Box 27 Site 7 RR3 Olds, AB T4H 1P4 cowlickranch121@gmail.com
Vicky Horn RR 2
Thorsby, AB T0C 2P0
780-668-8425
vicky@tangleridgeranch.ca
Braylen Blake Box 202
Glentworth, SK S0H 1V0
306-640-2204
braylen.blake@gmail.com
Gelbvieh Association of AB/BC Reps
President & Jr. Incentive
Olivia Koziak
780-835-0264
koziaklandandcattle@gmail.com
Treasurer & 4-H Awards
Malory Parrish
gelbviehassocabbc@gmail.com
gelbviehassocabbc4h@gmail.com
Vice President
Drew MacDonell
Secretary
Amber Paulencu
ManSask Gelbvieh Association Reps
President
Ian Thackeray Box 1002 Weyburn SK S4H 2L0 306-861-7687
tgfis@sasktel.net
Secretary
Cynthia Wirgau
Box 25 Narcisse MB R0C 2H0 204-278-3255
mansaskgelbvieh@gmail.com
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The Gelbvieh Guide is mailed out to purchasers of Gelbvieh cattle when registration certificates are transfered; the seller of the animal for a registration certificate when you purchase a Gelbvieh animal.
To be added to our mailing list contact the CGA office. Domestic subscription is $26.25 and International subscription is $50.00.
Canadian Gelbvieh Association
gelbvieh@gelbvieh.ca 403-250-8640
President’s Message
Eddie Marsman
At the time of this writing the variable summer, weather wise, is almost gone. These last weeks of beautiful warm weather for most of us will soon give way to cooler fall weather. I can feel it in the air and see the geese heading south already. I’ve been noticing quite a bit of winter hair already appearing on my cows as well. Could this be a sign of an early winter? We’ll find out soon enough.
To recap the last few months, I was able to attend the Junior Show in Swift Current after the AGM for a shorter while than I would have liked, as obligations elsewhere in the country forced me to make an early exit. Despite my time crunch, it was great to see the continued and progressive efforts of our junior Gelbvieh enthusiasts. Once again a top notch event. As always, it was nice to catch up with some of you and I looking forward to this fall’s shows and sales to do more of the same.
Looks like high cattle prices are holding firm and will continue to do so for the foreseeable future. This rosey economic outlook ought to make for a profitable fall run for feeder calves and work it’s way through to the female sales in the fall and beyond to next spring’s bull sales. Certainly this is an
interesting and profitable scenario that hopefully will extend for years to come.
For us here in Central Alberta, it was nice to see lots of moisture over the summer, and consequently, the feed situation is a whole lot better than last year. However, in other parts of the country drought continues. I sincerely hope that everyone has been able to secure enough feed to get through the winter.
Progress is being made in Saskatoon with GIFS gearing up to provide Canadian breed associations with a viable option for DNA sample processing. This should provide us with competitive pricing and timely results. I am proud to share with you that the CGA is working diligently on the front lines to help make this happen.
On a personal note, Sue and I are off to Hawaii again in early December for a short vacation. Beyond sea and sun, my priority is to lay eyes on the Canadian Gelbvieh offspring currently on the ground on the island of Kauai. I can’t wait to see how those calves turn out in that climate. Thus far things are going well with the progeny. I will definitely report back to you all on that.
In the meantime, despite work pressures, I will try to enjoy the last bit of this unseasonably warm weather and hope you are able to as well. Until next time, breed Gelbvieh!
Office Report
Sarah Van Schothorst
Canadian Gelbvieh Connection channel is up and running.
You can follow our podcast channel and access all our episodes on Podcastle, Spotify, and Apple Podcasts.
We are very excited to have launched this initiative and look forward to promoting the Gelbvieh breed and the benefits that we have to offer the beef industry. Season 1 will feature the Jr. podcast submissions to the Marketing Masters competition at the 2025 National Jr. Gelbvieh show that was held in Swift Current. Thank you to all of the Juniors that entered in the podcast title naming competition and to all the members who voted on our Facebook poll. The Facebook page has had many new views and followers since the competition. Congratulations to Colt Hrebeniuk who’s title, “Canadian Gelbvieh Connection”, was selected as the winner and his senior champion marketing project was featured as episode one on the new channel.
It was my pleasure to attend the National Jr. Gelbvieh show. I appreciate the hard work and dedication that it takes for these junior participants to come and compete in all of the events. The senior members attended the Canadian Gelbvieh Association Annual General meeting, and we appreciated their participation in the brainstorming sessions held within the meeting.
The Canadian Gelbvieh Association is commited to working with our members and growing the Gelbvieh breed along side them by undertaking new initiatives and projects that help support their needs as producers.
We also want to continue to utilize the junior member’s input and have done so by increasing our online advertising presence and starting our own podcast channel. We have also selected some agriculture focused podcasts to sponsor to increase our viewership in this space.
The CGA would like to thank Bev Milne for her two terms served on the national board, and we welcome Ryan Kary as our new board member.
Please look to your inbox in the coming months as the CGA will continue the monthly e-newsletter to keep members aware of current CGA practices, registry improvements, and surveys collecting member feedback.
One of the recent improvements to the registry gives members the ability to edit the name of their animals. Under the Animal Edit screen members can edit the animal’s
name, horned/polled status, coat color, and tag number. You must click update after each line as the lines are updated individually. Alternatively, you can also edit animal names when you enter weaning weights.
Congratulations to the ManSask Association on celebrating 50 years in Canada. I wish all their members the best as they celebrate this achievement at the fall and winter events.
Good luck with your fall show and sales, hope everyone has a nice fall.
RAFFLE DRAW for Jr Scholarship Fund
Contact Sarah at gelbvieh@gelbvieh.ca to get your tickets
1st prize draw - Bronze bull 2nd prize draw - Bronze cow Both are on a plain wooden base
1 for $5 OR 5 for $20 December 15 Draw Date
Gelbvieh Association of AB/BC News
As I sit to reflect on the summer, it’s hard to believe that fall is here already! I know many, like myself, are in the harvest season, and I wish you all a bountiful crop, extended grazing time, and the opportunity to reflect on what has been a truly remarkable year in agriculture.
I can’t help but smile over all Gelbvieh’s success stories. At the top of that list is the Junior Gelbvieh show, held this year in Swift Current, SK. For me personally, the Junior Show is always a highlight. This year, I witnessed new friendships forming in my own household, saw the growth in our juniors from past years, and appreciated the strength of the cattle being displayed. The hard work put in by the adult advisors throughout the year is a testament to the passion we have in our breed for the next generation of Gelbvieh producers. I would like to extend my gratitude to all the hard work and endless time put into making a great event for these juniors to learn, grow, and build lasting friendships. Huge thanks to the American families that joined us at the junior show to make it truly an international event. It was wonderful hearing the barn conversations of juniors planning how they would connect at the next show, either here on Canadian soil or south of the border.
The Alberta & BC Association would like to extend an invitation to all Gelbvieh enthusiasts to join us on Thursday, November 6th, for the Gelbvieh and Balancer Show at Farm
Fair International. Entries open September 1st, so get those entries in and secure your spot for a great display of Gelbvieh genetics.
Wish List sale plans are also in full swing alongside the Canadian People’s Choice Bull Futurity. Together, these two events make for a can’t-miss weekend. As the selections are being counted, I am very excited about this year’s offering. Please join us in person or online, starting with Friday night, which features the first round of judging and the Christmas banquet. Saturday kicks off with our Annual General Meeting, followed by the final round of the futurity, and concludes with the Wish List Sale at 3 pm.
The Board is very proud of our Junior Incentive program, which allows the winning juniors the opportunity to collect some additional funds to spend at the Wish List sale. We have had many first-time entries this year, which is exciting to see. Many thanks to the breeders whose contributions make it possible to give these juniors a better opportunity to start their own herd.
