Beef Business November 2016 by Saskatchewan Stock Growers Association

Beef Business â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;

Saskatchewanâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s largest circulated industry magazine Saskatchewan`s Premier Cattle Industry Publication Saskatchewan`s Premiere Cattlecattle Industry November 2016

A Saskatchewan Stock Growers Association Publication Publication Mail Agreement #40011906

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Contents

Beef Business

Cover photo courtesy of Miles Anderson, Fir Mountain, SK

A Proud Saskatchewan Tradition Since 1913

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

Industry News 6

Borderline Feeders is Now Ceylon Gap

SSGA Wary of Carbon Tax Proposal

"Beef Drive" Calls on Ranchers to Help Food Banks

Video Celebrates Award Winning Saskatchewan Ranch

Markets Still Trending Lower

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

Markets and Trade 12

Retail Meat Price Survey

Weekly Charts

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

Features 18

New Packer Sees Opportunity in Canadian Beef

A&W Defends Better Beef Campaign

CFIA to Publish Transport Regulation Amendments Soon

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

Science and Production 36

Required Documents for Marketing Your Cattle

Where's the Beef? Missing Livestock Files

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

Stewardship 39

Hay, Don't Spread Those Weeds

Counting for Conservation: the 2016 International Piping Plover Census

Association News, Reports and Events 44

SSGA Welcomes New Director - Calvin Gavelin

A Report from the SSGA President

Calendar of Events

Advertisers Index

Business Directory

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

Shane Jahnke Chad MacPherson Cam Wilk

Ple as

Harvey Anderson Tara Mulhern Davidson Fonda Froats Jeff Gaye

zin ga

Contributors

This magazine is printed on paper that is comprised of 50% recycled paper and 25% post-consumer waste. It is acid-free, elemental chlorine-free and is FSC certified

NOVEMBER 2016

www.skstockgrowers.com | ÂŠBEEF BUSINESS | 5

Industry News

Border Line Feeders Is Now Ceylon Gap The former Border Line feedlot in Ceylon, 110 kilometres south of Regina, has new owners.

have approximately 6,000 currently and fully anticipate the yard to fill within the next 60 days.”

to export feeder cattle out of there and potentially some fat cattle as well,” he said.

The operation has been purchased by a group of five cattle feeders from Alberta.

He said the group has hopes of expanding its permitted capacity in the future, given there’s a great supply of high-quality feeder cattle in the area. And while much of the feeder sector is feeling some pressure lately, the Ceylon Gap group is optimistic.

The five owners have expertise of their own, but they will be counting on former Border Line employees to help guide the operation. “We really appreciate what Border Line did for us in the transition to our new company. We hope to bring some of our expertise from Alberta but also rely on existing staff, as well as the community, to learn some nuances from the Saskatchewan cattle industry and really make that feedlot go,” he said.

“I’m sure you want the whole background on why some Alberta cattle feeders are operating in Saskatchewan,” said the group’s CEO and principal spokesman Dirk Burken. The new owners, he said, are all involved in their family-owned feeding and farming operations in Alberta. Four of them are Southern Alberta feedlots: Les Wall with KCL Cattle Company, Leighton Kolk with Kolk Farms, Ed Stronks with Stronks Feedlot and Ryan Kasko with Kasko Cattle Company. The fifth partner is John Lawton with AJL Farms in the Edmonton area. “The guys looked at Border Line, a couple guys had fed there in the past and it’s a nice area for buying feeder cattle,” Burken said. “And they saw an opportunity to buy more direct cattle as well as local cattle through the auction markets there. They could potentially background those cattle and bring them to all our Alberta feedlots.”

“I think there’s a few reasons why they got excited about it. Probably number one was cattle supply and direct access to it. The next opportunity would be the cheaper feed sources. And I think it adds some geographical diversity to our operations as well.” They intend to move cattle primarily to their Alberta lots or to packing plants. They also intend to do some custom feeding for local producers.

Burken says the group is confident things will get better again for feedlots. “I mean it’s been a tough year,” he said. “There’s a glut of protein out there but yet we’re optimistic that markets will improve. And I think our purchase of a feedlot is kind of a sign of our optimism.” B

And there are export opportunities. “Border Line had an excellent export business, and we fully intend to continue

They also intend to finish cattle at Ceylon Gap, as the feedlot is now renamed. “You know it’s cheap,” Burken said. “Cheaper feed grains than what we see in Alberta, so there’s definitely an opportunity there.” He concedes winters are tougher, but he’s confident the group can manage the challenges that come with that. The feedlot’s current capacity is 12,500 head, with permits in place to go to 20,000 head. “We are filling quite fast with the start of the fall run,” Burken said. “We

| ©BEEF BUSINESS | www.skstockgrowers.com

NOVEMBER 2016

Industry News SSGA Wary of Carbon Tax Proposal The Saskatchewan Stock Growers Association says the national price on carbon announced by Prime Minister Justin Trudeau last month will almost certainly have negative consequences for agriculture. “A lot comes down to how it’s implemented, and that’s not clear yet,” said SSGA President Shane Jahnke. “But however they do it, there will be increased costs for producers.” According to some estimates, the added tax on diesel fuel would be 10 cents or more per litre. This would affect what producers pay for fuel, but it would also be passed down to the primary producer as an added cost to everything that has to be transported – in other words, everything.

The national climate change strategy is intended to bring Canada into compliance with its commitments under the Paris Accord, which uses 2005 emission levels as a benchmark. “Agriculture certainly has a role to play in fighting climate change, but the 2005 benchmark fails to recognize our longstanding contribution to the effort,” Jahnke said. “Producers and the ag industry were early adopters of practices and technologies that have reduced our carbon footprint enormously, starting in the 1980s. This plan fails to give us credit for 20 plus years of progress.” Furthermore, Jahnke said, the intent of the carbon tax – to provide an incentive for industries to move to “greener” technologies – leaves ranchers out in the cold.

“There’s no alternative available to us for the miles we have to drive in the course of our business, or the cost of heating our buildings,” he said. “We’ve already made huge strides, but we won’t get credit for that. We’re just going to be stuck paying the tax.” Trudeau announced that the federal government will impose a minimum price of $10 per tonne of carbon starting in 2018, escalating to $50 per tonne by 2022. The tax collected will remain in each province. Saskatchewan Environment Minister Scott Moe said the agriculture sector is already active in the fight against climate change. “Within Saskatchewan our crop producers have been great adopters of things such continued on page 8

Agriculture is our way of life too Meet Jen With a lifetime of experience in ag, Jen helps Canadian producers build their dreams. Like everyone on your FCC team, Jen knows your industry and she’ll get to know you.

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NOVEMBER 2016

www.skstockgrowers.com | ©BEEF BUSINESS | 7

Industry News Carbon Tax Proposal cont. from pg. 7 as zero till technology, causing our soils to actually start to sequester carbon dioxide to the tune of about 11.4 million tonnes a year,” he said.

We’re turning 100! In celebra�on of our 100th anniversary, 4-H Saskatchewan is planning some exci�ng events. We will be hos�ng a gala event on March 25 at the Saskatoon Inn. All current and past 4-H members and leaders are invited. Our keynote speaker will be Temple Grandin and there will be auc�ons, a great meal and more! Tickets are $50 and available by calling the 4-H oﬃce.

Calling all Alumni! If you were a 4-H member or leader in the past, make sure to register as an alumni with the 4-H Saskatchewan oﬃce! We would love to reconnect with everyone!

Connect with 4-H You can connect with 4-H Saskatchewan in a variety of ways, including:

4-H Saskatchewan

@4HSask

@HaroldTheHare

306-933-7727

www.4-h.sk.ca

info@4-h.sk.ca

“Agriculture is almost carbon-neutral when you take into account the pulse crops that were developed right here at the Crop Development Centre of the University of Saskatchewan. That’s an additional 2 million tonnes that’s averted by not using nitrogen fertilizer for those pulse crops. But you can add to that all of the pastures across the province, all of the natural grasslands, all of the wetlands, all of the properties that we have provincial easements and provincial wildlife protection easements on across the province all fixing carbon dioxide.” Edward Bork, a professor in agricultural, food and nutritional science at the University of Alberta, agrees. “Setting a firm temporal baseline for the determination of carbon stores in agro-ecosystems ignores the fact that grasslands have always been a superior land use for storing and protecting carbon,” he said. “In the process, these contemporary baselines are likely to undervalue the role that perennial grasslands have had and continue to play in mitigating rising CO2 levels.” Premier Brad Wall has indicated he may fight the tax in court. “Make no mistake - a carbon tax will harm Saskatchewan,” he said. “Thousands of people make their living in trade-exposed, carbon-intensive industries that are especially vulnerable. Energy, mining, agriculture – the backbone of Saskatchewan’s economy – will be hit hard by a carbon tax.” The Saskatchewan government favours innovation, such as carbon capture and storage technologies, over taxation as a means to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. B

If you are at Agribi�on, come visit us at our booth in Banner Hall or check out our Legacy Celebra�on on Wednesday a�ernoon.

