 per animal. The decision was made at the SCA’s Annual General Meeting on January 19, 2012.

technologies, educate people on the value of beef and provide the services this industry needs.”

According to the SCA’s press release announcing the increase the rationale for the decision included the fact Alberta, Manitoba and Ontario are all already charging a $2.00 provincial levy. Another argument made in support of the increase was the fact the provincial levy had not been increased since 1987 when it went from $.50 to $1.00.

The SCA news release did not disclose how the increase will impact its financial position or the amount of funding it actually expects to contribute to research and marketing activities. A few years back, prior to the creation of the SCA, the province was charging under $30,000 annually to administer the provincial check-off fund. A board, largely made up of representatives from producer organizations such as the Saskatchewan Cattle Feeders and the Stock Growers determined how net proceeds would be spent.

SCA Past Chair, Bob Ivey, spoke in support of the increase stating that with it, “Saskatchewan can carry our load in helping open new markets, research new

In addition to the $2.00 refundable provincial levy, producers will continue to pay the $1.00 per head national check-off.

Since its formation, the SCA’s operating expenses have been in the six figure range. Doing the math one can assume that the funding available for research and industry development had therefore been shrinking. Another consideration is the possible impact of reductions in the provincial beef herd. If the cowherd continues to shrink due to factors such as an aging producer population or the loss of grass and forage production due to higher grain prices, the resources available to the SCA with a $1.00 levy would be threatened even further.

As a marketing exercise, the increase offers potential to keep the SCA financially healthy and ensure that the dollars are there for research and development. On the other hand, a 100% increase could increase the volume of producers seeking refunds. B

Alcohol Is Bad For You A Canadian cattle producer doesn’t need to have a 40-ounce a day habit to suffer the negative effects of alcohol. A study released by the George Morris Centre this past January found that Canadian ethanol mandates are costing our livestock sector $130 million annually.

In commenting on the study on January 13, Canadian Cattlemen’s Association (CCA) President, Travis Toews said, “Government policy that favours bio-fuels producers as purchasers of feed grain, favours that industry at the expense of the livestock and meat sector.”

The study, entitled Impact of Canadian Ethanol Policy on Canada’s Livestock and Meat Industry 2012, provides quantitative evidence in support of what cattle producers have been saying for some time now. Ethanol mandates artificially support production which means distillers enter the grain market with an advantage that causes prices to be higher than they otherwise would be. Cattlemen have been arguing that if we had a market-based ethanol industry the playing field would be a lot more level.

“This research shows the negative effects that government imposed mandates have had on the profitability and production of Canada’s livestock and meat industries,” stated Toews, “CCA policy supports the removal of subsidies, tariffs and the mandate. This would let the market determine the best use of Canadian grain.”

6

impacts and either ignored Canada or assumed the effects here were negligible.

Funding support for the study was provided by the CCA, the Canadian Pork Council and the Canadian Meat Council.

The full report can be found at www. georgemorris.org. B

The George Morris Centre study filled a gap in the research on the impacts of ethanol on Canada’s livestock sector.

Previous studies had focused on US

| ©BEEF BUSINESS | www.skstockgrowers.com

MARCH 2012

Reproductive protection that leads the herd.

Express® delivers industry-leading reproductive protection you can trust • Strongest BVD fetal protection available • Field proven and validated by more independent research than any other vaccine • Proven effective even in young calves1 • Express Verified™ Program and the Express Guarantee* increase your calf marketing opportunities using the CCIA database

PREVENTION WORKS. * Eligible Express products only. Some conditions apply. ®Express and Express Verified are registered trademarks of Boehringer Ingelheim GmbH. 1 Platt R, Widel PW, Kesl LD, Roth JA. Comparison of humoral and cellular immune responses to a pentavalent modified live virus vaccine in three age groups of calves with maternal antibodies, before and after BVDV type 2 challenge. Vaccine 27 (2009) 4508-4519.

Industry News Asian Openings – We Have Returned South Korea’s trade door has finally been opened to Canadian beef exports. On January 20th Canadian trade officials announced that South Korea will immediately accept imports of our beef products from animals under thirty months of age (UTM). The announcement formalized an agreement reached by negotiators last June whereby the Koreans chose to make a deal given the likelihood that a WTO challenge launched by Canada in 2009 would go against them. Canadian beef exports to South Korean had been entirely banned following the appearance of BSE in 2003.

In congratulating the federal government on the trade deal, Canadian Cattlemen’s Association (CCA) President, Travis Toews, indicated that industry and government will be working to get the Korean market opened up to product from animals over thirty months (OTM) in line with the science-based guidelines recognized by

the World Organization for Animal Health (OIE).

Trade officials estimate that by 2015 our beef trade with Korea could amount to $30 million annually. Prior to BSE annual receipts from Korea for Canadian beef had been as high as $99 million. South Korea is already importing beef from both the US and Australia. Indeed, the fact the US has had access since 2008 has been viewed as a net benefit to Canadian producers. Shipments of US beef to South Korea removed meat from an already tight supply situation – Canadian beef moved into the US to help make up the difference. Of course selling live cattle into the US feeder and slaughter markets has been frustrated by the US mandatory COOL since 2008. Being able to skip the middleman (or country) and sell directly to Korea could prove particularly beneficial if Canada and Mexico are not successful in their WTO COOL challenge.

People might legitimately start comparing Federal Ag Minister Gerry Ritz to General Douglas MacArthur. Both have waged successful campaigns in the Pacific.

By 2007, Ritz along with Canadian trade negotiators and cattle industry organizations had won back markets lost due to BSE in Japan, Taiwan and Hong Kong. Initial agreements are in place for exports into China. And, on February 8 this year China announced it would allow in imports of Canadian beef tallow. Four days after the bargain with South Korea went into effect, an enhanced trade deal with the Philippines was announced. The Philippines is now accepting imports of live Canadian ruminants (beef, sheep, goats and bison).

As far as Pacific Rim cattle and beef exports go, there is still room for improvement, but nonetheless, we have returned. B

Weyburn Livestock Exchange 1:00 pm

MONDAY, MARCH 19TH On Offer: Approximately 50 Red & Black Angus Yearling & 2 Year Olds

6 Proven Saskatchewan Breeders

WRANGLER RIDGE RANCH

SPRING VIEW RANCH

Broken T Ranch

www.sask-blackangus.ca

447-4803

Sale Day ✆ 869-7949

Sale Day ✆ 861-7702 or 861-1728

Sunny Grove Angus

Swenco Angus

S- Red Angus

Desmond & Chantelle Rasmussen

Carmen Langevin

869-2801

842-5874

Kelly & Audrey Kaufmann

447-2091

Sale Day ✆ 861-6516

Roy, Myrna, Melissa & Brandon Lohse

Shawn & Laura Tessier

842-4367

The Sambrooks

436-4556

Sale Day ✆ 436-7881 Sale Day ✆ 869-7151 Sale Day ✆ 861-6874 www.s-redangus.ca Full Catalogue available for viewing at www.castlerockmarketing.com 8

| ©BEEF BUSINESS | www.skstockgrowers.com

MARCH 2012

. . . r e v E n a h T e r Now Mo th a t is ! ts n e c d n a rs a ll o d nse se A n g u s C a tt le m a k e

$$ Feed Efficiency - packers, feedlots and ranchers know it. $$ High Rate of Fertility - the #1 most important economic factor in a successful cattle operation.

$$ Market Demand - Angus calves will be in demand on any market. $$ Low Maintenance - a typically smaller framed animal that forages and produces more efficiently.

$$ Breed Association Support - both the Saskatchewan and Canadian Angus Associations are actively involved in promoting you and your Angus cattle.

ANGUS

Black or Red - Miles Ahead

Your next herdsire is a sale away! Check our websites for upcoming events.

Saskatchewan Angus Association Box 3771, Regina, SK S4P 3N8 Ph: 306.757.6133 Fax 306.525.5852 Email office@saskatchewanangus.com

www.saskatchewanangus.com A purebred Angus bull gives you access to quality marketing programs.

MARCH 2012

www.skstockgrowers.com | ŠBEEF BUSINESS | 9

Red Badlands

HF

Net Worth

Tiger

23U

5T

Red SVR

Knight

149S

These Yearling Bulls Sell

Other Sires Represented

• Southland Lithium 35W • SVR Obama 318W • GEIS Kodiak 2W • MF Final Answer 31T • BCAR Game Day 9109

10

• Red TR Prairie Fire 500W • Red Bieber Rough Rider 10712 • Red SVR Jack 65S • Red SVR Gangster 89U • Red GEIS Hi Ho 180’04

| ©BEEF BUSINESS | www.skstockgrowers.com

MARCH 2012

Industry News R-CALF Confused About COOL - They Still Don’t Get It On November 18 a WTO dispute settlement panel ruled that US Country Of Origin Labeling (COOL) rules were an unfair barrier to trade with Canada and Mexico and violated international trading laws. The panel stated that while the US has the right to identify the origin of food products, it implemented COOL in a way that frustrates trade. This is because the rules as they stand require the segregation of animals and beef from outside the US. This increases costs to processors and results in an unfair price disadvantage for Canadian and Mexican exporters.

From Canada’s perspective, the simple thing for the US to do would be to fix the rules by treating animals of Canadian origin that were fed and/or slaughtered in the US the same as animals raised entirely in the US. Another improvement would be to allow for a co-mingled label that would reduce the requirements and cost of segregating processed meat. Officials from the Canadian Cattlemen’s Association

have been saying for years that we weren’t afraid to have beef from Canadian animals that were fed and processed in Canada sold under a Canadian label. There are marketers who see this as a distinct advantage.

However, following a series of meetings between the office of the US Trade Representative, Ron Kirk, and US industry stakeholders and consumer groups, it became apparent that there would be no quick fix. Supporters of COOL, including R-CALF pressured Trade Representative Kirk and the US Secretary of Agriculture to defend COOL and appeal the WTO panel ruling. In a 17-page memo, R-Calf called for an aggressive appeal of “the WTO’s reprehensible attack on COOL.” The R-CALF memo, argued that the COOL regulations should actually be tightened to prevent the labeling of exclusively US-bred animals of mixed origin during those days when animals are commingled.

R-CALF assumed mixed origin meat fetches a lower price on the US market, thereby driving down profits for US ranchers.

According to an R-CALF news release in January, “The WTO wrongly believes Canada and Mexico are entitled to market as many livestock as they want in the US market regardless of the level of consumer demand for their livestock,” On the other hand, groups that support free trade, like the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association and the American Meat Institute, would like to repeal COOL, and have publicly urged Trade Representative Kirk not to appeal the WTO decision.

The upshot of the lack of consensus is that the quick fix isn’t happening quickly, and there is a chance the US Trade Representative will appeal the WTO panel decision. B

1-877-371-4487 Fax: 306-538-4411 Kennedy Sk. parksidefarmandranch.com Email: parksideservices@sasktel.net

Grain & Silage Bunks

5 Bar Panels

Bale Feeders

Windbreak Panels Parkside Farm & Ranch also offers: Swinging gates, Bale Shredder Bunks, Texas Gates, 30’ HD Calf Shelters, and Feed Box Feeders.

We do custom projects as well, Please feel free to contact us with your ideas!!

MARCH 2012

Hopper Cones & Steel Bin Floors

www.skstockgrowers.com | ©BEEF BUSINESS | 11

Industry News EU Monitoring New Virus The countries that brought the world BSE are currently discussing what to do about a newly identified virus associated with fetal malformations and stillbirths in cattle, bison, sheep and goats. The informal name for the virus, first reported in November 2011, is Schmallenberg virus, named for a town in Germany where the first definite case was identified.

Since then the virus has also shown up in Belgium, France, the Netherlands and the UK.

way bluetongue is spread.

On February 16, the World Organization for Animal Health (OIE) convened a meeting to review the information available, so far, on the disease. The conclusions of that meeting have been sent to the OIE’s Scientific Commission for Animal Diseases for discussion. B

EU health authorities report that the risk to human health from the virus is negligible. They have also suggested that the period of time when the virus is circulating in the bloodstream of an infected animal is short. It is assumed the virus is transmitted to ruminants by mosquitoes and midges, similar to the

Bull Sale r YouChoice

Friday,

April 20 , 1:00 pm

(CST)

2012

Cowtown Livestock, Maple Creek, SK

Serving your herd sire needs since 1963

50 Yearlings & 2 Yr Olds

100 Home-raised Commercial Replacement Heifers Thursday, April 19th, 2012

South Shadow Angus APHA/AQHA Horses

at Cowtown Livestock

Don & Connie Delorme

(306) 299-4494 dcdelorme@sasktel.net Robsart, SK

Family Consignments: Boundary Angus Kay Dee Angus Jay En Dee Angus Prairie Pride Angus Bear Creek Angus

Cattle and sale catalogues online at

www.DelormeAngus.ca 12

| ŠBEEF BUSINESS | www.skstockgrowers.com

or

www.BoundaryRanch.ca MARCH 2012

MARCH 2012

www.skstockgrowers.com | ©BEEF BUSINESS | 13

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| ©BEEF BUSINESS | www.skstockgrowers.com

MARCH 2012

Markets and Trade Grassing Cattle in 2012

by Travis Peardon PAg and Grant Zalinko PAg In the past few years, grassing cattle through the summer has been a profitable enterprise. As we approach spring 2012, there are some important factors that you need to consider when contemplating the purchase of grass cattle. The first factor is difficult to assess from an economic perspective but is a very important consideration. Soil moisture conditions in the western half of the province are low. Although this could change with a timely snowfall or spring rain, if moisture conditions don’t improve, grass growth could be slow to start and sustainable growth may not be assured through the 2012 pasture season. Although we’re unable to control the weather, stocking rates should be carefully considered when contemplating the number of grass cattle that will be purchased and the availability of stored surplus forage produced in 2011 should be carefully assessed. It is important that you are able to market the cattle and not be forced to sell your grass cattle prematurely if you run out of grass.

It is always important to remember that there is a difference between marketing and selling!

