Beef Business May 2016 by Saskatchewan Stock Growers Association

Beef Business â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;

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

Contents Cover photo courtesy of Paula Larson from D'Arcy, SK. Photo taken at Fir Mountain, SK

A Proud Saskatchewan Tradition Since 1913

A Saskatchewan Stock Growers Association (SSGA) Publication

Industry News 6

SSGA's Mark Elford to Chair CCIA

Deobald Elected as New CBBC President

Provincial Wildlife Regulations Updated

Canadian Beef Industry Conference Drives Fresh Energy

Getting Cattle Producers' Perspectives on BSE Testing

Livestock Price Insurance for a Volatile Market

Pain Control Gaining Priority Among Beef Producers

Better Data, Better Decisions

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

Markets and Trade 15

Retail Meat Price Survey

Weekly Charts

Subscription Rate: 1 yr $26.50 (GST included) Published 5 times per year Advertising Sales - Tracy Cornea Tel: 306-693-9329 Fax: 306-692-4961 email: tracy.cornea@gmail.com

Features 18

Results-Based Conservation Programming on Saskatchewan Ranches

SSGA Annual General Meeting

Lethbridge College Aims Its Online Business Program at Working Producers

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

Science and Production 30

The Benefits of Livestock Branding and Manifests

Where's the Beef? Missing Livestock Files

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

Stewardship 32

Dame's Rocket (Hersperis Matronalis L.)

The Native Prairie Appreciation Week Tour Hits Maple Creek, SK!

Ecomuseums: A Sense of Space and Place for One Grassland Community

Association News, Reports and Events 36

A Report from the SSGA President

SSGA Zone Resolutions

Calendar of Events

Advertisers Index

Business Directory

Beef Business

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

Tracy Herbert Chad MacPherson Cam Wilk Wendy Wilkins

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Harvey Anderson Tara Mulhern Davidson Jeff Gaye Doug Gillespie

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Contributors

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

MAY 2016

www.skstockgrowers.com | ÂŠBEEF BUSINESS | 5

Industry News SSGA’s Mark Elford to Chair CCIA year in addressing new regulations to be issued by the Canada Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) regarding movement of cattle. The regulations are expected to be announced December 2016 or early 2017.

Mark Elford, the SSGA representative on the CCIA Board, has been elected as the chair of the Canadian Cattle Identification Agency. The agency, a not-for-profit industry-led organization, held its Board elections at its annual general meeting in Calgary April 7 and 8, 2016. Elford says the CCIA will be engaged this

He said the Cattle Implementation Plan (CIP) for traceability, a process which began with a traceability summit called by government in 2011, is finished and ready to be implemented. However, there are outstanding issues in the plan that are not satisfactory to the industry. “There are some very key points within the [CFIA’s] plan that industry does not agree with,” Elford said. “There are points that are costly, there are points that are going to restrict the speed of commerce, especially during the fall run.” The next step in the process is a “technical meeting” called by the CFIA for May 5. Elford says the CCIA plays a negotiating role on behalf of producers, while other industry associations complement this with lobbying efforts.“CIP is one of the

biggest things we have to deal with,” he said. Elford said the CCIA’s web tag store is another priority. “It’s an e-store where producers can order every approved tag, and also the applicators,” Elford said. “The web tag store was started because there were a lot of errors in the database based on transcription of numbers through retailers. Some retailers weren’t even getting tags allocated to producers’ accounts before those tags were being retired at the packing plants.” Elford said the CCIA began offering the web tag store as an alternative where producers can order every approved tag and not worry about getting volume or about whether the tags are being applied to their accounts. “When you buy those tags, they are applied to your account immediately,” he said. Since the CCIA is a producer organization, the revenues from the tags keep the prices down while supporting CCIA activities.”B

Deobald Elected as New CBBC President

Garner Deobald, who raises Charolais near Hodgeville, is the new president of the Canadian Beef Breeds Council (CBBC). Deobald is a former member of the Saskatchewan Stock Growers’ Association Board. The CBBC represents producers of

purebred cattle and supports purebred genetics as an integral part of the Canadian beef cattle industry.

the tools that are available to us in trying to improve the product we produce, in efficiency and in quality.”

“Right now there’s lots of opportunity out there in the areas of genetic improvement, utilizing some of the newer technologies like DNA [sniff?] testing and that type of thing, so it’s a great time to be involved with a group like the Beef Breeds Council,” Deobald said. “

Deobald expressed his confidence in CBBC’s incoming Board.“I think it’s important that the industry is represented in the way we’ve worked together,” he said. “You just want to make sure you have good people working together, in a way that is beneficial to our organization and ultimately to the entire industry.”

The importance of purebred cattle in the beef industry is “huge,” he said. “The impact that the seed stock industry has on the entire beef industry is at the base of everything we produce. The changes we can make on the seed stock level affect everyone no matter where they are in the production chain. And so we need to make the right decisions and work with all

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The current CBBC Board of Directors was elected at the CBBC Annual General Meeting in Calgary March 23, 2016. B

MAY 2016

Industry News Provincial Wildlife Regulations Updated The Saskatchewan Ministry of Environment has introduced changes to wildlife regulations. The changes were effective as of February 26, 2016 and have implications for hunters, trappers and landowners. They strengthen certain measures for wildlife management while clarifying or simplifying some hunting regulations. Among the changes is a move toward paperless licences, removing the requirement for signatures on hunting licences and seals. This follows a successful three-year pilot program with angling licences. Additionally, up-to-date privacy provisions have been built into the licensing system. Regulations governing high-visibility hunting clothing have been amended to follow the Canadian Standards Association standard. The amendment encompasses all past, current and future versions of the high visibility safety apparel standard. “Hunters who purchase lawful clothing now – won’t be affected by future changes,” according to information provided by the Ministry. Bird hunters will want to know that the spring season for snow geese and Ross’s geese has been extended to June 16 on certain closed water bodies.

The regulations now allow greater flexibility for carrying firearms on an ATV for predator control. While only a .22-calibre weapon had been allowed previously, the changes recognize that an ATV can be necessary to access remote areas, and a higher-power firearm is often needed. This authority has been extended to contracted predation specialists working for Saskatchewan Crop Insurance Corporation. The $10.70 fee for salvaging road-killed carcasses no longer applies to deer, moose, elk and pronghorn antelope when the carcass is to be used for consumptive purposes, including human and pet food as well as trapping bait. This exemption does not include antlers but does include the hide and carcass. The fee still applies to other animals, or animals collected for other purposes such as mounting as specimens. A valid permit is still required to authorize possession of hides and carcasses.

Tokaruk, a regulations specialist with the Ministry of Environment, “so it’s just a permitting and notification process that can be used when you’re dealing with species such as these. We now have the ability to permit people to allow that research activity to take place with some guidelines, and make sure the people who are doing it are qualified.” Other regulations have received “housekeeping” updates in an effort to modernize and simplify the system, Tokaruk said. Complete information on the new regulations can be found at the Saskatchewan Ministry of Environment website http://environment.gov.sk.ca/. B

The regulations now call for a permit for consultants and researchers observing or detecting wildlife in sensitive areas. This is intended to protect habitat for species at risk. “Detection activities can impair nesting or breeding activities,” said Brad

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Industry News

Canadian Beef Industry Conference Drives Fresh Energy A brand new national event built for everyone involved in beef

Learning, fun and moving the beef industry forward. These are three key elements of the inaugural Canadian Beef Industry Conference, slated for August 9-11, 2016 in Calgary at the Grey Eagle Resort and Casino. The conference is a brand new, first-of-itskind event for Canada designed to create a national meeting place for everyone involved in beef production, from the grass roots level through all parts of the supply chain. It will help support the new National Beef Strategy. It will also support a new level of grass roots interaction and relationship building to drive progress based on shared interests. Among a diverse range of topics and speakers, the conference features very practical, educational sessions for producers. A leading example is a session called “Bov-innovation,” which covers topics such as making informed decisions on pre-weaning management, how to improve forage production, how to strengthen internal parasite control programs and how to take advantage of genomic selection tools. “When I first heard about the idea for this conference and had the opportunity to get involved, I couldn’t have been more excited,” says Virgil Lowe, an Associate with Dentons Canada LLP and co-chair of the event. “This is something our industry has needed. It’s something we’ve been working toward for a long time. It’s about bringing together the many faces of our industry, from all sectors, and from across the country, to interact with each other and share ideas around our common

interests. It will help us implement the National Beef Strategy and provide a platform to drive fresh energy and progress for our industry for many years to come.” Teamwork and sharing The concept for the conference emerged around the discussions for the National Beef Strategy, says Rob Smith, Canadian Angus Association Chief Executive Officer and the other co-chair of the conference. “We realized that one of the things we need on an annual basis is a holistic conference that brings together all the links in our value chain. This is needed to communicate and promote the strategy but also in a much broader sense it is important to support the interaction across different sectors and parts of the country.” The plan for a summer event in Calgary allows for inclusion around summer vacation and travel plans, says Smith. “It should be a fun and valuable time that people will find energizing and enjoyable.” It’s not meant to be a typical industry business meeting, says Lowe. “It’s more of a coming together with something for everyone, as much about the social and interaction aspects as it is about the sessions. Everyone involved in every shape and form of beef production is encouraged to attend, from the ranchers to the retailers. It’s a real celebration of the diversity of our industry and how we can use our common interests as a strength to drive the opportunities ahead.”