We can’t forget the generosity of Twin View Livestock for donating the draw heifer this year. We had a sneak peek at her at the junior show, and she is an incredible opportunity for one lucky ticket holder!
See you in the barns this Fall - Olivia Koziak
The Yards at Canadian Western Agribition are pens of live cattle displays where producers gather to market their genetics in 20’x20’ pens, valued at $1150. Animals on display in The Yards are not eligible to show in the breed shows, providing a great alternative marketing tool for those producers who aren’t interested in showing cattle. Exhibitors at The Yards are required to bring their own display materials - banners, seating, tables etc. Agribition does have some supplies that can be rented and producers can review these options on The Yards Rules and Regulations sheet. Pens at The Yards are secured with payment in July. Kylie Beck, Director of Livestock and Rodeo said “The Yard’s program was designed to connect seedstock breeders with commercial
cattle buyers in a practical setting. This program attracts commercial cattlemen who might not normally attend seedstock events but are actively looking for genetics to improve their herds. This program highlights pens of bulls, bred and replacement heifers and showcases cattle in a way that emphasizes functionality, consistency and profitability which resonates strongly with commercial buyers. The Yard’s program & Stock Exchange building have been a key feature at Agribition and one of the most sought-after
places to exhibit, with a long waitlist to secure a spot!”
The Zalinko family of Diamond Z Livestock, Rouleau SK became interested in being an exhibitor in The Yards, when searching for opportunities to showcase their breeding program. The Zalinko’s have been sourcing herd sires locally as well as the states of Washington, North Dakota, and South Dakota. Bulls and females are available for private treaty off the farm. In addition, they have been a sale partner in the Function and Finesse Female Sale since 2021. Jacquie said “Being present in The Yards is an opportunity to display animals that represent their program and an opportunity to tell their story. They enjoy the casual atmosphere of The Yards and the ability to chat with producers and hear about their programs.”
In the past the Zalinko’s displayed purebred and Balancer bull calves in The Yards. In 2024, they displayed three bulls to showcase calving ease, moderate growth, and power bull options. They have contemplated the idea of taking a cow/ calf pair or display of females in the future.
Jacquie said “Being present at The Yards has given us an opportunity to network with producers interested in the Gelbvieh breed. Animals have sold because of our presence at CWA.”
They are hopeful that contacts made at the show will translate to producers reaching out to them when they are sourcing animals in the future. The Yards provides an opportunity for them to tell their story and promote their program.
Jacquie said “We take pride in the care we give to our animals. We have a complete herd health program and our feeding program is designed with longevity in mind. Good temperament is a must and cows must be good mothers that raise growthy calves.”
People from all walks of life come through The Yards – commercial and purebred cattle producers, international visitors, families (urban and rural), and school groups. The Stock Exchange is the barn with commercial cattle as the focus. Foot traffic picks up as the week progresses at CWA, culminating with the Commercial Cattle Sale on the last day of the show. The Yards is a great place to network and meet producers from across the world.
Jacquie said “Our customers look for us in The Yards and stop for a visit when they’re at the show. It’s a great opportunity to hear how our genetics are working in their program.”
Levi Hamilton Jr. scolarship recipient
Words by Levi Hamilton
My name is Levi Hamilton, I recently graduated from Elrose Composite School and will be attending Lakeland College in the Animal Science Technology program. I am a part of my family’s cattle operation in west central Saskatchewan and I am extremely fortunate to be raised rurally and living the western lifestyle. I have had opportunities and experiences because of how my family makes a living that I don’t take for granted.
My involvement in the ag industry has positively impacted my life. My strong work ethic, my motivation and determination to keep working through hard things and my values and responsibilities to my family and animals are all because of the lessons I have been taught through farming, ranching, 4-H, junior cattle shows and other agricultural related activities.
My involvement with the Gelbvieh breed started when my brother bought a heifer from the Davidson family for his 4-H project. Hearing the benefits and advantages of the breed from Cam and Ash surely sold him! It didn’t take long for that love of the breed to trickle to my other brother and then to me. I bought my first Gelbvieh heifer last fall and am excited to show her this summer!
I was lucky to still participate in the past two junior Gelbvieh shows and the atmosphere and people are so welcoming. It is a community of people who are encouraging and focused on creating active participation in the cattle industry. I enjoyed not only forming friendships but also meeting people and networking with leaders of the breed.
A highlight of my involvement with the association was being asked to step in as ringman during the Gelbvieh show at Agribition in 2023 when someone was ill. It was a huge responsibility on a big stage like Agribition but I was thrilled to help out. I assisted to make sure the highly qualified judge could focus on the animals, I was respectful of the exhibitors and cattle and helped maintain flow of the show. I was honored and privileged to have people believe in me, it was an experience I will never forget.
I have been involved in sports, 4-H and am a certified hockey referee. I am community minded and know how important volunteering is within organizations. The Canadian Junior Gelbvieh Association has members that go above and beyond to help youth succeed. This organization is full of knowledgeable people that are willing to share their expertise, experience and time to youth to help promote and grow the breed and instill that passion for the cattle industry.
Thank you for taking the time to consider my application and believing in the impact opportunities like this one has on youth in agriculture.
ManSask Gelbvieh Association News
Cynthia Wirgau
April 16, 1975 in Weyburn Saskatchewan, an organizational meeting was held for the Saskatchewan Manitoba Gelbvieh association. Their first fundraiser was raffling off tickets on a chance to win vials of fullblood semen from foundation bulls; Ian, Heijak and Prairie Gold.
We welcome you all to join us at Agribition as we host the National Gelbvieh & Balancer show Nov 26 at 1:30. Stop by the stalls after the show to meet breeders, reminisce and celebrate 50 years. The fun doesn’t stop there, we will get together again at our AGM in Moose Jaw December 13th. There, we will have a fun auction and auction off the donation heifer tickets. Thank you to the Zalinko family, Diamond Z Livestock, for donating this years heifer. Your support is greatly appreciated.
Anyone interested in sponsoring a class at Agribition please contact Cynthia immediately.
Nominations for purebred and/or commercial breeder of the year need to be sent to Neil Overby or Braylen Blake by October 15th. Presentation of awards will be held during the
National show at Agribition.
Bunty Allen attended the Man-Sask Gelbvieh Association organizational meeting and for many years. He served as President and as a director of this organization. The Allen’s felt like they were part of the ‘Gelbvieh Gang”. Well this year I finish my term with the association. I grew up knowing Bunty, and I have to agree everyone makes a person feel like part of the “Gelbvieh gang” . It has been interesting to personally see all the changes over the past 20 years. From the junior’s involvement, to the past and present sales. I wish everyone the best of luck with their future genetics and involvement with the breed. Best of luck to the upcoming board of directors.
See you all this fall as show and sale season comes upon us!
Wacey Hollman Jr. scolarship recipient
Words by Wacey Hollman
Growing up east of Innisfail, Alberta, I’ve spent my entire life around Gelbvieh cattle. My dad began working with the breed in the late 1990s, and from day one, I’ve had a front-row seat to what it takes to build something successful within a smaller, but high-potential breed in Canada. Watching him pour his time and energy into growing our operation sparked something in me—not just a love for cattle, but a drive to understand and contribute to the Gelbvieh breed in a meaningful way.
From a young age, I’ve been involved in all aspects of our farm—feeding, calving, breeding decisions, record-keeping, and of course, showing. I’ve proudly represented our program at Canadian Western Agribition, the National Western Stock Show, Farmfair International, AGJA Classics, and the Canadian Gelbvieh Junior Show. These events have challenged me, shaped me, and built lifelong friendships and connections.
What makes Gelbvieh special to me isn’t just the cattle themselves, but the people and the potential. As I grew up, I looked up to older junior members who took time to answer my questions and include me. Now, I’m proud to stand on the other side—mentoring, guiding, and encouraging younger juniors. Whether it’s in the stalls or the show ring, I believe those small moments of leadership and connection are what truly grow our breed and our community.