The other factor that producers need to consider when contemplating the

purchase of grass cattle this summer is the increased price they will have to pay to purchase cattle. At the time of writing this article (February 13) a steer with a suitable weight for grass would have cost approximately $1000 (550 lb. @ $1.80 per lb). In the spring of 2011, that same steer would have cost around $800. This will add to the carrying cost (interest and allowance for death loss) associated with owning grass cattle and may increase financing requirements required for grass operations in order to buy the same number of animals they have traditionally run. If we estimate that total costs excluding the purchase price for the feeder will run approximately $250 per head, the break-even sale price in late summer will be $1,250 or $1.47 per lb. for an 850 lb. steer. The feeder market will have to continue to increase to achieve a break-even price for this simplified example.

In order for you to figure out if it makes sense to enter this market to buy cattle, it is important to know your cost of production and also have a sense of where this market might be going as we head towards fall. The Saskatchewan Ministry of Agriculture has an Excel based

spreadsheet that can help you figure out your cost of production and assist you in predicting margins. The Costs and Returns of Grassing Cattle Calculator is available free of charge on the Saskatchewan Ministry of Agriculture website.

This calculator allows you to input a complete production profile and will also assist you in using futures prices to predict possible returns. After all information is entered the calculator will compute a cost per pound of gain and net return from your grasser operation. This calculator will also allow you to compare owning animals versus custom grazing.

This calculator is available at www. agriculture.gov.sk.ca, scroll down to the shortcuts section and click on the on-line calculators tab.

For more information please contact the Agriculture Knowledge Centre at 1-866457-2377. B

Regina Retail Meat Price Survey as of February 18, 2012 ($/lb.)

Cuts Ground - Regular Ground - Lean Roast - Cross rib Roast - Rib Roast - Round Steak - Tenderloin Steak - Rib eye Steak - Sirloin Steak - T-bone Steak - Round

Extra Foods Jan Mar $2.85 $3.12 $4.00 $3.48 $2.99 $3.28 * * $4.00 $4.93 $16.02 * $10.19 * * $6.66 $10.13 $9.97 $4.50 $5.84

Safeway Jan Mar $3.45 $2.99 $3.75 $4.04 * * $10.71 * $6.00 $5.69 * $19.50 $10.71 * $6.70 $6.69 $11.41 * $6.10 $5.89

Sobeys Jan Mar $3.45 $3.64 $3.75 $3.59 $5.45 $5.59 $6.00 $8.64 $5.85 $6.02 $16.02 * $10.97 $10.94 $5.45 $7.94 $9.46 * $5.70 *

Walmart Jan Mar $2.70 $2.70 $3.00 $3.00 $4.88 $4.88 * $8.97 $5.48 $4.37 * $13.97 $8.67 $11.67 $8.48 $8.46 * $9.87 $5.36 *

* Indicates the product was not in the display case on the day of the survey.

MARCH 2012

www.skstockgrowers.com | ©BEEF BUSINESS | 15

Markets and Trade

Saskatchewan Agriculture Crown Land Lease Formula Slaughter D1 & D2 cows

Oct-11

Nov-11

Weighting

$64.34

$59.00

12%

$7.40

Feeder steers 800-900 lbs

$124.67

$129.34

17%

$21.59

Feeder steers 500-600 lbs

$156.05

$155.27

35%

$54.48

Feeder heifers > 800 lbs

$124.89

$119.53

21%

$25.66

Feeder heifers 500-600 lbs

$138.50

$136.77

15%

$20.65 $129.78

Rent 2011

2012

lbs of beef produced

46

46

Weighted value

1.07

1.3

Constant stocking factor

0.8

0.8

Oct 10

Nov 10

Weighting

Slaughter D1 & D2 cows

$52.75

$47.83

12%

$6.03

Share

0.128

0.128

Feeder steers 800-900 lbs

$127.33

$130.79

17%

$21.94

Per AUM

$5.00

$6.09

Feeder steers 500-600 lbs

$114.18

$113.83

35%

$39.90

Feeder heifers > 800 lbs

$111.11

$116.60

21%

$23.91

Feeder heifers 500-600 lbs

$97.73

$99.78

15%

$14.81 $106.60

16

| ŠBEEF BUSINESS | www.skstockgrowers.com

MARCH 2012

MARCH 2012

www.skstockgrowers.com | ©BEEF BUSINESS | 17

Feature Selecting the Right Bull… submitted by Garner Deobald

It’s that time of year when the mailbox is nearly full most days with bull sale catalogues and flyers…bull sale season is here. As bull buying rolls around it’s the perfect time to review the fundamentals of selecting new bulls to complement our cowherds and improve the stock we are producing. There are many considerations that need to be made well before the day of the sale; buying the bull is the straightforward part of the process. No matter which breed or breeds we’re selecting the basic approach is identical.

First we need to come to an understanding of the importance of sire selection. Sire selection has a huge impact on the genetic improvement of a herd, more than most producers realize. A bull will contribute a higher percentage of genetics to the herd compared to the individual production of the cows in the herd. To put it in perspective; a mature bull has the potential to produce 25 calves or in many cases more compared to the single calf a cow will produce. In one year a mature bull will genetically contribute 25 times that of a single cow. Because of the large genetic contribution a sire makes, sire selection is the most important way to make production improvements.

Fortunately, the level of risk associated with the selection of a new bull is manageable using well-planned breeding programs and high quality information.

Most successful cattle managers have a plan listing both short and long-term goals for their cowherds. Many times we fail to spend adequate time defining our selection priorities. The rewards will be there for the managers that make the time to establish and implement a well thought out plan. These plans need to have welldefined goals, they need to be achievable and they need to be reviewed and revised on a continual basis.

To prepare a realistic plan, it is important to assess your current position in the industry. By asking a few simple questions it’s easy to establish where we currently

18

fit in: • • • •

What type of cattle do I produce?

What market am I producing for?

Do the cattle I produce hit the target?

Do they hit the target consistently?

This obviously will vary if you are a cow/ calf producer selling feeder calves in the fall or spring, retaining ownership to finish, raising F1 replacement heifers or marketing through a branded program like CAB or Laura’s Lean.

“A bull will contribute a higher percentage of genetics to the herd compared to the individual production of the cows in the herd.”

Once we have gone through this simple exercise the next step is to determine the current status of the herd for performance and profitability. To do this it is necessary to evaluate current performance records, herd averages, gross income and the cost of production. It is important to note that it is difficult to make improvements if this information is not available. Good record keeping is crucial in today’s business world. Having an established starting position in these areas will make it much easier to develop goals for genetic improvement.

There are a number of considerations that need to be made when we are looking at selecting genetics or bulls for our operations. We need to decide which traits are of economic importance and ask ourselves if they contribute to reducing costs of production or increasing revenue to determine which will provide the greatest benefit. All of the traits we select for play an important role in the success and profitability of our operations.

Traits can be grouped together to simplify this task. Growth/production,

| ©BEEF BUSINESS | www.skstockgrowers.com

maternal, reproduction, carcass, survival/ adaptability and convenience are the trait categories that cover all of the important production areas.

From an economic standpoint it is imperative to note that reproduction of beef cows is the most important trait. Management plays a large role in reproduction but genetics also contribute to this as well. In Canada cattle breeders have been aware of this for many years and have done an excellent job of selecting for fertility and reproduction traits. As cow-calf producers weaning weights and yearling weights are also extremely important. From a financial perspective carcass traits are the least important. That doesn’t mean we should totally disregard carcass characteristics, we need to be aware of what we produce to ensure that we are making the best genetic selections we can to meet the demands of the marketplace. Selection tools have been developed to assist in this area and we need to take advantage of them.

It is very important to have a good understanding of the market. What is the market asking for? Which calves are generating the greatest return; dollars per cow exposed? To maximize your returns selecting genetics to produce for the market cannot be overstated.

Many of the traits or characteristics that are important to beef producers can only be evaluated through visual observation.

These would include disposition, horned/polled, colour, muscling, body capacity, structure, sheath and testicular development to name a few. To be an efficient breeder it is crucial that a bull is structurally sound. This means he should move without pain or discomfort and should have appropriate angles at weight bearing joints.

It’s important to be systematic in performing a visual appraisal. If we advance through the process the same

MARCH 2012

Feature way each time it will become easier to do a comparison. I’d suggest starting the evaluation with the front feet, then work up the legs to the knees and shoulders.

Move to the back feet then work your way up to the hocks and hip. Profile the bull from each side, the front and from behind. It’s important to give a long hard look at the shape of the head and skull.

Sheath and scrotal are also attributes that need attention. Finally the amount and distribution of muscle is key for any bull.

Selecting for muscling is very important and plays a huge role in the amount of lean yield we produce. A good indicator is to look at the depth and width of the forearm on the front leg and on the lower quarter or “shank” on the hind leg. These areas contain only minimal amounts of fat, what you see is what you get. A more muscled animal will stand with its hind feet wider apart. A convex or bulging hind-quarter muscle is apparent down either side when viewed from behind. Another muscle area sits neatly above the ribs, beside the spine on both sides of the backbone, known as the eye muscle. As an animal fattens, fat deposits are laid down around this muscle, often giving false impression of the musculature or muscling of the animal.

A robust appearance is desirable; full deep flank with ample body or rumen depth demonstrates good capacity. The ribcage needs to follow through behind the shoulders full and with no pinched or constricted appearance to the heart girth. A pinched or smaller heart girth is undesirable. With our colder climate here in Canada the industry selects for a substantial or heavy hair coat which is more desirable than a slick coat.

Good temperament and disposition should be expected in the bull market today. Calm, quiet genetics pay dividends in many ways. Primarily safety, ease of handling and it has been proven in trials many times that docile, calm, quiet cattle gain and grow much better than excitable, high strung, nervous animals.

Good hoof size and shape are crucial, forming a solid base to build a sound skeletal structure. The ideal hoof shape will be uniform claws, equal in size and do not cross at the toe.

The ideal toe length to heel depth should be approximately a ratio of 1.8 toe length to 1.0 heel depth. The space or gap between the claws should be minimal. Obvious long toes or shallow heels should be avoided as misshapen or uneven claws should be. Vertical or horizontal fissures are problematic and undesirable.

Correct joint angles are crucial to long-term soundness; the slope of the pastern should match the slope of the shoulder.

The correct pastern angle is important as it needs to cushion and absorb the impact of walking or jumping. If the angle is incorrect it generally tells us that there are other problems as well.

continued on pg. 22

MARCH 2012

www.skstockgrowers.com | ©BEEF BUSINESS | 19

Feature

When we look at the bull directly from the front we can easily identify the ideal leg structure. If we draw a line from the point of the shoulder down through the knee directly between the claws of the hoof, the knee should line up dead center. In the case where the knee falls on the inside of the line he is knock-kneed; most of the time the feet will turn out with the hooves wearing unevenly. If the knee falls outside of the drawn line the bull is bow-legged and undesirable in extreme cases. The foot rolls over the outside claw and again will wear unevenly. Stress on the knee (joint) increases as it moves further in or out from the ideal placement.

In the case where the angle is too straight or upright the foot will be a short box or square shaped foot. Straight legged bulls tend to be up on their toes and will have limited flexion in the pastern to absorb the force inflicted when the bull is active.

The straight legged animal generally will carry his head lower or down. If the angle is incorrect and is too soft in the pastern we can expect other problems such as toes overgrowing in length and may have a calf knee. In the diagrams we can easily point out the most desirable or ideal joint angles.

20

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On any individual bull’s hind leg, joint angles will be the same as the front leg angles. If he is straight shouldered or straight legged on the front he will be straight legged on the rear.

Swelling and fluid will build up in straight hocks and they tend to break down sooner. Sickle-hocked legs will be very soft in the pastern with too much flex and too much set in the leg.

These joint angles also impact the position of the pelvis along with the hip structure. From directly behind the bull draw an imaginary line from the hip joint down the leg through the center of the hoof. Ideally the hock should sit directly in line.

If the hock falls outside this line the bull is bow-legged. If the hock is inside the line he is cow-hocked. In both cases the hooves will wear unevenly and there is increased stress on the joints which will cause unsoundness in time.

MARCH 2012

Feature

The shoulder should be smooth against the rib cage. Bulls with shoulders wide at the point of the shoulder or wide between the shoulder blades may throw heavy shouldered calves, increasing the chance of calving problems.

Skull shape is important and a great indicator of skeletal structure. Look for a muzzle with substantial width and proper alignment of the teeth and jaw. Avoid a long narrow skull shape. A hood or brow that protrudes over the eyes is important to give protection to them.

A clean sheath is preferred. Avoid a loose, excessive sheath and a pendulous penis. It is also extremely important to have a Breeding Soundness Evaluation performed by a licensed veterinarian. This is a sound investment and will ensure the ability to produce viable semen.

MARCH 2012

A - Straight sided B - Ideal shape, well defined neck C - Wedge shaped Avoid extreme fat as this will inhibit the ability to regulate the temperature of the testicles.

Look for a free-moving gait, with the hind feet stepping into the footprints of the front feet. Overstepping or understepping are indications of structural problems, as are uneven footprints from the claws. Straight legged bulls will short stride and shuffle with less flex in the knee and hocks.

Many of the symptoms of structural soundness/unsoundness are at least partly genetic in other words structure is heritable.

Problems can be exaggerated by management factors such as overfeeding, mineral deficiencies and soft soil. Hoof trimming can temporarily hide some problems and should be avoided. If there are concerns or problems identified in young bulls they rarely resolve themselves, generally they will remain or worsen as they age.

www.skstockgrowers.com | ŠBEEF BUSINESS | 21

Feature The Right Bull cont. from pg. 19

In summary the importance of sire selection cannot be overstated. It has a huge impact on the industry and the profitability of each and every operation.

Many of the considerations are common sense and applicable across breeds. We need to use a balanced approach using genetic information/EPDs, individual performance information along with visual conformation evaluations. The balanced approach needs to combine the best combined package of traits and characteristics, avoiding single trait selection or extremes in any one area. It is difficult to find the perfect bull but with careful planning and selection practices it definitely is possible to find bulls that will improve production and prosperity of our farms and ranches. Spend enough time planning; be systematic in making sire selections, use the data and information that is available from reputable breeders.

