The official publication of the Canadian Maine-Anjou Association 5160 Skyline Way NE Calgary, Alberta Canada T2E 6V1 ph: 403.291.7077 • fax: 403.291.0274 email: cmaa@maine-anjou.ca
maine-anjou.ca
Office hours: Tuesday / Wednesday - 7 am to 4 pm Herd Book and Data Services: Ciara Mattheis Maine-Anjou Mail is produced by the Canadian Maine-Anjou Association and published semi-annually in February and September.
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MAINE MAIL | VOL. 10 ISSUE 1
No. 43664517
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COVER
Frosted tips. Maine-Anjou cross cows at the VanDeWoestyne farm venture out of the shelterbelt on a chilly December day.
Justin VanDeWoestyne
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CONTENTS President’s Report ........................................4 Herd Book and Data Services Report ........6 Junior Report ................................................8 CMAA News ..............................................10 Province News ............................................14 Australian Maine-Anjou Report................16 In the Maine Ring with Deagle Cattle......18 Lindsay Exhibition......................................22 Canadian Western Agribition ..................26
Stu Byman - President
Kody Roddick - Past President
Jim (Shiney) Hallberg enjoyed reminiscing with the Maine breeders at Canadian Western Agribition 2019.
Kody Roddick - First Vice President
Farmfair International ................................30
Myles Hansen - Second Vice President
Canadian Bull Congress............................30
Josie Pashulka - Secretary Brian Brown - Treasurer
Comparing Conventional Embryo
Kyle Smith - Director
Production and In Vitro..............................34
Myles Hansen - Director
Maine Attraction Winners ........................43
Ron Gilbert - Director Jordan Retzlaff - Director Justin VanDeWoestyne - Director
Advertiser’s Index ......................................44
MAINE MAIL | SPRING 2020
Directors
2019-2020 CMAA Board of
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President’s Report CMAA NEWS
Stu Byman
MAINE MAIL | VOL. 10 ISSUE 1
I want to take the time to introduce myself to those who don’t know me. My name is Stuart Byman. I’ve been raising Maines since 1989. We run a grain and cattle operation. The cattle we have are predominantly higher percentage Maines along with a select group of fullbloods and some Maintainers. This fall, I took over the president role from Kody Roddick, and I want to say thanks for all the work he put into the association this past year, along with thank-you to past directors who served and have moved on, Scott McCormick and Kelly Smith Fraser. Many of you might remember I was President a few years back, so this is not new for me. I am looking forward to working with the rest of the board this year. With that being said, it’s hard to believe we are marking 50 years of Maine-Anjou in Canada. Being a breeder from the 80s, I’ve been fortunate to have met a lot of founding breeders and families and continue to meet current producers.
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The cattle industry has seen varied trends, types and styles come and go, not only in our breed but most. With that, here in Canada and our neighbours to the south, USA, we have had our highs and lows when we see changes in the livestock industry. With that being said, we can feel good about the increased demand for Maine genetics, both here and in the United States. Having attended both Canadian Western Agribition and the Denver Stock Show, demand was high and top Maines commanded top dollar. With the momentum and demand for the Maine-Anjou genetics, it means for some intriguing times ahead. I want to touch base why choosing to go into the Maine-Anjou breed was and is the right decision.
Their performance and feed conversion, their carcass, their great topline, and a big butt. It seems like a dozen years back, a lot got caught up with cattle geared only for the show ring and not so much for those reasons. I am not hesitant to say that it turned around, and the Canadian breeders are focused back on what the breed is known for. Pounds, performance, and feed conversion; what every rancher and feedlot want along with the packers. These cattle are valuable in all facets of the industry including maternal traits, cattle that work in a pasture, cattle that work in a show ring, performance and conversion work in feedlot. Probably some of the most significant improvement over 50 years is the calving ease that improved substantially and keeping the vigour in those calves that hit the ground. There are great times ahead for sure if you are breeding Maines or thinking about getting into the breed. With this year being 50 years of Maine-Anjou cattle in Canada, the Canadian Association will be celebrating at Canadian Western Agribition 2020, which is their 50th anniversary also. It has been dubbed Maine-Anjou Congress 2020 with a show and sale along with an evening of entertainment and socializing with past and present breeders. There has been an overwhelming interest in this event from different countries who want to attend to either acquire Canadian genetics and or market theirs. We have attendance confirmation from many US neighbours and Australian breeders. It is time to start planning to be a part of this special event and contribute to the momentum that is gaining in the Maine-Anjou breed. You can contact the office or the Maine Anjou website https://www.maine-anjou.ca/ for more details. All the best with bull sales and calving.
Herd Book & Data Services Report CMAA NEWS
Ciara Mattheis
Greetings from the Office! Hopefully the new year has you feeling refreshed and ready to go. Here at the office, we are very excited to welcome 2020 and our 50th year with some great events including hosting Congress in Saskatchewan this year in conjunction with Agribition. We look forward to another year working with our amazing breeders that have built the Maine-Anjou breed to what it is in Canada today and continue to grow with each year. We also look forward to the opportunity to host breeders from across the globe and showcase our Canadian animals as part of the congress festivities.