One of my most meaningful memories was in 2017, when I watched my dad achieve one of his lifelong goals: winning Grand Champion Bull at NWSS with Right Combination. That moment, standing beside him in Denver, reminded me that with patience, consistency, and belief in your program, success in this breed is not only possible—it’s earned.
Currently, I’m enrolled in an Engineering program, working toward a degree that will serve as a secondary income while I continue to invest in and expand our operation. I’ve also begun exploring drone spraying, a technology I believe has real potential both on our farm and beyond. While it’s early days, I’m excited about the possibilities ahead and remain committed to agriculture as a lifelong path.
This scholarship will play a meaningful role in supporting my education and helping ease the financial strain of university. More importantly, it will help bring me one step closer to investing back into the land and livestock that shaped me. I’m grateful to the Canadian Gelbvieh Association—not only for the opportunity to apply, but for the leadership, support, and inspiration it continues to provide to young cattlemen and women across the country.
Canadian Gelbvieh Association Expected Progeny Differences (EPDs)
Take note of the new EPDs being published, Mature Weight (MWT), Cow Energy Requirement-Yearly (CERY), Dry Matter Intake (DMI), and $GAIN.
Calving Ease Direct (CED): Percent of unassisted births of a bull’s calves when he is used on heifers. A higher number is favorable, meaning better calving ease. This EPD can be vital to a rancher looking to decrease the amount of calves pulled in his herd.
Milk (Milk): The genetic ability of a sire’s daughters to produce milk expressed in pounds of weaning weight.
Calving Ease Maternal (CEM): Represented as percent of unassisted births in a sire’s first-calving daughters. A higher number represents more favorable calving ease. This EPD is important to a rancher’s bottom line because it predicts which animals produce daughters with a genetic pre-disposition to calve unassisted as heifers.
Heifer Pregnancy (HP): Predicts the probability that a bull’s daughters will become pregnant as first-calf heifers in a regular breeding season, expressed as a percent. A higher value of this EPD is favorable, meaning that a higher percentage of a sire’s daughters get pregnant as first calf heifers compared to other sires in his contemporary group.
30-month Pregnancy (Pg30): Predicts the probability that a bull’s daughters will become pregnant and calve at three years of age, given that they calved as first-calf heifers. This EPD is expressed as a percent, again, with a higher number being more favorable meaning a higher percentage of a sire’s daughters will calve at three years of age, given they calved as first-calf heifers.
Stayability (STAY): Predicts the genetic difference, in terms of percent probability, that a bull’s daughters will stay productive within a herd to at least six years of age. The stayability EPD is one of the best measures currently available to compare a bull’s ability to produce females with reproductive longevity.
Docility (DOC): Is reported as a percentage, with higher numbers indicating a higher percent of offspring receiving a disposition score of 1 (docile).
Scrotal Circumference (SC): Predicts the difference, in centimeters, of scrotal circumference of an animal’s male offspring at yearling compared to the SC of other animals’ male offspring.
Birth Weight (BW): Predicts the difference, in pounds, for birth weight of the calf.
Weaning Weight (WW): Predicts the difference, in pounds, for weaning weight (adjusted to age of dam and a standard 205 days of age). This is an indicator of growth from birth to weaning.
Yearling weight (YW): Predicts the expected difference, in pounds, for yearling weight (adjusted to a standard 365 days of age). This is an indicator of growth from birth to yearling.
Mature Weight (MWT): Body weight of cows adjusted to six years of age at body condition score 5. MWT is reported in pounds and is computed from a genetic model that leverages information from weaning weight, post-weaning gain, and mature weights of cows. Reported weights are adjusted for both age at observation and for body condition. Body weights of cows 2 to 12 years of age are utilized in the evaluation.
Cow Energy Requirement-Yearly (CERY): Mature body weight, lactation potential and birth weight are primary predictors of energy requirements. Mature Weight, Milk and Birth Weight EPD are utilized to inform prediction equations from beef cow nutrition research to estimate differences in energy requirement over a production year. The CERY EPD is reported in pounds of Total Digestable Nutrients (TDN) required for an age 6 cow.
Yield Grade (YG): Differences in yield grade score, which is a predictor of percent retail product. Smaller values suggest that progeny will have a better lean to fat ratio.
Carcass Weight (CW): Differences in pounds of hot carcass weight, adjusted to an industry standard age endpoint.
Ribeye area (CREA): Differences in ribeye area in inches between the 12th and 13th rib. Greater ribeye areas are preferable.
Marbling (MARB): Predicts the differences in the degree of marbling within the ribeye as expressed in marbling score units. Greater marbling numbers are preferable and are an indicator of higher carcass quality grades.
Fat (CFAT): Differences for fat thickness, in inches, for a carcass over the 12th rib, smaller numbers of fat thickness are preferable as excess fat can be detrimental to yield grade.
Dry Matter Intake (DMI): The genetic difference in pounds of expected average daily dry matter intake of progeny.
$GAIN: Reports the difference in expected marginal value of gain less the cost of feed to achieve that gain. Reported in dollars of marginal profit with more positive values representing increased efficiency and profit.
Canadian Gelbvieh Association Economic Indexes
These Indexes have been recently updated to reflect current beef cattle markets, developed by Dr. Bob Weaber on behalf of the American Gelbvieh Association. We look forward to publishing these new indexes for producers interested in utilizing Gelbvieh genetics across North America and the global marketplace. If you have any questions about the new indexes or how to utilize them please contact Sarah at the Canadian Gelbvieh Association.
New Selection Tools Deployed for Gelbvieh Breeders and Their Commercial Customers
By Bob Weaber, Ph.D
The new Gelbvieh-specific indexes were constructed with transparency in mind and are designed to be updated annually. The economic parameters are based on publicly accessible current industry pricing data, including a 10-year rolling average of prices for feeder and cull cattle and cow-herd production costs from the USDA, as well as USDA-reported grid carcass prices from the carcass contract library. Breed, heterosis, and expected animal performance are sourced from USDA Meat Animal Research Center research outputs.
The new indexes are designed around three common production/marketing scenarios as described below. All three indexes are based on a breeding system where Gelbvieh bulls are mated to Angus-based cows and include selection criteria (EPDs) for economically relevant or key indicator traits. Summary statistics and percentile ranks will be reported through DigitalBeef portal. The three indexes are described below with their selection criteria Each index has been carefully designed and reviewed. Commercial producers should utilize the selection index whose production scenario most closely matches their production system.
Feeder Profit Index™ (FPI™): Envisioned as a completely terminal index, FPI assumes all calves are marketed as finished beef carcasses priced on a value-based grid. Thus, it shouldn’t be used in production scenarios where replacements are kept from these matings. The new FPI formulation more precisely weighs economically-relevant traits available for selection, including the key carcass traits of Carcass Weight (CW), Ribeye Area (REA), and Dry Matter Intake (DMI) that were not included in the original formulation. The new FPI also weighs Fat Thickness (FAT), post-weaning Average Daily Gain (ADG), and Calving Ease Direct (CED). Carcass value determined by carcass weight, quality and yield grade influencing traits accounts for approximately 75% of the index as principal revenue drivers. Dry Matter Intake captures differences in expected costs to the terminal carcass endpoint.
Maternal Profit Index (MPI): In this production scenario, Gelbvieh bulls are mated to Angus-based cows with surplus calves marketed at weaning, with replacement heifers retained from the calf crop. EPDs weighted in this index are Calving Ease Direct (CED) and Maternal (CEM), Weaning Weight (WW), Milk (MM), Mature Weight (MW), Dry Matter Intake (DMI), Stayability (STAY), and Heifer Pregnancy (HP). Mature weight is the primary driver and represents the significant cost of maintenance energy requirement in the cow-calf sector. Weaning Weight and Milk (expressed in pounds of calf weaning weight) represent the principal revenue stream. Stayability helps account for differences in replacement costs in the system and the effect of heifer retention on revenue streams. This index should be used by commercial cattlemen whose production scenario includes the traditional marketing calves at weaning and replacement retention from the herd.
