From The Gatepost

By Bruce Holmquist General Manager, Canadian Simmental Association

A Great Place to Be!

At the time of writing this article, many Simmental breeders are well in 2023 calving. Each trip to the calving barn is an opportunity for a new calf to be discovered, and to see if our mating decisions that were made over nine months ago have paid dividends. Bull sale catalogues are also being prepared along with the process of taking pictures and video while doing daily chores and calving. It is an incredibly busy time for all.

2022 wrapped up in fine fashion with some very successful female sales that were some of the highlights of the entire beef cattle seed-stock sales. These culminated with two record setting dispersal sales that saw several new breeders join the Simmental family with their first purchases, as well as some other operations that will grow and strengthen their existing herds through animals they bought. While it is always sad to see breeders and friends move onto the next chapters of their lives, it is inevitable, and we are fortunate to still have their genetics as part of the Simmental breed going forward.

2023 is shaping up to be another busy and exciting year for Simmental in Canada. The bull sales are going to be stocked with a deeper selection of top-quality animals than ever before, and there will be bulls available in all price ranges.

Some of the events being organized for the CSA membership are led by the redevelopment of the YCSA Youth T.E.A.M Leadership Conference that will be held in Calgary in May. Following that we will be hosting the 2023 CSA Convention in Ancaster, Ontario. The Ontario Simmental Association is hard at work planning a busy and entertaining schedule that will play host to Simmental breeders and other industry partners. Included in the schedule is the CSA Annual General Meeting, the Friends of Canadian Simmental Foundation auction, and also the Young Canadian Simmental Association National Classic. We expect a very large group of YCSA members to participate from all regions of Canada.

As we move into the fall, there will again be numerous shows and events that will be held across Canada and will feature the 2023 National Simmental Show which will be held during Brandon Ag-Ex in Manitoba. It is going to be a busy year so be sure to check the Simmental Country calendar of events, and e-news for further information.

Come out and enjoy the Simmental excitement, it’s a great place to be!