Simmental Focus_OCT-NOV2025_web by Simmental Focus

MATERNAL POWER

SIMMENTAL FOCUS

Welcome to fall y’all. A pretty fall pose near Storthoaks, SK.

(Photo courtesy of Kianna Brooks)

Simmental Focus

The official publication of the Manitoba Simmental Association, published six times per year. Box 2296, Carman, Manitoba R0G 0J0

PUBLISHER/EDITOR- Joanne Best Cell 204-750-2350

Email: simmental.focus@gmail.com

SUBSCRIPTIONS: All members of the Manitoba, Saskatchewan and Alberta Simmental Associations receive Simmental Focus free of charge. As well, Simmental Focus is mailed to approximately 2000 commercial producers in the prairie provinces and to interested breeders throughout Canada and the U.S. If you would like to receive Simmental Focus, send your name and COMPLETE mailing address to Simmental Focus, Box 2296, Carman MB R0G 0J0. Outside Canada, please enclose $10 (U.S. Funds) to cover first-class postage.

CURRENT CIRCULATION: 3400

POSTMASTER: Please return undelivered covers to: Simmental Focus, Box 2296, Carman, MB R0G 0J0

ADVERTISING RATES

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*GST must be added to above rates. Contract rates available on request. The publisher reserves the right to accept or refuse any advertising or editorial material. All contents under copyright of Simmental Focus.

* Prices updated January 1, 2022.

Upon placing an ad, the advertiser agrees the publisher shall not be liable beyond the cost of the advertisement where error has occurred. The publisher makes every attempt to ensure the material printed is correct.

to everyone that supported our 2025 MSA FIELD DAY & AGM full results on our website

MANITOBA SIMMENTAL FALL SALES

NOVEMBER 1ST

Cherry Creek Farms Online Bull & Female Sale FarmGateTimedAuctions.ca

NOVEMBER 7TH

Rainbow River Simmentals Online Sale FarmGateTimedAuctions.ca

NOVEMBER 20TH

Pembina Triangle Simmental Assoc. 45th Annual Sale Cypress River, Manitoba

DECEMBER 2ND

Keystone Konnection 47th Annual Sale Brandon, Manitoba

DECEMBER 3RD

Maple Lake Stock Farms Fall Bred Heifer Sale Grande Clairiere, Manitoba

DECEMBER 8TH

Northern Light Bred Heifer & 2 Year Old Bull Sale Rossburn, Manitoba

DECEMBER 9TH

Cream of the Crop Simmental Sale FarmGateTimedAuctions.ca

DECEMBER 10TH

Premium Picks Simmental Sale Kenton, MB

DECEMBER 12TH

OPT Bred For Success 2nd Annual Female Event

Darlingford, MB

DECEMBER 13TH

Transcon’s Season Wrap Up Bull & Female Sale Neepawa, Manitoba

DECEMBER 14TH

Bonchuk Farms Female Production Sale McAuley, Manitoba

2025 A.O Henuset Ambassador BERT’S NR SIMMENTALS Haywood, MB

MANITOBA SIMMENTAL ASSOCIATION SCHOLARSHIP Deadline December 31, 2025 watch our website for more info

MANITOBA AG EX SIMMENTAL SHOW BRANDON, MB

Down The Trail.............

October 18

Stars of the Valley Simmental Sale, Metcalfe, ON

October 23

Mader Ranches Ladies Night 2025 Edition, Carstairs, AB

October 25

Triangle Stock Farm “Keepin It Simple” Female Sale, DLMS Farmgate

November 1

Cherry Creek Farms Online Bull & Female Sale, DLMS Farmgate

November 4

Canadian Sires November Online Semen Sale, DLMS Farmgate

November 15

Transcon’s Western Harvest 12th Annual Simmental Female Sale, Didsbury, AB

November 20

Pembina Triangle Simmental Association 45th Annual Sale, Cypress River, MB

November 22

KSL Simmentals Production Sale, Beaverlodge, AB

November 28

Lone Stone Farms Invitational Female Sale, Westlock, AB

November 30

Lakeview Simmentals Annual Production Sale, Meacham, SK

December 2

Keystone Konnection 46th Annual Simmental Sale, Brandon, MB

December 5

SimPower 10th Annual Female Sale, Olds, AB

December 7

Transcon’s 11th Annual Western Harvest Simmental Female Sale, Innisfail, AB

December 8

Northern Light Simmentals Bred Heifer & 2 Year Old Bull Sale, Rossburn, MB

December 9

Cream of the Crop Simmental Online Sale, DLMS Farmgate

( continued on page 10 )

