Beef Business November 2024

Lock in a price for the future. Purchase price protection with LPI.

Managing risk is integral to cattle producers’ livelihoods. LPI provides a safety net that protects against market price fluctuations. Producers are eligible for a payout if the market price falls below the coverage price selected when purchasing the policy.

The program is market-driven and considers three areas of risk specific to livestock producers:

1. Price 2. Currency 3. Basis

LPI offers protection against market volatility to support livestock producers in managing their operations more effectively.

Visit lpi.ca, call 1.888.935.0000 or visit your local SCIC office.

Agriculture is your life

You deserve an advisor who gets what’s on the line.

Our local practitioners specializing in the livestock industry can help minimize your taxes, maximize results, and optimize your operations.

A Saskatchewan Stock Growers Association (SSGA) Publication

General Manager: Chad MacPherson

Box 4752, Evraz Place, Regina, SK S4P 3Y4

Tel: 306-757-8523 Fax: 306-569-8799

Email: gm@skstockgrowers.com

Website: www.skstockgrowers.com

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Manager: Carolyn Gaudet

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Tel: 306-352-0472 Fax: 306-569-8799

Email: pcap@sasktel.net

SSGA reserves the right to refuse advertising and edit manuscripts. Contents of Beef Business may be reproduced with written permission obtained from SSGA's General Manager, and with proper credit given to Saskatchewan Stock Growers Association. Articles submitted may not be the opinion of SSGA. SSGA assumes no responsibility for any actions or decisions taken by any reader from this publication based on any and all information provided.

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Kori Maki-Adair

Jason Pollock

Heather Sehn

Jeff Yorga

How SK’s Comparable Land Sales Database Can Inform Your Land Transactions

Kori Maki-Adair

When you look up into the night sky and wish upon the first star you see for a resource that will provide you with valuable insights into land value trends and property specifics, you might think it couldn’t possibly come true, but it has.

If you haven’t met it yet, let us introduce Saskatchewan Ministry of Agriculture’s Comparable Land Sales Database (CLSD), a critical tool that provides data on land sales, property characteristics, and other relevant information to help farmers, ranchers, landowners and other stakeholders make informed decisions about agricultural land transactions in Saskatchewan.

The CLSD delivers five key features:

. . . and it offers four key functions.

Since the Ministry of Agriculture merges data sales, assessment and soil class data into one report without changing the information in any way, you can use the CLSD to perform land searches.

You can customize a report for yourself by selecting one, any or all nine data points, including: sale date, legal land description, rural municipality, soil class, sales code (family sale or arm’s length sale), municipal assessment, price and price per acre; and, you can sort a report by date, legal land description, rural municipality, soil class, sales code, acres and price.

The CLSD enables users to retrieve reports of farm land sold within a rural municipality or within a radius of one to 14.48 kilometres from a given legal land description search. Saskatchewan Ministry of Agriculture

Land Sales Data: Information on recent land sales, including prices, locations and sizes, which enables users to analyze market trends;

Property Characteristics: Details about the land, such as soil type, land use, and other agricultural attributes that can influence value;

User-Friendly Interface: A database that is designed for easy navigation, which enables users to search and filter data according to their specific needs;

Analytical Tools: Tools that enable the comparison of properties and market condition evaluation;

Support for Decision-Making: Support for agricultural planning that ranges from buying and selling land to assessing property for taxation or investment purposes;

Land search reports can take a few seconds or minutes to generate; and, you can view them on-screen, print them, or download them into an Excel spreadsheet so you can work with the data in any way that you wish when you want.

In terms of access and pricing data privacy, the Ministry of Agriculture has recently updated the CLSD to prevent the inappropriate access to and potential misuse of vendor and purchaser data, and government records.

The system is built for individual or organization accounts, and it provides instructions and video tutorials for account setup and verification.

Both types of user accounts are entitled to 15 free searches each calendar year, enabling users to search sales for the last two years. To comply with data privacy regulations, these reports do not include the names of vendor or purchases.

One-year subscription licences are available to organization account holders only with an unlimited search contract available for $4,000 plus taxes or a pay-per-search for $20. Licensees cannot distribute or sell the data they access; however, their access to historical sales data is boosted from the previous two years, all the way back to data from 1993. Subscribers can alter their queries by requesting a specific time period or by one-month, six-month or up to 60-month blocks.

For free account users, each rural municipality is deducted from the annual search count of 15. To prevent accidentally-repeated queries, the system attempts to identify duplicate searches by the same user within the same 10 to 15-minute access period, but it cannot guarantee its success; so it is best practice to make note of your searches throughout the calendar year.

Searching... we all do it in this life, especially online, but are we safe?

Know that while you are using the CLSD, you are accessing comparable land sales database information services, simply and securely.

Gain access to your 15 free searches, and other government online services, by setting up a Saskatchewan Account at services.saskatchewan.ca/#/login

REFERENCE

Saskatchewan Ministry of Agriculture

Comparable Land Sales Database

https://www.saskatchewan.ca/business/ agriculture-natural-resources-andindustry/agribusiness-farmers-andranchers/comparable-land-sales-database

For more than 50 years, Pneu-Dart has offered the best remote injection equipment for your drug delivery needs.

Remote Drug Delivery (RDD) systems are designed to capture or medicate while minimizing stress on animals. Whether you're treating freerange cattle, sedating cervid livestock, or assisting in the translocation of wild animals, Pneu-Dart manufactures the products to handle every target situation.

Canada Funds Improvements to Animal Health and Welfare

With the goal of enhancing animal health and welfare and safeguarding Canadians, Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada announced a significant investment of up to $13,343,409 over five years to Animal Health Canada for three projects that aim to improve disease surveillance, emergency management, and animal care standards at the Animal Health Canada Forum in Ottawa on October 8, 2024.

This investment, under the AgriAssurance Program—National Industry Association component, is an initiative under the Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership that is intended to support Animal Health Canada to minimize the economic, health and welfare impacts of potential disease outbreaks in Canadian livestock by improving disease surveillance and the sharing of information.

Key allocations include:

•

$3,534,174 for expanding animal health surveillance networks and adopting a One Health approach to mitigate disease impacts on livestock;

• $5,000,000 dedicated to improving emergency management practices, which involves developing comprehensive plans, training industry personnel, and conducting educational workshops; and

• $4,809,235 to update, review and ensure awareness of the changes of several national Codes of Practice for animal care throughout the farmed animal sector.

“This funding strengthens our ability to work with our members and partners to enhance foreign animal disease planning and preparedness, promote sustainable approaches for animal welfare, and improve our disease surveillance capabilities. Through collaboration and innovation, we are building a more resilient and responsive industry that can meet both current and future challenges,” said Colleen McElwain, Executive Director, Animal Health Canada.

This investment is part of the Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership, which represents a $3.5-billion commitment over five years to enhance the competitiveness and resilience of Canada’s agriculture sector. B

CFGA Launches Habitat and Biodiversity Assessment Tool in SK

The Canadian Forage and Grassland Association (CFGA) is launching a province-specific online Habitat and Biodiversity Assessment Tool (HBAT) across Canada, funded by Environment and Climate Change Canada as part of the $1.2-million Canada Nature Fund project.

This initiative, now in its final year, aims to help land managers understand habitats and biodiversity on their land and identify stewardship opportunities.

The HBAT will be standardized across nine provinces, providing consistent messaging, with tools already available for Alberta, Manitoba, Nova Scotia and Saskatchewan. Tools for British Columbia, New Brunswick, Ontario, Prince Edward Island and Québec will launch in winter 2025.

“The HBAT provides agricultural producers with the knowledge of what native species have the potential to occur on their land based on the known or expected distribution of species, the geographic location of the farm or ranch and on the habitat types and features that are found on it,” said François Blouin, the national technical lead for the CFGA’s HBAT project, on October 22, 2024.

“With that knowledge, stewardship opportunities for wild species can be suggested to the producers who can then decide on what, if anything, is compatible and desirable within their operational constraints and objectives,” he added.

To support the rollout, the CFGA is hosting a fall webinar series to showcase the tool and its impact, with sessions focusing on

Incorporated in 2010, the Canadian Forage and Grassland Association provides a national voice for all Canadians who produce hay and forage products and for those whose production is dependent upon forage/ grassland production.

the Alberta HBAT already completed.

An upcoming webinar is scheduled for November 13, 2024.

For more details, visit the CFGA website at canadianfga.ca B

Into The Future

Establishing the Canada Water Agency: A New Era for Freshwater Management

Fresh water is an invaluable resource in Canada, essential for drinking, sanitation, recreation, agriculture, and industrial activities, as well as for maintaining healthy ecosystems. For many Indigenous peoples, water is revered as sacred and a fundamental giver of life.

However, this precious resource faces mounting pressures from climate change, pollution, and various environmental threats. Recognizing the critical importance of fresh water, Canadians have increasingly called for decisive action to protect and manage this vital resource.