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Teamwork drives success The conference is a joint collaboration of four organizations partnering in the event, the Beef Cattle Research Council (BCRC), Canada Beef, the Canadian Beef Breeds Council (CBBC) and the Canadian Cattlemen’s Association (CCA). The main conference agenda features top speakers on important issues and hot topics for the industry. The opening day keynote speaker is entrepreneur, consultant and former Dragon’s Den star Arlene Dickinson. The agenda will also include keynote speakers from each of the National Beef Strategy’s four pillars: connectivity, productivity, beef demand and competitiveness, along with educational presentations and interactive workshops on new developments, market and brand opportunities and production innovations. Related events include meetings of the partners, their provincial affiliates, and various other beef industry groups, and the Cattlemen’s Young Leaders 2016 graduation and 2017 selections. “The sessions, speakers and topics are all excellent – there is something for everyone depending on their interests,” says Smith. “There is a lot of opportunity for visiting, networking and enjoying different social events around the main sessions.” Early bird registration rates are available until June 15 and hotel accommodations at a special conference rate are available until sold out. Full registration includes all public sessions, the opening night (Tuesday) reception and the Wednesday

MAY 2016

Industry News night banquet and entertainment, featuring the band Ain’t No Rodeo. Extra tickets are available for purchase for both of these evening events. Additional options available by separate ticket purchase include a pre-conference Monday tour hosted by Alberta Beef Producers, the Canadian Cattlemen’s Foundation Classic Golf Tournament on Tuesday, and a Thursday evening Heritage Park supper. “There is so much to do and choose from,” says Smith. “It’s something you can bring the family to and enjoy a great week in Calgary.”

forward. That’s what this conference is all about. We are looking forward to an outstanding event” Sponsors and volunteers stepping up In the cooperative spirit of the industry a number of major sponsors have stepped up to help make it happen, says Lowe. “We are extremely grateful to each of our sponsors, as well as to the large group of volunteers involved. They make this type of event possible and are critical to our ability to deliver this scope and caliber of conference to the participants.”

Visit www. canadianbeefindustryconference. com for more information and to register. Follow us on Twitter @ CDNBeefConf and Facebook / canadianbeefindustryconference for updates. B

Speaking with a united voice The potential benefits of the conference are huge for the industry, says Lowe. “They are really immeasurable. There is nothing that one part of the industry does that doesn’t affect the other parts and on 99 percent of the issues the interests are the same. Bringing everyone together allows us to build our common messages and common direction around those interests. The more people who are involved, the stronger our voice and the more our messages will be heard.” “This is important for us so we’re not just preaching to the choir but also developing shared approaches to talk about what we’re doing to people outside our industry, to communicate our experiences and value so we build the understanding and goodwill needed to keep doing what we love. This has never been more important to do than it is today. The conference provides an outstanding platform to help us develop ways to do that around a strong united vision for the future.” Industry pride. Industry progress. The heart of Canadian beef. All will be on display with the concept of bringing everyone together, says Smith. “The Canadian beef industry is among the most dynamic and diverse of its kind in the world. This poses challenges, but it’s also a major strength. Everyone from industry leaders to individual producers have an important role to play, to strengthen our industry and drive it

MAY 2016

Protect your herd Anthrax can be prevented. Keep your herd safe this summer. Talk to your veterinarian about anthrax vaccination. For more information, phone the Agriculture Knowledge Centre at 1-866-457-2377 or visit saskatchewan.ca/livestock.

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www.skstockgrowers.com | ©BEEF BUSINESS | 9

Industry News Getting Cattle Producers’ Perspectives on BSE Testing Surveillance is one of many actions Canada has implemented to manage Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy (BSE). In addition to helping protect human and animal health, the program is essential to maintaining and expanding access to international markets for beef and cattle exports. Unfortunately, producer participation in BSE surveillance has steadily declined. Saskatchewan fulfilled only 21 per cent of its testing goal in 2015, and, so far, numbers for 2016 are even lower. In the fall of 2015, the Ministry of Agriculture surveyed cattle producers on their perspectives on BSE testing to better understand why participation is declining and to help develop strategies for improving BSE surveillance. Some of the highlights include:

• There were 154 responses to the survey;

• The majority (95 per cent) were aware of the BSE surveillance program, and 66 per cent agreed surveillance was important for the cattle industry;

• The top two reasons for the drop

in BSE testing were insufficient compensation for producer participation and concern over the consequences of a positive test; and

• Improved producer compensation

and increased education and awareness were the top two suggestions for increasing submission numbers.

Producers have indicated for years that the $75 received from the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) for each eligible sample submitted is insufficient compensation. And while the response to a positive case has changed since the program started, many producers cannot forget the impact and devastation of whole-herd depopulations and the negative influence it had on international trade.

Producer participation in BSE surveillance has steadily declined in Saskatchewan. It will take a unified effort from government and industry to turn this trend around.

Improved and increased education and awareness about BSE and its surveillance and control is undoubtedly needed. For example, producers need to know that the $75 is not “compensation” for their time and trouble but rather it is provided to assist with the costs of hanging onto the carcass until the test results come back. The time and effort on the producer’s part is their contribution to a successful surveillance program that benefits the entire industry.

approach the issue, it is going to take a concerted and unified effort from both government and industry to turn this trend around. B

The question is, how do we get these messages out there? What will resonate with producers? The Ministry of Agriculture has been working with industry groups for several years now, stressing the importance of BSE surveillance, yet test numbers continue to fall. Although the producer survey has generated valuable information about producers’ attitudes and perceptions, as well as some useful hints about ways to

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MAY 2016

Industry News Livestock Price Insurance for a Volatile Market In 2015, the cattle market went through substantial ups and downs. Producers who purchased livestock price insurance had a level of protection to help offset some of the market volatility that was being experienced. In the spring of 2015, 1,018 calf price insurance policies were purchased in Saskatchewan through the Western Livestock Price Insurance Program (WLPIP). This represented approximately 120,000 calves or 15 per cent of the provincial marketable calf crop being covered through the program. At the time coverage was being offered on the calf program, the market was experiencing record high levels and producers were able to purchase strong price insurance coverage. In the fall of 2015, the market declined from its highs and producers who purchased price insurance were in a claim position. Last year 64 per cent of calf price insurance policies provided payments as market prices in the fall were lower than the insured prices producers had purchased coverage for in the spring. WLPIP provided over $4.4 million in payments to Saskatchewan producers. Volatility in 2016 This spring the cattle market continues to experience volatility. The volatility on the Chicago Mercantile Exchange (CME) is a strong indicator of the uncertainty for calf prices this fall. WLPIP can provide a means for producers to manage the risk this volatile market is creating. When price insurance is purchased producers have market protection over a defined period of time. If the cattle market remains as volatile as it has been this spring, WLPIP is an effective way to cover any further losses in the marketplace. Driven by industry, WLPIP was developed from producers’ desire to have access to a risk management tool that would work similarly to the CME’s livestock futures options (Live Cattle, Feeder Cattle and

MAY 2016

Lean Hog) but with additional protection against risks unique to the Canadian livestock market (currency and basis). The result is an insurance-based product designed to reflect real-market risks which serves as a one-stop hedging tool for producers. Market’s effect on premium Volatility in the feeder cattle futures market was at record highs in February when calf price insurance became available for purchase; this market volatility has remained. Since volatility provides the foundation for the premium calculations, WLPIP premiums reflect the increased price risk faced by producers in this uncertain marketplace. Premium rates are still marginally higher than in 2015. This spring producers have been asking why WLPIP premiums are changing dramatically day to day and isn’t WLPIP supposed to help reduce volatility for producers? The short answer is no. The swings in the futures and the uncertainty ahead are the realities of today’s cattle market. The program cannot and was not designed to fix that. It was however, designed to emulate those real-market conditions, offer reasonable coverage and premium, and give all producers a tool to use as they see fit. WLPIP is a forwardlooking, insurance-based tool that can assist producers in managing market uncertainty. Coverage for 2016 The coverage producers are able to access for calves in 2016 is down from the record calf coverage in 2015. A number of factors including a rising Canadian dollar this spring and an uncertain feeder cattle futures market has influenced the coverage producers can access. When analyzing coverage producers should keep in mind their unit cost of production, breakeven point and risk tolerance. Those three factors are important to understand when evaluating coverage levels being offered.

Every Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday the coverage levels and associated premiums are published. Producers can review the wide range of coverage levels and determine the best fit for their business. Some producers may purchase coverage at a higher value based on their need and understanding of the marketplace. Others have taken coverage at lower levels knowing the values they are locking in can be purchased at a lower cost, while still providing significant protection should the market experience a serious decline. Producers can sign up to have coverages and premiums emailed to them by visiting www.wlpip.ca or contacting a local Crop Insurance office. May 31, 2016, is the last day price protection can be purchased for spring born calves that are traditionally marketed in the fall. Price insurance for feeder cattle, finished cattle and hogs can be purchased year-round. Price insurance is purchased through an online process. If a producer does not have an online account and is interested in purchasing calf price insurance before the May 31 deadline, they need to contact their local Crop Insurance office to start the application process. SCIC can also provide more information on how livestock price insurance works, the signup process and how to purchase policies. For more information regarding the Western Livestock Price Insurance Program, visit www.saskcropinsurance. com/wlpip, call 1-888-935-0000 or contact your local Crop Insurance office. B

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Industry News Pain Control Gaining Priority Among Beef Producers For Saskatchewan beef producers Tamara and Russ Carter administering a pain control product to calves prior to branding and castration procedures was just the right thing to do. Over the past three calving seasons the Carters, who ranch near Lacadena in southwest Saskatchewan, have been treating spring calves with an injection of Metacam just prior to processing. The product from Boehringer Ingelheim has been on the market for several years. It was developed as an anti-inflammatory and pain relief product, quite commonly used in treating companion animals, but in the last few years it has gained traction for use in treating livestock, as well. The ½ millilitre dose for young calves appears to considerably reduce the postprocessing discomfort level of calves, says Tamara and while they have no formal research trials to confirm observations, they also believe calves have improved weight gain performance right through to weaning. “It does make a difference in the comfort level of the calves,” says Carter. They were first pointed toward the pain control product during a discussion with their herd veterinarian, Dr. Glen Griffin of Southwest Animal Health Clinic. It was partway through the 2013 calving season and some of the calves had already been processed. “But we learned Metacam was suitable for pain control and we wanted to give it a try on the rest of the calves,” she says. “We were so impressed with the difference it made, we made the commitment to include it in our program the following year. Calves that received pain control treatment with Metacam hopped up much faster after being processed, they paired up with their mothers sooner and returned to nursing and eating sooner. In the 48 hours following processing, the calves treated with Metacam were noticeably more comfortable and spent

less time laying around.” As well, Carter says there were no secondary infections of any scrotums, which occasionally needed to be treated in the past. The Carters run a mixed farming operation near the South Saskatchewan River about half way between Swift Current and Kindersley. They crop about 3,800 acres and run a 300 head cowherd of straight Black Angus cattle. The Carters, along with their three children, manage all the spring processing that includes branding, castration and vaccination. Calves are processed in smaller batches of 30 to 40 head at a time usually between two to three weeks of age. The Metacam dose is delivered to each calf in a subcutaneous neck injection as they are lined up in a holding queue just before reaching the processing table. It is fast and easy to administer. “We found it much simpler to process these smaller groups ourselves during the calving season, rather than wait until the end and do everything in a day or on a weekend,” says Carter. “Once we have a group of about 30 that are two or three weeks old, we will process them. Working with smaller groups of calves allows us to keep detailed records and ensure that every calf gets the appropriate doses of vaccines and that none are missed.” Carter says while treated calves were visibly more alert and brighter in the hours and days immediately following processing, they have also observed improved weaning weights in the past three years, which she credits at least in part, to easing calves through processing treatments. Overall improved performance With a portion of the steer calves treated with Metacam in 2013, average weaning weights that year were 509 pounds. With all steer calves treated in 2014 weaning weights averaged 530 pounds and again in 2015 treated steers calves averaged 576 pounds at weaning.

