I hope winter has been treating you well. This time of year is the one of the most exciting in the cattle industry! New calves from last years matings give us all something to look forward to. It is also the time when many of us are searching for our next herdsire to bring fresh genetics into our operations. If you happen to be searching for your next bull, I highly encourage you to browse the pages of this magazine to find some of the most progressive and exciting breeders in Canada.
The board also wants to encourage all breeders to submit as much data as possible on all cattle. This data is essential for us to promote the great things our breed does to commercial customers. To this end, the CMAA is going to run an incentive for 2026. Every registered animal with submitted birth and
weaning weight data will be entered in a draw for the producer to win 2 free registrations. This data can be easily submitted using the online registration portal. If you are not yet set up or need support with the online system please contact the office.
This summer we will once again be hosted by the Ontario association for the AGM. This will be taking place in early August and I encourage everyone to make the trip. Spending time around other Maine-Anjou breeders is one of the best ways to spend a summer trip.
I hope everyone has a safe and productive calving season. Can’t wait to talk to you all.
Maine Anjou President, Jordan Retzlaff
Photo By Compass Creative taken at Roch Springs
herd book & data services report
Ciara Mattheis
It’s hard to believe that spring is on the horizon and Bull Sales are already underway as calves are hitting the ground for many of our producers and industry partners. We wish all the best for another successful calving and bull sale season for our producers.
As calves are born and registration decisions are underway, we encourage our membership to consider trying the online system for their calf entry. The ILROnline system is an efficient way to enter your calves from the comfort of your computer at home. If you would like to be set up with an online account, reach out to Ciara at the office by phone or email and she can get you started.
There are new options available to our membership for taking DNA samples from their calves other that the traditional hair pull method. TSUs (Tissue Sampling Units) are becoming increasingly popular and provide a faster, easier and cleaner way to take samples from your seedstock.
With TSU units, a sample can be taken at any age including day-old calves with little chance of any cross contamination as the sample is immediately preserved in a sealed vial. Allflex TSU applicators and Vials can be ordered directly through the Neogen online webstore or through many of your local farm supply outlet stores.
All samples being sent to the lab regardless of Hair or TSU need to be set up with a test request prior to arriving at the lab. This process has not changed; however, this is a reminder as we move forward into spring registrations. This process saves the office and the lab valuable time. If sending in samples directly to Neogen, please ensure the animals are entered in the system and you have notified the office of the samples you are sending and which tests you wish to have completed for each sample being sent.
I would also like to take this opportunity to remind any of our producers who are lifelong learners and on a mission to always learn more, of the many webinar opportunities available this winter and Spring through BCRC on a variety of topics. All webinars are free to attend and are available on their website to watch at your own convenience if you are unable to attend a scheduled session. To learn more about upcoming webinars or to learn more, visit https://www. beefresearch.ca/
Best regards,
Ciara Mattheis Director of Herdbook and Data Services
Photo By Compass Creative at Cody Sibbald Legacy Classic
junior report
Josie Pashulka
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 junior’s submitting points and essays for these awards.
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 PCF MILLIE 74M owned by Taylor Reid. Taylor attended 11 shows with this Maintainer heifer and had many successes and trips to the backdrop.
Our Reserve Champion Junior Show Female Award goes to PODZ Sara’s Dakota Princess for Taylor Reid from Hafford Sask. This Maintainer heifer attended 13 shows.
$500 Junior Essay Scholarship
Thank you to all our juniors applying. Our winner this year is Emily Yaremko. Emily is taking Pre Veterinary Medicine at Northern Oklahoma College in Tonkawa Oklahoma. Congratulations Emily
$1000 Young Cattlemen’s Award
This 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 Emily Yaremko. Emily has been raising Maine Anjou cattle for 10 years. Emily along with her parents and brothers own Carpathian Land and Livestock near St Paul Alberta. Emily has shown Maines across Western Canada and attended Junior Nationals in the US last year. The CMAA hopes this award will help Emily pursue some of her livestock goals. Congrats Emily!
Congrats to all our winners and thank you to all applicants.