Happy fall y’all! Here on the prairies, the combines are still rollin’, cows are still out munchin’ on green grass, temperatures have been above seasonal....Mother Nature seems to have her wires crossed yet again, but who’s complaining!?!?!

Some of our Focus friends have been doing some celebrating over the past few months...Matt Glasman, Glasman Farms, Russell, MB celebrated a milestone birthday back in August. We hope 40 is treatin’ you well so far Matt! Jacquie Warkentin, Triple R Simmentals, Haywood, MB turned 60 in September. We sure hope all your grandsons helped you celebrate! Dave Erixon, Erixon Simmentals, Clavet, SK celebrated the big 5-0 earlier this month. We hope you took time to sneak in some cake! Also, belated birthday wishes go out to our old friend Gordon Jones, Baldur, MB who celebrated his 70th trip around the sun just a few weeks ago. We would love to hear some of the stories that were collected for your party!! Congratulations to Barry & Brenda LaBatte who celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary earlier this month. Cheers to 50 years, wow!

We would like to send get well wishes to Neil Carson, Northern Light Simmentals, Rossburn, MB who underwent back surgery in September. Best wishes for a speedy receovery buddy, you’ve been waiting a while for this! We would also like to send our thoughts and prayers out to the Bonchuk families, Solsgirth, MB as they lost their calving barn to a fire in late August. Fortunately, no one was hurt and no animals were harmed.

Simmental Focus would like to extend our sincere gratitude to Bruce Holmquist for his many years of dedication to the Simmental breed and its membership. Bruce has decided to explore other interests and will be retiring from his position as CEO of the CSA early next year. We wish you all the best in your next chapter Bruce.

As we approach the fall show and sale run, we wish everyone safe travels and success wherever the road takes you. See y’all real soon! ~Joanne

Manitoba Simmental Association Field Day

The Manitoba Simmental Association held its second annual field day in conjunction with the MSA Annual Genral Meeting on August 9, 2025. 130 people (from 3 provinces and a U.S. state), and approximately 100 head of cattle rolled into Rich Mc Farms near Pilot Mound, MB. The judges for the day were Lois McRae, MB; Darren Paget, AB and John Best, MB. MSA members and local cattlemen also had the opportunity to mark a judging card and win some great prizes. The day was topped off with a great wood fire pizza supper and a very successful fundraising auction for the Manitoba YCSA. Thank you to Rich Mc Farms for hosting, thank you to all the sponsors who made this event possible and thanks to all those who attended. It was a great day!

Down The Trail.............

December 10

Premium Picks Simmental Sale, Kenton, MB

December 11

Transcon’s Simmsational 47th Annual Simmental Sale, Moose Jaw, SK

December 12

OPT Bred For Success 2nd Annual Female Event, Darlingford, MB

December 13

McMillen Ranching Ltd. “Herdbuilder” Production Sale, Carievale, SK

Kathol Simmental Ranch Bull & Female Sale, Drayton Valley, AB

Transcon’s Season Wrap-Up Simmental Bull & Female Sale, Neepawa, MB

December 15

Border City 8th Annual Simmental Sale, Lloydminster, SK

Bonchuk Farms Female Production Sale, McAuley, MB

December 16

Opportunity Knocks Sale 5.0, Lanigan, SK

Southern Alberta Simmental Round Up 31st Annual Bull & Female Sale, Stavely, AB

December 17

Steppler Farms Female Sale, Miami, MB

December 18

MAVV Farms Bull & Female Sale, Okotoks, AB

December 20

Transcon’s Fleckvieh Equation Fullblood Simmental Sale/ Transcon’s Ultimate Red & Black XXVIII Simmental Sale, Red Deer, AB

December 20-22

Transcon’s National Trust- On Ice Online Sale

December 29

Friday Night Lights Simmental Sale, Olds, AB

December 31

New Years Resolution Sale, Calgary, AB

Manitoba Simmental Association Scholarship Recipient

Carly-Jo Carson grew up on a mixed farm operation located just south of Rossburn, Manitoba. Northern Light Simmentals is a family owned and operated farm that runs 250 head of purebred Simmental cattle with 1500 acres of grain land. Carly-Jo farms along with her dad Neil Carson, her mom Denise Trakalo, her brother Cody Carson and his Girlfriend Bobbi-Jo Foster.

