Beef Business November 2013 by Saskatchewan Stock Growers Association

Beef Business ‘

Saskatchewan’s largest circulated magazine Saskatchewan`s Premiere Cattlecattle Industry Publication Saskatchewan’s largest circulated cattleindustry industry magazine ‘

September 2010 May 2010

November 2013

A Saskatchewan Stock Growers Association Publication Publication Mail Agreement #40011906

Working for Producers

Peak Dot Ranch Ltd.

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Davidson Gelbvieh & Lonesome Dove Ranch

Vernon & Eileen Davidson 306-625-3755 davidsongelbvieh@sasktel.net www.davidsongelbvieh.com Tara & Ross Davidson & Family 306-625-3513 lonesomedoveranch@sasktel.net www.davidsonlonesomedoveranch.com

Gelbvieh Stock Exchange Sale Group Don Okell - 403-793-4549 jenty@eidnet.org www.jentygelbviehs.com Gary or Nolan Pahl - 403-977-2057 garypahl@shockware.com www.towerviewranch.com Wade Watson - 403-528-7456 wjw@cciwireless.ca www.watsoncattle.ca

Prairie Gelbvieh Alliance Sale Group Kirk Hurlburt - 306-222-8210 hurlburtlivestock@sasktel.net Wayne Selin - 306-793-4568 loisselin@hotmail.com

Fir River Livestock

Dave Hrebeniuk - 306-865-6603 Darcy, Renee, Colt & Kenzie Hrebeniuk 306-865-7859 Hudson Bay, SK firriver@xplornet.com www.gelbviehworld.com

EYOT Valley Ranch

Foursquare Gelbvieh

Lynne & Larry Fecho 780-718-5477 Millet, AB perfecho@aol.com www.evgelbvieh.com

Roger & Kim Sayer 403-875-8418 Carstairs, AB rogerandkimsayer@yahoo.ca

Keriness Cattle Company Ltd.

Ron, Carol, Ross, Gail, Owen & Aaron Birch Ron & Carol 403-792-2123 Aaron 403-485-5518 Lomond, AB aaron@tbfarms.ca www.tbfarms.ca

Kert Ness - 403-860-4634 kertness@shaw.ca Joe Ness - 403-852-7332 Airdrie, AB jonus@telus.blackberry.net

V&V Farms

Vern & Vivienne Pancoast 403-548-6678 Redcliff, AB vvfarms@xplornet.com

Stone Gate Farm

Twin Bridge Farms Ltd.

Maple Grove Gelbvieh

Lee & Neal Wirgau 204-278-3255 Narcisse, MB maplegrove@xplornet.com

Nelson Gelbvieh Darrell & Leila Hickman 780-581-0077 Duane Nelson - 403-331-9086 Vermilion, AB Glenwood, AB darrell.hickman@lakelandcollege.ca nelson.lad@gmail.com Man-Sask Gelbvieh Assoc.

c/o Lee Wirgau - 204-278-3255 Narcisse, MB maplegrove@xplornet.com

Royal Western Gelbvieh

Dayspring Cattle

Dan & Marilyn Nielsen Adam Nielsen -403-887-4971 Sylvan Lake, AB www.dayspringcattle.com

Gelbvieh Association of

Rodney & Tanya Hollman Alberta/BC 403-588-8620 Innisfail, AB c/o Merv Tuplin - 780-450-1280 rodscattle@platinum.ca Edmonton, AB www.royalwesterngelbvieh.com mervtuplin@gmail.com

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Contents

Beef Business

Cover photo courtesy of Sarah Anderson, Kisbey, SK

A Proud Saskatchewan Tradition Since 1913

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

Industry News 6

“Riding For The Brand” Mural Dedicated in Moose Jaw

BSE Surveillance in Saskatchewan

BAC Trains Advocates to Speak Up for Beef

COOL Goes to WTO Compliance Panel

Government Seeks Input On Surface Rights, Drainage Policies

SSGA Commissions Comprehensive Study on Solid State Digestion

Larger Herds, Lower Margins: WBDC Study

SSGA Launching Johne's Disease Surveillance Program

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

Markets and Trade 14

Retail Meat Price Survey

Weekly Charts

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

Feature 16

Are Fear-mongering Tactics Scaring Consumers and Making it More Difficult to Feed Hungry People?

RFID Tags and Livestock Brands

Verified Beef Production – Enhancing Consumer Confidence in Canadian Beef

Pregnancy Loss During the Fall and Winter: Useful Information for the Stockman

Where’s the Beef? Active Missing Livestock File

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

Science and Production

Association News and Reports 28

A Report From the SSGA 1st Vice President

A Report From the SSGA 2nd Vice President

Stewardship 32

SK PCAP - Renewal Time for SK PCAP

Sandy Arrow Ranch Wins National Environmental Stewardship Award

Advertiser Index

Calendar of Events

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

Did you know that the SSGA is Saskatchewan's oldest agricultural association?

cycle This M a

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Jude Capper Jeff Gaye Doug Gillespie Shane Jahnke

Contributors Colin Palmer Leanne Thompson Cam Wilk Wendy Wilkins

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

NOVEMBER 2013

www.skstockgrowers.com | ©BEEF BUSINESS | 5

Industry News “Riding For The Brand” Mural Dedicated in Moose Jaw

Saskatchewan’s ranching industry and the roots of the SSGA are depicted in a huge commemorative mural on Moose Jaw’s High Street. “Riding for the Brand,” by Moose Jaw artist Grant McLaughlin, shows a cattle drive to the rail head at Moose Jaw. The inset is a representation of the SSGA’s founders, and at each corner is a cast sculpture of a bull’s head. The mural is framed with a border that includes distinctive Saskatchewan cattle brands. The mural was commissioned for the centennial of the SSGA, which held its founding meeting in Moose Jaw in 1913. It was dedicated on September 6. At 15 feet high by 60 feet long, “it’s probably the largest mural in Moose Jaw,” said McLaughlin, who says he wanted to do a piece big enough “to show the immensity of the cattle drive and the size of the prairie.” Calvin Knoss, Past President of the SSGA, spoke at the mural’s dedication. He recounted some of Moose Jaw’s shared history with the organization including the first meeting in 1913, a three-day stampede in 1916, and the establishment of the first auction mart in 1917. “As an organization, we wanted to share a story from the past with the people who will build the future,” Knoss said. “In particular we wanted to share that story with people who didn’t grow up in the cattle business, as a way to grow awareness of the cattle industry and its significant history.”

to CIBC and Ashdown’s Furniture & Interiors, on whose building the mural is displayed.

“I’ve long felt that the ranching industry was something that should be represented as part of our history.”

McLaughlin said the focus of Murals of Moose Jaw has always been to show interesting aspects of the city’s history. “The cattle industry has been a part of Moose Jaw all along,” he said.