If the information or data is not available

or provided by a breeder, find a seedstock producer that willingly supplies all of the information. Buy the best bull you can afford, it is a good investment.

8. Have a Look – spend as much time as possible evaluating potential bulls 9. Make a Sound Investment – buy the best bull you can afford 10. Manage the New Bull Properly – nutrition, minerals, parasiticides, vaccinations and avoid over use

If we follow this 10 step approach to bull buying it will simplify the process and ensure that we’re on the right track to “Selecting the Right Bull”.

1. Identify Herd Goals 2. Assess Herd Strengths and Weaknesses 3. Establish Selection Priorities 4. Utilize Selection Tools – EPDs, Ultrasound, Individual performance data 5. Establish Benchmarks – compare your results to industry averages 6. Find a Source – Seedstock producers that will help you through the process 7. Do Your Homework - disposition, foot soundness, fleshing ability, etc must be evaluated visually

C O M M E R C I A L

Please call or email if you have any questions or comments: Garner Deobald 306.677.7777 or email gdeobald@gmail.com B Garner Deobald is a Boehringer Ingelheim Canada Animal Health representative for Manitoba and Saskatchewan. Garner, along with his wife Lori and family, operate Cedarlea Farms, a Charolais seedstock and Hereford commercial operation at Hodgeville, SK. Garner has been a longtime cattle evaluator; judging many breed shows across Canada as well as a number of international shows. Selecting Canadian seedstock for global export through Cedarlea Farms subsidiary company, Hawkeye Land and Livestock is also a growing business.

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MARCH 2012

Bulls sired by the leading AI sires in the industry such as King, Final Answer, Net Worth, Pioneer, 21AR Roundup, Sydgen Mandate and Hoover Dam. Also check out the group sired by our New Zealand outcross sire, Glenworth Waigroup.

They are impressive!

April 13, 2012 at 1:00 pm Saskatoon Livestock Sales, Saskatoon, SK

• Complete Performance & Carcass Information Since 1989 • Deferred Payment Plan 60% Down Sale Day 40% December 1, 2012 No Interest • Sight Unseen Purchase Program

It’s not right with us, until it’s right with you!

80+

Selling Black Angus Yearling Bulls

Dennis and David Johnston

Conquest, SK S0L 0L0 (306) 856-4726 (306) 856-2027 (Fax) Dennis’ Cell (306) 227-2344 • David’s Cell (306) 867-7959 www.johnstonfertilevalley.com • ranchers@sasktel.net Call or email for a catalogue 24

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MARCH 2012

Feature Estate Planning

by Patrica Farnese

You’ve likely heard about the importance of having a Will and keeping it updated.

Nonetheless, many ranchers and farmers still do not have up to date Wills. Before I discuss things to consider when drafting a Will, I want to highlight the importance of having an enduring Power of Attorney.

It is at least equally, if not more important, to have an enduring Power of Attorney in the event that you become incapacitated and unable to manage your affairs.

Sometimes people sign a Power of Attorney if they are leaving the country for an extended vacation just in case there is an emergency that needs to be taken care of before they can get back home. If you become incapacitated, however, these Powers of Attorney have no effect. An enduring Power of Attorney, on the other hand, explicitly outlines that it is effective

in the event you become incapacitated.

If you already have a Power of Attorney, reread it to make sure it explicitly states it is enduring. The requirement that Powers of Attorney explicitly state they are enduring is relatively new, so older Powers of Attorney may need to be updated.

Without a valid enduring Power of Attorney, your caregiver will need to undergo the expensive and timeconsuming process of applying to the court to be appointed as your guardian.

This process is made all the more onerous by the fact that your family will be forced to make these decisions during a very difficult and stressful time. As a consequence, their decisions may not be the wisest for the ongoing viability of

your ranch/farm operation and for your family. Moreover, decisions made on your behalf by your court-appointed guardian will be scrutinized by the Public Trustee.

While that oversight is important where there is a risk that the incapacitated person may be taken advantage of, this is likely not a concern between a husband and wife. Also, the Public Trustee’s office will require that your guardian obtain a commercial bond in proportion to the value of your assets before she will be able to pay your bills, sign contracts, or sell property on your behalf. An enduring Power of Attorney allows your family to act without the Public Trustee’s involvement. continued on page 26

15th Annual Triple A Bull and Heifer Sale Monday, April 2, 2012 • 1:00 PM Johnstone Auction Mart ̴ Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan

55 Black Angus Bulls, 10 Red Angus Bulls and 25 Open Heifers Sell Arm River Red Angus (306) 567-4702 Bell Angus (306) 345-2052 Valley Lodge Cattle Co. (306) 771-2305 Hi Low Angus (306) 731-2940 Nu Horizon (306) 336-2245 CSI Angus (306) 781-2244 Cottonwood Angus (306) 537-4710

Irving Angus Willowview Angus Wilmo Angus Ranch Glen Gabel Angus XLB Angus Triple H Red Angus Glendor Angus

(306) 587-2523 (306) 359-6100 (306) 345-2046 (306) 536-1927 (306) 734-2741 (306) 723-4832 (306) 638-6277

2011 Sale Results...

Under $2,200 - 24% $3,000 - 28% $4,000 - 36% Over $4,000 - 12% Bulls Averaged - $3,036 Open Heifers Averaged - $1,330

For a catalogue please call (306) 757-6133 Auctioneer: Scott Johnstone (306) 693-4715 Ring Service: Mike Fleury (306) 222-9526

MARCH 2012

www.skstockgrowers.com | ©BEEF BUSINESS | 25

Feature Estate Planning cont. from pg. 25

For many producers, writing a Will is a part of a more comprehensive succession planning process. When one child is taking over the operation, there is often a desire to ensure that other children are treated fairly. As a result, it is important to know what other assets are available to leave to the non-ranching child. Therefore, you should begin this process by taking stock of what you have. What is the value of the land, livestock, buildings, equipment and inventory? What are your debts? While you are at it, consider the value of your nonranch assets such as RRSPs, investments and, if you have had off-farm income, and/ or pensions.

When thinking about how to benefit each of your children in your Will, don’t confuse treating each child fairly with treating them the same. Ranch operations are carved up in strange ways in Wills that may undermine both the operation’s

economic viability and the relationships among siblings. This is particularly the case when the ranching child is placed in a position of owing money, perhaps a rent payment, to her non-ranching sibling. All involved need to realize that the ranching child may be acquiring a valuable operation, but she is likely acquiring a heck of a lot of risk and personal debt to do so. This risk may justify the differential treatment of the ranching child.

In addition, if you have not looked at your land titles in a while, you may want to have your lawyer pull those for you.

During 2002 and 2003, Saskatchewan converted to a paperless land titles system. In the process, some mistakes were made. Parcels were tied together when they should not have been, boundaries may have changed from what people understood them to be and the description of two owners as either joint tenants or tenants in common may have been confused. It is also important to ensure that any paid mortgages have been discharged.

Last, I cannot emphasize enough the

BW: 1.8 WW 53.3 YW: 91.9 Milk: 23.4

Sliding Hills Charolais 26

Patricia Farnese is an Assistant Professor of Law at the University of Saskatchewan. She is also a faculty member with the Indigenous Peoples Resource Management Program at the UofS. Professor Farnese completed graduate work at the University of Arkansas in the area of Agricultural Law and her current research activities include on-farm liability and risk, wetland policy, obesity and animal health. Prior to doing graduate work, Professor Farnese clerked with the Saskatchewan Court of Appeal and was admitted to the bar in 2002.

BW: -0.6 WW: 38.8 YW: 77.4 Milk: 22.8

Merit 9809W X Sparrows Serengeti

Sparrows Serengeti X HTA Rhapsody 390N

importance of consulting a lawyer familiar with the tax provisions related to ranch/ farm successions. Roll-overs and capital gains tax exemptions exist to minimize the tax consequences of succession. These rules are complicated and are subject to change over time. Moreover, plans to pass the ranch/farm to a child must not violate matrimonial property laws. A little money spent now to structure your ranch/ farm operation to facilitate the transfers in a manner that will best take advantage of these tax provisions can significantly reduce your tax liability. B

SOS Up In Smoke 37R X ZDM Mac 21K

BW: 3.6 WW: 50 YW: 97 Milk: 23.0

Carey, LeeAnn, Sarah, Laura and Dale Weinbender Box 1809, Canora, SK S0A 0L0 306.563.6678 clweinbender@gmail.com

| ©BEEF BUSINESS | www.skstockgrowers.com

BW: 0.1 WW: 60.3 YW: 118.1 Milk: 17.8

MSW Red Mist 27R X Sparrows Eldorado 361L

Jordan River Charolais

Glen, Lori, Serena and Ruston Mangels RR 1, Arborfield, SK S0E 0A0 306.769.4132 glen@sasktel.net

MARCH 2012

WW 12Y

WW 82Y

leo 47Y

leo 48Y

collin & Michelle sauder ph/fax 306-677-2507 collin’s cell 306-677-7544 windy.willows@sasktel.net

Sale Manager: oPtiMAL BoviNes iNc. Rob Holowaychuk #407, 4808 Ross St. Red Deer, AB T4N 1X5 Ph: (403) 341-5098 www.optimalbovines.com

Cedarlea Farms Garner & Lori Deobald & family ph 306-677-2589 Garner’s cell 306-677-777 g.deobald@sasktel.net www.cedarleafarms.com

Sale Manager:

By Livestock Helge & Candace By 124 Shannon Road Regina, SK S4S 5B1 Helge’s cell 306-536-4261 Candace’s cell 306-536-3374 charolaisbanner@gmail.com

Catalogue online at www.cattlemanagement.ca and www.bylivestock.com

14th Annual Bull & Female Sale • Saturday, April 7, 2012 ̴ 1:00 PM• On the Farm, Goodeve, SK Offering - 55 Black Angus Yearling Bulls - 15 Red Angus Yearling Bulls - 30 Top Cut Black Angus Open Females

Featuring...

S Chisum 6175 ̴ First Sons to Sell in Canada ̴ 4 Sons Sell

Silver Dome Dynasty 19T ̴ Straight Canadian Pedigree ̴ 6 Sons Sell ̴ Easy Fleshing Maternal Line

Crescent Creek Tom Boy 15W ̴ $26,500 1/3 Interest Sold to Bar CR Angus ̴ 6 Sons and 10 1/2 Brothers Sell ̴ Easy Fleshing & Moderate Birth Weight

Bronyx Emblazon 58T ̴ 12 Sons sell ̴ Performance Bulls

Red Crescent Creek Rambler 70P ̴ 30 Open Replacement Heifers ̴ Pictured at 7 Years of Age ̴ $14,500 to KBJ Farms ̴ 12 Sons Sell ̴ Calving Ease with Yearling Growth

All Bulls Semen Tested • Ultrasound Carcass Data • Performance Data • Delivery Arranged Volume Discounts • Financing Terms Wes, Kim & Family Irene Box 192, Goodeve, SK S0A 1C0 Box 103, Goodeve, SK S0A 1C0 PH: (306) 876-4420 PH: (306) 876-4400 Cell: (306) 728-8284

28

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www.crescentcreekangus.com info@crescentcreekangus.com

Sale Management

Sale Consultant Darin Bouchard

(204) 526-7407

Rob Holowaychuk (780) 916-2628 Bob Toner (306) 834-7385 MARCH 2012

Burnett Angus Bull Sale

Saturday, April 7, 2012 at 1:00pm Heartland Livestock • Swift Current, SK Ask about our BULL FINANCE PROGRAM

45 • Yearling & 2 Year old Black Angus Bulls - specializing in low birth weights, thickness & depth - performance tested, rated and indexed - sired by: Final Answer, Mytty InFocus, Duffs Encore, OCC Missing Link, and Fahren Select group of Female Breeding Stock

For catalogues and further information contact: Bryce Burnett 306-773-7065 or Wyatt Burnett 306-750-7822 Toll Free: 1-800-929 COWS (2097) email: wburnett@xplornet.ca www.bryceburnett.com MARCH 2012

www.skstockgrowers.com | ©BEEF BUSINESS | 29

Feature Pasture Lease Agreements Reduce Uncertainty

by Ralph Howes, P Ag. Farm Business Management Specialist Saskatchewan Ministry of Agriculture -Moose Jaw Regional Office

A pasture lease agreement is a legal document which sets out the terms of an agreement between a landlord and a tenant. The landlord and the tenant should carefully examine the terms and conditions in the agreement to ensure they are acceptable and address the needs of both parties..

The most common agreement is cash rental, where the tenant pays the landlord a fixed sum each year, and the tenant in turn receives all the income produced from the pasture. The major contributions in a rental agreement are the land and the cattle, but there are usually other costs such as fencing and taxes, and there may be other revenues such as government payments. A proper lease will determine in advance how all costs and income are to be treated.

Carrying capacity and stocking rates will influence the lease rate. Carrying capacity is the average number of grazing animals that can graze the forage year after year without damaging the vegetation or soil.

The carrying capacity of a pasture may be influenced by the age, species and condition of the forage. The stocking rate is the actual number of animals or animal units on the pasture for a specific period of time. Carrying capacity does not fluctuate yearly while the stocking rate does fluctuate due to the impact of weather on the quantity of forage production.

The number of grazing days should be specified in the lease agreement to prevent over-grazing and to ensure proper pasture rejuvenation and winter cover protection. The Ministry of Agriculture Regional Forage Specialists can provide more in-depth information on stocking rates, carrying capacity and pasture productivity.

Calculating Lease Rates After determining the pasture’s carrying capacity and the stocking rate, lease rates can be negotiated. There are several

30

different approaches to this calculation.

Per Acre This lease is based on landlord costs and investment. Landlords want to ensure that the pasture is not overgrazed while the tenant may want the maximum use from the available grass. The downside to the tenant is that with drought the rent remains the same.

Per Head This lease has the advantage of compensating the owner, based on the number of livestock brought to the pasture. The animal numbers and flexible grazing periods are possible.