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Carter says they have examined each season to look at factors, which may have influenced higher weaning weights. Particularly in 2014 and 2015 with calves 21 and 67 pounds heavier, respectively, compared to 2013, the pain control treatment appears to at least be part of the weight gain improvement. “In 2014 we had not changed anything else from 2013,” says Carter. “The bull battery had stayed fairly consistent, the ratio of heifers to cows was the same, the calving start date and weaning dates were all the same. But, again we noticed that calves were up faster with the pain control, seemed less stressed, more comfortable and headed off with mom right away. They nursed right away and we noticed less laying around.” In 2015, which started out as a dryer growing season, they sold 35 cow-calf pairs in the spring and put the rest out to pasture. “That fall we sold 120 calves with an average weaning weight of 576 lbs.,” she says. “That 67 lb. increase compared to the first year is very significant to us.” Carter says they are not crediting the full weaning weight improvement to the Metacam treatment, but believe it helped. “While our findings are very interesting to us, they are not scientific,” she says. “We have not accounted for things such as tracking calf sires to see if different bulls are breeding more of the cows to produce more offspring with larger birth weights, and therefore possibly higher weaning rates. We also have not accounted for any weather differences or environmental factors from year to year.” Some other producers, after the dryer 2015 growing season, claimed the shorter, more nutrient dense grass increased their weaning weights as well. “With the exception of 2013, where we administered Metacam to part of the herd, we have not kept a control group to compare results of calves that did not

MAY 2016

Industry News

receive pain control,” says Carter. “What we have found, is that the calves seem much more comfortable and less stressed with the pain control. They are up much sooner nursing and travelling with their mothers.” “That reduced stress appears to remain with them throughout the next five to six months, and it seems that they grow faster and gain better as a result. Their immune systems are stronger. None have required treatment for castration-related infections following branding since we started to administer Metacam. All of our other vaccine program and mineral program has remained the same throughout this period. They have all grazed the same pastures each year.” Good management practice “When we realized there was a product we could use to reduce pain in cattle during processing we wanted to give it a try,” says Carter. “We believe that it is the right thing to do to reduce their discomfort during an unpleasant experience and we feel that it greatly reduces their stress.” She says unfortunately the pain control product isn’t cheap. A 100 ml bottle costs about $250, which works out to about $3.75 to $5 per dose. “It is another cost that starts to add up if you are also vaccinating or using implants. Hopefully some day the cost comes down or we begin to see lower cost generic products on the market. The important thing to us, however, is that it does reduce the discomfort for these calves and it provides us with peace of mind that we are doing everything possible to make our animals comfortable and they are being raised humanely.” As part of their commitment to providing quality care to their animals, Carters have completed the Verified Beef Production program offered through the Canadian Cattlemen’s Association, which also promotes proper livestock care, on-farm food safety and sustainable practices.

MAY 2016

“We can’t definitively prove that the pain control has created the improved growth, but we are convinced that it is a contributing factor. It is rewarding to us as producers to know that our decision to provide pain control at castration appears to help their overall health.” Dr. Eugene Janzen, professor of production animal health at the University of Calgary school of veterinary medicine says the Carters are part of what appears to be a growing trend across the livestock industry to improve the proper care and treatment of livestock. “We are starting to see more interest in using these pain control products in all sectors of the industry,” says Janzen. “Particularly among the young people, in 4-H for example, they want to know what is available and what measures they can use to improve the comfort of their cattle. And that concern is reflected on their parents as they want the farm to use pain control products as well. “But I am seeing interest in pain control measures at the producer level, and in the feed yards, as well,” he says. “I believe for a long time these operators have said “we understand that this procedure is causing discomfort, but what do we do?” We are beginning to see these pain control products, such as Meloxicam or the brand name Metacam used more commonly by producers. It is what producers want to do in terms of improved production practices, but it is also what the consumer or society is looking for too.” Janzen says there have been a number of studies and surveys that show 75 to 80 per cent of society view pain control in livestock as a priority. That interest is already driving some food processors, food retailers, and the food service industries to search out livestock production programs where pain control measures are applied.

And the products do work, says Janzen. While doses and administration times will vary with products, he says the effect of pain control treatment should persist for at least 24 hours — perhaps longer. “We’ve seen in research as well as from on-farm experience that calves that are treated are up and moving around sooner, they have less lethargy, they are back with their mothers and nursing sooner and able to travel sooner, so it does get them over the impact of processing much sooner.” Janzen says he expects to see ongoing adoption by the industry of use of pain control products. “Sometimes when I am speaking to producers about pain control measures I feel like a pied piper,” says Janzen. “I don’t have to convince them that this is a good practice. They just want to know what they can use and how to use it.” He says going forward there is ongoing research in how to better measure pain in livestock, and there is also a need for pain control products that are effective, long acting but also with short withdrawal times, low cost, easy to administer, and able to show a return on investment. “This is something that both the industry and society wants,” says Janzen. B Learn more in the video below and at www.beefresearch.ca/pain Reprinted with the permission of the BCRC.

www.skstockgrowers.com | ©BEEF BUSINESS | 13

Industry News Better Data, Better Decisions A new analysis shows how tracking beef data can enhance both profitability and environmental sustainability. Beefbooster, BIXS and McDonald’s participated in the federally-sponsored program. Through analysis of two million records entered by packing plants, they were able to establish that analyzing and sharing data can inform better business decisions while reducing an operation’s greenhouse gas emissions. The study was performed by Livestock Gentec using Canadian Livestock Tracking System records from 2012 to 2014. “The investigators looked at the data two ways. A high level analysis was done on all the available records with good quality carcass data and birth dates. A second, deeper analysis was performed on a subset of those records where genomic technology was used to identify the specific Beefbooster sires of 813 calves.”

said Jennifer Stewart-Smith, CEO of Beefbooster. The high level analysis found that cattle harvested before 19 months of age presented the best profit opportunity. About 41 per cent of Canadian cattle harvested in the study period were in that age category. The data also showed that cattle harvested at 18 months instead of 24 months generate 1.2 tonnes less carbon dioxide per head. In addition to the environmental benefit, this information could help producers generate carbon credits under a future carbon-offset system.

carcass value between the five different Beefbooster breeding lines, but we also discovered meaningful variance within the calves sired by the same line of bulls,” she said. Jeffrey Fitzpatrick-Stilwell, Senior Manager of Sustainability for McDonald’s Canada, said this kind of collaboration can benefit the entire beef supply chain. This is the kind of teamwork McDonald’s supports,” he said. “It has the potential to increase the economic viability, social responsibility and environmental sustainability of the entire Canadian beef community.”B

Stewart-Smith said the deeper analysis showed calves sired by Beefbooster Terminal Cross (TX) bulls had a $219 higher carcass value than the average calves harvested during the same period of time. “Not only did we discover variance in the

YOUR GRAIN AND LIVESTOCK TRAILER SPECIALISTS

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MAY 2016

Industry News

Saskatchewan Agriculture Hall of Fame Induction Banquet Saturday July 30, 2016 Western Development Museum, Butler-Byers Hall 2610 Lorne Avenue, Saskatoon, SK S7J 0S6 Congratulations to the 2016 SAHF Inductees George Andrew, Patrick Beaujot, Linda Brown, Robin Morrall, Florian Possberg, Dr. Brynne Rothwell.

4:30 pm Social and cocktails 5:30 pm Dinner 7:00 pm Induction Ceremony Social and cocktails Adults $40 - Youth 13 and Younger $20 | Dress Semi-Formal Contact Reed Andrew at 306-536-7892 or r.andrew@sasktel.net for further information

Markets and Trade RETAIL MEAT PRICE SURVEY as of April 21, 2016 ($/lb)

CUTS Ground beef/lean Ground beef/regular Roast/cross rib Roast/rib Roast/outside round Steak/rib eye Steak/round Steak/sirloin Steak/T-bone Steak/tenderloin

CO-OP 3.99 * * 10.98 9.07 13.49 * 11.38 15.87 *

EXTRA FOODS 5.30 4.98 7.38 * 6.34 * 7.47 10.83 14.46 *

SAFEWAY

SAVE-ON-FOODS

SOBEYS

5.59 5.29 6.99 11.99 7.99 11.99 8.38 12.19 * 24.98

6.99 5.49 7.79 * * 17.49 * 13.49 * 23.99

4.39 5.29 * * * 14.39 7.99 12.69 15.89 24.98

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

MAY 2016

www.skstockgrowers.com | ÂŠBEEF BUSINESS | 15

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

330 280

2013

230

2014 2015

180

2016

Price per hundred weight

310 260

2013

210

2014 2015

160

2016

110

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

130 Source: CanFax

AB Fed Steer Prices

180.00

2013

160.00

2014

140.00

2015

120.00

2016

CDN $ - US terms

Price per hundred weight

0.98

200.00

0.93 0.88

2015

0.83

2016

0.78

5 yr avg

0.73

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

0.68

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

100.00 Source: CanFax

Alberta Weekly D1 & D2 Cows 160 150 140 130 120 110 100 90 80 70 60

Source: Bank of Canada

Lethbridge Barley Price 310.00

2013 2014 2015 2016

Price per tonne

290.00

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

Price per hundred weight

Source: CanFax

Weekly Canadian Dollar

220.00

270.00 250.00

2013

230.00

2014

210.00

2015

190.00

2016

170.00 150.00

Source: CanFax Source: 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

SK Weekly Average Price 500-600 lbs Steers

Source: CanFax

For more information visit www.canfax.ca

| ÂŠBEEF BUSINESS | www.skstockgrowers.com

MAY 2016

Get ready to send them to pasture!

