Beef Business March 2021 by Saskatchewan Stock Growers Association

Beef Business ‘

Saskatchewan’s largest circulated industry magazine Saskatchewan`s Premiere Cattlecattle Industry Publication Saskatchewan's Premier Cattle Industry Publication March 2021

BULL SALE EDITION A Saskatchewan Stock Growers Association Publication Publication Mail Agreement #40011906

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Contents

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

INDUSTRY NEWS 6

Grace Period for Transport Regulations

Saskatchewan Wants Clarity from Feds on AgriStability

Changes to the Livestock Price Insurance Program

Insurance Options for Forage Producers

Saskatchewan Producers Branded Environmental Stewardship Champs

COVID Response: Cattle Sale Guidelines You Need to Know

Managing Editor: Kori Maki-Adair Tel: 403-680-5239 Email: kmaa@shaw.ca Livestock Advertising Sales: Gordon Stephenson Tel: 403-968-3730 Email: gcastephenson@gmail.com

MARKETS AND TRADE 20

Retail Meat Price Survey

Weekly Market Charts

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

FEATURES 23

Ag Drones: Modernizing the Pastoral Youniverse BULLS

Online Bull Sale Dos and Don'ts: The Game Isn’t the Same

The Genetic Value of Bull Selection

EPDs: What Do All Those Numbers Mean?

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

SCIENCE AND PRODUCTION 44

Branding Value

Grazing Rental Rates

Active Missing Livestock Files

Forage U-Pick: A New Interactive Forage Species Selection Tool for Western Canada ASSOCIATION NEWS, REPORTS AND EVENTS

SSGA President's Report

Director Profile: Miles McNeil

Director Profile: Laura Culligan

Saskatchewan Goat Breeders Association Update

Man-Sask Gelbvieh Association Update

SaskMilk Update

Saskatchewan Angus Association Update

Saskatchewan Bison Association Update

Saskatchewan Charolais Association Update

Saskatchewan Limousin Association Update

Saskatchewan Sheep Development Board Update

Saskatchewan Shorthorn Association Update

Saskatchewan Simmental Association Update STEWARDSHIP

Scientific Results Encourage Restoration and Reclamation Practices

Calendar of Events

Advertiser Index

Business Directory cycle This M a

Ple as

zin ga

Prairie Conservation Action Plan (PCAP) Manager: Carolyn Gaudet Box 4752, Evraz Place, Regina, SK S4P 3Y4 Tel: 306-352-0472 Fax: 306-569-8799 Email: pcap@sasktel.net SSGA reserves the right to refuse advertising and edit manuscripts. Contents of Beef Business may be reproduced with written permission obtained from SSGA's General Manager, and with proper credit given to Saskatchewan Stock Growers Association. Articles submitted may not be the opinion of SSGA. SSGA assumes no responsibility for any actions or decisions taken by any reader from this publication based on any and all information provided. Publications Mail Agreement #40011906 Return undeliverable Canadian addresses (covers only) to: Saskatchewan Stock Growers Association Box 4752, Evraz Place, Regina, SK S4P 3Y4 Cover photo courtesy of Carrie Braun, Braun Ranch Herefords, Simmie, SK

Contributors Beef Cattle Research Council Kelcy Elford Julie Ell Fonda Froats Carolyn Gaudet Jeff Gaye Sherri Grant Tom Harrison Chad MacPherson Kori Maki-Adair Carolyn McCormack

Jordan Moore Jason Pollock SCIC Rob Schill Karen Schmid Gordon Schroeder Avery Shepherd Belinda Wagner Cynthia Wirgau Betty Wyatt Jeff Yorga

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

fb.com/skstockgrowers

@SK_StockGrowers

www.skstockgrowers.com | ©BEEF BUSINESS | 5

INDUSTRY NEWS Grace Period for Transport Regulations Jeff Gaye New regulations governing the transport of livestock were introduced by Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) in February 2020, with a two-year probationary period before they are fully enforced. The grace period is to allow time for producers to adopt the new regulations, as well as to review the findings from some on-going research assessing the effects of rest stops on calf health and welfare. Karen Schwartzkopf-Genswein Ph.D. and Derek Haley Ph.D. are the lead investigators of a study funded by Beef Cattle Research Council that looks at the effectiveness of rest stops for livestock on long hauls. Schwartzkopf-Genswein is a senior scientist with Agriculture and AgriFood Canada, at Lethbridge Research and Development Centre, while Haley is Associate Professor in the Department of Population Medicine at University of Guelph.

Karen Schwartzkopf-Genswein, Ph.D., Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada Research Scientist

Schwartzkopf-Genswein says the biggest changes to the regulations are related to the duration of transport permitted and the duration of the rest period required. Under the former regulations, animals could be on the truck for 48 hours before being unloaded for a five-hour rest

stop. The new regulations call for an eighthour stop after a maximum trip length of 36 hours. Unweaned calves may only be on the truck for a maximum of 12 hours before being unloaded for an eight-hour rest period. Finding a scientific basis for the optimal rest periods following various transport durations is important for both the livestock and the trucking industries, as well as the cattle. Long-haul trips have to be coordinated to be at a suitable offloading site in time for the mandated rest period. Travel has to take into account driver rest as well as rest for the animals. “It’s not always easy on a cross-country haul,” Schwartzkopf-Genswein says. “There were originally two official rest stop locations, both in Thunder Bay,” she explains. “Now I hear there are two more in Ontario, so that will help. People are understanding that once the regulations are enforced there has to be somewhere for the animals to be offloaded to rest.” For producers, it’s important to know what is gained in terms of animal health and welfare by adding the rest stops. The industry is concerned that the rest stops prolong the trip, and that the animals risk stress and injury from unloading and reloading. “That was one of the major questions the producers had, and we had a similar question. Some older studies have shown that loading and unloading can be as stressful as the transport itself,” she asserts.

The new regulations call for an eight-hour stop after a maximum trip length of 36 hours.

Daniela Meléndez, Ph.D., Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada Research Scientist

Schwartzkopf-Genswein and her team member Daniela Meléndez conducted three separate trials assessing the effects of varying transport, rest stop lengths and animal type on indicators of health and welfare of weaned calves that were seven to eight months of age. They conducted the first trial in the fall of 2018, that measured how different lengths of rest stop (0, 4, 8, or 12 hours of rest), affected steers that were transported either 12 or 36 hours with an additional four-hour transport after their rest. They looked at multiple physiological and behavioural markers of reduced welfare, including: dehydration, feed deprivation, fatigue, inflammation, injury, stress hormones, health and growth performance as well as the amount of time the cattle spent lying down, standing or eating during the rest stop and at their final destination. “We were a bit surprised by their findings. We saw no differences between the calves given no rest or those given 12 hours of rest, with the exception of feed deprivation,” she says. The biggest difference they saw occurred between calves transported 12 versus 36 hours, showing that cattle transported for longer periods of time had reduced weight, average daily gain and greater shrink. They attributed the lack of rest duration effect to the fact that all calves continued on page 8

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MARCH 2021

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MARCH 2021

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INDUSTRY NEWS Transport Regs cont. from pg. 6 had been conditioned before they were transported, meaning they were in good condition to withstand the stress of transport. “We actually designed our second study (conducted in 2019), to take conditioning into account; even though, it is not a common industry practice, because of what we saw in the first study,” Schwartzkopf-Genswein says. In that study, half of the calves were conditioned while the other half were not, and each of those groups were further split into those that went through an auction market or those that came directly from the ranch to the Lethbridge Research Center. All calves were then transported for 36 hours and given either zero or eight-hours of rest, before a final fourhour transport. Their second study provided even more evidence, that overall, rest had little benefit to the calves. Similar to the first study, the only differences seen were that un-rested calves had greater indicators of feed deprivation, and they stood more after the final unloading. On the other hand, conditioning was beneficial, based on fewer observed indicators of reduced welfare (i.e., less inflammation, indicators of feed deprivation, muscle fatigue and more standing), in the conditioned compared to non-conditioned calves. “This tells us the condition of the animals going onto the truck is an important factor in how well they are able to cope with a 36-hour transport,” Schwartzkopf-Genswein affirms.

“We are very curious to see the outcome of this last trial, to see if the rest will benefit calves that are transported for a longer time during the last leg of their haul. The results will be ready to share in early fall of this year,” asserts Schwartzkopf-Genswein. Other new regulations concern the loading of compromised and unfit cattle. CFIA has introduced more detail into what constitutes compromised versus unfit, which SchwartzkopfGenswein thinks is helpful to producers and inspectors alike. However, as some of the criteria are subjective, “There is still room for error and an animal can look quite well going onto the truck, but still have a negative outcome,” she says. There are many factors at play in finding appropriate transport regulations. Animal welfare is a primary concern; of course, there is also cost-efficiency of transport and the potential loss of value, if animals are injured in transit.

To top it off, transport trailers share the highways with members of the general public who have their own concerns about the welfare of livestock—whether or not those concerns are well-founded. “This is very timely research which has great implications for producers, truckers and the well-being of the cattle,” Schwartzkopf-Genswein affirms. “Recommendations should always be science-informed rather than based on emotion. We just want to provide the science that will guide what the best management practices should be.”B

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“A criticism of the first two studies was that the four-hour trip after the rest may not have been long enough to see any differences. We agreed this could affect our findings, and so we modified our last study to be able to compare long versus short-haul trips after the rest,” Schwartzkopf-Genswein continues. This led Schwartzkopf-Genswein and Meléndez to their third and final study, where calves were conditioned or not, transported for 20 hours, given zero or eight hours of rest, and then transported either four or 15 hours after their rest. This study was completed before Christmas 2020, so their samples are still in the process of being analyzed.

In relation to this study, conditioned is defined as calves being weaned, vaccinated, castrated, branded, ear tagged, and adapted to eating grain from feed bunks and water 18-26 days before they were transported.

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MARCH 2021

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INDUSTRY NEWS Saskatchewan Wants Clarity from Feds on AgriStability Jeff Gaye Saskatchewan will wait until after a new federal-provincial-territorial (FPT) meeting before deciding whether it will support a federal proposal to change the AgriStability program. Federal Minister of Agriculture MarieClaude Bibeau’s proposal will improve the program’s value to producers. But without changes to the funding formula, the new payout regime will mean a hit to provinces’ respective bottom lines. The federal government is proposing that the reference margin limit be removed, and the compensation rate be raised to 80 per cent from 70 per cent. The AgriStability program is jointlyfunded by the federal and provincial governments on a 60-40 basis. Saskatchewan would like to see that formula changed to 90 per cent federal dollars and 10 per cent provincial. AgriStability is the main Business Risk Management (BRM) program jointlyoffered to the ag sector by the two levels of government. Bibeau has said she wants to introduce reforms across the BRM suite of programs.

Canadians are deeply appreciative of the resilience they have shown to keep our food supply chain running smoothly,” she said. “I’m thinking particularly of the livestock producers who faced backlogs and price declines this year. An improved AgriStability program would be a huge help to them.”

Saskatchewan Minister of Agriculture David Marit asked Bibeau to convene a new FPT meeting on the subject. According to the Saskatchewan government, “We have been advised by Minister Bibeau’s office that a follow-up meeting will take place in the near future and we look forward to the discussion.”

In a statement to Beef Business, the provincial government said, “Saskatchewan continues to consider the federal government’s proposal to remove the reference margin limit and increase the compensation rate to 80 per cent. The cost of the proposed enhancements is expected to be considerable in Saskatchewan given the size of our industry.”

Saskatchewan wants to have “a complete understanding of the parameters and impacts of the federal proposal” before deciding on the proposal, according to the statement.

“We also understand the issues producers are facing. This is an important discussion and we need to ensure we give it appropriate consideration,” the statement reads.

She says the program changes are necessary. “Since this program was cut in 2013, participation rates have declined to the point where it is clear improvements are needed,” she said following the annual FPT in November 2020. “At that time, a Reference Margin Limit was introduced to AgriStability which can limit the payments a farmer receives and makes the program so complex, farmers can’t predict if they will get a payment or not.”

With the improved benefits, the province says, the program’s participation rate would increase accordingly. As such, “We do not have cost estimates to share until we receive clarity from the federal minister,” the statement said. B

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MARCH 2021

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INDUSTRY NEWS Changes to the Livestock Price Insurance Program On February 1, 2021, the Western Livestock Price Insurance Program (WLPIP), underwent a rebrand and name change. WLPIP will now be known as the Livestock Price Insurance Program (LPI). The name change does not affect the details or delivery of the program, so livestock producers can still count on the same coverage that they have come to expect. The rebrand was also accompanied by an updated logo and a new website. Saskatchewan Crop Insurance Corporation (SCIC), will continue to deliver the program, in collaboration with their partners in the other western provinces.

of the new year instead of the fall,” said LPI Coordinator Jodie Griffin. “Producers that have changed their calving practices will now be able to consider LPI as part of their risk management strategy.” Because some producers have changed their calving practices since the calf price insurance program was first introduced, the deadline to purchase calf coverage will be permanently-extended by two weeks. This year’s deadline will be June 10, 2021. Settlements will also be extended from December to the end of February. Depending on when policies were purchased, producers have until February

“We welcome these changes to the Livestock Price Insurance Program,” said Saskatchewan Stock Growers Association President Kelcy Elford. “These changes will provide increased opportunities for Saskatchewan cattle producers to participate in the Program. We appreciate that Saskatchewan Crop Insurance Program has responded to industry feedback with these enhancements to the Livestock Price Insurance Program.” LPI has also undergone some additional changes in response to industry feedback. Saskatchewan livestock producers will now have additional time to make policy purchases and claim settlements on all LPI cattle programs. Purchasing hours are on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays from 2 p.m. to 11 p.m. CST. Settlement hours are on Mondays from 2 p.m. to 11 p.m. CST. This change is intended to provide Saskatchewan beef producers with a wider window in which to consider their LPI policy and claim decisions. SCIC announced the changes on February 16, 2021, and they were effective from that day forward. “We recognize that many producers have pushed calving season later into the spring, and are marketing in the first part

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21, 2022, to make a claim. This change is intended to fill a risk management gap experienced by beef producers who calve in late spring, summer or fall. LPI has extended the deadline in order to fit the operational needs of these producers, better. They will now have additional opportunities to participate in the LPI program. To register a claim or purchase a policy, producers may contact their local Saskatchewan Crop Insurance Corporation office or call toll-free 1-888-935-0000. To access more information, visit scic.ca. B

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INDUSTRY NEWS Insurance Options for Forage Producers Program. The Forage Rainfall Insurance Program is available on native and tame grazing acres, protecting pastureland in the event of seasonal precipitation below the long-term average. Under FRIP, payments are calculated based on rainfall levels instead of overall yields. SCIC has access to 186 weather stations across the province to ensure producers can benefit from weather-based programming. Producers have a choice of any station within 100 kilometres that best reflects their growing conditions. B

This year, Crop Insurance customers can now insure their tame hay acres under the Forage Rainfall Insurance Program (FRIP) or the Multi-Peril Crop Insurance Program. Previously, forage producers could only insure tame hay acres under SCIC’s Multi-Peril Crop Insurance

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Forage producers will see an increase in Native Forage Establishment Benefit coverage. The Native Forage Establishment Benefit provides coverage

on newly seeded native forage acres. The coverage is increasing from $75 to $200 per acre. Other Forage Establishment Benefit prices seeing an increase include tame hay to $90 per acre and sweet clover to $65 per acre. Forage producers are encouraged to review available coverage options through SCIC’s Forage Option and Weather-Based Programs.

Saskatchewan Crop Insurance Corporation (SCIC) currently offers forage producers options for grazing, feed or seed production. Crops insured under the Forage Program include greenfeed, tame hay, dehydrated alfalfa or sweet clover. Additional options include Establishment Benefit and Restoration. An Establishment Benefit protects forage acres that failed to establish after planting. The Restoration option covers tame hay acres lost due to excess moisture.

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MARCH 2021

www.skstockgrowers.com | ©BEEF BUSINESS | 13

INDUSTRY NEWS Saskatchewan Producers Branded Environmental Stewardship Champs Kori Maki-Adair

Continuing its decades’ long mission as environmental stewards, Saskatchewan Stock Growers Association (SSGA) has secured $840,000 in additional funding from Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC) to continue working with landowners to protect Greater SageGrouse critical habitat in Saskatchewan. ECCC’s Species at Risk Partnership on Agricultural Lands (SARPAL) fund supports projects that are committed to engaging the agricultural sector to preserve key wildlife habitats today and in the future. SSGA President Kelcy Elford explains, “We are building on the success of SARPAL’s first five years. This second iteration of funding ensures that we can forge ahead with the innovative work we are doing with Grasslands National Park (GNP).” This is very good news for our planet and Environment and Climate Change Canada agrees. “ECCC is working in partnership with the agricultural sector to conserve and protect biodiversity in the Canadian Prairies and across the country,” states the Honourable Jonathan Wilkinson, Minister of Environment and Climate Change. “Through the SARPAL fund, we are conserving important grass and habitat for species at risk like the Greater SageGrouse.” Between 2015 and 2020, SSGA signed more than 40 conservation agreements with landowners, protecting a total of 250,000 acres of grassland and critical habit for species at risk in southwest Saskatchewan. And they have no intention of stopping there. Elford says over the next three years, “Our project will focus on continuing the grass-bank we established in partnership with GNP as well as investigating the development of producer-friendly term conservation easements. Native grasslands in these areas are an important forage resource for the cow-calf sector and are the last refuge for many species at risk in the 14

SSGF Board Chair Ray McDougald adds, “SSGF is a registered charity recognized by Canada Revenue Agency, and by Saskatchewan Ministry of Environment as an official conservation easement holder. We set up the Foundation to be at an arm’s length from SSGA, so the Foundation would be the holder when conservation easements are signed.”