Total Profit Index (TPI): Combining replacement female retention from the herd with carcass endpoint for marketed surplus heifers and all steers, TPI balances both maternal and terminal selection criteria. Because of the challenges faced by commercial cattlemen by the antagonisms in selection for this production scenario, TPI includes the largest and most diverse set of EPDs in the model, including carcass traits as the primary revenue drivers with cow Mature Weight (MW), Stayability (STAY), and Dry Matter Intake (DMI) as cost drivers.
Strong Calves, Strong Start: The Payoff of Strategic Planning
By Carolina Siemens. Ruminant Nutritionist, BSc. MSc.
Whether you’re running a cow-calf operation or managing a feedlot, one thing is clear: everything begins with your calves. From birth to weaning and during the growing phase, every management choice you make affects their health and performance. With calf prices in Alberta hitting record highs in 2025, ensuring a strong start is more than just wise; it’s a competitive edge.
The first 90 days of a calf’s life are crucial for its longterm success. Research indicates that calves who receive high-quality colostrum within the first four hours see up to 74% fewer medical treatments and achieve significantly higher weaning weights (Godden et al., 2019). Colostrum provides antibodies, energy, and immune-boosting compounds that help calves tackle early challenges.
However, colostrum alone isn’t sufficient. Following strict calving protocols along with a well-balanced health and nutrition program directly affects results. Producers should prioritize the right mineral balance, ensuring adequate levels of vital trace minerals like copper, zinc, and selenium. Managing both external and internal parasites is also key since they can weaken immunity and hinder performance. Timely vaccination strategies protect against respiratory and clostridial diseases, while special feed additives enhance forage use and resilience. These initial steps cut treatment costs, promote weight gain, and result in a more uniform calf crop at weaning.
One of the most cost-effective, research-backed strategies in pasture management is incorporating monensin into your mineral program. As an ionophore, monensin changes rumen fermentation to favor propionate production, increasing energy gained from forage. The advantages are well-established, better average daily gain (ADG), coccidiosis control, reduced bloat, and improved feed efficiency. Texas A&M data (Duffield et al., 2012) shows that monensin can increase ADG by 0.15 to 0.20 lbs/day, translating to an extra 18–24 pounds per calf over a 120-day grazing period and coccidiosis control also plays a significant role, as it lowers the parasite burden which can silently impact gains. Feed efficiency is often enhanced by 5–10%, meaning calves get more benefit from the same amount of feed.
At current market prices, those extra pounds really matter. With Alberta steer calves selling for over $5.00/lb in 2025 (Canfax Market Report), just 20 extra pounds at weaning results in an additional $100 per calf. This often covers your entire mineral and health program. It’s important to note that monensin may limit mineral intake due to its flavor. If the mineral mix isn’t palatable, calves might back off it. Work with a nutritionist to balance carriers, flavoring agents, and mineral density to meet intake goals.
Why aim for uniformity? Feeders pay a premium for uniform calf groups because steady performance reduces sorting efforts, simplifies pen management, and lowers overall health risks.
A mineral program that promotes consistent gains, paired with solid health protocols, ensures your calves enter the market as a unified group.
Uniformity also influences finishing quality. Balanced nutrition early on supports skeletal growth, muscle development, and immune strength, cutting down on the number of slower-growing calves in a pen. That predictability encourages buyers to return.
As summer grazing ends and fall weaning is approaching, the focus shifts. This transition period is where careful planning pays off. To stay ahead, producers should meet with their nutritionist to assess key priorities, starting with cows’ body condition, followed by weaning strategies, mineral and vitamin levels, energy and protein planning for winter feed, feed testing, inventory management, and the use of additives in backgrounding programs, all while thoroughly reviewing health and vaccination plans.
The cows are essential for next year’s calves. Entering winter with a body condition score of 2.5–3.0 is non-negotiable. Thin cows take more time to rebreed and are more susceptible to the weather. Adjust rations now, while there’s still pasture, to avoid costly catch-up feeding in winter. Additionally, weaning stress is a major health risk. Techniques like fence-line weaning can reduce weight loss, and sickness. Calves should also get used to dry feed before weaning to prevent growth delays.
By late fall, levels of vitamins A and E in pasture drop considerably. Both cows and calves need supplementation to maintain immune function. Fall is also the time to reassess trace mineral balance. For instance, high-sulfate water can interfere with copper absorption, and selenium levels can vary greatly across Alberta’s soils. Cold stress will also significantly increase energy needs. A cow at -20°C may require 20–25% more energy just to keep her body condition stable. Nutritionists can help ensure rations are balanced using NEm/ NEg feed values so that cows not only feel full but meet their requirements.
Guessing can be costly. Testing hay, silage, and grain for dry matter, protein, fiber, and energy helps create properly balanced rations. This prevents both underfeeding and expensive over-supplementation.
For calves entering backgrounding, strategies for using ionophores (monensin or lasalocid) and implants should be considered. These resources enhance feed efficiency and facilitate a smooth transition to higher-energy diets, preparing calves for excellent finishing.
Fall processing is an ideal time for evaluation. Vaccines for respiratory issues, deworming strategies, and parasite management should align with local risk factors. Working with a veterinarian alongside your nutritionist ensures that health and nutrition plans support each other. In today’s economy, gambling on performance is not an option. Calves sold this fall will represent some of the highest-value groups Alberta has seen in decades. Strategic discussions with your nutritionist should address expected forage and feed availability, scoring cow conditions, balancing rations, mineral and additive plans, and health protocols in time with weaning and backgrounding, all matched with marketing timelines and target weights.
The goal is straightforward: ensure that every dollar spent on feed and health inputs returns value. A balanced program with proper nutrition, effective health protocols, and tested performance additives will enhance gains in every way that matters.
At Legacy Beef, we focus on creating programs that go beyond checking boxes, they pay off. From mineral balancing to management, we’ll help you align your nutrition with your health goals and marketing timelines, ensuring every calf stays on course and every pound counts.
JML Farms, Lamont AB
Bryan Mackenzie
A Note From Your Farmfair Judge
It is indeed an honor to be selected to offer my thoughts and opinions as judge for the 2025 Farmfair Gelbvieh & Balancer show. I know it’s going to be an experience that I’m truly looking forward to in November.
Along with my wife Sherry of 28 years now, and our 4 kids, we own and operate a Red Angus program in Pincher Creek, Alberta named Brylor Ranch. I am a 3rd generation cattlemen in the purebred reds and now have added a commercial element by marketing F1 Red Angus cross heifer calves every fall. Brylor Ranch will be hosting it’s 55th Annual Bull Sale in December on the Ranch. We maintain around 150 Red Angus cows.
Sherry and I also operate a small select company called Mackenzie Sales Management. We have operated sales all over our country and I also work closely with an auctioneer in Iowa doing 6 or 7 sales each fall in the USA.
One of our greatest accomplishments was to manage the mighty Canadian Red Roundup sale series for 21 years. A definite highlight of our career was to be able to serve our Red Angus breeders at the 50th Anniversary of Red Roundup in 2022. It was quite the event grossing over 1.4 million! We also helped spearhead the Junior Futurity and extravaganza shows at that event, that awarded Juniors over $350 000 in cash and sale credits in the Anniversary Sale that day! Sherry also leads the local Pincher Creek Foothills 4H Beef Club and I am the Fundraising leader for the club activities and Scholarship Fund. We love being involved in youth programs as we are very committed to coaching or helping with organizing our local sports like figure skating, hockey, volleyball, basketball and baseball (softball too!). We also sit on the Pincher Creek Pro Rodeo Committee and run the food concession with help from the District 4H members.