MAINE MAIL | VOL. 10 ISSUE 1
In regard to any hair samples going to the Neogen lab for DNA testing, they have a new hair card policy in place that will come effective June 1. All hair samples must by on a hair card going forward as they will be enforcing a $4 fee for any loose hair samples sent in.
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We have hair cards at the office here and would be happy to send them out to our members as requested. They also take samples by blood card or TSU collector if you would prefer that over hair and we can access those supplies readily from the lab at any time for our membership. Herd inventory worksheets are in the mail, so keep an eye out for those. Please take the time to alert us of females that are no longer being used in your program when you send in your registrations so they can be deactivated on your worksheets in years to come. Don’t forget to renew your annual memberships for 2020 as soon as possible in order to stay current with the association and to take advantage of all that this 50th Anniversary year has to offer! Happy calving and all the best in the upcoming crop year.
CANADIAN MAINE-ANJOU HEADQUARTERS for AGRIBITION~ 2020 Blocks of rooms have been secured for 2020. NOVEMBER 2nd is the group release date. Please book well in advance as 2020 is also Agribition’s 50th Anniversary.
COMFORT SUITES 4300 Diefenbaker Drive, Regina Saskatchewan, Canada S4X OM2 Group Name: Canadian Maine-Anjou 2020
1 (306) 949-4000 • Toll-Free: 1-844-440-4556
Junior Report
CMAA NEWS
2019 CMAA Junior Awards Agribition
Josie Pashulka
The Canadian Maine-Anjou Association and the Junior Incentive Program were pleased to recognize a group of outstanding juniors that support our breed. The High Point Junior Show Females and Junior Scholarship awards were sponsored by the many individuals that donated, bid and bought items at our annual online sale. Thank you for the support. Six finalists in our High Point Awards attended Agribition to compete for the top spots. These juniors were the ones with the most points throughout the year exhibiting at junior, open, jackpot and breed shows. The females shown are CMAA registered Mainetainer, Purebred or Fullblood breeding stock. Ethan Yaremko - Carps Ferret - Mainetainer Emily Yaremko - Carps Carps Forja - Mainetainer Hannah Kemp - Miss Rusylvia 84F -Purebred and Rock Star Trixie - Mainetainer
MAINE MAIL | VOL. 10 ISSUE 1
Emily Sebastian - SLC Simply Sweet - Mainetainer
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Cole Reid - Anastasia - Mainetainer Riley Pashulka - Miss Rusylvia 199F - Purebred The Grand and Reserve Aggregate Junior Female received tack boxes. Congratulations to Cole Reid and his Mainetainer heifer, Anastasia for the Grand Champion Aggregate Show female. Anastasia won several shows including being named Grand Champion Mainetainer female at Summer Synergy in Olds, AB and Commercial Supreme Champion at Summer Synergy and the Calgary Stampede. Reserve Champion was awarded to Hannah Kemp with her purebred heifer, Miss Rusylvia 84F which was Reserve Champion Purebred Maine at Summer Synergy
AMAA President, Stu Byman was on hand to congratulate the winners, including Emily Sebastian, Cole Reid, Riley Pashulka, Hannah Kemp, Ethan Yaremko and Emily Yaremko.
and Farmfair International Reserve Champion female and showed at numerous other shows. Congratulations on a very close race to Ethan, Emily, Riley and Emily. This group of outstanding young Maine enthusiasts received CMAA clothing items.
Scholarship
Each year the CMAA gives away one junior scholarship for $500 to a deserving Junior. This year our winner has exhibited Maines across western Canada and is last year’s High Point Junior show female award winner. Congratulations to Riley Pashulka.
CMAA NEWS CONGRESS REPORT
Well 2020 is upon us and that means that Congress is only months away! Plans are coming together with much being finalized as we continue to work towards this celebration. Volunteers will be needed to assist with various tasks leading up to and during the Congress events. If you would like to help, please contact the Congress committee. Sponsorship packages are being sent out and we have had a positive response thus far surrounding our events at Agribition. Schedule is set for
50 years is something that we all should be very proud
the National Maine-Anjou show, Maine Attraction heifer
of. Over the course of time the breed has undergone
calf jackpot, Congress futurity, as well as the Congress
some changes and we should be confident in the
Banquet which will include great entertainment from
diversity that the breed consists of. Congress is a
‘Jimmy the Janitor’. Please contact the CMAA office to
celebration of the hard work of the breeders and
purchase banquet tickets.
supporters over the past 50 years but it is also a pivotal point to ensure that we are allowing everyone to see how
We have had a lot of interest from multiple breeders and
strong the Maine-Anjou breed can be moving forward.
delegates from numerous countries who are planning to
There has been a lot of buzz and excitement surrounding
attend Congress which is great to be able to promote
the breed and we all need to work together and focus on
our breed on such an elite stage to a vast audience. For
continuing to produce the great cattle we all believe in,
anyone who is committed to Maine-Anjou and
and to continue to gain momentum in the industry.