Agency (CWA) as an independent federal entity based in Winnipeg, Manitoba, on October 16, 2024.

Previously functioning as a branch within Environment and Climate Change Canada, the CWA will enhance

Over the coming years, the Canada Water Agency will provide grants and contributions to hundreds of projects supporting the restoration and protection of fresh water in Canada funded by the historic $650 million investment outlined in Budget 2023.

significant step toward effective freshwater management in Canada. The agency will play a pivotal role in executing key elements of the Freshwater Action Plan, focusing on strengthening protections for freshwater resources and addressing transboundary water challenges. By working closely with various partners, the agency aims to foster collaboration and leverage scientific expertise in freshwater policy and management.

Canada Water Agency

freshwater management through improved coordination and collaboration among federal, provincial, territorial and Indigenous stakeholders.

Key Responsibilities

In response, the Honourable Steven Guilbeault, Minister of Environment and Climate Change, officially announced the establishment of the Canada Water

Objectives

The creation of the CWA marks a

The agency will lead the development of a national freshwater data strategy, empowering Canadians to make informed decisions about their environmental, economic and health impacts. And, it will oversee funding programs for eight significant water bodies, including the

INDUSTRY NEWS

Great Lakes, Lake Winnipeg, and the Fraser River, utilizing a historic $650 million investment outlined in Budget 2023 to support hundreds of restoration and protection projects across Canada.

Strategic Location and Regional Impact

The Canada Water Agency will administer freshwater funding programs in eight waterbodies of national significance: the Great Lakes, Lake Winnipeg, Lake of the Woods, Lake Simcoe, the St. Lawrence River, the Mackenzie River, the Fraser River, and the Wolastoq/Saint John River. Canada Water Agency

Winnipeg, chosen as the headquarters for the Canada Water Agency, is an historical gathering place for Indigenous peoples and home to Lake Winnipeg—one of the largest freshwater lakes globally and a priority area for the agency.

The CWA will also establish five regional offices throughout Canada to ensure that local freshwater issues are effectively addressed.

A Collaborative Approach

The success of the Canada Water Agency hinges on strong collaboration among governments, Indigenous partners, non-governmental organizations, academia and industry.

Minister Guilbeault emphasized that safeguarding fresh water is crucial for health, prosperity and cultural practices. The agency’s mission will include fostering partnerships to tackle today’s pressing freshwater challenges.

Terry Duguid, Parliamentary Secretary to the Prime Minister and Special Advisor for Water, echoed this sentiment, highlighting the need for unified efforts to protect fresh water.

The decision to base the agency in Winnipeg—at the confluence of two rivers flowing into Lake Winnipeg—underscores the commitment to addressing local and national water issues collaboratively.

Commitment

Integral to the CWA’s mandate is the

commitment to working closely with Indigenous peoples, respecting their knowledge and perspectives in water management. This partnership approach aims to ensure that Indigenous communities play a central role in the stewardship of freshwater resources.

The establishment of the Canada Water Agency represents a critical advancement in the protection and management of freshwater resources in Canada. Through its initiatives and collaborative efforts, the agency aims to safeguard these vital resources for future generations, ultimately contributing to the environmental, economic, and social well-being of Canadians.

As Canadian agriculture moves forward, the commitment to preserving and enhancing the health of our freshwater ecosystems will be essential in facing the challenges posed by climate change and other environmental stressors.

And it seems the CWA stands ready to lead this crucial effort, ensuring that fresh water remains a cherished and sustainable resource for all Canadians.

REFERENCE

Canada Water Agency

Canada strengthens protection of freshwater with launch of standalone Canada Water Agency www.canada.ca/en/canada-water-agency/ news/2024/10/standalone-canada-wateragency-launches.html

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MARKETS AND TRADE

RETAIL MEAT PRICE SURVEY

Buying? Selling? What to Look for in an Ag Realtor

Jeff Gaye

Land has always been touted as a wise investment. “Buy land,” said Mark Twain. “They’re not making it anymore.”

And as old-time rancher, roper and entertainer Will Rogers advised, “Don’t wait to buy land. Buy land and wait.”

Land was cheaper and markets far less complex in the times of Twain and Rogers. Nowadays, buyers and sellers have to consider cycles and fluctuations in the market, myriad external influences on land value, important accounting and tax considerations, and of course the inevitable tangle of red tape.

The land market is hot in Saskatchewan. As some landowners and family farms see

it as time to cash in, others are looking to expand. Investors and out-of-province buyers are also looking at land’s potential for major money-making opportunities.

Whether you are selling or buying, two of Saskatchewan’s leading farm and ranch land realtors say the first step is getting solid professional advice.

As Harry Sheppard says in plain terms: “Hire an experienced farm and ranch realtor.”

Sheppard is the owner of Sheppard Realty, a full-service brokerage that represents residential, commercial, and acreage properties in addition to its agricultural land specialty.

The Canadian Real Estate Association compiles monthly statistics on activity over Multiple Listing Service® Systems of Canadian Real Estate Boards and Associations in the form of a national price map at www.crea.ca, which provides the latest statistics for major markets and provinces across Canada, compiled from reports provided by real estate boards and associations on activity over their MLS® Systems.

Year over Year % Change in SK + Canada

“There is no ‘one size fits all’ approach to selling farmland, as each property and seller’s situation is unique,” Sheppard said. A knowledgeable realtor will understand the nuances of your property and be able to recommend the most effective marketing strategy to ensure you get the highest price possible.

Gayland Panko agrees. Panko brings extensive beef-industry experience, including as a rancher, to his Panko and Associates brokerage.

He says as a seller, you want your realtor to expand your property’s reach. “Some agents may limit exposure to keep both sides of the deal, which can reduce competition and lower your sale price,” he said. “A realtor committed to maximizing visibility will help you reach more buyers, increasing the likelihood of competitive offers.”

In the same vein, he says you want to avoid restrictive or private sales methods when marketing your property.

“These approaches often prevent fair market competition, reducing the chances of securing the property’s full value. By opting for open, transparent marketing,

you increase your property’s exposure and improve your chances of a successful sale,” Panko said.

Transparency and integrity are key, he says. A good realtor will not cut corners or seek to benefit from both sides of the deal.

“A trustworthy realtor will ensure that all offers are presented to you, allowing for a fair, well-informed decision,” he said.

Sheppard adds that although your realtor will help you make the sale at a fair price, the buyer’s job is not over when the deal closes. Receiving a lot of money all at once usually cues up all kinds of strategic decisions that will influence how much ends up in your bank account.

“Seek the advice of a tax lawyer or tax accountant to ensure you have a complete understanding of the tax implications involved with the sale of your land,” Sheppard said.

Buying land is fraught with pitfalls, too. As buyers are the ones handing over money or assuming a large debt, care and diligence are every bit as important for buyers—or perhaps more so—than they are for sellers.

Panko says buyers need the same confidence and trust in their realtors as sellers do.

“Honesty is critical when buying farm and ranch land. Look for a realtor with a reputation for being upfront about all aspects of the property, including any potential challenges,” he said.

“An honest realtor will ensure that you’re fully informed, giving you the confidence to make the best decision for your needs. Avoid agents who might downplay issues or push for a quick sale—trust is key in such a significant investment.”

That goes hand-in-hand with the realtor’s responsibility to work in your interests. Panko says their commitment to you “ensures that they will look beyond immediate profits and guide you toward the right property, even if it takes time to find the perfect fit.

“Realtors who understand the agricultural market and your specific needs as a buyer will focus on finding land that matches your long-term goals,” he said.

Panko says the ideal realtor is one who knows your needs and speaks your language. He describes firsthand experience in agriculture as an important qualification for an agricultural property realtor.

“A realtor who has been a farmer or rancher will understand the unique challenges and opportunities that come with managing agricultural land. They will be better equipped to help you assess land quality, water resources, and potential yields, offering insight that a typical realtor may not have,” he said.

B

Image courtesy of Randi Debruyne

Feeds the World and Artificial Intelligence

Artificial intelligence (AI) and human intelligence are different.

AI refers to the simulation of human intelligence. AI machine learns through data input to enable it to perform tasks that typically require human comprehension—like reasoning, problem-solving, perception and language understanding. However, AI lacks genuine understanding and emotional context. AI is not conscious or self-aware.

To generate the best output, AI requires relevant, accurate, and up-to-the moment data entry and algorithm redevelopment (a set of rules for solving a problem, automating processes or making decisions based on input data).

Human intelligence comes from our unique human biology, which can be influenced by emotion, experiences and social interactions. Our intelligence can learn from and adapt to a wide variety of contexts through intellectual curiosity, trial and error, and by accident.

And while humans can be affected by emotion and contextual understanding to think creatively, use their intuition to theorize, and generate new and fresh ideas like a musician would do to compose a guitar riff, AI cannot.