Recently, Sherry and I started the Matthew Halton Alumni Association for my old high school, these funds go to helping all the junior and high school sports teams.
Congratulations to the people of all breeds of livestock in Canada right now as we are enjoying the best market we’ve ever experienced. I look forward to visiting with all Gelbvieh breeder’s at Farmfair this fall after the show.
Lee & Dawn Wilson
A Note From Your Agribition Judges
Lee and Dawn Wilson own and operate Miller Wilson Angus, Bashaw AB. They have three kids Ty (Ariel), Dakota (Bobby), and Jaelayne (Loren) as well as ten beautiful grandchildren. Lee and Dawn have been in the Angus business for over 50 years running over two hundred cows and an extensive ET program. They are proud to have their sole livelihood come from the cattle and have exported genetics to 27 countries.
Their passion for showing cattle has been evident in the many National Champions displayed in Canada and around the world. Lee and Dawn have judged hundreds of cattle shows across North America and globally.
The international shows judged include: Palermo, Argentina - National Angus Show, Pinzgauer World Congress, Salers World Congress, Gelbvieh World Congress, Japan National Angus & National Polled Hereford Show, Australia National Angus Show, Sydney Royal Easter Show, Australia, Colombian National Angus & Brangus Show, Mexican National Angus Show, Tullamore Show in Ireland, and South Africa - National Angus Show.
Breeds judged in the USA include: Charolais (national show), Highland (national show), Galloway (national show), Angus, Brahma, Charolais, Dexter, Hereford, Highland, Limousin, Lowlines, Simmental, Shorthorn, and Maine Anjou
National shows judged in Canada include: Angus, Blonde D’Aquitaine, Charolais, Chianina, Dexter, Galloway, Gelbvieh, Hereford – Polled & Horned, Limousin, Lowlines, Maine Anjou, Murray Grey, Pinzgauer, Saler, Simmental, Shorthorn, South Devon, and Speckle Park
Intermediate (Podcast)- Neil Overby & Sarah Heinrick & Kurtis Reid
Senior (Podcast) - Brian And Jasmin Kaddatz & Chris Braithwaite
Thank you to the ring people, marshalls, and all other volunteers
Thank you Seven D Media for taking the
Meal Sponsors
Braylen Blake Gelbvieh
ManSask Gelbvieh Association
Towerview Ranch
Function & Finesse
Fladeland Livestock
Don Oberg
Koziak Land & Cattle
Jen-Ty Gelbvieh
Lonesome Dove Ranch
Snacks & Drinks
Maple Grove Gelbvieh
Ron Hoffman
Westcott Gelbvieh
Sugar Cookies- Lori Currall & Wanda Hallborg
Cow Camp Sponsors
Overby Stock Farm
Big West Gelbvieh
Random R Acres: Cow Planters
CJGA President’s Report
Cameron Davidson
Happy Fall Everyone,
I hope summer was great for you. We have some exciting times up ahead with such a powerful cattle market here in Canada and throughout the world. Gelbvieh cattle are making an impact on the industry.
We have to appreciate the success from this past summer that our breed has had. Many juniors showcased their Gelbvieh and Gelbvieh-cross cattle from 4-H shows to exhibiting them throughout the summer at various junior shows. Showing these quality cattle is a great opportunity to get breed exposure across different parts of the business.
This past July we had an extremely successful Canadian Junior Gelbvieh National Show at Swift Current, SK, where there were exhibitors from across Canada and international support from down south where our friends from Washington, Minnesota, and North Dakota joined us. We were fortunate to have DLMS livestream our show so those from around the world could join us.
The cattle were of exceptional quality this year and we encourage all members and supporters to see this fantastic show in person. The board would like to thank the generous sponsors, volunteers, show committee, exhibitors, and parents for making this show so successful.
L-R: Joe Barnett, Cam Davidson, Colt Hrebeniuk, Shelby Horn, Colby Hollman, Kesly Schmitz, Raleigh Little, Ethan Currall, Kale MacKenzie, Quin Hamilton, Jaime Davidson, Victoria Kunze, Jessica Pearson
Thanks to our outgoing board members Aspen Blake and adult advisor Braylen Blake.
The junior board members are Ethan Currall, Jaime Davidson, Colby Hollman, Shelby Horn, Colt Hrebeniuk, Raleigh Little, and Kelsey Schmitz. Quin Hamilton, Victoria Kunze, and Kale MacKenzie are also a valued part of our show committee. Thank you to our adult advisors Jessica Pearson and Joe Barnett for your continued support.
Moving into the busy fall season I hope to see many juniors and Gelbvieh enthusiasts get their cattle ready and entered for the upcoming fall shows. All major fall shows offer all sorts of junior opportunities and entries are now open. Stay safe everyone and see you down the line.
Cameron
Davidson, President, CJGA
Elliot Livestock Inducted into the Canadian Gelbvieh Association Hall of Fame at the National Jr. Show
In 1990 Earle Elliot heard about Gelbvieh cattle from good friends, the Latimers at Remitall Cattle Co. AB. In 1991 he also read an article about the Gelbvieh breed in the Western Producer, he contacted his friend and neighbour, Willard Wensley, and said that he was going to breed a group of open heifers to Gelbvieh.
Earle called Clayton Bezen at the Saskatchewan Livestock Test Center in Regina and bought their first Gelbvieh bull, WRS Axle 11Z, from Selin’s Gelbvieh SK. The next spring after talking to John and Jock Blackstock he decided to sell cow/ calf pairs at the auction mart. Earle placed an ad in the Western Producer which generated lots of interest and they had an exceptionally good sale.
In 1992 Earle and Colin attended the Davidson and Targerson sale in Swift Current SK where they purchased a group of open heifers and they acquired a Gelbvieh Membership
number with the herd letters ELC (Elliot Livestock Co. Borden SK). That fall, Don Savage, selected animals to enter into the Agribition Show and Sale which turned out to be very rewarding. They had the opportunity to meet some great people, Bunty Allen of LA Farms MB, Pete and Roger Bodin of Bodin Bros. MB, and Dr. Ron Hill of Bar CR Cattle Co. SK.
In February 1993 Elliot’s toured Manitoba and purchased heifers from some great breeders including Dr. Ron Hill’s fullblood & purebred herds.
In December 1994 Elliot’s had their first ‘Annual Golden Influence Gelbvieh Production Sale’ and over the years they had 8 production sales (5 at the Saskatoon Auction Mart and 3 at the farm). Earle hosted 6 bull sales (2 at the Saskatoon Auction Mart and 4 at the farm). His last bull sale was in 2008 and from 2009 on they have sold Private Treaty at the farm.
Earle said “2011 was not a good year for me medically as I was diagnosed with cancer in April and then had a stroke in August. The writing was on the wall for me to retire. Our boys, Colin and Ryan have taken over the herd and I tend my garden and enjoy my grandchildren near and far!”
Earle explained that he doesn’t miss the work but does miss all of the people he has met over the last 60 years. He said
“I personally am confident that the Gelbvieh breed will survive because it has great people and great cattle.”
Earle’s son Colin started raising Gelbvieh in 1992 along with
Earle and attended fairs and 4-H shows up until 2004 and purchased his first Gelbvieh heifer and steer in 1993. While in 4-H he won many trophies at the club level for steers, cow/ calf pairs and heifers. One of the major show memories was in 2000 when LTC Ridge Star Holman 123H won Senior Champion Bull at the Saskatoon Fall Fair and at Agribition. In 2002 Ridge Star Holman was selected by Independent Breeders as one of their AI Gelbvieh Sires. Colin purchased his first herd bull, BLB Goodview Pld Crusader, from Goodview Gelbvieh at their sale in Yorkton SK in 2015.