Greater Sage-Grouse photo courtesy of Sherri Grant

province, which means these grasslands are valuable from ecological, cultural and economical standpoints.” SSGA General Manager Chad MacPherson describes a grass bank as “a physical place where forage is made available to ranchers at a reduced fee, in exchange for tangible conservation benefits being produced on a participant’s land.” MacPherson indicates, “We will manage the grass bank through voluntary agreements with landowners that provide benefits to the species at risk and critical habitat identified on the rancher’s property.” Elford explains, “Five years ago, we surveyed producers and it was apparent many producers were not interested in conservation easements in perpetuity. However, there were a number of landowners who did show sincere interest in conservation easements that would be developed to meet their unique circumstances, but signed only for a fixed term, to support succession planning. We want to interview producers to learn more about their current opinions. That’s one of the reasons we established Saskatchewan Stock Growers Foundation (SSGF). We needed a committed group to lead that charge.”

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“Canadian farmers are responsible stewards of the land who understand the importance of conservation to the long-term sustainability of agricultural lands. By supporting the Stock Growers’ conservation initiatives, we can protect important wildlife habitats of the prairie grasslands and get closer to our goal of preserving 25 per cent of land areas by 2025,” states the Honourable MarieClaude Bibeau, Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada. With the goal of helping the federal government protect 25 per cent of Canada's land, freshwater and oceans by 2025, MacPherson, McDougald and Elford agree: SSGF will continue to develop programs that support landowners in conserving grasslands and forage while protecting species at risk today and in the future. On top of feeding a growing population amidst climate change and a host of other uncontrollable risk factors, participating in these projects is yet another reason Saskatchewan producers have been branded as environmental stewardship champs. For more information about how to participate in these projects, please contact Chad MacPherson, General Manager, Saskatchewan Stock Growers Association at 306-757-8523 or ssga@sasktel.net. B

MARCH 2021

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“Twenty-five years ago, we made the decision to produce hay for our forage source, rather than greenfeed. It’s been a great move for us. Ducks Unlimited Canada’s Forage Program has provided us with financial support toward stand re-establishment while allowing us to continue to operate in the manor we are accustomed to. Committing our land to 10 years in grass is our way of playing some small part in the conservation of nature and wildlife.” – MANN FAMILY DUC FORAGE PROGRAM PARTNER SINCE 2017

Ducks Unlimited Canada has programs for producers. Contact your local DUC office or call 1-866-252-3825 to learn more about our Forage, Hay and Grazing Tenders, Conservation Easements, Fencing and Wetland Restoration programs.

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INDUSTRY NEWS COVID Response: Cattle Sale Guidelines You Need to Know Business never stops for agriculture. Since the population continues to grow, producers must continue to grow and sell, which is why Canadian governments consider the livestock value chain to be an allowable business service during the COVID-19 pandemic. To be prepared and operate safely, our industry must stay up-to-date on municipal, provincial and federal recommendations and requirements. With the ag industry and public safety as our top priority, we have organized the following information based on provincial and federal government standards for cattle sale hosts and attendees, so pick your category, read up and ride on. Sales Hosts BEFORE Sale Day:

⋅ Create a plan to respond in the event a spectator, employee or volunteer develops COVID-19 symptoms while at the venue.

⋅ Schedule the minimum number

of staff and volunteers needed to organize and run a sale. Ensure duties are conducted in a manner that reduces the number of participants involved and promotes physical distancing. Designate one or more people to ensure compliance with event attendance protocols.

⋅ Whenever possible, organize a virtual

sale which allows an unlimited number of people to participate safely.

⋅ For in-person sales, limit event

duration, use advance registration, cashless/non-contact/online payment/ ticketing and prepare a sign-in process with contact details to track and manage attendance, if possible. For fundraising activities (e.g., 50-50 sales), prepare kiosks or other areas where physical distancing can be maintained.

⋅ Limit indoor/outdoor sale events

to a maximum of 30 buyers/sellers, provided the space is large enough to ensure physical distancing. This is a maximum gathering limit per 16

venue (i.e., it does not allow 30 people indoors and 30 people outdoors). Facility staff/volunteers are not included in the total.

⋅ Encourage patrons to arrive close

to the scheduled sale time, proceed directly to their seats upon arrival, avoid gathering in common areas and leave immediately after the event’s conclusion.

⋅ For in-person events, make online or telephone bidding available whenever possible.

⋅ Consider supporting vulnerable

populations with dedicated showings or performances.

⋅ Consider online photos and videos for buyers who are unable to view in-person.

⋅ Have the cattle available for viewing prior to sale, when possible.

⋅ Where possible, control access and

occupancy. Limit parking. Erect barriers where physical distancing is not possible. Set maximum occupancy. Establish facility plans that include visual markers such as cordons, floor markers and signage that displays respiratory etiquette, hand hygiene and other protocols for attendance. Areas of concern include common areas, food and beverage service areas, seating, walkways and washrooms.

between individuals (with the exception of household groups). Leave alternating rows empty and provide clear signage where necessary.

⋅ Develop and implement procedures for increasing the frequency of cleaning and disinfecting hightraffic areas, common areas and public washrooms.

⋅ Ensure disposable towels, spray

cleaners and/or disposables wipes are available to workers, volunteers and patrons (as needed) to clean commonly-used surfaces regularly. Disinfectants must be approved by Health Canada (DIN) and be used according to label instructions, including contact time.

⋅ Ensure all people responsible for

handling and caring for animals wear masks or protective helmets with full face covering/shields and/or other personal protective equipment as deemed necessary.

⋅ Prepare to promote and facilitate

frequent and proper hand hygiene by providing hand-washing facilities, where possible, and alcohol-based hand sanitizers approved by Health Canada (DIN or NPN number).

⋅ Close drinking fountains. Water

bottle filling stations are acceptable if appropriately and frequently sanitized. continued on page 18

⋅ If possible, assign seating. Ensure

physical distancing requirements

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MARCH 2021

SOME THINGS ARE WORTH THE WAIT... When it comes to herdsire prospects and our private treaty replacement heifers or horses, the good ones are worth waiting for.

DEVELOPED ON NATIVE RANGE & FORAGE

J oin us

April 5, 2021 • 1 PM (CST) Cowtown Livestock, Maple Creek SK

r e u c i o o Y Ch

Black Angus Bull sALE

From our Pastures to Yours for over 55 Years

A.I. REFERENCE SIRES: Success, Download, Resource, Torque, Reign, Alpine, Trapper, EXT 4137, Black Loch, Stunner, Earnan, Thunder, Aviator WALKING SIRES: Wrath 9C, Settler 66E, Windy 313E

We look forward to hearing from you and welcome the opportunity to show you through the herds.

Call for a catalogue today or Look us up...

at the ranch or on the web for sale videos, photos & catalogue

www.DelormeRanch.ca Don & Connie Delorme • (306) 299-7778 Darby & Sarah Delorme • (306) 662-7993 Box 28, Robsart, SK. S0N 2G0

dcdelorme@sasktel.net • social media @DelormeRanch South Shadow • Boundary & Jay En Dee • Kay Dee & Prairie Pride Angus Herds

MARCH 2021

www.skstockgrowers.com | ©BEEF BUSINESS | 17

INDUSTRY NEWS COVID Reponse cont. from pg. 16

⋅ Food services that are licensed under

the Food Safety Regulations (i.e. restaurants, mobile food vendors) are subject to the requirements contained in the Restaurants and Licensed Establishments Guidelines posted within saskatchewan.ca.

⋅ No food or beverages are permitted

in the activity area. Facilities that offer food or beverage service must keep the activity separate from the food and beverage service area. For all other food service, see the Temporary Food Vendor Guidelines posted within saskatchewan.ca.

⋅ For events that are not considered a

temporary food event, but still intend to provide food and beverages:

o No buffet style or self-service foods or beverages permitted.

o Single portions and pre-packaged foods may be provided.

o Common touch items are not

permitted. This includes self-serve beverages (including mix and ice), napkins, utensils and condiments.

o Provide single-serve refreshments only.

Sales Hosts ON Sale Day:

⋅ Designate one or more people to ensure compliance with all event attendance plans and protocols (determined before sale day).

⋅ Ensure adequate soap, water, paper

towels and waste receptacles are stocked in washrooms and handwashing stations (where possible), as well as alcohol-based hand sanitizers when soap and water are not available.

⋅ Have the cattle available for viewing

⋅ Ensure garbage bins are emptied

⋅ Provide hand sanitizer and disposable

⋅ Manage crowds as they exit to

prior to sale, when possible.

masks to attendees (without masks). Ensure all people responsible for handling and caring for animals wear masks or protective helmets with full face covering/shields and/or other personal protective equipment as deemed necessary.

⋅ Monitor and manage attendees in

seating and common areas, especially during breaks, including lineups at washrooms and food/beverage service areas. Ensure processions have adequate space for attendees to move while maintaining physical distance. Prohibit activities that do not allow physical distancing, such as crowding together for photographs.

⋅ Sanitize workstations and eating

areas; pay special attention to places and equipment shared by more than one person on a regular basis as well as frequently touched surfaces (e.g., washrooms, door handles, counters).

frequently.

maintain physical distancing using visual markings or designated areas to limit the numbers of persons exiting at a time.

Attendees (buyers and sellers):

⋅ Consider online or telephone bidding, when possible.

⋅ View cattle ahead of the sale, in-person or online, when possible.

⋅ Do not attend a sale without a serious

intention to purchase or when experiencing any symptoms of illness.

⋅ Limit in-person sale attendance to one person per family or operation.

⋅ Be aware that international and out-

of-province participants are subject to provincial and federal public health orders.

⋅ Wear a mask, avoid direct physical

contact and maintain a two-metre physical distance from others.

⋅ Wash hands thoroughly and

frequently; use hand sanitizer when unable to wash hands with soap and water.

Please note, this is not an exhaustive list of precautions. Ag businesses should contact the Government of Saskatchewan’s COVID-19 Business Support Centre at 1-844-800-8688 for more information and/or refer to the specific guidelines in ReOpen Saskatchewan posted within saskatchewan.ca. All cattle buyers, sellers and event hosts should also adhere to local bylaws and any other applicable provincial and federal legislation on public health and safety during the COVID-19 pandemic. B

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MARCH 2021

www.skstockgrowers.com | ©BEEF BUSINESS | 19

MARKETS AND TRADE RETAIL MEAT PRICE SURVEY as of February 26, 2021 ($/lb)

SUPERSTORE

SOBEYS

CO-OP $

SAVE-ON-FOODS

Ground beef - lean

6.99

6.00

3.00

7.00

Ground beef - regular

3.88

5.50

Cross rib roast

7.99

9.51

Rib roast

12.74

Outside round roast

Inside round roast

Rib eye steak

17.98

18.03

Round steak

8.98

11.01

9.31

6.93

Sirloin steak

9.06

8.00

7.00

10.40

T-bone steak

15.87

10.01

Tenderloin

21.31

25.04

20.03

24.80

Rib steak

13.65

12.52

18.86

4.50

18.03

11.51

14.85

8.98

4.00

9.90

6.98

9.09

8.15

*These items were not in the display case on this date.

DiamonD W Charolais & red angus

19th annual Bull Sale

On Offer:

45 Charolais

Two-Year-Old & Yearling Bulls

30 red & BlaCk angus

Bulls Two-Year-Old & Yearling Bulls Our bulls will work for you:

• Big, Solid Bulls that can Cover Pasture • Semen Tested and Ready to Work! • Performance Tested JTM LiVeSTock, MiniTonaS, MB • Lots of Hair • Full of Meat • More Bull for Your Dollar • Good Feet, Structurally Sound, Easy Fleshing

Tuesday, March 23, 2021 – 1:30 pm

WoB 4h Sparrows Oldenburg x Sparrows Sanchez BW 100, Oct 16 WW 860, Feb 3 YW 1380

Orland Walker Box 235, Hudson Bay, SK S0E 0Y0 T 306-865-3953 C 306-865-6539

WoB 7h K-Cow Harlem x Sparrows Oldenburg BW 80, Oct 16 WW 825, Feb 3 YW 1390 Sale broadcast live at DLMS.ca

diamondw@sasktel.net

Wio 1h Red RRA One and Only x Red Get-A-Long Unltd BW 80, Oct 18 WW 710, Feb 3 YW 1320

Sale Manager: 306-584-7937 Helge By 306-536-4261 Jon Wright 306-807-8424 charolaisbanner@gmail.com

View the catalogue & videos online at www.bylivestock.com 20

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MARCH 2021

MARKETS AND TRADE SK Weekly Average Price Steers 500-600 lbs

2019 2020 2021

245 240 235 230 225 220 215 210 205 200

2018 2019 2020 2021 Wk 1 Wk 4 Wk 7 Wk 10 Wk 13 Wk 16 Wk 19 Wk 22 Wk 25 Wk 28 Wk 31 Wk 34 Wk 37 Wk 40 Wk 43 Wk 46 Wk 49 Wk 52

2018

Price per hundred weight

210 205 200 195 190 185 180 175 170 165 Wk 1 Wk 4 Wk 7 Wk 10 Wk 13 Wk 16 Wk 19 Wk 22 Wk 25 Wk 28 Wk 31 Wk 34 Wk 37 Wk 40 Wk 43 Wk 46 Wk 49 Wk 52

Source: CanFax

2018 2019 2020

CDN $ - US terms

0.80

2021

2020

0.78 2021

0.76 0.74

5 yr avg 2016-2020

0.72

95.00

310.00

90.00 2018 2019 2020

75.00

2021

70.00

Price per tonne

330.00

80.00

Wk 52

Wk 49

Wk 46

Wk 43

Wk 40

Wk 37

Wk 34

Wk 31

Wk 28

Wk 25

Wk 22

Wk 19

Wk 16

Wk 13

Wk 7

Source: Bank of Canada

Lethbridge Barley Price

100.00

85.00

Wk 4

0.68

Source: CanFax

Wk 1

0.70

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

290.00 270.00

2018

250.00

2019 2020

230.00

2021

210.00 190.00

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

65.00 Source: Source:CanFax CanFax

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

Price per hundred weight

0.82

190 180 170 160 150 140 130 120 110 100

Alberta Weekly D1 & D2 Cows Price per hundred weight

Source: CanFax

Weekly Canadian Dollar Weekly Canadian Dollar

AB Fed Steer Prices

Wk 10

Price per hundred weight

SK Weekly Average Price Heifers 500-600 lbs

Source: CanFax

For more information visit www.canfax.ca

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MARCH 2021

You do what it takes to manage their pain. To cattlemen words like obligation and honour are the backbone of a life spent providing for others. To you, things need to feel right. In your head and in your gut. After all, you’re not just raising cattle, you’re rearing the next generation of cattlemen. Boehringer Ingelheim is passionately devoted to the advancement of farm animal well-being.

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Ag Drones: Modernizing the Pastoral Youniverse Kori Maki-Adair There has been a paradigm shift. Seventy-five years ago, the word drone was synonymous with a loafer, being idle or good-for-nothing. In 2021, a drone embodies its former antonyms: a worker, eager beaver and foot soldier which in this article’s context, travel by air. Do you like using data tools to run your operation more efficiently, maximize yields and outcompete your previous performance? Today, drones are the technology trend that streamline agri-business by saving time, money and labour while taking on a number of complex factors that affect the success of your operation.

Equipped with accessories such as global positioning (GPS), autonomous flight and navigation systems; automated flight planning and programmable controllers; customized data processing software; low-light, night and thermal vision cameras that capture photos, film and 3D imagery (with a total magnification up to 180x); multi-spectral sensors that provide obstacle avoidance, gesture recognition, object volume, position, distance, orientation and tracking information; as well as tanks large enough to carry seed, water, fertilizer, fungicide, pesticide and herbicide payloads up to 25 kilograms; drones are well-designed and actively in use for:

⋅ scouting land and fence line,

⋅ performing soil, crop, tree and field analysis,

⋅ seed planting, ⋅ checking weeds, weather, rainfall and water stations,

⋅ spraying, spot treating, mapping and surveying crops,

⋅ planning and managing irrigation, and

⋅ monitoring livestock in real-time. These days, unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV) are being used for more than spying on our kids doing chores. They are creating a more accurate map of existing and emerging issues—supporting

How long can a drone remain airborne? Though power boosters are available, flight time depends on battery life which is affected by a drone’s speed, accessory usage, payload, signal range and weather conditions.

What is the top speed? With drones, velocity is measured in horizontal speed. According to 3DInsider.com, the top speed for the most popular drones ranges from five to 20 metres per second on a fully-charged battery, in fair conditions.