Celebrate 100 years with us! 8

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NOVEMBER 2016

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Industry News “Beef Drive” Calls On Ranchers to Help Food Banks The Saskatchewan Stock Growers Association is launching a Beef Drive to help out Saskatchewan’s food banks. Members can help by contributing an animal, or by donating cash to defray the cost of processing. The donations will be distributed to other food banks in the province by the Regina Food Bank. Charitable tax receipts will be issued by the Regina Food Bank for donations over $10. The donation of an animal will be calculated based on the number of pounds of ground beef multiplied by the current fair market value. “Saskatchewan’s ranchers are legendary for their willingness to help out a neighbour,” said SSGA President Shane Jahnke. “We hope this Beef Drive can help

people put good nutritious food on the table.” Hunger is a problem everywhere, but the recent downturn in the resource sector has increased the pressure on food banks in Saskatchewan. Fresh protein is difficult for food banks to collect through individual donations, so a bulk donation like this is a welcome gesture. The meat will be processed into hamburger for distribution through food banks across Saskatchewan. “We’ve set a goal of 1,000 pounds of hamburger,” Jahnke said. “Knowing our ranch families as I do, I’m positive we’ll reach that pretty quickly.”

Beef is tasty, versatile, easy to prepare and highly nutritious. Aside from its obvious protein value, beef is an excellent source of vitamin B12 and a very good source of niacin, vitamin B6, selenium, zinc and phosphorus. “The most nutritious food is the food people will eat,” Jahnke said. “Just about everybody likes beef, so I’m sure the food banks’ clients will be able to make good use of what we’re able to raise.” Todd Sandin of the Regina Food Bank agrees. “We serve approximately 9,000 people every month, half of whom are schoolaged children,” he said. “The challenge for continued on page 12

SSGA BEEF DRIVE H E L P F I G H T H U N G E R T H I S H O L I D AY S E A S O N DONATE LIVESTOCK OR $ TO HELP PROVIDE NUTRITIOUS BEEF TO SK FAMILIES IN NEED. DONATE TODAY BY GOING TO: WWW.SKSTOCKGROWERS.COM/BEEF-DRIVE OR CALL (306) 757-8523

| ©BEEF BUSINESS | www.skstockgrowers.com

NOVEMBER 2016

Industry News Video Celebrates Award Winning Saskatchewan Ranch The Saskatchewan Stock Growers Association (SSGA), as part of Agriculture Awareness Month in Saskatchewan, has released a short video about Miles and Sherri Anderson’s efforts to protect the sage grouse and 19 other species at risk that share their ranch near Fir Mountain.

Beef producers depend on a healthy ecosystem to provide grass for their cattle. In turn, grazing cattle allow the natural grasses and other plants to renew themselves, providing vital habitat for endangered species like the sage grouse and the loggerhead shrike.

The Andersons were honoured with The Environmental Stewardship Award (TESA) for 2016 at the Canadian Beef Industry Conference in Calgary, having already won the Saskatchewan TESA.

“We’re the original conservationists, people don’t realize that,” Miles says. “It’s just the nature of what we do.”

The video shows Miles on horseback amid the gorgeous natural prairie landscapes and the big blue sky of the ranch. He explains how he takes a global approach to protecting and enhancing habitat for the many birds, mammals, insects and plants on his land. As he likes to say, “what’s good for the birds is good for the herds.”

And it goes beyond protecting species at risk. Healthy grasslands are an enormous carbon sink. Canadian beef production is responsible for keeping 1.5 billion tonnes of carbon out of the atmosphere. SSGA President Shane Jahnke thinks the video will resonate with ranchers and consumers alike. “Miles and Sherri earned the TESA award because their efforts are exceptional, but also because their attitude is typical,” he said.

“Ranchers care for the land because we depend on it. Canada’s beef industry chose the Andersons for this award because Miles and Sherri reflect the way producers really operate, and we want the world to know that.” “Consumers can take satisfaction in knowing our beef industry holds itself to amazingly high standards for sustainability. This video shows how the Andersons set an excellent example for producers across Canada. All of Saskatchewan can be very proud,” he said. The Anderson ranch is the eighth Saskatchewan operation to win the national TESA in the past 20 years. B The video can be viewed by going to www.youtube.com/watch?v=yI0akfk9zuw.

Markets Still Trending Lower The downward trend in calf prices will continue, says Canfax’s Brian Perillat, but there are some mitigating factors. “We’ve been through a major correction since the Canadian market peaked in the summer of 2015,” Perillat said. “We’ve been trending quite a bit lower, we’ve seen feedlots take pretty significant losses throughout most of 2016, and we’ve seen the US futures market trend lower.” This has put pressure on calf prices, especially over the past month. Calf prices have been $1.00 per pound lower, and in some instances calf prices were almost half what they were – down from $3.30 per pound at one point, to $1.65. “We’re seeing growing meat supplies, including lots of pork,” Perillat said. “They’re having a huge pork slaughter in NOVEMBER 2016

the US, and the cattle slaughter’s been up. With big carcass weights there’s just more meat to consume in North America and that has to be done through lower prices.”

Into 2017 there will be more cattle coming to market across North America and continued large pork supplies. Overall ,the trend in the market is still downward.

“But retail margins and packer margins have been quite positive, they’ve been slower to adjust,” Perillat said. “This means more cattle being processed in North America. The packers have been slaughtering cattle aggressively, even pulling cattle forward, so we saw a bit of a reprieve in the last week of October. Now we’re seeing an uptick in the market.”

“The average retail price for beef hasn’t gone down much, but with such strong margins retailers are encouraged to move more beef. The other part of that is we’ve seen a lot more beef featured in the flyers and as loss leaders,” Perillat said.

After such a major adjustment in numbers of cattle being processed, the short term – in the next couple of months, maybe into early 2017 – will see fewer fed cattle around. “Demand usually picks up into the November and December season, so we’re seeing a little bit of a short-term turn in the market, based on stronger demand and slightly smaller supplies,” Perillat said.

As consumers see lower-priced beef and consumption increases, more beef and eventually more cattle will move through the pipeline. “The other thing is a little bit of weakness in the Canadian dollar, and grain prices have come down, so that’s always positive for calf prices,” Perillat said. B

www.skstockgrowers.com | ©BEEF BUSINESS | 11

Markets and Trade RETAIL MEAT PRICE SURVEY as of October 26, 2016 ($/lb)

CUTS

SAFEWAY

SAVE-ON-FOODS

SOBEYS

3.49

EXTRA FOODS 5.30

4.99

5.39

3.57

4.99

4.39

Roast/cross rib

7.93

7.38

9.39

5.49

9.40

Roast/rib

15.64

13.60

14.99

Roast/outside round

7.71

6.34

6.99

Steak/rib eye

15.07

16.39

7.49

20.28

Steak/round

8.61

6.66

8.29

Steak/sirloin

7.98

9.97

11.99

13.78

Steak/T-bone

16.99

13.25

Steak/tenderloin

16.99

24.98

16.99

Ground beef/lean Ground beef/regular

CO-OP

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

Beef Drive cont. from pg. 10 us is to be able to provide fresh protein for our client families. Beef allows our families to better provide meal solutions for their household.”

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So far, Western Prime Meat Processors in Weyburn and Treen Packers in Swift Current are accepting donated animals. SSGA has sent out a call to other packing plants, and the list is expected to grow. B For more information on how you can contribute to the Beef Drive, contact the SSGA office at (306) 757-8523.

