Celebrating 55 YEARS of Maine-Anjou Cattle in Canada
THE OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THE CANADIAN MAINE-ANJOU ASSOCIATION
Canadian Maine-Anjou Association
5160 Skyline Way NE Calgary, Alberta Canada T2E 6V1
phone: 403.291.7077
fax: 403.291.0274
email: cmaa@maine-anjou.ca maine-anjou.ca
CMAA Board of Directors
PRESIDENT Jordan Retzlaff
VICE PRESIDENT Ron Gilbert
PAST PRESIDENT Josie Pashulka
SECRETARY Patrick Johnson
TREASURER Stu Byman
DIRECTOR Justin Vandewoestyne
DIRECTOR Dave Perry
DIRECTOR Mike Spratt
DIRECTOR Bryan Knoll
DIRECTOR Trevor Lees
CMAA Staff
Herd Book & Data Services
Ciara Mattheis
Office Hours
Tuesday & Wednesday 7am - 4pm
44000520
Photo By Top Stock taken at Lucky Springs Farms
JUNIOR
MAPLE LANE STOCK FARM
presidents report
Jordan Retzlaff
Hello and Happy New Year Maine-Anjou enthusiasts!
As we start into 2025 I hope that winter has been as kind as possible to all of you. With the strong markets of last fall continuing into the early parts of this year optimism is rampant in the cattle industry.
With promising calf prices ahead, now is the time to make sure your herdbull needs are covered. Whether you’re looking for a bull to cover some heifers, add pounds to your steer calves or produce those productive, money making mother cows. You can find it in a Maine bull. Check out the sale schedule or reach out with confidence to any of the breeders in the magazine to help get your needs met.
In the fall issue of the Maine Mail, I mentioned that EPD’s were on the way. This is still the case. There has been a few bumps in the road, but the intent has not changed. There will be EPD’s offered to our breeders soon.
This years AGM will be hosted by the Alberta Association. In conjunction with the Vermilion Fair in Vermilion, Alberta. July 24-26. Watch for more information closer to then. Hopefully you can make it out. I look forward to seeing everyone there.
Wishing you good health and good luck calving.
Maine Anjou President, Jordan Retzlaff
Photo By Compass Creative
herd book & data services report
Ciara Mattheis
What a year it has been! I am so proud to be a part of the cattle industry and represent such fantastic breeders as part of my job. We saw great successes in both the show and sale rings this past year and look forward to another great year in 2025.
Our AGM will bring us back to Alberta this summer to beheld in conjunction with the Vermilion Fair July 2426. We look forward to a weekend filled with great conversation and activities being planned by the Alberta Maine Anjou Association.
I would also like to take this opportunity to thank all our members for the cooperation and understanding this year in the implementation of testing requirements for TH and PHA. The process is working well in large part thanks to our members organization and diligence when submitting registrations. As always if you have any questions, please contact the office and I am happy to assist you.
Did you know you can enter your registrations online? ILROnline is a much easier system to navigate that some of the previous options and if you don’t have all the details at that moment or things just aren’t working quite right in your animal entry, you can still submit your animals to the office as pending and I can assist with finalizing or amending at the office end for you.
If you are not yet set up in the online system, simply send the office a quick email confirming you want to be set up and the email address you wish to have linked with the online account, and we can get you all set up. This tool works for entry of one calf at a time or 100 calves at a time and will save time over filling out paper forms and mailing.
Thank you to all our producers for the hard work you put in every day to produce genetics in Canada we can be proud of.
Best regards,
Ciara Mattheis Director of Herdbook and Data Services
junior report
Josie Pashulka
CMAA JUNIOR AWARDS 2024
The CMAA would like this time to recognize the important part young cattlepeople have in our breed. Their enthusiasm, hard work, determination and skills add so much to our breed. The junior committee made up of Dave Perry, Patrick Johnson, Josie Pashulka and Jordan Retzlaff appreciate all the juniors submitting points and essays for these awards. The committee would also like to thank the sponsors, buyers and bidders as well as DLMS for our successful Farmgate fundraiser held in the summer.
High Point Show Awards
It was a hotly contested battle between 2 heifers this year for the Grand and Reserve Show Female Awards.
Our Grand Champion Junior Show Female Award goes to Carps Glamourous Lullaby 314L for Emily Yaremko from St. Paul Alberta. Emily attended 20 shows with this Purebred heifer and had many successes and trips to the backdrop.
Our Reserve Champion Junior Show Female Award goes to Reids Annex 166L for Taylor Reid from Hafford Sask. This Maintainer heifer was many times a champion and attended 16 shows. One highlight show was Supreme Commercial Yearling at Summer Synergy. Its important to note both these heifers and girls attended US Junior National Maine Show in Missouri with these heifers and represented Canada well. Congrats girls on two exciting heifers.
$500 Junior Essay Scholarship
Thank you to all our juniors applying. Our winner this year is Caitlyn Spratt from Beatty Sask. Cailyn is attending University of Saskatchewan and was a member of the Beatty 4-H Club. Caitlyn comes from a family with a long history of Maine Anjou Cattle- Donaro Farms
$1000 Young Cattlemen’s Award
A new award this year for members of the CMAA under 25- an award used to help young breeders expand their knowledge or herds. The recipient is a young breeder Riley Pashulka from Derwent, Ab. Riley helps run his family operation Rusylvia Cattle Co and has had his own Maine herd for 16 years. He has been active across western Canada showing and promoting maines for many years.
Congrats to all our winners and thank you to all applicants. 2025 show season we will be back with our awards once again.
Josie Pashulka
Granddaughter Kenadee Krause dreaming of a new Maine Maple Lane Stock Farm
MONDAY MARCH 10, 2025
30
450 Black & Red Purebred & Percentage Maine-Anjou 2 Year Old Bulls
with DLMS Farm Gate Timed Auction Open Palpated Breeding Heifers (200 being Red & Red Brockle & 250 Black & Black Brockle face Maine cross heifers)
board of directors
1. JORDAN RETZLAFF PRESIDENT
Joined the CMAA board in 2019, currently the treasurer. Grew up in Gull Lake, Saskatchewan. Exposed to the Maine-Anjou breed early through my Grandpa, Glenn Davidson. Got a diploma in Livestock Production from Lakeland College in Vermilion. Started Pick Six Cattle in 2014 when we decided to get back into purebred Maine-Anjou cattle. Currently running about 130 head of Purebred and Commercial cattle, bred to entirely Maine bulls.