Knoss agrees, “One hundred years of service has set the Saskatchewan Stock Growers Association apart as the oldest functioning agricultural organization in this province,” he said. “We look forward to enjoying this work of art for many years to come.” B

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Knoss thanked the Community Initiatives Fund and Murals of Moose Jaw for their support. He said the SSGA is also grateful

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Publication: Beef Business Size: 5’ x 4.875” Bleed: none

Agency: ON Communicatio

Agency Contact: Raellen Se NOVEMBER 2013

Telephone: 519-434-1365 E

Industry News BSE Surveillance in Saskatchewan Producer participation in BSE surveillance has declined across Canada over recent years, and in Saskatchewan most of all. The Ministry of Agriculture and local cattle industries have teamed up over the last year to get the message out to producers that their participation is essential. We are very happy to report that producers have responded! The number of samples submitted for BSE testing in Saskatchewan has increased considerably; to the end of September 67% more samples were submitted this year, as compared to the same time last year. Thank you to our cattle producers for stepping up to the plate, and keep up the good work. However, even with the recent increase in sample submissions, we are still not meeting Saskatchewan’s assigned quota

of testing at least 7,400 animals each year. Cattle can be found on over 14,000 farms in Saskatchewan – if only half of these farms tested one animal each year, our BSE testing requirements would easily be met. As cattle come in off the pastures this fall, keep BSE surveillance in mind as you make your fall and winter herd management decisions. Cattle that are dead, down, dying and diseased cannot be shipped for auction or slaughter, and either die or are euthanized on-farm. This includes animals that are too thin to send to slaughter. As long as they are over 30 months of age they can be tested for BSE. A great time to get these animals tested is when your veterinarian is already at your farm for another reason – pregnancy checking,

herd health visit, etc. For every eligible sample submitted, you will receive $75 from the CFIA. Call your veterinarian or the nearest CFIA office if you have an animal for BSE testing. You can also call the CFIA’s BSE surveillance hotline at 1-877-727-5273 for more information. If you can’t ship it, test it! B

IF YOU CAN’T SHIP IT, TEST IT Help maintain current market access by having your cattle tested for BSE. Animals that are unfit for shipping, dead, diseased, dying or downer are the type of animals eligible for testing. BSE surviellence is still important and every animal tested makes a difference.

Protecting your investment is as easy as testing one animal for BSE each year. For more information visit www.agriculture.gov.sk.ca/BSE or phone 1-877-727-5273.

NOVEMBER 2013

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Industry News BAC Trains Advocates to Speak Up for Beef “This is an era of consumers looking for information,” says Annemarie Pedersen of Canada Beef Inc (CBI), “and farmers have a great deal of credibility.” CBI and the Canadian Cattlemen’s Association (CCA) are implementing a program to better equip producers and other industry insiders to act as advocates for beef. The Beef Advocacy Canada program aims to help people speak from their own perspective, but with a consistent view of the larger picture. Pedersen said that “noise” from groups with an anti-meat or anti-beef agenda can crowd out the information consumers are looking for, so it’s important for the industry to be able to speak for itself. Training beef people to act as advocates is valuable she said, “because they tell the story from the first person. What they say is not speculation, it’s not a guess. This is what they do every day.”

The program is based on a similar idea, the Master of Beef Advocacy, run by the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association in the US. It will take the form of a free online course which prepares participants to answer concerns that the media and the public may have. “People in our industry know their part really well, but maybe not the big view or the whole picture,” Pedersen said. The course, administered in two levels, will give participants a view of “all topics, from gate to plate.” The program is still in the building process. The CCA and CBI are working with a web developer and putting content together, hoping to launch in November at Agribition. They plan to pilot the program with the CCA’s Cattlemen’s Young Leaders – young (19-35), passionate, websavvy people who can represent the beef industry from a producer’s perspective.

The first level of the program will be more general in nature. It will all be taught by computer, Tablet or Smartphone. While it is intended for people in the industry, it will be suitable for a consumer who wants to understand the beef process – breeding, calving, pasturing and feedlots, right to the cuts of meat and their nutritional properties. The second level will be more intensive, and is geared for advocates who want to be on industry associations’ call lists. “They will learn what they need to know to write letters to the editor and do interviews,” Pedersen said. Plans are to have graduations at the CCA annual meeting in March 2014 and the CBI AGM in September. Support for graduates will be ongoing, with updates available and an online resource library with Power Point presentations, fact sheets, backgrounders and other material to keep advocates up to date. B

COOL Goes to WTO Compliance Panel The World Trade Organization (WTO) will convene a compliance panel to assess whether changed regulations under the United States’ mandatory Country of Origin Labeling (COOL) legislation brings the law into line with international trade standards. The panel was requested by Canada and Mexico, who argue that far from bringing the COOL law into compliance, the regulations introduced by the US actually make it worse. The US says by mandating that beef is labeled to indicate where it was born, where it was raised and where it was slaughtered, it fulfills its intent of providing consumers with important information. This, they contend, justifies a

NOVEMBER 2013

cumbersome and expensive process that makes imports of cattle and beef products unattractive to American ranchers, feedlots and processing plants. The WTO compliance panel’s purpose is to determine whether the US measures brings its legislation into compliance with a 2009 WTO ruling. The compliance panel is made up of the same members who issued the original ruling. Its decision is subject to appeal by either side. If Canada’s position is upheld after the compliance and possible appeal process, it will be in a position to seek WTO authorization to impose trade retaliation measures against the US. The Canadian government has already published a list of products it intends to target. Most of the

imports were strategically chosen for their importance to constituents of politicians who support COOL. Agriculture Minister Gerry Ritz says the compliance panel and the retaliation lists are part of an effort to “aggressively lobby the US government” to put an end to mandatory COOL legislation. He said the expanded labeling requirements will result in increased segregation of livestock and increased costs for importers of Canadian cattle or beef. This, he says, “hurts producers on both sides of the border.” B

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Industry News Government Seeks Input On Surface Rights, Drainage Policies The Government of Saskatchewan is seeking public input on two policy areas that have a direct effect on agricultural land use. The province is reviewing its Surface Rights legislation. This legislation outlines how mineral-rights holders compensate landowners for access to the land, including leases paid by an oil company for access to drill or operate a well on a farm or other property. Saskatchewan, through the Water Security Agency (WSA), is also developing a new agricultural drainage policy and updating drainage regulations. The province has published a brief discussion paper regarding the Surface Rights review (see http://economy.gov. sk.ca/surfacerightsreview). The paper outlines six criteria for determining

payments for surface access – land value; loss of use; severance, or the change in agricultural practices caused by the lease; adverse effect; nuisance, inconvenience, disturbance and noise; and the cumulative effect of the lease operation. There are eight specific questions asked in the paper, and stakeholders are invited to offer their input. The deadline for replies is November 30. The WSA consultation on drainage is being conducted by the Insightrix research firm. Insightrix is asking Saskatchewan residents to volunteer to be part of a citizens’ panel – an online community which will include an Insightrix facilitator and WSA representation. The review is intended to update regulations in light of concerns raised by farmers, rural municipalities and environmental groups. It will examine licensing requirements, effectiveness of

| ©BEEF BUSINESS | www.skstockgrowers.com

drainage, and mitigating such risks as downstream flooding, damage complaints and environmental impacts. The online panel will discuss the various drainage issues, and will be asked to respond to surveys from time to time throughout the process. Saskatchewan residents over the age of 18 are eligible to join the panel, which will remain open until March 31, 2014. Participants will have a voice in the development of the new policy and will have an opportunity to discuss drainage issues with other stakeholders. Additional information is available at agdrainage.insightrix.com. B