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NOVEMBER 2016

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Markets and Trade

280

2013

230

2014 2015

180

2016

130

310 260

2013

210

2014 2015

160 110

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

330

Price per hundred weight

SK Weekly Average Price Heifers 500-600 lbs

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

Price per hundred weight

SK Weekly Average Price 500-600 lbs Steers

Source: CanFax

AB Fed Steer Prices

Weekly Canadian Dollar 0.98

200.00 180.00

2013

160.00

2014

140.00

2015

120.00

2016

CDN $ - US terms

Price per hundred weight

220.00

0.93 0.88

2015

0.83

2016

0.78

5 yr avg

0.73

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

0.68

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

100.00 Source: CanFax

Lethbridge Barley Price

Alberta Weekly D1 & D2 Cows 310.00

160 150 140 130 120 110 100 90 80 70 60

2013 2014 2015 2016

Price per tonne

290.00 270.00 250.00

2013

230.00

2014

210.00

2015

190.00

2016

170.00

Source: CanFax Source: CanFax

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

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

Price per hundred weight

Source: Bank of Canada

Source: CanFax

For more information visit www.canfax.ca

NOVEMBER 2016

www.skstockgrowers.com | Â©BEEF BUSINESS | 17

Feature New Packer Sees Opportunity in Canadian Beef by Jeff Gaye

Amid the ups and downs of the Canadian beef economy, Rich Vesta has spotted what he sees as a rare opportunity. Vesta, with his sons Christopher and Jeremy, are the owners of Harmony Beef, a packing plant in Balzac, just 25 kilometres north of Calgary. The plant first opened in 2006 as Ranchers Beef, a venture that was intended to help producers market their products when live cattle exports were banned during the BSE crisis. It operated for 14 months before closing down due to low profitability and a difficult regulatory regime. It was bought by Sunterra Meats in 2008, but that company never reopened it. The facility was certified to export to the European Union. The advanced EUcompliant technology still in the plant means that once it is up and running again it can regain its EU certification, and Vesta says that’s a big part of the opportunity. Vesta has done it all in the beef business. Raised on a farm, he began cutting meat at the age of 14. He spent 16 years in retail, starting as an apprentice butcher and working his way up to Director of Meat Operations before going into the packing industry in 1979. “I’ve been on this side of the business since then,” he said. “I’ve gone from field marketing representative to President and CEO of JBS at one time, then started my own business in Green Bay, Wisconsin called Packerland Packing Company.” He and his family had an eye out for new opportunities, but hadn’t really considered Canada. “We didn’t have our sights set on coming to Canada by any means. I ended up in Canada because I had some good friends who are feeders that I bought hundreds of thousands of cattle from over the years, particularly in southern Alberta and southern Saskatchewan, and we were 18

encouraged to come and look at this facility,” he said. “And when I did, it took us a while to figure it out. It really did.”

other similarly-sized facilities. But Vesta says he will trade line speed for the other advantages the system delivers.

“Once we decided that we were interested, my oldest son and I went to Europe and saw mirror images of this technology and how it worked. And that’s what it took for us to decide that this was really something worthwhile, something very unique.”

“Our competitive advantage is, we believe, the more deliberate process and more focus on the things that really count. I ran very large plants and speed can sometimes become an impediment to some of the things that we care dearly about. We believe we will be one of the most, if not the most food-safe plant in North America for beef production,” he said.

The harvest side of the plant was designed and engineered in the Netherlands and shipped to Calgary for assembly. The plant is about 150,000 square feet on 2 floors. “It offers some of the more unique European technologies,” Vesta said. “The European focus is always on food safety, especially on the harvest side. The hideon, hide-off and fabrication areas have three separate entrances, which no other plant in North America has, and three separate welfare areas. The hide-on side and the hide-off is PLC [Programmable Logic Controller] controlled so the cattle actually stop in front of every worker, which gives them more time to do their task than the traditional North American plants.” This means the Harmony plant will operate at roughly half the speed of

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When Harmony Beef opens next month it will process approximately 125 head per day. Over the course of a year, production will grow toward the plant’s capacity of 750 to 800 cattle per day on a single-shift basis. There are 70 employees on site already, and by opening day Vesta expects to have 125 to 150. When production hits its full stride, the plant will employ 350 people. While labour shortages have plagued the Canadian agriculture industry, Vesta is confident he will have the workers he continued on page 20

NOVEMBER 2016

PROTECT YOUR BOTTOM LINE NO MATTER THE HEADLINE The Western Livestock Price Insurance Program (WLPIP) provides protection from factors beyond your control. The program works. Payments have been made to all sectors of the cattle industry, offsetting the decline in the cattle market.

WLPIPâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s flexibility provides a range of premiums and coverages to choose from. Find the best fit for your operation. Enrolment is free, so sign up today.

NOVEMBER 2016

Producers can purchase price insurance year-round for their feeder cattle, finished cattle or hogs. Price insurance for calves will be available for purchase again in February 2017. For more information, contact your local Crop Insurance office, call 1.888.935.0000 or visit our website. @skcropinsurance

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www.skstockgrowers.com | ÂŠBEEF BUSINESS | 19

Feature Opportunity cont. from pg. 18 needs. He boasts an excellent track record of labour relations, and says he intends for Harmony Beef to be the employer of choice for the skilled personnel he needs to run the plant. Balzac’s proximity to Calgary is a major advantage, both for the available labour pool and for the quality of life opportunities for employees and their families. But more importantly, Vesta says his experience in the industry gives him a healthy perspective on workers’ needs.

“My grandfather told me when I first got into this business, ‘Remember one thing: you lead the people and drive the cattle. And don’t get it confused.’ That’s kind of been my mantra my whole life.” “I’ve done every job in this plant myself,” he said. “I’m in the plant every day. And even when I ran JBS, as big as we were, I was in the plant every week.“I can relate. It comes from my upbringing. I was taught that animals deserve dignity and respect, and we’ve always given them that. And if animals deserve that, how much more important is the way we treat our people? This is something we some day have to answer to our Creator for. Every one of our employees deserves a life that gives them the opportunity to strive for happiness, to strive for their goals, and we like to present that forum for anybody that works for us.” “My grandfather told me when I first got into this business, ‘Remember one thing: you lead the people and drive the cattle. And don’t get it confused.’ That’s kind of been my mantra my whole life.” To create the number of jobs Vesta foresees, he will need a reliable supply of

cattle. Again, he’s confident he has the matter well in hand. “We’re in pretty good shape in that respect,” he said. “I wouldn’t be here, and wouldn’t be putting the money I’ve put into this plant if it wasn’t for a pretty good assurance that we’re going to have cattle.” The downturn in the feeding sector, including the pending closure of Western Feedlots, hasn’t affected his plans. If anything, Vesta says, even a small packer like Harmony Beef can add some incremental value for Canadian breeders and feeders, and may be part of the equation when the feeding sector recovers. “You don’t like to see capacity go out of the industry, but that capacity will be there unless you tear down the feedlots,” he said. “Feedlots are relatively inexpensive. It’s the inventory you put in them that costs a lot. And if that inventory situation changes you’ll probably see those feedlots start feeding cattle again. Whether they close or not, that doesn’t mean that six months from now they won’t be open if the economics change.” But it’s the quality of Canadian beef, and its export value, that has Vesta most excited. Whereas the US herd has significant numbers of Bos indicus cattle, especially in the southern regions, Canada’s beef herd is exclusively Bos taurus breeds. This, Vesta says, makes for a consistently superior product than what one would find in the US at large. “There’s plants in the United States that can offer the same kind of quality, but most of the multiple-plant operations have plants in certain areas where they can’t be that discriminating on the genetic makeup of their herds,” he said. “Canada has a very good reputation among the people we’re talking to in foreign markets. I think there’s a unique story to tell about the Canadian genetics, the feeding, the handling of the animals, everything. I just think there’s a very unique story, and I mean the quality of

| ©BEEF BUSINESS | www.skstockgrowers.com

the beef that’s here. We’re convinced that country-wide, Canada offers the finest bovine herd population in the world.” Harmony Beef’s plan is to maximize the value of that good Canadian beef. With the plant’s advanced technologies and a sophisticated marketing plan, they expect to reach specialized domestic and international markets with differentiated products. EU compliance is part of that, but Vesta says prices paid overseas for beef products sold cheaply in Canada present a major opportunity.The growing demand for certified Halal food products, to conform to Muslim dietary laws, is another. “We’ve had a lot of enthusiasm from EU and Asian countries and Mideast countries. We plan on being 100 per cent Halal certified, probably within three months, and that exposes you to a much larger market,” Vesta said. “I believe we’ll be the only plant in western Canada that will be Halal certified.” continued on page 22

NOVEMBER 2016

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Feature Opportunity cont. from pg. 20 If production, marketing and sales go according to plan, Vesta thinks the Harmony Beef facility gives the company an advantage that won’t be matched anytime soon, if ever. “There will never be another plant like this built in North America,” he said. “The cost of building the plant to the specifications this plant was built to, on a per-head basis, is too great. Obviously as the second owner we share some better economies of scale than the first owner did. And we never ever believed that we would come in here to be a dominant force in the market by any means. Obviously at our size, we can’t be. But we believe we can be a tipping point for the Canadian beef industry. We think we can do some things that others aren’t doing or maybe can’t do.” “We just want to keep our ears to the ground, and listen to consumers and feeders. It’s got to be a win-win situation, everybody’s got to win in this deal or else it’s not good for anybody.” The SSGA is planning a group tour of the Harmony Beef plant in March 2017. For more information on the tour please contact the office at 306.757.8523. B The photos on pages 18, 20 & 22, by Lori Loree, are reprinted with the permission of Farm Credit Canada. They were originally published in the July/Aug 2015 issue of FCC’s magazine, AgriSuccess. For subscription information visit fcc.ca/AgriSuccess.