2. RON GILBERT VICE PRESIDENT
My name is Ron Gilbert . I live in Demorestville On, a little town about 2 hrs east of Toronto in Prince Edward County . I work in construction as a site supervisor building houses. I have been in the construction buisness for about 35 yrs. I grew up on a cow calf operation of about 100 head of commercial cattle with my parents and 4 siblings, 2 older sisters and 2 younger brothers. We started crossbreeding with Maine Anjou in 1975 . My parents purchased their first fullblood bull in 1979 and started breeding up to where we are today. Today my parents and I calve out around 30 cows. Our herd is about 50 percent fullblood and 50 percent red and white purebreds. We market females through our annual fall production sale and bulls through test stations primarily in Ontario and Manitoba . We also show at a few local
fairs as well as a couple bigger shows with the help of other family members and friends. We enjoy the breed very much for its many great characteristics and enjoy promoting them across North America. I am currently serving my second term as a director on the CMAA board as well as being Vice president on the OMAA board .
3. PATRICK JOHNSON SECRETARY
I am the director from Manitoba, I farm with my wife and son and his wife in southwestern Manitoba we have a mixed farm growing grain and calve 130 cows. I grew up showing cattle belonging to 4h and junior Hereford program. We got into Maine Anjou in 1990s looking to ad performance and style. Our son and daughter showed maines in 4h local fairs and Brandon AGEX. I look forward to representing Manitoba on the board. 1 5 2 6 3 7 4 8 10 9
4. STUART BYMAN
Hi my name is Stuart Byman, I am the current president and have been the past 3 years. I was also president for 5 years around 2010 and have been a director for many years. I reside close to Wadena Sask where my wife, Susanne and son Jonas, operate a grain and cattle operation. My sons Tyson, Winston and Daughter Adrian the Jr (herdsman) all help out on the farm when home, but are all attending the University of Saskatchewan right now. I have been involved with Maine Anjou breed for 35 years, and our cow herd is predominantly Maines, we do have some Angus and Simmental. I am very passionate about the Maine Anjou breed and what they have to offer to the cattle industry. If your ever our way stop by for a tour of the cattle and a coffee.
5. JOSIE PASHULKA PAST PRESIDENT
Owns Rusylvia Cattle Co with husband Ken and 3 sons Tyson, Riley and Taylor. They Run 400 cows with Purebred herds of Maine Anjou, Black Angus and Simmental including a commercial cow herd. They also grow 2500 acres of hay, cereal silage, grazing corn ,barley, oats, soft white wheat and canola. The family has enjoyed showing cattle across western Canada and Denver with many show champions at purebred, junior and jackpot shows. They use AI and ET extensively in their herd and Josie has enjoyed teaching AI at Lakeland College for the last 17 years as well as being an auditor for the Verifed Beef Program. Josie has been on the CMAA board for 4 years and is focused on developing and maintaining a junior program within the CMAA.
6. JUSTIN VANDEWOESTYNE DIRECTOR
I along with my wife, Nicole, own and operate Vandy Cattle near Estevan, SK on the family farm where I was raised. We have a growing seedstock herd of primarily Maine-Anjou cattle as well as some Simmental and Angus cattle. I am very passionate about the breed, and as we focus on the future of the breed and watch the breed develop I think we have a lot to offer the everevolving beef industry.
7.
DAVE PERRY DIRECTOR
Hello, I am Dave Perry from Harrowsmith, Ont. We farm just north of Kingston [ where the ST. Lawrence River meets Lake Ontario ]. I have been breeding Maine Anjou beef cattle since 1973. Our cattle are either retained and or sold for breeding stock or are direct marketed to consumers through our own local food store. We exhibit our black maine Anjou breeding stock at several fairs throughout Ontario and did show 2 heifers at Agribition 2021. Our family take part in several community events to promote the consumption of locally grown food. We have just recently received an award for The Ontario Farm Family of The Year Award. My Maine interest with the CMAA board is to promote Maine Anjou genetics
were ever possible and to keep the momentum that we have recently built within the breed moving forward. I am involved with organizing the annual Ontario Select Maine Anjou Sale at Hoards STN., Ont,Saturday November 19,2022. I have also work fulltime as an Agribussiness Instructor for the Corrctional Sevices of Canada for over 30 years.
8. TREVOR LEES DIRECTOR
Hi my name is Trevor Lees, I am new to the CMAA board as this is my first year on the board. I grew up on my family’s farm near Mather Manitoba where we run a grain and livestock operation. I grew up with Maine Anjou cattle my entire life with multiple Maine Anjou 4-H projects. I Attended the University of Manitoba and completed my Agricultural Diploma in 2023. My family and I have a herd of registered and commercial Maine Anjou cattle and I am very passionate about promoting the breed and representing Manitoba on the board.
9. BRYAN KNOLL DIRECTOR
Hi I’m Bryan knoll and own and operate Red Fox Maines in Kendal Saskatchewan on the century old family farm. I along with my father run a mixed operation consisting of 3500 acres of farm land and 200 head of cattle with 60 of them being registered red and white Maines. I got my start in the Maine Anjou breed in 2017 looking to add some size to the commercial cattle. Ive been on the Saskatchewan Maine Anjou board for the past few years and now looking forward to be on the CMAA board. In the short time I’ve been involved with the breed it has been picking up speed and gaining interest of the commercial cattlemen and the foreseeable future looks promising for the Maine breeders.