Carly-Jo’s passion for the Simmental industry and the agriculture industry overall started at a very young age. As soon as she was old enough she was involved with her local 4-H club, doing volunteer work, public speeches, and of course showing at the annual 4-H club show. Being in 4-H taught her many important skills, but passed on the excitement of showing cattle. To this day she still attends as many shows as she can. Whether it’s behind the halter or in the stands, she’s excited to be there. Carly Jo has been apart of the Manitoba YCSA for a couple of years and has now taken a roll as the Director at Large for the first year.

Carly-Jo graduated from Lakeland College this summer with a Diploma in Crop Technology. She was also part of the Mixed Farm Team on the Student Managed Farm! She spent her summer working at Richardson Pioneer and then plans to attend Lakeland College for another few years to get her Bachelors of Agriculture Technology Degree.

The 18 th Annual Manitoba Youth Beef Round-Up was held August 1-3, 2025, at Stride Exhibition Place in Neepawa, Manitoba. This may be the best Manitoba Youth Beef Roundup ever held, with a record number of enthusiastic Junior cattle producers and largest number of cattle to date.

Over 109 youth and 122 head of cattle gathered for an educational and fun weekend. This event draws youth aged 6-25 from Saskatchewan and Manitoba. Committee members consist of: Co-Chairs Lois McRae, Jake Rawluk & Laura Horner; Dalyse Robertson, Ken & Kerri Hinsburg, Blair McRae, Rilla Hunter, Albert & Michelle Rimke, Megan Kemp, Lana Kraus, Mary-Jane Orr, Kara Thompson, Bobbi Jo Foster, Jolie Bootsman, Sadie McCauley and Gracie Falconer- Bertholet.

The success of this event is attributed to not only the teamwork of the committee members but also the hands-on assistance of parent volunteers, jumping in whenever and wherever necessary. Our judges for the weekend were Denver Bolton and Nolan Glover, Wawota along with Bevin Hamilton, Lakeland College.

Fridays events kicked off with the ever-popular Ag Challenge. Members are grouped into teams of all ages and 12 stations with life skills: example changing a grease gun, Artificial Insemination, hot wire fence making, cattle parts of the animal, relays etc. Educational workshops for Juniors and Pee Wee members on Showmanship and Grooming. Senior members were instructed on Marketing your product on the internet (Janelle Gulka) and how to take cattle photos (Laura Horner). Leadership workshop presented by Mary Jane-Orr and Jolie Bootsman for the Senior and Intermediate members ended off the day. Saturday began bright and early with judging workshops facilitated by our three cattle judges. Senior members were then required to judge heifers, steers, sheep, and filling out a judging card for each and providing oral reasons for the cattle, and sheep. Intermediates provided oral reasons for the heifer & sheep class and written reasons for the others. Juniors provided written reasons for all and oral reasons for the heifer class. Pee-wee members and new juniors were involved in a unique Cattle Camp where they learned how to judge in a more appropriate setting, as well as making & tying rope halters, parts of the meat cuts and boning legs. After lunch, members participated in Team Grooming, Team Judging, and Sales Talk. The evening concluded with group members competing in the cook-off, where each group was provided with a steak and was required to prepare a meal for two discerning judges & evaluation. Our judges were treated to feasts worthy of Kings & Queens! Steak Judges were Joan Airey and Ron McDonald from Manitoba Charolais, Gordon and Diane Peters, Liz from Neepawa Vet Clinic and Alice Rooke, Mazer Implements represented by Dave and Manitoba Beef Producers represented by Andre. Sunday is show day. It begins with showmanship and is followed by the conformation show, a parade of 4-H Champions, and the Supreme Show. The weekend concludes with awards and supper. A large crowd attended the weekend events. It was great to see 8 past Roundup participants that now their children are involved in the Roundup show.