Colin and his wife Natalie currently run 100 cows with 40% of the herd being purebred Gelbvieh. Colin said “the cattle and the fact you can start with a percentage animal and breed up to purebred in a few generations make breeding Gelbvieh appealing to young producers.”
Colin’s family lives and operates on their grandmother’s family homestead and Ryan and his family live and operate on their grandfather’s homestead. The family has pasture along the north Saskatchewaan river and some native prairie and tame grass pastures where the cows graze in the summer. In the fall cows are grazed on stubble fields and calves are weaned and put on feed until March when they have the feed supply. Colin retains replacement heifers and breeds them before selling them as bred heifers or cow/calf pairs. Colin and Ryan still work together while maintaining their own operations on their family’s homesteads.
Maternal Excellence 2025
Dams of Merit & Dams of Distinction
Recognized Females Meet the Following Criteria
• All data must be submitted to the CGA office by September 1
• A Dam of Merit must have produced at least 3 calves and a Dam of Distinction must have produced a minimum of 8 calves.
•Age at first calving must not exceed 25 months
•Produced a calf that was born between January 1, 2024 and December 31, 2025
•Possess a minimum average weaning weight ratio of 101 for all calves
•Maintained a regular calving interval. Average calving interval must not exceed the value calculated using the following formula:
(# of calving intervals x 365 days) + 30 days)/# of calving intervals
OR
•The female had her third calf before her fourth birthday and maintained a 365 day calving interval thereafter.
Top 20 for Owners of Dams of Merit and Dams of Distinction for 2025
Top 20 for Breeders of Dams of Merit
and Dams of Distinction for 2025
Build, Brand and Market your Calf Crop: A Path to Reputation Cattle
When weaned calf prices are high the revenue difference between the top third and bottom two-third benchmark farms in the COP Network has been minimal. But in 2021 when calf supplies were larger, and buyers were more interested in quality than numbers to fill pens, the revenue difference was 16%.
Even in 2024, for herds with less than 200 beef cows, the average weaned calf price was 13% higher in the top-third performing benchmarks (based on medium-term profit). This is what drove their overall revenue to be 7% higher compared to the bottom two-thirds, showing that putting time and effort into building reputation cattle is worth it at every stage of the cattle cycle.
Revenue per cow was not statistically different between the herds with more or less than 200 beef cows suggesting that at current high prices and tight calf supplies, there may not be a premium for large sized groups. However, this may change when the cattle cycle has ample supplies and more competition between sellers.
W hat is the COP Network?
The Canadian Cow-calf Cost of Production Network (COP Network) uses standardized data collection which allows for comparison both within and between provinces, and internationally. Since launching in 2021, the COP Network has collected data from over 235 producers contributing to 64 cow-calf benchmark farms that represent various production systems. Each benchmark is based on data from 3-7 producers. Data collection occurs every 5 years with annual indexing of input and output prices, as well as crop and forage yields, in subsequent years. Individual benchmark farm summaries, can be found at: https://canfax.ca/ resources/cost-of-production/cop-results.html
Contributed article from Canfax Research Services
While prices are high right now, they will not stay that way. Preparing now, can make a difference when low prices squeeze profit margins.
Producers who consistently deliver high-quality, uniform calves backed by consistent performance can achieve “reputation cattle” status —and command premium prices. This is crucial to surviving the low in the price cycle.
Reputation cattle aren’t built overnight—they’re the result of consistent management, honesty, and reliable performance.
By focusing on quality, transparency, and buyer needs, you can build a brand that keeps buyers coming back and puts more dollars in your pocket.
1. Build a High-Quality Calf Crop
Start by defining your target market — finishing lots or backgrounders — and select genetics to meet their needs. Use reputable AI sires or purchase bulls with strong Expected Progeny Differences (EPDs) for the desired traits. Maintain accurate records.
Implement a strong herd health and nutrition program. Calm handling and bunk training go a long way in reducing stress and improving performance down the line. A tight calving window (45–60 days) will also help deliver a uniform group of calves at sale time.
2. Brand for Reputation
Develop your ranch’s visual identity. Build awareness and loyalty among buyers - by finding ways to connect the quality to the source of the product. Producers who stand out in the marketplace are those who back up their quality with verified practices.
On-farm assurance programs like Verified Beef Production Plus (VBP+) demonstrate your commitment to food safety, animal care, biosecurity, and environmental stewardship. Adding certifications, like CRSB can open doors to additional benefits; but it does require that extra steps be taken. Operations certified by VBP+ are also certifed to meet the Sustainable Beef Production Standard (CRSB Certified) as the same time.
A five-year Level 1 assessment (cow/calf or grazing operation) with VBP+ costs $1,250 which can be paid up front or through five annual payments ($250/year). With a CRSB certification at $20 per head qualifying cattle credit for cattle processed at Cargill, it would take approximately 1.25 years to pay-off the assessment cost assuming one has a 120-cow herd with an 89% weaning rate, selling only their steers (53 head = $1,060/year of additional revenue) to a certified operation and sold to a qualifying packer.
In addition, assessment costs for verified or certification programs can be offset by incentives provided through some provincial programs to cost-share assessment costs or infrastructure linked to grant priorities. Other benefits include the Farm Credit Canada Sustainability Incentive on lending.
3. Market for Premium Value
Choose a marketing channel. Pre-sort, internet and satellite sales are ideal for producers offering large, uniform lots with verified programs. Direct sales to feedlots or through an order buyer can help build relationships and generate valuable feedback. Some auction markets provide showlists, so that buyers know who is selling. Similarly, buyers know if sellers consistently sell at the same sale every year.
Market early and clearly. High-quality photos, short videos, and weight data help buyers make confident decisions—and reduce their risk. Share vaccination details and weaning protocols well ahead of shipping.
Once the deal is made, deliver what you promised. Clean, calm, properly tagged calves, delivered on time, leave a lasting impression. Follow up with buyers, ask for feedback, and share performance results if available.
Key Takeaways
1. When prices are low in the cattle cycle, reputation cattle can be the difference between profit or loss
2. Building a reputation takes time and consistency
3. The proof is in the product, don’t oversell and under-deliver
Canadian People’s Choice BULL FUTURITY
December 5-6
held during Wish List Sale weekend, Stettler AB
$500 Membership
Provides the member with one voting card, the chance to win their choice of the Futurity Bulls and draw down prizes. Draw down prizes will include cash value vouchers to purchase animals or genetics from any Bull Futurity Member either privately or from a sale.
$200 Bull Entry Fee
Only Bull Futurity Members are eligible to enter bulls. No limit on number of entries.
2025 Rules - updated
Guarunteed
$20,000 payout to Selected Futurity Bull
• Futurity Entries must be born on or after January 1st of the previous year (2024).
• Bulls will only be allowed to enter the Futurity once.
• Futurity Member must be the registered owner of their Futurity Entries by August 1 of the current year.
• All entries must be CGA or AGA registered Purebred or Fullblood
• All Futurity Entries must be virgin bulls and not have had semen collected.
• All entries must have a minimum of complete SNP parent verification on file (both parents) with the CGA or AGA by Monday December 1, 2025. 100K, polled and color DNA testing is up to the discretion of the Futurity Member but is recommended.
• All bulls will be tattoo checked, weighed, scrotal measured and foot scored at the event.
• Futurity bulls must remain stalled until completion of the Wish List Sale.
• All bulls must have videos taken before the Futurity that can be made available on-line.
• The Bull Futurity Entries may be cataloged in conjunction with the Wish List Sale catalog. Entry deadline to be included in the catalog is October 1st. Late entries and substitutions can be made up until November 27th.
• The Bull Futurity will provide a stall card that must be displayed. All other promotional signage is at the discretion of the Futurity Members.
• On-Line voting will be available for Futurity Members who are unable to attend the event, there will be no proxy voting.