A variation of this is to calculate Animal Unit Months (AUM) as a stocking tool.

are not clearly stated in the agreement.

A written agreement including the considerations discussed in this article, as well as specifying the duration of the rental period and termination conditions, will protect both parties and their estates.

Both landlord and tenant should consult their own lawyer to ensure their needs are met and their rights protected. With a legal written agreement in place, both parties can be confident that the terms and conditions are clearly stated and that their interests are protected.

For further information, calculations of these methods or a sample agreement the publication Pasture Lease Agreement is available at your local Ministry of Agriculture Office or at www.agriculture. gov.sk.ca. B

Income Sharing This method looks at production generated off the land and bases value on the meat (pounds of gain) or animals produced (calf-share).The landlord is sharing risk in this arrangement.

Market Approach The market approach is based on what other pasture rental agreements are in the local community. Both parties will have to agree on acceptability.

Other Important Issues In addition to negotiating the lease rate, the landlord and tenant must agree on who is responsible for fencing repairs and maintenance and for surveillance of livestock, water supply and pasture condition. The landlord may want to establish restrictions on the use of pesticides or use of the land for activities other than grazing livestock. Lease agreements should also address liability issues for both parties and flexibility of lease terms in the event of drought or adverse weather conditions. The parties involved may have differing assumptions of their roles and responsibilities if they

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MARCH 2012

Sire: Red Six Mile Wind Chill 828W MGS: Red 5L Norseman King 2291 BW: 3.2 WW: 40 YW: 77 M:18 TM: 38

Sire: Connealy Thunder MGS: S A V Final Answer 0035 BW: -0.1 WW: 73 YW: 120 M: 32 TM: 69

Sire: Red VGW Game Plan 816 MGS: Red Lazy MC Smash 41N BW: 0.8 WW: 38 YW: 73 M:20 TM: 40

MARCH 2012

www.skstockgrowers.com | ŠBEEF BUSINESS | 31

NOW THAT THEY’RE OFFICIALL YOU CAN ENJOY THE VIEW FR

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MARCH 2012

Science and Production Livestock Inspections for Financing

by Cam Wilk, Provincial Manager Field Services, Livestock Branch, SK Ministry of Agriculture

The growth of Saskatchewan’s livestock industry relies on traditional and alternative financing arrangements. To accommodate the needs of Saskatchewan livestock producers, banks, Credit Unions, finance companies and the Livestock Loan Guarantee Program - the Ministry’s Livestock Inspectors offer a brand verification service. This service is over and above our regular inspections for the confirmation of ownership prior to sale and export.

The inspection process consists of having brand inspectors visually inspect cattle and recording the number of livestock carrying finance brands along with other visible brands. In these inspections the horned cattle fees will be waived.

6139 - black harvest.indd 1

MARCH 2012

Clients requesting inspections for their benefit that are not required under Inspection and Transportation Regulations must comply with the following conditions: a) Notify a Livestock Inspector 48 hours in advance of inspection to ensure an Inspector is available and not otherwise engaged in tasks normally considered part of their job.

d) Facilities are to be adequate for proper inspection. B For more information: Contact the Agriculture Knowledge Centre at 1-866-457-2377 or your nearest District Livestock Inspection office.

b) Fees are calculated at $1.80/head and apply to all livestock inspected. c) Cattle inspected under this policy and NOT transported, sold or delivered are exempt from horn deductions.

2/10/2012 10:19:14 AM

www.skstockgrowers.com | ©BEEF BUSINESS | 35

Science and Production Where’s the Beef?

Active Missing Livestock Files February 2012

Area Missing From

Number of Head

Borden

4

Assiniboia

5 6

Assiniboia

14

Saskatoon

20

Animal Description

Brand Description

Cows blk with calves

Brand Location

RS

Livestock Branch Contact

Date Reported

Radisson 8273460

Saskatoon 933-7660

Jan 10/12

Assiniboia 642-7110

Assiniboia 642-7246

RCMP Subdivision

1 cow blk 4 calves mx 1 cow red 5 calves red

LH

6 blk cows 8 BBF calves

RH

Shaunavon 297-5550

Swift Current 778-8312

LH

Delisle 493-3240

Saskatoon 933-7660

Dec 6/11

Carlyle 453-6707

Moosomin 435-4582

Nov 11/11

RH

10 cows & 10 calves reds & tans

Nov 16/11

Nov 22/11

LH Carlyle

37

Redvers

27

2 Cows blk 35 Calves blk Calves

LH No brands

Theodore

Spiritwood

Spiritwood

1 blk cow 1 blk calf 1 blk bull

RS

Yorkton 786-4500

Yorkton 786-7512

7

4 cows 3 calves

RH

Spiritwood 883-4210

Spiritwood 883-8380

6

6 red hfs

RH

Spiritwood 883-4210

Spiritwood 883-8380

3

Nov 14/11

Nov 16/11

Nov 23/11

Information provided by the Livestock Branch of the Saskatchewan Ministry of Agriculture

36

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MARCH 2012

MARCH 2012

www.skstockgrowers.com | ©BEEF BUSINESS | 37

38

Wheatland Bull 133Y Sire: Wheatland Stout 930W

Wheatland Bull 122Y Sire: Wheatland Predator 922

ANL BL 719T Victor 25Y Victor 719T X Warrior 85P

Mohican War Drum 409W ET Ontime 934S X Boomer P 606

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MARCH 2012

Science and Production Corn Grazing

by Kevin R. Elmy, P.Ag Producing enough feed for a livestock operation is a challenge for some operations most years. Cutting feed costs is the top of every operation. There is always a trade off of quality and quantity.

One of the easiest solutions to that is one word, corn.

“But I know a guy that tried corn and it didn’t work.” “Corn is too expensive.” “Corn is too risky.” “Corn uses too much fertilizer.”

Anyone hear these before? When you ask more questions, details usually fade.

Worse yet, improper advice has been given. In the nine years we have grown corn on our farm in the Yorkton area, corn has proven itself as a very reliable and inexpensive feed source. The worst year was 2004, where our cost per cow per day was around $1.10.

The first thing to look at for corn is variety selection. Ontario silage people look for feminine varieties, or varieties that have fine stalks, thin rind, lower lignin, and softer kernels at maturity; in many cases, true silage varieties. Grain varieties are bred to be shorter stature so less product goes through the combine, thicker stalks and rinds to improve lodging resistance, high cob set so producers can cut higher, and fast dry down. Silage varieties are taller, produce more than one cob, hang onto leaves longer, are slower to dry down, and have less lignin to improve palatability. Grain varieties, in order to get these traits, must be seeded at higher rates. For silage, a dual purpose works well but not all do well for grazing. In our strip trials we seed varieties side by side, then cross fence across the varieties and then graze. Cattle will eat the varieties in the same order in each paddock, and not in order of seeding. Some varieties they will eat to the ground, others they will leave 1 meter (3 feet) or more of stalk. It may be due to FSS (Frozen Stalk Syndrome), where the stalks are frozen solid. In the spring, they will clean up good grazing varieties without losing condition. They will not clean up coarse varieties with thick rinds which creates a problem for seeding. My preference is using varieties that we can

MARCH 2012

seed at 26,500 seeds per acre (3 acres per bag) or lower without sacrificing production. We recommend using at least two varieties, one matching what you get on average for total accumulated Corn Heat Units (CHU) on ¼ to 1/3 of the acres, and the other 200 to 500 CHU later.

This will hedge risk against warm years of getting too much mature grain in the plants. Cows eat the cobs first, so high starch, mature grain corn crops will kill cows. You are better off silaging it. The late maturing variety will provide similar dry tonnes but with less lignin, less energy, and higher sugar content.

Row spacing is an interesting discussion.

We have found going to wider row spacing increases tonnage and decreases trampling losses. Tonnes go up because of more uniform plant distribution and uniform cob development. Trampling losses are lower because cows will follow rows or can knife through the “curtains” of corn rows. Going to a row planter is an excellent investment if you are planning on growing any corn acres on a long-term basis.

early; wait until the soil temperature gets to a minimum of 10°C. Seeding into cool ground increases seed rot, seedling vigor, and varies emergence. Also, early seeded corn will be shorter than corn seeded at the end of May or in early June. For grazing, you will have more mature corn which increases your grain overload risk.

Fertilizer is the next hang up. What we’ve found is too much fertilizer creates a nutrient imbalance, especially with nitrogen and will actually decrease yields.

Manure is a wonderful nutrient source, so where you have a lot of manure, corn will grow well with little added fertilizer. Once a good corn crop has been grown and grazed, as long as the animals stay on the corn ground when eliminating waste and there is no significant erosion, leaching or volatilization, you are done fertilizing for next year’s corn crop. Over-fertilizing corn will produce more vegetative growth and delay cob development, reducing your tonnage. Using a barley fertilizer blend, while potentially adding more potash, normally works well on crop ground with no manure.

Some producers make mistakes with their seeding date. Corn can be seeded too

continued on page 40

Photo courtesy of Kevin R. Elmy

www.skstockgrowers.com | ©BEEF BUSINESS | 39

Science and Production Corn Grazing cont. from pg. 39

Weed control is crucial, hence the rapid uptake of RoundUp Ready corn. Weed pressure can wreck a corn crop. Corn needs to be kept clean until knee high.

RoundUp Ready canola is going to be one of the weeds to watch. Some corn varieties are very sensitive to 2,4-D and MCPA application after the 5th leaf, so applications must be staged properly.

Grazing management is the final variable that needs to be looked at. Ideally the cross fence should be moved every 3 to 7 days. The more frequently you move the fence, generally the better the clean up.

Adding a high relative feed quality bale when you move the fence also helps with clean up. Ensure that you have the second fence up before taking the first fence down. This also helps contain cattle if you have some that are prone to jumping the

fence. Running a ground wire with a hot wire ensures proper grounding of electric fence.

As a quick generalization, corn grown on crop ground with no manure will cost you about $177 per acre. For conventional corn, seed price is cheaper, but the herbicide is more expensive. Once you grow corn on manured ground and you reduce the fertilizer, costs are reduced to $95 per acre. For the east central area, I budget on 250 grazing days per acre, or 4 dry tonnes per acre based on 35 pounds of dry matter per cow per day. Yardage is not included due to variance in yardage fees on different operations.

Corn can be efficient for both cost and feed production. With proper agronomy, grazing management, and variety selection corn can pay big dividends and keep the cows grazing happily. B

6095 - breedcreek.indd 1

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Photo courtesy of Kevin R. Elmy

2/10/2012 4:02:46 PM

MARCH 2012

MARCH 2012

www.skstockgrowers.com | ©BEEF BUSINESS | 41

HON WOR EST, HA K THA T’LL ING BU RD LLS GET ’ER D ONE

Sales Management OBI: Contact Rob 780.916.2628 | Bob 306.834.8375 Heartland Livestock Services: Contact Sheldon 306.783.9437 New Force Consultants: Laird and Joyce Senft 306.332.4823

Melville, SK The Sies Family P: 306.794.4425 | 306.728.3279 | C: 306.728.1299 sieser94@hotmail.com

J Square S Angus

Yorkton, SK Jack, Joyce, Scott, Mandy, Katie, Landon & Macy Burkell P: 306.782.7112 | 306.783.7986 s.a.burkell@sasktel.net

Parkwood Farm

Duff, SK Alvin, Marlene, Troy, Amy, Bret, Alexis & Talon Frick P: 306.728.3515 | 306.728.3295 | C: 306.728.8911 northernviewangus@imagewireless.ca

Northern View Angus

Science and Production Biosecurity Tips for Cow/Calf Operations

by Kathryn Ross, Animal Health Program Officer - Saskatchewan Ministry of Agriculture Biosecurity refers to all the activities that cattle producers can do to prevent or reduce infectious diseases from being carried onto their farms by new cattle, other animals, wildlife, people, equipment, feed, water, insects and pests. Simply put, biosecurity helps keep our cattle healthy.

Livestock health is the responsibility of the producer. Learning about diseases, management practices and hazards are important for managing the health of cattle herds of all sizes. Biosecurity helps prevent diseases from entering and/or exiting a farm and from spreading among the herd. Disease prevention improves the bottom line, since it reduces production costs and death losses due to disease.

Biosecurity protects the health of cattle, which in turns improves the cattle industry. Sound and rigorous biosecurity practices at home help prevent production limiting and foreign animal diseases from thriving in our country and threatening our livestock.

Below are common ways disease can be spread on cattle operations: ● Bringing sick cattle, apparently healthy animals incubating disease or recovered animals who are carriers of disease onto the farm. ● Fence line contact with neighbouring cattle of unknown disease status. ● Contact with animals at fairs and shows or contact with stray animals. ● Fomites (inanimate objects capable of carrying disease causing microorganisms) ○ Examples of fomites are vehicles, equipment, visitors/employees clothing and shoes. ● Feed and water ○ Feed and forage can be a source of disease organisms if purchased from an unknown source or stored improperly.

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○

Water sources can sometimes become contaminated with diseasecausing agents, such as E.coli or Cryptosporidium. ● Wildlife and pests can spread disease through direct contact with cattle and through contact with their feces/urine. ● Improper disposal of carcasses.

There are three biosecurity principles that help prevent illness in cattle. These are: 1. preventing the introduction of disease onto a farm; 2. preventing the spread of disease among the herd; 3. improving cattle’s immunity to disease.

Preventing introduction of disease ● New and replacement cattle are one of the biggest risks of bringing disease onto a farm ○ Cattle should be purchased from a reputable source. ○ Testing incoming cattle for a variety of diseases helps to prevent bringing an unwanted disease onto the farm (i.e. Bovine Viral Diarrhea (BVD)). ○ Cattle from auction markets carry a high risk of disease since they have been in contact with many different animals from many different sources. As well, cattle on community pastures would have been in contact with animals from unknown sources. ○ All new or returning animals should be kept separate from the home herd for at least 21 days. In most cases, if a cow is going to become sick, she will do so in this period of time. ● Humans can spread animal diseases, especially if they have been in contact with other animals.