Laura Culligan navigates the rolling hills near Kyle, SK 24

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MARCH 2021

What is the maximum altitude? A drone’s ceiling depends the model of drone and ambient conditions. According to dronezon.com, the record altitude is greater than three kilometres; however, that height defied Transport Canada regulations. The lowest possible speed that a drone can be maintained is also critical; since, a drone can stall when its air speed is too slow. precision agriculture at a fraction of the cost of modern airplanes without any risk to a pilot. On their home property in Coteau Hills east of Kyle, Saskatchewan Laura and Scott Culligan run a cow-calf operation amidst their property’s native grass and improved pasture. When asked to describe their professional ambitions and objectives, Laura says, “The everyday challenge we face is

making our operation reach its full potential by balancing the cost of feed, equipment and labour while looking outside the box for opportunity. “I grew up on a ranch in Bassano, southern Alberta, where we used planes for locating cattle, calving or transportation. You needed bush pilot skills to fly in the varying conditions and over land in rough terrain,” she explains. “The cost and risk prevented me from completing my pilot’s licence.” Considering that aircraft need long, straight, flat spaces for take-off and landing, and airports are not always located where producers need them, arranging aerial photography can be challenging. No runway? No problem. Laura says, “I can fly my drone right from the front porch to check the cattle. I also use it to take videos of our sale horses by using active trace where the drone will

keep my horse in the centre of the frame and follow me.” The Culligan’s ranch has rolling countryside that takes a while to get around using all terrain vehicles or horses. “With small kids, it’s hard to just jump on a horse to go check things that are off the beaten path,” Laura affirms. “A drone is the easiest and fastest option to get a look at a big area when we don’t like to drive on grass or when it’s too much for kids on horses. With farmland, or grass, an aerial view gives you a good perspective of lesser quality ground and water.” Laura’s drone uses GPS technology, which prevents it from getting lost when it loses signal behind a hill or gets low on battery. When asked what attracted him to drone technology, Chay Anderson, a commercial cow-calf operator in Fir Mountain, near the Montana border, said his drone’s continued on page 26

What is the maximum distance for flight? Without a range extender device, some UAVs can fly as far as eight kilometres (i.e., four kilometres out and four kilometres back to base). A range extender can provide an added two kilometres.

Ag drone pilot Chay Anderson at ground control

Are there any security issues? Since UAVs are flying computers that have programmable code and use wireless networks, they can be hacked in mid flight. Dronezon.com says hackers can intercept your signal through your ground control unit (remote controller, smartphone, tablet or laptop). To help prevent hackers from commandeering your drone, use anti-virus software to protect your device from malware, a virtual private network (VPN) to encrypt your connection and keep it anonymous, and vary your flight paths. MARCH 2021

www.skstockgrowers.com | ©BEEF BUSINESS | 25

FEATURE

Ag Drones cont. from pg. 25 real-time, first-person visuals allows him to monitor his cattle more frequently and easily. “I use a lot less time and manpower,” he said. “I don’t have to drive or ride out to a location to check on something. I can fly the drone and get on with my day.

Figure 1: As the drone lifts off nearby, Pound-Maker’s cattle are interested yet unafraid Figure 3: QGIS cattle marking and counting software applied to the same photo (upper left corner); green dots mark and count each animal

“Mine has a 4K high-definition video camera and shock absorber technology that ensures steady imaging. Its GPS steadies navigation. It is able to right itself and compensate for different weather conditions, so I don’t have to fight the wind. It stays its course.” How do I keep my technology current? Manufacturers can fix bugs and add new features to a UAV’s firmware, remote control unit or software through updates to its ground control system’s built-in port and a micro-USB cable, or in some cases, a smartphone app. Chay explained that snow, rain, cold temperatures and wind, especially crosswinds, can affect a drone’s stability, flight path, speed, altitude, maneuverability and battery life. He said his rule of thumb is, “If the wind speed is greater than the maximum speed of the drone, then the conditions aren’t right for flight.” When in doubt, don’t fly. In addition to keeping an eye on his animals, Chay uses his drone to check on water supplies. “Though you still have to drive to the water pump if there’s an issue, you can check remotely with the drone, which does save time if you don’t need to go out there,” he said. “Battery life is key. You need to be aware of what you need to accomplish. I can check seeding or a trouble spot in the fence line, but I won’t check the entire fence line on the same battery, or use it in temperatures below minus five.”

Figure 2: High-resolution ag drone photography of a cattle pen on audit day at Pound-Maker, Lanigan, SK

With five years of experience under his buckle, Chay shared a critical tip. “Since we have rolling hills and valleys, I’ve learned I need to go to the end of a valley and angle the drone upwards to view our animals if they’re on a hillside. I fly parallel continued on page 28

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MARCH 2021

22nd Annual

Freyburn Family Tradition Bull & Female Sale Selling 50 Yearling Bulls, 10 Purebred Heifers and 15 Commercial Heifers

April 16, 2021 1 PM At the Farm Oxbow, SK

Live Sale Broadcast

Progeny sired by: Temptation, Stunner, Bronc, Entice, Packing Heat, Windy, Tank, Federation, Flat Top and Farley

U2 Temptation 180E

Jason & Melissa, Reegan, Dylan & Joran Frey Box 60, Oxbow SK (306)485-7230 OR (306)485-7231 freyburnangusfarms@gmail.com www.freyburnangus.com

FEATURE Ag Drones cont. from pg. 26 to the slope of the valley, so the slope and shadow don’t block the drone’s (my) line of sight of the cattle.” With rolling hills and trees on her family’s property near Kyle, Laura recommended getting a drone with obstacle avoidance, which is an intelligent flight mode that probably prevents a lot of accidents. “If you aren’t going fast, you can navigate around most things with the help of object avoidance technology,” she says. “One of the bigger down sides is losing signal when flying behind a hill or low to the ground to get a closer look at something. If you lose signal it will return to home base. and it’s pretty smart about notifying you when you get too far away to make it back to home base with the remaining battery. It takes a bit of practice to get on to when you didn’t grow up on video games; getting insurance is a good idea.”

According to Transport Canada’s Canadian Aviation Regulations (CAR), Part IX Remotely Piloted Aircraft, best practices for safe and legal drone flight, include:

⋅ Understanding the legal requirements for flying your drone safely ⋅ Passing the Small Basic Exam for basic operations (tc.canada.ca) ⋅ Passing the Small Advanced Exam for advanced operations (tc.canada.ca), and a flight review

⋅ Registering your drone with Transport Canada, and marking it with its registration number

⋅ Flying at an altitude <122 metres, in daylight and fair weather conditions ⋅ Keeping a horizontal distance of >30 metres between your drone and any bystanders

⋅ Staying far away from critical infrastructures, emergency operations, forest fires, populated areas, aircraft and controlled airspace

⋅ Respecting all relevant sections of Canada’s Criminal Code (e.g., offences

against Air or Maritime Safety, Breaking and Entering, and Mischief), as well as the provincial Trespass Act and laws related to Voyeurism and Privacy. continued on page 30

“Trees can obstruct aerial views,” Chay asserted. “You have to rely on your knowledge of your cattle’s behaviour. On hot days, you know your animals are going to be by the water. If you have trees, you know your cattle are going to be in them for shade, so you may need to wait for cooler temperatures to find them with your drone.” Chay furthered, “There are probably a million uses for the technology that I haven’t thought of yet.” What is the price range? Depending on whether you purchase a drone from a technology chain or from an ag drone ground school, drones can be priced from $50 to more than $5,000 with or without accessories. NOTE: Though the Saskatchewan Agriculture Programs branch in Regina confirmed that Canadian Agricultural Partnership funding does not yet provide costshare support for drones used on ag operations, its Ag Demonstration of Practices and Technologies (ADOPT) program funds producer group projects that review and show the success of new practices and technologies through local trials, which can be implemented by other farming operations in the province.

57th Annual Manitoba Test Station Bull and Female sale

March 27th, 2021 Starting a 1:00pm Sharp • 107 bulls and 33 heifers on test • 8 breeds available – Angus (Black and Red), Charolais, Gelbveih, Limousin, Maine – Anjou, Saler, Simmental, Shorthorn • Ranch Horse Sale to Follow • One Stop shop for top quality bull power and select replacement females. • Longest running development center in Canada • Internet bidding provided by DLMS • Catalog and video links of offering can be viewed early March on www.buyagro.com • Rare opportunity to select genetics from 40 different consignors across Saskastchewan, Manitoba and Ontario that brings the best stock they have to be performance tested and developed together! • Performance data, Cup ultrasound data and EPD’s available • All bulls and females will have passed a bredding soundness evaluation prior to the sale. No deffered bulls sold here! • All animals have tested BVD Negative • Animals are grown out on a developer ration to optimize gains to promote longevity and soundness

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| www.manitobabulltest.com | Manitoba Bull Test Station | 204-763-4696 DIRECTIONS: 17 miles east of Brandon on Highway #1 and a half mile south on Highway #351

MANAGER Cody Nolan | 204-573-4006

MARCH 2021

ELANCO WELCOMES BAYER ANIMAL HEALTH

Elanco and Bayer Animal Health are coming together for an even better Elanco. Together, we’re committed to creating a healthier life for animals everywhere. That means a more comprehensive portfolio of products along with unparalleled service and support for the health of animals, and for the good of people and the planet.

PM-CA-20-0417

FEATURE Ag Drones cont. from pg. 28 That’s exactly where Brad Welter, president of Pound-Maker Agventures in Lanigan, Saskatchewan, takes the reins. His organization is a privately-traded, share-based company— Canada’s first integrated feedlot/ethanol facility—that requires auditors to count and report silage, bales, grain and cattle inventory on an annual basis. When asked how drone technology

has affected the way he manages his operation, Brad stated, “In the past, our auditing firm would send junior accountants to take inventory at our fiscal year end. Since we have 26,000 head, it’s a big job to count a representative group. The old way required moving cattle out of pens, one-by-one, down an alley system so the auditors could get a physical count. That type of counting required a lot of time and imposed a lot of danger to those accountants who were unfamiliar

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with working in a dusty and muddy environment around livestock.” On top of that he said, “It took cattle off feed and water, and it took a long time to get them settled again. “I knew there had to be a better way,” Brad continued, “So, we found a company that flies drones for mining and logging operations to help us streamline our processes. Now, we have those guys come here the same day our auditors come to review our inventory. The professional drone operators take high-quality images of our cattle and send them to our feedlot office as well as our auditor’s office.” (See Figure 1 and 2 on page 26) Brad said one of Pound-Maker’s office staff handles the next step, “She says the QGIS cattle marking and counting software takes no time to set up. It’s straightforward, user-friendly and free online. We use it to view, edit and analyze the photos from the drone pilots who do the flying for us. The software processes the images—counting them by marking each animal with a green dot. Two hundred and ninety-nine green dots equal 299 head. (Figure 3) “It works so much better than our previous method for inventory. We can count far more representative groups in a fraction of the time with no stress on people or cattle. We have to be conscious of what the weather is doing, so no high winds or rainy days. We also try to pick a time of day when shadows are at a minimum,” to optimize the software analysis he said. “Our operation and processes run smoother, and our accuracy has improved, hugely.” Good labour is hard to find. So, if you're looking for a dedicated team player that boosts your overall efficiency and profitability by arriving on time and sticking to allotted breaks; never asking for a raise or days off, participating in workplace gossip, or making a lot of personal phone calls; perhaps, an ag drone is the right choice for your operation. B

© 2021 CNH Industrial America LLC. All rights reserved. New Holland is a trademark registered in the United States and many other countries, owned by or licensed to CNH Industrial N.V., its subsidiaries or affiliates.

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MARCH 2021

SHSH 25H - SHSH Rave 24E x ETN Royal Dynasty 6164 BW: 1.1 WW: 48 YW: 98 Milk: 21 MTL: 45

APKO 16H - MHPH 101S Umpire 118U x WLB Bar Code 116A BW: 4.8 WW: 49.3 YW: 81 Milk: 19.9 MTL:44.6

SHSH 42H - SOS Veselka 124E x BKJ Lanza 610S BW: -3.2 WW: 39 YW: 81 Milk: 20 MTL: 40

APKO 46H - HF 12C 50 Shades Banker 69E x XLP 75Z Kelsey 55B BW:5 WW: 57.3 YW: 92.6 Milk: 27.6 MTL: 56.3

SHSH 84H - Sparrows Parker 806F x LT Long Distance 9001 BW: -4.5 WW- 45. YW: 88. Milk: 28 MTL: 50

BULLS Online Bull Sale Dos and Don'ts: The Game Isn’t the Same Jeff Gaye Auctions are a pretty effective way of determining a fair price for a bull. As a buyer, you know what the animal is worth to you—but what you end up paying depends on what it’s worth to someone else. You might pay a little more than you’d hoped, or a little less than you expected. At live auctions, there can also be some gamesmanship involved. It’s a competition, after all, and experienced bidders know all the tricks. Add the auctioneer into the equation—it’s their job to get the best price for the seller— and there’s a whole “inner game” involved in trying to get the animal you want at the price you want to pay.

Online bull sales have some similarities to live auctions, and some differences. Mark Shologan, Purebred Sales Director for Direct Livestock Marketing Systems, says if you’re more accustomed to the live auction ring, it pays to know how to approach an online sale.

The bull on the auction block may be more valuable to you than to another bidder, depending on how you see it contributing to your own program or your own herd’s genetics. Or, no matter how fine a specimen it is, it might not be worth as much to you.

One thing is the same whether you’re in a live auction or an online auction. It’s the same for all auctions, whether you’re buying a bull or a bathtub: do your homework.

It’s important to know what you want, and what it’s worth to you. And the more you can learn about the program an animal comes from, the easier it is to determine a bull’s value.

“Do your research on the cattle you’re buying. Do your research on the program and the people you’re buying from,” Shologan says.

But there are also key differences between a live auction and an online auction, and Shologan offers some tips on what’s important to know going in: Sign up in advance “Get logged in and signed up before the sale if possible, just so you don’t have to wait for approval. The earlier the better,” he said. He recommends signing in at least 24 hours before the sale. “The earlier the better” goes for applying for bidding too, “just so you don’t clog up the process,” Shologan said. Check your connection and keep it clear Rural Internet: enough said.

• All CAttle Selling Will HAve genomiC enHAnCed epd’S • All Bulls Selling Carry A Season long Breeding guarantee Against injury or death • our Weaning Weights Are taken Without Any Creep...Just milk And grass • pick Up Sale day discounts Apply • Free delivery on Bulls

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“Make sure that your Internet connection is good, and make sure that you’re not doing anything else on your computer,” Shologan said. “Or make sure no one else in the house is using the Internet.” “You go to do your part of the sale, and if you’ve got kids on Skype or you’ve got the kids watching YouTube, guess what? Your Internet connection will not work well enough.”

MARCH 2021

There are three things that will affect how well you communicate with the sale. One is the Internet connection at the sale site; the second is the sale’s service provider and its own connections and servers, et cetera; and finally, it’s your connection at home. “The Internet broadcast could be perfect. The computer companies could all be working perfectly. But if your connection is not good enough, you know what? You’re not going to have a great experience,” Shologan said. “Make sure you’ve done a speed test. Make sure your connection is as prepared as possible. And don’t be afraid to talk to the Internet company you’re using for the sale. If you have questions, try to ask them ahead of time.” In a lot of cases, your Internet service provider can help you deal with foreseeable problems. “So call ahead and make sure you have your backup plans in place.” Bid quick and bid early Don’t wait too long to bid, Shologan says. “If you take extra time to think about if you should bid or not, chances are that bull will be sold just because the auctioneer can’t see you waiting.” Have an idea in mind of what you want to spend, and make sure you’re getting your bids in quickly. “We don’t want you to miss out on a bull,” he said. Follow the bid button Don’t rely on your computer feed’s audio or video to time your bid. The accurate, real-time indicator of the latest bid is the auction’s “bid button.” “The amount that shows up on the bid button, ‘click to bid at $5,000’ for example—that’s what the auctioneer is asking right now,” Shologan said.

Your audio might not keep up, depending on your connection. You might hear the auctioneer asking for $4,500 when the bid button shows a higher amount. Always go by the bid button. “The bid button, and the amount asking on your screen, take precedence over the audio connection,” Shologan said. The game isn’t the same This relates to the “bid quick and bid early” advice, Shologan says. “Don’t wait too long to place your bids. If you hesitate when trying to bid over the computer, you will lose out.”

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Stalling or bluffing or getting in a late bid, all the psychological games of buying at auction, don’t apply to online bidding. “You can do that when you can see what’s going on. But when you’re dealing on a computer you can’t, because the auctioneer can’t see you. It takes that little bit out of it,” he said. “Bid quickly. Don’t wait for it to slow right down thinking that you’re going to be able to place a last bid because that definitely won’t work.”

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BULLS The Genetic Value of Bull Selection Jeff Gaye Every commercial operation is different: from the size of the herd to the availability of forage and feed; from the traits of the herd cattle to the marketing plan of the operation.

these cattle in the end?’ And then you need to look for the breed, and find one that is going to be well-suited to that environment and one that’s well-suited to the goals,” he said.

How should a commercial producer approach introducing new genetics to the herd? What are the strategies that go into buying one or more bulls?

The farm or ranch environment is a primary consideration, Latimer said. Northern Alberta and southern Saskatchewan offer different conditions for raising cattle, just as the Maritimes or Ontario are different from British Columbia. Soil, rainfall, elevation and growing season affect forage and feed crops, and producers will select for traits that will help the herd thrive in their specific environment.

Michael Latimer, Executive Director of Canadian Beef Breeds Council, says “Where do I start?” is the milliondollar question. Not every good bull, he says, is necessarily the right bull for your operation. “If you’re a commercial producer I look at the type of farm I have and ask ‘what’s the environment that I’m going to raise these cattle in? How am I going to market

And it’s not just regional geography that influences breeding strategies. Even within a given region, the type of operation should influence what you’re looking for in a bull.