MAINE MAIL | VOL. 10 ISSUE 1
passionate about all the breed has to offer, this is a must
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attend opportunity to showcase your programs and all
Congress is going to be an opportunity like no other for
the benefits of this great breed to a multitude of different
all involved in the Maine-Anjou breed and you can’t
breeders and enthusiasts from across the globe.
afford to miss out!
First Purebred born in North America The first purebred (7/8) calf In North America was born on the Wise Ranch, April 13, 1974. From left to right: unknown, R.B. (Berwyn) Wise, Cyril Hayes (CMAA Executive Secretary July 1973-July 1974), Dr. Hans Flatla, Strathmore, AB, John Russell, (CMAA Executive Manager 1974-1979).
PROVINCE NEWS SMAA REPORT
Myles Hansen
2019 was another busy year for the SMAA. We had a great
and for the first time it was a sweep of Grand and
Reserve from the Purebred heifer division. Great job to all exhibitors and thank you to all volunteers involved.
response from across the province with 4-H members having success with their Maine-Anjou and Maine-influence
The SMAA board underwent some changes in 2019.
project animal. Congratulations to all. Please stay tuned to
Justin VanDeWoestyne has taken on the role of
our SMAA Facebook page regarding the 4-H project
secretary/treasurer and we would like to thank Carolyn
awards for 2020.
McCormack for all her work over the years on the board. New email contact for the SMAA board is:
We would like to thank Gary and Sandy Graham, Manitou
saskmaine-anjou@gmail.com
Maine-Anjou for hosting the CMAA AGM, the hospitality and tour was great once again!
We are looking forward to 2020 as it is sure to be a very exciting year for the Maine-Anjou breed and we are
Our Maine-Anjou show at Agribition was a highlight,
proud to be working hard to promote the breed and work
there was good traffic and a lot of excitement
with the breeders to help continue the positive vibes and
surrounding the breed throughout the barns. The Maine
interest surrounding Maine-Anjou cattle!
MAINE MAIL | VOL. 10 ISSUE 1
Attraction heifer calf jackpot was very successful again,
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Greetings from Down Under Maine-Anjou breeders Australians are accustomed to the summer months being dry and this season has been no different with all breeders feeding. A positive of the conditions is the opportunity for studs cull any animals that don’t meet the breeder’s goals moving forward and feed their best stock. Maine-Anjou Beef Australia has made it mandatory for newly registered calves to be DNA parent verified. Many other breeds of cattle within Australia have made the verification a must to ensure buyers are purchasing the correct bloodlines. Other benefits the breeders have found are the ability to test for polled gene, colour, pesti-virus and PH/THA. Access to these genetic tests are great for breeders currently exporting bull semen internationally and those considering doing this in the future.
MAINE MAIL | VOL. 10 ISSUE 1
In late January and early February members participate in the Stock & Land Beef Week, an on-farm field day where the public are welcome to visit the properties and view herds. It proves to be a great opportunity for breeders to display their entire herd and show type of stock they are breeding.
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Due to the ongoing drought and bushfires, Maine-Anjou Beef Australia has postponed the National Sale to February 20, 2021 and members are already selecting prospective stock. All stud cattle entered in the sale will be DNA parent verified and there will also be a selection of commercial stock, making the future Sale the best yet. Even with the postponement of the National Sale, demand has continued, with interest in DNA parent verified cattle – recently 10 month old bulls have sold from $4,000. Semen has also sold well across Australia and overseas confirming the increasing popularity of top-quality Maine-Anjou cattle.
To learn more, visit our website: maine-anjoubeef.com.au or like us on Facebook
IN THE MAINE RING WITH
Deagl,
Cal, Co. It’s shopping on another level. Catalogs and flyers stream into mailboxes across the country offering excited purchasers a look at carefully chosen genetics showcased in fresh straw and surrounded by weathered planks. The bulk of the offerings are 2019 yearlings unless it’s Deagle Cattle Company, where Rick and Marilynn Deagle and family are proud to put forward carefully chosen bulls from their 2018 collection. Rick was happy to share his answers to our collection of questions.
Raising bulls for the commercial cale operations - what sparked your interest in this? We started raising Maine-Anjou over 20 years ago,
MAINE MAIL | VOL. 10 ISSUE 1
breeding our small herd of cows to Maine-Anjou bulls. We
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were looking for a breed that had the carcass merits, the feeding efficiency, thickness, hair and docility and found Maine-Anjou were the perfect fit. We have grown to over 650 Maine-cross cows and have used Maine bulls all these years. We continue to be convinced they are an excellent breed because of these traits and they work well with any commercial breeder. But in saying that, the biggest obstacle we faced when trying to buy bulls for ourselves was that there was no sale of two-year old bulls. We bought bulls from other breeders that sold yearlings privately off their farm and if you weren’t the first one there to pick the bull you wanted, you didn’t have a chance
FEATURE
at the best bulls. We began to eventually sell
These calves are sought after every spring at the
yearlings ourselves but found with our late calving
March steer sales and at our bull sale when we
time of May to June meant our bulls were not old
offer the heifers as replacements. These Maine-
enough for most commercial breeder’s program.
cross heifers make a good addition to anyone’s
We decided to change our focus and provide
cow herd with their strong maternal characteristics.
quality two-year-old Maine bulls ready to go to
Our advertising is done in our sale ring, not the
work in any herd. The acceptance of the breed is
show ring.
evident at any sale Maine-Anjou are selling at as they will top the market consistently.