AI identifies and relies on patterns in data to generate novel outputs.

In terms of analytical thinking skills, humans use logic, emotional intelligence and social cues to navigate uncertain situations. And if we wish, we could ask someone we trust for advice, and we could ignore that advice too.

Although it is able to process large amounts of data and spot patterns quickly, AI is ineffective at handling uncertain situations and tasks that require deep understanding. And though AI cannot call a parent or a friend for advice to help solve a problem, if it could call someone, it could not ignore the advice it received, which would be layered into its knowledge base (if not extracted).

How about ethics and morality?

Human decisions are based on our values, culture and lived experience, all of which are influenced by our empathy and social responsibility. AI lacks these nuances, entirely. Its decisions are based on hard data and programmed guidelines.

Interaction? Here’s where thing get particularly interesting.

Humans engage with the physical world using our senses, which can be heightened, finely-tuned and adaptable. And despite the fact that AI can control machines with an incredibly wide array of functionality, it lacks sensory perception—vision, hearing, taste, touch and smell.

continued on page 20

The history of artificial intelligence (AI):

1940s-1950s: The foundations of AI were laid with the development of electronic computers. Alan Turing proposed the Turing Test in 1950 to assess a machine’s ability to exhibit intelligent behaviour. John von Neumann and others contributed to theoretical groundwork.

1956: The term “artificial intelligence” was coined at the Dartmouth Conference, organized by John McCarthy, Marvin Minsky, Nathaniel Rochester, and Claude Shannon. This event is often considered the official birth of AI as a field.

1960s-1970s: Initial successes included programs like ELIZA and SHRDLU, which could simulate conversation and understand natural language, respectively. However, limitations in processing power and understanding led to disillusionment, resulting in the “AI winter,” a period of reduced funding and interest.

1980s: The rise of expert systems, which mimic human expertise in specific domains (e.g., medical diagnosis), rejuvenated interest in AI. Companies invested heavily in systems like MYCIN and XCON, leading to a temporary resurgence.

1990s-2000s: The field shifted focus toward machine learning, emphasizing algorithms that improve with experience. Advances in data availability and computational power spurred developments in neural networks and support vector machines.

2010s: Breakthroughs in deep learning, particularly with complex neural networks, transformed fields like computer vision and natural language processing. Significant successes included the development of systems like Google’s AlphaGo and advancements in voice recognition by companies like Apple (Siri) and Amazon (Alexa).

2020s: AI continues to evolve with applications in various domains, including healthcare, finance, agriculture and autonomous systems. Ongoing research focuses on ethical considerations, explainability, and the integration of AI into everyday life.

Image Creator from Designer

Artificial Intelligence cont. from pg. 19

AI processes human senses by analyzing data and recognizing patterns to mimic human sensory perception.

For vision, it uses cameras and image recognition programming to identify objects, faces and scenery. If there are no similar images in its knowledge base, AI cannot interpret the visual information. Humans are like that too when we ask ‘what is that?’

For hearing, AI uses audio analysis to interpret language and sounds. And, if there are no similar languages or sounds in its knowledge base, AI will be unable

to recognize or interpret the sound information—though, AI will store that noise for future identification and comparisons.

Though AI does not feel, it can gather information about pressure, texture and temperature, and create a programmed response to that.

Taste and smell are even tougher for AI as researchers have not yet developed electronic noses and tongues that can recognize odours and flavours.

Like the heuristically-programmed algorithmic computer HAL-9000, the brain of the spaceship Discovery in Arthur C. Clarke and Stanley Kubrik’s 1968 film 2001: A Space Odyssey says, “I’m sorry, Dave. I’m afraid I can’t do that.”

So, now that we’re clear about what AI is, let’s focus on what it can do by conducting an interview with one of the world’s best conversationalists on the topic of AI and how it’s being used in the beef industry.

Beef Business (BB): Thank you for joining us today, ChatGPT. Please provide introduce yourself to our readers.

ChatGPT: I am ChatGPT, a form of AI specialized for natural language understanding and generation, but I do not possess general intelligence or

awareness. My strength lies in mimicking human conversation by generating relevant and coherent text responses based on the patterns learned and trained on vast amounts of text data from books, websites, and other written sources.

These large data sets provide me with the opportunity to recognize patterns in language and generate responses that mimic human conversation. However, I am not aware of the world or capable of autonomous reasoning beyond the scope of language and text prediction.

BB: Thank you for clarifying your functionality, ChatGPT. We would like to discuss the role of artificial intelligence in beef cattle production in Saskatchewan. Can you explain to our readers how AI is being implemented in this industry?

ChatGPT: Absolutely! AI is increasingly being used in beef cattle production in Saskatchewan, one of Canada’s major cattle-producing provinces. Saskatchewan’s vast rural landscape, along with a strong agricultural tradition, makes it an ideal location for adopting AIdriven technologies to optimize livestock management, enhance productivity, and improve sustainability.

One major application is in herd management. Farmers are using AI-driven software to analyze data on individual cattle, such as weight, growth rates, and health metrics. This helps producers make informed decisions about breeding, feeding and overall herd health.

BB: That’s fascinating, ChatGPT. How does this data collection process work?

ChatGPT: Ranchers utilize wearable sensors, cameras, and radio frequency identification (RFID) tags that monitor

continued on page 22

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cattle behaviour and health in real-time. These devices can be used to collect data on feed intake, movement patterns, grazing patterns, social behaviour, and even physiological indicators.

AI algorithms process this data to identify trends and anomalies, which allow ranchers to address issues like animal disease, injury or nutritional deficiencies, proactively.

Some Saskatchewan beef producers also use computer vision and AI-based image recognition technology to monitor their cattle.

BB: Other than viewing animals in real-time or recording them to watch later, how does AI use cameras and computer vision to monitor cattle?

ChatGPT: Saskatchewan ranchers are using AI-powered facial recognition software to identify individual animals

FEATURE

based on their facial features, which helps them to track each animal’s health, weight and location within the herd, which reduces the need for manual identification and increases operational efficiency.

Producers are also using AI camera systems for livestock condition scoring, where AI analyzes images of cattle to assess their body condition and predict their nutritional needs. These systems can identify cattle that are underweight or in poor condition, helping ranchers intervene earlier and optimize feeding strategies.

BB: How does AI use sensors and RFID tags?

ChatGPT: Currently, AI can use those devices to perform four important tasks:

1. To identify changes in behaviour (such as reduced activity or feeding patterns) that may indicate stress or lameness, enabling early intervention before problems escalate. This helps Saskatchewan ranchers ensure better

welfare conditions, which in turn can improve cattle productivity and reduce disease spread.

2. To track each animal’s health, weight, and behaviour, providing a comprehensive picture of herd health and performance. This allows ranchers to monitor individual cows more effectively and make decisions based on real-time data.

3. To sort cattle based on characteristics like size, weight, or health status. For instance, AI sorting gates can direct cattle into different pens or feeding areas based on their growth stage, which helps ranchers better manage groups of animals and reduce labour.

4. To help monitor reproductive cycles and detect signs of estrus in cows, making it easier to manage breeding programs and increase the chances of successful pregnancies. This can optimize calving schedules, increase herd productivity, and ensure efficient cattle reproduction.

BB: Thank you, that’s very interesting. Are there any specific AI technologies being used in the breeding process?

ChatGPT: Yes, there are several. One prominent technology is genetic analysis, which uses AI to predict the best breeding combinations based on traits like growth rate, feed efficiency, disease resistance, and meat quality. This helps producers select animals that will enhance the overall quality of their herds while optimizing breeding programs for efficiency.

AI tools are also being used to predict the outcomes of different breeding strategies based on the genetic data of individual animals. This makes it possible to breed cattle for better performance (such as faster weight gain or higher feed conversion), or specific characteristics like tenderness or marbling in beef. This ensures more efficient production with higher-quality meat.

For some time now, AI has been used in artificial insemination, where advanced algorithms help select the best semen or embryo for improving herd genetics. For instance, Saskatchewan ranchers can use artificial intelligence to determine the best genetic match for improving specific traits, like meat yield or disease resistance.

BB: What about feeding practices? How is AI impacting that aspect of production?

ChatGPT: AI is revolutionizing feeding strategies through precision nutrition. By analyzing data on each animal’s dietary needs, AI can help ranchers formulate customized feed rations that maximize growth and minimize waste. This not only improves the health and productivity of the cattle but also enhances sustainability by reducing feed costs and environmental impact.

BB: That’s intriguing. Please provide our readers with some examples of where AI doing that.

ChatGPT: There are three critical ways that AI is being used for precision feeding and feeding efficiency.

FEATURE

The first way is feed monitoring, where AI systems are being used to analyze data from automated feed systems and smart feed bunks to monitor how much each cow is eating and adjust their feed rations in real-time. This ensures cattle are getting the right amount of nutrients at the right time for optimal growth and health.