Josie Pashulka
2025 junior scholarship
Essay Scholarship Winner & Young Cattlemen’s Award Winner Emily Yaremko
My name is Emily Yaremko, and I was raised on my family farm, Carpathian Land and Livestock, near St. Paul, Alberta. I am currently in my second year at Northern Oklahoma College in Tonkawa, Oklahoma, where I am a member of the school’s livestock judging team. I am enrolled in the pre-veterinary program, a two-year course, and I plan to continue my education in animal osteopathy.
I am honored to have been selected as the recipient of the Essay Scholarship and as the Young Cattlemen’s Award. I am very passionate about agriculture and the future of the Maine Anjou breed. Since 2019, I have developed my own purebred Maine Anjou herd and have competitively shown throughout Alberta and Saskatchewan at jackpot, junior, and major open shows. In 2024, I had the opportunity to exhibit a home raised heifer at the Maine Anjou Junior Nationals in Missouri, where I was Reserve Champion in the Bred and Owned Division. Additionally, I was named the CJMAA Junior Female High Point Grand Champion in both 2023 and 2024.
The Essay Scholarship has been applied toward furthering my education, while the Young Cattlemen’s Award has enabled me to invest in embryos from proven genetics sourced from a highly respected breeder, allowing me to continue advancing the quality of my herd. I would like to thank the association for providing these opportunities and for its continued support of junior members who are invested in the breed.
board of directors
1. JORDAN RETZLAFF PRESIDENT
Joined the CMAA board in 2019. 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 MaineAnjou 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
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 8 4 9
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
4. MIKE SPRATT TREASURER
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.
5. JOSIE PASHULKA DIRECTOR
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. ERIN YAREMKO DIRECTOR
We farm at St Paul Alberta as Carpathian Land & Livestock as a mixed farm with purebred Maine-Anjou, Simmental, and Black Angus cows along with grain and until very recently purebred Dorset sheep. We started with Maine Anjou cattle when our daughter purchased a purebred hfr to show in 2019. Although not many years in the breed we have watched the breed for many years and have built the purebred herd with imports, embryos, and AI. For many years my husband and myself have been 4-H leaders. I have chaired and served on many local club community committees in addition to the Alberta Lamb Producers and Alberta Farm Animal Care and the St Paul Seed Plant.
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.
JUNIOR SPOTLIGHT
Kate Nielsen
New member is excited to become a part of the breed and continue expanding her Maine-Anjou herd
HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN IN THE MAINE ANJOU BREED AND WHAT MADE YOU CHOOSE THIS BREED OF CATTLE?
I have not been involved in the Maine breed for very long although, the short amount of time I have has been very rewarding. I bought my first registered maintainer heifer in the fall of 2024 and fell in love with the industry and people almost instantly. My family raises registered black angus cattle mostly, but I always loved showing and raising club calf steers and that’s why we decided to expand our horizons into the Maine breed being how lots of club calf steers are heavily influenced by Maine Anjou genetics. After falling in love with the passion and drive found in the breed, we have now turned our focus not only to breeding steers but also showing Maine Anjou and maintainer females in hopes of creating our own Maine herd.
WHAT DO YOU LIKE BEST ABOUT SHOWING IN THE MAINE ANJOU BREED?
What I like most about showing in the Maine Anjou breed is the sense of community found within the barns. Although 2025 was my first year exhibiting Maine cattle at fall majors, I was overwhelmed with how welcoming everyone was and how at home I felt in a new barn I had never ventured into before. Although there is still a competitive nature in the stalls like any other breed, everyone has a common goal in mind and that is to promote and spread the word of the Maine Anjou breed.
DO YOU HAVE ANY REGISTERED CATTLE?
Yes, I took ownership of my first female in the fall of 2024, which is a heifer named VNDY 950 UPTOWN GIRL 447M, raised by Vandy cattle and sold by Roch springs show cattle. Uptown girl had a very successful show career as a yearling heifer being competitive at some jackpots last spring, and after deciding that she needed to head to Agribition last fall we are humbled to say she was named champion maintainer female. This fall we also acquired a few more heifer calves to add to our roster, BVJV 244 UTOO 523N, who was named champion Maine Anjou heifer calf at Agribition, and VNDY 302 ROSE 532N, which both came from The Chosen Few female sale.