An auction of unique items was held with funds from the Auction going towards the Scholarship Fund. Special thanks to our donators and buyers for supporting this program and helping raise $6,190. Special thanks to all our Sponsors and Volunteers who make this event possible. These skills are preparing our Livestock youth with lifelong skills and friendships in the Beef Industry. See you all next year at Manitoba Youth Beef Roundup 2026. View photos and results at www.mbyouthbeefroundup. weebly.com

INDIVIDUAL JUDGING DIVISION

ART DIVISION

Senior Champion- Cora Baker

Intermediate Champion- Brycen Frecon

Junior Champion- Emersyn Sissons

Pee Wee Champion- Bexley McIntosh

PHOTOGRAPHY DIVISION

GRAPHIC DESIGN DIVISION

Senior Champion-Keira Duguid

Intermediate Champion- Orla Duguid

Junior Champion- Reid Duguid

Pee Wee Champion- Paisley Baron

Senior Champion- Keira Duguid

Intermediate Champion- Kiera Boulton

Junior Champion- Emersyn Sissons

Pee Wee Champion- Bexley McIntosh SCRAPBOOK DIVISION

AG CHALLENGE

TEAM JUDGING & SALES TALK

YOUNG HANDLERS AWARD

Awarded to an individual who shows team work, sportsmanship and developed showmanship skills. 2025 Recipient- Blake Airey DIGGER AWARD

Awarded to an individual who is continiously working hard, helping others and overall having a good time throughout the weekend.

2025 Recipient- Tristin Rea SCHOLARSHIP

2025 Recipient- Carson Baker $1,500 HERDSMAN AWARD

SPONSORED BY GORDON & DIANE PETERS Sigaurdson/Veldhuis Stall- Brock Sigaurdson, Rhett Sigaurdson, Otto Veldhuis, Casper Veldhuis, Juliana Veldhuis

SHOWMANSHIP

ALL STAR TEAM

Kate Hinsburg, Kiera Boulton, Britton Canart, William Cuthill, McCoy Glasman

Senior Champion- Brock Sigurdson

Reserve Senior Champion- Otto Veldhuis

Intermediate Champion- Harley McCauley

Reserve Intermediate Champion- Bryler Franken Junior Champion- Brynn Steppler

Reserve Junior Champion- Brayden Steppler

Pee Wee Champion- Bexley McIntosh

Reserve Pee Wee Champion- Benson Bootsman

SIMMENTAL DIVISION

CHAMPION HEIFER CALF

KCH Soda Crush 508N, exhibited by Kate Hinsburg

RESERVE CHAMPION HEIFER CALF

Oakview Nala 43N, exhibited by Brooke Collins

CHAMPION YEARLING HEIFER

McIntosh Lulu 12M, exhibited by Brynn Steppler

RESERVE CHAMPION YEARLING HEIFER SRH Miss Dimension 3M, exhibited by Brock Sigurdson

CHAMPION 2 YEAR OLD WITH CALF AT SIDE

MRK Brave 311L and bull calf, exhibited by Bexley McIntosh

RESERVE CHAMPION 2 YEAR OLD WITH CALF AT SIDE Oakview Lola 220L and heifer calf, exhibited by Brooke Collins