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Feature Results-Based Conservation Programming on Saskatchewan Ranches If you have been paying any attention to species at risk issues in southwest Saskatchewan you will have heard that producers have varied opinions on the matter. Let’s be clear, Canadians do support work to recover species at risk. This is evident by the fact that Canada ratified the Convention of Biological Diversity back in 1992. This was the first step in the creation of the Species at Risk Act (SARA). SARA, the South of the Divide Multi Species at Risk Action Plan and federal funding programs all support stewardship and recognize the important role producers play. It is the producers who have retained their grasslands, as part of the strong ranching culture in the southwest, who have ensured that species at risk still exist. In discussions on agri-environmental programming, producers have told the South of the Divide Conservation Action Program Inc. (SODCAP Inc.), that when it comes to making decisions about species at risk, one size does not fit all. On several occasions, producers asked what exactly do these species need for habitat? The sentiment was that if they knew exactly what habitat was needed they could decide if they could provide those needs, and how to go about it. This kind of independent and innovative thinking is well established in southwest Saskatchewan, especially when dealing with issues such as drought management and preparedness. Ranch managers and producers believe that they should have the ability to continue managing family operations in a sustainable and profitable manner that provides environmental benefits to all of society. In order to meet the expectations of Canadian society, producers need to be recognized for making conscientious decisions that provide habitat for species at risk. These attitudes are the foundation of “results-based programming”, which

Photo courtesy of Krista Connick Todd

producers have argued for over a number of years. Just recently, “Results-Based Conservation Agreements” have been initiated among five producers who manage critical habitat for Greater sage grouse and SODCAP Inc. The Saskatchewan Stock Growers (SSGA) and SODCAP Inc. are also in the process of negotiating additional agreements with other producers who manage critical habitat for species such as Sprague’s Pipit and McCown’s Longspur. Results-based conservation agreements provide financial incentives to producers who meet or exceed habitat targets, at the site level, for a particular species at risk. Habitat targets have been described for four species at risk in southwest Saskatchewan. These habitat targets

for species at risk are measureable and quantifiable, based on the current state of knowledge and within the ecological potential of the range site. Habitat targets for species at risk are greater than the habitat that exists under normal agricultural practices, which provide for basic forage and livestock needs. For the Greater sage grouse, important habitat attributes include healthy and robust sagebrush plants for food and cover and forbs for food for the chicks. Litter is important for cover, enough to hide in but not so much that it would impede movement of the birds. Healthy grasslands in good range condition are necessary for foraging and brood rearing areas. In order to achieve these targets, producers manage their livestock to continued on page 20

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MAY 2016

Results-Based Conservation Agreements Ranch managers and producers should have the ability to continue managing family operations in a sustainable and profitable manner that provides environmental benefits to all of society. The Saskatchewan Stock Growers Association (SSGA) in partnership with the South of the Divide Conservation Action Program Inc. (SODCAP Inc.) have secured funding to implement Results-Based Conservation Agreements with producers. ‘Results-Based Stewardship’ is a tool that can be used to produce environmental benefits including habitat for species at risk. Results-Based Conservation Agreements are agreements signed with producers that identify and describe specific ‘results’ or desired habitat characteristics that producers can work towards. In exchange for achieving the desired habitat targets, producers are rewarded with financial incentives. Habitat assessments, reviews, and payments to producers will occur on an annual basis. Agreements are designed to encourage producers to manage their land and make management decisions that support species at risk habitat.

SSGA and SODCAP Inc. are looking to sign Results-Based Conservation Agreements with producers who own or manage candidate critical habitat for species at risk in southwest Saskatchewan. Habitat attributes identified must be within the site potential based on soils, hydrology and climate or other biophysical attributes. Habitat attributes that are described will be based on the best available information and current state of knowledge.

The 'results' are more than current, normal industry standards that achieve livestock and forage production objectives. Agreements are structured so that the producer is rewarded financially upon achieving the results. If habitat goals are not met, it simply means a financial payment is not triggered. Management decisions must be within a producer’s capability. Decisions on range and livestock management, forage production, land accessibility, predator control, and agricultural development are all examples of those within a producer’s capability. Decisions on industrial development, road construction, prevention of disease spread, or artificial rearing of species are examples of those outside of the capability of a producer. For more information, contact Tom Harrison, Executive Director, SODCAP Inc. at ed@sodcap.com or 306-530-1385

Feature Conservation Programming cont. from pg. 18 create the necessary mosaic by controlling take-in dates, stocking rates, season of use, herding of livestock, and resting fields. The management plan is the producer’s and is non-prescriptive. By being non-prescriptive, these agreements acknowledge that each operation is unique and each manages resources in different ways. In areas of critical habitat, these agreements can make habitat management an important priority in the landowner’s every day decision making, along with typical herd health, livestock management and forage production considerations. One of the producers who signed a results-based conservation agreement with SODCAP Inc. was Lloyd Anderson from Fir Mountain. “There should be room for both livestock and species at risk, room for everyone if it’s managed properly. I’m interested in managing the habitat to make it good for both livestock and species at risk, and the financial benefit is a bonus!”, said Anderson. Lloyd and his wife Nyla have been ranching for 35 years, and now with their sons, including Chay who has permanently moved back, represents the 5th generation on the family ranch. “Our goal is to look after our grass, our livestock, and the wildlife, and this project allows us to see if we have been doing it right! I’m interested in knowing if I’ve been doing it right all along, or if there’s things that I should change. That remains to be seen next summer with the assessments. We can use that information to make adjustments here and there if we need to. I assume we’ve been doing it right and will be interested to see the results.’

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In order to receive a payment, producers are required to achieve specific habitat targets. SODCAP Inc. staff will assess the habitat in the summer to determine if the targets have been met. Producers in southwest Saskatchewan have the reputation for being independent and resourceful; over the years they have conquered many different challenges and have found solutions that work for their particular operation. SODCAP Inc. feels that these agreements will work well with the independent, innovative attitudes of the producers in this area. The SSGA and SODCAP Inc.’s goals are to develop a variety of approaches to meet the individual needs of their respective operations. Providing an assortment of programming, including basic communication of what individual species at risk specifically require for habitat, will help to conserve and maintain habitat for species at risk. B The South of the Divide Conservation Action Program Inc. and the Saskatchewan Stock Growers Association would like to acknowledge the funding from the Species at Risk Partnership on an Agricultural Landscape Fund (SARPAL) through Environment Canada. 20

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MAY 2016

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SSGA

AGM & CONVENTION June 13 & 14, 2016

Conexus Arts Centre, Regina, SK

Charting the Course AGENDA

SUNDAY, JUNE 12

6:00 p.m. Different, Not Less – An Evening with Dr. Temple Grandin

MONDAY, JUNE 13

8:00 a.m. Registration, Breakfast, Trade Show 9:00 a.m. Greetings and Welcome - Doug Gillespie, President, SSGA Address from Saskatchewan Agriculture - Honourable Lyle Stewart, Minister of Agriculture Address from City of Regina - Mayor Michael Fougere 9:15 a.m. Cattle Transport in North America - Current Welfare Research and Future Directions Dr. Karen Schwartzkopf-Genswein - Senior Research Scientist, Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada 10:00 a.m. Networking Break and Trade Show 10:30 a.m. Managing Market Risk - Not a Diet, but a Lifestyle Change Lyndsay Smith - President, Prime Analytics 11:15 a.m. The Value of Premises Identification in an Emergency Dr. Betty Althouse - Chief Veterinary Officer, SK Ministry of Agriculture 11:45 a.m. Canadian Cattle Industry Update Dan Darling - President, Canadian Cattlemen’s Association 12:15 p.m. Lunch and Trade Show 1:00 p.m. Beef Cattle Market Outlook Anne Wasko - President, Cattle Trends Inc. 1:45 p.m. Lessons Learned Through Advocacy Ryan Goodman - AgProud 2:30 p.m. Networking Break and Trade Show 3:00 p.m. Agriculture Labour Market Panel 4:00 p.m. Low Stress Animal Handling Dr. Temple Grandin - Professor of Livestock Behaviour & Welfare, Colorado State University 5:00 p.m. Closing remarks 6:00 p.m. Cocktails 7:00 p.m. Banquet and Entertainment: Scholarships Awards (TESA, Life Time, President’s) Auction (Silent & Live Auction)

TUESDAY, JUNE 14

9:00 a.m. Registration, Breakfast and Trade Show 9:30 a.m. Call to Order, Welcome and Introductions Approval of the Agenda Minutes from the 2015 Annual General Meeting President’s Report 2nd Call for Nominations 2nd Call for Resolutions 10:00 a.m. Canadian Cattle Identification Agency Update Mark Elford – Chair, Canadian Cattle Identification Agency 10:30 a.m. Networking Break and Trade Show 11:00 a.m. Financial Report Zone Chair Ratifications Final Call for Resolutions 11:30 a.m. Western Canadian Cow-Calf Survey Kathy Larson - Beef Economist, Western Beef Development Centre 12:00 p.m. Lunch and Trade Show 1:00 p.m. How Carcass Grade Information Can Help the Rancher and the Industry Charlie Gracey 1:45 p.m. Livestock & Forage Centre of Excellence Update Dorothy Murrell, Project Director, Livestock & Forage Centre of Excellence 2:15 p.m. Networking Break and Trade Show 2:45 p.m. Voting Procedures/Results & Resolutions Other Business Final call for nominations and Elections Closing remarks Adjournment