“If it’s a real ranchy ranch and it’s tougher conditions, you’re probably going to want to buy from a ranch that’s similar, where those bulls are raised in tougher conditions and they know how to survive under that,” Latimer said. “If you’re in more of a farm setting—a farm, not so much of a ranch—you can use a different type of bull.” And much depends on how you plan to sell your cattle. “What cows are working for you? What aren’t?” Latimer said. “Or is there any type of breed lineage there that you can capitalize on to breed, for example, to Angus? Do you put another breed on them to get some hybrid vigour? What are your breeding goals?” continued on page 36

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MARCH 2021

BULLS Genetic Value cont. from pg. 34 Of course there are differences within each breed. Again, a producer will want to find a bull that will work well with the cows in their herd. If you have bigger, older cows and you want calves that are going to wean with fairly high weights next fall, you may want to select a bull that has a bit more performance, Latimer said. “Maybe if you’ve got a younger cow herd and they’re a little bit smaller in size, you’re going to want a bull that is better on birthweight and calving ease,” he said. “Work with the breeder to make sure you get the right one, or maybe a few to select from.” It’s important to select bulls and genetics with your own operation and your own herd in mind, but it’s just as important to consider your customer. Who are you selling to, and what will they pay—maybe even pay extra—for you to deliver?

“If you’re a feedlot owner, you’re going to want cattle that are going to perform well on a feedlot,” Latimer said. “And if you know where those cattle are, you’re probably going to be able to pay a little bit more because you’d be more comfortable in managing your risk.” It’s in producers’ interest, he said, to invest the time and attention it takes to develop a reputation for the quality of their animals, and to develop those relationships with customers. It’s a process that can take years. It applies as much to raising cattle for smaller-scale farm gate sales as it does to producing feeders on a large scale. “There’ll be some people that will also want to market beef off the farm, usually not in big numbers, but some people do like to do that. And that might take a different type of animal,” Latimer said. “Depending on what your customer base is, whether it’s ethnic or just people in

your local town, maybe it’s friends and family, there’s some targets that you can look at hitting there, too,” he said. “Some of the breeds that will suit maybe aren’t our main production breeds. Maybe they’re a smaller steak size. Maybe more marbling, there’s some options for that as well.” Part of your research should include contact with the breeders and, in the case of purebred animals, the breed associations. They can provide you with published Expected Progeny Difference or EPDs. These will give a general statistical analysis of the breeding potential of animals under very different conditions. “You can use those to fine-tune what your selection is,” Latimer said. Bull sales have changed over the years, and generally for the better. Potential buyers can watch video of the sale animals well ahead of the sale date and get an idea of how it looks, how it moves, its overall condition, and even its temperament. Latimer advises that video is much more continued on page 38

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BULLS Genetic Value cont. from pg. 36 reliable than still photos when previewing a potential purchase. And although in-person farm visits are less common under pandemic restrictions, in many cases it’s still possible to view an animal in-person before making a decision. Often, producers will rely on the advice of an unbiased buyer or agent. As in most aspects of the beef industry, success depends on reputation, reliability and trust. “The cattle business really is a people business, and that’s maybe one of the biggest challenges that we’re having right now in this COVID-era. It’s not easy to just drive into a yard and visit,” Latimer said.

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“Even if you can’t physically go visit with people or do it the way we have for 150 years before this, you should still just make an effort to call people. Stay in contact with not just the people you’re trying to sell to, but also people that you’re trying to buy from.” Of course it’s a buyer-beware world, and that applies to the cattle business as much as anywhere else. But Latimer says a good bull sale will result in a happy seller, a happy buyer, and even happy consumers. Everyone shares a responsibility to make the transactions work, and everyone benefits from a good sale. For sellers, he said, “Make sure that you have your bulls represented fairly, and make sure that you have all the information presented in the catalogues—not just what you want to pick and choose because it makes your

animal or program look better. I think the breeders should be working with the associations to make sure that information is in-full and accurate in the catalogues.” If you're a buyer, he said, "Make sure that you understand what that information is and use it. There's some really good information there that I think sometimes gets brushed off as 'it doesn't mean anything' or 'it's just all fake' or whatever. I think there's a lot more to it than what people realize. They're really good tools. “Take pride in your cowherd, make sure that they’re going to represent our cattle industry and produce the world-leading beef that we’re known for,” Latimer said. “We need good producers making the right decisions, producing the best cattle, and just making sure that we keep beef on consumers’ plates.”B

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BULLS EPDs: What Do All Those Numbers Mean? Bull buying season is upon us. If your house is anything like my family’s, most available surfaces are now piled high with catalogues advertising the next great herdsire. There are many factors that play a role in choosing a new bull for your operation (visual observation, breed, pedigree, actual birth weight, residual feed intake (RFI), weaning weights, breeding soundness evaluation, etc.), but one tool that can aid in herdsire selection has led to a lot of confusion since its first use over 40 years ago. Let’s decipher this valuable tool so you can expertly evaluate potential herdsires as you flip through those sale catalogues. EPDs defined Expected Progeny Differences (EPDs) are estimates of an animal’s genetic merit as a parent. EPDs are the difference between the predicted average performance of an animal’s future progeny and the average progeny performance of another animal whose EPD is zero, assuming that the bulls are mated to similar cows, or vice versa. For example, if Bull A has a birthweight EPD of +9.0 lbs and Bull B has a birthweight EPD of +3.0 lbs, this means that Bull A’s calves will have birthweights that are 6 lbs heavier than whatever the birthweight of Bull B’s calves are, on average. To compensate for differences in environment and management, contemporary groupings are used. Contemporary groups are animals of the same age and sex raised under the same management conditions. Once these factors are accounted for, the genetic component is the part that remains, and that is what EPDs predict. Information used in computing EPDs includes pedigree and performance of the individual animal, all relatives, and progeny. It is often assumed that EPDs are calculated in much the same way as 205-day adjusted weights, but this is not the case. To correctly calculate EPDs, millions of equations must be solved simultaneously. Many different EPDs exist, from calving ease and weaning weight, to ribeye

area and marbling, to cow weight and stayability. EPDs are generally reported in the same units as the traits they measure (pounds for weight traits, square inches for ribeye, etc.). Differences between breeds Each breed association publishes various EPDs and indexes, and they are not comparable to each other, as EPDs for each breed have specific breed variations in the way they are calculated. A Charolais weaning weight EPD of 72 lbs does not mean the same thing as an Angus weaning weight EPD of 72 lbs. In addition, breed average EPDs are not necessarily zero, so an EPD above zero may not mean above average. This is why it’s important to know what the breed average numbers are for the breed you are interested in. Some breed associations have genetic evaluations that span multiple countries, in order to compare genetics across borders easily. There are some organizations that produce acrossbreed EPDs (e.g. Beef Improvement Opportunities), which may be useful in certain situations when bulls of different breeds need to be compared. Abstract values It is important to realize that EPDs do not predict individual animal performance, nor do they correspond to any specific value for a particular trait. A weaning weight EPD of 46.6 lbs does not equal an actual weaning weight of 650 lbs for that animal’s progeny. A weaning weight EPD of 46.6 lbs means, on average, that animal’s progeny will weigh 46.6 lbs more than the progeny of a different animal with a weaning weight EPD of 0 lbs (or 20 lbs more than the progeny of a different animal with a weaning weight EPD of 26.6 lbs). A bull with impressive EPDs does not guarantee a superior calf crop. A common producer complaint about EPDs is that they do not seem to reflect actual data. Because EPDs rely on information provided by the producer, it is critical that the accurate information is submitted. This means reporting all performance

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data measured on all animals in the herd, and correctly identifying contemporary groups under different management (like creep feed). In addition, billions of genetically different progeny are possible from just a single mating. There are plenty of genetic differences between full siblings. Because EPDs predict AVERAGE progeny performance, it is quite common to have a calf or two that doesn’t fit in with the rest. This is where accuracy comes in. Accuracy of predictions Accuracy is a value between 0 and 1 that reflects how close the prediction (EPD) is to the true genetic merit (breeding value) of the animal. Accuracy values increase as the amount of information known on an animal increases. Adding data on an animal’s own performance, the performance of its relatives, and performance of its progeny will increase accuracy. As accuracy gets higher, an EPD is less likely to change substantially. Breed associations have possible change tables, which indicate how much an EPD may change (either up or down), with the addition of new information. Young animals generally have low accuracy, because the association doesn’t have any progeny information recorded yet; while, A.I. sires with lots of progeny generally have quite high accuracies, indicating more confidence in EPD values. Some breed associations are incorporating genomic data into their EPD evaluations. By merging DNA test results with the traditional EPDs, more information can be added at a younger age, increasing the accuracy (and confidence) in that animal’s EPDs. For traits with high heritability, adding genomic data can increase accuracy by the same amount as adding data from 7-20 progeny, if the original animal only has pedigree data. Heritability: The proportion of variation in a particular trait that can be attributed to inherited genetic factors as opposed to environmental factors. Reproductive traits tend to be lowly heritable, while weight and carcass traits are more heritable. continued on page 42

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BULLS EPDs cont. from pg. 40 Example BULL A

BULL B

Calf #1

700 lb

625 lb

Calf #2

600 lb

615 lb

Calf #3

605 lb

650 lb

Calf #4

610 lb

640 lb

Average adjusted weaning weight

628.8 lb

632.5 lb

Sire weaning weight EPD

51.7 lb (accuracy = 0.75)

56.0 lb (accuracy = 0.75)

The difference in the two bulls' weaning weight EPDs is 4.3 lbs, which is very close to the difference between the average adjusted weaning weights of their calves in the example. Even though Bull A

has the calf with the highest weaning weight, the rest of his calves show that his EPD should be lower than Bull B’s EPD. Large contemporary groupings and large numbers of progeny in general (or genomic data in some cases), will result in an EPD that reflects actual data much more closely. Balanced approach to selecting traits One last important point is to avoid single trait selection. Although all these numbers can get confusing, selection based upon a single trait can often lead to undesired consequences. For example, selecting only for weaning weight in a production system where heifers are retained, will lead to larger mature cows, potential calving difficulties, and perhaps decreased fertility. A balanced selection approach focusing on optimizing traits for your environment and production system works much better than trying to maximize a single trait. Many breeds produce indexes to reflect a certain

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production system (i.e., terminal vs. maternal), that combine the economically relevant EPDs for that production system into one number. EPDs are the best tool we have for estimating genetic merit of an animal. On younger animals with low accuracy, they can be used to narrow down the possible herdbull choices by eliminating the bulls with the poorest EPDs, or deciding between a few favourite bulls. On higher accuracy animals, like A.I. sires, where visual appraisal is often not possible, they can be used with a reasonable amount of confidence. This article, written by Karin Schmid, Alberta Beef Producers Beef Production and Extension Lead, originally appeared on the Beef Cattle Research Council Blog within www.BeefResearch.ca, and is reprinted with permission. B

MARCH 2021

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SCIENCE AND PRODUCTION Branding Value Jason Pollock season. As I have stated before in this column, I have been guilty of sending a furry black yearling without my brand on it, mixed in with a semi load of mine, to auction.

Jason Pollock, Chief Executive Officer Livestock Services of Saskatchewan

As I write this, my cows are somewhere in their third trimester and next year’s bill payments are safely growing inside them sheltered from the brutal temperatures outside. Down in the banana belt of Saskatchewan, where I live, it seems crazy that we can survive these temperatures, while most of the rest of the province just takes it in stride because winter is… well, wintery. Calving is underway at many operations and will be in full swing most everywhere by the time this magazine reaches mailboxes. As I consider the volume of cost and effort that goes into getting a calf into this world and eventually onto a truck to market, I want to discuss the value of branding. For a lot of producers across the province, a brand is considered optional. They are correct. For many other producers, a brand is not optional because of their experience, opinion, or management reality. I fall into the latter category. I brand my calves for two primary reasons. First, to identify them with an indelible mark of ownership that can be used throughout the animal’s life. As a side note, I probably have the best neighbours a rancher could ask for, but despite our best fencing efforts, it seems that our cows get scattered about throughout the grazing

Thankfully, an astute livestock inspector caught it, and we were able to sort it out before the sale. I have also been the recipient of a call, a time or two, where the keen eyes of an inspector caught a similar mistake of one of my animals mixed in with someone else’s. And many times, I have been the recipient of a neighbourly return of my animal into my field with a text letting me know it’s back where it should be. I am glad my neighbours brand their calves and that the system of detecting these honest errors at the sale barn works. Second, I use brands as a management tool. The beef business is centred around converting feed to beef, and stress plays a big part in the efficiency of that conversion. With the odd exception of a few life-shortening, full-idiot moments when that rotten dry cow is at the front of the bunch, we handle our cows quietly on horseback in open fields causing the least amount of stress possible. Corrals, alleys and chutes are necessary, but they are also high-stress points in an animal’s life, and the less I can do it with my cattle the better. We use numbered dangle tags and radio frequency identification (RFID) buttons as well to identify them in the chute, but the brand is the primary management mechanism in the field. This holds true in the grazing association I am a part of as well. A slick is an unwelcome guest at those parties. There are those that will want to discuss the cruelty and stress of branding calves. I am not disputing there is both pain and stress involved. However, I am thankful for the many researchers and scientists who have studied it, exhaustively. They have

determined that branding and processing young calves is the best and least stressful time to do it during the animal’s life. Implementing your herd health program, managing horns, and castrating along with identifying your calf crop with a hot brand all at the same time, early in the animal’s life (i.e., three to eight weeks old), is the best time to do this for my operation. There are also multi-day pain relievers that are now available to reduce the pain and stress, and to get the calf back to full feed as quickly as possible. In 2020, Livestock Services of Saskatchewan (LSS), identified more than 16,000 animals, with a value of just over $24M, that required secondary clearance, redirection or were possibly related to animals previously reported missing or stolen. Many of these animals were not branded, and as a result, our inspectors had a more difficult time solving these issues quickly. As mentioned above, stress is a big factor in the profit formula, and a pen of calves that need extra handling, re-inspection or held for redirection or clearance can have a significant financial impact. A brand usually eliminates the mix up in the first place, and often answers any question quickly. Producers that choose not to brand, open themselves up to a greater risk of these mistakes not being caught, and sometimes purposeful thefts not being identified. A semi load of same-colour calves pouring off the truck, with dangle tags and RFID buttons as the only identifiers, makes the job of identifying ownership anomalies more difficult for our inspectors. Remember, RFID tags are not a means to determine animal ownership, only a means to identify tag ownership. Inspectors are a great bunch of people, and as an owner, I can help them by branding my calves. The owners of these 16,000 animals now have a little more experience and appreciation for future continued on page 46

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MARCH 2021

SCIENCE AND PRODUCTION Branding Value cont. from pg. 44

carefully. An improperly-applied brand is a waste of the entire process and may end up causing more stress on the animal, if it must be redone at a future point.

efforts to identify their animals as best as they possibly can. To be clear, it is optional to brand your calves. I am obviously a proponent of branding, as per my stated reasons above, and so I want to discuss some components of a good brand for anyone considering adding a hot brand to your annual list of things to do.

One other consideration, is to get different sizes of brands made. A calf-sized iron on a cow is not only hard to see, but looks ridiculous when you do see it. Needless to say, a cow-sized iron on a calf isn’t appropriate either.

Simplicity is best. Capital letters, numbers and certain symbols are allowed and make up a plethora of allowable combinations. Consider the number of irons required to make the brand on the animal. A properly heated iron can usually be applied twice depending on the distance from the fire to the calf and speed of the crew. The less time a calf is on the ground, the less stress there is on the animal. A simple, quick brand is best for the animal. Bars and letters with straight lines are easier to apply and often show up better as the animal matures. Circles, triangles or other closed spaces, such as those on a six or a nine, can often blotch from too much heat. Choose your branding people

Finally, if you are like me and a bit of a globby-hack welder, get a professional to build your brand. Using heat-relief points and proper materials with proper dimensions as well as adding a nice loop for the brander's hand makes a big difference in the result. Some branders also utilize electric branding irons, which can work well given the right circumstances. I realize these opinions are my own, and I am not advocating them as the final answer, but they are considerations that I believe are helpful to get the most benefit from your effort. The LSS website lssc.ca has a handy help sheet on allowed brand symbols

and options as well as a search feature that allows you determine if a brand you are wanting is available. The regulations provide guidance as well and that information is also on the website. If you do not use a brand in your operation, I would encourage you to consider it. If your family used a brand but no longer has it registered, give us a call to discuss it. We authorize heritage brands for family members, often. Given the amount of time, effort and money you put into your operation, a brand offers a significant protection of your investment as well as other operational benefits. A final note of consideration is for families with multiple owners or ownership structures. A separate brand for each entity can often assist in the overall management and assist with any ownership issue that may arise in the future. If you require further information or want to register a brand, contact our brand registrar at 306-546-5086 or your local livestock inspector. Have a great calving season and consider the benefits of adding a brand to your annual operation this year to protect your investment. B

Grazing Rental Rates 2021 Grazing Rental Rates

Historical Rent

October Slaughter, D1,2 Cows

November

Weighting

Rental Rate

Year

Rent, $

Change, %

$74.94

$65.42

12.00%

$8.42

2011

$3.93

N/A

Feeder Steers 800-900 lbs

$183.76

$177.75

17.00%

$30.73

2012

$6.09

54.96%

Feeder Steers 500-600 lbs

$211.05

$213.46

35.00%

$74.29

2013

$5.99

-1.64%

Feeder Heifers >800 lbs

$161.35

$158.63

21.00%

$33.60

2014

$6.42

7.18%

Feeder Heifers 500-600 lbs

$178.73

$183.37

15.00%

$27.16

2015

$11.19

74.30%

$174.19

2016

$10.87

-2.86%

2017

$7.17

-34.04%

2018

$8.97

25.10%

Cattle prices from CanFax monthly data from Saskatchewan Livestock Branch

Rent per AUM Beef Produced (lbs) Weighted Price ($/lb) Constant Stocking Factor

$8.50

-5.24%

2020

$8.52

0.24%

1.7419

2021

$8.17

-4.11%

0.8

Share (%) Per AUM

2019 46

0.1275 $

8.17

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MARCH 2021

BULL SALE

MARCH 27th, 2021 1:30 pm AT THE RANCH, ROCKGLEN, SK ON OFFER: BLACK ANGUS AND CHAROLAIS YEARLING AND TWO YEAR OLD BULLS

BLDA 70H

BLDA 99G

DFR 55H

CWC 1H

CWC 87H

CWC 100G

BORDERLAND CATTLE COMPANY with guest consignor DRY FORK CATTLE CO.