10. MIKE SPRATT DIRECTOR
Hello, I am Michael Spratt from Melfort, Saskatchewan. I’m a second-generation Maine Anjou breeder and have been involved with the breed all my life. My family operates a mixed grain and cow/calf operation, with the cow herd consisting of 150 Maine Anjou females. I share my farming passion with my wife, Sandra and daughters Caitlyn and Alyssa and son Kyle. I am actively involved with the cattle industry as a 4-H leader, a member of the Saskatchewan Maine Anjou board as well as the Beef Cattle Research Council. In 2007/2008 I held the President position of the CMAA board and look forward to serving the Canadian Maine Anjou board again over the years to come. I’m excited for the growth of the breed and glad to see the revival of the Agribition Sale in November.
Essay Scholarship Winner Caitlyn Spratt
My name is Caitlyn Spratt, and I am nineteen years old. I was born into a mixed grain and cattle farm in Northeast Saskatchewan. I have a huge passion for working with horses and cattle as I have grown up with them my whole life. My interest in agriculture started at a very young age. I have been a third generation Beatty Beef 4-H member since I was six years old. The 4-H program has allowed me to find my passion for livestock. We raise purebred Maine-Anjou cattle and calve out one hundred and fifty cows and background all our own calves. My passion for livestock has also been influenced by my involvement in showing and training western pleasure horses. When I was six years old, I also joined the Melfort 4-H light horse club. I actively show western pleasure horses in the Sask. Paint Horse Club, Alberta Paint Horse Club and Sask. Horse Federation circuits. I am currently in my second year of the Animal Bioscience degree at the University of Saskatchewan. One goal I have for myself in taking this program is to become a large animal Veterinarian in rural Saskatchewan. I am very appreciative to have won the Word Essay Scholarship and plan to use it towards furthering my education in the agricultural industry.
Young Cattlemen’s Award Winner Riley Pashulka WINNERS 2024 junior scholarship
Riley Pashulka is a young cattleman that owns and operates Rusylvia Cattle Co with his parents and brothers near Derwent, Ab. Riley has shown cattle since he was 7 years old and because of that it has taken him to Junior, Jackpot and Open shows across western Canada and National Western in Denver Colorado. Riley’s greatest day would be working on show cattle in his show barn or touring cattlemen through the pastures during the summer. His greatest Maine memories would be showing numerous Maine Champions but favorites are Top 10 in the Agribition Supreme and Reserve National Champion at National Western in Denver. He thanks the association for this new award and will be using it for travel opportunities to seek new genetics.
JUNIOR SPOTLIGHT
Adrian Byman
Junior Maine-Anjou member shares enthusiasm about the breed through the show ring and future career aspirations
HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN IN THE MAINE ANJOU BREED AND WHAT MADE YOU CHOOSE THIS BREED OF CATTLE?
I suppose the easiest answer to this question is I’ve been in the breed since the day I was introduced to cattle. My parents have been avid Maine breeders for many years and in the beginning, I followed suit. However, I soon realized myself exactly why they were so passionate about the breed. My first time really displaying the breed myself would have been in 2013 with my 4-H Maine Anjou heifer calf. Her longevity is like no other. I have used her genetics and showed them by bringing her female offspring to Agribition as well as selling bull calves off her. The maternal instinct and longevity of all our Maine cows is extremely noticeable compared to others in the herd. The breed has so much to offer whether that be docility or performance. Maines are a perfect breed to start showing cattle with young kids. Even now I would recommend the breed to any family that has a bit of tension when working with cattle. When you look towards the physical attributes and statistics of these animals, there is both power and premiums. These genetics make animals that can win in the show ring, cows that you love to see grazing in your pasture, and steers that will produce in the feedlot with their phenotypic appeal, efficient rate of gain, and feed conversions. It is so hard to pick just one reason why I stuck with the breed because it has so much to offer.
Photo By Show Champions at Canadian Western
WHAT DO YOU LIKE BEST ABOUT SHOWING IN THE MAINE ANJOU BREED?
My favourite part about showing in the breed is the people. I love making connections with both new and old breeders. Everyone wants to get to know you, everyone is willing to lend a hand when needed, and everyone is passionate about the breed. This is not limited to Canada either; the breed, internationally, has made a very influential impact on me. Having the opportunity to network with producers in the U.S. has not only broadened my values but also educated and advised me in beef industry. Having a smaller breed, it is easier to build relationships.
DO YOU HAVE ANY REGISTERED CATTLE?
Most of our Maine cattle on farm are papered and run under our family name; however, I do have a small herd myself. I have been slowly growing and building from new frozen genetics, buying females, and retaining heifers off my original few cows. With the longevity of these cows, I have been able to keep building off just a few great ones.
WHAT IS YOUR MOST MEMORABLE MOMENT SHOWING CATTLE?
Some might say one of their most memorable moments in the show world is a time when they won a big show, received a buckle, or banner, but for me, some of my favourite memories come from my first few years of 4-H. Don’t get me wrong, winning is always an amazing feeling, but those aren’t the moments I really look back on when someone asks me why I became so passionate about cattle. Being the youngest in the family, my brothers were more experienced and really made a huge impact on getting me started off on the right foot. Having my entire family in my corner made all my little achievements feel like huge ones. When I was in cloverbud, the questions the judges asked consisted of the simple “what is your calf’s name” type of questions. To give a little insight on how my first year with a heifer calf went,
“MY
FAVOURITE PART ABOUT SHOWING IN THE BREED IS THE PEOPLE.
I
LOVE MAKING CONNECTIONS WITH BOTH NEW AND OLD BREEDERS.”
when I told the judge my calf’s name was Bronco it followed with, “the name suits her well” instead giving me the follow up question of why did you name her that. The next year, I brought her back as a yearling heifer. The year was full of a lot of ups and downs as she still had a mind of her own. The morning of the Regional show, I went out to the barn early and for the first time ever I got her halter on all by myself. To some this might seem so little, but to younger me, this was a feat greater than any ribbon I won that day. The prep work and moments behind the scenes have made me into the showman and person I am today.
Photo By Show Champions
Photo By Show Champions
WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE SHOW AND WHY?