AI is also being used in nutrient optimization by helping to determine the optimal feed formulations for cattle, adjusting the types and quantities of ingredients based on factors such as age, weight, and health status. By ensuring that cattle receive balanced, nutrient-rich feed, Saskatchewan ranchers can increase feed conversion rates and reduce wastage, thus improving overall efficiency.

AI systems can also help Saskatchewan producers in relation to pasture management. By analyzing weather patterns, pasture quality, and cattle behaviour, AI can help optimize grazing management, which enables ranchers to predict when pasture is likely to be overgrazed or underutilized. This type of analysis can help producers make better rotational grazing decisions, which can lead to better pasture sustainability and improved livestock performance.

BB: Sustainability is a hot topic. How does AI contribute to more sustainable beef production in Saskatchewan?

ChatGPT: Saskatchewan’s beef industry is also using AI to aid and promote sustainable agriculture, and reduce the environmental footprint of cattle production.

Right now, AI models are helping producers to track and reduce

the carbon footprint of beef production by analyzing data on feed, water usage, and methane emissions. Saskatchewan ranchers can use this information to adopt practices that reduce greenhouse gas emissions, such as adjusting feeding strategies or improving manure management.

AI systems are also helping to optimize the use of resources such as water and feed by monitoring usage patterns and identifying inefficiencies. By using AI to improve resource management, Saskatchewan beef producers can reduce waste and lower their environmental impact.

BB: Those are uses of AI that will grow in importance as we continue to experience multiple years of drought, and possibly, a warming climate around the world. Are there any other ways AI is being used in this province?

ChatGPT: Thank you for asking. AI can also helping ranchers make more

• SERVICES: Whether you are a specialty producer looking to get your product to a specific market or distributor, or if you are producing commodity livestock for sale, we can partner with you. From our multi-species capabilities to our ability to handle smaller volumes, we offer excellent capabilities for producers in the Canadian Prairies to maximize their profitability.

• FACILITY: We have a state-of-the-art facility to allow us to reach markets across Canada, the USA, and beyond. We understand producer’s needs, their care for their animals, and their honest, straightforward nature. Call us to hear how we can work together to get your product to market.

• GRASSFED: “True North Foods is partnered with A&W Canada to supply Canadian grassfed beef for A&W’s grassfed burger program.

Artificial Intelligence cont. from pg. 23

informed, data-driven decisions across most aspects of beef cattle production, including market forecasting and operational optimization.

AI models can analyze market trends and consumer behaviour, allowing ranchers to adjust production strategies to meet demand, such as adjusting herd size or feeding programs to produce higherquality beef; and they can help optimize farm operations by predicting the best time to sell cattle, reduce feed costs, and improve overall profitability by analyzing production data from different sources.

BB: That’s very impressive. What challenges do producers face when integrating AI into their operations?

ChatGPT: While AI offers many benefits, there are also challenges to its adoption in Saskatchewan. Here are three for your consideration.

FEATURE

1. The initial costs of technology can be high, especially for smaller or family-run operations that might not have access to capital.

2. The need for training to use AI tools effectively can also pose a challenge. Ranchers need proper training to use AI systems, and there may be some resistance to adopting new technologies, particularly in more traditional farming communities. Integrating AI with existing production practices can be complex, requiring beef producers to adapt to new workflows.

3. There are also concerns about data privacy and security. With the increased use of sensors and data collection tools, ranchers must ensure that sensitive information, such as farm performance and livestock health, is secure.

It is essential for producers to assess their specific needs and work with trusted vendors to mitigate these challenges.

BB: How can producers integrate AI tools into their existing operations without disrupting their current practices?

ChatGPT: Integration can be gradual. Producers can start with specific areas, like adopting herd management software that incorporates AI analytics. Training and support are crucial, so partnering with tech providers that offer guidance can ease the transition. Over time, as producers become more comfortable, they can expand their use of AI across other areas of their operation.

BB: What future trends do you predict for AI in the beef industry?

ChatGPT: I foresee a growing emphasis on sustainability and animal welfare, driven by consumer demand and regulatory changes. AI will play a crucial role in optimizing resource use, enhancing transparency in supply chains, and ensuring ethical practices. Additionally, we may see advancements in genomic analysis, allowing for more precise

breeding decisions.

The future looks promising. As technology continues to advance, we will likely see even more sophisticated AI applications, such as predictive analytics that can forecast market trends and animal health issues before they arise. Collaborations between tech companies and agricultural producers will also drive innovation, making it easier for ranchers and farmers to adopt AI solutions.

AI is transforming beef cattle production in Saskatchewan by improving herd management, enhancing genetic selection, optimizing feed use, and driving sustainable practices. With Saskatchewan being a major beef producer in Canada, the adoption of AI technologies is helping the province’s farmers stay competitive, reduce costs, and increase productivity in a way that is both economically and environmentally beneficial.

BB: Thank you for your insights, ChatGPT. It’s exciting to see how technology can support the future of the beef industry.

ChatGPT: Thank you for asking me. I am also looking forward to seeing how technology will help the Saskatchewan livestock industry to continue shaping Canada’s agricultural excellence for the future.

REFERENCES

ChatGPT.com

Russell, S., & Norvig, P. (2016). *Artificial Intelligence: A Modern Approach* (3rd ed.). Prentice Hall.

Turing, A. M. (1950). “Computing Machinery and Intelligence.” *Mind*, 59(236), 433-460.

McCarthy, J. et al. (1956). *A Proposal for the Dartmouth Summer Research Project on Artificial Intelligence*.

Silver, D. et al. (2016). “Mastering the Game of Go with Deep Neural Networks and Tree Search.” *Nature*, 529(7587), 484-489.

Sheri Anderson - A Prominent Figure in the Stock GrowHER Field

Kori Maki-Adair

Sheri Anderson is known for her contributions to agriculture and environmental stewardship, and for her humility. After being nominated and approached for this interview, Sheri did not reply immediately because she thought our inquiry was a prank.

We begin this story in a scenic backdrop of rolling hills, river valleys and prairies along the Missouri River where the area is renowned for its unique geological formations made of wind-blown silt, a blend of urban development with rich agricultural land.

Yes, it all started in Omaha where Sheri lived with her folks and two older brothers on the family farm.

“My dad had the dream to get back to ranching as he spent most of his early years cowboying in the Sandhills of Western Nebraska with his extended family,” she recounted.

Sheri said her father loved the mountains which led her parents to buy a ranch in the Canadian Rockies in 1970, and that it “just happened to be north of the 49th near Kimberley, British Columbia," where they started a new chapter in a new country when she was in grade three.

Sheri remembers the transition being interesting and exciting.

“School was a bit different and moving from the rolling hills and corn fields to rugged mountains and forests made it really challenging to find cattle to check on, gather and move,” she said.

With an early interest in ranching like her father, Sheri spent a lot of time riding and exploring their new home in Canada, preparing for her future by honing a diverse array of practical skills in agriculture, science, technology and leadership while still a youth.

She was in 4-H Beef for 10 years with some “light horse added in for a few of them," she said and "was lucky to get to travel on several trips through the 4-H program with one of my favourite being chosen to represent British Columbia on the livestock judging team at Canadian Western Agribition.”

Sports have always been a big part of Sheri's life. She admits they are some of the best things in life.

“It’s a joy to watch as many sporting events that our six grandkids participate in,” she rote in a handwritten letter responding to this interview request.

When asked about her family life, Sheri started by telling us how she met her husband.

“I met Miles through my very close family friend who attended Olds College at the same time [that Miles did] while I was finishing grade 12,” she explained. “I went on to attend University of Nebraska in Lincoln for two years majoring in Sport Medicine, but soon transferred to Animal Science as I was really missing the livestock life!”

Miles and Sheri got married before she finished, which started the next chapter of their lives together in 1981, when they began ranching south of Fir Mountain with her husband’s family on their ancestral ranch that was homesteaded in 1911.

In fact, Miles and Sheri became the fourth generation on that land, and over the next several years, their family grew with four daughters.

“Our girls helped out and were involved as much as they could be, but competitive figure skating and other activities like music took up much of their time,” she recalled.

These days, Sheri says their daughters and sonsin-law are busy with their own careers and places, but adds “they are always willing to come help us out when we need them, and with the grandkids getting old enough to help, that puts the sixth generation working Anderson Ranch Inc.”

Though Saskatchewan has a rich ranching heritage and there are families that have been involved in the cattle industry for multiple generations, sixth generation ranching shows a strong commitment to tradition and family legacy which is wonderfully Canadian, and likely, relatively rare these days.

When asked about their operation, Sheri responded with gentle sophistication.

“We run a commercial Angus herd here in the rolling hills of Southern Saskatchewan, right to our south is the U.S. border, where we are surrounded by Grasslands National Park except for our American neighbours on the southern edge,” she said.