WHAT IS YOUR MOST MEMORABLE MOMENT SHOWING CATTLE?
I don’t think there is one moment that is more memorable than the rest, all the years I’ve spent in the show cattle industry up until this point will be what I remember for the rest of my life. The show cattle world is truly live changing and rewarding in every aspect. I am beyond grateful to my family and everyone who has lent a helping hand as showing cattle is one of my biggest passions. I guess if I had to pick a favourite memory it would be all the great people and industry leaders I have met along the way and not only get to consider my friends but my family.
WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE SHOW AND WHY?
It’s hard to narrow it down to just one show as there are many throughout the year that are highly anticipated, but the alameda ag society jackpot show is the one that creates the most excitement around my house. There is no better feeling than showing under the lights in my hometown, with so many friends and family standing ringside. I have been lucky enough to find a fair amount of success at this particular show throughout the years, which is a bonus to all the other memories tied to this show. With the generosity from amazing sponsors and an awesome volunteer group behind the scenes, it always draws an exceptional set of cattle from near and far.
DO ANY OF YOUR FUTURE PLANS INVOLVE THE AGRICULTURE INDUSTRY? WHERE DO YOU SEE YOURSELF IN 10 YEARS?
I have grown up in this industry and learned so many life lessons along the way that I couldn’t imagine not staying involved in it. I plan to always stay involved not only in the cattle industry but in the Maine Anjou breed. I have a true passion for this lifestyle, and I couldn’t think of a better way to spend not only the next 10 years but the rest of my life. In the next 10 years I see myself growing my personal herd and continuing to expand my knowledge of not only the Maine Anjou breed but others as well. Every person has their own dreams and one of mine is to raise a family in the industry that built me and be able to share my passion with them. The future is never certain, but I am certain my life will always be connected to the agriculture industry.
BREEDER SPOTLIGHT
Donaro Farms
2nd generation Maine-Anjou breeder is looking forward to expanding the herd and working with the up and coming 3rd generation on the family farm
HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN IN THE BREED AND WHAT GOT YOU STARTED IN THE BREED?
My family started in the Maine Anjou breed back in the mid 70’s. We AI’d our brown Swiss milk cow in 1973 to one of the first full blood Maine Anjou bulls “Cygne”. Resulting in the very first Maine Anjou registered cow on our farm Donaro Lass 1F in 1974. 1F went on to have 6 registered calves in our herd.
My Dad, Ross Spratt worked for Record of Performance (ROP) weighing claves and found that the Maine Anjou sired calves were out performing a lot of the other breeds in post weaning growth. That was the beginning of it all for our farm.
WHAT TRAITS DO YOU MOST APPRECIATE ABOUT THE BREED?
I appreciated the feedlot performance of Maine Anjou sired calves. I like the longevity of Maine Anjou females and I also appreciate the feet and leg structure of the Maine cattle. There is also something to be said about the Maine momma cows with their longevity, docility and new born calf vigor. The docility of the Maine breed is another trait we are very proud of especially when I have our kids helping at the farm.
WHAT IS YOUR PROUDEST ACCOMPLISHMENT AS A MAINE ANJOU BREEDER?
My biggest accomplishment as a 2nd generation breeder is handing down my love and passion for the Maine Anjou breed and the livestock industry to my 3 children as they have all taken an interest in raising high quality Maine Anjou cattle. When the AI catalogues come out each spring it is more exciting than the old Sears Christmas catalogue.
WHAT ANIMAL HAS HAD THE LARGEST IMPACT ON YOUR OPERATION?
The bull, LGH Mr. Hans 11U bought privately from Lorne Hansen of Weldon, Sk. in 1986 as a calf. 11U had a distinguished show career winning shows all over Western Canada including the Calgary Stampede in 1988 and winning his class at the National Western Stock Show in Denver, Co. in 1988. 11U even competed in the Championship class against one of his own sons at Farm Fair in Edmonton in 1988.