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○

Posting signs at entrances helps prevent people from entering animal areas of the farm. ○ Have people (visitors and staff ) wear clean coveralls and boots. Visitors should wear either footwear you provided or disinfect their boots before entering your farmyard. ○ Have a logbook for visitors to sign; in the event of a disease outbreak it is very useful to be able to track people who have been on the farm. ● Controlling wildlife access and rodents can help prevent introduction of diseases either from direct contact with wildlife/pests or contamination of feed/water. ● Concentrates and forage should be purchased from reputable sources to prevent any diseasecausing agents being brought in through feed.

Preventing spread of disease ● Clean and disinfect wherever possible. ○ This includes equipment, vehicles, clothing, footwear and cleanable surfaces (i.e. processing chute). ○ Try not to re-use syringes and needles between animals when treating and vaccinating. Regularly clean and disinfect processing equipment (i.e. ear tagger). ● Wash hands before and after working with cattle. If soap and running water is not available hand sanitizers can be used. ● Separate and isolate sick animals and always work with healthy animals first. Cull chronically sick animals as they may be a source of infectious disease.

MARCH 2012

Science and Production

Grazing and Silage Corn Cow tested & approved Featuring Hyland Seed Corn is drought tolerant

Improve cattle’s immunity to disease ● Provide all animals with adequate feed and water. Nutrition is vital to producing healthy cattle. ● Have a vaccination, insect and parasite control program in place based on recommendations from your veterinarian.

The best practice is to have a written biosecurity plan for your operation. That way it is always there to reference and review and it allows family members and/ or staff to be familiar with your farm’s biosecurity practices. Your veterinarian is one of the best sources of information on biosecurity and minimizing disease risks. They can help you create a practical biosecurity plan for your farm that will be customized for your operation. B

Friendly Acres Seed Farm Robert & Kevin Elmy, P.Ag.

306-­‐744-­‐2779 or 744-­‐2332 www.friendlyacres.sk.ca kevin.elmy@friendlyacres.sk.ca

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MARCH 2012

www.skstockgrowers.com | ©BEEF BUSINESS | 43

Science and Production Genomics Somewhat Simplified

by Sean McGrath, P.Ag., President of Creo Episteme Ltd. Genomics is the study of the DNA in an organism (in this case a cow) and how it relates to the phenotype of the animal.

Genomics involves a lot of data on animal performance, a lot of DNA samples and a lot of work. Most DNA work is now done with what we call a SNP (pronounced snip) chip. A SNP is a single nucleotide polymorphism, which is a fancy way of saying that a piece of DNA is different.

DNA is made of base pairs that match up and make long strings that are a code for creating proteins. These proteins make the animal function. If a piece of DNA changes, the code may write a different protein and the way the animal grows/ functions/behaves or interacts with its environment may change. For example a single change in a single base pair can result in horned vs. polled or red vs. black.

A lot of traits are more complicated than this and many proteins interact to produce a final result. Think of growth, or fertility or disease resistance traits. These are all very complex and involve many biological systems interacting to produce a final result. A change in a single piece of DNA may result in a 2 pound or 5 pound difference in weaning weight, but may not explain several hundred pounds of difference. To explain a larger portion of the differences between animals, we may need to find and assess hundreds or thousands of pieces of DNA and how they work together.

This is where that data and those DNA samples come into play. As mentioned previously, the way we look at DNA is with a SNP chip. A SNP chip basically takes a sample of DNA and applies markers to it along its entire length. Each marker sticks only to a certain region of the DNA of the animal. If the markers stick we know the animal carries the polymorphism (piece of DNA that is different), if it doesn’t stick then the animal doesn’t carry the unique piece of DNA. The markers are basically a glow in the dark road sign to say if a polymorphism exists along a certain stretch of the DNA highway.

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DNA SNP panels are rapidly evolving.

Older style panels used around 3000 road signs, newer panels are in excess of 1,000,000 road signs and the cost continues to fall. This means that we can look at a lot of differences in DNA between animals.

Without production data, SNP panels show us only how different or similar animals are from a DNA perspective. It is a highly accurate way to assess pedigree.

DNA shows that breeds of cattle are different from each other, and even more different from humans, elephants or lab rats. The SNP markers are not necessarily located in the actual genes of the animals in question although they can be, they are providing road signs. Scientists take the data and compare it to the DNA to see how it is “associated” with differing performance levels.

For example, if we see cattle that consistently wean 50 pounds heavier than group average and there are 3 SNPs or pieces of DNA that light up on the SNP chip, we would say that these pieces of DNA are associated with heavier weaning weights. In effect we are saying that the cattle with heavier weights have similarities in their DNA. We call these pieces of DNA “Informative SNPs” because their presence/absence in an animal’s DNA tells us something about the resulting phenotype we can expect. These same SNPs may not light up in another breed for the same trait, although in many cases they do.

Where this approach has real power is with traits that are expensive or difficult to measure. Think of feed intake. It is difficult and expensive for a breeder to collect an individual feed intake on their bulls every day, however cattle that convert feed more efficiently have very real value to the commercial industry. By collecting research data, and identifying the pieces of DNA that are associated with this type of efficiency it is then possible to use the DNA markers of the informative SNPs

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to identify animals that are like those efficient ones, without putting them through an expensive feed intake test.

By finding associations between DNA and performance levels, we can then use DNA tests to improve our knowledge of expected performance. Because an animal’s DNA is set at conception it is possible to use DNA to determine information about traits that would otherwise take us several years, or a lot of expense to obtain more than an estimate based on their parents. Consider fertility, by the time you know a bull’s daughters are fertile he is often deceased. DNA may help us to identify some aspects of expected daughter fertility before a bull is a year old. This has tremendous potential value to the seedstock and commercial industry.

Then what?

One of the first areas of use in the commercial and seedstock industry is in pedigree verification. While the value associated with this will vary, simply being able to accurately identify sires and dams of calves provides real power for improvement. Consider a multi-sire mating situation that is followed the subsequent year by calving difficulties. Is the problem related to one sire, or is it a management issue? Or on a more positive note, consider that a group of superior calves shows up in the group. Are they from one sire, or are they a collective effort? Some research has also been done that used DNA sire verification to determine which sires are breeding the most cows with surprising differences between bulls. Sire and parent verification or even just collecting and storing a DNA sample on the bulls you buy, can be a simple and valuable management tool.

In many cases a more detailed DNA profile can create more confusion than answers. Because we do not know all continued on page 46

MARCH 2012

Open new doors

FOR MORE INFORMATION

with better management Knowing the parentage of each animal in your herd is necessary to make informed management decisions. By utilizing SireTRACE® you can identify individual sires within a multisire herd, make educated breeding decisions and continually select genetically superior bulls based on progeny performance.

SireTRACE uses DNA information to:

about Pfizer Animal Genetics Canada call our toll free customer service line at 1-800-506-6683 or visit us at www.pfizeranimalgenetics.ca

LEARN HOW

Evaluate offspring fingerprints against potential sires to determine a definite sire

genetic testing can empower you to accelerate genetic improvement by visiting www.learncattlegenetics.com

Determine pedigree by validating the sire and a dam Track an animal across multiple venues Select bulls that produce superior progeny with desirable traits

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Tracking this information allows data to be analyzed on animals that perform on both the high and low end of a performance scale.

Future performance and economic benefits can be maximized if these specific sires for high- and low-performing offspring are identified.

from Pfizer Animal Genetics

BL

Using SireTRACE For Parental Validation Both SIRE A and DAM A qualify, SIRE B does not qualify.

SIRE A

Marker A DAM A

A1 A2 C C

A1 A2 T C

Marker A

©2009 Pfizer Inc. All rights reserved. All trademarks are the property of Pfizer Inc., its affiliates, or related companies. PAG JADP01 0212E

SIRE B Marker A

K ANG

US

and testing for common genetic defects such as

A1 A2 C C

Marker A

AC

A1 A2 T T

Contractural Arachnodactyly Neuropathic Hydrocephalus and many more

Science and Production Genomics cont. from pg. 44 of the associations between DNA and performance (DNA may explain part, but not all of the differences expressed in a trait) and because many tests are low density (use fewer road signs) or may not be population specific it is entirely possible that a raw DNA result may disagree with an animal’s in group performance or even with their Expected Progeny Differences (EPD). This does not mean that the DNA isn’t informative, just that the expression may be confusing.

This is why research is ongoing to ensure that the DNA results are incorporated into the EPD evaluation. The DNA may change the EPD on an animal and the magnitude will depend on how informative the DNA markers are, but the biggest potential benefit is in the area of improved accuracy.

The added information provided by DNA may improve the accuracy of a yearling bull to a point equivalent to having 5 to 10 progeny or daughters in production.

This is valuable in that it buys a lot of time for cattle breeders. Typically a bull will be 4 to 5 years old at the earliest before his first daughters wean a calf. Having information 4 years ahead of the game is a good step forward. A yearling bull with an ultrasound record and a DNA profile may have as much carcass EPD accuracy as if we had harvested several progeny, and a bull with a DNA profile may have information available on traits such as feed efficiency that we would otherwise be unable to measure in any practical way.

DNA may also be useful after conception for testing feeder calves into outcome groups. A good example of this is the single gene test for Leptin. As the technology continues to evolve it is likely we will see more complex solutions available for sorting cattle into market specific outcomes, both at the sire selection stage and after birth.

Other single gene types of tests are also available for a variety of breed specific genetic defects. The testing of sires (particularly AI sires) with DNA technology prior to marketing of semen does the entire industry a world of good.

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Every ranch is different and will have differing economics. This means that a different suite of tests will fit different ranches at different price points. In a lot of cases the basic parentage or sire verification tests will carry the biggest initial bang for your buck, but the ability to add traits onto that panel at a marginal price increase may have increasing attraction.

Tests are continually changing and evolving but a general list of some more commonly available tests is shown below: Parentage – Any breed Horn/Polled - Charolais, Gelbvieh, Hereford, Limousin, Salers, Shorthorn, Simmental and South Devon Merial – Igenity Profile Pfizer – Black and Red Angus HD 50K panel Quantum Genetics - Leptin Genetic Defects

EXAMPLE: Animal 1 DNA C G A T C C G A

G C T A G G C T

Animal 2 DNA C G A T T C G A

SNP Marker G C T A A G C T

T T C

DNA is linked in matched pairs (C with G/A with T).

In the above simplified example two animals contain a difference in their DNA in the 5th base pair. This may be a gene difference or it may be associated with a visible performance difference such as weaning weight, health, fertility or other traits. If a SNP is associated with this DNA the marker attaches to this section of DNA and will “light up” when it finds a section like that in Animal 2. The presence of the marker indicates a difference in the DNA and in relative animal performance. B

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MARCH 2012

Science and Production Canadian Simmental Leading the Beef Industry in Genomic Innovations The past year has been an exciting one for the Canadian beef cattle industry on many fronts. For the Canadian Simmental Association (CSA), 2011 was not only an exciting year but a very busy one. Years of collaborative efforts and significant contributions of financial and human resources came to fruition on April 1, 2011 as the Canadian Simmental Association (CSA) officially began work on a major genetic improvement research project.

The culmination of numerous years of work by the CSA and its research partners has resulted in exciting investments that will ensure that all sectors of the Canadian industry capitalize on the incorporation of genomic technologies in beef production.

The first research project entitled Enhancing Competitiveness of the Canadian Beef Sector through Genomic Innovations in the Canadian Simmental Breed received $1.7 million over three years from Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada (AAFC) through the federal Canadian Agricultural Adaptation Program (CAAP). Combined with $525,000 which is being provided by the CSA and a generous donation by the Garth Sweet Foundation (GSF) and significant in-kind contributions by the CSA and the participating project partners; the entire research budget totals just over $2.5 million. The main objective is to develop genetic prediction tools that more accurately predict fertility, feed efficiency, as well as carcass and meat quality of Canada’s beef cattle herd. Both DNA and phenotypic data are being collected in order to accomplish the research objectives that will provide Canadian cattle breeders with improved tools to identify, select and breed cattle that have greater fertility and mothering ability, growth and feed efficiency and that will more efficiently produce a more desirable beef product.

The project brings together CSA staff, consultants as well as the major beef cattle genetic players from across Canada to collectively ensure the research objectives are met. These partners include: the University of Guelph, MARCH 2012

GenServe Laboratories, Beef Improvement Opportunities, and participating Canadian Simmental breeders along with industry cooperator herds.

In November the CSA, with the financial support of the Alberta Livestock and Meat Agency (ALMA) and the Saskatchewan Government’s Agriculture Development Fund (ADF), was pleased to announce that they were leading a second complementary research project entitled Enhancing Canadian Beef Production through Genomic Innovations. With the financial contributions of $375,000 from each ALMA and ADF, combined with financial and in-kind contributions from CSA this research initiative has a total budget of just over $1 million.

The ‘Carcass and Meat Quality Project’ will increase the scope of the CSA’s genomic research by complementing the phenotypic and genotypic dataset of the initial ‘Genomic Innovations Project’. The project will add to the development of genomic enhanced tools that the cattle industry will be able to use to identify and improve carcass and meat quality.

Researchers will collect carcass grading, composition, meat quality, herd of origin and parentage data on approximately 1000 head of Western Canadian sourced cattle. Additionally, tissue samples will be collected in order to genotype all the cattle within the project. Sources of cattle will be selected such that they can provide parentage on all cattle plus maintain individual cattle identity throughout the feeding process.

Historically, all sectors of the industry including commercial producers, feeders and packers have focused on managing the cattle within the system in an effort to efficiently produce a more desirable product. All of CSA’s research initiatives

are focused on enhancing the existing selection tools available to breeders for key economic traits of importance including fertility, feed efficiency and carcass and meat quality. Improved selection tools will allow producers to more accurately breed and select cattle with highly desirable traits. This research will assist all those involved in the cattle production chain in their efforts to continue to supply top quality cattle genetics and beef products to the domestic and international marketplace.

In total, the CSA has now secured funding and invested a combined $3.5 million in genomic research that will benefit the Canadian beef industry. The ultimate goal of these research initiatives is to improve the accuracy of existing genetic selection tools on animals at a younger age for fertility, relative feed intake, and carcass and meat quality traits.

