Canadian Simmental Country Summer 2023

Bruce Holmquist General Manager Cell: 639-314-4613

bholmquist@simmental.com

Barb Judd Office Manager

Phone: 403-250-7979

bjudd@simmental.com

Sue Giles Programs Coordinator

Cell: 403-793-0409

sgiles@simmental.com

The official publication of the Canadian Simmental Association

Canadian Simmental Country

October/November 2023 Issue

December “Winter” 2023 Issue

February “Herdsire” 2024 Issue

March/April/May “Spring” 2024 Issue

“Herd Book” 2024 Issue

Commercial Country

September 2023 Issue

January 2024 Issue

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Booking & Material Deadline: October 15, 2023

Booking & Material Deadline: January 1, 2024

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Booking & Material Deadline: July 1, 2024

Booking & Material Deadline: August 1, 2023

Booking & Material Deadline: December 1, 2023

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From The

Gatepost

By Bruce Holmquist General Manager, Canadian Simmental Association

Beef Improvement Federation 2023 Convention

The Beef Improvement Federation (BIF) was founded in 1968 as an organization dedicated to coordinating, advancing, and improving all segments of the beef industry. Over the past 55 years, the BIF has connected science and industry to improve beef cattle genetics throughout North America and around the world. As it has grown, BIF has attracted producers and academia annually from numerous countries and has become one of the leading genetic improvement organizations in the world. While not policy setting organization they do develop guidelines that most breed associations use in their genetic evaluations.

While BIF primarily holds its conferences in the United States near one of the many Land Grant Universities, it was Canada’s turn to host this year in Calgary through the Canadian Beef Breeds Council. The event was well attended and provided an interesting mix of topics and presentations delivered by leading producers and researchers. A broad cross-section of the industry gathered although it would have been great to have seen more producers attend. Canadian Simmental was represented by its CSA Executive committee, Shane Williams, Byron Johnson, Scott Matthews. Also attending was Barb Judd, Sean McGrath and myself.

Some of the topics focused on during the event revolved around several areas of beef production including resource management, animal health and immunity response, as well as the environment with a focus on green-house gases and methane. Sustainability remains an important topic within agriculture and food production, especially as it applies to livestock production. It is very clear that breed associations need to not only remain abreast of the expectations placed on beef production but also to provide leadership when others won’t. We are the drivers of genetic improvement for the beef industry.

One of the biggest recent changes in beef production is the application of beef genetics within North American dairy herds. One of the offsite tours was to Rimrock Feeders, a thirty-five thousand head feedlot that has a very large number of beef crossed with dairy on feed, approximately eighty percent. These calves are brought to the lot at a young age and grouped and fed accordingly. Rimrock Feeders is just one of several feedlots that are bolstering their numbers through dairy influenced animals.

The Thursday tour finished at Hamilton Farms near Cochrane with a fabulous meal and a presentation by Troy Drake, as well as a meatcutting demonstration which showed how value can easily be added through cutting out specific muscle cuts.

International Genetic Solutions (IGS) played a prominent role in both messaging and sponsorship of the event and had a full contingent in attendance. It was great to once again interact and exchange notes on our common efforts in the improvement and promotion of the beef in North America and to renew relationships with American Simmental Association staff and Simmental breeders from New Zealand and Australia.

It was a special honor for Sean McGrath and myself to be awarded BIF Continuing Service Awards. Congratulations to David Bolduc who was presented with the BIF Pioneer award, and Douglas Lake Ranch for receiving the commercial producer of the year. In the end the BIF 2023 Conference was a great success. For a full list of award winners go to https://beefimprovement.org/2023-symposium/2023-awards/.

Congratulations to all involved in hosting BIF 2023. The Canadian Simmental Association was proud to be part of it.

P h o t o C o n t e s t

Get

Winners will receive One Free Page

in the Oct/Nov issue of Simmental Country

Contest rules

• Photos must be emailed to Sue Giles (sgiles@simmental.com) by August 15, 2023

• Photos must be 8.5” x 11” @ 300 dpi

• All photos submitted will become property of the Canadian Simmental Association

There will now be a separate contest just forYCSA Member Photo Entries!

• Winning photo will be used on the front cover of the Oct/Nov Simmenal Country!

• All photos entered also have a chance to be on the cover of the FSCF Auction catalogue!

• WInning YCSA photo will be featured on a page in the Oct/Nov issue!

Breed IMPROVEMENT

By Sean McGrath Breed Improvement Coordinator for the Canadian Simmental Association

Breeding Decisions and the New World of Data

At this year’s Beef Improvement Federation meetings in Calgary, there was a lot of discussion about new kinds of data and sensors that can collect information rapidly, repeatedly and at a low cost. This represents a massive change from our historical animal breeding perspective where an animal may have less than a dozen data points in their whole life.

As breeders we have recently seen this with the advent of high-density DNA testing. In a historical context a calf would have a pedigree record, birth date, calving ease, birthweight, weaning weight/date and a yearling weight/date. DNA added several thousand markers to that animal record. Data that can be used in evaluation, adding the equivalent of several progeny worth of data at a potentially early age.

Now imagine a world in which sensors are cheaper and more reliable than ever and can collect thousands of phenotypes on an animal on the fly. This could include activity levels, acceleration, blood pressure, joint angles, fat cover, facial recognition, methane emissions, temperature/heat resistance, ovulation, eating and rumination events, and stress levels. If this sounds far fetched then pull your cell phone out of your pocket and give it a close look, because you likely carry a device that can do most of this already. This world of big data is termed phenomics and represents some interesting future potential in genetic selection.

I understand how the discussion around massive levels of data collection and analysis can seem mind numbingly boring or intimidating, but most breeders have been using “phenomics” for years. I think a close proxy and more commonly understood term is “cow sense”. When most of us go to look at a herd of cattle, there are a lot more things being assessed than we could probably explain to a person unfamiliar with beef cattle selection. If we were to write down all of the things we look at or just know, the list would be long and comprehensive. Femininity, capacity, temperament, do-ability, structure and the list goes on. Phenomics is an emerging field that provides us a reliable way to repeatably measure and quantify a lot of these “cowsense” type of traits.

This is a bit scary, but it is also exciting as the ability to objectively select for traits that are hard to measure but have a real impact in the commercial world has great potential to improve the functionality and profit traits of beef cattle. Additionally, if we think in reverse, the ability to quantify many more measures of phenotype may allow us to do a much better job of understanding how

cattle interact with specific environments and thus do a better job of selecting seedstock for our own or our customers specific operations and selection goals. Phenomic data could include things like weather station information, tied to animal sensors. Phenomics and sensor-based measurement may also have a role to play in maintaining our social ability to raise beef. For example, picture a rumen bolus that reports on methane emissions at pasture, or being able to track genetics that move away from water sources and graze in hard to reach areas.

Initially, I expect like most other technologies that phenomics will have some confusion around it, and that it will take us some time to learn what information is useful and how to use it properly. This is no different than the use of scales, measuring tapes or DNA technology over the course of time. Even visual appraisal has been subject to a lot of missteps over the years. A lot of interesting evidence was presented at the annual BIF meeting showing the rate of progress from those herds that adopt and use many of the new technologies, vs. those that don’t. It was also aptly pointed out that as the industry and the technologies gain in complexity, the solutions usually become more complex as well. This represents a particular challenge to breed associations and seedstock breeders as these complex solutions will need to be presented in easily used and understood applications. Complexity in the background, and simplicity in the foreground, so to speak.

One common theme recurring in all this discussion is the need to have a clearly defined goal. As we move from visual appraisal to more advanced technologies, it is like going from a bicycle with training wheels to a Harley Davidson. In order to garner improvement and not just “change” it is really important to pick the destination we are shooting for. In preparing for the world of “omics” it is important to ask questions and have a comprehensive understanding of your own operation and that of your customer. What are your costs and what are your profit drivers? What do you/they want your/their operation to look like in 5, 10 or 20 years?

For more information on Beef Improvement Federation or to watch the conference sessions, visit www.beefimprovement.org

Consigners

In conjunction with Ferme Gagnon Production Sale 30 Ferme Gagnon Inc. Cheneville, PQ

Ferme Bilodeau des Étoiles Inc.

Ferme B.M.S.

Boisvert Simmental Ferme Sibelle Fleck Inc.

Ferme Gerard Raby Elm Tree Farms Donovandale Farms

HEMA Simmental La Ferme Bischof Mutch Farms

Vets ADVICE

By Roy Lewis, DVM

Fine Tuning of Herd Health & Management Programs

They say the only constant is change. We know in the cattle business if we stop improving and accept the status quo we will get behind. I have decided to put together a bunch of ideas of changes that are now happening in the cattle industry. As I travel across the country and meet with producer groups and veterinarians many different production tips come to mind. Hopefully some may be applicable to your operation and help you improve the performance and efficiencies of your farming or ranching operation. Have discussions with your veterinarian, nutritionist or fellow cattle producer on whether these points may be applicable to your operation. Many of these changes can improve performance even though your Simmental herd may already be performing very well. Looking at the one or two things that may improve this even in a minor way may be worth it.