Best advice ever received from an experienced caleman?
Best advice was from Bill Wilson way back when I wanted to start raising Maines. I wanted him to find me ten Purebred heifers to start small. He said, “don’t do that, pick your top cows, buy the best bull you can find and start building up from there.” That’s how we started, buying the best bulls available and building our herd.
What does your breeding program offer to a commercial herd? We feel the bulls we raise are suited for the commercial breeder as they are born, raised, and fed like a commercial animal. They are calved out
MAINE MAIL | VOL. 10 ISSUE 1
in May and June, on grass till fall, backgrounded
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on silage ration and then turned out to grass for the summer. They are not fitted for the show ring but rather fitted to go to work in your herd, with longevity in mind. Many of our customers are still using bulls that have been working for them for over six years after they have bought them from us. The Maine breed continues to prove to be a force in the feedlot where feed efficiency is key and their carcass quality is second-to-none. We buy replacement quality Maine-cross heifers and steers back from our bull buyer customers every fall, it’s our way of paying back to our local customers.
In selling two-year olds, what are the advantages to the customer? The biggest advantage in selling two-year old bulls is just that, age! A two-year old bull will service more cows than a yearling, hands down. Sometimes when buying a yearling we were disappointed on how they developed by the time they were two. Our bulls have that extra year to see their development. Our son Trevor, used a two-year old bull with 50 cows over a 52-day exposure and we had 47 cows safe in calf. That would be very hard on a yearling, it just would not happen and it will set them back in their development. The only disadvantage we can see to raising two-year olds is, to us as the producer in the cost of feeding them and they are tough on the feedlot infrastructure when we have to keep them that extra year. We run them on grass for the summer as yearlings, bring them into the feedlot for winter feeding prior to the sale. When we have our sale in April, the bulls are ready to take home and get to work.
Deagle Cattle Co. will be in Veteran, AB at the Dryland Cattle Trading Corp. on Saturday, April 4, 2020 to offer over 40 Maine two-year old Bulls and 400 Open Maine-cross replacement heifers. The Deagle clan - Clay, Renee, Rick, Marilynn, Aubrey, Amy, Pamela, Danica, Davyn, Trevor and Noelle.
We welcome everyone to view the bulls and heifers online, or at the ranch prior to the sale or on sale day. We invite everyone to a lunch
From your first Sale to now, what has changed?
prior to the sale.
We first started selling bulls online with a couple our calving time had to change due to the location of our calving pasture and weather issues. We realized we could provide better quality bulls
spring sale. We don’t over feed for the “show
to our buyers by keeping them that extra year.
ring condition”. The bulls are tested, vet inspected, given a double shot of Fusogard and
The bulls we offer are not pushed and burned
ready to go on sale day.
out on grain to look good as a yearling. They are developed, fed silage-based rations as yearlings,
“I believe if you are committed and passionate
then turned out to graze on native pasture and
with what you are doing, eventually people will
brought back in late fall to get them ready for the
see what quality you have.”
MAINE MAIL | SPRING 2020
other Maine Breeders and that worked well until
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LINDSAY EXHIBITION
2019
September 20, 2019 Lindsay, Ontario
Grand Champion Female Gilcroft 2E
Keith Gilbert, Demorestville, ON
Reserve Champion Female Gilcroft Zelda, 11Z
Keith Gilbert, Demorestville, ON
Jackpot Heifer Class
MAINE MAIL | VOL. 10 ISSUE 1
1. JCF Galaxy, Pending
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John & Corey Crawford, Glencoe, ON
2. Mel-Matt Lady Gineve 6G, 520716SB Matthew and Melinda Scott, Kincardine, ON
Heifer Calf - Born 2019, Minimum of three mo. of age on day of judging 1. JCF Galaxy, Pending Grand Champion Maintainer Female John & Corey Crawford, Glencoe, ON 2. Burnlea Grenadine, Pending Grand Champion Maintainer Female - Reserve Megan Burnside, Roslin, ON