NOVEMBER 2013

Industry News SSGA Commissions Comprehensive Study on Solid State Digestion The Saskatchewan Stock Growers Association has been awarded a $51,000 research grant to measure the ecological and economic benefits of solid state digestion for manure management. SSGA has contracted Prairie Agricultural Machinery Institute (PAMI) to conduct the study, which could have wide-ranging implications for management not only of manure but of other solid farm waste as well. The key to the research is PAMI’s Solid State Anaerobic Digester, which converts organic waste into energy. Microorganisms within the digester break down the waste, and the off gases are collected. The remaining solid material can be composted for use as fertilizer. Gas is one benefit of the process says Dr Joy Agnew, the project’s lead researcher, but not the only one and not necessarily the most important. “Manure isn’t a huge biogas producer, because it’s already been digested once,” she says. There are other benefits, though, and these can add up to make a good economic case for digestion. The study aims to put a dollar value on the total benefit of the process. “Digestion is not new,” Agnew said. Liquid digesters have been in use in Europe for years, but since they require waste product to be liquefied, the digesters aren’t as versatile and the added step makes them less efficient in terms of the producer’s time and effort. But the problem with solid waste, Agnew says, is “you can’t pump or meter the stuff. No research has been done on how to maximize the value of solid waste digestion.” A key benefit of the solid digestion process is that any solid organic waste can be put into the digester, not just manure. Leftover or spoiled feed, even

dead stock can be processed. Pathogens are stabilized through the process, making digested, composted waste a safer form of fertilizer than straight manure. Nutrients are stabilized as well – Agnew says that 60 per cent of manure’s plant nutrients are lost to the atmosphere in traditional application. With digested manure there is less to spread, less odour, and less greenhouse gas emission, Agnew said. The point of the study is to assign a dollar value to the various benefits of solid digestion and make a case for a manufacturer to develop digesters for regular commercial use. Without the research, Agnew says “overall it’s a challenge. The economics don’t make sense.” “What do you define as profitable? How do you put a dollar value on pathogen reduction?” But, she says, “we want to quantify and put a dollar value on all the benefits of digestion – energy creation, reduced odour emissions, reduced greenhouse gas emissions and a smaller carbon footprint, and the side benefits of landapplying digestate versus raw manure – things like pathogen reduction, weed seed reduction and the fact that it’s a more stable material.”

If solid state digestion can be made commercially viable, Agnew says “it will help the entire livestock and crop industry be more sustainable. And anything that will make the industry more sustainable, I’m all for it.” Funding for the project was provided by Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada through the Canadian Agriculture Adaptation Program. In Saskatchewan, this program is delivered by the Agriculture Council of Saskatchewan. B

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NOVEMBER 2013

Industry News Larger Herds, Lower Margins: WBDC Study The Western Beef Development Centre (WBDC) has issued its cow-calf cost of production analysis for 2012. The analysis includes important data to help producers manage costs and improve margins and profitability. The study examined the 2012 calf crop, and was based on a small sample - 22 producers, out of 7,300 in Saskatchewan. The herd sizes ranged from 65 to 1,000 cows, with an average of 354. The numbers show that the average weaning weight was down 39 pounds from 2011, and average income per cow, at $677 or $1.51/lb of weaned calf was also down. The 2011 averages were $747 per cow or $1.57 /lb of weaned calf.

Larson says it’s not quite that simple. The top producers placed high importance on herd management and reduced their cost per cow by keeping larger herds. “While being low-cost is important for profit potential, a producer should not cut costs at the expense of good herd management,” Larson said.

Based on average costs of $630 per cow, the break-even price on weaned calves in 2012 was $1.42/lb. The average price for 500-lb calves was $1.50/lb. Kathy Larson, an economist with WBDC, said this data is significant. “It is extremely important for producers to calculate their break-even price on weaned calves, and to not just calculate total production costs per cow,” she said. “Two producers with the same production costs on a per-cow basis will, more often than not, require different prices for their calves to break even because they will have different weaning weights and different wean percentages.”

Producers in the top 25% of the study have 559 cows on average. They also use extensive field feeding in their winter feeding programs, and they record and monitor their costs. “This would suggest there is true value in monitoring costs and production results year over year,” Larson said. Results of the study are available on the WBDC website, www.wbdc.sk.ca. B

It may seem obvious to conclude that margins improve with lower costs, but

SSGA Launching Johne’s Disease Surveillance Program The Saskatchewan Stock Growers Association (SSGA) is implementing a testing program for Johne’s Disease. The program is targeted at testing purebred herds because purebred breeders, who annually market bulls to a number of customers, may pose a risk of spreading the disease to other operations. Participating producers will engage veterinarians to take blood samples from all of their cows and bulls over two years of age and submit the samples for testing. Based on the test results, veterinarians will develop Animal Health Risk Assessment and Management Plans (RAMP) with producers on each of the affected farms.

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The project aims to reach approximately 50 producers and test 4,000 animals. Data will be pooled to protect the confidentiality of the producers and their respective breeds. Testing and onfarm assessment costs will be paid by the project. Funding for this program has been provided by a grant from the federal-provincial Growing Forward 2 framework. B For more information on this program contact the SSGA office at (306) 757-8523.

NOVEMBER 2013

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Markets and Trade Retail Meat Price Survey as of October 21, 2013 ($/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

EXTRA FOODS 3.76 3.12 5.39 * 5.12 9.97 6.39 * 11.46 17.68

SAFEWAY 4.44 * * 12.29 * 14.97 7.39 8.49 12.59 19.79

SOBEYS 4.39 3.74 6.09 * 6.14 11.94 5.99 4.88 11.59 18.09

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

SSGA 100th Anniversary Belt Buckles Please contact the Saskatchewan Stock Growers Association office for orders:

$250 plus shipping and GST

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Box 4752, Main Floor, Canada Centre Building Evraz Place, Regina, SK S4P 3Y4 TEL: (306) 757-8523 FAX: (306) 569-8799 Email: ssga@sasktel.net www.skstockgrowers.com

NOVEMBER 2013

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

2010

150.00

2011

130.00

2012

110.00

2013

90.00

170.00 160.00 150.00 140.00 130.00 120.00 110.00 100.00 90.00 80.00

Source: CanFax

AB Fed Steer Prices 120.00 110.00

2010

100.00

2011

90.00

2012

80.00

2013

Price per hundred weight

2011 2012 2013

Source: CanFax

Alberta Weekly D1 & D2 Cows

130.00

90.00 85.00 80.00 75.00 70.00 65.00 60.00 55.00 50.00 45.00 40.00

2010 2011 2012 2013

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

70.00 Source: CanFax

Weekly Canadian Dollar

Source:CanFax CanFax Source:

Lethbridge Barley Price

1.0400

300.00 280.00

1.0000 2012

0.9800

2013 5 yr avg

0.9600

Price per tonne

1.0200

260.00 240.00

2010

220.00

2011

200.00

2012

180.00

2013

160.00

0.9400

Source: Bank of Canada 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

140.00

0.9200

CDN $ - US terms

2010

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

170.00

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

190.00

Price per hundred weight

SK Weekly Average Price 500-600 lbs Steers

Source: CanFax

For more information visit www.canfax.ca

NOVEMBER 2013

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Feature Are Fear-mongering Tactics Scaring Consumers and Making it More Difficult to Feed Hungry People? Jude L. Capper, PhD, Livestock Sustainability Consultancy, Bozeman, MT the question is posed. If we ask “What are your concerns about beef?” the top answers almost always concern price, taste, safety and nutrition. Technology use seldom makes it into the top10. However, if we ask “Are you concerned about the use of hormones and steroids in beef production?”, the answer is often a resounding “Yes”. Consumers may well have actual concerns regarding hormone use; but hormones are such a hot button issue, that in some cases they may answer yes, even if the concern is as simple as “I don’t know when and where they are used, but the fact that you’ve asked me whether I am concerned has now made me concerned!” Beta agonists have been a hotly debated topic in the media recently, after it was suggested that Zilmax™ might be related to welfare issues in supplemented cattle1, and Tyson announced that they would not purchase cattle produced using the feed supplement. Hormones have now been added to the discussion, with A&W Canada announcing that all beef will be sourced from hormone-free cattle. Obviously we should all be free to make food choices, but are these decisions made on the basis of valid scientific concern, or simply marketing tactics? After all, Panera Bread is currently running commercials in the US promoting the “antibiotic-free ham” used in their breakfast sandwiches, regardless of the fact that all ham sold in the grocery store is antibiotic-free. Although Tyson did not directly cite consumer concerns, there is no doubt that animal welfare is an area of growing concern for many consumers. By contrast, A&W claims that “hormone-free” and “no steroids” statements are very important to their customers. I have to admit to a certain cynicism regarding this claim, as the answer often depends on how