Vaccinology is making great strides with new intranasal technologies and broader vaccines to cover more diseases in one shot. There are newer intranasal cannulas and even guns now on the market that are easy to use and really get a good application of the vaccine well up into the nostril. Summer is an ideal time to review if new products are to be added. Remember vaccines help prevent disease which is far better than treating and can hopefully cut down our antibiotic usage. We don’t want to pass off BVD persistently infected calves to the feeding sector so there is heavy reliance on the cow calf sector to wean vaccinated calves. Even vaccines for footrot are becoming more commonplace especially on your herd bulls. Clostridial disease is always present but remember specific diseases such as tetanus or redwater only come in certain clostridial vaccines. We see more and more cases of clostridial disease in spite of there being very good vaccines available that are inexpensive. Work with your herd veterinarian to make sure timing is right on the vaccines and handle and administer them properly. Every time you process the thought should enter your mind, what vaccines do I need and is there anything new that will give my cattle more comprehensive coverage and hopefully less clinical disease. In Canada there have just been two mycoplasma vaccines enter the market. They will be more of a feedlot vaccine but are another tool if you get mycoplasma respiratory disease.

Pain control or NSAIDs are often mentioned in the beef codes of practice for painful procedures such as castration or dehorning. With your purebred herds only the castration of the older bulls that don’t make the grade are where NSAIDs are really needed. In veterinary medicine most times we work on sick cattle that have a fever or we perform surgery then one of the NSAIds may be indicated. Your veterinarian now has a wide range of these NSAIds to choose from and lameness is another common usage. They even come in convenient methods of application such as orally or pour on as well as the traditional injectable ones. Some have very short slaughter withdrawals others are longer. They make the cattle keep their appetites and recover quicker so in addition to being the right thing they are economically very justified.

They are all prescription drugs but your veterinarian should be up to date on which ones to use in which situations for you. The greatest observation I have had is how quick recovery from; claw amputations, castrations, lameness etc are when NSAIDs are used in a timely manner. The public is also talking about painkillers from an animal welfare perspective so it simply is becoming the right thing to do. With parasite control monitoring of herds with fecals for internal parasites has become commonplace and many strategies including strategic deworming at pasture is keeping producers and their veterinarians cognizant of different ways to deworm knowing that a certain level of parasites reduces production and leads to greater health problems especially in calves and yearlings. More products are available for lice and fly control and some even have some mosquito control which additionally helps production on grass. The critical thing is timing of application and switching products if resistance by the horn flies starts to become a problem.

When purchasing your breeding bulls (this applies to purebred breeders as well) carefully examine all the information such as semen forms, EPDs and any genetic information. They are half the genetics in your herd unless your AI’ing and warrant special attention depending if you want bulls of calving ease performance or carcass characteristics. Many breeders now prevaccinate with even footrot and the health status and vaccination history should be indicated in the catalogue.

We need as an industry to do more testing and get more information on the antibiotic sensitivity so we can all make more informed decisions on antibiotic usage. If for instance you have lost some calves to pneumonia talk to your herd veterinarian about doing both a culture when he/she does a postmortem plus a sensitivity so best to predict which antibiotic will work the best. This again will help monitor what resistant organisms are out there plus success at treatment will be optimized. It also tells you what type of pneumonia you have.

There are times when blood samples may be needed for regulatory or disease testing, genetic testing or checking for macrominerals such as calcium also fecal samples in case conditions like Johne’s are suspected. These are sampling techniques breeders can be trained in. Even if working with your veterinarian a series of pictures or better yet a video tied in with some clinical parameters may help facilitate tele-vet- medicine. There are some veterinarians doing this with their clients. There may be a fee or it is tied in with a herd health program. Either way this may work well on individual clinical cases and of course from there is there any preventative program to introduce to the rest of the herd. I hope summer grazing is going well and the rains are starting to bring on the grass.

Eastern Harvest Female Sale

In conjunction with Ferme Gagnon Production Sale September 30, 2023 • Chénéville, Quebec

A sincere thank-you to everyone who has shown interest and supported our program!

2023 Bull Sale Buyers: • Bovey Family Farms, ON • Ferme Bilodeau des Etoiles, QC

Handhills Farming Co, AB

Jim Pulyk/ Kotowich Evergreen Farms, AB

KSL Simmentals, AB

Lacombe’s Farm, ON

Madge Simmentals, AB

Northhill Simmentals, AB

Schroeder Farms, ON

Dunmac Farms, ON • La Ferme Bischof, QC

Lacombe’s Farm, ON • Jim Pulyk, AB Glenn & Pamela Wotten & Family

Juggles Sports and Farming Career

DIFFERENT ACTIVITIES FOR SURE, BUT HARD WORK AND DEDICATION ARE TRANSFERABLE SKILLS

By: Lee Hart

There may not seem to be any obvious similarities between lumberjack sports and farming, but Connor Morse says both activities require some similar disciplines.

Morse, who is busy part of the year as one of the top young competitors both nationally and on the world stage of lumberjack sports, also farms with his father Jeff Morse in Nova Scotia’s Annapolis Valley, producing purebred Simmental cattle, along with a 70 head dairy operation.

“The lumberjack sports and farming are both very rewarding,” says Morse who is the third generation on the beef and dairy operation at Kingston located about an hour west of Halifax. “If there is a downside it’s that I am most busy with both activities at the same time of year. With the sport I need to be training and competing, just at the same time that we are planting or putting up silage or weaning calves. They aren’t very compatible from a time perspective but we make it work. And I also believe it is important to have some variety in life.

“In other respects they do complement each other,” he says. “They both involve hard work and commitment. You have to do your best with both and you’re always working to see where you can improve. There is a lot of satisfaction in knowing you did your best.”

Morse, 27, was born and raised on the family farm, which has been a long-standing mixed farming operation. There were always dairy cattle and long before Connor arrived on the scene his dad established DJ Simmentals raising purebred Simmental cattle.

Today the purebred beef and dairy enterprises operates under the Morseview Farms name. On the dairy side they milk 70 head of registered Holstein cows, housed in a freestall barn, with a parallel milking parlour. On the beef side they’re calving about 90 head of Simmental cows, marketing both open and bred heifers along with yearling bulls.

In about 2011, Connor, in his mid-teens, got involved in the Young Canadian Simmental Association (YCSA) and began attending events and showing cattle, creating his own herd prefix CDM Simmentals.

“The first event I got involved in was the Maritime classic and then in 2012 I attended the National Classic held in Turo, NS where I won the grand champion overall aggregate award,” says Morse. With that award he won a trip to the U.S. national leadership conference in Oklahoma.

He continued with his YCSA involvement joining the Maritime YCSA board as a director. He later served as Maritime YCSA board chairperson, which included a seat on the national YCSA board.

Morse remained active with the YCSA program until he aged out a couple years ago.

His involvement with lumberjack sports began several years before he began showing Simmental cattle. “I was about sixyears-old and as a member of a local 4-H club I got involved in The Woodsmen Skills Competition and that has just continued,” says Morse.

He competed in 4-H lumberjack events and then in 2015 as he attended Dalhousie University Faculty of Agriculture he joined the university lumberjack sports team. After graduation in 2018 with a degree in agriculture business with a minor in animal science, he joined the Maritime Lumberjack Association and began competing on the professional circuit. Morse has excelled at lumberjack sports over the past five years. He competes in two different leagues — The Stihl Timbersports Championship and the Maritime Lumberjack Association competitions.

In 2018 he qualified for the Stihl Timbersports Canadian Championship where he was named Rookie Champion.

That qualified him that year to be part of Team Canada to participate in a world competition in Liverpool, England and then in 2019 to attend the world championship held in Gottenburg Sweden, where he competed in the Rookie World Championship events.

Just earlier in the summer of 2023, he participated in the Stihl Timbersports Canadian Trophy Championship in Kitchener, ON where he had his personal best performance, placing seventh in the national event.

While there are several disciplines or events in lumberjack sports, four of the most common include the standing block chop — the competitor uses an axe to chop through a standing log, just like felling a tree; the single buck, which involves one competitor cutting through a log with a handheld crosscut saw; the underhand chop — the competitor stands on a section of log and uses an axe to chop through the log between his feet; and the stock saw, which involves using a chain saw to make two cuts through a section of log.

In all these timed events, Morse says it requires plenty of training to improve performance. At the Kitchener event for example, it was an endurance competition that involved moving through all four disciplines as quickly as possible.

“There are probably four key elements that I always have to be working to improve,” says Morse. “Of course strength is important, you have to be able to put some muscle into each event. Technique is certainly a big part of it — learning how to swing the axe and where to place it, for example. Speed is obviously important, these are timed events, so strength plays a part in speed as well. And of course equipment is key. You need to use quality tools that are properly sharpened and maintained.”

Interestingly enough, the tools used in lumberjack sports don’t just come off the shelf from a local hardware store. Morse says most of the axes used are manufactured in Australia and New Zealand, and need to be maintained with a razor sharp edge. Axes cost about $1000 each. And the six-foot cross cut saws used in the single buck competition costs about $3,000 each. With only a select few technicians with skill and training

to properly sharpen the cross cut blades, those saws have to be sent away for sharpening.