ACCOMMODATION

Registration fees do not include accommodation. A block of rooms is reserved until May 20, 2016 at the Travelodge Hotel & Conference Centre Regina. When booking your room, indicate you are with the Saskatchewan Stock Growers Association. To reserve a room call the Travelodge Hotel & Conference Centre Regina 306-586-3443.

www.skstockgrowers.com

SSGA

Thank You to Our Sponsors

AGM & CONVENTION

June 13 & 14, 2016

Conexus Arts Centre, Regina, SK

Charting the Course

As of April 20, 2016

Heritage

Canadian Cattlemen Magazine Saskatchewan Cattlemen’s Association Western Litho Printers Western Producer

Gold

Ducks Unlimited Canada

Silver

BMO - Bank of Montreal Elanco Animal Health Farm Credit Canada Nelson Motors & Equipment TD Canada Trust Vetoquinol Canada Inc Young’s Equipment

Bronze

Bio-Agri Mix (BAM) CIBC Co-op Feeds Heartland Livestock Services Lane Realty South Country Equipment

Trade Show

AgriClear Boehringer Ingelheim Canada Canadian Cattlemen Magazine Cows in Control Saskatchewan Angus Association Saskatchewan Cattlemen’s Association Saskatchewan Charolais Association Saskatchewan Crop Insurance Corporation West Central Pelleting Western Producer Young’s Equipment

p: 306.757.8523 e: ssga@sasktel.net w: www.skstockgrowers.com

REGISTRATION (includes GST) Early Bird

(before May 31) $225.00 $200.00 $135.00

Regular

(after May 31) $250.00 ___________ $225.00 ___________ $160.00 ___________

Full Conference Spousal Full Conference* Single One Day  Mon  Tues (check one) Spousal One Day*  Mon  Tues $110.00 $135.00 (check one) Banquet Only (Monday) $40.00 $45.00 *Include additional name(s) on this form for name tag(s)

Total registration and ticket fees:

___________ ___________

___________

PERSONAL INFORMATION Name: Organization/Ranch Name: Mailing Address: City: Phone:

Province:

Postal Code: Fax:

Email: PAYMENT Total Registration Fees Enclosed: Payment must accompany registration. Registration form must be received on or before May 31, 2016 to qualify for early-bird rates. Cancellations received prior to May 31 will be refunded less a $50 administration fee. Cancellations received on May 31 or later will not be refunded. Make cheques payable to “Saskatchewan Stock Growers Association” and send to PO Box 4752, Regina, SK S4P 3Y4. Registrations with credit card payment may be faxed to (306) 569-8799 or call (306) 757-8523.

Method of Payment (check one):

 Cheque (enclosed)

 Visa

 Mastercard

Card Holder Name: Signature: Card Number: __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ Expiry Date: __ __ / __ __

Feature Lethbridge College Aims Its Online Business Program at Working Producers by Jeff Gaye

As every producer knows, raising and selling cattle is a full-time occupation in itself. But it’s only one part of a successful operation. To thrive in the beef business, a rancher has to understand business as well as he understands beef. Lethbridge College has developed its new Agriculture Business Risk Management program to enable working producers, as well as post-secondary students, to keep on top of risks and opportunities on the business side of a ranching or farming operation. The entire program is available online. Courses have been broken down into specific modules so students and producers can study exactly what they want or need from the program. Lyndsay Smith is a consultant who worked with Lethbridge College and the Alberta Cattle Feeders Association (ACFA) to develop the program. She said it is intended to help producers keep up with the financial aspects of agriculture while they are also making advances in production. “You’ve got changes in the industry where you’re requiring that much more capital, there’s volatility within the market, and those are things that are bringing that kind of awareness to the forefront,” she said. “And so this program identifies multiple factors that go into business risk management from a commodity and financial aspect.” The complete certificate program requires ten courses, ranging from Effective Communication and Financial Literacy to courses on Currency, Market Fundamentals and Marketing Tools. Participants are not required to complete the whole program, or even complete a single course – each course consists of one to four individual modules that can be studied on their own.

The Financial Literacy course, for example, offers modules in Bookkeeping and Accounting Principles; Interpreting Financial Statements; Budgets and Projections; and Financial Forecasting. “This is a fully online program, so it’s accessible to anyone from anywhere. There’s no geographical boundaries to it,” Smith said. “The other thing is that we’ve broken it down into modules. So every module is available every month, as long as we’ve got sufficient enrolment. My message that I tell producers is ‘any module, any order, any time.’” Smith says the ACFA Board identified the need for the program over the summer and fall of 2014. “They identified the need to have increased awareness and education within the industry, and so they were looking for somewhere, somehow to have that take place,” she said. “At about the same time Lethbridge College received a donation from [Alberta rancher] Cor Van Raay to develop the Cor Van Raay Southern Alberta business degree. When Lethbridge College reviewed an assessment of their programming, and specifically looking at their ag programs, they identified the need for business risk management.” Smith says the program takes a holistic approach to risk management, examining what the marketing tools are, the individual’s tolerance to risk and how to develop a policy. “And how that then flows through and coordinates with your financial plan and your financial literacy, understanding how those numbers work together, how they complement each other and how to work that into a business plan.” From working with other stakeholders, the college understood the program needed to appeal to existing producers as well

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as students in the degree program. “We had the initial partnership between the college and the Alberta Cattle Feeders, and then when we envisioned what that program would look like we identified that the concepts would also apply to other industries,” Smith said. “And so we approached the grains and oilseeds. There was Alberta barley, wheat, canola as well as Alberta beef producers and Alberta pork, and those associations came on as supporters as well. And subsequent to that we had AFSC [Agriculture Financial Services Corporation] that came on as a partner too.” The program focuses on optimizing business opportunities as much as managing risks. “That was something that came out very clearly from our advisory board, I think back to the original visioning sessions that we had with industry,” Smith said. “Anytime we talk about risk management we make sure that we identify both the risk and the opportunity. “We had one advisory committee member that was very adamant about that. They didn’t want this to just be focusing on the risk side of it. The way industry works is that you have to be able to identify when those opportunities come along as well.” Tuition for each of the modules is $183.31, and each takes a month to complete at three to five hours per week. All of the modules and courses complement each other to form the comprehensive program, but any of the modules is useful on its own. Smith encourages working producers to look into it at www.lethbridgecollege.ca and see what interests them.

continued on page 26

MAY 2016

Different, Not Less

An Evening with Dr. Temple Grandin Conexus Arts Centre

Sunday, June 12, 2016 at 6:00PM

The World Needs Different Kinds of Minds To Work Together. - Dr. Temple Grandin Tickets starting at $30

Visit www.conexusartscentre.ca or call (306)525-9999 or 1-800-667-8497.

Presented by Saskatchewan Stock Growers Assocation and the Autism Resource Centre

Feature Lethbridge College cont. from pg. 24 “We’ve been at a few trade shows and people come along and say ‘ah, that’s something for kids,’ or ‘that’s post-secondary.’ And we say well no, it’s available to anyone, not just postsecondary students. And then they’ll say ‘Oh well I can’t come to Lethbridge College’ or ‘I can’t take four months.’ Well now we’ve broken it down into bitesize pieces so that it’s a little bit more accessible. One module equals one month of learning, which is estimated as three to five hours plus self-study per week. “Producers can go in and identify just the modules they feel that they’re interested in, or you can take all of them and get the certificate.”B

HOG HITH

FARM & RANCH EQUIPMENT Ltd

E OU TST

1974

RA ANDING B

♦

2016

Hi-Hog Farm & Ranch Equipment Ltd. www.hi-hog.com 1-800-661-7002

Livestock Equipment

Stationary Loading Chute, Item № 76

U-Frames with Gates

Unlimited Headroom Hi-Hog’s loading chute includes an adjustable ramp that can load at heights ranging from 12” to 51” above the ground, all while keeping the frame parallel to the truck. Available in either stationary or portable models. The transport kit on the portable model can be quickly added or removed to relocate the chute from pasture to pasture. Optional panel hangers allow you to load your corral panels and take them with you.

Portable Loading Chute, Item № 75

(maximum axle capacity of 3,196 lbs)

The Outstanding Brand

Hydraulic Cattle Chute w Neck Extender Item № 1556 - electric, № 1566 - gas

◊ ◊ ◊ ◊ ◊ ◊ ◊ ◊ ◊ ◊ ◊

Handling Systems Crowding Tubs Adjustable Alleys Palpation Cages Manual Squeeze Chutes Hydraulic Squeeze Chutes Neck Extenders Adjustable Loading Chutes Panels & Gates Feeders Nifty Feed Dispenser...

Proudly serving Canada’s ranching community for over forty years

Visit us at the Farm Progress Show June 15th-17th Located in Hall 12

Canada Centre

| ©BEEF BUSINESS | www.skstockgrowers.com

MAY 2016

PRODUCER FOCUSED WORKSHOPS & SESSIONS | INPUT & DECISION MAKING |ENTERTAINMENT | INDUSTRY MEETINGS

PUTTING IT TOGETHER... Bringing Canada's Beef Industry Together Under One Roof! Are you a cattle producer or have a stake in the beef industry? Join us for a one-of-a-kind event. Engage with industry partners, attend producer-focused workshops, and take advantage of educational presentations tailored to increase the competitiveness and sustainability of your operation and the industry as a whole – all while enjoying hospitality, live country music, an opportunity to play in the Canadian Cattlemen's Foundation Classic Golf Tournament, and all the amenities the Grey Eagle Resort and Casino has to offer!

