Official Publication of the Saskatchewan Angus Association Summer 2025
Making Connections
Do you ever wonder what it would be like to be surrounded by people that have the same interests, same motivation and also the same profession? The Canadian Angus National Convention is that place.
As an Angus breeder for 18 years, I always wondered what the Convention was all about but never made the commitment to attend After the pandemic, the Saskatchewan Angus Association hosted Convention in Saskatoon The location was so close and the work was stable at home, so it was the perfect time to attend. The support from the Saskatchewan membership was outstanding, but little did I realize the number of breeders and producers from across Canada that would attend. The venue was a perfect way to connect with people from British Columbia to the Maritimes in a low-stress but professional atmosphere My wife and I enjoyed it so much we had to plan to go to Toronto in 2024, and we did.
Convention is an excellent way to interact. You will meet new people, reconnect with fellow breeders and even spend time with a neighbour that you never seem to see The passion for the Angus breed is what brings everyone together to talk not only cattle but other
farming practices, family, kids, sports, and hopefully not politics. The information shared may make your operation better or may help another aspect of your life. Convention provides an atmosphere that really enables interaction for everyone present. Examples would be breakfast in the morning, bus trips to tour spots, learning at the tour spots, and also the all important hospitality room. Convention seems to be a way to connect young and old, whether it is your first one or not
by Jordan Sies
of Excellence and the Saskatoon Berry Farm outside of Saskatoon, the University of Guelph’s Research Station,
the dairy and beef cattle and Percheron horses at Walkerbrae Farms, and the opportunity to view display pens of cattle at different venues.
The tours and information on the host area were a highlight for me Convention gives the opportunity to see unique aspects of the region. Some of the attractions at previous Conventions include the Livestock and Forage Centre
It is always great to put a face to a name Convention gives you an opportunity to meet and visit with all the current Canadian Angus board members You are able to address any concerns or
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Great Hospitality
Saskatchewan Angus Association - 2025 Board of Directors
Roger Reynolds Emerald Park, Saskatchewan 306.536.6112 erreynolds@accesscomm ca
Canadian Director
Rob Garner Simpson, Saskatchewan 306 946 7946 nordallimousin@sasktel net
Canadian Director
Darren Ippolito
Kisbey, Saskatchewan 306 577 8970 moose creek@sasktel net
Honourary President
The Late Jack Burkell Yorkton, Saskatchewan
Belinda Wagner, General Manager Cell: 306 537 1518 office@saskatchewanangus com
Publications Mail Agreement Return Undeliverable Canadian Addresses to:
Saskatchewn Angus Association c/o 292140 Wagon Wheel Blvd, Rockyview County, Alberta T4A 0E2 office@saskatchewanangus com
Making Connections
suggest improvements face-toface The CEO and some staff are also there from Angus Central. It is a great way to develop a personal connection with all of these people, which is definitely helpful in the future.
Everybody loves a good auction sale, and during Convention, the annual Canadian Angus Foundation Building the Legacy sale takes place. All of the items in the sale are donated, and the proceeds go to further the mission of the Canadian Angus Foundation, which is to preserve and expand the Angus breed for future generations through education, youth development, research, and archives Purchasing at the Legacy Sale is a great way to support the Foundation and get something in return
to share the highs and lows of each Association, interact one-on-one, and answer any questions that will help each other out Convention allows promotion of events and activities that are up and coming for people who may not know what your region is doing for its membership
breeders from across Canada Communication amongst the regional representatives for events like this allows for growth and insight for Associations to build and provide activities for their members.
Convention is not all about cattle and meetings; it is an event that allows you to see the sights and surroundings of the host location Ontario was a huge opportunity for myself as I had never been there before, and I was glad to learn about their farming practices and understand how they do things differently due to the climate and land base and getting to see the Toronto Blue Jays in action was awesome!
For instance, the other regions were very interested in how Saskatchewan manages our summer tour, and this
The last two Conventions have been terrific experiences for both
Being able to attend Convention in 2023 and 2024 was a major eyeopener as to how each region serves their membership. It was a great way
year I’m excited to be able to report that the Saskatchewan Summer Tour will be hosted by ourselves, along with Hollinger Land and Cattle, Northern View Angus, and JJL Livestock on July 30th. The tour has developed into a must-attend event and has attracted
myself and also my wife It is an opportunity to interact, communicate, learn, and enjoy a few days away from home The tours and attractions of the host province are something you may never see if you don’t attend.
This year ’s Convention will be hosted at the historic Fort Garry Hotel in Winnipeg, Manitoba, and kicks off with a group lunch on Thursday, June 12th The Annual General Meeting is right after lunch and our national Awards presentations will be held that evening an important time to recognize the efforts and accomplishments of breeders and contributors across the country The
5. Understand generational differences
I recall my Dad saying, “This generation just doesn’t work like we used to ” As I get older, I find myself saying the same thing The truth is every generation is shaped by different experiences, values, communication styles and priorities. For example, my dad’s generation, the baby boomers - worked day and night, every day of the week, every week of the year, because that was the environment they were exposed to. However, for millennials and Gen Z generation, the focus has shifted to achieving more work-life balance The younger generations may expect accommodations for time off to go to the lake on a summer weekend, or a warm winter vacation or the flexibility to leave work early to attend
their children’s activities It’s important to understand where your team is coming from While your perspective is that of an owner, your employees see things differently Try to meet in the middle If you need all hands-on deck during calving season, offer flexible time off at a later time. When employees feel like you respect their time, they’re more likely to stay loyal and work hard
In the end, great employees don’t just happen they’re developed By focusing on a positive culture, matching people to their strengths, setting clear goals, offering ways to grow, and understanding their values, you’ll not only help them reach their potential you’ll create a stronger, more successful operation