The latter example is not a surprising response in a world where many food commentators, self-proclaimed experts or bloggers appear to exist for the sole purpose of instilling consumer fear. One recent article in the online magazine salon.com2 listed 9 reasons why we should fear eating steak – apparently it’s riddled with antibiotics, full of heavy metals and likely to give us all mad cow disease. The article did not make any mention of the health benefits of beef consumption, the nutritional value of zinc, iron, protein and micronutrients, or indeed the fact that if we don’t need to try hard to find food safety incidents related to almost any food (cantaloupes, tomatoes, organic spinach being just three recent examples). I’m a scientist by training. In my career to date, I’ve learned that the more controversial the topic, the more important it is to base claims on sound data which is peer-reviewed and published in order to gain trust. If I present data that challenges perceptions, the first questions are always “Is this published in a peer-reviewed journal? Who funded it? How do I know it’s correct?” Yet, if we’re asking a question, even if it’s a loaded question that may instill fear

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or doubt in the reader, apparently scientific foundation is redundant. Could combining coffee and bagels in the same meal cause migraines? Is cancer caused by the rise in popularity of household pets sleeping on their owners’ beds? Is your tiredness really the result of too little sleep, or could it be all the chemicals that “big food” uses every single day? Hey, I’m just asking! Not making a claim, not saying that X + Y = Z, just throwing the thoughts out there. But having read them, how many of us now are thinking about our headaches, the potential ill-effects of Fluffy the cat, or how we really do seem to be more tired nowadays? (note that these really are examples that I have invented, I know of no scientific foundation for any of them). Possibly the most damaging line in the salon.com article contained no data. No scientific foundation. Just a question: “Could Ractopamine, added to the food supply in 1997 with little public awareness, be contributing to skyrocketing rates of obesity and hyperactivity in children?” As I discuss in more detail on my blog3, the above correlation seems as likely as suggesting that eating alfalfa hay is going to make us lactate like dairy cows. Because of the regulations, put in place by government, on the maximum residue limits for veterinary drugs in animal products a 10-year-old child would have to eat 1,330x the average intake of pork before we’d expect to see a physiological effect of Ractopamine use. That means eating 35 lbs of pork per day – an inconceivable amount. Yet the cleverlyphrased question above would suggest to many of us that a direct correlation might well exist, and lead us to reduce pork consumption. We know that to maintain the continuous improvements in beef sustainability that

NOVEMBER 2013

Feature

we’ve seen over the past half-century, we need to ensure that economic viability, environmental responsibility and social acceptability are all in place. All cattle producers have the choice as to what tools and practices are used within their operation, but what are the big picture environmental and economic implications of removing beta agonists and implants from beef production? In a conventional beef production system using both technologies, we’d need 85 million total cattle4 to maintain the US annual production of 26 billion lbs of beef. If we removed beta-agonists from US beef production we’d need an extra 3.5 million total cattle to support beef production; losing access to implants would require an extra 9.9 million cattle; and removing both tools would increase total cattle numbers to 100 million (a 15 million head increase) to maintain the current beef supply5. If we removed beta-agonists, we would need more natural resources to maintain US beef production:

• More water, equivalent to supplying 1.9 million US households annually (195 billion gallons)

• More land, equivalent to an area just bigger than Maryland (14.0 thousand square miles)

• More fossil fuels, equivalent to heating 38,000 US households for a year (3,123 billion BTU)

If we removed implants, we would need more natural resources to maintain US beef production:

• More water, equivalent to supplying 4.5 million US households annually (457 billion gallons)

•

More land, equivalent to the area of South Carolina (31.6 thousand square miles)

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•

More fossil fuels, equivalent to heating 45,000 US households for a year (3,703 billion BTU) If we removed both beta-agonists and implants, we would need more natural resources to maintain US beef production:

•

More water, equivalent to supplying 7.3 million US households annually (741 billion gallons)

•

More land, equivalent to the area of Louisiana (51.9 thousand square miles)

in order to continue to secure market access for beef. Consumer acceptance therefore needs to be a key component of our mission to continuously improve beef sustainability. That does not mean giving in to the uninformed whims of those who blithely assert that we could feed the world by returning to the production systems of the 1940s or ‘50s, but does offer an opportunity to reach out, listen to and engage in a dialogue with our friends, family, customers and colleagues about the advantages that technology offers. We have a bright future ahead, but only if we keep the torch aloft. B

•

More fossil fuels, equivalent to heating 98,000 US households for a year (8,047 billion BTU) This isn’t simply an environmental issue. If we lose access to the technologies that help us improve productivity and efficiency, then production costs also increase. Feed costs would increase by 4.0% without beta-agonists, 8.1% without implants and 11.0% without both tools. These costs ultimately would be passed on through every segment of the beef supply chain (including the retailer or food service segment) and ultimately onto the consumer, making beef a less affordable protein choice. In a world where one in eight children currently does not have enough food, keeping food affordable is key to improving their health and well-being. If we use productivity-enhancing tools in a single steer, the extra beef produced is sufficient to supply seven schoolchildren with their beef-containing school meals for an entire year. Is that a social sustainability advantage that we can afford to lose? There is no doubt that we will need to use technologies within food production in order to feed the growing global population, yet we need consumer acceptance of both the technologies that we use, and the reasons why we use them,

Merck Animal Health has since pledged to conduct a thorough investigation into the issue and have temporarily suspended Zilmax™ sales in the US and Canada.

salon.com article: 9 Reasons to Fear your Steak Dinner - http:// www.salon.com/2013/09/24/9_ reasons_to_fear_your_steak_dinner_ partner/?source=newsletter

My blog article on Ractopamine use: http://bovidiva.com/2013/09/30/scaretactics-why-do-so-many-public-healthexperts-promote-fear-vs-food/

This is the total number of cattle needed in the national herd, i.e. cows, calves, heifers, bulls, stockers and feedlot cattle.

This data and the following data was presented at the American Society of Animal Science/American Dairy Science Association Joint Annual Meetings in Indianapolis, July 2013.

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Science and Production RFID Tags and Livestock Brands

by Cam Wilk, P. Ag. Provincial Manager, Field Services Unit, Saskatchewan Agriculture Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) tags are an integral part of any livestock traceability system. The RFID tag aids in tracking the movement of livestock. The technology today supporting the RFID tag cannot be relied on as Prima facie proof of ownership. Prima facie is the apparent nature of something upon initial observation. There is a great risk in relying on a RFID tag as a means of securing the ownership of your livestock. This risk increases as a growing number of livestock producers and even some financing operations are promoting the RFID tag as a means of proving ownership. The RFID tag is not a permanent indicator like a good and registered livestock brand.

of the livestock purchased. The manifest number that the livestock were sold on is also added to the sale invoice. This number makes it possible for the Saskatchewan Ministry of Agriculture to trace livestock should further information be required to settle a dispute or address health concerns.

The first step in protecting your livestock is choosing a good brand. Choose a brand that is distinctive and readily recognized. Your nearest livestock inspector’s office will help you select a brand that has your desired qualities and meets our regulations. Be sure to have your chosen brand registered. Unregistered brands offer little or no protection and add confusion. In addition, it is an offense to apply an unregistered brand to an animal.