In addition to these two major beef industry improvement project, the Canadian Simmental Association is actively participating and/or financially supporting additional genetic improvement research projects. These efforts demonstrate the importance that the CSA has placed on the genetic improvement of the Simmental breed, and clearly illustrates the major commitment that the association has to the overall enhancement of the entire beef industry.

CSA and its partners will be working extensively over the next few years with the industry to ensure the true value of these research dollars benefit grassroots beef producers. For more information on the CSA’s research initiatives please contact Bruce Holmquist, CEO of Programming & External Relations @ 403.988.8676 or bholmquist@simmental. com. B

www.skstockgrowers.com | ©BEEF BUSINESS | 47

LET GENEX ASSIST WITH YOUR BREEDING PROGRAM

Chute-Side SERVICE

3 CONSISTENT CALF CROP 3 GENETIC IMPROVEMENT 3 INCREASE POUNDS AT WEANING 3 SEXED SEMEN

1HP00829 TH 122 71I CED

BW

WW

YW

MILK

8.6 .43

0.1 .84

68 .75

88 .71

20 .26

1%

5%

2%

25%

M&G CETM

55 10%

-0.8 .29

VICTOR 719T

SC

FAT

REA

IMF

0.8 .35

-0.015 .43

0.73 .44

-0.11 .39

25%

4%

$BMI $CEZ

21

20

15%

5%

$BII

15

$CHB

32 4%

Sire: DRF JWR Prince Victor 71I / MGS: NJW 1Y Wrangler 19D Reg. No.: P42800895

Victor 719T is certain to join the breed’s top registration sires as producers worldwide discover his combination of exceptional calving ease, performance and phenotype.

1AN01224 COLE CREEK CED BW WW YW RADG SCR Doc CEM MILK MW

13 -1.6 42 77 0.05 0.66 24 9 .61 .80 .71 .54 .42 .30 .24 .14 4% 2% 4%

19 .19

CEDAR RIDGE 1V MH

$EN CW MARB RE

FAT Ult H/P $W

-55 -0.6 12.29 18 0.41 0.34 0.037 .19 .12 .14 .25 .24 .23 15%

6 22

$F

$G

$B

36.94 20.13 25.01 51.30 4%

Sire: Cole Creek Black Cedar 46P / MGS: HBR Encore 0544 Reg. No.: 16134394

EPDs as of 1/27/12

One of the most exciting proven calving ease sires to come along. Ideal for purebred breeders and commercial producers wanting a worry free calving ease choice.

©2012 CRI

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MARCH 2012

A3069-022

Association News and Reports Livestock Patrons Assurance Fund

by Trilby Henderson

Since 2001, Saskatchewan cattle producers have claimed approximately $3 million in losses as a result of defaulted payments on sold livestock. Less than 10% cent of this amount has been covered by bonds, leaving many of these producers reeling from a financial setback that, in some cases, puts the future of their operation at risk.

Saskatchewan producers need access to greater protection against these types of losses, which is why members of the Saskatchewan Stock Growers Association (SSGA) passed a resolution at their 2011 Annual General Meeting to “lobby the Government of Saskatchewan in addition to bonds, to develop a Livestock Patrons Assurance Fund (LPAF) similar to Alberta’s LPAF”.

The purpose of an LPAF is to provide producers with additional protection against a default in payment when their livestock are sold through a licensed dealer. Both the provinces of Alberta and Ontario have operated successful LPAF programs for a number of years. By incorporating the best features of these programs, we can develop a tailor-made solution that will meet the specific needs of Saskatchewan producers.

With its extensive history and proven workability, Alberta’s LPAF, in particular, serves as a strong model for our province.

This program can be traced back to 1955, when the provincial government first introduced legislation to protect producers against non-payment by livestock dealers. The Act was amended in 1966 to establish the LPAF; after making a few other amendments over the years, the government transitioned the administration and management of the fund to an industry Board of Directors in the early 1990s. A Livestock Assurance Funds Tribunal was established in 1998.

The tribunal is made of representatives from a number of industry associations,

MARCH 2012

and is responsible for setting levies, assessing claims and hearing appeals.

Similarly, Saskatchewan could establish an LPAF through its Animal Product Act and form a Livestock Patrons Protection Fund Advisory Committee to manage and administer the program. The provincial Animal Products Act already includes a provision for the establishment of a Livestock Patrons Protection Fund, although changes to the Act may be required to enable producers to contribute to this fund.

While Alberta’s fund is designed to provide protection on the sale of live cattle and horses, the greatest interest in a Saskatchewan LPAF comes from the cattle industry. The SSGA supports the idea of establishing separate funds for cattle and hog producers, with levies set based on the risk and sales numbers associated with each livestock species.

When Alberta first introduced its LPAF, producers were required to pay $0.10 per head sold. This fee was reduced to $0.05 per head in 2006. Since then the fund, which neared $8 million in December 2010, has essentially become self-sustaining. Alberta is now considering eliminating the fees altogether, except for new producers who have yet to contribute to the program.

A number of factors will need to be considered when calculating how much Saskatchewan producers will be required to pay to develop a sustainable fund, including how the levies are collected (check-off vs. brand inspection) and the number of animals annually sold in the province. The SSGA estimates Saskatchewan will need a fund of $5 million to replace $1 million every three years, which is roughly the amount of claims placed by Saskatchewan producers over the past decade. At a rate of $0.20 per head, it will take approximately five

years to collect one million dollars, and as long as 20 years to reach the $5 million dollar target. Of course, any claims paid out during this period will increase the amount of time needed for the fund to reach the target amount.

In Alberta, producers must meet specific eligibility requirements before they can receive payment for default through the LPAF. For example, the livestock must be sold through a licensed dealer, and the producer must have paid the levy on the animals in question. If they meet all of the eligibility requirements and their claim is approved, the producer may receive the lesser of up to 80% of the value of their assured livestock or the nonpayment. This percentage also includes any money they have already received through a livestock dealer’s surety bond The SSGA supports establishing similar eligibility requirements for a Saskatchewan LPAF program and the Association would also like to see producers receive a maximum payment of 80% of the sale value of their animals in the event of a claim. Producers would first receive compensation from the dealer’s bond, and then be topped up to 80% by the assurance fund. Capping the payment at 80% means producers will still need to practice due diligence in terms of who they choose to do business with, but it will prevent them from going out of business should the dealer default.

Many questions still need to be answered before a Saskatchewan-made LPAF can be implemented. The SSGA will continue to participate in this discussion and to lobby for the development of a Saskatchewan LPAF to protect producers from future cases of non-payment. B

www.skstockgrowers.com | ©BEEF BUSINESS | 49

Association News and Reports Saskatchewan Shorthorn Annual Report 2012

by Betty Wyatt – Secretary/Treasurer

My husband, Gerry (McBeth Shorthorns), and I recently retired from the ‘working’ farm south of Kisbey and now reside at White Bear Lake Resort north of Carlyle.

We still have our cattle which are in the best care of Gary, Kim and Sadie Anwender at Radville, SK. With interest in Shorthorns on the rise, we are seeing more and more influenced cattle appearing in the show ring and the feedlots. Lot finishers are finding the cross is grading better, marbling, tenderness and cut ability is surpassing many other types of beef! I think we are in for good times for a long time to come.

This year we realized eight club champions in 4-H and one regional champion. The members receiving club champion jackets were: Sadie Anwender, Rachael Sutherland, Daniel Fellner (champion steer and heifer),

50

Felicia Keleman, Kathryn Muri, Tanner Muri, Laura Carruthers and Russell Moellenbeck. The member having the Grand Champion at the regional level was Daniel Fellner and he was awarded a $250.00 credit to a purchase at any Saskatchewan Shorthorn sanctioned sale.Our congratulations for their achievements this year!

The annual Ring Master’s event held in conjunction with CWA had record interest with people purchasing $100.00 ballots up to the last minute of the cattle entering the ring, in anticipation of being chosen’ The Ring Master’. Terry Fleck of Lampman came out the winner and he chose Huberdale NE Suzette 20X (who then showed to first place in her class at the show the following day), an entry by Arron Huber of Lipton. Arron received a $5,000.00 cheque for his chosen entry.

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Congratulations to both men!

The Shorthorn sale held during CWA was handled by R&R Sales Management who presented 24 live lots and 6 ‘in the tank’ lots. The attendance was better than ever before and bidding was fast and furious as auctioneer Mike Fleury gathered up a gross of $60,050. Just one more indication the Shorthorn breed is on the move!

The annual Shorthorn banquet held during CWA was in the 7 Oaks banquet facility and they served a full house.

The 4-H jackets were presented, as well as a farewell gift to the very deserving outgoing secretary, Diane Schaeffer.

Orville Renwick generated lots of fun with his comical auctioneering of donated continued on pg. 53

MARCH 2012

Canada’s On-Farm Food Safety Program for Beef Cattle Producers

Cattle producers in Saskatchewan can qualify for funding provided through Growing Forward, a federal provincial initiative. To be eligible they must: Attend a VBP workshop Have $2500 worth of cattle sales in the previous tax year

Funding is available for 50% of approved equipment cost up to $750 per producer. Eligible equipment includes: head gates and chutes with neck extenders livestock weigh scales record keeping software Please contact our office for a complete list of approved manufacturers prior to purchase.

In an industry with evolving regulations and consumer expectations, VBP is a trusted, recognized process to verify on-farm food safety practices.

...driving consumer confidence To learn more information about VBP in Saskatchewan, call 1-888-675-6177 or visit www.saskvbp.ca

MARCH 2012

www.skstockgrowers.com | ©BEEF BUSINESS | 51

THE INDUSTRY STANDARD IN CATTLE CHUTES AND HANDLING EQUIPMENT

Whether you run a 100,000 head feedlot or a cow/calf ranch operation, SILENCER / Moly Manufacturing has a livestock squeeze chute for your operation.

“Having ultrasounded at feedlots and ranches throughout North America over the past 20 years, I have found no other hydraulic cattle squeeze that comes close to the SILENCER for being so quiet and easy on the cattle and the operators” Rod Wendorff Windy Ridge Ultrasound

SILENCER CANADA INC. Rod: 403-330-3000 email: rod@cattleultrasound.ca www.silencerchutes.ca

Association News and Reports Saskatchewan Simmental Association Report

by Carolyn McCormack, Secretary/Treasurer SSA

The Saskatchewan Simmental Association has had a successful year in 2011 and the future continues to brighten as cattle prices start to climb!

The SSA works hard to promote the Simmental breed and support its members and this is evidenced by another busy year. We are striving to promote the breed at purebred and commercial levels, as well as through support and encouragement of our youth – the future of the breed and the cattle industry.

Spring bull sales, once again, remained strong and proved that the demand for Simmental genetics is getting stronger.

The SSA “Win a $2000 sale credit Bull Promotion” has proven to be very successful. Any bulls purchased from SSA members and the registration papers transferred, automatically enters the buyer’s name into a draw for a $2000 sale credit. The more bulls you buy, the more chances you have to win! This credit is drawn for at our annual meeting in July and the lucky winner has one year to use the credit to purchase a bull or female at public auction or private treaty.

Congratulations to the 2011 winner, Elgin Forster, Outlook, SK. The 2011 Commercial Breeder of the Year was presented during the Simmental Show at Canadian Western Agribition.

Blairswest Land & Cattle, Scott & Calla Blair, Drake, SK were awarded the prestigious award and received a 4 x 8’ gate sign. The 2011 Purebred Breeder of the Year was presented to 3D Simmentals, Dean & Monica Schwartz, Lumsden, SK. and they also received a gate sign.

The SSA continues to strongly support 4-H and youth programs in Saskatchewan.

All members exhibiting a Simmental or Simmental influenced animal received a pair of SSA gloves. The SSA also gave out jackets to Grand and Reserve Champions

MARCH 2012

at all regional 4-H shows and spring steer and heifer shows to qualifying winners.

The Saskatchewan Young Canadian Simmental Association will host their annual show in Prince Albert, SK at the beginning of August. The show is open to youth of all ages and includes a variety of classes such as marketing, public speaking, etc. as well as a beef show. They are always looking for new members under the age of 25 to join in the fun of meeting new friends and improving their skills. Contact Tiffany Peters, SYCSA Pres for more information – (306) 237-9506.

The SSA awards scholarships to juniors moving on to post-secondary education.

This year’s recipients were: Brittany Ashworth, Kale Scherger, Taylor Ecklund and Jill Harland. To qualify

to receive a scholarship, applicants or their parents must be members of the Saskatchewan Simmental Association and the application deadline is October 1, 2012.

The Saskatchewan Simmental Association Board of Directors/ President – Tara Fritz, Vice President – Dave Erixon, Directors – Ryan Lundberg, Blair McIntosh, Trevor Kuntz, Garry Boon, Denise Lafrentz, Colby Wolkowski, and Tim Scherger continues to work hard to promote and encourage the breeding of Simmental cattle. Their hard work and dedication in the past and in the future will ensure the Simmental breed will continue to thrive in Saskatchewan.

For a list of upcoming spring bull sales or classifieds go to our website www. saskaimmental.com. B

Annual Shorthorn Report cont. from pg. 50 items to raise funds for the association. I wish to thank Orville, everyone who participated and those who donated to the auction.

The CWA show was a great one. There were 31 exhibitors who presented 122 head for Judge Aaron Hahn of Omaha, Nebraska for evaluation. Saskatchewan Lassies Kathryn Muri and Rachel Sutherland, assisted by guest Alberta Lassie, Vanessa Shepard presented ribbons and banners to the top placinganimals. At this time I wish to thank Kathryn for her three years as a Lassie. She will graduate from high school this spring and will be stepping down. Kathryn plans on pursuing a career in nursing, and we wish her the best.

The Alliance Shorthorn sale was held Dec. 15 in Saskatoon with 33 lots on offer; 16 bred females averaged $3,281.00 and 17 heifer calves averaged $2,144.00.

Thank you to both the Saskatchewan and Alberta contributors and we’d like to encourage more breeders to consign to this time-honored sale.