Krista Whelan, Top Stock Magazine Judge: Mike Early
Grand Champion Bull Perrys Mr Interstate 308F Dave Perry, Harrowsmith, ON
Reserve Champion Bull DBE Big B 501 F
Norma Roddick-Preece, Wyoming, ON
Bull Calf - Born on or after January 1st, 2019 Minimum of three mo. of age on day of judging 1. Gilcroft George 3G, Pending Bull Calf Champion Keith Gilbert, Demorestville, ON 2. JCF Gizmo, Pending Bull Calf Champion - Reserve John & Corey Crawford, Glencoe, ON
Bull - Born April 1st, 2018 - December 31st, 2018
1. Truray's Future, Gordon & Trudy Ray, Lakefield, ON
Female Calf - Born on or after January 1st, 2019 Minimum of three months of age on day of judging 1. JCF Gretchen, Pending Female Calf Champion John & Corey Crawford, Glencoe, ON 2. JCF Glamour Girl, Pending
Grand Champion Maintainer Female JCF Galaxy
John & Corey Crawford, Glencoe, ON
Female Calf Champion - Reserve John & Corey Crawford, Glencoe, ON
Female - Heifer - Born April 1, 2018 - Dec 31st, 2018 1. Nordick Alice 22F, Applied for Junior Champion Female - Reserve Norma Roddick-Preece, Wyoming, ON 2. Gilcroft 28 F Jeff Roffey, Haley Station, ON
Female - Heifer - Born Jan 1st, 2018 - Mar 31st, 2018 1. Nordick Milify 4F Junior Champion Female Norma Roddick-Preece, Wyoming, ON
Reserve Champion Maintainer Female Mel-Matt Lady Gineve 6G
Matthew and Melinda Scott, Kincardine, ON
2. Perrys Miss DD Fancheska 8F, Dave Perry, Harrowsmith, ON
Female - Born January 1st, 2017 - December 31st, 2017 with calf 1. Gilcroft 2E Senior Champion Female Grand Champion Female Keith Gilbert, Demorestville, ON
Female - Born prior to January 1st, 2017 with calf 1. Gilcroft Zelda 11Z Senior Champion Female - Reserve Grand Champion Female - Reserve
MAINE MAIL | VOL. 10 ISSUE 1
Breeder’s Herd
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Norma Roddick-Preece Wyoming, ON
Keith Gilbert, Demorestville, ON 2. Nordick Blk Noreen 2A Norma Roddick-Preece, Wyoming, ON
Breeder's Herd Norma Roddick-Preece, Wyoming, ON
Bull - Born January 1st, 2018 - March 31st, 2018 1. Perrys Mr Interstate 308F Junior Champion Bull Grand Champion Bull Dave Perry, Harrowsmith, ON 2. DBE Big B 501F Junior Champion Bull - Reserve Grand Champion Bull - Reserve Norma Roddick-Preece, Wyoming, ON
Get of Sire Dave Perry, Harrowsmith, ON
Progeny of Dam Keith Gilbert, Demorestville, ON
CANADIAN WESTERN
AGRIBITION November 27, 2019 Regina, Saskatchewan
Grand Champion Female Miss Rusylvia 43G
Rusylvia Cattle Co., Derwent, AB
Reserve Champion Female Miss Rusylvia 71G
MAINE MAIL | VOL. 10 ISSUE 1
Rusylvia Cattle Co., Derwent, AB
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Show Champions
Judge: Riley Lafrentz, Bienfait, SK
Grand Champion Bull ABC Deliver 54F
ABC Cattle Co., Whitewood, SK
Reserve Champion Bull Mr Rusylvia 108G
Rusylvia Cattle Co., Derwent, AB
Female 1/4, 3/8, 1/2, 5/8 or 3/4 born in 2018
Female 1/4, 3/8, 1/2, 5/8 or 3/4.2019 - Split 2
1. Anastasia 40G, Reid Ranching, Hafford, SK
1. ABC Trishia 99G, ABC Cattle Co., Whitewood, SK
2. SLC 4D Simply Sweet 6F
2. Kylie’s Miss Magic 1G, Berner Cattle, Verwood, SK
Sebastian Land & Cattle, Montmartre, SK
Junior Champion and Reserve Junior
Champion Percentage Female
1. Anastasia 40G, Reid Ranching, Hafford, SK 2. SLC 4D Simply Sweet 6F Sebastian Land & Cattle, Montmartre, SK
Female 1/4, 3/8, 1/2, 5/8 or 3/4. 2019 - Split 1 1. JSUL Blue Hottie 9505G ET Lucky Springs Farms, Rocky Mountain House, AB 2. VNDY 211 Brooke 952G, Vandy Cattle, Benson, SK
Calf Champion and Reserve Calf Champion Percentage Female
1. JSUL Blue Hottie 9505G ET Lucky Springs Farms, Rocky Mountain House, AB 2. VNDY 211 Brooke 952G, Vandy Cattle, Benson, SK
Grand Champion and Reserve Grand Champion Percentage Female
1. JSUL Blue Hottie 9505G ET Lucky Springs Farms, Rocky Mountain House, AB 2. VNDY 211 Brooke 952G, Vandy Cattle, Benson, SK
Bull 1/4, 3/8,1/2, 5/8 or 3/4 born 2019 1. VNDY Ricochet 917G, Vandy Cattle, Benson, SK 2. VNDY Cuervo 905G, Vandy Cattle, Benson, SK
Calf Champion/ Reserve Calf Champion Bull. Grand
Champion / Reserve Grand Champion Percentage Bull
JUNIOR CHAMPION PERCENTAGE FEMALE and GRAND CHAMPION MAINETAINER FEMALE Anastasia 40G, Reid Ranching, Hafford, SK
1. VNDY Ricochet 917G, Vandy Cattle, Benson, SK 2. VNDY Cuervo 905G, Vandy Cattle, Benson, SK