BSE TESTING IS IMPORTANT FICTION: BSE testing is not important because Canadian cattle producers currently enjoy international market access. FACT: To maintain the current market access and industry prosperity, it is essential that cattle producers support BSE surveillance by having their animals tested.

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

| ©BEEF BUSINESS | www.skstockgrowers.com

NOVEMBER 2016

40 Bull Calves

BTR 110D

BTR 126D

BTR 20D

BTR 157D

60 Heifer Calves

BTR 95D

BTR 123Z & 149D

BTR 107D

70 Bred Heifers

BTR 57C

BTR 68C

BTR 200C

BTR 183C

BTR 114C

RCE 902C

BTR 157C

BTR 100C

BTR 86Y

BTR 144Z

BTR 145B

BTR 203Y

BTR 468U

BTR 25T

BTR 35U

BTR 223B

BTR 121A

BTR 64U

BTR 853Z

BTR 303Z

-100 cows due to calve Feb/ March -60 cows due to calve Apr/ May

BTR 26Z

BTR 153Z

BTR 247B

BTR 78B

BTR 89A

BTR 84W

BTR 175Z

BTR 29T

BTR 519X

BTR 132X

BTR 162B

Saskalta Angus

Kim Roberston P.0. Box 159 Alsask, SK S0L 0A0 306-968-2637 • Cell: 306-463-8405 Fax: 306-968-2255 kimrobertson@xplornet.com

Douglas J. Henderson & Associates Ltd.

Ph: 403-782-3888 • Fax: 403-782-3849 Doug’s Cell: 403-350-8541 Brody’s Cell: 403-994-0552

Castlerock Marketing Shane Castle View the catalogue online at wwwbuyagro.com Cell: 306-741-7485

Feature A&W Defends Better Beef Campaign by Jeff Gaye

A look at the beef, chicken, eggs and bacon guarantees on A&W’s website will tell you much about the image the company is trying to cultivate. The language has several references to “natural” ingredients and “doing the right thing.” Much of “the right thing” includes practices that are almost universal among Canadian ranchers, like animal welfare and environmental sustainability. But many in Canada’s agriculture sector are angry that A&W also implies that “the right thing” means beef raised without hormones or steroids, or chickens and hogs raised without antibiotics, or even eggs from vegetarian hens (chickens are natural omnivores). The suggestion appears to be that conventional farming practices are somehow the wrong thing. Beef industry organizations feel this undermines the value of the Canadian Beef brand. They point out that cattle growth promotants are naturally occurring substances that are found in infinitesimally small quantities in beef, even compared to other foods including fruits and vegetables. Adding insult to injury, A&W has to import beef from the US, Australia and New Zealand to supplement the supply available in Canada. Is A&W exploiting fear, based on consumer ignorance, to sell Teen Burgers? Trish Sahlstrom is Senior Vice-President and Chief Commercial Officer for A&W. She said that when beef began losing market share to other proteins, the company wanted to know why. They discovered an underlying uneasiness among consumers about growth promotants.

absolutely heard in all of that research that the use of artificial growth promotants is a big concern for them. They simply do not want beef that’s been raised that way,” Sahlstrom said. “We also get to hear from thousands of guests who share how pleased and grateful they are that we have this option available.”

hormones are used and why, do they know the quantities found in their burger are insignificant?

She rejects the idea that consumers are ignorant about food issues. Consumers are asking questions. They want simple, natural ingredients, and they are concerned about what additives might be in their food. Above all, they demand transparency from the retailer, Sahlstrom says.

“Consumers are not naïve, and they are actively involved in educating themselves about the things that are important to them,” she said.

But are consumers asking the right questions? Do they know how growth

“Our responsibility is to ensure that consumers understand what we do, and it is by no means limited to our beef. They want to know about every product we serve. And so it’s a constant focus for us to try and create the transparency that continued on page 28

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“We do research continually to find out what is of interest and of concern to Canadian consumers, and we’ve

Sahlstrom famously, or infamously, told the SSGA Annual General Meeting in 2014 that it’s not retailers’ job to educate consumers. She stands by that.

| ©BEEF BUSINESS | www.skstockgrowers.com

(306)569-3380 569-3380 (306) (306)735-7811 735-7811 (306) (306)620-7260 620-7260 (306) (306)774-6100 430-7747 (306) (306) 539-7975 (306) 621-9955 (306) 441-6777 (306)725-7826 725-7826 (306) (306) 8-8000 (306) 858-8000 (306)761-1863 527-9636 (306) (306)327-7129 327-7129 (306) (306) 281-8412 (306) 860-8686

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www.skstockgrowers.com | Â©BEEF BUSINESS | 27

Feature A&W cont. from pg. 26 allows them to understand what we do and how we do it so that they get to make up their minds about it.” “And I have to tell you that we hear from guests every day about their appreciation for the decisions we make, for the transparency.”

Is A&W exploiting fear, based on consumer ignorance, to sell Teen Burgers? The beef industry, she said, has been talking openly about medications and growth promotants for decades. Consumers have the information they need to make informed decisions.“They have educated themselves,” she said. Many consumers have concluded that “naturally-raised” food is somehow healthier. But Sahlstrom insists that A&W does not make that claim. “The intention for us is not to denigrate any other methods. It’s to be clear about the choice and the commitment we’ve made so we can communicate that to our guests and let them decide whether that’s important,” she said. The same market research that identified consumers’ preference for “free-from” beef also found a strong preference for beef sourced in Canada. But A&W’s demand for its particular beef requirements is more than the Canadian industry has been able to provide. While the company has declared its intent to buy all of its beef in Canada, it still needs to import beef from the US, Australia and New Zealand. Sahlstrom says the Canadian portion of their beef purchase is growing, particularly from western Canada but also from Ontario and Quebec. But despite paying a premium for their beef and cultivating relationships in the industry, A&W still isn’t where they want to be for domestic supply. 28

“We’re some distance from getting 100 percent of our beef from Canada. But I am quite confident that that opportunity is real and that we’re going to be able to enjoy it. And I’m very hopeful that it’s not that far away,” she said. “And that’s why buying Canadian is important to us,” she said. “We spend hundreds of millions of dollars buying Canadian products every year including millions of pounds of beef. We think the ranchers have the right to expect us to promote positive market-driven products that respond to consumers’ interests. And their concerns.” But consumers have a number of concerns, and they don’t necessarily line up. While Canadian ranchers have lost some sales because of consumer distaste for modern production methods, beef is also under fire from activists who allege the industry is bad for the environment.

LLB

Over

Producers maintain that growth promotants, besides being harmless, allow them to produce more meat from fewer animals. This improves a range of sustainability factors including land use, fuel consumption and methane emissions. It also improves the economic sustainability of the industry. Sahlstrom doesn’t see A&W’s niche marketing as inconsistent with Canadian beef’s efforts to build a reputation for its sustainable practices. Canadian ranchers can be proud of their products, she says, and they should be able to expect the industry to help them strengthen the sustainability and profitability of their operations. She says A&W’s participation in the Canadian and Global Roundtables on Sustainable Beef allows them to help continued on page 30

Angus Opportunity Sale at the Farm

DEC 19 2016

400 Head of Quality Angus Breeding Stock

100 Bred Heifers

50 Young Cows

50 Show Heifer Prospects A Select Group of Great Herd Sire Prospects!

200 Commercial Black & Black Baldie Bred Heifers

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| ©BEEF BUSINESS | www.skstockgrowers.com

LEE & LAURA BROWN 403-742-4226 BOX 217 ERSKINE AB T0C 1G0

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email: llbangus@telus.net

NOVEMBER 2016

Feature A&W cont. from pg. 28 Canadian ranchers tell their success stories while selling more beef. “We didn’t invent beef raised this way. Canadian ranchers and farmers have been raising their beef without growth promotants forever,” she said. “We have fantastic Canadian ranchers, and opening up the opportunity to respond to this particular demand is a fantastic opportunity. We pay a premium for this product. Many hundreds of ranchers raise their animals exactly this way, and giving them access to that premium price and to market the products in the way that is important to them is a fantastic opportunity for us. And I really feel honored to be able to do that.” The quick-service restaurant (QSR) industry is intensely competitive, and beef

is its cornerstone product. Companies are all looking for an edge that will differentiate them and win market share.

its “100% Canadian” commitment could fall by the wayside if consumers thought other factors were more important.

A&W is the fastest-growing QSR chain in Canada. McDonald’s is banking on its Verified Sustainable Beef program, which is supported by producer groups, as a way to reinforce its brand among savvy consumers.