GLENN, WENDY & WYATT CHING

306-476-2439

RILEY, MARK & DIANNE KELLER

306-476-7007

Email: gw.ching@sasktel.net View the catalogue online at www.borderlandcattleco.com Find us on Facebook Borderland Cattle Company to view more pictures of the dams and calves.

SCIENCE AND PRODUCTION Active Missing Livestock Files February 2021

Area missing from

Number of head

Animal description

Crane Valley

Invermay

Brand description

Brand location

RCMP subdivision

Livestock Branch contact

Date reported

Calves

Right hip

Avonlea

Moose Jaw 306 694 3709

Dec. 1, 2020

Bull

Left rib

Wadena

Yorkton 306 786 5712

Jan. 16, 2021

Invermay

Calves

Right rib

Wadena

Yorkton 306 786 5712

Jan. 16, 2021

Sonningdale

Cows

Left hip

Biggar

North Battleford 306 446 7404

Jan. 6, 2021

Sonningdale

Calves

Left rib

Biggar

North Battleford 306 446 7404

Jan. 6, 2021

Sonningdale

Bull

Left hip

Biggar

North Battleford 306 446 7404

Jan. 6, 2021

Information provided by Livestock Services of Saskatchewan

| ©BEEF BUSINESS | www.skstockgrowers.com

MARCH 2021

SCIENCE AND PRODUCTION Forage U-Pick: A New Interactive Forage Species Selection Tool for Western Canada Beef Cattle Research Council | www.BeefResearch.ca a forage or forage mix, the Forage U-Pick at upick.beefresearch.ca should be used in conjunction with additional feedback from local professionals, other available technical resources, and the latest forage research. What can Forage U-Pick do for you? Forage U-Pick can help you find the forage species that are best-suited to your field, and your end use.

Forages for hay and pasture are essential for beef production. Ensuring forage species are well-matched to growing conditions improves establishment rates, yield, vigour and quality. This can reduce costs, improve utilization and number of grazing days, and increase profitability. Using accurate production information can produce positive impacts on beef and forage productivity, sustainability and competitiveness.

The Forages Suited to My Field option allows you to choose your province, our soil zone or a regional zone and then starts with a list of forage species that are suited to your selected zone. Researchers have been documenting forages suitability to specific zones, under different climatic conditions, for 60 years. That list is updated continually, and all those updates are included in Forage U-Pick. The Forage U-Pick tool allows you to select specific criteria to narrow down the options of forages best-suited to your situation. The most important criteria

Increasing forage productivity by just 0.1 tons/ acre on 160 acres, through proper selection, seeding rate or weed control, produces 16 tons more forage per quarter section per year.

will be “in my field” or “how I want to use the forage.” There are 10 criteria to chose from, but selecting your top two or three priorities will give you the most species results and options. If you want to see all the forage species suited to your zone, simply leave all as “no preference” before selecting view results. More information about each forage species can be found when you click on each individual species picture and name. Detailed species information was provided from the BC Rangeland Seeding Manual in combination with other provincial resources. Single fields often have combinations of many different characteristics such as saline and non-saline, or different flooding durations. For these areas of variable topography or field characteristics, consider running different scenarios for different areas of your field. The seeding rate calculator is used once you have selected the forages you want to seed. It will ensure that you put the right amount of seed in the ground to have the best possible chance for a good stand. continued on page 52

Forage U-Pick is a tool designed to provide users with information for forage selection, forage seeding rates, and weed management. While every effort has been made to compile accurate and useful information, this tool should be considered a starting point for decision-making. When selecting

| ©BEEF BUSINESS | www.skstockgrowers.com

MARCH 2021

South View Ranch 21st Annual Bull Sale Friday, April 9, 2021 Online Sale | RacehORSe Style FORmat Red ncJ cOming in hOt 24e Red Sire Groups: Black Sire Groups:

Red Bieber Lets Roll B563 Red DMM Mission 94A Red Cockburn Conquer 593C Red Flying K Arrow 13E Red Blairswest Enterprise 33D Red SVR Cowboy 33D Red SVR Continental 112E Red SVR Casino 204E

Merit McLaren 8020F HF Heist 82C DMM Hoss 19C SVR Nacho 428E SVR Tiger 360B Anderson Balance 6149D

mJt impReSSive 813F Sons Sell

Selling Yearling & Two Year Old Red & Black Angus Bulls

Sons Sell Keith & Linda Kaufmann Box 130, Ceylon, SK S0C 0T0 306-454-2730 Fax 454-2643 svr@sasktel.net

Shane & Alexis Kaufmann & Family Box 40, Ceylon, SK S0C 0T0 Shane: 306-869-8074 Keaton: 306-815-7233 sakaufmann.svr@sasktel.net

w ww. southview ran c h. c o m

SCIENCE AND PRODUCTION Forage U-Pick cont. from pg. 50 Why is a calculator so important? Say you’d like 20 per cent hybrid bromegrass and 20 per cent tall fescue in your field when the stand establishes. Even though you want 20 per cent of each grass, seed size and the number of seeds per pound will vary, so you won’t seed both of those forages at the same rate. Another important factor to consider is the Pure Live Seed (PLS), of the seed lot you are purchasing. Pure Live Seed is the per cent germination multiplied by the per cent purity. If a seed lot has lower germination, more seeds must be planted in order to ensure that the right number of seedlings will begin to grow. Forage U-Pick starts with default minimums, based on the Canada Seeds Act, where possible. It is best to work with

My Field Characteristics Example: If you enter Moderate Salinity, U-Pick will only return forages that are suited to moderate salinity. Those not suitable will be shaded out. your seed supplier to determine accurate germination and purity values for the seed you have purchased. Forage U-Pick has also provided guidance for scenarios where an increased seeding rate will help set the stage for a successful forage stand. Share the table you create at the bottom of the calculator with your seed supplier.

Economic success in forages can increase with proper weed control. This section provides great resources for weed identification, provincial information and overviews of common weeds in forages for each of the zones in western Canada. The presence of weeds during establishment, and those in established stands, often vary greatly. Both can have an economic impact on forage stands. The goal of the Forage U-Pick project is to help Western Canadian producers be successful by selecting the best forages for individual conditions, and ensuring that seeding rates are adequate for healthy, profitable stands. B

Bulls Available at Canada’s Red, White & Black Bull Sale

March 20, 2021 fe

-Clif S Hi

Johnstone’s Auction Barn, Moose Jaw, SK & For Sale At The Ranch

S Hi

-Cliff

Hunter, Morgan & Sydney Carmen & Brenda Millham

Thank You To LasT Year’s BuYers!

| ©BEEF BUSINESS | www.skstockgrowers.com

Box 382 Outlook, SK S0L 2N0 306-867-4231 306-270-5524 carm.dvm@sasktel.net | hmshicliffe.com

MARCH 2021

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RIDING FOR THE BRAND FUNDRAISING AUCTION

www.DLMS.ca Held February 23-25, 2021

A FEW OF OUR AUCTION HIGHLIGHTS:

You made our auction an overwhelming success,

Thank you!

Thank you to all of our generous donors that helped make the auction an overwhelming success! AdFarm

Highline MFG

Saskatoon Media Group

Allflex/Kane Vet Supply

Heartland Livestock Services

Select Sires

Alta Genetics

Imperial Seed

SGI

Barber Motors

J. Yorga Farms

Solvet

BeefSmart Consulting Inc

Calvin & Sandra Knoss

South Country Equipment

BMO

Karen and Dean McKim

Boehringer Ingelheim Canada

Kattle Squared Services

STOCKBOSS Energyfree Livestock Waterers

Brandt Tractor

Linthicum Ranch

Bullseye Feeds

Mazergroup

Callicrate Banders - No Bull Enterprises LLC

Merck Animal Health

Canadian Cattle Identification Agency Capital Auto Cedarlea Farms Ceva Charity Booster Covaac Leather Canadian Western Agribition Elanco Animal Health Evraz Place Gallagher Animal Management Gold Spring Custom Hats Great Western Brewing Hi-Tec Profiles High Plains Ranch Supply

Milligan Biofuels (2018)

SweetPro Sylvia Wiebe - Mobile Vet Services T4 Jean Target Cattle Concepts Terry Jones

MNP

Titan Livestock

Mosaic

Union Forage

Nelson Motors & Equipment Neogen Canada Norheim Ranching Numzaan Safari Nutrien Ag Solutions Performance Seed Ranchland Vet Services Rangeward Reel North Outfitters Renn Mill Centre

VBP+ Vetoquinol Canada Viterra Western Litho Printers WestGen Westway Feeds Windy Willows Farms Young’s Equipment Zak’s Homehardware

Saskatchewan Kubota Dealer Network Saskatchewan Wildlife Federation

Thank you to our auction supporters Farm Credit Canada

Thank you to our media partners 620 CKRM Golden West Radio RealAgriculture Saskatoon Media Group

Zoetis

ASSOCIATION NEWS AND REPORTS A Report From Kelcy Elford President, Saskatchewan Stock Growers Association on one screen and clicking the bid button on the other screen. By the time this hits your mailbox, the Riding for the Brand auction will have come and gone. It was a roaring success! The unbelievable outpouring of support in the form of donations towards the auction has made it a success far beyond our expectations. So to all who contributed, thank you. To all who participated and purchased, thank you.

Kelcy Elford, President, Saskatchewan Stock Growers Association

Did 2021 say ‘hold my beer’ when 2020 said ‘it can’t get any stranger than this?’ We are living in a different time, that’s for sure. Friends, since the last report, not a lot has happened, and yet a lot has happened. A new president has been elected south of the border whose first act was to kill the Keystone XL Pipeline. The federal government is full steam ahead with their firearms initiative. And to top it off, barley has hit seven dollars. These are just a few things going strong into the third month of the year. What will the rest of the year hold? Thankfully, we have had, with the exception of a couple really cold weeks in February, an open and reasonable winter season. Of course, lots of folks that normally take a break to warmer weather had to make other plans, but if it was a winter you had to stay home, it wasn’t a bad one. The few bull sales that have started off the year, as I write this, have been a success. The use of an online platform is getting to be more comfortable for everyone. Buyers go look at potential sires beforehand and sit in the comfort of their home, in some cases watching the calving barn camera

Saskatchewan Stock Growers Association (SSGA) has been a membership organization from day one. The money we raise at the annual general meeting covers a huge part of our operations for the year. The board and all of our zone and provincial representatives are volunteers, and have the option to submit mileage claims, but no one ever does, and there are no per diems paid either. So, 100 per cent of the time, the producers that are serving the best interests of our organization and members are doing so because they believe in the industry as a whole and they believe in SSGA. If you are reading this and aren’t a member, please call up a director and ask how to get involved. Things are looking great on our environmental initiative, our Species at Risk Partnerships on Agricultural Lands (SARPAL) funding has been approved to carry on with our goals for creating a sustainable environment for both livestock and species at risk. Sometimes, when I think about the pushback from those who believe livestock is hard on the environment instead of helpful, I wonder if it is actually the producer that is the species truly at risk. One time, Pat Hayes told me a story of how in the early 1900s, his grandfather had come to the Val Marie part of Saskatchewan, and decided that’s where

he was going to make a life. So, he contacted dominion lands branch and proposed that he wanted to buy half a section. That was fine, but the condition was that he had to take an additional four sections with it as crown lease. The land at that time was deemed worthless, and if anyone reading this is familiar with that part of the world, it was, if your plan was to put a plow to it. Now, over a 100 years later, those same lands province-wide that were deemed worthless, are a productive part of this province’s economy. Through proper grass management, wildlife thrives while proper grazing practices make economic sense. Our SARPAL programs continue to measure this success year over year. Changes are still in the works for the former Western Livestock Price Insurance Program (WLPIP), now Livestock Price Insurance (LPI). Purchasing hours have changed. They are now Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays, from 2 p.m. to 11 p.m. The settlement hours are now Mondays from 2 p.m. to 11 p.m. The deadline to purchase has also been extended to June 10, 2021. If you haven’t taken advantage of LPI, take a hard look at it this year. Market volatility is real and this is a tool that will, at the very least, let you cover your investment for the year. Just because your calves don’t come until April in some cases, it doesn’t mean you can’t purchase at a premium that is suitable to your operation right now. We are going through a strategic planning process at the provincial board level to serve our members better. SSGA has reached out to Jason Pollock, EMET Enterprises, to walk us through the process of where we have been, where we are, and most importantly, where we are going. Change is the only constant it would seem, and we can either be a part of a changing world or be left behind. If continued on page 58

| ©BEEF BUSINESS | www.skstockgrowers.com

MARCH 2021

37H

24H

43H

32H

87H

22H

16H

89H

209H

MARCH 2021

www.skstockgrowers.com | ©BEEF BUSINESS | 57

ASSOCIATION NEWS AND REPORTS President's Report cont. from pg. 56 we continue to do what we have always done, we will continue to get what we have always got. Right now, we are in the first steps of this process and I will keep you posted in the future of the changes coming.

their club calves. Pick your favourite event that is a never-miss, year over year. Whatever the case may be, if the need is there, don’t hesitate to call the folks you trust, chances are, you will have a lot to talk about.

I touched on this in my last report and here I am again; mental health, don't take it for granted. I continue to have conversations with friends and neighbours that are ready for this world to return to some state of normalcy. I hope just like everyone else that we can get together and have a few laughs, watch a rodeo or see the next generation show

This whole industry is built on community, has been since there were grooves cut in the prairie by producers coming to set up a life on land of their own. Community has been constant. It can be as simple as going with a neighbour to look at cattle. The time spent in a truck running the miles of this province often solve any and all the world’s problems. Might

seem insignificant at the time, but down the road, those are the times that are important. My hope going into spring, is that the dugouts and creeks are full, crocuses are tall, grass is growing, and gentle rains continue through the season. Lord knows it’s time for a year like that. Best of luck going into spring. Remember there is always optimism to be found, if you take the time to look for it. B

Kelcy

Kendra Fisher

Designs

LX Angus BULL SALE Maple Creek, SK

SALE STARTS: FRIDAY APRIL 9th AT 8:00 AM SALE ENDS: SATURDAY APRIL 10th AT 6:00 PM WITH A HORSERACE FINISH

D & L Forbes

LX 27G • BW 70 Lbs

Contact Darryl or Lori Forbes to view Sale Cattle Darryl Forbes - 306-558-2161 • Lori Forbes - 306-661-7774 loriforbes2161@gmail.com

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MARCH 2021

ASSOCIATION NEWS AND REPORTS Director Profile: Miles McNeil Kori Maki-Adair

Miles McNeil: Success happens when dedication and preparation meet opportunity

Saskatchewan Stock Growers Association (SSGA) would like to introduce Miles McNeil, representing Alameda, SK, as one of its newest board directors. Miles McNeil, his wife Melinda and four daughters Madison, Martina, Mary-Lee and McKenzie live west of Alameda on a quarter of land near the family’s main farmyard where Miles’s mother lives in the deep southeast of the province. Miles describes the McNeil’s property, which is 32 kilometers north of the Canada-U.S. border and 80 kilometers west of the Saskatchewan-Manitoba border, as a flat area with creek valley and shallow hills. When the Alameda Dam was built in the 1980s, their native prairie was flooded. It was replaced by tame grass, which is now thriving, and some native species that are reintroducing themselves. The McNeil’s main farmyard was established by Miles’s grandfather in 1887, and descendants have owned it ever since. The property was a sheep and wheat farm until the mid 1920s, when Miles’s grandfather switched livestock commodities to cattle. Miles’s father began managing the farm in the 1970s. By the late 1990s, the McNeil farm had become solely livestock, which Miles and Melinda have turned into a cow-calf and yearling operation. They also finish some of their cattle, depending on the market values.

(BSE) crisis in Canada, Miles took a holistic management course with subject matter expert Blain Hjertaas. The course helps with making farming decisions that are sociologically, environmentally and economically sound. Holistic management practices ensure happy farmers and healthy profits with an emphasis on regenerating the soil. Miles says the course improved his grass and his quality of life, “Often, it’s the little things that you change that can make all the difference.”

In terms of ambitions and objectives, Miles says his family intends to maintain their operation and may even feed some additional cattle, if that becomes more profitable. Though they have the option to sell whenever they wish, Miles and Melinda say, “Holistic Planned Grazing is what we do . . . Our grass has improved immensely since we began Holistic Planned Grazing. At the moment, we are vastly under-stocked, so we intend to build our numbers. As we continue to improve our grass, we also improve our profitability and our peace of mind.” Currently, Miles and Melinda run 250 head and only sell calves when the market is high. With two eyes on the market and the other two on their operation, they are always open to new ideas and are willing to try new things. In 2004, a year after the Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy

SSGA Meeting Notice

Their daughters Madison, age 19 and in second-year animal science at University of Saskatchewan, as well as Martina, age 16 in grade 11, Mary-Lee, age 14 in grade nine, and McKenzie, age 12 in grade seven, can do whatever Miles and Melinda do. Two can drive the hay truck and baler, all four can pull calves, ride a horse to continued on page 60

HEADS UP!