Without a doubt, my favourite cattle show is Agribition. For years, I had been going to Agribition to watch many different shows and see the diverse exhibits; however, in 2017, my dad had decided to bring a few head again. My first year getting in that big show ring was very nerve wracking, but it was the type of exhilarating nerves that made me want to come back. Every year since then, we have come back with what seems to be an even bigger and better string. Being in the Maine barn, it is more like a family reunion than a cattle show. Everyone is working together to express their love for the breed and demonstrate all the hard work they have put into their herds. Besides our breed show, I have also competed in many junior events including the showmanship and team grooming competitions as well as the junior beef extreme. This year a fellow 4-H alumni and I did presentations for the ministry staff explaining and teaching them all about showing cattle and what goes into it. When at your stall at CWA, all different ages of people with various backgrounds strike conversations with you as they are interested in being educated on the beef sector in agriculture. When I am passionate about something, I love teaching about it and could talk for hours. Agribition has become so much more than showing cattle to me. It is about the sense of pride that comes with exhibiting the work of your genetics, helping others, and being a part of this agriculture community.
“BEING IN THE MAINE BARN, IT IS MORE LIKE A FAMILY REUNION THAN A CATTLE SHOW. EVERYONE IS WORKING TOGETHER TO
EXPRESS THEIR LOVE FOR THE BREED AND DEMONSTRATE ALL THE HARD WORK THEY HAVE PUT INTO THEIR HERDS.”
Photo By Show Champions
Photo By Show Champions
WHAT OTHER ACTIVITIES DO YOU ENJOY DOING
BESIDES SHOWING CATTLE?
I love spending time with my friends and family especially when that includes listening to music, watching movies, or sitting around a fire. Most of my time outside of showing cattle from the months of September to May consist of many hours of studying; however, my time at the university I also participate in the University’s Beef Team as well as playing Rec volleyball.
DO ANY OF YOUR FUTURE PLANS INVOLVE THE AGRICULTURE INDUSTRY?
To me, there isn’t a part of my future that doesn’t involve agriculture. Currently, I am in my third year of the animal bioscience degree program at the University of Saskatchewan. My future plans include working my way into the College of Veterinary Medicine and obtaining a degree in the medical field. With my passion for genetics and animal health, nutrition also comes into play. I received my A.I. certificate when I was 13 and genetics have been on my mind ever since. Feed has a huge role on the reproductive cycle. With the potential to do a master’s program before vet med, I would love to pursue a research project on the effects of nutrition on the growth of calves in utero as well as the impacts of certain nutrients during each phase of the estrous cycle. Not only does this research highly interest me, but it would be very beneficial on all livestock production levels.
I have always had a passionate feeling when it came to the animal side of our operation on the farm. Never once has that feeling left, give or take a few times when the cows have gotten out. However, living in the rural area that I do, it is a known fact that there is a shortage of veterinarians. I would love to improve this by returning to a small-town community and be able to make a difference. Within the last few years, there has been a spark of interest in the teaching department for me. After being in the classroom with many different types of professors and their different teaching styles,
the thought of how I would do things has crossed my mind many of times. With the high demand for vets and the limited amount of veterinarians with time to teach young aspiring rural adults, I believe I could advance the agriculture industry by building a veterinary teaching facility. Not only would I be providing care for animals and limiting the distance producers have to drive, but also increasing that future number of students able to go into the medical field because they will have that firsthand experience.
Being a large animal veterinarian, one is always involved in the agriculture industry. You have that opportunity to research and study the animal itself and prove the facts. Having that degree gives one the opportunity to use their voice and express the educational words they have learned, and I cannot wait to be a part of that.
WHERE DO YOU SEE YOURSELF IN 10 YEARS?
Ten years seems like a long time away but knowing how fast these last few years of school have gone, it will fly by. In ten years, I hope to be settled down in a rural community working in a large animal veterinary practice with my DVM. Besides my education and career, I hope to have my Maine herd expanded as well both in numbers and quality.
BREEDER SPOTLIGHT
Maple Lane Stock Farm
Generations of Maine-Anjou breeders build thier seedstock operation staying committed to providing quality animals to the breed
HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN IN THE BREED AND WHAT GOT YOU STARTED IN THE BREED?
While Maple Lane Stock Farm may seem like a new breeder on the block, we have a long history in the Maine Anjou breed. I was raised on Rapid Creek Ranch where the Brown family has been breeding Maine Anjou since 1973. My wife and I have been on the original family farm since 1994. We have always had Maine influenced cattle but got really serious about breeding seedstock and building our herds over the past 6 years. Our kids have previously shown Maines in 4-H and open shows, now soon our grandkids, the fourth generation will be making their way into the ring. In 2023, after 50 years in the Maine Anjou business, Mom & Dad decided it was time to slow down, and we were excited to buy their herd.
WHAT TRAITS DO YOU MOST APPRECIATE ABOUT THE BREED?
We truly appreciate the females in the Maine Anjou breed. They have excellent udders that are resistant to breakdown as well as superior feet and legs that contribute to their longevity. A female that produces into their teens is a very profitable animal for us to own. We find this consistently in the Maine breed. The Maines also cross very well with any other breed of cattle and with their frame and feed conversion do very well in the feedlots and on the rail.
WHAT
GENETICS,
COW FAMILY
AND/OR BULL ARE YOU MOST EXCITED ABOUT RIGHT NOW IN THE MAINE ANJOU BREED?
We have been selecting females and bulls from our own herd as well as incorporating an embryo program that picks the best of the genetics from various breeders that are driving today’s market. What really gets us excited though, is the commitment from the breeders in the Maine Anjou association to breed better cattle. We have travelled to many sales, shows and farms and the quality of animals we have seen will contribute greatly to the accelerated growth of this breed. While we have black Maines, we are very proud to have one of the larger herds of solid red cows and are looking forward to the impact of the solid red bull, Rapid Creek Konan 51K.
“WHAT REALLY GETS US EXCITED THOUGH, IS THE COMMITMENT FROM THE BREEDERS IN THE MAINE ANJOU ASSOCIATION TO BREED BETTER CATTLE. WE HAVE TRAVELLED TO MANY SALES, SHOWS AND FARMS AND THE QUALITY OF ANIMALS WE HAVE SEEN WILL CONTRIBUTE GREATLY TO THE ACCELERATED GROWTH OF THIS BREED. ”
DO
YOU HOST AND/OR
CONSIGN TO ANY SALES, AND DO YOU SHOW CATTLE?