There are some lumberjack events, such as the “hot saw” category where competitors develop modified, high-powered saws, however, for the stock saw event those are chainsaws that come directly from the factory. “There is no horsepower modification and they are factory sharpened — all saws are the same — so competitors in the stock saw event are all on equal footing with the equipment,” says Morse.

While he just competed in the Stihl event in Kitchener, there are about six more events on the Maritime Lumberjack Association circuit he plans to participate in this summer and fall.

With the purebred Simmental enterprise, they have increased herd numbers and improved facilities in recent years. While the dairy enterprise has good facilities in place, and as often is the case in most areas, there isn’t a lot of opportunity to buy more quota to increase herd size. “I believe we’re at a place right now with the farming operations where we just need to fine tune management and see where we can improve production efficiencies,” says Morse.

With lumberjack sports his plans are to hopefully continue competing for a few more years. “I’m happy with my performance over the past couple of seasons but I plan to keep training and hopefully continue to improve on the professional circuit,” he says.

“I really enjoy the challenges of both aspects of my life right now. We will continue to produce high quality breeding stock that appeals to commercial beef producers along with a very productive dairy operation, as well as the lumberjack sports.

“They don’t have much in common, but during my time with YCSA I learned a lot about organizing events and certainly with farming in general you understand the importance of hard work, dedication and the need for stick-to-itiveness. I believe all those skills are transferable and valuable no matter what you do in life.”

Du Poste

DE porte

By Bruce Holmquistt Directeur général - Association Simmental du Canada

Beef Improvement Federation 2023 Convention

L’organisation « Beef Improvement Federation (BIF) » a été fondée en 1968 en tant qu’organisme voué à la coordination, à l’avancement et à l’amélioration de tous les segments de l’industrie bovine. Au cours des cinquante-cinq dernières années, le BIF a établi des liens entre la science et l’industrie pour améliorer la génétique des bovins de boucherie partout en Amérique du Nord et dans le monde. Avec sa croissance, le BIF attire chaque année des producteurs et des universitaires de nombreux pays et est devenu l’un des principaux organismes d’amélioration génétique au monde. Bien qu’ils n’établissent pas directement de politiques, ils élaborent des lignes directrices que la plupart des associations de races utilisent dans leurs évaluations génétiques.

Bien que le BIF organise principalement ses conférences annuelles aux États-Unis près de l’une des nombreuses universités d’états, c’était au tour du Canada d’accueillir leur convention cette année à Calgary par l’entremise du Conseil Canadien des races de boucherie (“CBBC”). L’événement a attiré beaucoup de participants et a offert un mélange intéressant de sujets et de conférences présentées par des producteurs et des chercheurs de renom. Un vaste auditoire représentatif de l’industrie bovine a été réuni, toutefois il aurait été formidable de voir plus de producteurs y assister. L’Association Simmental Canadienne était représentée par son comité exécutif de l’ASC soit, Shane Williams, Byron Johnson et Scott Matthews. Barb Judd, Sean McGrath et moimême étions également présents.

Certains des sujets abordés au cours de l’événement portaient sur plusieurs domaines de la production de bœuf, y compris la gestion des ressources, la santé des animaux et la réponse à l’immunité, ainsi que l’environnement, avec un accent mis sur les gaz à effet de serre et le méthane. La durabilité demeure un sujet important dans l’agriculture et la production alimentaire, surtout en ce qui concerne la production animale. Il est très clair que les associations de races doivent non seulement se tenir au courant des attentes envers la production bovine, mais aussi qu’ils fassent preuve de leadership lorsque d’autres ne le font pas. Nous sommes les leaders de l’amélioration génétique de l’industrie bovine.

L’un des plus importants changements récents dans la production bovine est l’utilisation de la génétique de races de boucherie dans les troupeaux laitiers nord-américains. L’une des visites en marge de la convention a eu lieu à Rimrock Feeders, un parc d’engraissement de 35 000 têtes qui compte un très grand nombre de bovins laitiers croisés boucherie, soit environ quatre-vingts pourcents. Ces veaux sont entrés au parc à un jeune âge et regroupés et nourris en conséquence. Rimrock Feeders est l’un des nombreux parcs d’engraissement qui complètent leurs inventaires de bovins grâce à des animaux d’influence laitière.

La tournée de visites du jeudi s’est terminée à Hamilton Farms près de Cochrane avec un copieux repas et une présentation de Troy Drake, ainsi qu’une démonstration de découpe de viande qui a montré comment on peut facilement ajouter de la valeur en utilisant des coupes de muscles spécifiques.

L’organisme “International Genetic Solutions (IGS)” a joué un rôle de premier plan dans la promotion et le parrainage de l’événement et il y avait un contingent complet de leurs représentants présents. C’était formidable de rencontrer une fois de plus et d’échanger ensemble sur nos efforts communs pour l’amélioration et la promotion du bœuf en Amérique du Nord, et pour renouveler les relations avec le personnel de l’Association Simmental Américaine et les éleveurs de Simmental de la Nouvelle-Zélande et de l’Australie.

Ce fut un honneur spécial pour Sean McGrath et moi-même d’être récompensés par le BIF avec un Prix du service continu. Félicitations à David Bolduc, qui a reçu le prix de pionnier du BIF, et au ranch Douglas Lake pour avoir reçu le prix de producteur commercial de l’année. La convention 2023 du BIF a finalement été un grand succès. Pour obtenir la liste complète des lauréats, allez à : https://beefimprovement. org/2023-symposium/2023-awards/.

Félicitations à tous ceux qui ont organisé la convention 2023 du BIF. L’Association Simmental Canadienne était fière d’en faire partie.

March was a month of firsts, it was the first time that I had ever been a part of cowboy curling at the CrowsNest Pass skijoring. This is something that was a highlight for me. For those of you that have not watched cowboy curling it is quite entertaining. One person that is on a horse pulls another person who is on an inner tube (the curling rock) around a corner and launches them at the curling targets on the ground. Whoever is closest to the center target wins like curling. I must have made a pretty good rock as my team ended up winning first place! Only one pylon was harmed during the launch.

March was also the first time that I got to visit the team at CFCW. It was so cool to get a tour of the radio station and see all of the behind the scenes of Alberta’s Country Legends station and Miss Rodeo Canada’s longest running sponsor. Thank you so much to CFCW for having me and allowing me to be a part of the team for the day.

Later on, in the month our Miss Rodeo Canada Alumni Association hosted our annual clinic where we had some incredible young women come to enhance their skills in becoming rodeo queens. The future is bright, and I am so excited to watch each and every one of them continue to grow and run for their desired titles and hopefully Miss Rodeo Canada one day! During the clinic we touched on important aspects of being a rodeo queen such as sponsorship, goal setting, social media, photography, makeup and hair, impromptus, public speaking, modeling, horsemanship, and rodeo history. We were so lucky to be able to have this clinic hosted in my home away from home at the Red Deer Baymont Inn and Suites. During my time in Red Deer I got the opportunity to cheer on the Red Deer Rebels at the Peavey Mart Centrum at Westerner Park, which is the location our Canadian Final Rodeo also calls home. Thank you so much to ATB for having me be a part of this event in your box suite, it was a great game to come and watch! Lastly, before I headed back home, I visited my local Peavey Mart to pick up some gardening supplies and film some spring content.

Later on in the month I made my way to Lammles in Old’s and got to hang out with Melissa and Geoff as they got me all ready for the upcoming rodeo season. I also was pleasantly surprised by Dan Post Boots Company as they sent me a pair of new boots to keep me trendy during my time as Miss Rodeo Canada.

From there I headed to Innisfail Chrysler and got to pick up my beautiful new Dodge Longhorn 1500 truck! I am so thankful for Innisfail Chrysler’s continued support of the Miss Rodeo Canada program, and I am so excited for all of the places “Stickers” and I will go! April was an exciting time for Canadian Professional Rodeo as this month started off with the first CPRA rodeo of the year at the Medicine Hat Broncs and Honky Tonks indoor rodeo! During the three days I attended, I got to catch up with my Medicine Hat sash sisters, as well as I got to help with the Princess for a day program. This month I had the opportunity to attend both the Grande Prairie Stampede, and Calgary Stampede tarp auctions. Both events were extremely successful, and I can’t wait to see those wagons fly this summer! During my time in Calgary, I made a quick stop at Smithbilt to get my hat touched up, and then I was off to Airdrie to visit the Canadian Professional Rodeo Association office. It was wonderful to get to know the team behind the scenes better and watch them all in action.