11U’s real power was the daughters he left behind in our herd. We kept almost every female we ever raised out of him. 11U had 51 progeny registered off of him 30 of which were females that retained in our herd.
WHAT
GENETICS, COW FAMILY AND/OR BULL ARE YOU MOST EXCITED ABOUT RIGHT NOW IN THE MAINE ANJOU BREED?
This is a tough one but I feel for red Maine Anjou cattle I am very impressed with the calves off of Maple Lane Locomotive 511L. 511L’s first calf crop has continued to impress me with added muscle, bone and foot size. His daughters have the makings to be impressive brood cows.
For black Maine Anjou genetics the All Access calves seem to have a lot to offer the beef cattle industry. All Access has been making his off spring soft middled while maintaining structural correctness.
The cow family that has been instrumental in our cow herd is Donaro Miss 28J born in 1999. She raised many good daughters for us and a herd sire Donaro’s Sticking To Business. He was a Strictly Business son which in turn sired Donaro Mr Business 643T who was Grand Champion Maine Anjou Bull at Agribition for us and Gord Williams in 2009.
WHICH DIRECTION DO YOU SEE YOUR PROGRAM GOING IN THE FUTURE?
I feel our program is looking to increase our numbers in higher percentage Maine Anjou cattle, with focus on increasing weaning weights while keeping them in an efficient soft made, big footed body type. We have always focused on longevity in our cow herd. Fertile cows that stay in the herd for a long time is something that we strive for everyday.
DO YOU HOST/ CONSIGN TO ANY SALES AND DO YOU SHOW CATTLE?
We sell our hand-picked top end bulls and females by private treaty off our farm each year. We have been consigners to the Agribition Maines on the Plains Maine-Anjou Sale and this past fall, we consigned females to the Chosen Few Female Sale put on by Vandy Cattle. I still actively show cattle at Canadian Western Agribition and it has become a family tradition that I have handed down to my children as they are 3rd generation Beatty Beef 4-H Club members and actively show at a few spring and fall shows around Saskatchewan.
BLUESKY MAINE’S
PROGENGY
DJS BEAST 012H -his sons will dramatically increase your calves weaning weight performance on feed and in the show ring
RDRL COWMAN 325H -for weight gain and calving ease
EVFM LOCK & LOAD We’re excited to offer for very First time - Brand new genetics from sire EVFM Lock & Load whom we purchased from East View Maines, out of Minnesota
INDUSTRY SPOTLIGHT
Chapman’s Feed & Ag Supply
Family owned feed & ag supply serves southeast Saskatchewan through their feed products and teaching producers about new products and industry hot topics
WHAT IS CHAPMAN’S FEED & AG SUPPLY?
Chapman’s Feed and Ag Supply is an independent family-owned livestock feed and supply business operated by Charlene and Jamie Chapman. We are located south of Carlyle, SK on Highway #9. When their youngest daughter was born, Charlene decided not to return to working in local veterinary clinics. After being approached in the summer of 2014 to start carrying feed and minerals as a satellite location, she realized she missed working with livestock producers directly. She now has the privilege of helping producers with their feed and nutrition needs.
WHAT SERVICES DO YOU OFFER?
We offer complete rations, loose mineral, lick tubs, supplements and salt for multiple species of animals. Products can be picked up at our location in 20-25kg bags or mini bulks. We also offer bulk delivery direct to your location when large quantities are needed. Primarily we serve purebred and commercial beef producers, but we also have products for equine, poultry, swine, canine, and feline owners. We carry products sourced through Trouw Nutirion, Masterfeeds, Ceres Industires, Smartlic Supplements, and PerforMAX Animal Nutrition.
We can collect and ship feed samples and help producers come up with a plan to best utilize their on-farm feed sources. Based on these plans we can help you choose the mineral, supplement or
complete ration to supplement your on-farm feeds to bring your animals to their genetic potential. As livestock producers ourselves we understand the importance of making decisions based on economics without sacrificing the performance of our animals.
We enjoy hosting producer events designed to educate livestock producers on new products and the latest hot topics shaping the industry.