When a brand is registered, it is in effect for four years or for a lifetime. Brands can be renewed, transferred to other owners or cancelled. Brands which are not renewed are kept on an inactive file for five years before they are eligible for reissue.

In situations when a producer offers livestock for sale that carry a registered brand belonging to another person, the seller will be asked for proof of ownership for that animal. The seller will be expected to provide documentation that shows the seller is the actual owner of the livestock and entitled to the payment.

There are a couple of things to consider when choosing your brand. Choose as simple a brand as possible. Brands for use on cattle are to consist of one or more capital letters of the English alphabet or Arabic numerals used in conjunction with one or more other acceptable characters, measuring at least three inches (75 mm) in height and two inches (50 mm) in width when applied to animals.

The current cost for registering a brand for four years is $25 or $200 for a personal lifetime brand. A corporate lifetime brand is available for 20 years at a cost of $200. There are approximately 18,000 registered brands in Saskatchewan. About 60 per cent of the livestock in Saskatchewan are branded. Application forms are available at any one of the Livestock Branch’s livestock Inspection Offices across the province. Your brand protects your livestock. B For more information Contact the Agriculture Knowledge Centre at 1-866-457-2377 for a referral to your nearest livestock inspection office.

Saskatchewan Livestock Traceability Rebate Up to 70 per cent of eligible costs for purchase/lease of traceability technology is available. This includes hand-held readers, panel readers, traceability software and equipment training. For applications and eligibility details, visit: www.agriculture.gov.sk.ca/GF2-LivestockTraceabilityRebate call: 1-877-874-5365 email: fpbinfo@gov.sk.ca

Brands for use on cattle may be applied to the shoulder, rib or hip position on either the left or right side of the animal. At sale time, the industry looks at a registered brand as proof of ownership. In most cases, this makes the transaction proceed efficiently. At most livestock markets, brand information is passed from livestock inspectors to the market office and then added to the sale invoice. This gives the buyer a complete description 20

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NOVEMBER 2013

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Canadaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s On-Farm Food Safety Program for Cattle Producers

Verified Beef Production Driving Consumer Confidence A Practical Approach to Food Safety Proof of Responsible Management Cattle producers in Saskatchewan can qualify for funding provided through Growing Forward 2, a federal-provincial-territorial initiative Funding is available for 50% of approved equipment cost up to $750 per producer. Eligible equipment includes: chute neck extenders / record keeping software / livestock weigh scales To learn more information about VBP in SK, visit www.saskvbp.ca or contact Coy Schellenberg, Provincial Coordinator, at (306) 859-9110 or office@saskvbp.ca

Enhancing Consumer Confidence in the Wholesomeness of Beef

Science and Production

VERIFIED BEEF PRODUCTION™ Enhancing Consumer Confidence in Canadian Beef With consumers around the world demanding increasingly higher standards of food production, it’s become clear to many Canadian producers that what we do at home is directly connected to how food production is seen around the world. Food safety is seen as a key link in building a brand management package that is marketable to consumers and others in the food chain. Producers need to be recognized for the safe food production practices they are using on their farms and ranches every day. As an industry we have nothing to hide, so why not proudly validate our beef product by “verifying” that we produce it in a safe, wholesome manner. What is VBP? The Verified Beef Production (VBP) program is Canada’s beef on-farm food safety program for cattle producers. VBP is based on a series of Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) designed to reduce or eliminate the possibility of a food safety concern on a beef cattle operation. In turn, SOPs are based on internationally recognized Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point (HACCP) standards divided into “must do” and “recommended” categories. Producers can learn more

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about these in a workshop, which lasts about 2 hours and is offered at no cost, or by taking the free online training course. Those who choose to become registered in the VBP program are validated for these practices through a third party, audit-style process. After an initial validation audit, participants declare their conformance by sending in their records or a selfdeclaration annually. Funding Now Available Cattle producers who attend a VBP workshop or complete the online training qualify for new funding offered through Saskatchewan’s Growing Forward 2 (GF2) On-Farm Food Safety (OFFS) Implementation Program. Producers who choose to become registered can apply to have 50% of the cost of the validation audit covered. There is also partial funding for use toward the purchase of equipment (50% of the cost up to $750) which helps carry out good food safety practices on-farm. While the equipment is not required to meet VBP standards, it can help producers do their job easier, more effectively and more efficiently overall. Equipment includes software for record keeping, livestock weigh scales, and head-gates that have neck extensions.

Application forms and a list of approved equipment manufacturers are available from the VBP office, or online at www. saskvbp.ca. For the growing number of producers who take part in VBP, the time spent in the training and registering processes is an important investment. VBP is a trusted, recognized program in the marketplace. It will continue to play an important role in evolving consumer expectations as food safety continues to grow as a public priority. Canadian beef is a safe food product, let’s show the world why. B For more information contact: Coy Schellenberg, BSA, PAg Provincial Coordinator – Sask VBP 1-306-859-9110 office@saskvbp.ca

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Science and Production Pregnancy Loss During the Fall and Winter: Useful Information for the Stockman by Dr. Colin Palmer

We all know that sinking feeling when we notice a cow with placenta hanging out, or we see a small obviously pre-term fetus in the bedding pack. Already you are down at least one calf and calving hasn’t even started yet! All sorts of questions come to mind: Will there be more? Which animal aborted? What caused it? Do I have an infectious disease? Is there something that can be done to prevent more abortions? In my role as a veterinarian, at the Western College of Veterinarian Medicine, specializing in animal reproduction (theriogenology) phone calls from producers regarding abortion are unfortunately common. My approach is almost always the same which is to first determine the seriousness of the situation. The majority of calls are made when something visible has been seen; often after the second occurrence, but we also get notified in the middle of very serious abortion outbreaks called “storms” where 10%, 20% or more of the herd has been affected. I will never say that abortion is normal; however, I think it is important for producers to realize that there is an acceptable level of abortion which occurs in every herd. That level is 4% or less from about 2 months of gestation to term. What I refer to as“visible” abortions, occurring from mid-gestation onward, should not exceed 1 to 2%. Abortions occurring at less than 4 months of gestation are not as obvious because the fetus is too small to be visualized and retained placentas are not noticeable. Low or acceptable levels of abortion often occur as a result of an abnormal fetus; Mother Nature’s way of taking care of business in my opinion. A congenital defect may have been present eventually resulting in fetal death and abortion. Twin pregnancies are always at greater risk of abortion. Although we consider the birth of twins in cattle to be normal there may not be enough room in the uterus NOVEMBER 2013

to support two calves. Challenges to the placental oxygen supply leads to fetal stress which triggers the birthing process regardless of whether the calves are ready to be born or not. This is why twins are almost always born sooner than expected; others arrive too early to be viable. Injuries are another cause of abortion – cows falling on the ice or fighting may sustain damage to the placenta and abort within a few to several days of the event. Surprisingly, nutritional or weather related stress to cows does not cause abortion. The fetus must experience stress for abortion to occur, not the dam. Moldy hay or other feedstuffs may occasionally cause one to a few abortions in a herd, but rarely storms. Often the feed has to be very badly contaminated as animals will avoid moldy feed if given a choice. Select viruses and bacteria are leading causes of abortion in cattle. Bovine herpesvirus-1 (BHV-1), the virus that causes Infectious Bovine Rhinotracheitis (IBR) can infect both the respiratory and reproductive tracts. Runny eyes, high fever, and pneumonia may occur as well as infection of the fetus in non-immune pregnant cattle. The infection is spread from animal to animal in the secretions from their eyes, nose, reproductive tract fluids or an aborted calf. Cattle that abort may or may not have any other signs of disease and animals that have been infected in the past may continue to harbor the virus and will shed it when stressed very similar to the cold sore virus in people. Contaminated feed troughs and other equipment are an unlikely source of the virus. Once the virus enters the uterus the fetus usually dies within a few days; however, several days may lapse before the fetus is expelled. Most abortions occur between 4 and 8 months, but can occur at any stage of gestation. If a producer is unfortunate enough to have an unvaccinated herd upwards of 20 to 50% of the cows may abort. I have witnessed other scenarios where a vaccine was poorly administered and, fortunately, abortions were limited to 5 to 10% of the herd.