Tim Hortons is conducting market research aimed at capturing a larger lunch and supper market share. The company’s marketing vice president Sam Heath said “to win at lunch and dinner, you need to sell beef sandwiches.”

Niche products and marketing strategies like A&W’s “free-from” beef might complement conventional production, or they might undermine the Canadian Beef brand. But it is almost certain there is more on the way.

The company is already asking consumers what is important to them, and it’s unlikely they will preface their questions with a science lesson.

At the Canadian Beef Industry Conference in August – in the same panel discussion where Earls president Mo Jessa apologized for offending the industry with its “Certified Humane” beef promotion – Tim Hortons warned that

Maybe Sahlstrom is right – maybe retailers are only responsible to be transparent about the products they offer, not to educate the public about conventional production practices. If so, who will tell the good-news stories about Canadian beef? B

Foraging into the Future

Come learn the building blocks for a successful operation. December 7 & 8 - Swift Current SK - Register by December 1, 2016 Producers $125 - Industry $175 - Students $75 Topics Include: -Soil Health -Cocktail Cover Crops -Water Development -Economics -Animal Selection

-Forage Rejuvenation -Stock Handling -Grazing Management -Artificial Insemination

Event Partners

For more information phone 306-778-8294 or email trevor.lennox@gov.sk.ca Visit the Sask Forage Council Upcoming Events for details http://www.saskforage.ca 30

| ©BEEF BUSINESS | www.skstockgrowers.com

NOVEMBER 2016

Featuring Purebred Black Angus Calving in April Bred Black Angus

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Swift Current, SK 8 miles south on Lac Pelletier Trail 4 miles west (at the Ranch) Email: Bryce: Wyatt: wburnett@xplornet.ca 306-773-7065 306-750-7822

Bruce Switzer: 306-773-4200

Heifers bred to low birth weight Burnett Bulls NOVEMBER 2016

www.skstockgrowers.com | ÂŠBEEF BUSINESS | 31

Connecting Sustainability and Beef Production in Canada

Verified Beef Production in

SASKATCHEWAN DRIVING CONSUMER CONFIDENCE

A PRACTICAL APPROACH TO VERIFYING SUSTAINABILITY

PROOF OF RESPONSIBLE MANAGEMENT

Canadian Beef is Sustainable, Safe and Wholesome. Let’s become VERIFIED and show consumers why!

Take the Training

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IN-PERSON WORKSHOP OR ONLINE

STANDARD OPERATING PROCEDURES

Education on Food Safety, Animal

Industry-lead practices focused on

Care, Biosecurity, and Environmental

Food Safety, Animal Care, Biosecurity, &

Stewardship Management Practices:

Environmental Stewardship during beef

•

Inject in the Neck, Reduce Broken

production are being used on the cattle

Needles, Meet Withdrawal Times

operation:

•

Keep Records (Treatments, Deaths)

•

Beef Code of Practice, Disease Prevention, Manure Management

Complete the On-Farm Audit

OF: PReOdibility TH

VERIFICATION OF THE OPERATION Our 3rd party auditors are also beef producers and understand the industry. It takes about 3.5 hours and is mostly done in the comfort of your home, through discussion and review of your records.

•

Feedlots: 3 months of Records

This 3rd party verification gives credit

•

Cow-Calf: 6 months of Records

towards the excellent things you do.

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

VBP+ Verification Audit

WHAT IS INVOLVED?

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

Audit fees are a flat $500 per onfarm audit and beef producers in Saskatchewan can get 50% back through the On-Farm Food Safety (OFFS) funding program for their First Certification Audit.

MAINTAINING REGISTRATION

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

Beef Producers in Saskatchewan may qualify for funding provided through Growing Forward 2, a federal-provincial-territorial initiative.

NO ANNUAL FEES

NEW funding category under the Beef Biosecurity program:

SEGREGATION PENS - 50% up to $1,000

(isolation/quarantine pens for incoming or sick cattle)

•

F= Full on-farm audit

•

R= Records Assessment (sample)

•

S= Self Declaration

•

VBP+ Registration Certificate and

If you choose to become REGISTERED with the VBP+ Program

Gate Sign are provided to the operation

•

you need records as per the Must Do’s in the VBP+ Supplemental & Producer Manual

•

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

•

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

towards eligible equipment (neck

that you are ready (Producer Checklist & Self-Assessment)

extenders, scale with load bars,

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

record keeping software, etc.)

•

VBP+ Registered Producers in SK are eligible for 50% up to $2,000

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

Feature CFIA to Publish Transport Regulation Amendments Soon by Jeff Gaye

Canada’s livestock transport regulations have been under review and the Canadian Food Inspection Agency has said it will post proposed amendments this fall for public consultation. The existing regulations have been a popular target for animal rights activists. A Toronto woman is currently being tried on mischief charges after giving bottled water to pigs in a transport trailer in Burlington, Ontario last year. The accused, Anita Krajnc, told CBC News “The pig trial has turned around from being a trial about one woman giving water to pigs to really putting animal agriculture on trial for what it does to animals, what it does to the environment, and what it does to people’s health and what it does to our conscience.” She described pigs as “better than people.” The present regulations are almost 40 years old, and beef industry organizations say they can support improvements that will result in better outcomes for animals. The subject has been studied by industry and government for more than ten years. According to the CFIA, the proposed amendments to the Health of Animals

Regulations would “improve animal welfare, align with international standards, reflect current science regarding industry practices and animal needs, clarify definitions and remove vague terms, improve enforcement capabilities, and remove obsolete or unnecessary requirements.”

outcomes rather than increasing the positive outcomes being demonstrated by industry today,” the CCA article says. “Canadian cattle producers will support an imposed change that actually improves animal welfare because what is best for the animal is also best for the producer, consumer, and general public.”

“The proposal would move toward satisfying Canadian societal expectations regarding responsible farm animal care and the humane treatment of animals during animal transport, including loading and unloading.”

Transporting livestock in a way that minimizes stress on the animal involves several factors. The length of the journey is one, including the question of whether and how often the animals should be unloaded for rest periods, and if and when they should be fed and watered en route.

The Canadian Cattlemen’s Association (CCA) has called for any changes in regulations to be based on sound Canadian research as opposed to public perception. The CCA said in a news article that research supporting regulation amendments needs to be done using commercial cattle, transport trailers and drivers, under typical commercial distances and conditions in Canada. “Arbitrary rule changes that are based solely on perception rather than science could potentially result in worse

Researchers are looking into the effects of exposure to weather, load density, trailer design and other factors. The track record for transporting animals in Canada shows high success rates – 99.95% of animals on a long haul (more than four hours) reach their destination injury free. And 99.98% of animals on a short haul (less than four hours) reach their destination injury free, according to Dr. Karen Schwartzkopf-Genswein, Senior Research Scientist for Beef Welfare and Behaviour, Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada. continued on page 35

F O R A G E

| ©BEEF BUSINESS | www.skstockgrowers.com

NOVEMBER 2016

Feature rest after 48 hours can be waived if the animals reach their destination within 52 hours.

Transport Regulation cont. from pg. 34 But given the large numbers of poultry and mammals transported every day, the unsuccessful transfers still represent millions of animals that suffer stress or injury, or die in transit. Producers and other industry stakeholders have invested in research to improve outcomes. The Krajnc case has drawn attention to regulations that allow for livestock to be transported for up to 48 hours without being unloaded for a rest period. The

But a 48 or 52 hour trip is far from typical. The average long haul is only 16 hours, and only five per cent of cattle spend more than 30 hours in transit. Dr. Schwartzkopf-Genswein says that the 30 hour mark is where stress begins to become a factor. “We saw more welfare issues and greater shrink at anything above the 28 to 30 hour mark in transport. That’s where welfare-related issues like lameness, mortality and non-ambulatory

animals seemed to really increase rapidly, as well as shrink,” she said. Research on optimum rest stops is not yet conclusive. An in-house study of 5, 10 or 15-hour rests seemed to show that a short rest - less than 10 hours - causes less stress to the animals than a rest of 10 hours or more, but Dr Schwartzkopf-Genswein cautions that there is more work to be done on this. The CFIA’s proposed amendments will be published in the Canada Gazette this fall. There will be a public comment period of 75 days for Canadians to offer feedback. B

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NOVEMBER 2016

www.skstockgrowers.com | ©BEEF BUSINESS | 35

Science and Production Required Documents for Marketing Your Cattle by Cam Wilk, P. Ag,

The weather conditions this fall certainly slowed the number of cattle coming to our markets. The backlog arriving on sale days is increasing pressure on everyone to ensure the market system runs as smoothly as possible. Once again letâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s review the information you will need to bring with your cattle. Permanent identifiers such as livestock brands assist livestock inspectors and licensed livestock dealers to positively identify ownership of livestock.