WHAT AREAS IN CANADA DO YOU SERVICE?
Chapman’s Feed services the southeast area of Saskatchewan.
CHAPMAN’S AG & FEED SUPPLY GOING INTO THE FUTURE
Chapman’s Feed and Ag Supply continues to grow to meet the evolving needs of local producers. In the near future, we will be expanding our farm and ranch supplies to include calving essentials and feeding supplies.
Community involvement is important to Chapman’s Feed and Ag Supply. Through sponsorships, product support, and hands-on involvement, Chapman’s remains committed to investing in the future of agriculture and the young people who will carry it forward.
THE ASSOCIATES BULL SALE
CANADIAN CATTLEMEN’S ASSOCIATION
Announces Andrea Brocklebank as CEO
By Tyler Fulton, President
Andrea Brocklebank will become the Canadian Cattle Association’s Chief Executive Officer in early March. Andrea has served as Executive Director for Beef Cattle Research Council (BCRC), a division of the CCA, since 2009.
Almost a year ago, CCA Executive Vice President Dennis Laycraft informed the board of his decision to retire. We took time to discuss if and how we wanted the role to evolve to ensure our organization is prepared for future challenges. We determined that the description of CEO more accurately reflects the role of our senior staff member.
An executive recruitment firm conducted an extensive recruitment process and CCA’s directors enthusiastically accepted their recommendation. We are excited to welcome Andrea to the role. She has a proven track record of strategic decisions and collaboration, critical skills that will ease the senior leadership transition and help ensure CCA is well positioned for the future.
At BCRC, Andrea managed the delivery of research through the BCRC and Beef Science Cluster to fund research in areas of importance to the industry. She oversaw the administration of funding received through the Canadian Beef Cattle Check-Off, Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, and other sources to deliver research programming, knowledge mobilization activities, and the Verified Beef Production Plus program. She was also responsible for leading the development and implementation of the Canadian Beef Research and Knowledge Mobilization Strategy and advancing collaborative funding partnerships aligned with the strategy.
We are confident that with Andrea leading us, CCA is well positioned to navigate continued
global market uncertainty as we work towards renewing the Canada-United States-Mexico Agreement (CUSMA) and other priorities.
As we look ahead, trade and market access will be priorities for CCA this year, especially trade and market access with our largest trading partner and closest neighbour. Canada is an agri-food exporting nation, and a strong trade policy is essential for opening and maintaining market access.
CCA ended 2025 working with other industry stakeholders to provide input before the CanadaUnited States-Mexico Agreement (CUSMA) review deadline. We continue to support a tarifffree integrated North American beef and cattle trading market.
Volatility continues with US trade, and while CCA continues to focus much of our energy behind the scenes on US market access, there are also other areas of focus for our staff and elected officials such as tariffs and non-tariff trade barriers, trade and market access, regulatory burdens, and the need for regulatory alignment with the USA and other international trade partners.
Our provincial member associations are having conversations with the goal of reaching a new funding agreement with commitments from all provinces past June 30. After Alberta Beef Producers served CCA with notice of withdrawal, I committed not to negotiate through the media, and I will uphold that commitment, but I do think it’s important to share an update on the progress that has been made. The provincial members have created a working group and are moving forward in a direction that will ensure a strong national organization that will advocate on behalf of producers. I am optimistic about the discussions
that have taken place and the progress we have made, and I look forward to sharing more when we have more concrete updates.
When it comes to producers, CCA supports reduced regulatory burdens for producers, and while progress has been made with a commitment to reducing interprovincial trade barriers and harmonization of Canada’s BSE enhanced feed ban with US requirements, there is always room for improvement.
CCA continually advocates with the Canadian Food Inspection Agency, both operations in the field and with Ottawa management. CFIA is important to market access, animal health, disease management, animal transport and of course food safety. CCA puts a lot of effort directly with CFIA on all these fronts. This type of work does not show publicly; we don’t work via the media. Rest assured we are direct in communicating needs, shortcomings and appreciation when it is warranted, but directly
to decision makers and leaders, rarely publicly. Ongoing advocacy to CFIA on behalf of producers remains a priority this year.