Later on in the month I made my way back up north to the Dawson Creek Exhibition and Stampede Spring Rodeo. Here is where I got to pack the Canadian flag on Canadian soil for the first time as Miss Rodeo Canada. This is definitely a memory that will last a lifetime. In addition to the rodeo in Dawson Creek, I got to spend a day at the Longhorn Oilfield Services office and was able to meet some of their great team members. I am so honored that I get to be an ambassador for this incredible company this year, and I appreciate everything Dan and the Longhorn team do to enhance the Miss Rodeo Canada program. Lastly when I was in Dawson Creek, I had the opportunity to share about the sport I love with multiple schools. One of the smaller rural schools even had every student write a letter to me which was so kind and I enjoyed reading each and every one of them. After Dawson Creek I made my way back to my hometown rodeo the Ponoka Stampede for the Miss Ponoka Stampede selection day where we chose our new 2023 Miss Ponoka Stampede Kaylee Shantz. In the last weekend of

April I headed back down south for the Taber Spring Classic Rodeo. During my time in Taber, some other rodeo queens and I had the opportunity to go bowling, and I might not be the best bowler, but it was incredibly fun. To finish off this month, I spent my last day of April in Red Deer, at the Red Deer Horse Expo where I got to watch multiple trainers and shows, as well as I spent my time mingling with people throughout the trade show and in the Canadian Professional Rodeo booth. In the month of May, I was at my home town and visited my old elementary school. It was so wonderful to be back in my elementary school and talk to all of the wonderful teachers that taught me when I was there. Later on in the week I visited my favorite radio station, CFCW to do some rodeo ads and promotions, and then attended the Ponoka Stampede tarp auction where I crowned the new Miss Ponoka Stampede Kaylee Shantz. Something really cool about Kaylee is that I have had the opportunity to crown her three times! In addition to Ponoka, she was the RIMBEY Rodeo Queen, as well as Miss Rodeo Sundre the year after me. I am so proud of her and know that she will represent Ponoka well this year! From there, I was off on another adventure attending the Canadian Pro Rodeo Hall of Fame banquet. Congratulations to all the inductees for 2022, Rob Bell- contestant, Dusty LaValley- contestant, Bill Reeder- contestant, Mike Copeman- builder, VJV Slash/ Vold Family - animal, and Greg Rumohr - legend. Mid month I had the opportunity to announce at the Rimbey Interclub 4-H show and sale it was a really wonderful experience as this was the 4-H interclub I was a part of for 12 years. It was so much fun to catch up with everyone, and to watch and cheer on the next generation of farmers and ranchers. The next day I spoke at the FCSS general meeting in Ponoka alongside Miss Ponoka Stampede, and got to help Brenda Vold tour the meeting participants though the Canadian Pro Rodeo Hall of Fame. Staying in central Alberta, I made my way to the home of the CFR, Westerner Park for the Cowboy Kicks charity auction. The attendance of the night went to support the modernizing of the Canadian Pro Rodeo Hall of Fame and further the Westerner Foundation’s objective of promoting, fundraising, and investing in initiatives that will support the future sustainability of Westerner Park.

From there I attended the Miss Rodeo Edmonton public speaking and crowning. Throughout the day the Miss Rodeo contestants and I went and visited some mutual sponsors such as CFCW and Lammles at West Edmonton Mall, where we got to do some radio interviews as well as pick out and style an outfit at Lammles. Congratulations to your newly crowned and first ever Miss Rodeo Edmonton, Codi Wilson! Codi will do an excellent job representing this year and I am excited to see what the future holds for her!

Nearing the end of the month of May, I attended another school visit, but the new Humble School is quite unique compared to some of the other school visits I attended this year. This rural school only has 114 students and was reopened by the community in 2021. This school focuses primarily on agriculture and food production alongside the kids’ regular studies. With this the kids learn about caring for the land and livestock through having animals on the school grounds that they take care of alongside a garden and other hands-on agriculture learning experiences that relate to the real world. From there I headed to the Buffalo Lake Metis Settlement for their first ever Pro Rodeo, and the Rodeo that kicked off this year’s SMS Pro Tour! I had the opportunity to meet so many wonderful people that are a part of this community, and it was an honor to be a part of the meet and greet with C5’s F13 Virgil. I got to talk to so many of Virgil’s wonderful fans and was able to watch this two time World Champion bareback horse in action at his hometown rodeo! As May comes to a close, I am off to Grande Prairie for the Grande Prairie Stompede! Be sure to tune into the next Simmental Country as I continue with my Miss Rodeo Canada travels.

Amelioration De la race

Par Sean McGrath Coordonnateur des programmes d’amélioration de la race, Association Simmental du Canada

Les décisions d’élevage et le nouveau monde des données.

Lors des réunions de la “Beef Improvement Federation (BIF)” tenues cette année à Calgary, on a beaucoup parlé de nouveaux types de données et de capteurs qui peuvent recueillir de l’information rapidement, à répétition et à faible coût. Cela représente un changement énorme par rapport à notre perspective historique de l’élevage des bovins où un animal peut avoir moins d’une douzaine de périodes de prise de données dans toute sa vie.

En tant qu’éleveurs, nous l’avons vu récemment avec l’avènement des tests d’ADN à haute densité. Dans le contexte actuel, un veau aurait un dossier généalogique, une date de naissance, une cote de facilité de naissance, un poids à la naissance, un poids/date de sevrage et un poids/date à l’âge d’un an. Les données sur l’ADN viennent ajouter plusieurs milliers de marqueurs au dossier de l’animal. Ce sont des données qui peuvent être utilisées dans l’évaluation génétique, en ajoutant l’équivalent de plusieurs données sur la descendance et à un âge plutôt précoce.

Imaginez maintenant un monde dans lequel les capteurs d’informations sont moins chers et plus fiables que jamais et qu’ils peuvent recueillir très rapidement des milliers de données de phénotype sur un animal donné. Cela pourrait inclure par exemple les niveaux d’activité, l’accélération, la tension artérielle, les angles des articulations, la couverture de gras, la reconnaissance faciale, les émissions de méthane, la résistance à la température et à la chaleur, l’ovulation, les événements liés à l’alimentation et à la rumination et les niveaux de stress. Si cela vous semble tiré par les cheveux, alors sortez votre téléphone cellulaire de votre poche et regardez-le de près, parce que vous avez probablement un appareil qui peut déjà faire la plupart de cela. Ce nouveau monde de mégadonnées est appelé « phénomique » et il représente un potentiel futur intéressant au niveau de la sélection génétique.

Je comprends bien que la discussion sur les quantités massives de collecte et d’analyse de données puisse sembler ennuyeuse ou intimidante, mais la plupart des éleveurs utilisent le terme « phénomique » depuis des années. Je pense que le terme « sens de l’élevage des bovins » est un terme proche et plus communément compris par tous. Lorsque la plupart d’entre nous examinons un troupeau de bovins, nous évaluons beaucoup plus de choses que nous pourrions probablement expliquer à une personne qui ne connaît pas bien la sélection des bovins de boucherie. Si nous devions noter toutes les choses que nous examinons ou simplement que nous connaissons, la liste serait longue et exhaustive. La féminité, la capacité, le tempérament, la fonctionnalité, la structure et la liste continue. La « phénomique » est un domaine émergent qui nous fournit un moyen fiable de mesurer et de quantifier de façon répétée bon nombre de ces caractéristiques de type « sens d’élevage des bovins ».

C’est un peu effrayant, mais c’est aussi excitant, car la capacité de sélectionner objectivement pour des caractères qui sont difficiles à mesurer, mais qui ont un impact réel dans la production commerciale, a un grand potentiel pour

améliorer la fonctionnalité et les caractères liés à la rentabilité des bovins de boucherie. En plus, si nous pensons à l’envers, la capacité de quantifier beaucoup plus de mesures du phénotype peut nous permettre de mieux comprendre la façon dont les bovins interagissent selon des environnements particuliers. On peut de plus faire un meilleur travail de sélection des bovins à retenir pour nos propres opérations et objectifs de sélection ou pour nos clients. Les données « phénomiques » pourraient aussi comprendre des renseignements provenant des stations météorologiques et reliés aux capteurs animaux. La « phénomique » et les mesures obtenues à partir des capteurs peuvent aussi jouer un rôle dans le maintien de notre capacité sociale d’élever des bovins. Par exemple, imaginez un bolus placé dans le rumen qui enregistre les émissions de méthane dans les pâturages, ou bien d’être en mesure de suivre les types génétiques qui s’éloignent des sources d’eau et qui pâturent dans les zones difficiles d’accès.

Au départ, je m’attends, comme la plupart des autres technologies, à ce que la « phénomique » suscite une certaine confusion et qu’il nous faudra un certain temps pour apprendre quels renseignements sont utiles et comment les utiliser correctement. Ce n’est pas différent de l’utilisation au fil du temps des balances, des rubans à mesurer ou encore de la technologie d’analyse de l’ADN. Même l’évaluation visuelle a fait l’objet de nombreux faux pas au fil des ans. De nombreux éléments de preuve intéressants ont été présentés à la conférence annuelle du BIF, montrant le taux de progrès génétique des troupeaux qui adoptent et utilisent bon nombre des nouvelles technologies, par rapport à ceux qui ne le font pas. Il a également été souligné à juste titre que, à mesure que l’industrie et les technologies gagnent en complexité, les solutions deviennent généralement plus complexes. Cela représente un défi particulier pour les associations d’éleveurs et les sélectionneurs de bovins de race pure, car ces solutions complexes devront être présentées dans des applications faciles à utiliser et à comprendre. Pour ainsi dire, je parle de complexité en arrière-plan et de simplicité au premier plan.