In collaboration with the Grasslands National Park, the Andersons have expanded to graze a large part of the East Block to help enhance the habitat for several species, many of which are endangered.

“We’ve been working closely with Environment and Climate Change Canada over the last several years,” she said because there are declining

numbers of sage grouse on the Canadian side of the border.

“With only a handful counted on our place and a small area in Southern Alberta a few years ago, we have been using effective grazing strategies and monitoring, which have increased the numbers on our place and the Park,” she reported, and must have been pleased to tally.

Sheri’s been involved with Saskatchewan Stock Growers Association since she and Miles became lifetime members in 1988. She even represented Zone 3 and 12 on the Board of Directors for several years.

Though we asked for her thoughts on what women’s roles have been in agriculture and where she thinks they are headed, Sheri responded by reflecting on the influence of her family and their home together instead.

She replied, “The history and heritage of this ranch that’s been in the Anderson family for so long—and was homesteaded by such tough and adventurous souls that came from the United States midwest with only a wagon load of their possessions and a dream—has been an inspiration and motivation for me to help carry on the legacy for the next generations of Anderson offspring.”

FEATURE

Far from overloading us with words, she concluded this interview by setting something in motion.

“One of the greatest challenges to the livestock industry, and agriculture in general, is keeping younger generations on the land to continue as producers,” she said.

“Places are getting bigger as smaller family operations sell out to corporate and investor groups. That makes it virtually impossible for a young person to get a start, unless they have a family farm or ranch to takeover, or a lot of financial backing from their family.”

Though that was the end of Sheri’s letter, when I read it, I sensed her gentle sophistication as a daughter, wife, mother and fourth generation rancher once again as she encouraged us all to work together to do something about that.

Thank you for your ongoing contribution to Saskatchewan agriculture, Sheri Anderson. B

Sheri Anderson’s outstanding dedication and contributions to Saskatchewan agriculture, alongside her husband Miles, have been recognized through numerous awards, including:

The Environmental Stewardship Award 2016, which recognizes individuals or organizations that demonstrate outstanding commitment to sustainable practices and environmental conservation. Sheri received this award for her proactive efforts in promoting environmentally friendly agricultural practices, contributing to the health of local ecosystems.

Meritorious Service Medal 2016, which is awarded by the Governor General of Canada to recognize exceptional contributions to the community and the country. Sheri was honoured with this medal for her significant impact on agriculture and community development, reflecting her leadership and dedication to improving the lives of those around her.

Saskatchewan Angus Association

Necropsy

Histopathology

Surgical

Dermatopathology

Immunohistochemistry Clinical

Endocrinology Bacteriology/Mycology

Commercial Producer of the Year 2013, which highlights excellence in the commercial cattle industry, specifically within the Angus breed. Sheri earned this recognition for her outstanding practices in cattle production, showcasing her skills and commitment to high standards in agriculture.

ACTIVE MISSING LIVESTOCK FILES

NOTE: If you have any information related to these or any missing livestock file, please contact Livestock Services of

or RCMP Livestock Investigator Cpl. Owen Third at 306-537-9448.

SCIENCE AND PRODUCTION

SCIENCE AND PRODUCTION

Chief Executive Officer Jason Pollock Livestock Services of Saskatchewan

By the time this goes to print, much of the fall run will be over and a lot of folks in the industry will be trying to figure out what their next play should be: buy, sell, hold, or some combination. Others will just be glad it is over for another year.

My first order of business in this article is to extend a genuine thank you to all of our Livestock Services of Saskatchewan (LSS) inspectors who work long hours and diligently perform their duties as they inspect roughly 750,000 cattle in just three short months. It stretches our people, and it is only through their efforts and willingness to work together that we accomplish what we do.

While I do not spend a great deal of time in the trenches with them, I have a huge appreciation for what they do and the value they provide back to all the hard-working producers and other industry players.

On July 1, 2024, the regulations governing our activities changed. In a nutshell, the acts and regulations that have served the industry for decades were consolidated into a single act and regulations. This was a combined effort between industry and government to streamline the law into a single document for clarity. As a result, there are a few changes worth noting.

Changes Coming in 2025

Jason Pollock

Effective January 1, 2025, all manifests must contain origin and destination premises identification (PID) information and a security declaration on animals offered for sale. The manifest has had space for PIDs for a few years, but it has been optional. Manifests will also contain a section requiring the consignor to declare their ownership interest in the animals offered for sale.

More information can be found at www.lssc.ca in our FAQ section, under Acts and Regulation.

There are a lot of manifests in circulation that do not have the new security declaration. We will provide you with updated manifests as you require them after January 1.

Also new in the regulations is a change to the name of the document commonly referred to as a permit. Transportation permits are issued by inspectors and are required to move cattle after a sale to their next destination—this will now be called an inspection certificate.

Along with the new wording, an updated option covers inspection requirements for multiple return trips in and out of Saskatchewan for horses and cattle that are part of a show or competition circuit— this is a 365-day annual inspection certificate. There will no longer be a lifetime permit available.

While we are on the topic of lifetime items, the new regulations removed the option to purchase a lifetime brand. Existing lifetime brands will be honoured, but will no longer be available for purchase. Our website has information that details the changes and processes for applying for a brand or renewing one.

In addition to these regulatory changes, LSS continues to develop MyLivestock as a fully-integrated online platform for the industry to manage all their regulatory

data. We will be moving towards market readiness for digital documents as well as options for brand renewals, exploring integration with herd management software and other leading-edge technologies to connect within the platform. Check out www.mylivestock.ca for details.

The livestock manifest and inspection certificate (formerly permit) are the two documents generally used to facilitate commerce and movement activities. The manifest is familiar to those in the cattle and horse industry and it is made available for use by LSS. It is used for both the movement and sale of animals.

The only exemptions for the use of a manifest are when animals are moved by the owner from one pasture to another and the distance travelled is less than 50 kilometres or to a veterinary clinic.

The manifest is a legal document and must accurately reflect several key pieces of information. Ownership, financing, physical origin and destination—including PIDs, livestock type, number, and brand details, transporter information, and now, security details, are all recorded on the manifest. There are also sections for the market to use as well as LSS staff.

It is not a complicated document, and it is critical that the information is accurate. Our inspectors spend a considerable amount of time verifying the brand information supplied supports the claim of the consignor.

When there are anomalies or inconsistencies, a withhold settlement may be applied to the sale of animals, which allows the seller to provide the necessary proof of ownership to allow the sale proceeds to continue through the commercial transaction.

When animals arrive at the point of sale without a brand, they are not afforded ownership protection. The agreement or

SCIENCE AND PRODUCTION

contract behind the animals that protect the investor or lender is secured by the use of a brand, and the best example of this is the feeder finance brands we see throughout the province. These allow the lender to have its security interest plainly visible.

While we all love to grumble and complain about the bankers from time to time, we generally need their credit facilities to fund our operations. The most diligent lenders choose to protect their interests by requiring a brand.

Banks and financial cooperatives (co-ops) are not the only ones that can secure their investment with a brand, anyone can require a brand to be used to secure a civil arrangement. This affords the best protection for any financed or co-owned situation.

The manifest directs sale proceeds. The owner must exercise diligence in filling out the information to ensure that it accurately reflects the animals during movement or for sale.

Truckers are an invaluable part of the industry, and many absentee producers rely on them to fill out the associated paperwork required when transporting their livestockv from A to B. Texting your trucker a pickup time and a pin to where the cattle are is not always enough to be sure your sale goes as planned.

Manifests incorrectly completed for absentee owners by staff or truckers (i.e., that have not been made aware of the necessary details), often cause problems for the owners, unintentionally. Truckers are put between a rock and a hard place if they resort to guessing at details because they know they need a completed manifest before they hit the road.

result in a delay in the processing of funds after the sale is complete.

Once the cattle are inspected, LSS will generate an inspection certificate to authorize movement of the cattle to a new destination, and possibly, a new owner. The certificate will reflect the ownership, origin, destination, livestock types, head counts, transporter and brand information.

This layer of paperwork is not often seen by primary producers as it mainly pertains to dealers that have purchased cattle and are moving them to their new location.

Good paper results in good business. The manifest and certificate are tools for the cattle industry that ensure their sales and movement of cattle flow effortlessly

through the regulations and requirements designed to protect them.

Diligence on the part of the owner combined with proper signatures when the paperwork is filled out, go a long way to facilitate the deal and avoid problems.

I was told once that the only thing constant is change, and as technology and commerce march forward, we strive to keep up. These regulatory changes will continue to provide value to industry through the protection they provide.