With COVID restrictions still in effect, SSGA's Board of Directors has made the difficult decision to hold a virtual Annual General Meeting in June. Watch for event details on skstockgrowers.com. Photo courtesy of Reg Schellenberg

MARCH 2021

www.skstockgrowers.com | ©BEEF BUSINESS | 59

ASSOCIATION NEWS AND REPORTS Miles McNeil cont. from pg. 59 move cattle, and have a pretty good understanding of what goes on at the operation on a day-to-day basis. When asked to provide three words to describe his family’s philosophy to life, family and business, Miles replied, “Dedication, preparation and opportunity.” In fact, they feature those words on a Post-it® Note on their fridge, and every year they pick another term to go along with the first three conditions of living the McNeil’s way of life. In fact, his family has a legacy of contributing to social order. His father was a lifetime member of Saskatchewan Stock Growers Association. Miles was also a member for many years until a busy family schedule forced him to take a break. When he was approached to join the board of directors more recently, Miles thought it

was time to uphold his civic duty. “Being a member and a director gives me a voice and the opportunity to represent my industry. I’m now actively part of my industry’s democracy and have the good fortune to interact with like-minded individuals,” he says. Miles believes the biggest challenge facing the livestock sector is, “the misunderstanding that some urbanites have that our industry harms the environment. They tend to misinterpret scientific research that seemingly supports that claim.” “Moving into the future, I would like to see the Association encourage rural water development and irrigation projects which would strengthen rural economy,” he says. Miles would also like the

Association to continue to request that government to reconsider the current carbon pricing policy. He says the policy inadvertently taxes primary producers rather than lessening emissions, which reduces opportunity and investment in Saskatchewan’s rural communities. “I would support something that is more win-win for our families, our province and our world.” SSGA warmly welcomes Miles McNeil to its board of directors and looks forward to taking on the toughest issues while making ag business decisions that continue to be sociologically, environmentally and economically sound today, and moving into the future. B

150 Two-Year-Old Bulls Available Today! Private Pr ivate Treaty Sale February 2021 500+ Yearling Bulls on Test

Office (406) 584-7520 • Lee (406) 584-7546

www.eatoncharolais.com

103 ETN Loop • Lindsay, MT 59339

| ©BEEF BUSINESS | www.skstockgrowers.com

MARCH 2021

Between now and December 31st, 2021, active Members of SSGA will receive a $1,250 Young’s Equipment Gift Card for Parts and/or Service at any Young’s Equipment location with the purchase of any of the following new units: - Case IH MFD Loader Tractor (60-185 HP) - Case IH RB565 Round Baler - NDE Vertical Mixer - Highline CFR Bale Processor

In addition to that, we will donate $250 per unit sold to Saskatchewan Stock Growers Association to support their formidable cause.

ASSOCIATION NEWS AND REPORTS Director Profile: Laura Culligan Kori Maki-Adair On their home property, Laura and Scott run a cow-calf operation, which Laura says they intend to “diversify in order to mitigate risk and protect against market fluctuations,” as mindful business owners often do to keep pace in an unpredictable economy. When asked to describe their professional ambitions and objectives Laura said, “The everyday challenge we face is making our operation reach its full potential by balancing the cost of feed, equipment and labour while looking outside the box for opportunity.” “Labour isn’t cheap,” she said. “Where feed is the biggest factor in our bottom line, it’s easy to forget to put a respectable value on your time. The extra time and commitment we put in, is a necessary

price to pay to make things work.” Facing the constant winds of change, the livestock industry is no stranger to pushing back. Laura says, “Static hierarchies, complacency and absence of individual responsibility stifles the innovation needed to compete with large corporations. Overwhelming external forces and vertical integration will prevent industry from moving in a direction that will sustain the traditional family farm.” Saskatchewan Stock Growers Association warmly welcomes Laura Culligan to its board of directors and looks forward to achieving many more milestones with the help of her fresh perspective, continuing commitment to the ag sector and love for our industry’s way of life. B

Saskatchewan Stock Growers Association (SSGA) would like to introduce Laura Culligan as one of its newest board directors and co-chair for Zone 7. Laura, husband Scott and their two young daughters aged three and six, live in Coteau Hills east of Kyle, Saskatchewan, overlooking their property’s native grass. Both originally from southern Alberta, Laura’s family started ranching in the Cypress Hills and ended up in Bassano. Scott, grew up 40 kilometres due east, north of Duchess. Skilled in many areas, Scott worked as a journeyman welder which enabled him to purchase land in Saskatchewan in 2010. By 2012, Laura and Scott were married and moved to Kyle, where Scott ran an oilfield service business while Laura managed their home and cattle. Though the slowdown of the oil and gas sector and labour issues led Laura and Scott to let go of the oilfield service business, they were fortunate enough to purchase land from Scott’s family to expand their operation in Saskatchewan, which gave them a good start.

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MARCH 2021

ASSOCIATION NEWS AND REPORTS Weston Family Prairie Grasslands Initiative Announcement A new initiative to protect and restore the Canadian Prairie Grasslands was announced by the Weston Family Foundation on March 3 to mark World Wildlife Day. The Weston Family Prairie Grasslands Initiative has awarded nearly $25M to five organizations to collaborate on one of the largest prairie grasslands conservation efforts in Canadian history. The Foundation will fund organizations working with local communities to advance ecologically and economically sustainable long-term solutions for this critical landscape. The five organizations receiving funding through the initiative

are: Nature Conservancy of Canada, Ducks Unlimited Canada, Saskatchewan Stock Growers Foundation, Grasslands National Park (Parks Canada), and Meewasin Valley Authority. Total funding for this initiative will be distributed across these five organizations over a five-year period. “Saskatchewan Stock Growers Foundation plans to conduct projects which enhance the grasslands and, in turn, will also increase the viability of ranching, enabling a younger generation of ranchers to continue caring for the prairie,” Ray McDougald, President, Saskatchewan Stock Growers Foundation.

The initiative aims to improve species-atrisk habitat, enable wildlife movement, expand the amount of land protection in the prairies, and ultimately increase longterm ecological and economic stability. Dozens of partners will support this work that will affect nearly four million acres of priority Canadian native grasslands. The final details for this project funding announcement are underway. Look for more information in our May 2021 issue. B

Photo courtesy of Grasslands National Park

MARCH 2021

www.skstockgrowers.com | ©BEEF BUSINESS | 63

ASSOCIATION NEWS AND REPORTS Saskatchewan Goat Breeders Association Update Here we are, it’s 2021 and we are now a year into this pandemic. The pandemic has brought much change to our daily lives and changed some of our daily habits. The one thing it has not done is change what farmers and ranchers must do daily, and that is care for their livestock.

I welcome these opportunities for SGBA to have a spot in publications. It’s hard to imagine, but there are many people who are goat owners that do not realize there is an association that represents their industry in the province. SGBA is the liaison for the goat industry to the provincial government, and works with the Ministry of Agriculture and other industry partners, to develop programs like Johne's Testing, Canadian Agriculture Partnership, educational events, etc., to help further our industry.

I believe the pandemic has been good for the goat industry! We are experiencing high market prices with no real price dip in the fall or winter that we usually experience. There is a high demand for breeding stock as well as more people looking at the goat industry as an area of interest; whether, that is having a few animals for self-sustainability or as a greater income source. There has always been a high demand for goats and goat products in the province and in the country, which is why Saskatchewan Goat Breeders Association (SGBA), is working on some marketing options for producers, and more so, its members.

There are also opportunities for targeted grazing in some of the provincial parks this summer. Learn more about us at saskgoatbreeders.com. Rob Schill, President Saskatchewan Goat Breeders Association B

Like any small industry, the association has had some ups and downs; at times, barely enough board members to operate. Now in 2021, we have a full board of directors: Rob Schill, President; Bert Sutherland, Vice President; Jody Eyolfson, Secretary; Alison Halvorson, Treasurer; Tyler Nicklefork; Lizy Shirley; Ben Rempel; Lyle Goossen and Renata Bonair. If you have any questions about the goat industry, want to become a member, or are interested in buying stock and need direction, please get in touch with any of our board members and they will help you the best they can. You can also visit SGBA’s website at saskgoatbreeders.com. What you can expect in 2021: Educational webinars, and hopefully, some inperson educational events once COVID restrictions are lifted; as well as a goat survey. We ask anyone that owns goats to participate in this survey. The information will help us develop programs and give us data that can be used to lobby the government to develop programs for the goat industry.

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MARCH 2021

16th Annual

Working Stiff’s

Red Angus

Black Angus

Bull & Female Sale

March 27th, 2021 1P.M. Hosted At Smart Farms Sale Broadcast by DVAuction

Simmental

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Angus Heifers

ASSOCIATION NEWS AND REPORTS Man-Sask Gelbvieh Association Update I would like to wish everyone a Happy New Year. The year 2020 was definitely one of uncertainty. As many events were cancelled, we did witness some alternative ways of accomplishing tasks. There were more sales held online, virtual shows and virtual annual general meetings. Parades were held for some of our juniors/4-H members that graduated, as well as at Christmas, and to bring cheer to a community. Thank you to Ross Davidson and Wade Davidson for six years of service on the board. Also, thank you to Joe Barnett for his term on the board and being President for the last two years. We have accomplished a lot in the past year, getting more advertising happening in the auction marts across Manitoba and Saskatchewan.

We would like to welcome to the board: Braylen Blake, Eileen Davidson and Ian Thackeray (President). They are joining directors Shayla Jasper (Vice President), Cynthia Wirgau (Secretary Treasurer), Dean Hurlburt, Courtney Bentz and Brett Spray. Canadian Western Agribition held a virtual show, with nine exhibitors and 33 entries. Twin View Livestock’s AWB Twin View Sugar 26F was named Champion Female with her Twin View Crowfoot heifer calf. Twin View Livestock and Classic Cattle Company’s heifer calf AWB Twin View Baha 1H was named the Reserve Champion Female. Twin View Livestock’s KHR Grizzly Red 39F was named Champion Bull. Fladeland Livestock’s Fladeland Hawkeye 2H was named Reserve Champion Bull. Diamond Acres and Twin View Livestock exhibited the

Champion Percentage Female AWB Twin View Astrid 42H. Triple S Cattle exhibited the Reserve Champion Percentage Female Fladeland Gracyn 17G. This year, Twin View Livestock donated the Donation Heifer, which was won by Don Girling of Dunmore, Alberta, and raised $10,950 for Man-Sask Gelbvieh Association. Thank you to Twin View Livestock for generously donating this heifer and making sure the fundraiser still happened in 2020, as tickets were auctioned off at the Function and Finesse Sale. Congratulations to Thackeray Land & Cattle on receiving the Purebred Breeder of the Year Award, as well as Danny and Treena Blake and family on receiving the Commercial Breeder of the Year

MARCH 2021

ASSOCIATION NEWS AND REPORTS

Award. Read more information about these breeders in the Gelbvieh Guide at issuu.com/primecut/docs/spring_ guide_2021. Due to COVID-19 regulations, our 2020 field day has been postponed to Summer 2021. Spray Cattle Co. will be hosting this event. Watch for more information.

Hurlburt, Maple Grove Gelbvieh and Twin View Livestock, as well as all the juniors that participated. You are all winners!

Photography, Marketing and Judging: First Place Jaime Davidson, Second Place Avry Pearson

Senior

Canadian Junior Virtual Show Results

Junior

This year, Man-Sask Gelbvieh Association hosted the Canadian Gelbvieh Junior virtual show. Fourteen members participated: two Pee Wee, 11 Juniors and one Senior.

Photography: First Place Kaden Hollman, Second Place Amber Spray Marketing: First Place Amber Spray, Second Place Colby Hollman Grooming: First Place Dawson Fladeland, Second Place Tie Rylan and Brayden Fladeland Judging: First Place Cam Davidson, Second Place Brock Beaulia

Congratulations to our Aggregate winners Amber Spray (Jr) and Avary Hickman (Sr). B

Thank you to our major sponsor Davidson Gelbvieh, and to our other sponsors Fir River Livestock, Day Spring Cattle, Dean

Pee Wee

Showmanship: First Place Rylan Fladeland, Second Place Dawson Fladeland Confirmation Grand Champion: Colby Holman Reserve Champion: Avary Hickman

All categories: First Place Avary Hickman

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MARCH 2021

ASSOCIATION NEWS AND REPORTS SaskMilk Update Like many fellow agriculture sectors, SaskMilk experienced unique challenges resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic through 2020 and into 2021. Grocery store panic buying, sudden restaurant closures, and stay at home orders caused erratic market shifts in many industries. These shifts, many times too fast for processing lines to keep up, caused a brief need for milk disposal. This issue was quickly resolved, and as the markets began to balance, even amidst the uncertainty of COVID-19, consumer buying became more predictable and closer to the average buying habits prior to the pandemic. Even with these challenges, SaskMilk continued to focus on key initiatives to support provincial producers, promote buying Canadian products and further research efforts in the important areas of nutrition and animal care. Dairy Farmers

of Canada’s Blue Cow Logo continues to be a well-recognized symbol of Canadian milk. The logo, now on even more products and used in some food service areas, has shown to have effective consumer recognition and is proving to be a successful method in the promotion of buying Canadian. In Saskatchewan, SaskMilk continues to advertise and promote buying local products to support rural economies and families. SaskMilk is motivated to encourage dairy-beef research as there is an increasing number of dairy-beef systems in western Canada. While the industryspecific research tends to involve milk production, there are many opportunities for collaborative research with these industries to improve economics, animal health and welfare.

This past year, SaskMilk chose to support quite a few projects in the beef industry; though, it is unclear if all of these projects will be moving forward at this time. Some notable projects include: looking at carcass quality of dairy cattle (and its potential impact on economics); investigating complex forages and their potential economic benefit; and assessing the effects of slow-released local anesthesia when castrating beef cattle. Investing in these projects will have a positive impact for both the dairy and beef industry, and SaskMilk will continue to endorse this type of research. The SaskMilk Board appreciates the opportunity to work with their counterparts in the beef industry and wishes all producers in the province well in 2021. B

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ASSOCIATION NEWS AND REPORTS Saskatchewan Angus Association Update Welcome to 2021, something we looked forward to along with leaving 2020 behind us, but as I write this, the wind continues to blow and our frigid February is upon us. Resiliency is one word that comes to mind when I think of any livestock producer and what they have gone through in 2020, and what the weather has already dealt us in the early beginnings of 2021. Even though it was a relatively quiet year for most industry events, Saskatchewan Angus Association was able to be involved in two excellent programs. In mid August, a very successful summer pasture tour was held in southeast Saskatchewan. Even with social distancing, Angus breeders were treated to an awesome two-day event. We toured eight herds, saw some great cattle and were treated to incredible hospitality. It was evident to those who attended, there was a longing to get off the farm and enjoy visiting. The second event, of which we were pleased to be a part, was the Saskatchewan Angus Gold and Junior Show at the Lloydminster Stockade Show in November. With COVID regulations and social distancing in mind, Lloydminster Ag & Ex proved they were very capable of successfully hosting this event. Exhibitors, sponsors and spectators alike were certainly appreciative as shown by the sold-out space. Junior events have also suffered the effects of the pandemic. We will continue to support juniors in any way we can; including, with a new program where juniors can enter photos, videos and literature projects to help us build a library for use on our new website that is getting started this spring, and to include in our Angus Edge newsletter throughout the year. Some great prizes will be up for grabs, so make sure and check it out. Details are available on our website at saskatchewanangus.com. 4-H members who use Angus or Anguscross projects are also eligible for awards from the Association—just have your leader contact our office.

The Canadian Angus green tag program continues its upward growth, and Saskatchewan Angus continues to support and recognize commercial producers using Green Angus RFID indicators (tags). In the fall, four more producers were recognized through draws that granted them up to a year’s supply of indicators for the upcoming calf crop. Congratulations to Pat and Janet Guest of Weyburn; Neil and Brenda Vancuren of Big Beaver; Norman and Carol Laventure of Biggar; and Hebert Livestock Ventures of Wawota, SK. Remember to enter into our future draws. All you need to do is have your registered Angus bull transferred to your name and use Angus RFID indicators, which are available through Canadian Cattle Identification Agency's website at tags.canadaid.ca.

Congratulations to Bar C Ranch in Maple Creek, our 2020 Commercial Producer of the Year. Melvin Moorhead and family proudly tag all of their calves with the Angus Green tag and feel it is something their buyers value. Thank you to all members and commercial producers for supporting Angus bull and female sales this past year. We certainly appreciate your positivity and look forward to when we can all resume more normal activities. I am also looking forward to warmer nights and days of no wind. Good luck calving! Michelle Potapinski, President Saskatchewan Angus Association B

MARCH 2021

ASSOCIATION NEWS AND REPORTS Saskatchewan Bison Association Update Although some producers are facing challenging times, the downturn will be followed by a recovery. With the panic buying at the early stages of the pandemic, there were empty meat shelves in Canada and U.S.

The year began with a great annual convention in North Battleford. The bison prices were lower than expected, but the spirits were high as producers gathered to network and socialize. A home-made, bison-themed chair sold for $800 with the funds going to the Jim Pattison Children’s Hospital. It was the first and last bison event where producers were able to socialize in Saskatchewan in 2020.

focused on buying local from those producers who had started selling farm direct. This created challenges as butcher shops were swamped with business and the wait to get animals slaughtered and processed continued to get longer. In 2020, provincially-inspected bison slaughter increased by more than 50 per cent indicating the potential of farmdirect marketing for meat products.