The other major abortion causing virus is bovine viral diarrhea virus (BVDV). Like BHV-1, it can result in pregnancy loss anywhere during gestation, but more often during the first 3 months. Abortion storms affecting as many as 40% of a herd have been reported in herds lacking immunity and it should not be ruled out as a cause of late gestation abortion storms. In many ways, abortion might be the lesser evil! Pregnant cattle that become infected between 25 and 125 days of gestation and do not abort will invariably give birth to persistently infected (PI) calves, whereas pregnancies that survive infection between 100 and 150 days of gestation often result in the birth of calves displaying a variety of congenital defects ranging from growth retardation to brain, eye and skeletal anomalies. Although less likely to cause abortion, infection during late gestation can result in the birth of weak calves or calves that initially appear normal, but are at a higher risk of become sick later. If they make it to breeding age these heifers are less likely to become pregnant. Persistently infected calves are the bane of any herd - they are often poor doers continually shedding the virus to wreak havoc with non-immune animals before they succumb to disease and death themselves typically before 2 years of age. Surprisingly, not all PI animals look terrible, I know of cases where good looking replacement heifers and breeding bulls were later identified as PI animals. Leptospirosis caused by members of the Leptospira bacteria family is an infrequent cause of abortion on the Canadian prairies, but an extremely important cause in most other parts of the world. Abortions typically occur from 4 months of gestation to term. Types of Leptospira bacteria are maintained almost exclusively in the cattle population and are shed for several weeks, or even years in the urine of infected cattle. Most of the time abortion outbreaks due to cattle Leptospira affect only one or a few animals in the herd. Occasionally, a type of Leptospira found in continued on page 27

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NOVEMBER 2013

Science and Production Active Missing Livestock Files As of October 2013

Area missing from

Number of head

Dysart

Unity

Grayson

Shellbrook

Animal description Steers – unspecified colour

Yearling heifers Steers – unspecified colour Steers – unspecified colour

Bull – black white face

Brand description

Brand location LH

RCMP subdivision

Livestock Branch contact

Date reported

Southey

Moose Jaw 306.694.3709

Sept 23

Unity

North Battleford 306.446.7404

Oct 7

Esterhazy

Yorkton 306.786.5712

Sept 25

Esterhazy

Yorkton 306.786.5712

Oct 3

Shellbrook

Prince Albert 306.953.3230

Sept 23

Information provided by the Livestock Branch of the Saskatchewan Ministry of Agriculture Pregnancy Loss cont. from pg. 25 pigs and wild animals can cause abortion storms. Other disease causing bacteria found in cattle may also cause abortion; however, the number of animals affected is often small. Neospora caninum is a parasite associated with abortion in cattle which was first recognized in the 1980s. Now reported worldwide, in many jurisdictions it is the most commonly diagnosed cause of abortion. Dogs, and perhaps coyotes, are the main host for the parasite and can spread it to cattle through poop contaminated feed and water. Allowing farm dogs to feed on cattle carcasses completes the life cycle and contributes to disease spread. Infected cows pass the parasite directly to their unborn fetus causing abortion or the birth of an infected fetus. If it is a heifer calf, she may in turn spread it to her calf(ves). Abortions usually occur from 4 to 6 months, but can occur throughout gestation. Once infected, cows may not clear the parasite and become lifelong carriers that may abort one gestation then produce a viable but infected calf the next gestation. I call NOVEMBER 2013

these “hit and miss” cows. Storms are not common with the usual situation being a low level of abortion that can continue to occur year after year. Despite great advances in veterinary science our ability to diagnose the cause of a single abortion is often limited; fortunately our odds improve with greater numbers of samples submitted. The most ideal tissues to submit are a fresh fetus and a fresh placenta. Placenta is every bit as important as the fetus. Freezing fresh tissue as soon as possible for submission later is the next best thing. I will often tell producers who have found one aborted fetus to try to obtain a large sample of placenta and to place the calf and the placenta in a strong garbage bag identified with cow ID and date. Don’t leave this material outside for scavengers and keep it away from human food. Empty grain bins make excellent freezers in the dead of winter. If more abortions occur over the next few days then the entire batch of samples can be gathered for a single submission to the lab. Seeking a cause for the abortions when in most cases nothing can be done to stop it may seem like a futile waste of

time and money, but is vitally important for establishing control measures in the future. Excellent vaccines are available for the prevention of devastating BVD and IBR infections and if you do not have a vaccine program in your herd you are playing with fire. IBR and BVD are everywhere! Simple management practices including limiting the exposure of new purchases to the pregnant cow herd and preventing dogs and coyotes from scavenging food in the calving yard can really improve herd productivity. If Neospora caninum is suspected, herd testing may be warranted to identify carrier animals. B Dr. Palmer gained experience in mixed animal practice in Ontario, British Columbia and Saskatchewan before joining the WCVM in 2000. Dr. Palmer is extensively involved in teaching undergraduate theriogenology and is primarily responsible for the palpation and obstetric labs. He is actively involved in providing clinical service in the Large Animal Clinic and Field Service areas. His primary clinical interest is food animals, especially cattle; however, Dr. Palmer plays a minor role in delivering reproductive services in the Small Animal Clinic.

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Association News and Reports A Report From Doug Gillespie - 1st Vice President, Saskatchewan Stock Growers Association Cattlemen’s Association (SCA) have both passed resolutions in favour of exploring the development of a Saskatchewan Cattle Producers Assurance Fund (SCPAF) and have been working collaboratively on the development of the fund.

In the past decade there have been eight incidences of non-payment by licensed livestock dealers in Saskatchewan which have resulted in losses of nearly three million dollars for cattle producers. The Saskatchewan Stock Growers Association (SSGA) and the Saskatchewan

I believe that by implementing an Assurance Fund in Saskatchewan we will be providing cattle producers with an affordable risk management tool to protect themselves against non-payment. Non-payment is not a risk that producers usually think about with each cow they sell. However when you are impacted by non-payment it is truly financially devastating to the affected producers. Currently the only avenue producers have available to them for payment, in cases of non-payment, is to file a claim against a dealer’s bond. In most claims against

bonds producers recapture less than 10% of the original value of their cattle which is severely inadequate. Producers are encouraged to continue conducting proper due diligence when selling their livestock. By implementing a fund, similar to the ones that have been in operation in Alberta and Ontario for over twenty-five years, we would be able to cover producers up to 80% of the value of their cattle thereby helping to protect them from going out of business. It is for these reasons I think it is extremely important to move forward with the development of an industry led and funded SK Cattle Producers Assurance Fund and I ask for your support. B

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NOVEMBER 2013

Association News and Reports A Report from Shane Jahnke - 2nd Vice President, Saskatchewan Stock Growers Association Knowing full well I’d be docked for the horns I was surprised to see that my check was larger than it should have been. We have come a long way in reducing the number of horned animals but there is more work to be done. There is definitely slippage in the system but it would be premature to consider eliminating the horned cattle deduction.