Un thème récurrent dans toute cette discussion est la nécessité d’avoir un objectif clairement défini. Alors que nous passons de l’évaluation visuelle des bovins à des technologies plus avancées, c’est comme passer d’une bicyclette à roues d’entraînement à une Harley Davidson. Pour obtenir de l’amélioration et non seulement du « changement », il est important de choisir la destination que nous visons. Pour se préparer au monde de « omique », il est important de poser des questions et d’avoir une compréhension globale de votre propre exploitation et de celle de vos clients. Quels sont vos coûts et vos facteurs de profit? À quoi voulez-vous que votre exploitation bovine ressemble dans 5, 10 ou 20 ans?

Pour de plus amples renseignements sur la « Beef Improvement Federation » ou pour suivre les séances de la dernière conférence, visitez www. beefimprovement.org

Nathan Phinney CCA President

The impact of extreme weather continues to be the focus of many conversations among cattle producers across Canada. Dry conditions, heat, and too much rain in my home region, are making for another challenging year, coupled with rising input costs due to inflation.

The Canadian Cattle Association (CCA) is monitoring the situation at the local level through engagement with our provincial member associations, who are working hard to help producers navigate these uncertain times. If and when needed, CCA will be there to help communicate and build understanding with the federal government. In the meantime, we’ll do what we do best in the Canadian beef industry and work on what we can control. This year’s continued trend of higher prices is helping to keep us optimistic in the lead up to the fall run.

The past couple of months have flown by with much work being done on key policy areas prior to Parliament wrapping up for the summer. The spring session closed on a negative note with the passing of Bill C-282: An Act to amend the Department of Foreign Affairs, Trade and Development Act (supply management) from the House of Commons. If this Bill becomes law, it will have far reaching detrimental impacts on our sector as well as all other tradedependent sectors in Canada. We are grateful to the Members of Parliament who stood up for rules-based trade and the continued growth of Canadian exports by voting against this Bill. The Bill has now moved to the Senate.

CCA started engaging with Senators on our concerns with the potential impacts of Bill C-282 during the Provincial fly-ins this spring. This Bill is not a one-off trade policy – it will be incredibly difficult to reverse the momentum and damage to our global reputation and our trade opportunities. Our advocacy work on this Bill will continue through the summer months. We have an open invitation out to Senators from across Canada to visit a beef farm or ranch for informal discussions on our key priorities including ensuring free and open trade, the environmental benefits of raising cattle in Canada, and the policies and programs that help ensure the long-term sustainability of our industry. Our fight is not over, and I encourage producers to reach out to the Senators in their province to voice their concerns with this piece of legislation and highlight how essential international trade is for our industry now and in the future. Reach out to CCA for help with talking points or details.

From an animal health and care perspective, our spring focus was on compiling our response to the proposed changes to the Health of Animals Section XV Regulations on Animal Identification and Traceability. Our sector recognizes the value of traceability as a critical component of foreign animal disease preparedness, but it was important to voice our concerns with the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA). We communicated three main concerns: the high costs associated with implementation, the feasibility of implementation, and the ability of our sector to achieve compliance, as well as recommendations to enhance the final regulations and their delivery and compliance.

On the food policy front, we continue to monitor developments on cultivated proteins with two products recently being approved in the United States.

In June, CCA’s Public and Stakeholder Engagement team held a webinar featuring Dr. Tim McAllister, who discussed if progress is being made in the manufactured cellular meat space. During his talk, he underscored the challenges to the production of these products, comparing their commercial scalability to humans going to Mars - with similar estimated costs. Another interesting fact that Dr. McAllister shared is that consumers looking for a more climate friendly protein option will not find it through cultivated technology. He referenced recent UC Davis research that has estimated the carbon footprint could be between 4 and 25 times more than that of conventional beef production. As beef producers, we can continue to emphasize to Canadians the pride we take in producing a high-quality, nutritious, and delicious food that also provides vast environmental benefits like carbon sequestration and wildlife habitat.

The summer months have also brought numerous opportunities for me and members of the CCA board and staff to engage with our partners and stakeholders at home and abroad. We welcome the opportunity to open our farms and ranches to MPs, so they can learn more about our sector, and the challenges (and opportunities) facing the families who raise the highest quality Canadian beef. There is also tremendous value for CCA to be present at conferences and meetings such as the Stampede Summit, the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association’s (NCBA) summer business meeting, the Pacific North West Economic Region Annual Summit (PNWER), and the FederalProvincial-Territorial Agriculture Ministers’ Meeting, where domestic and international policy is developed that can impact the long-term sustainability of our sector. If we don’t show up for these discussions, then decisions will be made without our perspectives being heard or documented. We have seen recently that sharing our industry’s story is moving the needle.

With my international travel ramping up, I am taking extra precautions to help protect our industry from risks related to animal health. If you are planning to travel internationally or will be hosting visitors to your farm or ranch, visit the CCA website for biosecurity tips and resources to help you mitigate the risks.

The arrival of August means that our industry will be gathering in Calgary for the Canadian Beef Industry Conference. I look forward to seeing friends, new and old, and meeting our semi-finalists for the 2023-2024 Canadian Cattle Young Leaders program year, as well as the seven nominees for this year’s Environmental Stewardship Award (TESA). These two programs spotlight the good we do and the bright future of our industry.

Nathan Phinney CCA President

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Awards

SEAN MCGRATH PRESENTED WITH CONTINUING SERVICE AWARD

The Beef Improvement Federation (BIF) presented Sean McGrath, Vermilion, Alberta, Canada, a BIF Continuing Service Award July 4 during the group’s annual research symposium in Calgary, Alberta.

Continuing Service Award winners have made major contributions to the BIF organization. This includes serving on the board of directors, speaking at BIF conventions, working on BIF guidelines and other behind-the-scenes activities. As BIF is a volunteer organization, it is this contribution of time and passion for the beef cattle industry that moves BIF forward.

During his career, McGrath has worked on a wide variety of progeny test programs and research projects and has coordinated and assisted in the development of several national and international genetic evaluations for a wide variety of breeds. He has also spoken at hundreds of producer meetings and written articles in several breed publications and other industry press. For BIF, he has served on guideline development committees and the Ultrasound Guidelines Council.

“Sean has been an outspoken advocate for genetic improvement and would describe his career as being the interpreter between PhDs, cowboys and computer programmers,” says Bruce Holmquist, Canadian Simmental Association general manager.

McGrath also operates a fifth-generation ranch with his wife, Tanya, and their three children. More than 300 beef producers, academia and industry representatives attended the organization’s 55th Annual Research Symposium and Convention in Calgary, Alberta, Canada. BIF’s mission is to help improve the industry by promoting greater acceptance of beef cattle performance evaluation.

BRUCE HOLMQUIST PRESENTED WITH CONTINUING SERVICE AWARD

The Beef Improvement Federation (BIF) presented Bruce Holmquist, Kinistino, Saskatchewan, Canada, a BIF Continuing Service Award July 4 during the group’s annual research symposium in Calgary, Alberta, Canada.

Continuing Service Award winners have made major contributions to the BIF organization. This includes serving on the board of directors, speaking at BIF conventions, working on BIF guidelines and other behind-the-scenes activities. As BIF is a volunteer organization, it is this contribution of time and passion for the beef cattle industry that moves BIF forward.

Holmquist has spent his entire life in the beef cattle business and has been a lifelong advocate for the importance of a strong seedstock sector as the foundation for a thriving and profitable beef industry. First and foremost, Bruce is a third-generation cattle producer.

In 1977, at the age of 16, Holmquist began his own seedstock herd when he purchased his first Simmentals. Through the years he grew and expanded the business under the name Spruce Grove Cattle Co., and now is extremely proud to see his children and grandchildren carrying the operations of the family business. Holmquist has been actively involved in leadership roles for over two decades. He was first elected as a director of the Canadian Simmental Association (CSA) in 2000 and served in various capacities, including as president in 200506. Following his contributions as a board member, he joined the CSA staff and leads the organization today as general manager.

In addition to his work with the CSA, Bruce has served in leadership roles for the Canadian Beef Breeds Council, Canadian Western Agribition, Saskatchewan Cattlemen’s Association and World Simmental Fleckvieh Federation. Throughout his career, Holmquist has been a strong proponent for true collaboration focusing not just on promoting Simmental cattle but working to connect the entire beef production chain to add value for all beef producers.

DOUGLAS LAKE CATTLE CO. NAMED BIF COMMERCIAL PRODUCER OF THE YEAR

The Beef Improvement Federation (BIF) presented Douglas Lake Cattle Company, Douglas Lake, British Columbia, Canada, the BIF Commercial Producer of the Year Award July 4 during the group’s annual research symposium in Calgary, Alberta, Canada. This national award is presented annually to a producer to recognize their dedication to improving the beef industry at the commercial level.