Up until this point, we have been focusing on building up our purebred herd. We are big supporters of 4-H and we are excited to have 10 of our Maine cross Speckle Park animals shown locally this year. We have thus far been marketing our cattle using social media and have started to show at livestock shows including Lloydminster Stockade Round Up, Farmfair International, and Canadian Western Agribition.
In the spring of 2024, we hosted our first annual Deep Roots Bull and Female sale via a timed auction, and we were extremely happy with the results. This year will be hosting our Open House for the Deep Roots Bull and Female sale March 9, 2025. The sale will be a DLMS Farmgate timed auction. We welcome visitors to the farm for a coffee and to view the animals before the sale or anytime throughout the year. Watch for photos and catalog details to be posted in February. Stay connected with us on Facebook @ Maple Lane Stock Farm.
INDUSTRY SPOTLIGHT ShowChampions
ShowChampions is a dynamic and evolving company that provides essential services to the livestock industry
WHO IS SHOWCHAMPIONS?
ShowChampions is a product of Browarny Photographics – the premier company in the professional livestock photography industry for over 50 years.
Walt Browarny and the Browarny family established Browarny Photographics in 1967. Since then, we have been around the globe providing photo & video services to many major livestock events and breeders.
ShowChampions was established in 2008, after CEO Allan Browarny, noticed an opportunity during the dot com era. It was ShowChampions goal to develop an incredible shopping experience for the livestock industry. And that they did!
Select your images, easily purchase the full-size digital photograph, and utilize them for any kind of personal or marketing need.
That year we received the contract for the Houston Livestock Show & Rodeo, and the San Antonio Livestock Show and Rodeo…two of the largest livestock events in the world.
At the time, there was a noticeable opportunity for candid photographs at events. This is where we coined what we call “hot shot” photos. They have become incredibly popular, and are a large draw for customers. Walt always encouraged his team of photographers to go out and capture candid shots, namely the ever popular “champion slap” shot. showchampions.com enabled those great candid shots to be delivered straight to
the hands of exhibitors. And that is how we were able to gain popularity and found great success providing our services to events.
ShowChampions provides marketing material and content for events. In turn, helping the media department develop strong, and exciting well-rounded marketing imagery. In turn drawing the public and exhibitors to these events.
ShowChampions has developed an incredible library of photographers with varying talents. Another way in which we were able to take our services to a global level, with a roster of dynamic and talented photographers.
WHAT SERVICES DOES SHOWCHAMPIONS OFFER?
ShowChampions offers a variety of services tailored to the needs of livestock producers, exhibitors, and show attendees. These services include:
Livestock Event Photography:
Show Day photography, Backdrop Photography. Capturing high-quality images of cattle, hogs, sheep, horses and other livestock at competitive shows of all sizes.
Promotional Photography:
Assisting clients with creating marketing materials for their livestock, such as sale catalogs, posters, and social media content.
Video Services:
Producing video clips and highlight reels for livestock sales or promotional events.
WHAT BENEFITS CAN SHOWCHAMPIONS PROVIDE TO LIVESTOCK PRODUCERS?
ShowChampions provides numerous benefits to livestock producers, including:
Access to High-Quality Imagery for Marketing:
Exceptional photos can elevate a livestock producer’s marketing efforts, whether it’s for online sales, catalogs, or social media promotion.
Capture of Key Moments:
Professional photographers capture pivotal moments at shows, ensuring that livestock events and producers have high-quality images of their animals at their best. As well as quality marketing content to help events expand and grow.
Increased Sales Opportunities:
By showcasing animals in the best possible light, ShowChampions helps producers attract more buyers for their livestock and genetics.
Brand Development:
ShowChampions’ photography and marketing services help producers build their brand, making their livestock operations more recognizable and appealing to potential customers.
Memorabilia:
High-quality photos provide lasting memories for exhibitors, breeders, and their families.
Social Media Content:
ShowChampions helps provide content for social media and promotional platforms, helping events and producers grow their online presence and connect with customers.
HOW HAS IT EVOLVED OVER THE YEARS?
Since its inception, ShowChampions has evolved in several ways:
Expansion of Services:
Initially offering photography, ShowChampions expanded into other services like video production, and event coverage, recognizing the growing demand for diverse media in livestock marketing.
Technological Advances:
The company has adapted to the ever-evolving world of photography and media by utilizing modern technologies. Staying ahead of the curve and demand. In 2008 we started showchampions. com, it was a revolutionary move by creating
instant delivery of digital images. We empowered our customers by giving them control of accessing their photos
Social Media Integration:
With the rise of social media, ShowChampions became adept at providing shareable content that clients could use on platforms like Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok, allowing livestock producers to showcase their animals to a global audience. Social media has allowed us to showcase the livestock industry to the world in a way they didn’t even know existed. Having several videos go viral, as people from all walks of life are becoming interested in the craft of showing livestock, and its culture.
WHAT SHOWS DO SHOWCHAMPIONS ATTEND? DO YOU DO PHOTOGRAPHY AT ANYTHING BESIDES CATTLE SHOWS?
ShowChampions is known for attending a wide range of livestock shows. As well as providing world-class photo and video content on-location for breeders. Our on-farm division has also taken us across the globe photographing multiple species of animals, and scenic imagery.
Some of the major events we have serviced include:
National Western Stock Show (Denver, CO)
Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo
Canadian Western Agribition
Sydney Royal Easter Show (Australia)
The Royal Highland Show (Scotland)
Congreso de las Estrellas (Mexico)
American Royal Livestock Show (Kansas City, MO)
World Beef Expo (Wisconsin)
State and County Fairs across the USA
In addition to cattle shows, ShowChampions also offers photography services for other types of livestock exhibitions, including:
Sheep, Dairy, Goats, Rabbits, Poultry and birds, Canine, Horse Events, and more!