FEATURING ENTERTAINMENT BY

Ke y n

ARLE

o te A d d re s s by NE

DICK

INSO

August 9 – 11, 2016 Grey Eagle Re sor t & C asino in C algar y, Alber ta W W W.CANADIAN BEEF INDUSTRY CONFERENCE.COM

Register by June 15 for early bird pricing. Follow us on social media for updates! facebook.com/canadianbeefindustryconference

@CDNBeefConf

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

VBP Registration: Overview of the

ON-FARM AUDIT

DRIVING CONSUMER CONFIDENCE

A PRACTICAL APPROACH TO FOOD SAFETY

PROOF OF RESPONSIBLE MANAGEMENT

Canadian Beef is Sustainable, Safe and Wholesome. Let’s become VERIFIED and show consumers why! Audit fees are a flat $500 per on-farm audit and beef producers in Saskatchewan can get 50% back through the On-Farm Food Safety Funding (OFFS) program for their First Certification Audit. The F: R P OO ity Credibil

Take the Training

Apply SOPs on the Beef Operation

Complete the On-Farm Audit

IN-PERSON WORKSHOP OR ONLINE

STANDARD OPERATING PROCEDURES

VERIFICATION OF THE OPERATION

Education on Food Safety Practices:

Industry-led Practices focused on Food

Our 3rd party auditors are also beef

Safety during beef production are being

producers and understand the industry.

used on the cattle operation:

Takes about 3 hours and is mostly done

Feedlots: 3 months of Records

in the comfort of your home, through

Cow-Calf: 6 months of Records

discussion and review of your records.

•

Inject in the Neck

•

Reduce Broken Needles

•

Meet Withdrawal Times

•

Keep Records

•

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

VBP Verification Audit:

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

MAINTAINING REGISTRATION

If you choose to become REGISTERED with the VBP Program: •

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

•

then contact the Sask VBP office to request a validation audit if all components are met

•

NO ANNUAL FEES • • •

F = Full On-Farm Audit R = Records Assessment (sample) S = Self Declaration

•

VBP Registration Certificate and VBP Operation Gate Sign are provided to the operation

•

VBP Registered Producers in SK are eligible for 50% up to $2,000 towards eligible equipment (neck extenders, scale with load bars, record keeping software)

we will help prepare you for the audit, ensuring that you understand our program and that you are ready

•

8 year cycle of annual reviews F-R-S-S-R-S-S-S (and repeat)

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

VBP IS A NATIONAL PROGRAM RECOGNIZED BY CFIA To learn more about Visit saskvbp.ca or contact Coy Schellenberg, Provincial VBP in Saskatchewan: Coordinator, at 306.859.9110 or office@saskvbp.ca

Science and Production The Benefits of Livestock Branding and Manifests by Cameron Wilk P. Ag.

The Livestock Inspection and Transportation Regulations continues to require that, before transporting livestock, the owner or his or her agent shall complete and have in their possession a livestock Manifest. The Manifest must include:

• the owner’s and contributor’s address • • • •

and phone number; the number of animals and their destination; the animals’ descriptions and brands; the signature of the owner or the owners’ agent; and the owner or owner’s agent of the livestock is also required to indicate the total animals and total horns next to the signature line.

Livestock Inspectors are responsible for assisting livestock dealers with the application and deduction of the horned cattle penalty.You can anticipate seeing increased inspection of cattle for horns to ensure that the penalty is being applied correctly. A properly completed Manifest identifies the owner of the livestock, helps to prevent livestock theft and ensures accuracy for processing producer payments, or finance payment information, if required. In past articles I have commented on how your registered livestock brand is the best method of ensuring your investment in the livestock is secured. Registered and properly applied brands assist Livestock Services with the following:

• 2016 YTD - assisted RM in stray animal •

•

identification on 108 head. In 2015 that number was 343. 2016 YTD - Livestock Services redirected the sale proceeds to the rightful owners on 512 head. In 2015 that number was on 5662 head. The majority of redirections occur during the fall run. An estimate on the value of those animals returned to their rightful owners for YTD in 2016 is just over $1M while for 2015 that value is estimated at $11.2M. An estimate on every $1 the livestock industry spends on registering livestock brands nets the industry a return of $58. B

Help shape the future of the SSGA by taking our survey at www.surveymonkey.com/r/9F6FZ76 or call 306.757.8523 to receive a paper copy. 30

| ©BEEF BUSINESS | www.skstockgrowers.com

MAY 2016

Science and Production Active Missing Livestock Files April 2016

Area Missing from

Number of head

Animal description

Abernethy

1 red cow 2 tan calves

Cando Bigggar

1 cows 42 mixed calves

Eastend

Glenavon

Spiritwood

Brand Location

RCMP subdivision

Livestock Branch contact

Date Reported

Fort Qu’Appelle

Yorkton 306.786.5712

Jan 29

North Battleford

North Battleford 306.446.7404

Jan 19

Mixed cows

Shaunavon

Swift Current 306.778.8312

Mar 17

11 cows black brockle face 11 calves

Broadview

Moosomin 306.435.4582:

Feb 29

Spiritwood

North Battleford 306.446.7404

Feb 10

2 red bulls 2 white bulls 2 RWF bulls

Brand Description

Alberta brand

Calves NVB

Information provided by Livestock Services of Saskatchewan

SSGA Meeting Notice SSGA ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING & CONVENTION June 13 & 14, 2016 Conexus Arts Centre, Regina, SK 1st Call For Nominations Please submit nominations to: Lloyd Thompson, Box 1688, Estevan, SK S4A 1C8 Phone: 306-486-2146 Fax: 306-482-3547 email: tfourranches@xplornet.com

MAY 2016

1st Call For Resolutions Please submit nominations to: SSGA, Box 4752, Regina, SK S4P 3Y4 Phone: 306-757-8523 Fax: 306-569-8799 email: ssga@sasktel.net

www.skstockgrowers.com | ©BEEF BUSINESS | 31

Stewardship Dame’s Rocket (Hesperis Matronalis L.) by Harvey Anderson

This beautiful flower is just one of the many plants present in Saskatchewan that has now become a regulated weed and is listed in the “Noxious Weed” category in the new legislation, The Weed Control Act, which came into force in Saskatchewan, on November 1, 2010. This plant does occur in a number of isolated locations in Saskatchewan, such as Swift Current, near Hodgeville and Craik, but likely occurs in many other locals, as well. While this plant is not a large-scale invasive weed like leafy spurge, it can dominate moist areas of meadows, forest edge to the exclusion of native plants. Within the city limits of Swift Current, it is trying to become the dominant plant all along the Swift Current Creek waterway. Dame’s Rocket was introduced to North America as a garden flower during the Colonial period, probably to the eastern portion of the US. It escaped cultivation and has since spread to most of the continent. It is still being used as a landscape plant, and many of the locations in Saskatchewan can be traced back to these horticultural plantings. This plant is an erect biennial or perennial that

can grow to 4-5 feet in height. The flowers occur in showy, purple to white clusters, with the individual flowers measuring 8 to 12 mm in width. The flowers are fragrant, especially in the evenings. Numerous seeds are produced in a slender four-sided pod called a silique, that measures 2 to 4 inches long. Dame’s Rocket spends its first season as a rosette of leaves, but the following year develops early to mature plants that normally bloom early in the season. The lower leaves range in length from 3 to 8 inches, and have short petiole. Leaves become progressively smaller toward the top of the stem and are noticeably hairy on both surfaces. The upper leaves have only short stalks or are lacking petioles, at all. All leaves are lanceolate in outline. One of the reasons that this plant is successful and continues to spread, is that it is a pretty flower which many believe is a “harmless wildflower” which is then allowed to become established in a patch for a few years, uncontrolled. Before anyone realizes and recognizes the problem, Dame’s Rocket spreads rapidly

through its high seed production, and is out-competing native plants, under the suitable moist soil conditions this plant thrives in. B Harvey Anderson is an Invasive Alien Plants Group Planning Advisor working jointly with the Saskatchewan Ministry of Agriculture and the Saskatchewan Association of Rural Municipalities. Funding for this project is provided through the CanadaSaskatchewan “Growing Forward” Program.

The Native Prairie Appreciation Week Tour Hits Maple Creek, SK! The Saskatchewan Prairie Conservation Action Plan is excited to celebrate the 18th annual Native Prairie Appreciation Week (NPAW) across Saskatchewan from June 12 to 18, 2016. Saskatchewan is the only place across North America that devotes a week to celebrating native prairie and raising awareness about prairie conservation. The week is officially proclaimed by Saskatchewan’s Ministry of Agriculture and Ministry of Environment. Included in this year’s NPAW celebrations are a youth poster contest, interactive and engaging prairie and species at risk booths displayed at urban farmer’s markets, as well as the NPAW tour,

co-hosted with the Society for Range Management Prairie Parkland Chapter. Always a popular highlight, this year the NPAW tour is June 16 and 17, 2016 at Maple Creek, Saskatchewan. Everyone is welcome to attend! The theme is “Blues, Bats and Blue Grama” and the agenda includes an evening social and keynote address about living off the land in the Cypress Hills, as well as a tour through the Cypress Hills Interprovincial Park. During the tour, participants will sharpen up their plant identification skills, learn about bats, snakes, and other prairie species, as well as learn about range health assessments, ranching, species at

| ©BEEF BUSINESS | www.skstockgrowers.com

risk and riparian area management. Once again, the popular Kids Discovery Tour will be held in conjunction with the NPAW tour on June 17 and is open to youth ages 5-15. People interested in registering for the tour can learn more by visiting www.pcapsk.org/native-prairie-appreciation-week or by calling Kayla Balderson Burak at (306) 352-0472. You can also register for the event online by visiting www.pcap-sk.org/ native-prairie-appreciation-week/npawregistration. B

MAY 2016

Stewardship Ecomuseums: A Sense of Space and Place for One Grassland Community Ecomuseums are starting to crop up in communities across the province, and one in particular, Prairie Wind and Silver Sage in Val Marie, SK, has placed a lot of its focus on prairie grasslands. Ecomuseums are alternative museums designed to support and sustain local economies and communities. Instead of traditional museums which typically collect materials, take them out of context, and put them somewhere for people to look, ecomuseums are community-based and foster engagement and interaction with visitors. Ecomuseums often include artifacts and even spaces and places outside of the four walls of a building, with the overarching goal of enhancing the sustainability of the community in which they are based. Prairie Wind and Silver Sage had been interested in the ecomuseum concept but the idea really took off after hearing a presentation from Glenn Sutter with the Royal Saskatchewan Museum. “It was a major change for us in the way we looked at our museum presentation space and the way that we developed our goals,” explained Laureen Marchand, chair of the organization. In 2013, they updated their existing museum space, which is headquartered in a restored early 1900s brick school house, with the help of some funding as well as support from an experienced consultant. Marchand said the entire process helped the group realize what their interests were as a museum and what steps they needed to take to move toward becoming an ecomuseum. Ecomuseums focus on community sustainability, “but not by trying to change it or telling it what it ought to be,” clarified Marchand. “We can work in our own programs but also support other organizations that contribute to community sustainability,” she suggested. Relationships are critical to Prairie Wind and Silver Sage and they work and partner with other organizations, including the