Douglas Lake Cattle Co. was incorporated in 1884 and consists of four ranches: Douglas Lake Ranch, Alkali Lake Ranch, Riske Creek Ranch and Gang Ranch. All divisions are located in south central British Columbia and have a combined cattle operation of 13,000 Angus, with Hereford influence and Charolais for a terminal cross. The operation has spring-calving cows with replacements selected from in herd. The Douglas Lake division backgrounds around 1,300 steers for grass and sell as yearlings. All other divisions sell calves in the fall and retain only mature cows, replacement heifers and bulls. All divisions are Verified Beef Plus certified and are sold online through Direct Livestock Marketing Systems.

All feed is produced in-house on 9,000 acres of irrigated land growing a variety of crops including grass, alfalfa, barley and silage corn. Feed production and costs are all recorded on an individual field and crop basis. The rations are developed based on feed analysis and gain requirements in consultation with agronomists and nutritionists. The ranches employ around 120 full-time staff which are divided into various crews. All staff and families live in company provided housing at each of the ranch divisions.

In addition to their cow herd, they also operate a tourism business centered around rainbow trout fishing, RV camping, a hotel and resort accommodations. In the summer months they will see up to 800 guests visit the ranch at the various resort locations with around 7,000 visits annually.

The main goal set at Douglas Lake Cattle Co. is to operate profitable, environmentally sustainable ranching operations that strive for continuous improvement of their land, livestock and people. Douglas Lake Cattle Co. was nominated by the Canadian Beef Breeds Council. The award is presented by BIF and sponsored by Drovers.

DAVID BOLDUC PRESENTED WITH THE BIF PIONEER AWARD

The Beef Improvement Federation (BIF) presented David Bolduc, Stavely, Alberta, Canada, the BIF Pioneer Award July 5 during the group’s annual research symposium in Calgary, Alberta, Canada.

The Pioneer Award recognizes individuals who have made lasting contributions to the improvement of beef cattle, honoring those who have had a major role in acceptance of performance reporting and documentation as the primary means to make genetic change in beef cattle.

In 2018 Bolduc was recognized with the inaugural Certified Angus Beef Canadian Commitment to Excellence Award for vision and determination to produce genetics that perform for their commercial buyers and yield excellent beef. He has generously contributed his time and mentorship to the industry, sitting on various boards including the Canadian Angus Association, Canadian Beef Breeds Council, BIF, and Canadian Beef Grading Agency at a time when they made significant progress and important decisions.

“Bolduc is a true pioneer,” says Kajal Devani, Canadian Angus Association director of science and technology. “He embodies not just using science and technology, but actively seeks and participates in innovation. Bolduc is always willing and eager to step up and participate in research and development projects whether it involves genomics or scoring cows for teat and udder structure or foot structure.”

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TOTAL HERD ENROLLMENT MEMBERS 2022

On behalf of the

FRIENDS OF CANADIAN SIMMENTAL FOUNDATION for your support of this year’s ANNUAL FOUNDATION FUNDRAISING AUCTION

THANK YOU

YOUNG CANADIAN SIMMENTAL ASSOCIATION 2023 TEAM CONFERENCE

The National YCSA held their leadership conference May 5-7, 2023 in Calgary, AB. The conference is titled TEAM Conference for Together Everyone Achieves More. We were excited to have 24 engaged youth aged 14-25 participate in this year’s conference. The Conference was a great way for the youth to grow their leadership skills, network, and have some fun with like-minded fellow agriculture enthusiasts.

We started off the weekend with some great ice breakers and leadership building activities as well as learning with the Friends of the Canadian Simmental Foundation’s Carcass model. Friday evening, we attended the Jubilations Diner theater where we were fed and entertained for the evening. We were privileged to have 2 great speakers with us over the weekend in Chip Kemp with the American Simmental Assoc and Anne Burgess with CCIA.

Chip dove into the topics of what makes a great leader and how can we achieve being a leader in the agriculture world. He led us in workshops of what qualities we value in our lives and our mentors/leaders. We also had good discussions about the different markets for our seedstock operations and how we as producers can improve. Chip was able to spend the entire weekend with us for the youth to engage with.

Anne was able to teach us about CCIA and the roles in the agriculture industry as well as how us as producers can utilize CCIA to the fullest. She was very interactive with the youth and got a lot of conversation flowing.

As a group we were able to travel to Barr Ag Ltd at Olds where we were guided through a tour of the plant. Evo the plant manager gave us a great tour explain how everything operates as well as how they got to be where they are today. He touched on topics that we had been discussing earlier in the weekend. This was a very interesting operation that most of the kids enjoyed and interacted. We stopped at Irvine’s Tack and Western Wear on our way back into the city for a bit of shopping and for them to see the largest western store in Canada. We were privileged that Scott and Leanne purchased pizza for us to have supper while there.

All the youth attending the TEAM Conference said they would recommend to a friend and attend again. We cannot wait to host the TEAM Conference again making it bigger and better. Thank you to all the participants and sponsors that made this year’s TEAM Conference a success.

The Simmental Association of British Columbia presents a 2023 YOUTH DRAW!!

We are pleased to offer a British Columbia youth resident the opportunity of $1000 towards the purchase of a registered Simmental female.

• Must be purchased from a British Columbia Simmental breeder and used before December 31. 2023.

• Draw will be made at the September Simmental Association of British Columbia AGM in Quesnel.

• Youth must be 21 years old and under

Enter your name at any of the following locations:

» BC Cattlemen’s AGM in Vernon May 26-27, 2023

» Caribou Classic in Williams Lake June 2-4, 2023

» Dawson Creek Exhibition & Fall Fair August 9-13, 2023

» Interior Provincial Exhibition in Armstrong August 30-Sept 3, 2023 OR

» Email simmentalbc@gmail.com with your name, address, phone number and age.

BE SURE TO Join US AT THESE SUMMER AND FALL SHOWS

STETTLER - AYCSA SHOW

BASHAW ALL BREEDS SHOW

MINBURN PEN SHOW

VERMILION AGRICULTURAL FAIR PEN AND CATTLE SHOWS

LOUGHEED FAIR PEN AND CATTLE SHOWS

EDMONTON - FARMFAIR INTERNATIONAL Watch for

SIMMENTAL INFLUENCE FEEDER CALF SALES AT YOUR LOCAL AUCTION BARN

www.sasksimmental.com

Be sure to join us at these summer & fall shows...

~ Perdue Cattle Show ~

~ Prince Albert Exhibition ~

~ Lloydminster Stockade Roundup ~

~ Yorkton Harvest Showdown ~

~ Canadian Western Agribition ~

SYCSA Tiger Lily Classic

Thanks to everyone that came out and supported the SYCSA Tiger Lily CLassic and the SSA Annual General Meeting July 28-30 in Weyburn, SK. Watch Facebook and www.sasksimmental.com for full results!

please join us for the

NATIONAL SIMMENTAL SHOW

October 27th

Manitoba Ag Ex, Brandon, Manitoba

MANITOBA FALL SALES

November 4th

Cherry Creek Farms Online Bull & Female Sale

FarmGateTimedAuctions.ca

November 14th

Rainbow River Simmentals Online Sale

FarmGateTimedAuctions.ca

November 16th

Pembina Triangle Simmental Assoc. 43rd Annual Sale

Cypress River, Manitoba

November 20th

Maple Lake Stock Farms Annual Production Sale

FarmGateTimedAuctions.ca

November 30th

Associate Invitational Simmental Sale

FarmGateTimedAuctions.ca

November 26th

Big Hills Simmentals 2nd Annual Production Sale

Neepawa, Manitoba

December 3rd

Queens of the Heartland Production Sale

McAuley, Manitoba

December 4th

Northern Light Bred Heifer & 2 Year Old Bull Sale

Rossburn, Manitoba

December 5th

Keystone Konnection 45th Annual Sale

Brandon, Manitoba

December 5th

Cream of the Crop Simmental Sale

FarmGateTimedAuctions.ca

December 9th

Transcon’s Season Wrap Up Bull & Female Sale

Neepawa, Manitoba

December 10th

Bonchuk Farms Production Sale

McAuley, Manitoba

December 13th

Steppler Farms Female Sale

Miami, Manitoba

December 14th

Mar Mac Farms New Generation Female Sale

FarmGateTimedAuctions.ca

President: Donovan Hickson 204-570-1862

Secretary: Sandra Brigden 403-638-9377

2023 MANITOBA SIMMENTAL DONATION HEIFER

graciously donated by BERT’S NR

SIMMENTALS

Haywood, MB tickets available now please contact Sandra 403-638-9377

We are excited to announce our new MSA Secretary SANDRA BRIDGEN Minnedosa, MB

A huge thank you to LAURELLY BESWITHERICK

MSA secretary/treasurer from 2016-2023 for all your hard work, time and dedication to the Manitoba Simmental Association.