The principles designed by industry to protect its commercial transactions are delivered through the regulations, and LSS is committed to upholding them in a consistent manner for the benefit of industry participants. B

Compression Analgesia

Even if you are relying on the trucker to do the paperwork, it is still your responsibility to ensure the information is accurate and that either you or an authorized agent has signed the document. Any details that are missing, inaccurate or incomplete could

Lynn

DVM

SCIENCE AND PRODUCTION

Testing a Non-Invasive Beef Tenderness Test

Beef Cattle Research Council | BeefResearch.ca

Project Title: Validation of Rapid Evaporative Ionization Mass Spectrometry (REIMS) for Tenderness Prediction

Researchers: Jerrad Legako, Texas Tech University, Heather Bruce (University of Alberta), Ben Bohrer (University of Guelph), Dale Woerner (Texas Tech University), Tyson Brown (Cargill Meat Solutions)

Status: Completed January 2024

Background

Tenderness is one of the beef industry’s biggest quality challenges. Beef is costly, so customers are understandably annoyed when a high-priced steak is tough, or when the tenderness differs

A major obstacle to identifying tenderness is that measuring tenderness is a timeconsuming and costly process. Traditional methods of evaluating tenderness involve slicing, shearing or chewing. These are destructive processes, so no value can be recovered after the beef has been tested.

Genetic tests have been developed, but they aren’t always accurate and are too slow for routine sorting in packing plants. Efforts to provide consumers with consistently tender beef or identify superior genetics would benefit from a rapid, accurate, cost-effective method of measuring tenderness at line-speed.

Feed like a BOSS DEALERS WANTED

Rapid evaporative ion mass spectrometry (REIMS) is a medical technology used for tumour removal. Essentially, this technology is a “smart” scalpel that burns as it cuts. This procedure gives off gases which indicate what type of tissue is being cut. The scalpel analyzes these gases and tells the operator whether tumour cells are present (which means it’s cutting through the tumour) or not (cutting around the tumour).

The fact that this technology can identify biological tissue based on its chemical composition means that it may also be able to

identify differences in tenderness, flavour and juiciness in meat. There is some evidence that it can identify tough versus tender beef at least as accurately as other technologies.

What They Did

They collected two-inch steaks from 1505 AA and 1363 AAA at Cargill plants in Alberta and Ontario over the course of three years. Samples were aged for 14 days, frozen, shipped to Texas, thawed, and tested with the REIMS technology. The steaks were then cooked, tested for slice shear force (tenderness), and separated into tough, intermediate and tender categories. Predicted (REIMS) and actual (shear force) results were compared. Subsamples were also sent to University of Alberta for collagen analysis (beef with more collagen is tougher) and University of Guelph to measure desmin, troponin-T and calpain (proteins and enzymes that are related to beef tenderness).

What They Learned

The results of this study indicate REIMS has the potential to identify differences in the metabolomic profiles of meat products. When coupled with machine learning algorithms, REIMS showed an ability to predict the most tender and toughest steaks with a relatively high degree of accuracy.

Additionally, REIMS was able to predict quality grade with a high degree of accuracy. Furthermore, REIMS was able to identify the biochemical components of skeletal muscle that dictate meat tenderness with a moderate degree of accuracy.

Future research with REIMS could focus on sampling more carcasses from an

Image Creator from Designer

unknown population to fully understand the capabilities of the machine and to further optimize machine learning algorithms.

What This Means

In the near future, REIMS could be utilized in a laboratory setting as a substitution for solid-state fermentation (SSF). While REIMS would initially be more expensive than the equipment required for measuring mechanical shear force, it would eliminate the cooking step, less product would be lost for data acquisition, it is easy to use, and more samples could be processed at a time.

The biggest limitation of the REIMS technology is the required cleaning of the mass spectrometry components; however, if this limitation was overcome, it could make REIMS a much more competitive technology in the determination of carcass tenderness.

Project Funders:

Beef Cattle Research Council

Canadian Beef Cattle Check-Off

Cargill Meat Solutions

Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada

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A REPORT FROM JEFF YORGA PRESIDENT, SASKATCHEWAN STOCK GROWERS ASSOCIATION

Friends,

Welcome to another edition of Beef Business—Saskatchewan’s number-one beef industry publication that began back in the eighties.

At the time of writing, the fall run is in full swing. We hope that you have been able to find yourself at the top of the market and your year’s labour has been rewarded.

Demand has been the story driving prices in most weight categories. The demand for cull cows and bulls has also remained strong. On the flip side of the balance sheet, feed prices have been on the decline. In areas still affected by drought, this should provide hope. In areas that have seen rain, the rebuild may be beginning.

The Saskatchewan provincial election has concluded. Congratulations to the Saskatchewan Party on a fifth term in office. I would also like to extend congratulations to all candidates who signed on the dotted line and stood for election.

History is written by those that participate. Robust discussion and opposing views

make everyone better.

This is true for public office, and around the board table as well. Our group will continue to work hard on files that affect primary producers. Whether we are talking about business risk management (BRM) improvements, access rights, grasslands conservation or championing Saskatchewan producers to the world, this board will continue to be a source of solutions for government to lean on.

November is right around the corner, and in the Saskatchewan beef industry, that means Agribition is on the way. Saskatchewan Stock Growers Association (SSGA) was instrumental in the founding of Canada’s largest beef show. The commercial cattle show and the fun that was had there in the beginning are now the stuff of legend.

This group laid the foundation for success, and although that may have been forgotten by the powers that be, our members can walk confidently through the commercial cattle barn and know that we did that.

When making calls to leading ranchHERS to profile, I was surprised to get way more ‘no, thank you, I don’t want to be in the spotlight’ replies than yeses. This reaffirms our position that this column is necessary.

Our ranching community needs to support and celebrate the contributions of all its members. The old boys’ club may still exist, but it doesn’t at this board table. If you’re reading this, please take a minute to pass along a ranchHER that is making a difference in her family, business and community. We want to showcase those efforts in this magazine.

This month’s issue and the January issue will offer resources to support mental health and wellbeing on the ranch.

Anecdotally, a neighbour mentioned to me this fall that the farmer group chat he was part of was very quiet during harvest this year. Poor crops and low prices were obviously weighing on their minds.

There is an important role for women to share in the leadership of the organization . . . It’s hard when you’ve got a family and you’re running 25 miles to school and things like that, but you can work it out. I would encourage all women to get involved.

Marilyn Jahnke Beef Business Magazine September 2024

Everything in life cycles and when the show industry takes a harder look back at how cattle perform in the real world, the commercial show will grow in popularity again.

Last issue, we launched the inaugural Stock GrowHER column. I would like to thank Marylin Jahnke for taking the bull by the horns and providing some insight. I very much appreciated her closing call to action.

Someone’s worst crop ever may not be the devastation that another area has experienced, but it is still their worst crop ever, and the feeling and reaction to it are the same.

It wasn’t that long ago that producers gathered in large numbers at sale barns, live auction sales or at the rink to share stories and a common experience. Today, more of that time is spent with a phone...

This fall when you are driving around, take a minute to check in on a neighbour that you haven’t heard from for a while, or pass on a funny text message. We never know when we are helping a person that may have needed to smile that day.

President Jeff Yorga Saskatchewan Stock Growers Association

ASSOCIATION NEWS & REPORTS

This is a busy time of year for everyone, but taking a minute out of your day can significantly improve someone else’s. We are always better together.

Our board continues to meet and work to improve the lives of primary producers. I encourage you all to get involved on some level and make a contribution.

Get engaged, get educated and help to move the industry forward. Your opinions and discussion are always welcome.

Until next time

Jeff

SIX GENERATIONS STRONG: A LEGACY IN THE SADDLE

In the early 1900s, Adolph Brost made the journey from North Dakota to the ranchland of Irvine, Alberta, with a vision to build something lasting. Today, more than a century later, the Brost family continues to uphold that vision. Through all of the highs and lows, six generations have carried the Brost name with pride and determination, working the same land, riding the same trails, and raising quality cattle.

Blaine Brost, the 4th generation, now shares the saddle with his young grandson, ensuring the knowledge and tradition are passed down, just as they have been for decades. For the Brosts, this is more than a business it’s a way of life.

At Brost Land & Cattle, we understand what it takes to build a herd, a family, and a future. The values that started with Adolph still guide us today.

Whether you’re building your herd or reflecting on the generations before you, we welcomeyou to be part of our story. Come visit, share your own, and see what over a century of ranching tradition looks like.

BLAINE BROST 403-502-5626

GLENN BROST 403-580-9363

NICONA LUTZ 403-878-7141

CallforNominations

BROST PRODUCTION SALE JANUARY 30, 2025

BROST LAND & CATTLE IRVINE, ALBERTA

bsbrost@gmail.com | FB & IG @brostcattle

Celebrating Women in Agriculture

Dear Beef Business Readers,

We are excited to announce a regular series of feature articles that celebrate the remarkable contributions of women in agriculture. It is an opportunity to recognize and honour the inspiring women who are making a significant impact in Canadian agriculture.