CCA would also welcome improvements to business risk management programs for producers, and faster implementation and response times when those programs are needed.
Finally, we are concerned about funding cuts impacting research. CCA will be advocating for investments in long-term research and research capacity that support improvements in producers’ economic sustainability and productivity. Key areas of focus include animal health and welfare, antimicrobial resistance, forage and feed production and utilization, and environment and climate change.
Tyler Fulton CCA President
Wise Maine Anjou females on a frosty January Day
It was a busy and rewarding Fall 2025 for Alberta MaineAnjou breeders. Farmfair was once again an exciting show with multiple breeders and an exceptional lineup of fullbloods, purebreds, and Mainetainers. We once again hosted an online sale through DLMS Farmgate Timed Auctions showcasing both live and frozen genetics. Congratulations to all that exhibited at the Farmfair show and took the time to prepare and present your cattle this fall, and to those breeders that offered their genetics in the sale. Thank you to everyone who supported the show and sale and for your contribution to the success of Farmfair!
2025 saw incredibly strong cattle prices and 2026 is looking to be strong as well.
Alberta Saskatchewan NEWS NEWS
ASubmitted By Keltey Whelan
As we shift gears into bull sale season, we encourage you to get in touch with the various breeders that are offering Maine-Anjou bulls for sale, both by public auction and private treaty sales. There were an incredible amount of strong herd bull prospects campaigned in the fall, with many awaiting their debut in the bull pens at home too.
Wishing everyone a successful calving season with good weather and the excitement that comes with the new calf crop.
All the best during this busy season!
Keltey
Whelan, AMAA Secretary
gribition 2025 was a great week in the MaineAnjou barn, it was great to see so many people interested in all the exhibitor’s cattle. Thank you to everyone who supported the Maines on the Plains sale and congratulations to all the consignors on another successful sale. As most of us have now shifted into calving season and preparing for spring bull sales I hope the prosperity surrounding the cattle industry continues to carry through and that the new calf crops and bull pens are strong and showcase the diversity and potential
Ontario NEWS
ASubmitted By Myles Hansen
of the Maine-Anjou genetics we have been producing. As a new season of 4-H and Junior show projects are underway I want to wish all exhibitors and their families the best of luck as they prepare their animals for the season. We hope that you and your calves have a successful show season and please remember to pass along your accomplishments to us at the SMAA so we can recognize your hard work and results!
Myles Hansen
Submitted By Dave Perry
s I write this report we are in the midst of yet another blizzard type snow storm along with very frigid temperatures. We constantly have about 20 inches of snow in our fields. This is the third time that we have had at least a 12 inch snow cover this winter and twice it has been removed by rain.
Some of us are in full swing of calving cows, chores take a little longer to complete in this weather. At Perry Farm we are feeding a few bulls out at home this year. Gilcroft Maines has some bulls on test in Manitoba.
Some of us are starting to look our early calf crop and yearlings over to plan our selections for the summer show season.
We plan on sending 4 yearling heifers (2 Bennilli and 2 We Deliver) to the Valley Junior Beef Sweepstakes Show In Carp ON in May, it will be judged by Ryan Rash.
Onario will host the summer CMAA-AGM in August, we encourage as many breeders as possible to come out, I am sure that we will have some interesting activities
Dave Perry
CANADIAN BEEF BREEDS COUNCIL
CBBC is looking for breeder input on how their business has been impacted by the EU regulations for sending embryos from Canada; we welcome anonymous input from both breeders in Canada and the EU countries. This data will be complied as general stats for privacy and used for market access advocacy.
If you’d be willing to speak more on the topic and help us build our story with the grassroots narrative, there is an option at the end to share your contact so we can follow-up by phone.
ALWAYS MOVING FORWARD
After a very rewarding fall, we change gears. We are very happy with how our first calf crop off Sturgis has turned out, he has some very strong sons in the bullpen and top end heifers in the replacement pen, what more could we ask for.
Thank you to everyone who supported us and showed an interest in our cattle at Agribition.