To ensure sales transactions proceed efficiently, brand information is passed from livestock inspectors to the market office and then added to the sale invoices. This gives the buyer a complete description of the livestock purchased. The manifest number that the livestock were sold on is also added to the sale invoice. This number makes it possible for the Livestock Inspection Services of the Livestock Services of Saskatchewan to trace livestock should further information be required to settle a dispute. Manifest information also helps address animal health concerns in the event of a disease investigation.

| ÂŠBEEF BUSINESS | www.skstockgrowers.com

In situations when a producer offers livestock for sale that carry a registered brand belonging to another person, the seller will be asked for proof of ownership for that animal. The seller will be expected to provide documentation that shows the seller is the actual owner of the livestock and entitled to the payment. When proof of purchase or ownership is not provided, the market may withhold your settlement. A number of other circumstances including legal disputes, marital disputes, estate discrepancies or creditor concerns may also result in the market decision to withhold settlement. continued on page 38

NOVEMBER 2016

You are invited to attend the Commercial Cattlemenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s

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owing Immediately foll l Cattle Show the Commercia hange in the Stock Exc 6 pm) (approximately

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Science and Production Active Missing Livestock Files October 2016

Area Missing From

Number of Head

Animal Description

Cando Biggar

1 cows 42 mixed calves

Hubbard

1 black bull 1 black cow NVB 1 black bull calf NVB 1 red heifer NVB

Saskatoon

Brand Description

Brand Location

RCMP Subdivision

LSS Regional Office

North Battleford

North Battleford 306.446.7404

Yorkton

Yorkton 306.786.5712

July 19

Calves

Radisson

Saskatoon 306.933.7660

Oct 14

Heifers

Saskatoon

Saskatoon 306.933.7660

Sept 26

Alberta brand

Date Reported

Jan 19

Information provided by Livestock Services of Saskatchewan

Required Documents cont. from pg. 36 Withhold processes are very time consuming for the market, the producer and Livestock Inspectors. Not having the proper documents increases the cost to everyone involved in the marketing of the livestock. When such disputes are not settled within 60 days the sale proceeds will be transferred in trust to the Court of Queens Bench where each party may make application on the direction of payment. Such applications are very costly.

One way to prevent this is to attach a copy of the bill of sale or invoice to the manifest when the livestock are delivered to market. This ensures the market and the Livestock Inspectors will receive the documentation at the time of inspection, thus proving ownership and preventing delays. It is the producer’s responsibility to prove ownership of the livestock. Branding with a registered brand is a simple and

| ©BEEF BUSINESS | www.skstockgrowers.com

effective management method that assists the efficient marketing of livestock. B FOR MORE INFORMATION • Phone your district Livestock Inspector; or • Phone the Brand Registrar, Livestock Services of Saskatchewan, (306) 546-5086; or • Phone the Agriculture Knowledge Centre, toll free, 1-866-457-2377.

NOVEMBER 2016

Stewardship Hay, Donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t Spread those Weeds by Harvey Anderson

We all have to admit that hay land and pastures are the least managed crop lands, for most farmers. This is especially true when we consider weed control. Many highly invasive alien plants are capable of invading pastures and hay land, such as Leafy Spurge, Scentless Chamomile, Common Tansy, Yellow Toadflax, and Oxeye Daisy, to name a few. These plants usually have growth and/ or reproductive characteristics which give them an advantage over most forage and native plants. Leafy Spurge, Yellow Toadflax and Oxeye Daisy have creeping root systems which can send up new shoots anywhere along the root system. Other species, like Scentless Chamomile and Common Tansy are prolific seed producers which gives them their advantage. As soon as the flowers of Scentless Chamomile form there are some seeds in the head which are viable, and Common Tansy holds onto its seed, in the flower head, long into the winter, which is then spread by equipment, such as mowers, or the winds blowing seeds on top of the snow. These are added characteristics which aid in the weed spread, which is often further aided by human activity, of some kind.

least have a plan in place to deal with the weeds you may be introducing to your property, when they first appear, or you may be dealing with these weeds forever afterwards.

the field where the hay is to be harvested should be scouted for weeds, or at a minimum questions need to be asked about what weeds the hay may contain, prior to the purchase and transport of the hay. If the hay has a weed or weeds that are not present on your property, you should possibly reject the hay or at

NOVEMBER 2016

continued on page 40

Did you know? Saskatchewan beef producers and their veterinarians are eligible for free Bovine Viral Diarrhea testing through the Provincial Screening and Control Program. Any calves that are sick, dead, deformed or aborted are eligible.

Moving hay that has viable seeds attached is one of the main means through which weeds are spread. The weeds can also attach to the forage equipment, used for the forage harvest, which will likely be transported back to the main farm site after use, or the weeds may be packaged within the bales of hay, which may be transported to the livestock feeding site, or even worse be sold to some distant producer for their use. All farmers should be aware of and practice some level of biosecurity on their farms, similar to what hog production facilities have been practicing for many years. Farmers should know what species of plants are in their own forage fields and have a management plan in place for dealing with the weeds they may contain. When hay is purchased, ideally

Livestock may eat these weeds in a pasture situation, although the weeds are usually less palatable than the grass and native forbs. Weed seeds can pass through the digestive systems of livestock and at least some seeds may remain viable, and when animals are transported the manure may act as a vector for these weeds to spread, to the new location. For example, in one RM near the Alberta border, which has been invaded by Hoary Alyssum, the story goes that it was brought to the area by a corral cleaning company, on contaminated equipment.

For more information, contact: Wendy Wilkins Disease Surveillance Veterinarian Saskatchewan Ministry of Agriculture 306-798-0253

saskatchewan.ca/livestock

www.skstockgrowers.com | ÂŠBEEF BUSINESS | 39

Stewardship Hay cont. from pg. 39 Rural municipality weed inspectors are becoming more aware that the movement of hay is a major vector of weed movement, and are becoming much more proactive in stopping weed transport if they realize it is happening in their jurisdictions. Many weed inspectors, in all parts of Saskatchewan, are using their authority under the Weed Control Act, by issuing orders to stop the movement of hay which is known to contain reproductive plant parts of noxious weeds, in and around their areas. Some RMs are creating bylaws to make sure all loads of farm products, which move within their municipalities, are tarped, in an effort to reduce weed seed spread. One of the most dynamic stories of weed introductions, in Canada, dates back to the end of World War II, when Air Force gliders were brought back from Europe to the Gimli Airport, in north central Manitoba. Local hay from Europe was used as a packing material in the crates containing the gliders, which were unpacked on the airstrip borders, the grassed areas at the airport. In later years these grassed areas became contaminated by an alien invasive weed, called Red Bartsia. This hay land was rented out to a local farmer who harvested the hay, containing Red Bartsia seeds, and thus, over a matter of a few years contaminated most rural roads in the Interlake Region, and this weed is still moving southward and westward toward Saskatchewan. Red Bartsia seed has Velcro-like hooks which will attach to bales dropped out of a baler, and this has greatly assisted the weeds movement through hay transportion. This weed is very difficult to control with herbicides, and has travelled from the Gimli Airstrip, to as close as Souris, Manitoba, in about 65 years. I predict it will reach our province in the next few years, and will cause the hay industry many difficulties and expenses well into the future.

seeds and propagating plant parts can be moved in soil materials and gravel. The movement of contaminated equipment can also be considered as potential vectors of weed spread. The invasive alien plant, Salt Cedar was likely transported to the three known locations of this shrub, which presently occur in the province, when earth moving equipment was brought to Canada from the US. A few years ago the Saskatchewan Forage Council produced 5 fact sheets related to

forages and how they are connected to invasive weed movement. The fact sheets are still available to view and download, and cover best management practices to consider when dealing with hay including, Forage Seed, Grazing, Riparian, Transportation, Hay, and Transportation. The Council also published a feasibility study of “A Weed Free Forage Program for Saskatchewan”, which is likely a great idea, but too expensive to put into practice in Saskatchewan. Interested readers should search for these publications and consider putting into action some of the BMPs, to reduce the effects that hay currently has, in moving weeds around this province. Harvey Anderson is an Invasive Alien Plants Management Advisor working jointly with the Saskatchewan Ministry of Agriculture and the Saskatchewan Association of Rural Municipalities. Funding of this project is provided through the Canada-Saskatchewan “Growing Forward” Program. B

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NOVEMBER 2016

Stewardship Counting for Conservation: the 2016 International Piping Plover Census by Tara Mulhern Davidson

Piping plovers have long been on the radar for conservationists across North America, particularly in Saskatchewan. Listed in 1987 as an Endangered Species in Canada, Saskatchewan provides breeding habitat for almost two thirds of the North American population of this interior shorebird species1. Piping plovers are shorebirds that nest directly on gravelly freshwater beaches and saline flats across North America. The birds have bright orange beaks and legs, buff-coloured wings and backs, and a black band around their neck. Environment Canada cites a variety of factors that potentially compromise the survival of piping plovers, including predation; human-caused water level management; and habitat alteration from recreational vehicles, agriculture, resource extraction, and construction.