Once spring came, the world hit the brakes with COVID-19 and governmentdirected shutdowns. The lower bison prices were compounded with a buildup of slaughter bison that could not be readily absorbed either by Canadian or U.S. markets. It was clear the bison industry was not the only sector facing these issues as was reflected in the regular meetings that were hosted by Saskatchewan Minister of Agriculture David Marit.

Consumers also faced many challenges. In many areas, freezers were not available. As many consumers do not have the storage space for a large amount of frozen meat, some ranchers took on the task of filling small orders.

The Saskatchewan Government developed the Livestock Set Aside Program to assist cattle and bison producers to manage the cost of holding back market-ready livestock while processing plants dealt with the backlog of animals caused by COVID-19. Although not a long-term solution to the problems being faced, it helped producers that qualified get through these tough times. As spring transitioned into summer, and uncertainties in the food supply chain became evident, consumers became

MARCH 2021

These conditions resulted in consumers developing a greater understanding as to where their food comes from. With COVID-19, this movement will get stronger and those selling meat direct are expected to grow their business and help grow our industry overall.

It was clear that many consumers were purchasing bison as was evidenced by the empty shelves. This should convert a few new consumers as more people try our product. Within Canada, bison sales are up 197 per cent compared to last year, which is in large part due to more retail stores carrying bison. This is very exciting to see. When the world returns to a more normal situation, we should have a larger market to fill, with a consumer base that understands the value of a quality bison product. Avery Shepherd, President Saskatchewan Bison Association B

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ASSOCIATION NEWS AND REPORTS Saskatchewan Charolais Association Update not do it without the trust and confidence of you, the commercial cattlemen, for continuing to purchase more Charolais bulls year over year. With the continuing success, our producers are seeing with their Charolaiscross calves at market, we do believe that our provincial Charolais breeders are producing a top-notch product that is working for you. On behalf of Saskatchewan Charolais Association’s board of directors, I would like to send out our best wishes for 2021 and hope that everyone stays healthy. Even with COVID-19 changing the way bull sale season went, we saw our members adapt and make the best of the situation, building on last year’s success. We could

I would like to thank every commercial producer that selected Charolais genetics over the past year, and I hope you continue to trust in our great breed. If you are looking for a breeder in your area, be sure to check out our newly-launched website at saskcharolais.ca. There you will find a listing of all our great members in Saskatchewan.

The year 2020 was also a different one for all the youth shows, with some having to cancel and others going to a virtual show and online sales. On behalf of the board and members, I would like to thank every youth that chose to exhibit a Charolaisinfluenced project. This past year, even with the way shows went, we still awarded more than 50 promotional items to provincial youth for exhibiting Charolaisinfluenced cattle. This is a program that we really look forward to growing and putting a lot of time into. If you are showing a Charolais-influenced calf, please follow the information in the 4-H guide and submit your picture and information to Saskatchewan Charolais Association. Submissions need to be in before our annual general meeting (AGM), which is typically held in July.

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MARCH 2021

ASSOCIATION NEWS AND REPORTS

We held our 57th AGM this past November at Prairieland Park in Saskatoon. Due to COVID restrictions, we had a fairly-quick meeting and election of new directors. I would like to thank our retiring directors Stephen Wielgosz and Matt Jones for their service to the board, to the breed and the province. We welcomed two new directors to the board, Kody Meier and Duncan Spenst. Watch the website and Facebook page for details on this year’s AGM.

New for 2021, we have launched a Charolais Bull Buyers sale credit of $2,000 towards the purchase of a bull in 2022. This is open to all Saskatchewan producers that purchase a Charolais bull in 2021 from a Saskatchewan breeder, either through a sale platform or private treaty. To be entered, the registration paper needs to be transferred by August 31, 2021. Be sure to check our website for more details to come.

Congratulation to the following recipients who received our awards in 2020:

We are also working on setting up a postsecondary education scholarship. We will have more information on this after our next meeting in mid April. Keep an eye on our Facebook page and website.

⋅ Saskatchewan Charolais Association Commercial Breeder of the Year McKenzie Ranch, Delisle, SK

⋅ Saskatchewan Charolais Association Purebred Breeder of the Year - Beck Farms, Milestone, SK

continue to choose Charolais genetics. The livestock industry is in good hands with the youth and their families producing a great product. Be sure to check with your local auction mart for Charolais-influence, pre-sort sales this fall. They fill up fast, and the demand for Charolais-influence cattle is strong. Many of these sales are sponsored by your local breeders. All the best for a successful 2021! Jordan Moore, President Saskatchewan Charolais Association B

Once again, I would like to send out a heartfelt thank you to the commercial producers within Saskatchewan that

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ASSOCIATION NEWS AND REPORTS Saskatchewan Limousin Association Update Friends, We always look forward to our annual update, and during this challenging year that is no different. Limousin-cross calves continue to be sought after by cattle feeders nation-wide. As seedstock producers, we are always encouraged by the positive sale reports and hearing of our clients’ continued success. The commercial cow man’s profitability is our number one focus. Limousin genetics not only provide extra pounds at weaning, but when combined with superior calf vigour at birth, Limousin cattle are in a unique position to increase your bottom line. On the rail, Limousin-cross cattle continue to lead the way. We have always been known for high yield grades. Producers have been able to increase marbling without sacrificing the muscle that the breed has been known for. The results from a Limousin bull and a British-based

cow have become the gold standard for the beef industry. Carcasses that yield marble and are in a size range that works for food service (i.e., not extreme), are where the industry is moving. The more data that is collected, and the continued advancements in carcass measurement technology, continue to prove this out. As you read this, bull sale season will be in full swing. Breeders are spread out across the province to serve your needs, and look forward to building lasting relationships. Please check our Facebook page for more information and a list of spring bull sales. Saskatchewan Limousin Association’s annual general meeting will be in June, at the Elbow Golf Club, with the meeting in the morning and social activities in the afternoon. We also look forward to hosting the Limousin National Show during Canadian Western Agribition’s 50th anniversary. There are a lot of exciting activities

planned by Agribition. The Limousin Jackpot Show will run Wednesday afternoon, with the open show and sale Thursday. After a year on lockdown, it promises to be a big week in Regina! Saskatchewan Limousin Association’s board of directors would like to thank Saskatchewan Stock Growers Association for the opportunity to provide this update. We are proud to be affiliate members and look forward to the Stock Growers’ continued success. B 2021 Board of Directors Eric Martens, President Ashton Hewson, Vice President Jean Hewson, Secretary Janet Hale, Treasurer Rhett Jones, Past President Terry Hepper, Director Jay Bohrson, Director Bob Turner, Director Lee Carpenter, Director Jeffrey Yorga, Director

MARCH 2021

ASSOCIATION NEWS AND REPORTS Saskatchewan Sheep Development Board Update The sheep industry has seen growing demand and strong lamb prices for several years. This trend continued in 2020, resulting in a positive year for lamb producers. Lamb prices at year’s end had risen to levels the industry had not seen before. We entered 2021 with a short lamb supply position, providing confidence that good lamb prices will continue. Strong lamb markets over the last several years have generated interest in the sheep industry. Our office has been busy answering questions, providing information, and training. Our Getting Started in Sheep courses have been full. Finding breeding stock available for purchase is currently a challenge. Awareness, education and implementation of good production practices—doing things right—continues to be a priority for Saskatchewan Sheep Development Board. Activities in 2020 included the awareness and implementation of the new livestock transportation regulations and the Code of Practice for the Care and Handling of Sheep.

We completed the development of a Livestock Emergency Preparedness Manual for the Saskatchewan sheep industry with the assistance of Canadian Agricultural Partnership (CAP) funding. A growing interest in accelerated lambing encouraged further research and education of this new production model. The year 2020 was the first of our Agriculture Demonstration of Practices and Technologies (ADOPT) project: “Introduction of Synchronization and Induced Lambing Production Model to Saskatchewan Sheep Producers.” Currently, two farm pilot projects are underway and showing some promising results. We continue to work on the development of a long-term Targeted Grazing Program. Sheep can assist in the control of noxious, invasive plants and fuel management to reduce fire risk. Using sheep for targeted grazing on their own, or together with other livestock, has a positive impact on the environment and can provide a good management tool.

Although COVID-19 had no negative impact on the meat production side of the sheep industry, wool price and demand really had a difficult year in 2020. Raw wool inventories around the world are much higher, processing plants are struggling to operate, and product demand is down during the pandemic. Once again, this has reminded us that alternative uses for wool and markets need to be developed. As in most industry organizations, there is always more work to be done than resources will allow. On a positive note in relation to 2020, Saskatchewan Sheep Development Board is grateful for having been able to focus its resources on member services and development initiatives rather than addressing COVID-19 issues. As we look to the rest of 2021, we are again excited about the opportunity the sheep industry provides, knowing that sheep are a viable alternative and active part of sustainable agriculture in Saskatchewan with tremendous opportunity for growth. B

MARCH 2021

ASSOCIATION NEWS AND REPORTS Saskatchewan Shorthorn Association Update Purebreds: 28 bred heifers averaged $4,260; 13 heifer calves $3,270 Commercials: 25 bred heifers averaged $2,500; three heifer calves $1,833 Saskvalley sold the high-selling bred heifer at $6,500. Pic-A-Spot Shorthorns sold the high-selling heifer calf at $5,000. IN MEMORY

Saskatchewan Shorthorn Association was able to conduct only one meeting prior to the shutdown due to COVID-19. As the world ceased normal operations, so did all happenings within the Association. A decision was made to hold over 2020 awards that were to be presented during Canadian Western Agribition, in hopes that Agribition will resume in 2021. I will mention these deserving recipients now and again in the 2021 report. The Saskatchewan Shorthorn Honour of the Breed Award will be presented to Gary, Kim and Sadie Anwender of Anwender Cattle Co., Radville, SK The Saskatchewan Shorthorn Association Commercial Breeder of the Year Award will be presented to Ray and Bobbi Rintoul and family of Long Lake Shorthorns, Simpson, SK The current executive and directors will remain in their current term pending when we can conduct an annual general meeting; possibly, right through until December 2021. This may be the “year that wasn’t.” If any changes are made, I will post them at saskshorthorns.com.

MARCH 2021

The 23rd Annual Shorthorn Alliance Sale did proceed at Saskatoon Auction Mart December 17th. A solid set of purebred and heifer calves as well as 25 bred commercial heifers and three commercial heifer calves were presented from the three prairie provinces.

With deep sadness, we learned that one of our directors, an avid exhibitor, breed promoter, husband, father, grandfather and treasured friend, Devan Nault of Beacon Hill, SK, tragically passed away June 6, 2020, on his Bar 33 Ranch. Devan left to mourn all who knew him, especially wife Vicki, daughters Chylla, Hayleigh Hirschfeld, son-in-law Josh and granddaughter Presley Devan. Rest in peace Devan, your chores here are done. Betty Wyatt, Secretary Treasurer Saskatchewan Shorthorn Association B

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ASSOCIATION NEWS AND REPORTS Saskatchewan Simmental Association Update The year 2020 was definitely a different one, and with that came a different way of meeting as a Board and for our annual general meeting (AGM). This past summer, our AGM marked the 50th year since a small group of Simmental enthusiasts got together and created Saskatchewan Simmental Association (SSA). I’m certain they would have never dreamt the 50th AGM would be hosted virtually! We hoped to celebrate this achievement with our members, but like most things last year, it will need to wait until sometime in 2021. Over the last 50 years, we have seen tremendous growth, improvement, genetic advancements and popularity of our breed. Although many things have changed over the years, our conversations as a board remain focused around the same things: promotion of the Simmental breed, continually looking for new ways to keep Simmental as a top choice with commercial producers, and having our presence highly-visible in today’s competitive environment. We are fortunate to have had enthusiastic and dedicated representatives of our breed throughout the years to contribute to these goals and advancements from the provincial and national levels. Volunteers are the backbone of any successful organization, and this association is no different. I would like to thank each of our current board members for their contributions and dedication to promoting our great breed.

members in 2020: Tyler Libke, Sarah Delorme and Jody Woytiuk. It’s been a pleasure working with each of you. We will miss your dedication and contributions to the board. Saskatchewan Simmental Association’s largest annual promotional event takes place at Canadian Western Agribition (CWA). SSA, alongside CWA, host the nation’s largest Simmental Show & Sale. We also have a strong presence in the Commercial Barn where most of the cattle are predominately Simmental-influenced. With the cancellation of Agribition last year, it will be a quiet year for the board, but we look forward to using this opportunity to plan and prepare for a very exciting 50th anniversary of Agribition in 2021! A part of our purebred events at Agribition is the Simmental Sweepstakes, which takes place between the show and sale. This event continues to be popular with Simmental breeders as well as other breeders. Each year, there are sale credits offered up as the top three prizes. This exciting event will be back again in 2021!

The Saskatchewan Simmental Association Scholarship Donation Heifer Program continues to be a successful fundraiser for our provincial scholarship program. With the postponement of Agribition in 2020, the Scholarship Donation Heifer is taking a one-year break and will resume in 2021. The 2020-2021 Scholarship Recipients are: Shelby Bygrove, Bailey McCormack and Wyatt Miller. Saskatchewan Simmental Association has focused promotional efforts on many different levels across the province, including: ⋅ Exhibitor awards for 4-H members and winners, ⋅ Simmental Influence feeder sales throughout the province, ⋅ Coffee, donuts and promotional materials at industry events, and ⋅ Sponsorship of various shows and events throughout the province. We look forward to another great year of promoting Simmental cattle in a diverse manner throughout Saskatchewan! B

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The 2020-2021 SSA Board of Directors consists of the following members: Kyle Ashworth, President Blaine Barnett, Vice President Kirsten Fornwald, Director and Past President Riley Lafrentz Lee Stillborn Lane Scherger Dean Sentes Travis Fisk Toby Noble

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MARCH 2021

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STEWARDSHIP Scientific Results Encourage Restoration and Reclamation Practices Carolyn Gaudet In February, Saskatchewan Prairie Conservation Action Plan (PCAP) held their 8th Native Prairie Restoration/ Reclamation Workshop (NPRRW), virtually. There was record attendance for the 27 presentations. Many presentations were geared towards restoration and reclamation practitioners, but landowners interested in restoring native prairie were drawn in by many topics. Grasslands are under multiple stressors such as climate change, invasive species, and land use changes, making ecological resilience a hot topic in rangeland ecology. Carissa Wonkka, from USDA, spoke about rangeland resilience and provided study results on restoring shrubland back to grassland. One of Carissa’s experiments was to add fuel to a shrubland fire to damage the shrub enough to overcome the threshold to get back to a grassland system. Woody encroachment is not nearly as big of an issue in Saskatchewan as it is in the mid United States because of our precipitation, but it’s a good example of how you might need to push the limits in order to have a successful restoration project. Carissa also suggested selecting species for reclamation based on the resilience of their traits to perturbation and stress, and their resistance to invasion. There is the TRY Plant Trait Database at try-db. org/TryWeb/Home.php, that contains a collection of trait-based approaches to help understand the emergence of plant biodiversity and its consequences for ecosystem function. Monica Pokorny, from USDA, described how to manage invasive species while revegetating native prairie. Plants evolved to fill different ecological roles because they have different requirements for nutrient accumulation, storage or concentration. Monica mentions that it’s important to have different functional

groups (e.g., rhizomatous, bunch, tap rooted, legumes), in a seed mix to access resources within a community. Diverse plant communities are more stable and produce more biomass, fully utilizing available resources which reduce the potential for invasive species to take hold. Rachel Becknell, from Washington University in Missouri, is currently researching how rare plant species interact with similar species and their soil microbes, as these soil microbial communities are able to help different species coexist. Plant species may be negatively-impacted by their own soil microbes, but by having distantly related species with unique soil microbes used in the same planting, their ability to coexist may be improved. It’s an interesting concept to consider when choosing species to use in a restoration project. A presentation by Julie MacKenzie drew in participants with a demonstration of a new Forage U-Pick tool. Forage U-Pick was launched in 2020 as a result of a cooperative effort across western Canada. Forage U-Pick is designed to provide users with information for forage selection, seeding rates, forage weed management as well as native species. Forage U-Pick considers categories, such

as soil texture, field salinity level, and the desired forage stand longevity, to name a few. This wonderfully-detailed tool should be considered a starting point for decision-making and consulting with an agronomist, before buying seed is recommended. You can find the Forage U-Pick tool here: saskforage.ca/forageupick-tool and upick.beefresearch.ca. These four examples are just a snippet of the information that was shared during the 8th Native Prairie Restoration/ Reclamation Workshop. Any remaining native prairie should be preserved, as restoring it back to a functional native prairie ecosystem, once it is degraded or destroyed. is costly and takes years to achieve the desired result. However, where native prairie has been lost or destroyed, restoration will be more successful with science, experience, collaboration and doing ongoing research to refine and improve on restoration techniques. Networking and knowledge sharing will be needed for restoration to be successful, making these workshops valuable to all participants for years to come. Recordings from the 8th NPRRW will be available to the general public in September 2021. B

Reach 10,000 producers while social distancing:

Beef Business ad booking deadline for May is April 14, 2021.