ShowChampions’ photographers are skilled at capturing the essence of all types of livestock, ensuring producers from a variety of sectors can benefit from their services.
In short, ShowChampions is a dynamic and evolving company that provides essential services to the livestock industry. It offers highquality photography, marketing solutions, and support for livestock producers and exhibitors, helping them enhance their business and showcase their animals to a broader audience. Most important of all, this is backed by incredible customer service, technology, and a name that has stood the test of time.
CANADIAN CATTLEMEN’S ASSOCIATION
presidents report
As we started the new year, I reflected on the similarities between cattle production and geopolitics—and how the political world then impacts our sector along with the entire economy.
As of the submission date for this article there is so much uncertainty in the political world, the situation that we have found ourselves in for a few months already. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced his resignation as prime minister and party leader in early January, and Parliament was prorogued until March 24. All signs point to a spring election. President Trump continues to make waves with every social media post and interview. His proposed 25 per cent tariffs cannot be forecasted in any way (level, timing, form, list of goods, countries) and we are preparing for every outcome. The tariffs may be implemented on February 1 or not until after reports are submitted to the president in early April.
CCA representatives have dedicated significant time to advocating on behalf of the Canadian cattle industry and Canadian beef producers about these potential tariffs. We have followed comments south of the border, met with key negotiators, government representatives and officials both in Canada and the USA, held regular meetings to bring all provincial and national stakeholders together, and we have accepted numerous interview requests from radio, print and television media to share our message.
Our response to these proposed tariffs is based in the National Beef Strategy that will pull our industry together to guide all necessary responses if tariffs are implemented. The strategy was developed by the Canadian Beef Advisors, a group that consists of the current chair or president and senior staff of each of the seven national beef organizations responsible for
Nathan Phinney
policy, marketing, research, and sustainability. The best possible outcome is no tariffs, and we hope that our free trade and integrated market will prevail. The Canadian Beef Advisors released their updated strategy for 2025–30 near the end of January. You can learn more about how the beef industry plans to achieve our Beef Industry 2030 goals at www.beefstrategy.com.
Specific to the Canadian political situation, we have received some questions about the private members bills in which CCA invested considerable time and advocacy efforts last year. These efforts focused mainly on threats to future trade negotiations (C-282), opportunities to lower Carbon tax burden (C-234), attempts to target and potentially shrink animal agriculture (C-293 and C-355). When the writs drop for election, these bills will be cleared off the order table. It is possible but not likely that these bills could advance before an election is called. CCA is prepared to continue our advocacy efforts pertaining to these bills if they are not cleared.
Although Parliament is prorogued, we continue to work on your behalf, advocating to increase the business risk management program limit along with cost-shared premiums and higher coverage levels for price insurance. Our efforts are ongoing for equitable coverage. Technical barriers to trade with China, the United Kingdom and European Union continue, and we are committed to helping achieve the best deal for Canada and Canadian cattle. Work on changing the 100-day residency rule for Canadian cattle processed in the U.S. is ongoing and close to the finish line. Those last few steps are often the toughest and we are working with U.S. allies to finish this. That change should increase U.S. packer presence in the Canadian market, especially in Ontario east.
In early January, CCA participated in the State Agriculture and Rural Leaders (SARL) gathering along with other Canadian beef industry delegates. The event offered a unique opportunity to engage in meaningful and productive conversations with leaders and stakeholders from across North America. We were proud to emphasize the deep integration of the U.S. and Canadian markets, showcasing the essential role our shared agricultural trade plays in the prosperity of both nations. Discussions focused on how we can continue to strengthen this partnership, ensuring sustainable growth and success for our farmers, ranchers, and rural communities. Thank you to everyone who joined us and contributed to these important conversations. Together, we’re building a stronger future for agriculture on both sides of the border.
The Canadian Cattle Young Leaders (CYL) program is accepting applications for the 2025–2026 program year until March 31. The program welcomes young people ages 18–35 from across Canada, involved in various aspects of the beef supply chain. Through mentorship, networking, and travel, the Canadian CYL Program acts as an industry succession planning tool to equip the next generation of leaders with the skills and tools they need to continue to drive the growth and profitability of the Canadian beef industry. If
you are a young person looking to take your career in the beef industry to the next level, or you know of a young industry leader who would excel in this program, please visit the CYL website at www. canadiancattleyoungleaders.com to learn more and apply.
If you attended the Ontario Beef Industry Convention, you hopefully saw an invitation to join our community of beef advocates. In the fall, CCA launched a public engagement campaign to strengthen and expand the Canadian Cattle Association’s base of public supporters. Those who sign up will receive inspiring stories from local farmers and ranchers, delicious beef recipes, and keep informed about everything Canadian beef. If you have already signed up: thank you for your support! If you have not signed up or have not heard about the campaign, your voice matters— and we invite you to join the 12,000+ Canadians who have signed up to help spread the word about the vital role of beef producers across the country. Go to www.cattle.ca/supportcdnbeef to sign up and receive your personalized ribbon.
Nathan Phinney CCA President
EastviewHardy Maine-Anjou genetics wrapped in a neat phenotypic package.
Selling Bulls
Purebred
Maine-Angus
% Maine
+ Semen
DONE DEAL SON
Sold in 2024 to BlueSky Maine-Anjou Alberta
Performance Data will be available.
Bulls will be clean of all genetic defects through the AMAA.
PRACTICAL + POWERFUL MAINE-ANJOU ONLINE BULL SALE
THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 27, 2025 hosted by SC Online Sales
EVFM BLUEFIN - FAME SON
Sold in 2023 to Loder Cattle Co. North Dakota
NIGHT TRAIN SON
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CHAMPION MAINE BULL, 2023 BHSS - FAME SON
Sold to Tate Hosington Arizona
DJ FOLKERTS + FAMILY
JASPER, MINNESOTA
PH: 507-215-1909
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The National show in conjunction with the 50th Anniversary of Farmfair this past fall was a success with another great turn out of people and cattle. Congratulations to everyone that took the time to bring cattle out on the show road this fall. Thank you to all of those who supported the Farmfair 50th Anniversary Sale with entries or purchases as well as the support for the online sale of frozen genetics and junior fundraising items via DLMS Farmgate.