During a two week time frame in June of 2016, volunteers and conservationists trekked across prairie, along sloughs, and beside beaches to once again conduct the International Piping Plover Census on 162 different basins in Saskatchewan. The census, which is conducted every five years, is a comprehensive monitoring effort to determine how the shorebird population is holding up in Saskatchewan and across the continent. Alan Smith, the provincial coordinator working on behalf of Nature Saskatchewan, provided some insight on how the summer work went. “The census gives us an idea of population trends and of course data is gathered on the types of habitats [piping plovers] are occurring in,” Smith explained, adding that observers are looking for any conditions that may adversely affect the bird. “For instance, a lot of the basins are

controlled by human intervention,” Smith said. “Humans have a significant role to play in the management of the water and therefore the management of the species,” he added, saying that water level management plays a major factor in the recovery of piping plovers and that there has been a lot of runoff to manage in Saskatchewan in the last few years. Smith describes piping plovers as a “disturbance” species, meaning the beaches and saline flats that they prefer to nest on in Saskatchewan tend to be created by fluctuations or disturbances in water levels over a long period of time. “Even though water levels over the past five to six years have been quite high, breeding habitat will be created. The species requires those fluctuating water levels to obtain the habitat they require.” continued on page 43

Piping plover eggs and nests blend in with their gravelly surroundings. In fact, this nest appears to have five eggs in it, although one is actually a rock of similar shape and size. Photo courtesy of Alan Smith

| ©BEEF BUSINESS | www.skstockgrowers.com

NOVEMBER 2016

Stewardship Piping Plover Census cont. from pg. 42 When compared with past survey results, Smith said that the piping plover numbers are down over the long term, but they are slightly up from the most recent survey undertaken in 2011. Smith noted that although the number of birds is just slightly higher in 2016, the number of actual pairs displaying an intent to breed is up over 40%, potentially suggesting that habitat conditions are improving. Smith will submit Saskatchewan data to the international coordinator and Nature Saskatchewan will publish the findings later this fall. Recognizing that ranchers and landowners play a key role in conserving piping plovers, Nature Saskatchewan

has a program for producers who may be interested in helping to support habitat. Plovers on Shore is a voluntary program for producers to identify and protect habitat.“We assure landowners that, if they have the species on their land, they must be doing something right already,” said Becky Magnus, Species at Risk Manager with Nature Saskatchewan. “We also keep our landowner participants informed of what is going on with speciesspecific research and information,” Magnus added.

For more information on the program, interested producers can call Nature Saskatchewan at (306) 780-9832. Plovers on Shore brochure, Nature Saskatchewan, 2015. Available at www. naturesask.ca

Nature Saskatchewan uses a cooperative approach with landowners to protect habitat and approximately 51 land owners participate in the program which conserves about 85 miles of shoreline habitat. B

Registration is now Open for the 2017 “Reclaiming Spaces, Restoring Species” Workshop The Saskatchewan Prairie Conservation Action Plan (SK PCAP) is pleased to announce that registration for the 2017 Native Prairie Restoration and Reclamation Workshop (NPRRW) is now open. The workshop will be held February 8 and 9, 2017 at the Ramada Hotel in downtown Regina, SK. The theme of the workshop is “Reclaiming Spaces, Restoring Species” and the agenda includes plenary sessions, a trade show, a poster display, and many networking opportunities.

Saskatchewan’s prairie grasslands and beyond,” she adds.

“This year’s theme focuses not just on prairie spaces and landscapes, but on the species that make their homes there,” says Kayla Balderson Burak, SK PCAP Manager. “We will bring in species and restoration experts from across North America to share their practical solutions which will hopefully result in tangible outcomes on

The NPRRW has become the preeminent event for networking, skill building, and knowledge transfer among prairie restoration and reclamation specialists across Western Canada as well as the United States. B

NOVEMBER 2016

The NPRRW will include sessions on range health and soil remediation; prescribed burning; bioremediation; restoring wildlife and plant species at risk; the power of partnerships and collaboration, and much more. Also returning will be the popular case study exercise that evaluates restoration and reclamation in riparian, First Nations and urban settings.

Register now to secure your spot at this valuable workshop. Registration, program, and other information can be found at www.pcap-sk.org/upcoming-eventsworkshops/2017-nprrw or call SK PCAP at (306) 352-0472.

Association News, Reports, and Events SSGA Welcomes New Director - Calvin Gavelin about 2000 seeded acres at McCord, SK. The farm was originally homesteaded in 1909 by Calvin’s grandfather Nils Gavelin, followed by the next generation which included the families of his father Ellis and uncles Lloyd and Ken. Today Calvin and his wife Marla operate Gavelin Farms. Calvin and Marla have two young daughters— Rhys (5) and Quinn (3).

Calvin joined the SSGA Board as a Director at Large in June 2016 at the SSGA AGM. Calvin operates a mixed farming operation with 175 cow-calf pairs and

Calvin’s SSGA membership began through the encouragement from the generation before him who felt that the SSGA represented them well. Calvin now hopes to assist the SSGA in providing a voice for all cattle sectors in Saskatchewan. He feels that cattlemen should feel proud of their accomplishments and how well they treat the environment by caring for a vast

VALUE ADDED!

array of species while they run their farms. He would like to encourage producers to remain diligent and proactive when it comes to their business. When asked about the biggest challenges facing the livestock industry, Calvin responded that maintaining membership numbers, encouraging youth involvement in the industry and uncertainty in all sectors of agriculture were the most significant to the SSGA. Going forward, Calvin sees the SSGA’s biggest advantages as the vast array of knowledge available and the sense of pride the organization instills in its members. B

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306.642.5358 44

NOVEMBER 2016

Association News, Reports, and Events A Report From Shane Jahnke President, Saskatchewan Stock Growers Association

I hope everyone has been able to find enough days and nice weather to get all your fall work done. As a child of the ‘80s, I find it hard to complain about moisture but it has gotten to the point where I don’t want to check the weather app on my phone anymore. In a challenging fall like this, a person is reminded of the tightknit community we have in the Ag sector. Speaking for our ranch, we wouldn’t have been able to get our calves to market if it wasn’t for the help of neighbours and friends. We had the privilege of having Minister Lyle Stewart and Minister Scott Moe attend our October Board meeting which was very productive and covered a broad range of topics including illegal drainage, the Provincial Lands Act, species at risk and cougar depopulation. I believe we are starting to make some headway on addressing our resolution to deal with problematic cougars. As well, many of our concerns regarding the opening of the Provincial Lands Act have been addressed. The elephant in the room of course was the federal government’s announcement to impose a national carbon tax. I feel truly blessed that we have a provincial government that realizes and understands the detrimental effect it will have on agriculture as well as the whole province of Saskatchewan if or when a carbon tax is imposed.

NOVEMBER 2016

I believe the Canadian beef industry is well-positioned to be part of the solution in reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. We, as an industry, have one of the lowest GHG footprints per unit of production in the world at 12.0 kg C02 per kilogram of live weight. We also sustainably manage 20 million hectares of forage and grasslands which store up to 200 tonnes of carbon per hectare. I believe that it is important for all levels of government to recognize the value of agricultural carbon sinks and as landowners we deserve to be fairly compensated for the benefits that we provide to society. I would encourage everyone to get active and speak up against the carbon tax by contacting your

MPs, MLAs and telling agriculture’s good news story on social media. Canadian Western Agribition is right around the corner I encourage everyone to seek out our booth in the exhibit mall and let us know if you have any questions and concerns about the industry. I would also like to invite everyone to attend the Commercial Cattlemen's Mixer and Bull Pen Alley People’s Choice on Friday November 25th at 6pm in the Stock Exchange. For those of you enrolled in the WLPIP calf insurance program, don’t forget to check your settlement dates. B

Thanks to Premier Wall for being an advocate for Saskatchewan agriculture at home and abroad.