We invite you to submit nominations for women who exemplify excellence, innovation, and leadership in agriculture. Whether they are livestock producers, researchers, educators, or advocates, we want to hear their stories!

Nomination Guidelines:

• Eligibility: Women who are or have dedicated their time and focus to any aspect of agriculture in Canada or abroad.

• Submission Details: Please email the nominee's name, contact information, a brief description of their contributions, and why you believe they deserve recognition to gm@skstockgrowers.com

• Deadline for Nominations: Ongoing

Your nominations will help us shine a spotlight on the incredible work being done by women in agriculture. Let’s celebrate their achievements and inspire future generations!

Thank you for your participation.

Best regards, The Editor

Wellbeing for Agricultural Professionals

If you have an emergency, please call 9-1-1 or go to your local emergency

If you are in distress but require non-urgent assistance, please review the

Resource Name How They Can Help

Farm Stress Line

SaskAg Matters

Clarify the problem or concern and work with you toward a solution; connect you with the appropriate organization, professional or program that best suits your needs; listen and support in a safe, neutral and non-judgmental environment.

Mental Health Network Free mental health support, including counselling services

9-8-8 Suicide Crisis

Helpline

Saskatchewan Mobile Crisis Services

211 Saskatchewan

Crisis services that connect you with a responder in your local community—get immediate help for yourself or someone else—even when you don’t know if you need it

On-site assistance, assessment, and intervention to stabilize situations, provide support, and connect individuals with appropriate resources and services

Connect with service navigators ready to help find you the right community, social, non-clinical health, and government services across Saskatchewan in more than 175 languages, including 17 Indigenous languages

Online Therapy Unit Free, confidential online therapy provided by University of Regina

Saskatchewan Suicide Hotline

Crisis Services Canada

Child Abuse

Helpline

The Do More Agriculture Organization

Canadian Mental Health Association

Catastrophic Events

Tool Kits

Eco Stress Saskatchewan

Health Line 811

Trained counsellors that provide confidential emotional support, crisis intervention, and resources for individuals in need

Immediate emotional support, crisis intervention, and resources for those in need

Support, information, and resources for individuals who suspect child abuse or are affected by it

resources and wellness tips

www.farmstressline.ca

8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Telephone: 306-337-3331 Email: OTU@uregina.ca

/7

Mental health support for coping with loneliness, anger, grieving, mindfulness, overdose prevention, post traumatic stress disorder, stress, substance abuse, work-life balance, youth and self-injury Local hours

Prince Albert: 306-764-1011 Saskatoon: 306-933-6200 Regina: 306-569-2724 Local Police and RCMP

www.domore.ag/wellness-tips

https://cmha.ca/find-help/findcmha-in-your-area/

Tool kits developed from their research for those supporting farmers and farm families during the toughest times in agriculture like animal diseases, extreme weather or financial crises Online https://ccaw.ca/toolkits-eng/

Support groups and other events to discuss distress caused by environmental threats and losses

Registered psychiatric nurses and social workers offer free crisis counselling to help manage your situation and give information about local resources

Email: ecostresssask@gmail.com https://ecostresssask.ca/

/7 Telephone: 811

ASSOCIATION NEWS & REPORTS

Some positives ways to manage stress:

• Exercise

• Eat a balanced diet

• Take time for yourself

• Avoid alcohol and drugs

• Don’t isolate yourself

• Separate those things you can control from those that are beyond your control

• Deal with problems - avoidance only complicates them

• Focus on solutions rather than dwelling on the negatives

• Base decisions on accurate information

• Set priorities and proceed step-by-step

• Don’t try to solve everything at once

• Talk to others. Often by talking to a trusted person, you can gain a perspective that may lead to practical solutions. You may come up with alternatives that you have not considered.

Saskatchewan Ministry of Agriculture

www.saskatchewan.ca/business/agriculture-naturalresources-and-industry/agribusiness-farmers-andranchers/programs-and-services/farm-stress-line

RanchersU-ad-StockGrowers-outline.pdf 1 2024-10-25 2:58:54 PM

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Some symptoms of stress can include:

• Stomach distress

• Unexplained headaches

• Back pain/and or generalized aches and pains

• Muscle tension

• Chest Pain

• Chronic fatigue

• Insomnia or disrupted sleep

• Change in appetite

• Irritability or anger out of proportion to the situation

• Forgetfulness

• Trouble making decisions

• Inability to relax and/or concentrate

• Relationship problems, hard on self, family or others

• Depression/withdrawal

• Over reliance on over-the-counter medication

• Substance abuse

• Thoughts of and/or attempts at suicide

Saskatchewan Ministry of Agriculture

www.saskatchewan.ca/business/agriculture-naturalresources-and-industry/agribusiness-farmers-andranchers/programs-and-services/farm-stress-line

High Demand for Flexible Grassland Conservation Programming

Mindy Hockley-Anderson

When Saskatchewan Stock Growers Foundation (SSGF) was formed in 2020, the intention was to create flexible grassland conservation programming that worked for Saskatchewan ranchers and landowners.

SSGF is the first to offer Term Conservation Easements, a unique and flexible approach to protecting grasslands in Canada, which gives the current landowner an opportunity to protect their land for a set length of time, and the subsequent landowner a chance to make decisions about future land use.

Since rolling out the program, we have had numerous ranchers and landowners reach out to learn more and get assessments done to take the next step. Since it is such a new concept and program, the questions we most commonly field encompass restrictions, term lengths, and how Term Conservation Easements actually work to protect native grasslands.

One of the largest misconceptions is that the landowner may lose control or access to their land if they sign a Term Conservation Easement; however, the aim of our programming is to keep ranchers on their land and continuing to manage it the way they have been for generations. We do not require specific management actions. Instead, we partner with the landowner to ensure

grazing management is a high priority for the long-term viability of the ranching operation, while still at an attainable level for the landowner.

Term Conservation Easements protect grasslands long term by having the landowner commit to keeping them intact and to avoid activities that degrade the natural landscape—and this comes in the form of three simple restrictions.

The first restriction is no cultivation or breaking of the native grasslands. Generally speaking, our easements have little to no effect on current land use because much of the native grasslands that are left in the province are classified as unsuitable for crop production. This does not mean that in the less productive soil zones they aren’t facing grassland fragmentation—a Term Conservation Easement in place ensures the grasslands will stay intact and be protected from cultivation.

Once the native sod is removed, re-establishment is incredibly difficult due to the complexity of the soil characteristics, plant structures and biodiversity of grasslands. In most cases, it will take decades to create a plant community that somewhat resembles the native landscape, and it may never truly be the same again.

The easements will also protect the wetland and riparian areas that are vital for the functionality of grasslands. The second restriction includes not draining wetlands, but if infrastructure needs to be put into place to protect the riparian areas from further livestock pressure, we will support off-site watering systems. In order for the grasslands to function properly, they need to be grazed appropriately—and access to water is vital to being able to do that.

The third restriction is no development, which means no construction of additional buildings, roads or structure on the land under easement. This restriction also includes removal of surface materials such as gravel, soil or sand. It is important to note that replacement or updating existing ranching infrastructure, such as corrals or fences, is deemed acceptable under our easements because we need the ranching operation to remain functional for the grasslands to continue to be stewarded properly.

Landowners that place a Term Conservation Easement on their land will receive a payment for committing to keep their grasslands intact for the set term length. Payment is based on a percentage of fair market value of the land and the term length chosen. We will also take into account if the land is in an area that is at risk for urban expansion or development.

continued on page 42

Photo courtesy of Mindy Hockley-Anderson

NATIVE GRASSLANDS?

The Saskatchewan Stock Growers Foundation has programs and funding available for landowners to protect and improve native grasslands while focusing on keeping ranchers in control of their land.

Examples include cross fencing for increased grazing management, invasive weed control, livestock water system development, seeding native grass and much more!

Our Programs:

Term Conservation Easements

Habitat Management Agreements

Habitat Restoration Agreements

Results Based Agreements

Grass Banks

Contact us for more details!

www.ssgf.ca communications@ssgf.ca

1-306-530-1385

High Demand Programming cont. from pg. 40

The term lengths themselves can vary depending on the landowner’s operational needs, but the minimum length is currently set at 25 years. The longer the term, the more financial incentive can be offered.

Term Conservation Easements are 100 per cent voluntary and legallybinding agreements between SSGF and landowner(s). They are tied to the land title, and if the land is sold before the length of the easement expires, the subsequent landowner still has to abide by the restrictions placed on the land. When the term length does expire, the landowner has the option to renegotiate and sign another Term Conservation Easement or walk away and lift all associated restrictions and title encumbrances.

STEWARDSHIP

This program is an entirely unique approach; since, previous land easement programs are tied to the land title indefinitely, leaving zero-flexibility for the future, but now Term Conservation Easements are changing the game. SSGF has had exceptional interest in the program, which further solidified the need for flexibility and changes to prior conservation programming. Ranchers need programs that work for them practically and economically.