CHAMPION MATURE FEMALE WITH CALF AT SIDE

CMS Cream Soda 50H and Heifer Calf, exhibited by Kate Hinsburg

RESERVE CHAMPION MATURE FEMALE WITH CALF AT SIDE

Triple T Kylie 316K and heifer calf, exhibited by Cooper Lafreniere

GRAND CHAMPION SIMMENTAL FEMALE

MRK Brave 311L & MRK Mr. McIntosh 503N, exhibited by Bexley McIntosh

RESERVE GRAND CHAMPION SIMMENTAL FEMALE

McIntosh Lulu 12M, exhibited by Brynn Steppler CHAMPION BULL CALF

Roc’N Nitro 3N, exhibited by Abby de Rocquigny

RESERVE CHAMPION BULL CALF

MRK Mr McIntosh 503N, exhibited by Bexley McIntosh

STEER DIVISION

CHAMPION FAT STEER

Cohen Canart with Fred RESERVE CHAMPION FAT STEER

Castleton Scott with CS Buckshot

COMMERCIAL DIVISION

CHAMPION COMMERCIAL BULL CALF

Jaylynn Lynch

RESERVE CHAMPION COMMERCIAL BULL CALF

Emily Murray

CHAMPION COMMERCIAL HEIFER CALF

Camryn Armstrong

RESERVE CHAMPION COMMERCIAL HEIFER CALF

Hanley Fehr

CHAMPION COMMERCIAL FEMALE BORN 2024

Camryn Armstrong

RESERVE CHAMPION COMMERCIAL FEMALE BORN

2024 Rhett Sigurdson

CHAMPION COMMERCIAL FEMALE BORN 2023 WITH CALF AT SIDE Camryn Armstrong

RESERVE CHAMPION COMMERCIAL FEMALE BORN

2023 WITH CALF AT SIDE Hanley Fehr

CHAMPION MATURE COMMERCIAL FEMALE BORN

WITH CALF AT SIDE Steina Vigfusson

CHAMPION COMMERCIAL FEMALE

Camryn Armstrong with Pair Loretta & Nova

RESERVE CHAMPION COMMERCIAL FEMALE

Camryn Armstrong with Miss Montie 57M

4-H PARADE OF CHAMPIONS

Brynn Steppler - Miami Club - McIntosh Lulu 12M

Isla Lussier - Mountain View Club - Trixie

Kate Hinsburg - Rapid City Club - KCH Malibu 401M

Brycen Frecen - Alida Club - RRW Kandy 409M

Chase Airey - Rivers Club - SVY Starstruck 437M

Rhett Sigurdson - Oakville Club - Daisey

Ivey Allen - Prairie Mountain Club - PBHR Taylor

Swift 18E 88M

Averi Jury - Neepawa Club - 5M Minnie

Sawyer Morrison - Treherne Club - Ellie Maria

Keirsten Davey - Portage Club - Twd Mabel 1M

Declynn Allum - Carnduff Club - Longview Blush 65M

SUPREME CHAMPION FEMALE

All 4-H Champion Yearling Heifers and Champion Females from the Angus, Charolais, Hereford, Commercial, Mixed Breed and Simmental divisions judged by Denver Bolton, Nolan Glover, Bevan Hamilton and Bert McDonald. Bexley McIntosh, Eriksdale, MB was awarded this honour with a beautiful RoundUp Belt Buckle for her Simmental pair, MRK Brave 311L and MRK Mr. McIntosh 503N.

GRAND AGGREGATE AWARDS

Bohrson Marketing Hires

We are thrilled to welcome Cayley Brown to the Bohrson Marketing Services team as our new Client Relations Coordinator!

Cayley is an intelligent, enthusiastic, and driven cattlewoman who is highly respected within the livestock industry. Her deep passion for agriculture, combined with her commitment to excellence, makes her an ideal fit for our company.

In her new role as Client Relations Coordinator, Cayley will focus on strengthening relationships with our valued clients, assisting with marketing initiatives, and ensuring that every customer interaction is handled with care, communication, and professionalism. Her energy and enthusiasm for helping others succeed will be a tremendous asset to our team and the producers we are fortunate to work alongside.

We are very excited to welcome Cayley to the Bohrson Marketing Services family and look forward to the many contributions she will bring to our team. Please join us in welcoming her to the team!

Board of Directors

Back row, left to right:- Mylia Richards, Keystone Simmental Representative; Neil Carson, Canadian Simmental Representative; Pat Wilcox, Director; Cade Cruickshanks, National YCSA Representative; Rene Rouire, Pembina Triangle Representative.

Front row, left to right: Myrna Schweitzer, Director; Melissa McRae, Director; Brooke Canart, President; Norbert de Rocquigny, 1st Vice President & 4-H Committee; Sandra Bridgen, Secretary/Treasurer.