Upcoming Events / Événements à

August 12th / 12 Août - Quebec Simmental Picnic - Hosted by Ferme Terra Agri / Pique-nique Simmental du Québec - Organisé par Ferme Terra Agri

Sainte-Marthe, QC

September 23rd / 23 Septembre - Select 10th Edition Female Sale

Shawinigan, QC

September 30th / 30 Septembre - Ferme Gagnon & Guests 26th Annual Production Sale

Chénéville, QC

September 30th / 30 Septembre - Eastern Harvest Simmental Heifer Sale

Chénéville, QC

October 7th / 7 Octobre Expo Boeuf Simmental Show

Victoriaville, QC

October 21st / 21 Octobre - Quebec Elite Sale

Shefford, QC

October 22nd / 22 Octobre - SANE Female Sale

St-Césaire, QC

Maritime Simmental Association

U p c om i ng E v e nt s 36

• Open to all YCSA members

CSA Award of Excellence - Maritime Shows

• Classic Heritage Beef Show: Windsor, NS ~ Sept 22-24

Plan to a ttend! Look

ng

Balamore Farm Shoreline Female Sale, NS ~ Oct 9 q Atlantic Alliance Female Sale, NS ~ Oct 21 q Windy Knoll Farm Female Sale, NS ~ Dec 12

Give

us

President: Kerwin DeLong, NS ( 902) 824- 2720

V - P: Patrick Milner, NS – ( 902) 694- 3121

Treasurer: Lacey Fisher, NS – ( 902) 664- 6206

Check out our Simmental breeders in Atlantic Canada

Ph: (306)969-4820 Cell: (306) 815-7900

The Stamp Of Quality Simmental Genetics For Over 40 Years

BARRY & BRENDA LABATTE Box 72 Gladmar, Sask. S0C 1A0

JOHN JAMIESON 613-551-4471 • DANIKA MAYER 613-662-7523

ALEXANDRIA, ONTARIO

CSA EXECUTIVE President

Shane Williams

East Garafraxa, ON

P: 519-787-1323

C: 519-938-1220

jetslivestock@aol.com

First Vice-President

Byron Johnson

Amisk, AB

P: (780) 856-2175

C: (780) 806-3560 johnsonranching@gmail.com

Second Vice-President

Scott Mathews

Canton de Hatley, QC

C: (819) 993-5187 scottmathews01@gmail.com

CSA DIRECTORS

Barclay Smith

Cherhill, AB

P: (780) 305-6716 barclay.sibl@hotmail.com

Ben Farrant

Lousana, AB

P: 403-896-4331 redtopagventures@gmail.com

Blair McIntosh Maymont, SK

C: (306) 441-7755 mcintoshlivestock@hotmail.com

Randy Noble Lloydminster, AB

P: (306) 821-0113

randyjoenoble@gmail.com

Neil Carson Rossburn, MB,

C: (204) 859-0105

neilcarson1973@gmail.com

Jennie Mutch Vernon, PEI

C: (902) 388-1613 jenniemutch@gmail.com

PROVINCIAL ASSOCIATIONS

British Columbia Chet Jans President Groundbirch, BC 250-780-2141

chet@fallentimberfarms.com

Secretary: Jamie Jans Groundbirch, BC 250-219-8008 simmentalbc@gmail.com

Alberta President

Stefon Beechinor Bentley, AB beechinorlivestock@gmail.com

403-597-4001

Field Person

Dwayne Martin Stettler, AB

P: (780) 940-3510 dmartin3510@gmail.com

Secretary: Katie Deeg

P: (403) 899-2291 albertasimmental@gmail.com

Saskatchewan President

Blaine Barnett

Moose Jaw, SK

C: (306) 631-6618 cityviewsimmentals@sasktel.net

Secretary:

Carolyn McCormack

P: (306) 697-2945 sasksimmental@yourlink.ca

Manitoba President

Donovan Hickson

Brandon, MB

P: (204) 570-1862 dkhsimmentals@hotmail.com

Secretary: Sandra Brigden

Minnedosa MB

P: (403) 638-7741 sandra.mbsimmental@ gmail.com

Ontario President Blair Williamson Lambton Shores, ON 519-808-0516 ridgeviewshorthorns@hotmail.com

Member Services Manager: Ashton Colvin memberservices.osa@gmail.com

Quebec President: Pat Sullivan Gracefield, QC

P: (819)-334-2409

Secretary: Cassidy Cadarette Foster Lac Brome, QC P: (450)-204-6836 asq-qsa@outlook.com

Maritimes President

Kerwin Delong Kingston, NS P: (902) 765-2645 kdelong@bellaliant.net

Secretary: Lacey Fisher Amherst, NS P: (902) 661-0766 timberwoodfarms@ seasidehighspeed.com

CSA STAFF

General Manager

Bruce Holmquist

C: (639) 314-4613 bholmquist@simmental.com

Office Manager

Barb Judd

P: (403) 250-7979

bjudd@simmental.com

Programs Coordinator

Sue Giles

P: (403) 793-0409 sgiles@simmental.com

Processing Department & Member Services

Perry Welygan pwelygan@simmental.com

Laurie Macdonald lmacdonald@simmental.com

Dallas Wise dwise@simmental.com

Receptionist & Member Services

Devra Leavitt dleavitt@simmental.com

Administrative Assistant Stacey Price sprice@simmental.com

YCSA Coordinator

Crystal Fisk P: (306) 897-0274 cfisk@simmental.com

WHAT’S HAPPENING

August

AUG 3-6 YCSA NATIONAL CLASSIC ANCASTER, ON

AUG 4-6 CSA CONVENTION ANCASTER, ON

AUG 4-6

MANITOBA YOUTH BEEF ROUNDUP NEEPAWA, MB

AUG 4 YCSA AGM ANCASTER, ON

AUG 5 CSA ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING AND BANQUET AMCASTER, ON