MAY 2016

Saskatchewan Prairie Conservation Action Plan. The ecomuseum also provides venue space for other community functions and at times, the ecomuseum plans their own events at other businesses or locations around the community. Mary Vetter, a professor at the University of Regina, agrees that the ecomuseum concept is about strengthening communities and bringing people together. Vetter is currently teaching a class through Luther College where students work with communities that are interested in developing ecomuseums. Students help communities assess priorities and identify issues, such as improving water quality or preserving local heritage, which in turn engages members to work together. The class initiates projects which vary from developing school curriculums, to improving riparian areas to interviewing lifelong and new community members about their feelings toward their home and environment. Vetter believes students benefit a lot from the interdisciplinary studies class. The coursework is designed to be experiential and provide students with practical opportunities to create discussions within a community. “The idea is that students will apply a variety of disciplinary perspectives to the issues. They will learn concrete skills to take into a career with them and skills to use in other courses,” said Vetter. There are currently four ecomuseums located across the province including Val Marie, she adds, saying that many communities are expressing interest. The Prairie Wind and Silver Sage Ecomuseum focuses on themes including the landscape, the wildlife – which includes species at risk, the ranching culture, and night skies. “Our museum has aspects of all of those themes in the way the display was put together,” explained Marchand. Adding that the grasslands

The ecomuseum highlights wildlife in their interactive life-sized display. Photo courtesy of Pamela Woodland.

affect everyone differently, she said “our intention with our exhibition is to give people a way to interpret their own experience.” Their artist-in-residence program, which is now in its third year, also creates another opportunity to bring the ecomuseum beyond the little brick schoolhouse. “The artist residency program takes the nature and culture of museum out into [Grasslands National Park] and the community. We encourage the artists who are here to be in as much contact with residents and the community as possible,” explained Marchand. Prairie Wind and Silver Sage is operated by a volunteer, six person board as well as a part-time manager and some summer staff. The space includes a native prairie garden, art exhibitions, and a bookstore and espresso shop, which features highend gifts, art, coffee and snacks. The ecomuseum hosts between 3500 and 4000 visitors annually during its fivemonth season which runs from mid-May through to Val Marie’s rodeo weekend in September. B For more information on programming and exhibits, you can visit www.pwss.org.

www.skstockgrowers.com | ©BEEF BUSINESS | 33

| ©BEEF BUSINESS | www.skstockgrowers.com

MAY 2016

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Association News, Reports, and Events A Report From Doug Gillespie President, Saskatchewan Stock Growers Association are looking forward to working with the newly elected MLAs on both sides of the house to advance the interests of the cattle industry. Some of the legislative and regulatory issues that we anticipate working on in the next four years are:

• The Surface Rights Acquisition and Compensation Act

• The Provincial Lands Act • The Horned Cattle Purchases Act • The Livestock Dealer Regulations Hello everyone, this will be my final President’s report as my term will end at the upcoming AGM. I would like to start by thanking everyone on the Board who has helped me out over the past two years. Also, a big thank you to Chad and all the staff who make everything run so smoothly. And last but not least, thanks to my wife Colleen for helping to keep everything organized for me. Reflecting back on my two years as SSGA President, I am very proud of everything that we have accomplished. We have taken some significant steps to expand the SSGA through new programs and services for our members. I feel that the future looks very bright for the association and bigger and better things are yet to come. The biggest news since my last report was the 28th Saskatchewan provincial election which was held on April 4th with the SaskParty and Premier Wall being elected to a third consecutive term. I would like to thank all the candidates who let their name stand for office for all their time and effort they put in to making our democracy function. I would like to congratulate all of the candidates that were elected to the Legislature. We

We are also continuing to work with the SK Crop Insurance Corporation (SCIC) to make improvements to the SCIC forage insurance program. In addition to the welcome elimination of the cap on the Variable Price Option we are also pursuing the development of a fire insurance option for grass and forage.

Meeting and Convention in Regina on June 12-14th. This year’s theme for the convention is “Charting the Course” which was chosen to focus on issues that we need to address in the coming year. Some of our feature presentations will cover issues such as animal handling, livestock transportation and agriculture labour shortages. On Sunday night, to kick off the AGM, we have partnered with the Autism Resource Centre on a special presentation by Dr. Temple Grandin titled “Different, Not Less – An Evening with Dr. Temple Grandin”. Tickets for this event are available from the Conexus Arts Centre box office by calling 1-800-667-8497. In closing, it has been a sincere honour to serve as your President for the past two years and I wish everyone a safe and successful calving and seeding season. B

Since the announcement of the improvements made for 2016 I’ve had the opportunity to visit with many producers who liked the changes that were made and have purchased forage insurance for 2016 as a result. As dry as it is right now in many parts of the province, this improved coverage might come in very handy this fall. As always if you have any additional ideas on ways to improve the forage insurance program we welcome your feedback. We are currently conducting our second annual online producer survey to evaluate our performance and receive direction on our future advocacy and programming efforts. Producers can take this survey by going to www.surveymonkey.com/ r/9F6FZ76. If you are not computer savvy you can contact the office for a paper copy of the survey. I would like to formally invite all producers to attend the 103rd SSGA Annual General

| ©BEEF BUSINESS | www.skstockgrowers.com

MAY 2016

Association News, Reports, and Events SSGA 2016 Zone Resolutions Zones 3 & 12 - Resolution #1 WHEREAS fire poses a considerable risk to grass; and WHEREAS fire insurance for grass isnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t currently commercially available. BE IT RESOLVED that the SSGA lobby the Government of Saskatchewan and SCIC to offer fire insurance coverage for grass. Zone 4 - Resolution #1 WHEREAS the Saskatchewan Ministry of Agriculture supports irrigation development in the province and it is important to maintain older, existing flood irrigation projects in the southwest; and

WHEREAS six projects in southwest SK comprising of over 20,000 acres are being divested by Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada in March 2017.

BE IT RESOLVED that the SSGA lobby the Government of Saskatchewan to have a licensed cougar hunting season in SK and to allow the use of dogs if they wish to.

BE IT RESOLVED that the SSGA encourages Saskatchewan Agriculture irrigation branch to recognize the importance of these flood irrigated projects and work with irrigators to encourage their continuation producing livestock feed in southwest Saskatchewan.

Zone 5 - Resolution #1

Resolution #2 WHEREAS there are habituated (tame) cougars in southwest Saskatchewan that are hanging around farm and ranch yards much more often than they should be.

WHEREAS the Quill Lakes watershed has experienced extensive flooding in recent years; and WHEREAS producers are still required to pay taxes and lease fees on agricultural land under water where producers have no ability to generate any production. BE IT RESOLVED that the SSGA lobby the Government of Saskatchewan and SARM to review their taxation and fee assessments policies for agriculture land taken out of production by large scale flooding.

Now accepting commercial cattle

MAY 2016

www.skstockgrowers.com | ÂŠBEEF BUSINESS | 37

Calendar of Events

SSGA MEMBERSHIP

The Saskatchewan Stock Growers Association has entered into a JUNE partnership with Flaman to June 12 An Evening with Dr. Temple Grandin increase Memberships and June 13-14 SSGA 103 Convention and AGM Subscription readership. June 12-18 Native Prairie Appreciation Week (NPAW)

Regina, SK Regina, SK Maple Creek, SK Regina, SK Lanigan, SK Maple Creek, SK Calgary, AB Lanigan, SK Swift Current, SK

Drive

June 15-17 June 16 June 16-17 June 16-17 June 21 June 29- July 2

Canada’s Farm Progress Show SK Cattlewomen’s Golf Tournament NPAW Tour UCVM Beef Cattle Conference WBDC 18th Annual Summer Field Day Frontier Days

As of September 1, 2008 the Saskatchewan Stock Growers will be offering a major prize JULY July 16-22 Saskatoon, SK International Rangeland Congress draw for all paid new and renewal of existing 12’JulyBERGEN STOCK TRAILER 19-21 Saskatoon, SK Ag in Motion memberships as follows: Saskatoon, SK JulySpecs: 24 Charolais AGM Full rearSKdoor, sideAssociation door, The sponsored membership prize by Flaman will be a

July for 30 side window SK Agriculture Hall of Fame Induction Banquet slots slides, rock guard, 2-3,500 lb toreflex axles AUGUST

Saskatoon, SK

New or Existing Memberships:

August 2-6 Prince Albert Summer 1 year The member that sells the most SSGA Fair new August 4 SK Pasture Tour memberships will receive a free registration for 2 year August 9-11 Canadian Beef Industry Conference SSGA AGM . for September magazine two10 to the2009 August Advertising deadline 2 year spousal

$105.00 $194.25

Prince Albert, 1 SKentry Harris, SK Calgary, AB2 entries

$97.12

1 entry

3 year

$262.50

3 entries

Life

$1050.00

10 entries

$525.00

4 entries

September 23-25

SEPTEMBER 3 year spousal All Breed Show$131.25 Swift Current, SK 2 entries Ranchman’s Ridin’ and Recitin’ and Young Ranchman’s

October 10

OCTOBER Life spousal Advertising deadline for November magazine

November 15-17 November 21-26

NOVEMBER All draws will be made at the 2009 SSGA Annual Convention Winnipeg, MB Canadian Forage and Grassland Association Conference Regina, SK Canadian Western Agribition For more information or to become a member,

please contact the SSGA office at 306-757-8523

Membership type: Member

Associate

Membership status:

Affiliate (call for rate)

Renewal

New

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

Name _______________________________________________ _ Address_ ____________________________________________ _ City/Town______________ Prov_____

Postal Code _________

SSGA MEMBERSHIP

Drive

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

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

MAY 2016

Advertisers Index Affordable Livestock Equipment

Kramer Auctions

Allen Leigh Security & Communications

Kyle Welding & Machine Shop

Apollo Machine & Products

LLB Angus

Arm River Red Angus

Lane Realty Corp.