Female, Fullblood or Purebred born 2018 1. Miss Rusylvia Forever 199, Rusylvia Cattle Co., Derwent, AB 2. Stenberg’s Fifi 97F, Stenberg's Maine Anjou, Alder Flats, AB
RESERVE JUNIOR CHAMPION PERCENTAGE FEMALE SLC 4D Simply Sweet 6F, Sebastian Land & Cattle, Montmarte, SK
Junior Champion and Reserve Junior Champion Open Female
1. Miss Rusylvia Forever 199, Rusylvia Cattle Co., Derwent, AB 2. Stenberg’s Fifi 97F, Stenberg's Maine Anjou, Alder Flats, AB
Female Purebred born in 2019 - Split 1 1. Byman’s Black Betzy 305G, Stu Byman, Wadena, SK 2. ABC Ms Garth 105Z, ABC Cattle Co., Whitewood, SK
Female Purebred born in 2019 - Split 2 1. Miss Rusylvia 43G, Rusylvia Cattle Co., Derwent, AB 2. Miss Rusylvia 71G, Rusylvia Cattle Co., Derwent, AB
Female Fullblood born in 2019 - Split 1 1. Manitou Gala, Manitou Maine-Anjou, Marsden, SK
CALF CHAMPION PERCENTAGE FEMALE and RESERVE GRAND CHAMPION MAINETAINER FEMALE JSUL Blue Hottie 9505G, Lucky Springs Farms, Rocky Mountain House, AB
RESERVE CALF CHAMPION PERCENTAGE FEMALE VNDY 211 Brooke 952G, Vandy Cattle, Benson, SK
2. Stenberg’s Gemma 6G, Stenberg’s Maine-Anjou, Alder Flats, AB
Calf Champion and Reserve Calf Champion Open
Female Grand Champion and Reserve Champion Open Female
1. Miss Rusylvia 43G, Rusylvia Cattle Co., Derwent, AB 2. Miss Rusylvia 71G, Rusylvia Cattle Co., Derwent, AB
CALF CHAMPION PERCENTAGE BULL and GRAND CHAMPION PERCENTAGE BULL VNDY Ricochet 917G, Vandy Cattle, Benson, SK
MAINE MAIL | VOL. 10 ISSUE 1
Bull Purebred born in 2019
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1. Mr Rusylvia 108G, Rusylvia Cattle Co., Derwent, AB 2. MHC Griffin 17G, Hansen Livestock, Weldon, SK
Bull Fullblood born in 2019 1. Guy MA 4G, Stenberg's Maine Anjou, Alder Flats, AB 2. Stenberg’s George 3G, Stenberg's Maine Anjou, Alder Flats, AB
Calf Champion and Reserve Calf Champion Open Bull 1. Mr Rusylvia 108G, Rusylvia Cattle Co., Derwent, AB 2. Guy MA 4G, Stenberg's Maine Anjou, Alder Flats, AB
Bull, Purebred or Fullblood, born in 2018
Junior Champion / Reserve Junior Champion Open Bull 1. ABC Deliver 54F, ABC Cattle Co., Whitewood, SK
RESERVE CALF CHAMPION PERCENTAGE BULL and RESERVE GRAND CHAMPION PERCENTAGE BULL VNDY Cuervo 905G Vandy Cattle, Benson, SK
SENIOR CHAMPION OPEN BULL Manitou’s Echo Manitou Maine-Anjou, Marsden, SK
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MAINE MAIL | SPRING 2020
AGRIBITION
Bull, Purebred or Fullblood, born in 2017 1. Manitou’s Echo, Manitou Maine-Anjou, Marsden, SK
Senior Champion / Reserve Senior Champion
Open Bull
1. Manitou’s Echo, Manitou Maine-Anjou, Marsden, SK
Grand Champion and Reserve Champion Open Bull
1. ABC Deliver 54F, ABC Cattle Co., Whitewood, SK 2. Mr Rusylvia 108G, Rusylvia Cattle Co., Derwent, AB
Get of Sire
CALF CHAMPION OPEN BULL Mr Rusylvia 108G, Rusylvia Cattle Co., Derwent, AB
RESERVE CALF CHAMPION OPEN BULL Guy MA 4G Stenberg’s MaineAnjou, Alder Flats, AB
Stenberg’s Maine-Anjou, Alder Flats, AB
Breeder’s Herd 1. Rusylvia Cattle Co., Derwent, AB 2. Stenberg’s Maine-Anjou, Alder Flats, AB 3. Manitou Maine-Anjou, Marsden, SK
Premier Breeder / Premier Exhibitor
INTERNATIONAL
MAINE MAIL | VOL. 10 ISSUE 1
EDMONTON FARMFAIR
Stenberg’s Maine-Anjou, Alder Flats, AB
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November 6, 2019 Edmonton, Alberta
GET OF SIRE PREMIER BREEDER AND EXHIBITOR
CANADIAN BULL CONGRESS Stenberg’s Maine-
Anjou, Alder Flats, AB
January 24, 2020 Camrose, Alberta
Show Champions
Grand Champion Female - AOB Miss Rusylvia 71G Carpathian Land & Livestock, St. Paul, AB
GRAND CHAMPION 4-H HEIFER PROJECT Miss Rusylvia 71G Emily Yaremko. Carpathian Land & Livestock, St. Paul, AB
GRAND CHAMPION SINGLE PUREBRED HEIFER Miss Rusylvia 71G Emily Yaremko. Carpathian Land & Livestock, St. Paul, AB
Grand Champion Female - AOB Miss Rusylvia 71G
GRAND CHAMPION JUNIOR HEIFER Miss Rusylvia 71G Emily Yaremko. Carpathian Land & Livestock, St. Paul, AB
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Comparing Conventional Embryo Production and In Vitro Fertilization(IVF) as a Means to Propagate Superior Genetics in your Beef Herd Justin R. Kristjansson, DVM For almost 50 years beef producers in Canada have
and required time for the donor and recipient to heal
been utilizing embryo transfer technologies to multiply
along with an increased risk of post-operative
superior genetics within their herds, and their breeds.
complications.