• The Futurity Entry that receives the most votes will be named the Bull Futurity Champion.
• The last name to be drawn will be the Draw Winner and have their choice of the Futurity Entries. This bull will be the Select ed Futurity Bull.
• The Draw Winner is not eligible to choose their own bull.
• The Bull Futurity Committee has the discretion to assign pay out amounts to each of the winners and other prizes.
• Full ownership of the Selected Futurity Bull is assumed by the Draw Winner and the prize money paid to the owner of the Selected Futurity Bull when the bull passes a breeding soundness evaluation or if the Draw Winner chooses to take ownership before that. Until ownership is assumed the care of the Selected Futurity Bull is the responsibility of the owner.
• The owner of the Selected Futurity Bull Champion may draw in herd semen. They may not sell this semen or use it to breed cows they do not own.
• Purchase of insurance of the Selected Futurity Bull is up to the discretion and/or responsibility of either the owner of the Selected Futurity Bull or the Draw Winner.
• The Draw Winner has the option to sell the Selected Futurity Bull any time after they take ownership.
News & Notes
Twin View Hosts Open House & Junior Clinic
Twin View Livestock hosted an Open House and Junior Clinic on August 16 where they welcomed nearly 70 guests to the farm near Parkbeg. Live cattle were on display including the Function and Finesse offering and bull calves with their mothers.
Juniors from across southern Saskatchewan learned about presenting oral reasons from two time Saskatchewan 4-H Judging winner Walker Murphy and the most recent winner of the competition, Avvi Brehault. Participants had the chance to judge a class of four heifer calves and then give their reasons and receive feedback.
Obituary for Steve Denecky
12/3/1935 to 16/6/2025
It is with profound sadness that the family of Steve Denecky, KC announce his passing on June 16 2025, at the age of 90. He was the beloved husband of Vera A. Denecky, his wife of 64 years.
His loving family will deeply miss Steve: his brother Nick; daughter Pamela Foster (Don); sons Randy (Melody) and Cameron Denecky (Joanne); and grandson Jaden. He was predeceased by his parents Steve and Julia Denecky; brother Alec Denecky (2004); and sister Mary Westrup (2023).
Steve was born in Naicam, Saskatchewan on March 12 1935, and raised on a farm in Coalhurst. He earned his B.A. (1959) and law degree (1960) from the U of A. He met his beloved wife Vera at university, and they married on October 8, 1960
World Angus Forum Champion Parader, Hillary Sauder, then led a session on showmanship. Specific topics like appropriate attire, halter placement, how to hold and use your show cane, proper posture and how to correctly show a cow calf pair were covered. Juniors got the chance to take a heifer calf and were given individual feedback on their showmanship.
Twin View hospitality was enjoyed by all including many families interested in Gelbvieh cattle for the first time.
in Lloydminster, Saskatchewan.
Steve was called to the Bar in 1961. He enjoyed a distinguished legal career as a founding partner of Stringam Denecky, arguing three cases before the Supreme Court of Canada. He was appointed to the King’s Council in 1991 and honored for 50 years of service in 2011.
Beyond his legal practice, Steve was deeply committed to community service. He served as Past President of the Lethbridge Bar Association, Past President of the Lethbridge Host Lions Club, and Director of the Lethbridge United Church Extension Council. He held leadership roles in Boy Scouts of Canada and numerous other organizations. In 2022 he was inducted into the Canadian Gelbvieh Association Hall of Fame for his contribution to the cattle breed.
Steve will be remembered for his sharp mind, kind heart, sense of humor, love of fishing and unwavering dedication to his family and community.
Avvi Brehault (left) and Walker Murphy (right)
Aaron Birch (left) mentoring Junior attendee
team
~Alternative for marketing fall feeder calves
TEAM (The Electronic Auction Market) is owned and operated by The Calgary Stockyards. The Calgary Stockyards have been marketing cattle through TEAM since 1986.
TEAM operated on a closed network between the years of 1986 and 2002. In August of 2002, TEAM made the transition from the old closed network to the Internet, opening TEAM Auction Sales to the World. All TEAM Auction Sales take place on the Internet today. To date, TEAM has marketed more than 4,000,000 head of cattle.
The real time cattle auctions bring buyers and sellers together over the internet during weekly sales featuring feeder cattle, finished cattle, special sales, and video broadcasts. Special Sales are held for marketing agriculture-related products and services. Video broadcasts stream live video and audio from live auctions and events.
Opening your sale to the world means maximizing exposure resulting in maximum price. With multiple sales being hosted weekly, buyers are able to take advantage of changing markets and sell when it is convenient for them.
Bryan Danard, field representative at Calgary Stockyards says “With TEAM you have the ability to presell your calves whenever you want for delivery whenever you want. You get exposure to hundreds of buyers across the country, less shrink and stress on your calves, a guaranteed price before the calves are shipped and less expenses, including no trucking costs.”
Having the cattle go directly from the seller to the buyer is a superior method of marketing cattle ensuring that cattle are exposed to as little stress, sickness and shrinkage as possible. Not to mention keeping transportation costs to a minimum.
When marketing finished or feeder cattle through TEAM, consignors have the option to accept or reject the final bid, placing more control in the hands of the consignor.
Producers can sell via TEAM by contacting a sales representative, who will take a description and digital photos of your cattle. Then your cattle listing is submited to an upcoming TEAM auction where prospective buyers can preview your cattle for sale. Cattle are auctioned and then TEAM contacts the seller for approval on the final bid amount. If the bid is accepted, the cattle are sold and the rest is taken care of by the sale team.
To become a buyer on TEAM you can register online as a bidder. A credit check will be performed based on the information provided at registration. Within 3 working days, bidders are approved and notified via email. If you are a high bidder on a lot and the bid is accepted, TEAM will work with you to arrange transport and iron out the post sale details.
JUNIOR ACHIEVEMENTS
Please send in any junior achievements by the content deadline of the given Gelbvieh Guide issue. The CGA is proud to showcase all junior achievements and sucesses including Gelbvieh and Gelbvieh influenced 4-H projects.
Cameron Davidson
DRT Lonesome Victory 38M
All Other Breeds Champion Female
Cody Sibbald Classic, Beechy SK
Jaime Davidson
Junior Champion Judging
Cameron Davidson
DRT Lonesome Sapphire Jewel 3L with
DRT Lonesome Sapphire Gem 10N
Grand Champion Overall Female
Steiger, ranch raised steer
Reserve Grand Champion Steer
Mankota 4H Beef Achievement Day
Davidson
Awarded Arnal Brothers Memorial Bursary for Agriculture, June 2025
Cameron Davidson
Champion Overall Showman qualifying as Champion Intermediate Showman
DRT Lonesome Sapphire Jewel 3L with DRT
Lonesome Sapphire Gem 10N
Reserve Champion Cow/calf pair
DRT Lonesome Victory 38N
Reserve Champion Heifer
Regional 4H Show in Swift Current, SK
Regional 4H Show in Swift Current, SK
Ash
An Unforgettable Experience - CGJA’s Colby Hollman goes to Nashville, Tennessee
Written by Colby Hollman
From the time that I won Senior Aggregate at the 2024 Canadian Junior Gelbvieh Nationals, I could not have been more excited to go on a trip to Nashville, Tennessee, where I would be able to take part in the 2025 AJGA show! As I was the only one that was from Canada, I felt slightly nervous that I would be the only representative. However, as the trip got closer to being reality, I began to be excited again, as I would be flying down to the United States by myself, where I would spend my 17th birthday. When I left on the plane to Nashville, all I could think about was everything that I was going to learn, and all the new people that I would meet and be able to learn from. When I touched down in the airport in the US, it was cooking! I was wearing jeans and a hoodie, and man was it hot, it was 107 degrees farenheit, and 80% humidity! Now that was a shock to me, as it had just been cold and raining in Canada, so when I came to the US, I was not prepared for the crazy changes I was about to experience over the next nine days.