AUG 5 FCSF FUNDRAISING AUCTION ANCASTER, ON

AUG 9-13

DAWSON CREEK EXHIBITION DAWSON CREEK, BC

AUG 12 QUEBEC SIMMENTAL FIELD DAY SAINTE-MATHE ,QC

AUG 14-17

CANADIAN BEEF INDUSTRY CONFERENCE CALGARY, AB

AUG 30-SEPT 3 IPE ARMSTRONG, BC

September

SEPT 1-4 EXPO BROME FAIR BROME, QC

SEPT 2 MARITIME YOUNG CANADIAN SIMMENTAL ASSOCIATION CLASSIC OXFORD, NS

SEPT 2 FOUR STARR GENETICS & FRIENDS 5TH ANNUAL FLECKVIEH PRODUCTION SALE EUGENE, MO

SEPT 9 21ST ANNUAL ONTARIO AUTUMN SIMMENTAL CLASSIC HANOVER, ON

SEPT 16 SOURCE FOR SUCCESS XXII SALE

INDIAN RIVER, ON

SEPT 21-24 CARP FAIR CARP, ON

SEPT 23 SELECT 10TH EDITION FEMALE SALE SHAWINIGAN, QC

SEPT 22-24

October

OCT 1 IRCC “QUALITY CONTROL” FEMALE SALE

INDIAN RIVER, ON

OCT 3 ANCHOR D INFLUENCED CALF SALE

RIMBEY, AB

OCT 4 ANCHOR D INFLUENCED CALF SALE

PONOKA, AB

OCT 5 ANCHOR D INFLUENCED CALF SALE

WESTLOCK, AB

OCT 6 ANCHOR D INFLUENCED CALF SALE

DAWSON CREEK, BC

OCT 6-8 EXPO BOEUF

VICTORIAVILLE, QC

OCT 7 EXPO BOEUF SIMMENTAL SHOW

VICTORIAVILLE, QC

OCT 7 ONTARIO SIMMENTAL SOLUTION SALE

LISTOWEL, ON

OCT 9 BALAMORE FARMS SHORELINE FEMALE SALE WITH GUEST LOBSTER POINT PROPERTIES

GREAT VILLAGE, NS

OCT 13 ANCHOR D “PASTURE TREASURES” FEMALE SALE

RIMBEY, AB

OCT 14 STARS OF THE VALLEY SIMMENTAL SALE

METCALFE, ON

OCT 15 RPCC & GUESTS “FALL GALA” 7TH ANNUAL PRODUCTION SALE

GLENCOE, ON

OCT 14-15 NB BEEF EXPO

OCT 19

SUSSEX, NB

MADER RANCHES LADIES NIGHT 2023 EDITION

CARSTAIRS, AB

OCT 21 CLARKE FAMILY FARMS INC & GUESTS FEMALE SALE

BLENHEIM, ON

CLASSIC HERITAGE BEEF SHOW WINDSOR, NS

SEPT 29 - OCT 1 OLDS FALL CLASSIC OLDS, AB

SEPT 30 FERME GAGNON & GUESTS 26TH ANNUAL SIMMENTAL PRODUCTION SALE CHENEVILLE, QC

SEPT 30 EASTERN HARVEST SIMMENTAL HEIFER SALE CHENEVILLE, QC

OCT 21

QUEBEC ELITE SALE

SHEFFORD, QC

OCT 21 ATLANTIC ALLIANCE FEMALE SALE

NOVA SCOTIA

OCT 22 SANE FEMALE SALE

OCT 25-28

ST-CÉSAIRE, QC

MANITOBA AG EX

BRANDON, MB

OCT 28 OSA SIMMENTAL INFLUENCE STOCKER CALF SALE

KEADY, ON

November

NOV 1-4

LLOYDMINISTER STOCKADE ROUNDUP

LLOYDMINISTER, SK

NOV 4 CHERRY CREEK FARMS ONLINE BULL & FEMALE SALE

FARMGATETIMEDAUCTIONS.CA

NOV 3-12 ROYAL WINTER FAIR

TORONTO, ON

NOV 8-11 FARMFAIR INTERNATIONAL

EDMONTON, AB

NOV 11 DUDGEON CATTLE CO. & GUESTS 9TH ANNUAL TOP

CUT COMMERCIAL BRED HEIFER & FEMALE SALE

HANOVER, ON

NOV 14 RAINBOW RIVER SIMMENTALS ONLINE SALE

FARMGATETIMEDAUCTIONS.CA

NOV 16 PEMBINA TRIANGLE SIMMENTAL ASSOCIATION 43RD

ANNUAL SALE

CYPRESS RIVER, MB

NOV 19 LEAHY LIVESTOCK 3RD ANNUAL ONLINE SIMMENTAL

SALE

DLMS FARMGATE

NOV 19 LAKEVIEW SIMMENTALS ANNUAL PRODUCTION SALE

MEACHAM, SK

NOV 20 MAPLE LAKE STOCK FARMS ANNUAL PRODUCTION

SALE

FARMGATETIMEDAUCTIONS.CA

NOV 23 THE ASSOCIATE INVITATIONAL FARMGATETIMEDAUCTIONS.CA

NOV 24 LONE STONE FARMS INVITATIONAL FEMALE SALE

NOV 20-25

WESTLOCK, AB

CANADIAN WESTERN AGRIBITION

REGINA, SK

NOV 26 BIG HILLS SIMMENTALS 2ND ANNUAL PRODUCTION

SALE

NEEPAWA, MB

NOV 29 CAMROSE COUNTRY CLASSIC 12TH ANNIVERSARY

SALE

VIKING, AB

NOV 30 LEWIS FARMS LEADING LADIES FEMALE SALE

SPRUCE GROVE, AB

December

DEC 1 SIMPOWER 8TH ANNUAL FEMALE SALE

OLDS, AB

DEC 2 TRANSCON’S WESTERN HARVEST 10TH ANNUAL

SIMMENTAL BRED HEIFER SALE

INNISFAIL, AB

DEC 2 LADIES OF THE PEACE 2ND ANNUAL FEMALE SALE

DAWSON CREEK, BC

DEC 3 QUEENS OF THE HEARTLAND PRODUCTION SALE

MCAULEY, MB

DEC 4 NORTHERN LIGHT SIMMENTALS BRED HEIFER & 2 YEAR-OLD BULL SALE

ROSSBURN, MB

DEC 5 KEYSTONE KONNECTION 45TH ANNUAL SIMMENTAL SALE

BRANDON, MB

DEC 5 CREAM OF THE CROP SIMMENTAL FEMALE SALE

DLMS.CA

DEC 7 TRANSCON’S SIMMSATIONAL 46TH ANNUAL SIMMENTAL SALE

MOOSE JAW, SK

DEC 9 TRANSCON’S SEASON WRAP-UP SIMMENTAL BULL & FEMALE SALE

NEEPAWA, MB

DEC 10 BONCHUK FARMS FEMALE PRODUCTION SALE

MCAULEY, MB

DEC 11 DOUBLE KL SIMMENTALS COMPLETE DISPERSAL YORKTON, SK

DEC 11 BORDER CITY 6TH ANNUAL SIMMENTAL SALE

DEC 12

DEC 12

LLOYDMINSTER, SK

SOUTHERN ALBERTA SIMMENTAL ROUND UP 30TH ANNUAL BULL & FEMALE SALE

STAVELY, AB

LADIES OF WINDY KNOLL ONLINE FEMALE SALE DLMS.CA

DEC 13 STEPPLER FARMS FEMALE SALE

MIAMI, MB

DEC 13 CANADIAN DONORS PRODUCTION SALE

OLDS, AB

DEC 14 MAVV FARMS BULL & FEMALE EVENT

OKOTOKS, AB

DEC 14 MAR MAC FARMS NEW GENERATION FEMALE SALE FARMGATETIMEDAUCTIONS.CA

DEC 15 FRIDAY NIGHT LIGHTS 12TH ANNIVERSARY SIMMENTAL SALE

OLDS, AB

DEC 16 TRANSCON’S NATIONAL TRUST - ON ICE SALE

RED DEER, AB

DEC 17 TRANSCON’S FLECKVIEH EQUATION FULLBLOOD SIMMENTAL SALE

RED DEER, AB

DEC 17 TRANSCON’S ULTIMATE RED & BLACK XXVI SIMMENTAL SALE

DEC 19

RED DEER, AB

MCMILLEN RANCHING HERDBUILDING 2023 SALE

ONLINE SALE

DEC 20 WERSTROH FARMS LTD. COMPLETE DISPERSAL SPIRITWOOD, SK

DEC 29

PREMIER & GUESTS FALLS VIEW PRODUCTION SALE

LISTOWEL, ON

DEC 31 NEW YEARS RESOLUTION SALE

EDMONTON, AB

DEADLINES

SEPTEMBER COMMERCIAL COUNTRY

Booking & Material Deadline: August 1, 2023

OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2023 ISSUE

Booking & Material Deadline: September 7, 2023

CONTACT: Sue Giles 403-793-0409 sgiles@simmental.com OR Bruce Holmquist 639-314-4613 bholmquist@simmental.com

SALE RESULTS

CIRCLE G SIMMENTALS & ANGUS/P&H RANCHING CO.

INNISFAIL AUCTION MARKET

FEBRUARY 18, 2023

Auctioneer: DON RAFFAN

Sale Management:

High Selling Lots

Lot 60 - CIRCLE G KNOWHOW 22K $20,000.00

S: DOUBLE BAR D LM 813G

DS: TLSS PILOT 122Z

Consignor: CIRCLE G SIMMENTALS

Buyer: BENNETT RANCH

Lot 56 - CIRCLE G KINGSTON 29K $19,500.00

S: PERKS POTENT 309H

DS: 3D RED POWER 150Z

Consignor: 3D RED POWER 150Z

Buyer: WILLOWDALE SIMMENTALS

Lot 46 - CIRCLE G KRAKEN 62K $19,000.00

S: PERKS POTENT 309H

DS: WXR REDPATHS KOSMO 38Z

Consignor: CIRCLE G SIMMENTALS

Buyer: SHADY NOOK SIMMENTALS

Lot 67 - CIRCLE G KORONA 65K $18,500.00

S: CIRCLE G HEAT WAVE 10H

DS: LFE GAME FACE 338F

Consignor: CIRCLE G SIMMENTALS

Buyer: DIAMOND R SIMMENTALS

Lot 48 - CIRCLE G KEYSTONE 17K $15,500.00

S: PERKS POTENT 309H

DS: SPRINGCREEK TEDDY 72U

Consignor:CIRCLE G SIMMENTALS

Buyer: NICKEL FARMS

2023 FALL SALE CALENDAR

OCTOBER

Saturday, October 21 The Reba "Fancy" Gathering Angus Sale Olds, AB

Saturday, October 21 Angus Frozen Genetics / Junior Fundraiser Olds, AB

Sunday, October 22 Red, Black and Purple Angus Extravaganza Olds, AB

NOVEMBER

Sunday, November 19

Lakeview Simmentals Annual Production Sale Meacham, SK

Friday, November 24 Lone Stone Farms Invitational Female Sale Westlock, AB

Sunday, November 26 Big Hills Simmentals 2nd Annual Production Sale Neepawa, MB

DECEMBER

Friday, December 1

Saturday, December 2

Brylor Ranch 53rd Annual Red Angus Bull Sale & Fort MacLeod, AB the "No Surprises" Commercial Bred Heifer Sale

Transcon's Western Harvest 10th Annual Simmental Bred Heifer Sale Innisfail, AB

Monday, December 4 Northern Light Simmentals Bred Heifer & 2 Year-Old Bull Sale Rossburn, MB

Thursday, December 7

Transcon's Simmsational 46th Annual Simmental Sale Moose Jaw, MB

Saturday, December 9 Transcon's Season Wrap-Up Simmental Bull & Female Sale Neepawa, MB

Tuesday, December 12 Southern Alberta Simmental Round Up 30th Annual Bull & Female Sale Stavely, AB

Saturday, December 16

Saturday, December 16

Sunday, December 17

Sunday, December 17

*NEW* Transcon's White Gold Charolais Sale Red Deer, AB

Transcon's National Trust - On Ice Sale Red Deer, AB Exclusively Frozen Simmental & Charolais Genetics

Transcon's Fleckvieh Equation Fullblood Simmental Sale Red Deer, AB

Transcon's Ultimate Red & Black XXVI Simmental Sale Red Deer, AB