SSGA President's Report

A Report From Bill Huber President, Saskatchewan Stock Growers Association

As I write, we are nearing the end of August and still in a strange environment because of the pandemic. There were days I thought the situation was improving and then the curve goes up again with more positive cases, I would like to commend Premier Scott Moe and the Government of Saskatchewan in the way they have dealt with the COVID 19 pandemic, to maintain the health and safety of everyone while working to keep the economy strong.

Over the past few months, we have participated in regular conference calls with the Ministry of Agriculture and other livestock organizations to deal with some of the negative effects the pandemic has had on the agriculture industry and especially the livestock sector. We were there every Wednesday morning to support the Minister to try and help resolve some of the roadblocks we were faced with.

As a result, two of the positive outcomes were the changes brought to the Western Livestock Price Insurance Program (WLPIP) premiums and the launching of a Livestock Set Aside Program to help support the feeding industry.

The weather this spring and summer has been a little different to say the least. We saw flooding and too much rain in parts of Northern Saskatchewan while in the Central and South parts it was a mixed bag. If you were lucky enough to have received a shower or two, your hay and pasture could have been average, but some parts of the province are extremely dry and remain to be dry.

In just over a month from now, we will be heading into a provincial election and this year’s election will be a little different than past elections due to COVID. However, this opportunity only comes along every four years and it’s an important opportunity to communicate the priorities for the livestock industry to all parties and candidates. SSGA is currently drafting our election priority document for the livestock industry and it will be publicly available in the near future. I would like to encourage all livestock producers to reach out to your local candidates to help communicate the challenges and opportunities facing our industry.

We are only a few short weeks away from the fall calf run and markets are fairly steady and we hope prices will remain strong with good demand for feeder cattle this fall.

As you all know, our 107th AGM and Convention was postponed in June because of the pandemic. However, we have rescheduled the business portion of the AGM for October 14 th at 1:30 pm. We will be holding the meeting virtually so we are asking everyone to pre-register by going to www.skstockgrowers.com. I would like to remind everyone that the deadline to submit nominations and resolutions is October 1st.

This will be my last report as your President. Therefore, I would like to take this opportunity to thank Minister Dave Marit and former Minister Lyle Stewart for the great working relationship we have had over the past 2.5 years that I have been President. I would also like to thank, Deputy Minister, Rick Burton and all of his staff for all their hard work to help support and improve our industry.

In closing, it has been a pleasure and an honour serving as your President for the last 2.5 years.

I would like to thank all of our staff, Chad, Fonda, Sharon and Carolyn for the hard work and dedication they have shown, especially in the last five months.

We will continue to work together in the months and years ahead to improve and grow this valuable industry that we all love and work in.

Bill

Between now and December 31st, 2020 active Members ofthe SSGA will receive a $1,250 Young’s Equipment Gift Card for Parts and/or Service at any Young’s Equipment location with the purchase of any of the following new units:

- Case IH MFD Loader Tractor (60-185 HP) - Case IH RB565 Round Baler - NDE Vertical Mixer - Highline CFR Bale Processor

In addition tothat, we willdonate$250 per unit sold to the Saskatchewan Stock Growers Association to support their formidable cause.

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1 Year $157.50 1 Year - Spousal $78.75 2 Year $291.38 2 Year - Spousal $145.69 3 Year $393.75 3 Year - Spousal $196.88 Life $2625.00 Life - Spousal $1312.50 Annual Beef Business Magazine Six issues per year $26.25 (included with all memberships)

All prices include GST. Membership fees are tax deductible.

Please return completed form with payment to:

Saskatchewan Stock Growers Association Box 4752, Regina, SK S4P 3Y4 To serve, protect and advance the interests of the beef industry in Saskatchewan through communication, education, research and advocacy to help ensure a prosperous, viable and healthy future for individuals and the the livestock industry Saskatchewan Stock Growers Association serving the Saskatchewan Cattle Industry since 1913

The SSGA is a non-prot organization established in 1913. The SSGA represents the cattle industry on the legislative front with a strong united voice focused on safeguarding the interests of producers by working to defeat or amend proposals that could negatively impact the industry and actively supporting proposals that will strengthen and advance the industry. These activities are carried out through SSGA representation on many stakeholder groups and committees.

skstockgrowers.com

THE EXECUTIVE

Bill Huber President/Zone Chair Lipton, SK

Kelcy Elford 1st Vice President/Director at Large Caronport, SK

Garner Deobald 2 nd Vice President/Affiliate Director Hodgeville, SK

Jeff Yorga Finance Chair Flintoft, SK

Shane Jahnke Past President Gouldtown, SK

SSGA BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Phone: 336-2684

Phone: 690-5209

Phone: 677-2589

Phone: 531-5717

Phone: 784-2899

DIRECTORS AT LARGE

Jerry Chanig, Mankota Keith Day, Lacadena Glen Elford, Avonlea Calvin Gavelin, McCord Joe Gilchrist, Maple Creek Aaron Huber, Lipton Murray Linthicum, Glentwoth Barry Olney, Estevan Roy Rutledge, Assiniboia Rob Selke, Morse Lee Sexton, Hanley Barry Wasko, Eastend

ZONE CHAIR DIRECTORS

Zone 1 - Henry McCarthy, Wawota Zone 2 - Karen McKim, Milestone Zone 3 - Kimberly Simpson, Congress Zone 4 - Brad Howe, Empress, AB Zone 5 - Bill Huber, Lipton Zone 6 - Brent Griffin, Elbow Zone 12 - Rod Gamble, Pambrun 478-2658 375-2934 436-7121 478-2558 662-3986 336-2684 266-4377 421-1495 642-5358 629-3238 544-2660 295-3852

739-2205 436-7731 375-7939 661-0409 336-2684 854-2050 582-2077

AFFILIATE DIRECTORS

Garner Deobald - Charolais Affiliate, Hodgeville 677-2589 John Hylkema - SaskMilk Affiliate, Hague 604-798-6450 Tara Fritz - Simmental Affiliate, Shaunavon 297-3147 Ian Leaman - Shorthorn Affiliate, Chaplin 631-3694 Ben Rempel - SK Goat Breeders, Waldheim 321-7338 Gordon Schroeder - SK Sheep Dev. Board 933-5582 Marlene Monvoisin - Angus, Gravelbourg 648-3634 Jeff Yorga - Limousin Affiliate, Flintoft 531-5717

APPOINTED DIRECTORS

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

SASKATCHEWAN CCA DIRECTORS

Ryan Beierbach, Whitewood 532-4809 Lynn Grant, Val Marie 298-2268 Pat Hayes, Val Marie 298-2284 Reg Schellenberg, Beechy 859-4905 Duane Thompson, Kelliher 675-4562