When I got picked up at the airport, I was met by two interns, Addie and Dustina, who both were very kind, and took me to meet the family that I would be staying with for the show, the Butlers. I met Zach at the barns in Lebanon, where he was busy setting up the stall for the show the next day. From there I helped him finish setting up the stall, and introduced myself in the process. Then we headed to the Butler’s house, where I met the rest of the Butler family, and we all had supper, with some Okra to top it all off, which apparently is a delicacy to some in Tennessee.
The next day, we worked on washing the animals off and then we took them to the show barns later in the day, so that they could adjust to the pens and stall that were there, but as we
finished, I began to wander around the barns and talk to new people, and some old family friends as well, and as I would learn over the next few days, it was those relationships that would constantly keep making the experience worth it, even after I left to go back to Canada.
Over the next few days, I would wake up in the morning to help wash and blow cattle off, then I would leave to go compete in competitions such as showmanship, judging, and a combination of cattleman skills, called the Skill-A-Thon, which was really cool, along with all of the online competitions that you could do beforehand, like photography, digital design, and marketing. With me competing in all of these competitions, I was kept busy the entire time, and when it came to the show, I was blown away by the fitting and show preparations that were done in comparison to Canada. This show was unlike any of the other shows that I had been to, as the animals were groomed and fit to a tee, displaying the top quality of showmanship skills that are only seen at the top Canadian shows.
When it came time to leave and head back to Canada, I was sad to see all of my new friends have to leave, especially all of the ones that took the time to take care of me, so thank you to everyone at the shows that took me in and made me feel like family I truly appreciate it. As I got on the plane to head back home, all I could think about was when I could come back next year, as this trip is one that I would not forget. To which I encourage anyone who has the chance to take this opportunity to do so, and to travel the world and find new friends, experiences and places you love.
AD Index
Events
October 1 - Agribition Entries Close
October 17 - Function & Finesse 7.0 Female Sale, Twin View Livestock Parkbeg SK
October 23 - Pre-sort Gelbvieh-Cross Calf Sale Heartland Livestock, Swift Current, SK
October 31 - Pre-sort Gelbvieh-Cross Calf Sale, Medicine Hat Feeding Company, Medicine Hat, AB
November 5-8 - Farmfair International, Edmonton AB
November 6 - Gelbvieh & Balancer Show, Farmfair International, Edmonton AB
November 19-20 - The Destination Female Sale, DLMS Farmgate Timed Auction
November 24-29 - Canadian Western Agribition, Regina SK
November 26 - National Gelbvieh Show, Canadian Western Agribition, Regina SK
December 5-6 - Canadian People’s Choice Bull Futurity, Stettler AB
December 6 - Wish List Sale, Stettler AB
December 8 - The Gathering, Red Deer County AB
December 13 - ManSask Gelbvieh Association AGM & Donation Heifer draw, Grant Hall, Moose Jaw SK
December 13 - Prairie Gelbvieh Alliance Sale, Moose Jaw SK
March 2 - Severtson Land & Cattle Bull Sale, At the Ranch, Red Deer County AB
March 3-4 - Jen-Ty Gelbviehs Annual Bull Sale, DLMS Farmgate Timed Auction
March 6 - Davidson Gelbvieh & Lonesome Dove Ranch 37th Annual Bull Sale, Ponteix SK
March 11 - Twin View Livestock Bull Sale, At the Ranch, Parkbeg SK
March 23-24 - Gelbvieh Logic Bull Sale, DLMS Farmgate Timed Auction
Advertising Content
The Gelbvieh Guide assumes no responsibility for the accuracy and truthfulness of submitted advertising copy, and has the right to refuse any ad copy or photos. Advertisers shall indemnify and hold harmless the Guide containing pedigrees or statements regarding performance must conform to records kept by the Canadian Gelbvieh Association. Copy deviating from official records may be changed as necessary without advertiser consent.
Editorial Polilcy
Opinions expressed are the writers and not necessarily those of the Gelbvieh Guide or Canadian Gelbvieh Association. Photos are welcome, but no responsibility is assumed during transit or while in the office.
Publisher’s Statement: All statements, including product claims, are those of the person or organization making the statement or claim. The publisher does not adopt any such statement or claim as its own, and any such statement or claim does not necessarily reflect the opinion of the publisher.
United States
This Spot Could Be Yours $180 / Year
This Spot Could Be Yours $180 / Year
This Spot Could Be Yours $180 / Year
CBBC Report
CBBC could appear to be just another acronym lost in the sea of recognition. I urge you to pause for a moment, the way you might when you take stock of the fall calf crop you’ve just raised. At CBBC we’ve done the same, and we’d like to reintroduce ourselves and share what it is the organization spends it’s invested time on.
The Canadian Beef Breeds Council (CBBC) has operated for 30+ years on behalf of the seedstock sector. Our mandate is to support, promote and represent the Canadian beef seedstock sector. CBBC is your voice to other national organizations and government to elevate the issues that matter to you as a member of our sector. Yes, Checkoff dollars exist to help fund organizations like the Canadian Cattle Association (CCA) as the national voice of Canada’s 60,000 beef farms and feedlots. However, Canadian Beef Breeds Council is funded through membership dollars and is the partner CCA (and other organizations) engage with when seedstock specific matters arise because our board is comprised of breeders and member organizations who understand the niche we have within the beef industry. A list of our members can be found on our website.
Not only does CBBC advance the beef seedstock sector through unified representation, we administer government AgriMarketing funding accessible to our membership to help promote Canadian genetics on a global scale. The opportunity
to access this funding also extends to you. As a breeder, sales consultant, industry organization, etc. because our membership is open to those who assist in the fulfilment of the mandate of the Council. There are government enforced parameters set out for eligible expenses through the AgriMarketing program regarding target countries and types of expenses. Details can be outlined further upon inquiry or by contacting the Canadian Gelbvieh Association.
I hope I’ve piqued your interest and I’m confident in the mandate behind CBBC, so I invite you to give Shawn Wilson (current Chair) or me (Macy, CEO) a call to discuss more of what we do. Regardless, we continue to work with great people both on our board and within our network on behalf of this sector and I hope to share more of that with you going forward.
Respectfully submitted by, Macy Liebreich, CEO Shawn Wilson, CBBC Chair
604-861-6740
639-275-7550
Info@beefbreeds.ca https://canadianbeefbreeds.ca/
What could be more satisfying than a big bowl of hearty stew?
One Traditional Braised Beef Stew recipe makes a big batch so there is plenty to tuck some in the freezer.
Heat oil in Dutch oven or stockpot over medium-high heat until sizzling hot. Brown meat in 4 batches. Set beef aside; sprinkle with flour.
Add garlic and onion to pot; cook 3 to 4 minutes until just softened, adding more oil if necessary. Stir in broth, scraping up browned bits from the bottom. Add reserved beef, tomatoes, Worcestershire sauce, vinegar, thyme, salt, pepper and bay leaf. Bring to a simmer.
Simmer covered, on stove-top or in 325°F (160°C) oven for 1 hour until beef is fork tender. Add vegetables; cook 30 to 40 minutes or until vegetables are tender. Remove and discard bay leaf. Garnish each serving with some chopped parsley.
Slow-cooker Version
After Step 2, transfer mixture with carrots and potatoes to 24-cup (6 L) slow-cooker. Cook, covered, on LOW for 8 hours.
Beef Stew Provençal Version
Add 8 oz (250 g) button mushrooms when cooking garlic and onions. Substitute dry red wine for stock. Use thyme (as above) or substitute herbes de Provençe for thyme. Instead of potatoes and carrots, use 2 cups (500 mL) cut green beans and 1/2 cup (125 mL) black olives (pitted and halved).