Contact our advertising department today! (306) 757-8523 | ssgacommunications@sasktel.net

MARCH 2021

11th Annual Bull Sale • 1:30 pm • at the Farm

thursday, March 25th, 2021

Performance, Power, Punch - the Total Package Breeding to meet the needs of our Customers

45 Yearling Bulls On Offer Attention:

ELDER’S HOULIO 4H • Homo Pld SKW Expedition 89C x Steppler Prince George 43A BW 98 Adj 205 762 Adj 365 1540

Commercial Breeders “Bulls Built for the Long Haul”

ELDER’S cOmpaDRE 13H • Homo Pld Elder’s Amigo 98E x Grant’s Playboy 3X BW 92 Adj 205 777 Adj 365 1458

• Many Homo Polled • Some Red Factor • Guaranteed • Free Delivery up to 200 km before May 1 or take them home Sale Day and deduct $100.00 from your Total purchase

ELDER’S HERcULES 17H • Homo Pld Elder’s Vexour 8042F x HBSF Red River 61Z BW 80 Twin Sept 27 WW 863 Jan 2 YW 1370

Call for a catalogue or view it and videos of the bulls online at www.eldercharolais.com

ELDER’S RamBO 77H • Homo Pld HVA Falcon 250F x Elder’s Blackjack 788B BW 107 Adj 205 794 Adj 365 1640

Sale broadcast live at www.bylivestock.com

ELDER’S HOOpER 37H • Homo Pld Elder’s Blackjack 788B x Elder’s Hercules 149A BW 82 Adj 205 662 Adj 365 1451

ELDER’S HIawatHa 83H • 3rd Gen Pld HVA Falcon 250F x Elder’s Blackjack 788B BW 84 Adj 205 736 Adj 365 1512

Coffee is On Feel Free to stop and view the Bulls

Sale Manager: Helge By 306-536-4261 Jon Wright 306-807-8424 charolaisbanner@gmail.com

MARCH 2021

Visitors

Welcome

Ron & Donna Elder 306.267.4986 C 306.267.7693 • relder@sasktel.net Mike & Judy Elder C 306.267.7730 Box 37, Coronach, SK S0H 0Z0 @ElderElderly www.eldercharolais.com

CALENDAR

DATE

EVENT NAME

LOCATION

March 10

Sunny Valley Simmentals

Hanley, SK

March 12

Arda Farms Bull Sale

Acme, AB

March 12

Braun Ranch Bull Sale

Simmie, SK

March 12

Standard Hill Bull Sale

Maidstone, SK

March 13

Edie Creek Bull Sale

Ashern, MB

March 14

Early Sunset Ranch Bull Sale

Edam, SK

March 17

JPM Farms Bull Sale

Parkbeg, SK

March 17

Meadow Acres Bull Sale

Lampman, SK

March 20

Canada's Red, White & Black Bull Sale

Moose Jaw, SK

March 20

Sliding Hill Charolais & Mission Hill Herefords Bull Sale

Canora, SK

March 23

Diamond W Charolais & Red Angus Annual Bull Sale

Minitonas, MB

March 24

SW Cattle Maine Bull Sale

Strathmore, AB

March 25

Elder Charolais Farms Annual Bull Sale

Coronach, SK

March 26

McTavish Farms / Charla Moore Farms Bull Sale

Moosomin, SK

March 26

Top Cut Black Angus Bull Sale

Maple Creek, SK

March 27

Borderland Cattle Co. Bull Sale

Rockglen, SK

March 27

Manitoba Test Station Bull and Female Sale

Brandon, MB

March 27

Summit 3 Speckle Park Sale

Ardrossan, AB

March 27

Working Stiff's Bull & Female Sale

Online

March 29

Cockburn Merit Bull Sale

Briercrest, SK

March 31

C2 Charolais Annual Bull Sale

La Riviére, MB

April 1

Taylor's Red Angus Bull Sale

Online

April 1

Who's Your Daddy Shorthorn Bull & Female Sale

Saskatoon, SK

April 2

Northern Progress Bull Sale

TBA

April 3

Crescent Creek Angus Annual Bull & Female Sale

Goodeve, SK

April 3

Six Mile Ranch Bull Sale

Fir Mountain, SK

April 5

Your Choice Black Angus Bull Sale

Maple Creek, SK

April 6

Git'R Done Bull Sale

Hodgeville, SK

April 7,8

Kenray Ranch Bull Sale

Online

April 9

South View Ranch Annual Bull Sale

Online

April 9,10

LX Angus Bull Sale

Maple Creek, SK

April 10

Cornerstone Bull Sale

Online

April 13

Young Dale Angus Bull & Female Sale

Alameda, SK

April 16

Freyburn Family Tradition Bull & Female Sale

Oxbow, SK

April 17

Short Grass Bull and Female Sale

Aneroid, SK

May 1

Bar-H Annual Angus Bull & Female Sale

Langenburg, SK

MARCH 2021

ADVERTISER INDEX Adair Sales & Marketing Company Inc Allen Leigh Apollo Machine & Products Ltd. ArcRite Welding Bar H Angus Beef Smart Consulting

73 84 86 85 32 84

Boehringer Ingelheim

3,23,49,87

Borderland Cattle Co. Bull Sale Bridgeway Working Stiffs Bull Sale Bud Williams C2 Charolais Canada Beef Canadian Cattle Identification Agency Cargill Animal Nutrition Cornerstone Bull Sale Cows in Control Cowtown Livestock Exchange Inc. Crescent Creek Angus D&R Prairie Supplies Diamond W Bull Sale Douglas Bull Test Ducks Unlimited Eaton Charolais Edward Jones Elanco Elder Charolais FeedMax Frostfree Nosepumps Freyburn Angus GemGuard

47 65 86 13 7 53 84 43 85 86 37 12 20 28 15 60 84 29 81 86 85 27 85

Grassland Trailer Git 'R Done Bull Sale HMS Hi-Cliffe Hanson's Custom Fencing Head for the Hills Shorthorns Hi Hog Farm & Ranch Equipment Ivanhoe Angus John Brown Farms Johnstone Auction Mart Jones Farm Supplies Kelln Solar

85 79 52 85 84 59 72 86 85 85 84

Kenray Ranch

Kramer Trailer Sales

LX Angus Lane Realty Lazar Equip Linthicum Ranch Ltd. Liphatech Manitou Maine-Anjou Man-Sask Gelbvieh Association Masterfeeds McTavish Farms Merit Cattle Milligan Biofuels MNP N.M. McMahon New Generation New Vision Agro New-life Mills Norheim Ranching

58 18 30 86 68 86 86 85 19 57 84 39 84 72 86 85 88

Northern Livestock Sales Northern Progress Bull Sale O & T Farms OLS Tubs Performance Seed Performer - Goldridge Quick Look Back Rock Block Saskatchewan Angus Association Saskatchewan Livestock Finance SaskTip Inc. Sheppard Realty Short Grass Bull Sale Simply Ag Solutions Six Mile Ranch Bull Sale Sliding Hills Bull Sale Smeaton Fence Supplies South Shadow South View Ranch Summit 3 Speckle Park Sale SweetPro Target Cattle Concepts Taylor's Red Angus Top Cut Bull Sale Vetoquinol Who's Your Daddy Sale Willow Mills Ltd. Xplornet Young Dale Angus Young's Equipment

10 9 67 2 71,85 45 85 84 4,86 8 66 86 75 84 35 31 84 17 51 42 21,84 33 62 36 41,69 11 85 64 86 61

SSGA BOARD OF DIRECTORS THE EXECUTIVE Kelcy Elford President Caron, SK

DIRECTORS AT LARGE Phone: 306- 690-5305

Garner Deobald 1st Vice President Hodgeville, SK

Phone: 306-677-2589

Jeff Yorga 2nd Vice President Flintoft, SK

Phone: 306-531-5717

Kim Simpson Finance Chair Assiniboia, SK Bill Huber Past President Lipton, SK

Chay Anderson, Fir Mountain, SK Keith Day, Lacadena, SK Glen Elford, Avonlea, SK Calvin Gavelin, McCord, SK Joe Gilchrist, Maple Creek, SK Aaron Huber, Lipton, SK Murray Linthicum, Glentwoth, SK Miles McNeil, Alameda, SK Roy Rutledge, Kayville, SK Rob Selke, Morse, SK Lee Sexton, Hanley, SK

ZONE CHAIR DIRECTORS Phone: 306-375-7939

Phone: 306-336-2684

MARCH 2021

Zone 1 - Henry McCarthy, Wawota, SK Zone 2 - Karen McKim, Milestone, SK Zone 3 - Kim Simpson, Assiniboia, SK Zone 4 - Brad Howe, Empress, AB Zone 5 - Bill Huber, Lipton, SK Zone 6 - Brent Griffin, Elbow, SK Zone 7 Co-chair - Laura Culligan, Kyle, SK Zone 7 Co-chair - Jamie-Rae Pittman, Kyle, SK Zone 12 - Rod Gamble, Pambrun, SK

306-640-7087 306-375-2934 306-436-7121 306-478-2558 306-662-3986 306-336-2684 306-266-4377 306-489-2073 306-642-5358 306-629-3238 306-544-2660

AFFILIATE DIRECTORS

Ross Davidson - Man-Sask Gelbvieh Affiliate Garner Deobald - SK Charolais Affiliate Gord Ell - SaskMilk Affiliate Kristen Fornwald - SK Simmental Affiliate Ian Leaman - SK Shorthorn Affiliate Marlene Monvoisin - SK Angus Affiliate Ben Rempel - SK Goat Breeders Affiliate Steven Dempsey - SK Sheep Affiliate Marlene Monvoisin - SK Angus Angus Jeff Yorga - SK Limousin Affiliate

APPOINTED DIRECTOR 306-739-2205 306-436-7731 306-375-7939 306-661-0409 306-336-2684 306-854-2050 403-793-9825 780-977-2516 306-582-2077

Dr. Andy Acton - Veterinary Advisor, Ogema, SK

SASKATCHEWAN CCA DIRECTORS Ryan Beierbach, Whitewood, SK Lynn Grant, Val Marie, SK Pat Hayes, Val Marie, SK Reg Schellenberg, Beechy, SK Duane Thompson, Kelliher, SK

306-625-3513 306-677-2589 306-535-1922 306-297-3147 306-631-3694 306-648-8200 306-321-7338 306-551-1338 306-648-3634 306-531-5717

306-459-2422

306-532-4809 306-298-2268 306-298-2284 306-859-4905 306-675-4562

Find email and fax contacts at www.skstockgrowers.com

PROTECT YOU AND YOUR TRACTOR WITH

Animal Nutrition

THE ROCK BLOCK The Rock Block is an aftermarket bolt-on kit to reduce rocks and debris from hitting your tractor cab and breaking windows. An affordable solution to reduce damage and down time

Manufacturers of Livestock Feeds

ORDER DESK

1.800.661.9929

JOHN HORTER | HORTER REPAIR 225 Main St South | Bristol, SD 57219 605-216-4852 | horterfarm@nvc.net

WWW.CARGILL.COM

THEROCKBLOCK.NET Find us on facebook

10029 Marquis Ave., North Battleford, SK

We Move Water • Remote Livestock Watering • DeWatering • Irrigation • Winter Watering Solutions www.kellnsolar.com 1-888-731-8882

COWCAM

Wireless & IP Systems Makes your calving €easier, safer & more profitable! • Smartphone compatible • Save more calves • Stop disturbing them and check more frequently Allen Leigh

Smeaton Fence Supplies Ltd. Box 222, Smeaton, SK Canada S0J 2J0 Phone or Fax (306) 426-2305

Security & Communications Ltd.

Cam

545 Assiniboine Ave, Brandon, MB I TF: 1.866.289.8164 T: 204.728.8878 I info@allenleigh.ca

www.precisioncam.ca Trusted Quality,

Trusted Support,

Trusted Service!

TOM JENSEN, President

SUPPLIER OF AG FENCING & GAUCHO CATTLEMAN HIGH STRENGTH REVERSE TWIST BARBED WIRE

www.edwardjones.com

BeefSmart C O N S U LT I N G I N C .

• Forage & Feed Analysis • Ration Formulation • Mineral & Supplement Formulation

• Forage and Pasture Systems • Herd Trace Mineral Status Assessments

Increasing efficiencies and improving profitability of cow-calf, backgrounding, feedlot, bison and sheep producers through nutrition consulting in the prairies. Connect with us today.

Know your goals so you can choose your investments. Tyler Knibbs

Financial Advisor .

461 King Street Unit 3 Estevan, SK S4A 1K6 306-634-4870 www.edwardjones.com

Balanced by BeefSmart

Unit 108 4002 Arthur Rose Ave, Saskatoon beefsmart.ca • 306-229-0675 • info@beefsmart.ca

Member – Canadian Investor Protection Fund

HEAD FOR THE HILLS SHORTHORNS

Working to create opportunities for farmers in Saskatchewan Habitat Protection & Enhancement Phone: 306-955-5477 / 1-866-298-7222 www.simplyag.ca

Consigning to On Target sale March 6-8, 2021 Cattle also for sale by private treaty Dr. Christine Ewert Hill | Dr. Clarke Hill christine.ewert@gmail.com (306) 452-7867 (C) • (306) 452-3803 (H) Box 31, Redvers, SK S0C 2H0

MARCH 2021

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) Fax 306-691-6650

JOHN SMORODEN

(250) 417-5412 info@quicklookback.com 1075 - 26th Ave. South Cranbrook, B.C. V1C 6Y7 www.quicklookback.com

CAMERA SYSTEMS FOR FARM & RANCH

MANAGE RISK We’ll help you get the best return for your livestock.

Phone 403-775-7534 www.cowsincontrol.com

LIVESTOCK EQUIPMENT JONES FARM SUPPLIES ROY JONES

Black Diamond, AB P: 403.873.6200

PRECISION QUALITY EQUIPMENT • Strong Water Troughs • Cattle Oilers - 5 Models • Solar / Wind Systems • Strong Feed Bunks • Feeding Equipment • Livestock Handling • Strong Stock Waterers Systems Joey 306-421-6950 hansonenvironmentalrentalltd@gmail.com

www.jonesfarmsupplies.com

We have your hauling needs covered. Check out our website to see what we have in stock or call 1-306-445-5000 and we can discuss your trailer needs. Custom orders available!

LIVESTOCK , CAR HAULERS AND FLAT DECKS

Financing & Leasing

GOOSENECK, BUMPER PULLS

aVaiLaBLe

15’, 20', 25' LENGTHS

kramertrailersales.com

Animal Nutrition Programs designed to achieve optimum health, results & profits – delivered with service beyond the competition.

GROWING WITH YOU

Rations, supplements & minerals Call Bruce at 306-229-0302 Locally sourced grains & commodities Call Wes at 306-229-5206 www.willowmills.com

MARCH 2021

“Masterfeeds is the only brand we trust. It just works.” MASTERFEEDS CUSTOMER SASKATCHEWAN:

Humboldt / 1-800-747-9186 Regina / 1-877-929-8696 Saskatoon Premix / 1-888-681-4111 Swift Current / 1-877-773-3001

NEW VISION AGRO Box 479 Hague, SK S0K 1X0

BEEF & BISON FEED AVAILABLE IN: COMPLETE FEED PELLETS SUPPLEMENTS MASH FEEDS

CALL TOLL FREE 1-866-FEEDMAX (333-3629)

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

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

Dealer & Distributor For: - Jay-Lor Vertical Feed Mixers - Masterfeeds - Cargill Rite Now Minerals - Baler twine, netwrap, silage bunker, covers, plastic wrap, Grain Bags

Check with us before you buy!

• ROLLER MILLS ~ Electric or PTO models ~ 10 sizes available ~ Increase the nutrition value of your feed! ~ Manufactured in Saskatoon • SILAGE COVERS & GRAIN BAGS We regroove roller mill rolls - most brands

2502 Millar Ave, Saskatoon 306-242-9884 or 877-255-0187 apm@sasktel.net www.apollomachineandproducts.com

Helen Finucane

We have new books:

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

Smile and Mean it: the Bud & Eunice Williams Story Stockdogs: Partners and Friends

Machine & Products Ltd.

Farm & Ranch Real Estate. It’s what we do. 3287 Quance Street, Regina, SK OFFICE 306.352.1866 CELL 306.530.8035

Visit www.stockmanship.com or call 417-719-4910 for more information.

sheppardrealty.ca

Linthicum Ranch Ltd. Open replacement and bred heifers for sale. Black/black baldy heifers.

April 1st Annually

Murray & Jan Linthicum (306) 266-4377

Glentworth, SK

$80 CAN GET YOUR AD

HERE

(306) 757-8523

CT Contact: Man-Sask Gelbvieh President Joe Barnett at 403-465-2805

Cowtown Livestock Exchange Inc. Maple Creek, SK

Regular Sales every Tuesday @ 10:00 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

MARCH 2021

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Learn more at EXPRESSVerified .ca * Express® FP5, Express FP5 /Somnugen®, Express® FP5 VL5, and Express® FP10. ** If you find a BVD PI calf from a cow or heifer that was vaccinated with any of our Express® FP products according to label directions, we’ll pay the fair market value in cash, plus the cost of testing. *** Perrett et al. A retrospective analysis of feedlot morbidity and mortality outcomes in calves born to dams with known viral vaccination history. Canadian Veterinary Journal 2018;59:779-782 EXPRESS® FP is a registered trademark of Boehringer Ingelheim Vetmedica GmbH, used under license. ©2021 Boehringer Ingelheim Animal Health Canada Inc. All Rights Reserved.

Your Livestock Equipment Specialists

HAY & FORAGE HEADQUARTERS

USED BALERS IN STOCK NOW

NET WRAP PRE-SEASON PRICING UNTIL MARCH 31

SASKATOON • MOOSE JAW • LLOYDMINSTER NORHEIMRANCHING.COM 306.955.1350