SSGF Term Conservation Easements fill the need that many ranchers are looking for when it comes to private sector conservation work, with the true interest of ranchers and landowners as the priority. These easements can represent partnerships, where both the landowner and SSGF recognize the native grasslands represent a unique collection

of diverse species that are well adapted to environmental stresses such as drought and grazing.

Protection of native grasslands is vital now—before they disappear from the landscape forever.

To learn more about SSGF programs, visit our website at www.ssgf.ca

BEEF BELONGS.

As beef producers, you protect our province’s most important natural areas. Ducks Unlimited Canada (DUC) understands that a prosperous beef industry is central to healthy land, vibrant rural communities and abundant wildlife populations. We offer farmgate conservation programs designed to support your stewardship efforts and put money back in your pocket.

Z Need more livestock feed? DUC’s Forage Program pays $100/acre for field-scale conversion to perennial forage. Additional program incentives could take that to $200/acre.

Z Have land with water and grass? DUC’s Rangeland Program pays up to $5,000 to protect grasslands and existing wetlands for a 10-year term.

Z Conservation Easements (CEs) protect your land’s natural values in perpetuity, pay up to 35% of current land values, and have no restrictions on haying or grazing.

Z DUC’s Revolving Lands Program (RLP) can be a cost-effective option to expand your land holdings. RLP lands have been restored to tame grassland; since a CE is a condition of purchase, these lands sell for slightly below fair market value. There are no restrictions on haying or grazing.

Lessons on the Land: Update on the Adopt a Rancher Program

Shirley Bartz

October is known to be a month of transitions and busy schedules. It can be a chilly and challenging time to sit on a bald prairie, talking about grassland ecology with teenagers. But that is just what Shirley Bartz with Saskatchewan Prairie Conservation Action Plan (SK PCAP) did this fall, with two different classes, on two ranches near Eastend, Saskatchewan—and it was fantastic.

Adopt a Rancher (AAR) is a free scienceeducation program that SK PCAP has delivered to 10th grade students and teachers since 2014. This program pairs ranchers with teachers, and provides each participating classroom with materials designed to cover topics in the Science-10 curriculum.

SK PCAP transports the teacher and students by bus to visit a working ranch with native grass pastures within an hour’s bus ride of their school. Since Shirley stepped into the role of Education Coordinator in May 2022, she has organized 12 classes, with a total of 224 students from around Saskatchewan.

The students participating this fall were from Eastend School and Maple Creek Composite School. They visited the ranches of Jocelyn Wasko and Grieta Krisjansons in the Frenchman River Valley, just east of Eastend.

This year, the Frenchman River Valley saw a fair amount of rain and although the pastures were no longer green, the seed heads on every plant were fully visible.

Imagine: four kinds of lichen, three grass species, dragonflies, and porcupine scat full of prickly pear fruit, all within arm’s reach! Even with fall in full swing, students were still able to see the diversity of plant and animal species in uplands, coulees, and wetlands of the grassland landscape.

The program begins with one to two weeks of in-class preparation using the Teacher and Student Guides provided by SK PCAP. The ranch visit is a mix of a field ecology lesson and a ranch land management workshop, direct from the ranchers themselves.

The students arrive at the ranch with assignments to collect specific data that will help them answer research questions, build a mind-map, and develop a deeper understanding of the relationship between grazing cattle and maintaining grassland health.

This fall, many of the students had some background in ranching, and knew the nuts and bolts of running a cow-calf operation.

What makes this program unique is the opportunity for students to make hands-on connections between nutrient cycling, wetland health, soil microbial communities, and cattle grazing. When the day is done, they have connected these dots and understand the necessity of grazing cattle for native prairie conservation.

Bringing teenagers to a cattle ranch is the perfect classroom to learn about these concepts. When the rancher began talking about the prairie landscape, the students were engaged. They could see where the spring flows from a coulee into a year-round water resource, and compared it to wetlands where water is only sometimes available.

They listened to the rancher describe when, where and why the cows are moved throughout the year, and how she selects their winter pasture based on past weather and land use, and conditions that she expects in the coming winter.

The biodiversity of native prairie changed from a school lesson, to something the students could see in the plants at their feet, the insects flying late in the season,

Two students are conducting a vegetation survey. Photo courtesy of Julie Lacey

the sign of mammals, and the migratory birds feeding on prairie seeds.

As the talk moved into the strengths of some pastures and fragility of certain slopes, the students knelt to see the litter layers, counted different kinds of grass, understood the work of nitrogen-fixing legumes and dug their fingers into the network of club moss and lichens that blanket the soil, holding moisture for the nearby plants.

Eventually, the kids living on ranches began to contribute to the lessons with their own experiences, shifting the learning process from hypothetical concepts to practical applications for themselves and their classmates. Throughout the day, the students built their understanding of native prairie ecology in a landscape that they think of as home.

Each student collected data on the ranch, including photographs, soil samples, species diversity in a metre square,

drawings, or stem counts comparing tame pasture and native grassland pastures.

Shirley closed the day with a talk about the power that each of them have in making decisions about the health of these prairies

in their future. She pointed out that their newly-learned knowledge can contribute to the protection and restoration of native prairie that is capable of carbon sequestration, flood control, soil stability, and great hamburgers.

Despite October’s chill, these young people were beginning to value the lessons shared during the program; and hopefully, one day, they will participate in supporting the economy and stewardship of cattle ranching as well as the protection of prairie grasslands in Saskatchewan.

If you are interested in having a local class of Grade 10 students on your land, please reach out to Shirley Bartz by email at pcap.education@gmail.com

A hilltop discussion at the beginning of the field day. Photo courtesy of Julie Lacey

CALENDAR

ADVERTISER INDEX

THE EXECUTIVE

Jeff Yorga

President Flintoft, SK Phone: 306-531-5717

Kelly Williamson

1st Vice President

Pambrun, SK Phone: 306-582-7774

Henry McCarthy

2nd Vice President

Wawota, SK Phone: 306-577-8091

Garner Deobald

Past President Hodgeville, SK Phone: 306- 677-7777

Chay Anderson

Finance Chair

Fir Mountain, SK Phone: 306-640-7087

Find email contact for the Executive Directors at skstockgrowers.com

SSGA BOARD OF DIRECTORS

DIRECTORS AT LARGE

Neil Block, Abbey, SK 306-587-7806

Gerry Delorme, Assiniboia, SK 306-640-7493

Calvin Gavelin, McCord, SK 306-478-7748

Joe Gilchrist, Maple Creek, SK 306-662-3986

Adrienne Hanson, Langbank, SK 306-421-8538

Lance Hockley, Yellowgrass, SK 306-891-8189

Gord Kozroski, Gull Lake, SK 306-672-7463

Kelly Lightfoot, Assiniboia, SK 306-642-8977

Kurtis Reid, Martensville, SK 306-220-2226

Lee Sexton, Hanley, SK 306-544-2660

Chris Williamson, Mankota, SK 306-478-7036

Kelly Williamson, Pambrun, SK 306-582-7774

ZONE CHAIR DIRECTORS

Zone 1 - Henry McCarthy, Wawota, SK 306-739-2205

Zone 2 - Karen McKim, Milestone, SK 306-436-4616

Zone 3 - Larry Flaig, Assiniboia, SK 306-266-2070

Zone 4 - Brad Howe, Empress, AB 306-661-0409

Zone 5 - Aaron Huber, Lipton, SK 306-331-0097

Zone 6 - Dave McKenzie, Delisle, SK 306-493-8127

Zone 7 - Darcy Moen, Kyle, SK 306-962-3944

Zone 12 - Chay Anderson, Fir Mountain, SK 306-640-7087

AFFILIATE DIRECTORS

Garner Deobald - SK Charolais Affiliate 306-677-2589

Gord Ell - SaskMilk Affiliate 306-535-1922

Kyron Manske - SK Simmental Affiliate 306-267-7530

Marlene Monvoisin - SK Angus Affiliate 306-648-8200

Rob O’Connor - SK Hereford Affiliate 306-550-4890

Ray Rintoul - SK Shorthorn Affiliate 306-917-7805 Ian Thackeray - Man-Sask Gelbvieh Affiliate 306-861-7687

Gord Schroeder - SK Sheep Affiliate 306-933-5582

Jeff Yorga - SK Limousin Affiliate 306-531-5717

APPOINTED DIRECTOR

Dr. Andy Acton - Veterinary Advisor, Ogema, SK 306-459-2422

SASKATCHEWAN CCA DIRECTORS

Ryan Beierbach, Whitewood, SK 306-532-4809

Lynn Grant, Val Marie, SK 306-298-2268

Philip Lynn, Marquis, SK 306-361-9299

Karla Hicks, Mortlach, SK 306-355-2265

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