The ngus
A
Edge
Official Publication of the Saskatchewan Angus Association
Spring 2015
Publications Mail Agreement #40019886
Bourhis Ranch - Kennedy, SK 2014 Commercial Producer of the Year Like all cattle producers, the Bourhis Ranch is excited about the turnaround in the cattle business that we are currently enjoying. With the ups and downs over the last three decades in the cattle business, sacrifice and perseverance have paid off for the Bourhis Ranch, a cow calf and backgrounder operation at Kennedy in South East Saskatchewan, and the 2014 Saskatchewan Angus Association Commercial Producer of the Year. With the purchase of a half section of land, Albert and Karen Bourhis started the operation in 1978. Albert continued operating heavy equipment and looking after the land and a small herd of cattle. Within a few years he was able to acquire another half section of land and slowly increase his cattle numbers. These were tough times for the young couple dealing with drought, frost, very high interest rates and a young family to provide for. Keith was the oldest, born in 1972 followed by two sisters Vivian and Shirley. Albert continued to operate heavy equipment part time until he retired in 2013 and Karen worked part time in the local Credit Union for several years.
After graduating from high school in 1990, Keith joined his parents in the small mixed farming operation and a gradual but steady expansion started. Keith was eager to expand the cattle operation which consisted at the time of half Angus cross cows and half exotic cross cows, using p r i m a r i l y e x o t i c Albert, Karen, Brynn, Karen, Connor and Keith Bourhis bulls. In 1992 Keith recieving their award from SAA President Mike Howe. took an artificial insemination course and implemented homegrown females were working an AI program. They had been out well, so focused on keeping their purchasing some replacement females own females with help from their AI to increase the herd but found that their program. Keith is passionate about Continued on page 6