I have been on the SSGA board for four and one-half years and am currently serving my third term as second vice president. I ranch with my family Natasha, Savannah and Colt along with my mother Marilyn, my uncle Craig and my cousin Ben. Throughout the years our family has supported the SSGA at various levels, so it’s been instilled in me that if you want to have a prosperous life in the beef business one has to become involved in organizations that speak on behalf of the grassroots producers. It’s pretty easy to sit back and offer your two cents, it’s a little harder to make time and support one’s industry by volunteering to help look after the business we love.

articles about succession planning and if it’s something your family is thinking about my advice would be to hire a professional so it’s done properly. Until next time, I hope everyone has a great fall. B

Having recently gone through succession planning with my own family we should have engaged the services of a professional to assist us. There are resources available to help with this very important aspect of ranch life that few of us want to address. This magazine has run

“Cattle coming into my feedlot are usually heavier, so I treat ’em with long lasting ZACTRAN on arrival.”

There are two issues I am concerned about and they are dehorning and succession planning. I realize that we producers have been and continue to be proactive in horn removal because horns cause economic losses from bruising, head condemnations, and extra labor in the packing plant. We’ve been encouraged to use polled bulls in breeding programs or to dehorn cattle early in age using effective and humane procedures. Regardless of the fact I know this, I neglected to remove horns from around eight to ten head when we shipped our yearlings this fall.

NOVEMBER 2013

Heavier weight cattle are often at lower risk to BRD so it makes sense to treat them with the fast acting,1 long lasting2 product that won’t break the bank. (And it’s plastic, so you won’t break the bottle either.)

Treat them with ZACTRAN ®.

Ask your veterinarian why ZACTRAN is ideal for cattle in your feedlot.

1. Giguère S, Huang R, Malinski TJ, Dorr PM, Tessman RK & Somerville BA. Disposition of gamithromycin in plasma, pulmonary epithelial lining fluid, bronchoalveolar cells, and lung tissue in cattle. Am. J. Vet. Res. 72(3): 326-330 (2011). 2. Based on label claims. ZACTRAN® is a registered trademark of Merial Limited. © 2013 Merial Canada Inc. All rights reserved. ZACT-13-7560-JAD-E

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2013-10-10 3:58 PM

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Telephone: 519-434-1365 Ext.228

Stewardship Renewal Time for SK PCAP by Leanne Thompson

For the past 15 years, the Saskatchewan Prairie Conservation Action Plan (PCAP) has been working toward a shared vision of healthy native prairie ecosystems as vital parts of our vibrant and strong communities. To accomplish this vision, PCAP has operated on five-year plans, and is currently working on the development of the next 5-Year Framework. A renewal meeting was held recently where 23 of the 31 PCAP partners were in attendance to provide input on the development of the new Framework which will guide the organization for 2014-2019. To begin the process, a review of the previous five-year plan was conducted. Partners agreed that the Strategic Framework 2009-2013 was successful on many fronts. PCAP’s website is full of information, guides, and workshops that all pertain to grasslands conservation. However, not all objectives were met successfully in part because of the difficultly in making accurate assessments due to the lack of specific performance measures. Partners felt that in order to demonstrate trends and effectively make the case for grasslands conservation policies and programs, it is critical that PCAP develop an evidencebased approach to gathering data and developing metrics. This approach is also critical to PCAP’s ability to educate the public, students, and politicians on the social, economic and environmental assets contained in prairie grasslands. This suggestion will be taken into account in the 2014-2019 framework. During the renewal meeting, participants identified a number of trends such as increasing urbanization, resource development, reduced economic resources available for conservation, shifting government priorities and fewer people with direct ties to the land as some of the issues facing native prairie conservation. With these trends in mind, partners came to the following conclusions:

Education and awareness should become the primary motivation and focus for PCAP; • Communication among the PCAP partners needs to improve through sharing information, developing collaborative opportunities, and developing key messages to be used in briefs for the public, students, and politicians; • Valuing ecological goods and services has been a difficult and contentious issue. This area requires facilitated dialogue among the partners to encourage information sharing and problem-solving.

Input provided by partners at the renewal meeting acknowledged the importance of native prairie stakeholders working together. The 2014-2019 Framework provides a new opportunity for organizations to “pick their spots”, to find the collaborative opportunities in which they can be successful, and put aside those areas where we lack consensus or resources. SK PCAP looks forward to continuing and improving this collaborative approach to native prairie conservation over the next five years!

In addition, partners agreed that streamlining to four priority areas with specific objectives and measurable outcomes would be an improvement in the new Framework. The four priority areas suggested are: 1. Native prairie education and awareness 2. Sustainable/responsible human impact 3. Valuing ecological goods and services 4. Ecosystems management – invasive alien species and grazing In each of these four priority areas, objectives, strategies and outcomes/ activities were identified. Wherever possible, objectives and measurables will be defined in terms of quantity, quality, and time. The next steps will include a refining of ideas and input gathered from partners at this renewal meeting and development of a draft 2014-2019 Framework document. The draft will be sent to all partners for review and comment with the final document to be signed during native prairie appreciation week in June 2014.

NOVEMBER 2013

Stewardship Sandy Arrow Ranch Wins National Environmental Stewardship Award by Jeff Gaye

Sandy Arrow Ranch near Hanley is the sixth Saskatchewan beef operation to win The Environmental Stewardship Award (TESA) at the national level in the last sixteen years. Not bad for a ranch that started out as a grain farm. Allen and Lillian Patkau own Sandy Arrow. While Allen knew since childhood that he wanted to raise cattle, the opportunity to buy land and get into the farm business came in grain. As it turns out, not all of their land was suitable for grain farming – in fact, it took some doing to make the soil productive at all. The ranch’s soil is triple-S: solonetzic sand with salinity. There are saline seeps throughout, and in the tillage farming days of the 1970s and 80s, erosion was compounding the problem. “We started grain farming in 1977 and by 1984 we could see the growth in the saline acres,” Allen says. “Tillage was not helping and no-till wasn’t perfected enough to suit us. I thought this was maybe going in the wrong direction.”

poor to sell. “We sold the best and fed the rest,” Allen says. The Patkaus acquired more land with similar soil and used perennial forages and grazing management to make it productive. Allen says he is passionate about “the whole grazing, cattle and livestock industry.” The key, he says, is “to focus very hard on soil management. What can you do with grass and livestock?” Sandy Arrow Ranch is now 4,700 acres, 3,200 of which is deeded. Their herd is about 400 cows plus 200 to 300 yearlings, and the ranch is more than self-sufficient for hay. The adoption of soil management techniques came about for practical farming reasons, Allen says. “We did not originally set out to be environmentally sound. We saw these saline areas and we were concerned about how we were going to make a living off this land when

it didn’t want to grow anything anymore. The land became the focus. The cattle were how we got it done.” The Patkaus’ environmental stewardship now extends beyond preserving their soil and making it productive. They actively protect the riparian areas on their land as well as the native grasses. These areas are fenced off from the pastures; native grasses are used for grazing much later in the season, allowing the later-growing plants to develop mature root systems. “Most of this land was farmed at one time,” Allen says. “We have introduced or seeded grasses, and they come out earlier in the spring. We like to see native grasses get some leaf on them before we graze them off.” Water has been a problem. The water at Sandy Arrow Ranch is salty and the aquifer is slow to recover when a lot of water is drawn. Eventually the Patkaus dug a large dugout; water is delivered from the continued on page 34