For more information on Shorthorns please visit our websites at www.saskshorthorns.com and www.canadianshorthorn.com. B

www.skstockgrowers.com | ©BEEF BUSINESS | 53

Association News and Reports A Report From Harold Martens President, Saskatchewan Stock Growers Association

Things are looking up in the cattle industry. We have prices for feeder cattle like I’ve never seen before. We have barley prices in the $4 range and feeders are still going up, slowly, in price. The time is fast approaching when cattlemen are going to start building their herds which will take cattle out of the market and then the steer price will climb some more. I was reading in the Vancouver Sun that the meat prices (beef, pork and chicken) are going up in line with the climb in the feeder and fat markets. The announcement of borders opening in South Korea and the Philippines added to those expanding to 30 months has again helped to strengthen markets for our beef. The USA retailers are beginning to market our beef as Canadian Beef in states like Colorado, Florida and others. This is all good news after the BSE problems of the past decade.

The situation we have today has to make us more aware of the need to have security of supply for those buying our beef. Security of supply means more than having the numbers available to put the beef on the shelf at the meat counter. The beef buyer needs to know that along with security of supply, the quality is still there and is reflected in the higher prices they’ll pay.

The need for traceability, age verification and premises ID is ever-present. That fact was made clear to me when I sold our

54

cull bulls and got a better price if I could verify their age and had premises ID. As well, I realized the need to age verify our calves when selling them in the fall. The calves could, with their RFID tags, be age verified and when they were ready for the fat market they could be identified as under 20 months and then be shipped to Japan. This gave the feedlot the chance for a premium in the market, giving both the feedlot and myself an edge in the feeder calf market. I appreciate the provincial government giving us the freedom to do this voluntarily. It makes it important for us to encourage producers to do this. We need to do the tagging for age verification and traceability for place of birth if we want our cattle to get premium prices or in time they will be discounted. Some of you may say you don’t have time for this but tagging will make a difference in the near future.

Another issue with tags is the need for accuracy in regard to the tag registration dates and the animal you’re using them on.

There are less than 20,000 cattle producers in Saskatchewan today. There are 64 million acres of arable land in Saskatchewan and of those there are 30 million acres of grassland. Of the 30 million acres, 23 million are owned by cattle producers themselves. In traveling around this province and seeing what farmers and ranchers do, I

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would say that we have been and will continue to be good stewards of the land. There are those outside of our industry who do not understand how we operate and do not believe we would appropriately handle the grassland owned by the provincial and federal governments. They’d prefer the land be left undisturbed yet at the same time have not put the brakes on their seemingly endless purchases of land dedicated to urban expansion. In response to this criticism I say that these lands have been home to both humans and animals for over 100 years and from my observation, alone, the wildlife population continues to thrive. We are responsible whether we own the land or lease it. It doesn’t matter to us, we still take care of it. B

PROTECT YOU R I NVESTM E NT YOUR BRAND IS YOUR ANIMALS’ RETURN ADDRESS For more information about branding and livestock inspection, contact: Brand Registrar: Carol Lenton, Regina, (306) 787-4682 District Livestock Managers: Dave Augustine, Swift Current, (306) 778-8312 Bill McConwell, Moose Jaw, (306) 694-3709 Ron Sabin, North Battleford, (306) 446-7404 Les Tipton, Saskatoon, (306) 933-7660 Robert Solomon, Yorkton, (306) 786-5712 Garth Woods, Moosomin, (306) 435-4582 Barry DeJaeger, Winnipeg, (204) 694-0830

LIVESTOCK AGRICUL TURE

MARCH 2012

Blair Athol Polled Herefords Duncan lees: 306•455•2619 Jeff lees: 306•577•1375 Jarrett less: 306•891•9719 www.blairatholfarms.com c & t cattle co. chris lees: 306•455•2605 Kurt lees: 306•577•9112

Glenlees Polled Herefords George lees: 306•455•2612 corey lees: 306•455•2714 laGrande Reload X On line 13K BW: 6.4 WW: 49.4 YW: 85.7 Milk: 25.0 tM: 49.7

Haroldson’s Polled Herefords chad Wilson: 306•577•1256 www.haroldsons.com

• All Bulls are semen tested & vet inspected • Free delivery for 300 miles from sale location • Our payment plan ~ Pay half the purchase price on the sale day balance on a post-dated cheque for May 31, 2012

tahoe X Mira BW: 4.5 WW: 59.4 YW: 102.6 Milk: 13.4 tM: 43.1

Global 72M 50s X Heat 101s BW: 2.8 WW: 49.2 YW: 74.2 Milk: 17.3 tM: 41.9

MARCH 2012

VOluMe DiscOunt 4 Bulls = 10% off • 3 Bulls = 5% off

eli 10H 83t X Keno 005 BW: 4.9 WW: 57.2 YW: 90.7 Milk: 16.9 tM: 45.5

www.skstockgrowers.com | ©BEEF BUSINESS | 55

Association News and Reports 2012 Semi Annual Meeting Resolutions Resolution #1 WHEREAS investment in beef, feed and forage research has been shown to have significant economic and production benefits to the livestock industry.

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the SSGA lobby the federal and provincial governments to expand irrigation infrastructure in Saskatchewan.

Carried

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the SSGA lobby the provincial and federal governments to increase funding towards beef, feed and forage research.

Carried

Resolution #5 WHEREAS Johne’s disease is a production limiting disease in cattle.

Resolution #2 WHEREAS the Canada-European Union (EU) Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA) presents the most significant opportunity in a generation to create new market access for Canadian beef exports.

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the SSGA work with CCA to lobby the Governments of Canada and Saskatchewan to actively pursue the successful negotiation of CETA. Carried Resolution #3 WHEREAS the proposed implementation of the Regulatory Cooperation Council (RCC) announcement will greatly benefit Canadian livestock producers by reducing costs and streamlining trade with the United States.

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the SSGA lobby the Government of Canada to fully implement RCC action plan in a timely fashion.

Carried Resolution #4 WHEREAS irrigation increases the productivity of agriculture land; and WHEREAS Saskatchewan has existing potential for irrigation expansion;

56

WHEREAS the impact of the pathogen that causes Johne’s disease on human health is unknown.

WHEREAS all other Canadian provinces have implemented some form of Johne’s disease programming.

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the SSGA would support the creation and implementation of a cattle industry led Johne’s disease program which focuses on producer education and Johne’s testing support.

Carried

Resolution #6 WHEREAS the Codex Alimentarius Commission’s role in setting science based international standards is critical to enforcing World Trade Organization requirements that plant and animal health measures be based on scientific risk assessments.

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the SSGA lobby the Government of Canada to work with like minded countries to ensure that CODEX standards remain science based.

Carried Resolution #7 WHEREAS a recent Saskatchewan Worker’s Compensation (WCB) report recommended compulsory participation in WCB for agricultural producers.

BE IT RESOLVED that the SSGA lobby the Government of Saskatchewan to have agricultural producers be exempt from compulsory participation in WCB. Carried

SSGA Zone 4 Annual Meeting Resolutions from February 10, 2012 Resolution #1 Moved by James Hanson and Brad White WHEREAS the federal government has been discussing ending its operation of the Community Pastures Branch and WHEREAS many cattle producers are patrons of the Community Pasture program, the SSGA Zone 4 calls on the provincial board to lobby on behalf of producers to ensure that any changes in management of the PFRA pasture system be passed on to provincial or patron management.

Carried unanimously Resolution #2 Moved by James Hanson and Tom Pearson WHEREAS the ability to grow feed on southwest irrigation projects is a valuable part of producers long-term viability, the SSGA Zone 4 calls on the SSGA to work with the provincial government to help save the PFRA irrigation projects currently being abandoned in southwest Saskatchewan.Carried Darrell Morvik Secretary, Zone 4

SSGA Zone 4 Meeting Sponsors

Thank you for all of your contributions. Your support is greatly appreciated.

Ag Plus Mechanical – Medicine Hat, AB B & A Petroleum – Maple Creek and Eastend, SK ‘Bales on Wheels’ & ‘SW Bale Busters’ - Rick Opsal – Maple Creek, SK Battle Creek Angus Ltd. - Ross & Heather Beierbach – Maple Creek, SK Cowtown Livestock Exchange Inc. – Maple Creek, SK Cypress Motors - Maple Creek, SK Delorme’s South Shadow Angus and Paints – Don & Connie Delorme – Robsart, SK Eastend Co-op Agro – Eastend, SK Eastend Credit Union Ltd. – Eastend, SK

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NAPA Auto Parts – Maple Creek, SK Grasslands Animal Health – Dr. Lawrence Heinrich – Maple Creek, SK Hillside Butchers – Scott Fordice – Maple Creek, SK Investors Group – Scott Morvik - Eastend, SK Landmark Feeds – Shane Pender - Medicine Hat, AB Maple Creek Veterinary Services – Maple Creek, SK Pfizer Canada – Troy Sauter Pioneer Co-op – Maple Creek, SK Signature Service Real Estate - Gord Kozroski - Gull Lake, SK Stenerson Auto Parts – Eastend, SK Topham Red Angus – Ian & Heidi Topham - Eastend, SK

MARCH 2012

Stewardship Keeping Invasive Species out of Native Prairie

by Leanne Thompson for SK PCAP

Invasive plant species can be defined as non-native plants which are introduced outside of their natural habitat. In this new environment, free from natural ‘enemies’, invasive plants have an advantage that allows them to out compete native plants for space, moisture and nutrients. This represents a real threat to biodiversity on native prairie as well as productive capacity, economic value, and aesthetics of the land.

For native prairie, invasive plants include both “weeds” (ex. leafy spurge, downey brome, Canada thistle, common burdock) and non-native grasses such as smooth bromegrass and crested wheatgrass.

The result of invasive species can be devastating especially to natural areas when left uncontrolled. As just one example, a 2010 report estimates there are 1.2 million acres of leafy spurge in Manitoba representing an economic impact of $40.2 million, $10.2 million of which is associated with the reduction in carrying capacity for livestock grazing.

In Saskatchewan, various groups are working to reduce the threat of invasive species and the resulting adverse effects on native habitat. One such group is the Saskatchewan Invasive Species Council (SISC) - a non-profit association of professionals from federal, provincial, municipal governments, industry and non-government organizations. The SISC was formed in 2008 to address the lack of coordination and understanding associated with invasive species within the province of Saskatchewan and across Canada. This group has a mandate that includes increasing awareness and understanding of invasive species issues and encouraging action to detect, prevent and manage invasive species. Their website www.saskinvasives.ca includes a wide variety of information on invasive species in the form of fact sheets, image links, news and current events. In addition, sightings/locations of invasive plants can be reported on this website.

As land managers, identification and timely control of invasive species are key to the reduction and prevention of its spread. To help correctly identify invasive species, the Saskatchewan Invasive Plant Species Identification Guide was recently updated and can be found on the Saskatchewan Forage Council website at www.saskforage.ca. This full color field guide provides images and descriptions of over twenty invasive plants in both vegetative and flowering forms. To order a hard copy, please contact the SFC office at (306) 867-8126.

The invasive species identification guide is part of a larger project undertaken by the Saskatchewan Forage Council (SFC) in 2010 with the purpose of increasing awareness of invasive species and the damage they cause as well as the development of programs to prevent the introduction of these species and reduce their spread. In addition to the ID guide, several fact sheets were developed to address invasive plants in different production areas and land uses including forage seed, hay, transportation, grazing, and riparian areas. All five fact sheets are available on the SFC website or may be ordered in hard copy by contacting the SFC office.

These fact sheets provide practical, producer focused information including Beneficial Management Practices (BMPs) for control and prevention of invasive plants. BMPs such as developing an inspection and monitoring plan, sourcing certified weed-free seed, implementing integrated control methods, and making the decision not to sell or use hay containing viable weeds, are a few of the proposed measures to reduce the spread and avoid introduction of invasive plants.

Invasive species are often first detected in disturbed areas or areas where existing plants are under stress. Therefore, one of the best ways to reduce the impact of invasive plants is to maintain native prairie in healthy condition. Healthy prairie will ensure that native plants are vigorous and will promote the growth of preferred species.

In short, regular inspection, proper control methods and using carefully sourced inputs and materials should all have a part in native prairie management plans to maintain the integrity, biodiversity and beauty of these valuable natural areas.

For a list of 2011-2012 SK PCAP funders, please visit our website at www.pcap-sk. org. B

Leafy Spurge near Maxim. Photo courtesy of Stacey Lieslar, P. Ag.

MARCH 2012

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Calendar of Events MARCH March 2

Labatte Simmentals Annual Bull & Female Sale

Moose Jaw, SK

March 3

McMillen Ranching Production Sale

Carievale, SK

March 4

R Plus Simmental Bull Sale

Estevan, SK

March 5

Ashworth Farm & Ranch and Guests Bull Sale

Oungre, SK

March 10

SSGA Zone 1 Annual Meeting

Alameda, SK

March 19

Equinox Bull Sale

Weyburn, SK

March 24

Top Cut Black Angus Bull Sale

Maple Creek, SK

March 26

49th Parallel Bull Sale

Mankota, SK

March 26

Breed Creek Ranch

Mankota, SK

March 26

Merit Cattle Co. Bull Sale

Radville, SK

March 28

Right Cross Ranch Bull Sale

Kisbey, SK

March 29

Focus on the Future Bull Sale

Alameda, SK

April 2

Triple A Angus Bull & Female Sale

Moose Jaw, SK

April 3

Git R’ Done Bull Sale

Hodgeville, SK

April 4

Peak Dot Bull Sale

Wood Mountain, SK

April 5

Norseman Farms Bull Sale

Swift Current, SK

April 6

Wilson-Lees Bull Sale

Kisbey, SK

April 7

Crescent Creek Bull & Female Sale

Goodeve, SK

April 7

Burnett Angus Bull & Female Sale

Swift Current, SK

April 10

Top Cut Bull Sale

Mankota, SK

April 10

May Advertising Deadline

April 11

Black Harvest Annual Bull Sale

Kisbey, SK

April 12

Size Matters Bull Sale

Canora, SK

April 12

South View Ranch Bull Sale

Ceylon, SK

April 12

T Bar K Ranch Annual Bull Sale

Wawota, SK

April 13

Johnston/Fertile Valley Bull Sale

Saskatoon, SK

April 14

Six Mile Angus Bull Sale

Fir Mountain, SK

April 14

Blue Collar Bull Sale

Yorkton, SK

April 20

South Shadow Angus Bull Sale

Maple Creek, SK

April 21

Short Grass Angus Bull & Female Sale

Aneroid, SK

April 23

Ranchers Choice Bull Sale

Medicine Hat, AB

May 27-29

SSGA 99 Annual General Meeting and Convention

June 3-5

International Beef Welfare Symposium

Saskatoon, SK

June 13-14

SFC Pasture School

Saskatoon, SK

June 17-23

Native Prairie Appreciation Week

June 26

WBDC Field Day

August 10

September advertising deadline

August 14-17

Canadian Cattlemen’s Association Semi-Annual Meeting

Calgary, AB

August 15

International Livestock Congress

Calgary, AB

APRIL

MAY th

Cypress Hills, SK

JUNE

Lanigan, SK

AUGUST

58

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MARCH 2012

Advertiser Index 49th Parallel

43

Gibson Livestock

61

Rancher’s Choice

17

Abe’s Signs

60

Git ‘R Done Bull Sale

27

Right Cross Ranch

14

Allen Leigh Security & Communications

61

Grayson & Co.