Beef Infoxchange System

Cover

Linthicum Ranch

Bill Laidlaw Chartered Accountant Professional Corp.

Liphatech Inc.

INSERT

Canadian Beef Industry Conference

Luck Now Products

Canadian Cattle Identification Agency

34-35

Man-SK Gelbvieh

Cowtown Challenge

Manitou Maine-Anjou

Cowtown Livestock Exchange, Inc.

Masterfeeds

D&R Prairie Supplies

New Life Mills

Ducks Unlimited Canada

21,43

New Vision Agro

Edward Jones

Norheim Ranching

17,44

Federated Co-operatives Ltd.

Northstar Seed

Friendly Acres Seed Farm

Paysen Livestock Equipment

Frostfree Nosepumps Ltd.

Saskatchewan Angus Assoc.

GBT Angus

Saskatchewan Ministry of Agriculture

Gibson Livestock

Saskatchewan Verified Beef Production

28-29

Golden Thread Livestock Images

Shadow Ranch

Grayson & Co.

Solar West

Hi-Hog Farm & Ranch Equipment

Spring Creek

Impact Trailer Sales

Superior Livestock Auction

Jackson Designs

Sweet Pro

John Brown Farms

Target Cattle Concepts

26,41

Johnstone Auction Mart

Terra Grain Fuels

Kelln Solar

Western Beef Development Conference

Western Litho

SSGA BOARD OF DIRECTORS THE EXECUTIVE

Doug Gillespie President/Director at Large Neville, SK Phone: 627-3619 Shane Jahnke 1st Vice President/Director at Large Gouldtown, SK

Phone: 784-2899

Bill Huber 2nd Vice President/Director at Large Lipton, SK Phone: 336-2684 Harold Martens Past President/Director at Large Swift Current, SK

Keith Day, Lacadena Gerald Duckworth, Courval Kelcy Elford, Caronport Tom Grieve, Fillmore Dave Hoeft, Southey Paula Larson, D'Arcy Henry McCarthy, Wawota Norm Nordgulen, Assiniboia Donnie Peacock, Maple Creek Roy Rutledge, Assiniboia

ZONE CHAIR DIRECTORS Phone: 773-6782

Helen Finucane Finance Chair Regina, SK Phone: 584-2773

MAY 2016

DIRECTORS AT LARGE

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

Lloyd Thompson, Carnduff Stephanie Deg, Weyburn Terry Ostrander, Hallonquist Robin Wiggins, Maple Creek Bill Huber, Lipton Brent Griffin, Elbow Kimberly Simpson, Kyle Kelly Williamson, Pambrun

375-2934 394-4211 355-2335 722-3504 726-2941 379-9125 739-2205 642-4961 662-8288 642-5358

486-2146 891-9894 553-2213 666-2103 336-2684 854-2050 375-5534 582-6102

AFFILIATE DIRECTORS

Garner Deobald - Charolais Affiliate, Hodgeville 677-2589 Jack Ford - SaskMilk Affiliate, Wishart 328-4700 Tara Fritz - SImmental Affiliate, Shaunavon 297-3147 Ashley L'Henaff - Shorthorn Affiliate, Melfort 920-7751 Laird Senft - Angus Affiliate, Fort Qu’Appelle 332-4823 Lee Sexton - Goat Breeders Affiliate, Hanley 544-2660 Jeff Yorga - Limousin Affiliate 531-5717

APPOINTED DIRECTORS

Dr. Andy Acton- Veterinary Advisor, Ogema

459-2422

SASKATCHEWAN CCA DIRECTORS

Pat Hayes, Val Marie Perry Rasmuson, Moosomin Reg Schellenberg, Beechy Duane Thompson, Kelliher

298-2284 435-3110 859-4905 675-4562

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

NEW LI STI N G

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Specializing in... H H H

We regroove roller mill rolls - most brands

For more information please call: Arthur Weiss 866-354-7655 shadow20ranch@gmail.com

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

COWCAM

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

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!

H Bale Feeders Corral Panels H Electric Fence Wind Breaks Solar Water Stations H Arrow Cattle Equipment Dealer

Cowtown Livestock Exchange Inc. Maple Creek, SK

Regular Sales every Tuesday @ 11:00 a.m. Locally Owned & Operated Call for info on Presort & Other Sales Phone 306-662-2648 Toll Free: 1-800-239-5933

www.cowtownlivestock.com

Linthicum Ranch Open replacement and Bred Heifers for sale, Hereford Black & Baldy Heifers for sale. Also, commercial Hereford Bulls Murray & Jan Frank (306) 266-4377 (306) 266-4417

Glentworth, SK

Friendly Acres Seed Farm www.friendlyacres.sk.ca

306-744-2332

kevin.elmy@friendlyacres.sk.ca Grazing & Silage Corn - Dow Seeds, Canamaize Cover Crops Tillage Radish® Forage Blends Gallagher Fencing SeCan Soybeans Call for local retailers

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

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

MAY 2016

Affordable Livestock Equipment

1-844-500-5341

www.affordablelivestockequipment.com Freestanding 21’ Panels Starting at $199 Windbreak Frames $399. sold less boards 10’ Panels 5 and 6 Bar $69 & $79 Bunk Feeder Panels $399 Continuous Corral Panels Horse Haysavers $459. 7’ High Game Fence Panels 50’ Round Pen Kits $1695 & Up

Pump Kit

Solar West 500

There is a Dealer near You!

Calmar, Alberta ®

a Tradition of Quality in Animal Nutrition

For Beef Nutrition Solutions Call Kyle, SK

306-375-2271

-Livestock Water Troughs - made of 12 gauge Galvanized Steel - Popular sizes 400,500, 1000 & 1250 Imp. Gal.

1,000 gal

valve protector hitch, removable wheels & implement jack for portable trough - Wood burning heater.

www.kylewelding.com

Jerry Glab Jack Wagman Kurtis Reid Roger Kostron

DURALITE, NORBERTS & FRONTIER STOCK TRAILER DEALER

1-306-891-8914 1-306-536-1004 1-306-220-2226 1-306-491-9096

Regina Mill Saskatoon Mill Humboldt Mill

1-877-440-2727 1-888-681-4111 1-800-747-9186

Reputation of Quality 16, 20, 24 & 53’ ground loads in stock

7 YEAR STRUCTURAL WARRANTY

15’, 20’, 25’s in stock

Custom Orders are Welcome North Battleford, SK P: 306.445.5000 TF: 1.800.529.9958

ONE CULTURE - ONE TEAM, TOGETHER WE’RE BETTER!

Online Showroom at:

BL BILL LAIDLAW CHARTERED ACCOUNTANT PROF. CORP.

BILL LAIDLAW CA.CFP.

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

Chartered Accountant

www.lucknowproducts.com

Forage Seed

TMR MIXER FEEDERS

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

Neil McLeod 306-831-9401

VERTICAL & HORIZONTAL

Snowblowers Also Available Sales Rep: Randall Herperger 306-621-7031 www.edwardjones.com

Co-op Feeds We are a Canadian distributor for Pneu-Dart Pneu-darT

Graham McKenzie

306.861.7074 MAY 2016

INC.

Providing all your livestock needs. Brandon: (204) 727-0571 Melfort: (306) 752-2894 Calgary: (403) 531-6656 Moosomin: (306) 435-3331 Edmonton: (780)472-6767 Saskatoon: (306) 477-6464

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

Dale Watson

306.861.4618

Member – Canadian Investor Protection Fund

Integrity Commitment Results

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

Representative for:

Proudly providing legal services since 1883

Weekly Online Sales

(306) 693-6176

Canadian Livestock Auction Ltd. Direct Ranch & Farm Purchases of: • Feeder Cattle • Slaughter Cattle • Breeding Stock

Layton Bezan Head Office: Box 1726, Regina, SK Canada S4P 3C6

Bus: (306) 775-0412 Cell: (306) 537-8898 Toll Free: 1-800-521-7355

e-mail us at: admin@graysonandcompany.com 350 Langdon Crescent Moose Jaw, SK S6H 0X4

Helen Finucane office: 306-775-1443 cell: 306-537-2648 phone: 306-584-2773 Carlyle, SK

Your AD could be here! LIKE us on Facebook! For Upcoming Gelbvieh Sales and Breeders in your area contact: Ian Thackeray President (306) 861-7687 tgfis@sasktel.net

Contact Tracy Cornea at 306-693-9329

www.gelbvieh.ca

(306) 567- 4702

Box 688, Davidson, SK S0G

Annual Online 2 Year Old Bull Sale 3rd Friday in March Trevor, Cheryl, Brett & Carter Branvold Box 205 Wawota, Saskatchewan S0G 5A0 Ph: 306 739 2924 | Cell: 306 577 9141 gbtangus@sasktel.net | www.gbtangus.com

Your AD could be here! Contact Tracy Cornea

306-693-9329

Jackson Designs 306.772.0376

Commercial Graphics Catalogue Design Photography

www.jacksondesigns.ca 42

NEW VISION AGRO Box 479 Hague, SK S0K 1X0 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! MAY 2016

RANCHING

NORHEIM

BEST PRICING ON NOW!! NET WRAP 64” x 8,000ft Free delivery on full pallet quantities Must be booked and paid for by June 1st 67” x 8,000ft to receive best pricing

SILAGE WRAP & SILAGE COVERS Norheim Ranching carries a wide variety of silage plastics. Contact us for pricing on your silage plastic needs

CLEARFIELD TWINE Solar degradable twine. Ideal for bale grazing Lee - Saskatoon Mike - Asquith 1.306.227.4503 1.306.220.2265

Kelly - Eatonia 1.403.990.2098

Sheldon - Redvers Chris - Spalding

Chuck - Gull Lake

1.306.452.7545

1.306.874.8194

1.306.671.7454

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