The Patkaus grew hay, mostly alfalfa, in the patches where the salinity was not as bad. The perennials slowed the erosion and also slowed the growth of the saline acres. Seeding those patches with forage made the land easier to manage and increased its productivity. Rather than spraying out quack grass, they let it grow and allowed succession. The white acres started coming back to life. As they began growing and selling hay, the Patkaus increased their herd from two cows to 50. In fields where the alfalfa played out but there was good growth of quack grass, they turned the field into pasture. In some places they drilled alfalfa in amongst the grass. They were able to feed their 50 head on the hay that was too

NOVEMBER 2013

Stewardship Sandy Arrow Ranch cont. from pg. 33 dugout to 13 troughs via five miles of shallow pipeline. There is also a winter water site in the middle of the ranch. The key to the operation has been intensive grazing management of Sandy Arrow’s sixty-three fields. Cattle are moved as frequently as every day, or as little as once in ten days depending on the size of the field, among other factors. “You have to keep the mineral and nutrient cycle working in the soil,” Allen says. By working with nature rather than against it, the Patkaus are seeing nature offer them rewards in return. “Soil health was our original focus,” Allen says, “plants and wildlife were added later. It was neat to see it.” In their TESA Award submission the Patkaus describe the satisfaction of seeing the ranch come to life.“It’s been a joy

to see a pasture in bloom; to see native plants reappear in seeded pastures, to see an increase in wildlife and bird life on the ranch. We share the land with deer, elk, and moose. Burrowing owls come and go. Ferruginous hawks are common and there are many ducks and numerous songbirds,” they said.

the Patkaus feel that their care for the environment doesn’t make them unique among producers. “There’s a lot of people who could have won,” Allen says. “We’re not that special or that different.” “We’re really honoured to have won, but I can think of others just as deserving.” B

The rewards aren’t all birds and flowers – Allen says their efforts have resulted in better productivity and an operation that is sustainable as a business. One word they both use often is “balance”: whether it is the delicate balance among soil, water, and livestock or the balance Allen describes among “land, cattle, and chequebook. I’ve told others, environmental sustainability is really important. But if you don’t have financial sustainability it doesn’t work,” he said. There is nothing quick about it – it doesn’t happen overnight. It’s not easy, but it’s been fun. It’s been an enjoyable ride.” Despite winning the national TESA award,

SSGA BOARD OF DIRECTORS THE EXECUTIVE

Harold Martens President/Director at Large Swift Current, SK

DIRECTORS AT LARGE Phone: 773-6782

Doug Gillespie 1st Vice President/Director at Large Neville, SK Phone: 627-3619 Shane Jahnke 2nd Vice President/Director at Large Gouldtown, SK Calvin Knoss Past President/Director at Large Rockglen, SK Brooks Whitney Finance Chair Maple Creek, SK

Phone: 784-2899

Phone: 476-2512

Phone: 662-4420

Grant Alexander, Weyburn Ryan Beierbach, Whitewood Helen Finucane, Regina Gerald Schultz, Success Roy Rutledge, Assiniboia Robin Wiggins, Fox Valley Kelcy Elford, Caronport Henry McCarthy, Wawota Fred Lansdall, Leross

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

Lloyd Thompson, Carnduff Ken MacDonald, Indian Head Terry Ostrander, Hallonquist Brooks Whitney, Maple Creek Bill Huber, Lipton Brent Griffin, Elbow Keith Day, Lacadena Larry Flaig, Assiniboia

456-2500 532-4809 584-2773 773-6860 642-5358 666-2103 355-2335 739-2205 675-4499

AFFILIATE DIRECTORS

Garner Deobald - Charolais Affiliate, Hodgeville 677-2589 Jack Ford - SaskMilk Affiliate, Wishart 328-4700 Tara Fritz - SImmental Affiliate, Shaunavon 297-3147 Laird Senft - Angus Affiliate, Fort Qu’Appelle 332-4823 Arron Huber - Shorthorn Affiliate, Lipton 336-2706

APPOINTED DIRECTORS

Dr. Andy Acton- Veterinary Advisor, Ogema

459-2422

SASKATCHEWAN CCA DIRECTORS 486-2146 695-2157 553-2213 662-4420 336-2684 854-2050 375-2934 266-2070

Lynn Grant, Val Marie Brent Griffin, Elbow Pat Hayes, Val Marie Reg Schellenberg, Beechy Perry Rasmuson, Moosomin

298-2268 854-2050 298-2284 859-4905 435-3110

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

NOVEMBER 2013

Advertiser Index & Calendar of Events Abe’s Signs

Allen Leigh Security & Communications

Arm River Red Angus

Assiniboia Livestock

Beef Improvement Opportunities/ Fort Supply

2, 21

Bill Laidlaw Chartered Accountant Professional Corp.

Canadian Gelbvieh Association

Chartop Charolais

Cowtown Livestock Exchange, Inc.

Cudlobe Angus

E. Bourassa & Sons

Edward Jones

Friendly Acres

Frostfree Nose Pumps

GelbviehWorld.com

Gibson Livestock

Grayson & Co.

Highline Manufacturing

November 3-10 November 11-16 November 13 November 15 November 26-27 December 2 December 2-4 December 4 December 4 December 4-5 December 5 December 7 December 9-11 December 10 January 14-16 January 22-24 January 25 Jan 28-29 February 1 February 4-5 March 4-7

NOVEMBER 2013

Jackson Designs

Rosetown Flighting Supply

John Brown Farms

Saskatchewan Angus Assoc.

Johnstone Auction

Kelara Farms

Saskatchewan Beef Industry Conference

Kramer Auctions

Saskatchewan Charolais Association

Kyle Welding & Machine Shop

Saskatchewan Ministry of Agriculture

Lane Realty Corp.

7, 37

Saskatchewan Verified Beef

Linthicum Herefords

Saskatoon Processing Company

Man-SK Gelbvieh

Sittler Composting

Manitou Maine-Anjou

Six Mile Ranch

Masterfeeds

Solar West

7, 37

Merial

6, 31

Superior Livestock Auction

Nerbas Bros. Inc.

Target Cattle Concepts

New Vision Agro

Terra Grain Fuels

Norheim Ranching

West Central Pelleting

Northstar Seed Ltd.

Western Litho

Paysen

8, 30

Weyburn Inland Terminal

Peak Dot Ranch Ltd.

Young’s Equipment

Plain Jan’s

Zoetis

Pugh Farms

18, 19, 24, 40

NOVEMBER FarmFair International Canadian Western Agribition SIA/SSGA Cattle Industry Luncheon Commercial Cattle Mixer CanFax Cattle Market Forum DECEMBER Six Mile & Guests Commercial Bred Heifer Sale Alberta Beef Producers AGM 14th Annual Cudlobe Bull Sale FACS Social Media Workshop FACS AGM and Conference Peak Dot Ranch Fall Bull and Female Sale 4th Annual Gehl Ranch & Raymond Land and Cattle Bred Heifer Sale Canadian Forage and Grassland Conference Advertising deadline for January magazine JANUARY 2014 Cattlemen’s Corral SK Beef Industry Conference MC Quantock Bull Sale Native Prairie Restoration Workshop FEBRUARY Hill 70 Quantock Ranch Barn Burnin’ Bull Sale Manitoba Beef Producers AGM MARCH Canadian Cattlemen’s Association AGM

Edmonton, AB Regina, SK Regina, SK Regina, SK Calgary, AB Swift Current, SK Calgary, AB Stavely, AB Saskatoon, SK Saskatoon, SK Wood Mountain, SK Hodgeville, SK Olds, AB

Lloydminster, SK Saskatoon, SK Lloydminster, SK Regina, SK Lloydminster, SK Brandon, MB Ottawa, ON

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