2024 was an interesting year for weather and crops and it is great to see cattle prices continue to be strong. As we look forward to Spring and all the forward planning that comes with the warmer weather Alberta has quite a few bulls on offer from various breeders. Check out DLMS to find many if not all the sale listings. At the same time, don’t forget to
Alberta Saskatchewan NEWS NEWS
NSubmitted By Bryan Zimmer
check out the many Private Treaty Bulls for sale out there too.
July 24-26, 2025 the AMAA will be hosting the CMAA Annual Meeting in conjunction with Vermilion Fair. The Alberta Junior Members are also working to have a Junior show held at the Vermilion Fair. More information to follow from the board once plans are solidified.
All the best from the AMAA members to those that are in the midst of calving or preparing for the busy season. We are looking forward to seeing many of you at the CMAA Annual Meeting this summer.
Bryan Zimmer
ow that 2025 is upon us, I would like to look back on the great year we had in 2024. The SMAA once again hosted a fantastic week at Canadian Western Agribition in Regina with a great line up of cattle in the barns. Congratulations to all of the exhibitors on your successes. The Maines on the Plains sale was held again this year at Agribition and there were some exciting animals and genetics on offer, thank you to all of the bidders and buyers as well as the consignors for supporting this event.
This year we decided to change our junior fundraiser a bit and instead of the auction style, we sold raffle tickets on a PitBoss smoker, the raffle was very well supported, and we thank everyone who purchased tickets to support our junior Maine-Anjou initiatives in Saskatchewan. Funds raised go to support our
Submitted By Myles Hansen
4-H recognition awards as well as other junior promotional supports across the province. We once again had a very strong representation of MaineAnjou cattle being shown at various 4-H, junior and open shows. Congratulations to all of the junior Maine-Anjou exhibitors who continue to positively showcase the breed.
As we get settled into calving season, I hope everyone has great luck and that you have some exciting calves hit the ground. There is a lot of promise in the beef sector right now and I’m looking forward to seeing Maine-Anjou cattle being promoted once again this year!
Myles Hansen
Ontario NEWS
HSubmitted By Dave Perry
ere in Ontario many of us are in the midst of winter calving. For us personally, calving is going well and the weather has been great for it. Most of our cows are completely outside until two weeks prior to calving at which time they are moved to a yard with an open face pole barn facing south. Once the calves are a couple of days old they are moved back out to an area away from the main barns where the calves have access to calf sheds. This seems to work well for us and the calves stay healthy.
Our regular breeders exhibited at about a dozen fairs throughout the summer and fall. Our last show of the season is the Lindsay Exhibition where we had a very good display of Fullblood and Purebred Maines.
In December we had the Gilcroft Production Sale followed by the Ontario Select Maine-Anjou Sale. Both to paper cattle and some new commercial breeders who see the value in raising MaineAnjou genetits.
Norma and Murray Roddick Preece-Nordick Maines took a new venture in December and held an open house style private treaty sale to market some of their Maines with an emphasis on 4 H calves.
Ron Gilcroft of Gilcroft Maines and Dave Perry and daughter Kaitlun Perry of Perry Maine-Anjou attended Agribition where we exhibited cattle in the show and The Maines on the Plains Sale. This is a great opportunity to meet old and new breeders, speak with commercial Cattlemen throughout the isles, take in the large trade show and generally support this great breed of ours.
We are starting to gather interest towards the spring Bullrun we have a group of bulls that will be available April/May.
Ron Gilcroft has bulls on test in Manitoba, Norma and Murray usually have a few bulls available as well as other Ontario breeders. If anyone needs a bull give us a call and we will find you what you need.
Our breed is starting to get recognized for producing top quality, growthy, correct offspring that can complete with and or out perform the competition. Let’s keep this great breed moving forward.
Dave Perry
CANADIAN BEEF BREEDS COUNCIL report
Canadian Beef Breeds Council (CBBC) has had an eventful fall and we’re excited to share those updates.
Early November we held our Annual General Meeting (AGM) in conjunction with the 50th celebration of Farmfair International. It was a great opportunity to connect with the membership and hear some of the opportunities for alignment within the seedstock industry from these members. Before the business portion of the AGM we were fortunate to have Mark Lowerison, Partner in The Herdbook Group and the Project Lead on the Canadian Beef Improvement Network (CBIN), present to the membership and our stakeholders. Mark provided an update on the program and fielded a discussion with the group.
A new year brings new Directors to the CBBC Board. CBBC is excited to welcome Cory Ducherer, Brad Gilchrist, Ken Lewis and Garth Rancier as the latest additions. Current and/or re-elected directors are Kevin Blair, Eddie Marsman, Andy Schuepbach, Scott Severtson and Shawn Wilson. Shawn (SW Cattle Co.) has been elected as the 2024/25 Chair and Scott (Severtson Land & Cattle) as Vice-Chair. Shawn is looking forward to working with this new group of Directors to continue to advance the goals of our organization.
We’d like to sincerely thank retiring Chair David Sibbald and retiring Directors Ken Friesen, Marlin Leblanc, Rod McLeod, Dennis Serhienko and Brett Wildman for their service. Committing to a collective vision to bring our membership more value is no small task and we were fortunate to have these individuals’ efforts and expertise guide CBBC.
We’re also extremely excited to have Macy Liebreich join the CBBC team as Program Administrator where we believe her diverse experience in the industry will be an asset for our members. She comes to us with a commerce
Sandy Russell
degree from UBC, roots from the family ranch Merit Cattle Co, and recent experience from the international import/export division at Alta Genetics.
Canadian Western Agribition (CWA) is always a fall feature as it brings the opportunities to appreciate the genetics showcased and connect with international visitors. CWA also brought forth news of a substantial investment for promoting Canadian genetics internationally. CBBC is pleased to receive up to $871,200 over 3 years (2023-26) from Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada through the AgriMarketing program. The financial support provided through the AgriMarketing Program will assist with global trade initiatives such as participation in major cattle shows, targeted promotional campaigns, incoming and outgoing missions, virtual activities, technical training and bilateral and multilateral meetings.