With the importation and increase in popularity of the Continental beef breeds in the 1970s came a demand
Early surgical embryo recovery and transfer techniques
for the genetics that surpassed the availability of live
have since been replaced by non-surgical transcervical procedures now known as “conventional flushing”. In a conventional flush, the donor dam is subjected to a hormone synchronization protocol that results in her ovulating multiple oocytes (eggs) into her uterus that are then fertilized via artificial insemination. The donor dam incubates the developing embryos for seven days, and on day seven a catheter is placed into the uterus of the donor dam and the uterus flushed out with specialized fluid media that allows for the recovery and survival of the
cattle in Canada at the time. Veterinarians and
Conventional flush protocols result in an average of
researchers, in various places in the world including
seven, Grade 1 embryos per collection. The number of
MAINE MAIL | VOL. 10 ISSUE 1
embryos.
Canada, were developing protocols to produce multiple
embryos varies considerably based on each individual
embryos from elite females, to recover them intact from
donor dam’s response to the hormone treatment
the donor dam’s uterus, and transplant them individually
protocol, ranging from a low of 0 to highs in the 20s and
into the uterus of recipient dams.
30s.
Early techniques to recover embryos from the uterus of
In recent years In Vitro Fertilization (IVF) has arisen as
the donor dam and transplant to the uterus of a recipient
another means of embryo production from high genetic
dam involved surgical procedures for both cows. While
value females. In Vitro is Latin for in the glass, as every
embryo production rates, and subsequent pregnancy
step of embryo production after oocyte collection occurs
rates of transplanted embryos were generally quite
in a laboratory, not in the living animal (in vivo).
32
required to perform the embryo recovery and transplant,
good, surgical procedures greatly increased the time The term IVF in the cattle world has evolved to
...cont’d
encompass what is actually four individual steps in
with, approximately 25% of donors fall into this cate-
embryo production:
gory with approximately 3% of all donors achieving
i)
Oocyte Pick Up (OPU) - The donor
embryo development rates greater than 75%.
dam is super-stimulated with follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) similar to a conventional
The benefits of utilizing IVF to produce embryos from
flush protocol, though a CIDR or her preg-
your high genetic value females are numerous. While
nancy prevent her from ovulating those
many prospective donors may not work in a conven-
oocytes. Those oocytes are collected into a
tional embryo flush program, they may work quite well
filter with an ultrasound-guided needle on a
in IVF production. However, there are some prospec-
vacuum pump, and the oocytes are searched
tive donor cows that simply do not produce in either
and graded under a stereomicroscope.
system, and unfortunately there is no ‘miracle cure’ to
ii)
In-Vitro Maturation (IVM)- The oocytes
produce embryos from some cows. Other benefits of
are placed in specialized maturation media for
IVF include being able to produce embryos from
24 hours that simulates the natural process
donors while they’re pregnant, producing embryos
and environment of ovulation, thereby ready-
from young heifers pre-breeding to shorten generation
ing the oocytes for fertilization.
intervals and maximize genetic gains, maximizing the
iii)
In-Vitro Fertilization (IVF)- The exten-
use of rare or expensive semen on multiple donors at
der and dead sperm are removed from
once, and the ability to collect donors every two
thawed semen and the sperm are placed with
weeks. The short interval needed between IVF collec-
the mature oocytes for 24 hours. One straw of
tions means that more embryos can be produced from
semen can potentially be used to fertilize
a donor in a shorter amount of time than is possible
oocytes from three to five cows individually, or
with conventional flushing, allowing producers to max-
the oocytes can be pooled together at matu-
imize the numbers of embryos banked or implanted in
ration/fertilization to decrease the costs of IVF.
a short breeding season. Embryo transfer pregnancy
Frozen semen can also be Reverse-Sorted
rates for Grade 1 IVF embryos are now virtually identi-
(sexed) at this stage to select for either bulls
cal to that of conventionally produced embryos, with
or heifers.
the most variability coming from the management of
iv)
In-Vitro Culture (IVC)- The now fertil-
the recipient herd.
...cont’d
ized oocytes are kept in specialized culture media and allowed to grow and develop for six days. At the end of the culture the em-
MAINE MAIL | VOL. 10 ISSUE 1
bryos can be implanted fresh or frozen and
34
stored the same as conventionally produced embryos. On average, beef IVF donors produce 20 oocytes per OPU with an average of six, Grade 1 embryos produced from those oocytes. This 30-35% embryo development rate varies considerably on an individual donor basis, with some donors producing fewer oocytes but with a higher embryo development rate, while other donors may produce higher than average oocyte numbers with poorer embryo development rate. The best IVF donors achieve embryo development rates of over 50% of the total oocytes started
Veterinarian Justin Kristjansson with Bow Valley Genetics working to maximize the return on investment.