Calendar of Events

SSGA MEMBERSHIP

The Saskatchewan Stock Growers Association has entered into a partnership with Flaman to NOVEMBER increase and November 9-13Memberships Farmfair International November 15-17 Canadian Forage and Grassland Association Conference Subscription readership. November 20-22 November 21-26 November 23 November 25 November 26-30

Edmonton, AB Winnipeg, MB Regina, SK Regina, SK Regina, SK Regina, SK Online

Drive

Canadian Bison Association AGM Canadian Western Agribition WBDC Cost of Production Workshop Commercial Cattle Mixer Benchmark Angus 4th Annual Fall Bull and Genetic Sale DECEMBER sponsored membership December The 1 Peak Dot Ranch Bull Sale Wood Mountain, SK Flaman willComplete be a Dispersal Sale December 2 prize by Saskalta Angus Medicine Hat, AB December 4 Burnett Angus Bred Heifer Sale Swift Current, SK December 5 Six Mile and Guests Range Royalty Commercial Bred Heifer Sale Swift Current, SK th December 7 Cudlobe 17 Annual Bull Sale Stavely, AB Specs: Full rear door, side door, December 7-8 Foraging into the Future Swift Current, SK slots for side window slides, rock guard, December 8 2-3,500 Six lb Mile and Blairs.Ag Genetic Focus Angus Production Sale Regina, SK toreflex axles New or Existing Memberships: December 10 Dolittle Angus Dispersal Sale Swift Current, SK December 12 Advertising deadline for January magazine 1 year $105.00 1 entry The member that sells the most SSGA new December 12 Y Coulee Land & Cattle Co. “You Be the Judge” Annual Bull and Heifer Sale Vermilion, AB memberships freeSaskatchewan registrationAGM for 2 year $194.25 2 entries December 14-15 will Farmreceive & Food aCare Saskatoon, SK 2009 AGMSale . two December 19 to the LLB AngusSSGA Opportunity Erskine, AB 2 year spousal $97.12 1 entry JANUARY 2017 3 year $262.50 3 entries January 24-27 SK Beef Industry Conference Regina, SK 3 year spousal $131.25 2 entries January 28 MC Quantock “Canada’s Bulls” Bull Sale Lloydminster, AB FEBRUARY Life $1050.00 10 entries February 10 Advertising deadline for March magazine Life spousal $525.00 4 entries February 15-17 Alberta Beef Industry Conference Red Deer, AB

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As of September 1, 2008 the Saskatchewan Stock Growers will be offering a major prize draw for all paid new and renewal of existing memberships as follows:

All draws will be made at the 2009 SSGA Annual Convention

For more information or to become a member, please contact the SSGA office at 306-757-8523

Membership type: Member

Associate

Membership status:

Affiliate (call for rate)

Renewal

New

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

Name _______________________________________________ _ Address_ ____________________________________________ _ City/Town______________ Prov_____

Postal Code _________

SSGA MEMBERSHIP

Drive

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

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

NOVEMBER 2016

Advertisers Index Allen Leigh Security & Communications

Impact Trailer Sales

Six Mile Ranch

Apollo Machine & Products

Jackson Designs

Solar West

Arm River Red Angus

John Brown Farms

Spring Creek

Assiniboia Livestock Auction

Johnstone Auction Mart

Superior Livestock Auction

Beef Infoxchange System

Cover

Kelln Solar

Sweet Pro

Benchmark Angus

Kramer Trailer Sales

Target Cattle Concepts

13,49

Burnett Angus

Kyle Welding & Machine Shop

Terra Grain Fuels

Callicrate Banders

LLB Angus

28,48

Western Litho

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Lane Realty Corp.

Western Livestock Price Insurance Program

Canadian Cattle Identification Agency

14-15

Linthicum Ranch

Y Coulee Land & Cattle

Canadian Western Agribition

Luck Now Products

Cowtown Livestock Exchange, Inc.

Man-SK Gelbvieh

Cudlobe Bull Sale

Manitou Maine-Anjou

D&R Prairie Supplies

Masterfeeds

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Edward Jones

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7,35

Norheim Ranching

Federated Co-operatives Ltd.

Northstar Seed

FeedMax Corporation

Paysen Livestock Equipment

2,29

Peak Dot Ranch

Friendly Acres Seed Farm

Saskalta Angus

24-25

Frostfree Nosepumps Ltd.

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GBT Angus

Saskatchewan Beef Industry Conference

Gibson Livestock

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32-33

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Shadow Ranch

Hi-Hog Farm & Ranch Equipment

Simply Ag Solution

SSGA BOARD OF DIRECTORS THE EXECUTIVE

Shane Jahnke President/Director at Large Gouldtown, SK

DIRECTORS AT LARGE Phone: 784-2899

Bill Huber 1st Vice President/Director at Large Lipton, SK Phone: 336-2684 Kelcy Elford 2nd Vice President/Director at Large Caronport, SK

Phone: 690-5309

Jeff Yorga Finance Chair Flintoft, SK Phone: 531-5717 Doug Gillespie Past President Neville, SK Phone: 627-3619

NOVEMBER 2016

Jerry Chanig, Mankota Keith Day, Lacadena Gerald Duckworth, Courval Glen Elford, Milestone Calvin Gavelin, McCord Joe Gilchrist, Maple Creek Paula Larson, D'Arcy Norm Nordgulen, Assiniboia Donnie Peacock, Maple Creek Barry Olney, Estevan Roy Rutledge, Assiniboia

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

Henry McCarthy, Wawota Stephanie Deg, Weyburn Rod Gamble, Pambrun Robin Wiggins, Maple Creek Bill Huber, Lipton Brent Griffin, Elbow Kimberly Simpson, Kyle Kelly Williamson, Pambrun

478-2658 375-2934 394-4211 436-4688 478-2533 662-3986 379-4523 642-4961 662-8288 421-1495 642-5358

AFFILIATE DIRECTORS

Garner Deobald - Charolais Affiliate, Hodgeville 677-2589 Jack Ford - SaskMilk Affiliate, Wishart 328-4700 Tara Fritz - SImmental Affiliate, Shaunavon 297-3147 Lance Leachman - Hereford Affiliate, Maidstone 903-7299 Russell Murri - Shorthorn Affiliate, Swift Current 773-6583 Kurtis Reid - Hereford Affiliate, Hepburn 280-6858 Laird Senft - Angus Affiliate, Fort Qu’Appelle 332-4823 Lee Sexton - Goat Breeders Affiliate, Hanley 544-2660 Jeff Yorga - Limousin Affiliate, Flintoft 531-5717

APPOINTED DIRECTORS

Dr. Andy Acton- Veterinary Advisor, Ogema 739-2205 891-9894 582-2077 666-2103 336-2684 854-2050 375-5534 582-6102

459-2422

SASKATCHEWAN CCA DIRECTORS

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

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

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

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

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

NOVEMBER 2016

Your AD could be here! Contact Tracy Cornea 306-693-9329 Pump Kit

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DURALITE, NORBERTS & FRONTIER STOCK TRAILER DEALER

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

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Forage Seed

TMR MIXER FEEDERS

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

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

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

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NOVEMBER 2016

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Wayne or Scott Johnstone Box 818, Moose Jaw, SK 306-693-4715 (Bus) Fax 306-691-6650

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

Helen Finucane office: 306-775-1443 cell: 306-537-2648 phone: 306-584-2773 Carlyle, SK LIKE us on Facebook! For Upcoming Gelbvieh Sales and Breeders in your area contact: Ian Thackeray President (306) 861-7687 tgfis@sasktel.net www.gelbvieh.ca

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

Friendly Acres Seed Farm www.friendlyacres.sk.ca

306-744-2332

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

Cowtown Livestock Exchange Inc. Maple Creek, SK

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

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Jackson Designs Commercial Graphics | Catalogue Design Photography www.jacksondesigns.ca | 306.772.0376

NEW VISION AGRO Box 479 Hague, SK S0K 1X0 PH: (306) 225-2226 FX: (306) 225-2063

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

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

Check with us before you buy! NOVEMBER 2016

Ride for the Brand Promotional Items Available for Sale

put some SSGA under the tree this Christmas ! T-SHIRT $25 plus GST and shipping

HAND CARVED LEATHER PORTFOLIO 7.5” x 10” Has button closure, holds a notepad (included) $125 plus GST and shipping

METAL GATE SIGN 24 x 24 Gate sign, Can be personalized $60 plus GST and shipping

METAL SIGN 12 x 18 I Love Canadian Beef $45 plus GST and shipping

Please contact the SSGA office for information and to order

NORHEIM

RANCHING

Your Livestock Equipment Specialists Find us in the Eventplex at Agribition Nov. 21-26

• • Net Wrap &of Twine Thinking tradingSilage up? Covers & Wrap Hay Monster Feeders Livestock Handling Now is a great time toEquipment • Portable Corral Systems move your used mixer. Self Unloading Hay Trailers • Tru Test Weighing Systems Contact us&today Gates Panelsto• Steel Fencing • Freestanding Panels trade up to a Supreme!

Call Lee at 1-306-227-4503