61

Rozol

22

Jackson Designs

61

Rosetown Flighting Supply

60

John Brown Farms

62

Saskatchewan Angus Assoc.

9, 61

Johnston Vertile Valley

24

Saskatchewan Ministry of Agriculture

54

Arm River Red Angus

60

Beef Improvement Opportunities/Fort Supply

34

Best Western Plus Inn & Suites

60

Johnstone Auction

Saskatoon Processing Company

Bill Laidlaw Chartered Accountant Professional Corp.

62

61

60

Kyle Welding & Machine Shop Ltd.

62

Short Grass

4

Lane Realty Corp.

46, 60

Silencer Canada Inc.

52

Linthicum Herefords

60

Sittler Composting

62

Man-SK Gelbvieh

62

Six Mile

31

Manitou Maine-Anjou

60

Solar West

61

Masterfeeds

60

South Shadow

12

Merit

37

South View

10

Nature Saskatchewan

61

Southern Trail Trailer Sales

60

Nerbas Bros. Inc.

61

Superior Livestock Auction

61

New Vision Agro

62

T Bar K

13

Norheim

60

Terra Grain Fuels

60

Norseman

23

Top Cut

50

Northstar Seed Ltd.

62

Triple A

25

Parkside Farm and Ranch

11

Western Litho

62

Paysen Livestock

2

Weyburn Inland Terminal

62

Peak Dot

3

Wilson Lees

55

Pfizer Animal Health

32,33,45,64

Young’s Equipment

62

Quality Starts Here/Verified Beef

51

Black Harvest Bull Sale

35

Blue Collar

41

Boehringer

7

Burnett Angus

28, 61

Breed Creek

40

Cattle Care

62

Chartop Charolais

60

Cowtown Livestock Exchange, Inc.

60

Crescent Creek

28

Elanco Animal Health

60

Equinox

8

Feed Rite

61

Focus on the Future

38

Friendly Acres Seed Farm

43

Frostfree Nose Pumps

62

GelbviehWorld.com

62 48

Genex

Honour Scroll Recipients the Norheim Family

Honour Scroll Recipients the Braun Family

Honour Scroll Recipients the Edwards Family

Honour Scroll Recipients the Thompson Family

SSGA BOARD OF DIRECTORS DIRECTORS AT LARGE

THE EXECUTIVE

Harold Martens President/Director at Large Swift Current, SK

Phone: 773-6782

Doug Gillespie 1st Vice President/Director at Large Neville, SK

Phone: 627-3619

Shane Jahnke 2nd Vice President/Director at Large Gouldtown, SK

Calvin Knoss Past President/Director at Large Rockglen, SK Brooks Whitney Finance Chair Maple Creek, SK

MARCH 2012

Heather S Beierbach, Maple Creek Ryan Beierbach, Whitewood Gerry Duckworth, Courval Helen Finucane, Regina Paul Jefferson, Humboldt ext 272 Roy Rutledge, Assiniboia Robin Wiggins, Fox Valley

ZONE CHAIR DIRECTORS Phone: 784-2899

Phone: 476-2512

Phone: 662-4420

Zone 1 - Zone 2 Zone 3 Zone 4 - Zone 5 - Zone 6 - Zone 7 - Zone 12 -

Lloyd Thompson, Carnduff Blade Young, Tyvan Kelcy Elford, Caronport Brooks Whitney, Maple Creek Bill Huber, Lipton Brent Griffin, Elbow Keith Day, Lacadena Larry Flaig, Assiniboia

299-4512 532-4809 394-4211 584-2773 682-3139 642-5358 666-2103

AFFILIATE DIRECTORS

Garner Deobald - Charolais Affiliate, Hodgeville 677-2589 Tom Grieve - Cattle Breeders Affiliate, Fillmore 722-3504 Tara Fritz - SImmental Affiliate, Shaunavon 297-3147 Clint Smith - Angus Affiliate, Mankota 478-2470 Arron Huber - Shorthorn Affiliate, Lipton 336-2706

APPOINTED DIRECTORS

Dr. Andy Acton- Veterinary Advisor, Ogema 482-3786 245-3310 355-2335 662-4420 336-2684 854-2050 375-2934 266-2070

459-2422

SASKATCHEWAN CCA DIRECTORS Lynn Grant, Val Marie Brent Griffin, Elbow Pat Hayes, Val Marie Reg Schellenberg, Beechy Kevin Woods, Moosomin

298-2268 854-2050 298-2284 859-4905 435-2102

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

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Maine-Anjou Bulls (since 1970)

We sell the real Maine-Anjou bulls!

No half cross yuppy bulls.

This is the ultimate breed in crossing with any other breed for great cows & feedlot cattle.

Gary Graham, Marsden Sk. (306) 823-3432 grahamgs@sasktel.net

Quality Grain Bags & Net Wrap Self Unloading Hay Trailers

Regina Mill – 1-877-440-2727 Saskatoon Mill – 1-800667-4757

Gallagher Fencing Supplies



Gates & Panels



Steel Fence



Hay Feeders



Bunk Feeders

www.manitoumaineanjou.ca

Best Western Plus Inn & Suites

105 George Street West Swift Current, SK S9H 0K4 888-773-8818 (306) 773-4660

Janie Jensen – 1-306-535-0969 Jerry Glab – 1-306-891-8914 Jack Wagman – 1-306-536-1004 Jim Zeng – 1-306-220-2829 SteveWarwryk – 1-306-291-4629

“Saskatchewan’s Farm & Ranch Specialists”

BL BILL LAIDLAW CHARTERED ACCOUNTANT PROF. CORP.

For all of your buying or selling needs...

Contact one of our Farm & Ranch Specialists today!

To view our properties visit our website at: www.lanerealtycorp.com

Ph: 306-569-3380

BILL LAIDLAW CA.CFP.

Chartered Accountant

Fax: 306-569-3414

604 Government Road S. Weyburn, SK S4H 2B4 Ph: 306.842.5344 Fax: 306.842.5345 Bill@BillLaidlaw.ca

Super Edge™ flighting for grain augers, combines, & seed cleaning plants.

Left and right hand available in all sizes. Helicoid & Sectional

Complete Auger Repairs ROSETOWN FLIGHTING SUPPLY Rosetown, SK

Phone 1-866-882-2243 • Fax 1-306-882-2217 www.flightingsupply.com rfsdealerinfo@sasktel.net EXCELLENT PREPAID FREIGHT RATES - BC $25 AB/MB $19 SK $18 (per order) NO FREIGHT CHARGES: One size 75 feet & over Multiple sizes - 100 feet & over

OVERNIGHT DELIVERY TO MAJOR CENTRES

Chartop Charolais Glen and Lyn Sauder Box 569, Gull Lake, SK S0N 1A0 Ph: (306) 672-3979 Fax: (306) 672-4347 Purebred CHAROLAIS & RED ANGUS Bulls for Sale Commercial Herd * Visitors always welcome

Division of Eli Lillly Canada Inc.

nks .

Your AD could be here!

Contact Tracy Cornea at 306-693-9329

CT

Cowtown Livestock Exchange Inc. Maple Creek, SK

Regular Sales every Tuesday @ 11:00 a.m.

Locally Owned & Operated Call for info on Presort & Other Sales Phone 306-662-2648 Toll Free: 1-800-239-5933

www.cowtownlivestock.com

Linthicum Herefords Bulls and Heifers for Sale

Frank (306) 266-4417

Murray & Jan (306) 266-4377

Glentworth, SK

Roger Meyers Sales Representative Southern Saskatchewan Box 153, Minton, SK Cell: 306-221-1558

www.elanco.ca 60

(306) 567- 4702

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Box 688, Davidson, SK S0G

Call (306) 345-2280 or visit www.terragrainfuels.com for more information.

MARCH 2012

    

  

 

Your AD could be here!

Contact Tracy Cornea at 306-693-9329

RYAN GIBSON BUS: 306-692-9668 CELL: 306-631-0070 FAX: 306-692-3252 TOLL-FREE: 1-800-667-7176

Deadstock Removal

 

3018 Miners Ave. Saskatoon, SK S7K 4Z8 Phone (306) 934-4887 Toll-free 1-800-803-9714



GRAYSON & COMPANY

BARRISTERS AND SOLICITORS 350 Langdon Cres. Moose Jaw Founded 1883

306-693-6176

www.graysonandcompany.com

General Practice

Branch Office in: Central Butte - (306) 796-2025

Candace Schwartz 306.772.0376 Sasha Veitch 306.716.0924 candace@jacksondesigns.ca www.jacksondesigns.ca

catalogues, ad design, event photography, magazine design & layout, posters and more!

Holiday Inn Express & Suites Swift Current Reservations: 306-773-8288 Swift Current’s Newest Hotel

Black Angus Bulls

Pick up your copy of your product catalogue at your local dealer.

www.nerbasbroangus.com

Shellmouth, MB CANADA 204-564-2540 All Sales by Private Treaty

Canadian Livestock Auction. Ltd.

Bryce Burnett

Box 86, Swift Current, SK S9H 3V5

Cowboy Poetry Pictures & Poems Tarentaise & Angus Cattle

1-800-929-COWS (2097)

WIRELESS COW CAM

Quality You Can Trust Humboldt Saskatoon Swift Current

Makes your calving easier safer and more PROFITABLE! Pricing from $450.00 - $2,575.00

800-947-9186 888-681-4111 877-881-1455 Save 100's of trips to the barn!

Saves 3-5 calves per year!

Stop disturbing them while they calve!

Gives you better quality of life!

Your AD could be here!

Contact Tracy Cornea at 306-693-9329

since 1996

www.CowCam.ca Brandon, MB PH: 1-866-289-8164

MARCH 2012

www.skstockgrowers.com | ©BEEF BUSINESS | 61

All types of commercial and purebred livestock auctions and farm sales.

Wash rack facilities for livestock

www.johnstoneauction.ca

Wayne or Scott Johnstone Box 818, Moose Jaw, SK 306-693-4715 (Bus) 306-693-0541 (Res) Fax 306-691-6650

www.kylewelding.com Box 310, Kyle, SK S0L1T0

Forage Seed Corn Seed Neil McLeod 306-831-9401

306-375-2271

Over 60 years of service!

Galvanized Water Tanks From 100 to 4100 gal.

Livestock Water Troughs - From 400 to 1250 gal.

Helen Finucane office: 306-775-1443 cell: 306-537-2648 phone: 306-584-2773 Carlyle, SK Celebrating 40 years in Canada!

CATTLE CARE 1A 1081 Central Ave N • Swift Current, SK S9H 4Z2

888-773-5773 • www.cattlecarevet.com

For Upcoming Gelbvieh Sales and Breeders in your area contact:

“The Best Name in Cattle Waterers”

Cynthia Wirgau Secretary (204) 278-3255 maplegrove@xplornet.com

Waterers and parts in stock

www.gelbvieh.ca

Johnson Concrete Cattle Waterers

NEW VISION AGRO Box 479 Hague, SK S0K 1X0

Your AD could be here!

PH: (306) 225-2226 FX: (306) 225-2063

Contact Tracy Cornea at

Dealer & Distributor For:

email: newvisionagro@sasktel.net www.newvisionagro.com

- Jay-Lor Vertical Feed Mixers - Feed-Rite - Cargill Rite Now Minerals - Baler twine, netwrap, silage bunker, covers, plastic wrap, Grain Bags

306-693-9329

Check with us before you buy! ®

AARON BOHN Pro-Pellet Division

Compost Turners, Spreaders, Screeners, Baggers

Weyburn Inland Terminal Ltd. Box 698, Weyburn Saskatchewan, Canada S4H 2K8 Sask. Toll Free 1-800-552-8808 Tel: (306) 842-7436 Fax: (306) 842-0303 Cell: (306) 861-1757 email: a.bohn@wit.ca www.wit.ca

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| ©BEEF BUSINESS | www.skstockgrowers.com

Brent Hansen Environmental 204-726-3335, www.globalrepair.ca

MARCH 2012

(3-WAY INTRANASAL)

NEW INFORCE™ 3.

PROTECTION WHERE AND WHEN IT’S NEEDED.

BRSV protection has never been this good. This new 3-way intranasal vaccine actually prevents disease caused by BRSV while dramatically reducing IBR disease and almost completely eliminating PI3 shedding. And it’s safe enough to use in all classes of cattle, regardless of age.

Make sure your protection is INFORCE. B

Safety and efficacy studies on file.

INFORCE™ 3 is a trademark of Pfizer Products Inc., Pfizer Canada Inc., licensee.

INF JADP04a 0212 E INFO-014

www.plp-cattle.ca