NEW SALE LOCATION! ANL Polled Herefords Sale Facility, Steelman, SK
15 WEDNESDAY APRIL 15
OFFERING A TOP QUALITY GROUP OF MAINETAINER BULLS
Thank you to our customers in our online sale. We truly appreciate your support. Thank you also to our crew, especially Riley Ingram, for a successful fall run.
VNDY 211 BROOK 952G
VNDY 410 BS DEBUTANTE 808F
Congratulations and thank you to Tateum McPherson, Cooper Brokenshire and Colten Brokenshire – Sold in 2019 Online Sale.
Congratulations and thank you to Kylie Berner Sold in 2018 Online Sale.
BLACK LABEL Sold in our 2017 Online Bull Sale to Colten Brokenshire
DADDY’S MONEY X GCC WHIZARD 125W
Genetic DISTINCTION BULL SALE
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JUSTIN VANDEWOESTYNE Benson, Saskatchewan, Canada vandycattle@hotmail.com • 1-306-461-6031
www.vandycattle.com
BNWZ JOSE 703Y X NO WORRIES
THEY A LL S ELL
IVF 16 embryos developed via the IVF process.
CONVENTIONAL Nine embryos gathered from the conventional process.
No matter which embryo production system is used to
realize your own genetic improvement goals for your
produce the embryos, embryo transfer is the most ef-
herd.
fective way to maximize the positive influence of the elite genetics in your herd. Producing a high number of
For more information on embryo transfer, in vitro fertil-
calves from elite dams allows numerous full and half
ization, and success in achieving your herds genetic
sibling females to be retained, creating a more uniform
goals please visit bowvalleygenetics.com
and consistent herd, and marketing a uniform bull pen that customers appreciate to find consistency year over
Justin Kristjansson is a veterinarian and the Assistant
year. The opportunity to introduce genetics to your
Manager at Bow Valley Genetics Ltd. Located near
herd through embryo transfer is a great way to access
Brooks, AB, as well as a member of XLVets Canada.
elite genetics from other breeders or countries that may not be available, or affordable, as live purchases. These genetic introductions can build a foundation of success
MAINE MAIL | VOL. 10 ISSUE 1
for your own herd for years to come and allow you to
38
WWW.MAINE-ANJOU.ORG
business card directory We provide owners use semen collection at our facility and we can produce domestic and export qualified semen in our new industry leading centre. Bow Valley Genetics offers complete embryo collection and transfer services on farm or at our donor centre. Bow Valley Genetics www.bowvalleygenetics.com p 1.587.887.1934 | f 1.587.317.7392 box 1239, brooks, ab, t1r 1c1
MAINE MAIL | SPRING 2020
Advancing Reproductive Solutions
41
Maine Aaction winners
The Saskatchewan Association hosted the third annual Maine Attraction Heifer Calf Jackpot at Canadian Western Agribition in Regina, SK. Congratulations to Emily Yaremko of Carpathian Land and Livestock of St. Paul, AB with Miss Rusylvia 71G. title. Riley Pashulka of Rusylvia Cattle Co, Derwent, AB and his entry, Miss Rusylvia 43G took the Reserve title and $2625 in winnings. Thank you out to the sponsors, including CMAA, Manitou Maine-Anjou, Hansen Livestock, Byman Cattle, Rusylvia Cattle Co and Vandy Cattle.
MAINE MAIL | SPRING 2020
The winning duo took home $3500 and the Champion
43
ADVERTISERS ABC Cattle Co . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12
JayR Maines . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .43
AMAA . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .40
Josephburg Classic Junior Show . . . .41
Bluesky Maines . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .33
Maine Park Maines . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7
Bohrson Marketing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1
Manitou Maine-Anjou . . . . . . . . . . . . .IFC
Bow Valley Genetics . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .41
Martinell’s Fullbloods . . . . . . . . . . . . . .41
Byman Cattle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5
McCormack Family Ranch . . . . . . . . . .25
CMAA . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .27
O’Hara Land and Cattle . . . . . . . . . . . .14
Deagle Cattle Co. Ltd. . . . . . . . . . . .OBC
Neogen Canada . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .IBC
Donaro Farms . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .38
NuHaven Cattle Co. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .44
EDJE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .42
Pick Six Cattle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .29
Genetic Distinction Bull Sale . . . . . . . .13
Rusylvia Cattle Co. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9
Gilcroft Farms . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .15
Stenberg’s Maine-Anjou . . . . . . . . . . . .31
Golden Phoenix . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .23
Vandy Cattle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .36-37
Hansen Livestock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .17
Wilkinridge Stock Farm . . . . . . . . . . . .11 Wilson Family . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .39
MAINE MAIL | VOL. 10 ISSUE 1
Wise Maine-Anjou Ranch . . . . . . . .35/41
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