As a fresh year approaches, CBBC renews our commitment to serving as a unified front and collective voice for the seedstock sector. Our position to champion issues affecting the industry from our membership’s perspective is critical to the wholistic success of the Canadian beef industry. We are honoured to continue to do this work and to collaborate with partners to leverage resources to build upon opportunities for assuring a sustainable future for Canadian beef cattle breeders and producers alike.
Respectfully submitted by,
Sandy Russell
Canadian Beef Breeds Council, CEO
HIGH SELLING LOTS
Mother of a 2025 sale bull with her first calf, fall 2020
If you have show results you would like to report throughout the year please send to: mainemagazine@gmail.com with your results and photos
LINDSAY EXHIBITION SHOW RESULTS
1. GRAND CHAMPION MAINE-ANJOU BULL
Nordick Delivery 4M
Nordick Maine-Anjou, Wyoming, ON
RESERVE GRAND CHAMPION MAINE-ANJOU BULL
Perry’s Mr Wingman 86L
Perry Maine-Anjou Farm, Harrowsmith, ON
2. GRAND CHAMPION MAINE-ANJOU FEMALE
4M Isabelle
Nordick Maine-Anjou, Wyoming, ON
3. RESERVE GRAND CHAMPION MAINE-ANJOU FEMALE
Nordick Polly 1E
Nordick Maine-Anjou, Wyoming, ON
BULL CALF CHAMPION
Nordick Delivery 4M
Nordick Maine-Anjou, Wyoming, ON
RESERVE BULL CALF CHAMPION
Nordick Power Edition 8M
Nordick Maine-Anjou, Wyoming, ON
JUNIOR CHAMPION BULL
Perry’s Mr Wingman 86L
Perry Maine-Anjou Farm, Harrowsmith, ON
RESERVE JUNIOR CHAMPION BULL
Nordick Polly Pocket 7L
Lindsay, ON September 20, 2024
Judge xxx
Photography Innovation Media
Nordick Maine-Anjou, Wyoming, ON
HEIFER CALF CHAMPION
4M Isabelle
Nordick Maine-Anjou, Wyoming, ON
RESERVE HEIFER CALF CHAMPION
Perry’s Miss Daisy Suh 8M
Perry Maine-Anjou Farm, Harrowsmith, ON
JUNIOR CHAMPION FEMALE
Perry’s Miss Wingman 811L
Perry Maine-Anjou Farm, Harrowsmith, ON
RESERVE JUNIOR CHAMPION FEMALE
Nordick Mauvey 3L
Nordick Maine-Anjou, Wyoming, ON
SENIOR CHAMPION FEMALE
Nordick Polly 1E
Nordick Maine-Anjou, Wyoming, ON
BREEDER’S HERD
Nordick Maine-Anjou, Wyoming, ON
GET OF SIRE
Perry Maine-Anjou Farm, Harrowsmith, ON
PROGENY OF DAM
Perry Maine-Anjou Farm, Harrowsmith, ON
FARMFAIR INTERNATIONAL SHOW RESULTS
National Maine-Anjou
1. NATIONAL CHAMPION MAINE-ANJOU FEMALE
MISS RUSYLVIA 20L
Rusylvia Cattle Co., Derwent, AB
2. RESERVE NATIONAL CHAMPION MAINE-ANJOU FEMALE
CARPS GLAMOROUS LULLABY 314L
Carpathian Land & Livestock, St. Paul, AB
HEIFER CALF CHAMPION
MISS RUSYLVIA MADE U LOOK 3M
Pick Six Cattle, Gull Lake, SK
Owned with: Spellbound Maines, Shayson Simmentals
RESERVE HEIFER CALF CHAMPION
MISS RONSKO JOR 54M
Bluesky Maines, Daysland, AB
FULLBLOOD HEIFER CALF CHAMPION
GILCROFT MELINDA 7M
Gilcroft Farms, Demorestville, ON
RESERVE FULLBLOOD HEIFER CALF CHAMPION
GILCROFT MILA 6M
Gilcroft Farms, Demorestville, ON
JUNIOR CHAMPION FEMALE
MISS RUSYLVIA 20L
Rusylvia Cattle Co., Derwent, AB
RESERVE JUNIOR CHAMPION FEMALE
CARPS GLAMOROUS LULLABY 314L
Carpathian Land & Livestock, St. Paul, AB
5. SENIOR CHAMPION FEMALE
KKS MISS BEAST 943G
Shuckburgh Cattle, Stettler, AB
6. RESERVE SENIOR CHAMPION FEMALE
FRDL DOTTIE 32H
Carpathian Land & Livestock, St. Paul, AB
3. NATIONAL CHAMPION MAINE-ANJOU BULL
KKS MASTER CHIEF 201K
Shuckburgh Cattle, Stettler, AB
Owned with: G2 Cattle, Byman Cattle, Vandy Cattle
4. RESERVE NATIONAL CHAMPION MAINE-ANJOU BULL
MR RUSYLVIA GAME TIME 10L
Rusylvia Cattle Co., Derwent, AB
Owned with: Southpaw Cattle Co., Chatsworth Land & Cattle
BULL CALF CHAMPION
PICK SIX TUMBLING DICE 406M
Pick Six Cattle, Gull Lake, SK
RESERVE BULL CALF CHAMPION
MR RUSYLVIA 23M
Rusylvia Cattle Co., Derwent, AB
7. FULLBLOOD BULL CALF CHAMPION
DRR MAVERICK 20M
Deer Ridge Ranch, Sturgeon County, AB
Show
Edmonton, AB November 6, 2024
Judge Rob & Deanne Young Photography Show Champions
JUNIOR CHAMPION BULL
MR RUSYLVIA GAME TIME 10L
Rusylvia Cattle Co., Derwent, AB
Owned with: Southpaw Cattle Co., Chatsworth Land & Cattle
