Beef Business November 2023 by Saskatchewan Stock Growers Association

Beef Business ‘

Saskatchewan’s largest circulated industry magazine Saskatchewan`s Premiere Cattlecattle Industry Publication Saskatchewan's Premier Cattle Industry Publication November 2023

REAL ESTATE EDITION A Saskatchewan Stock Growers Association Publication Publication Mail Agreement #40011906

Working for Producers Locate A Dealer Online

8 Weeks Saves 8%

Pre-order your Baumalight generator now for delivery in 8 weeks and get an 8% discount

BAUMALIGHT.COM

Adair Sales & Marketing Company Inc. 306-773-0996 | info@adairreps.com

MORE FLEXIBILITY. LESS WASTE.

Need more flexibility in feedstuffs for your herd? Vermeer vertical mixers allow you to mix both high-quality and less than ideal feed into rations, which can help extend your hay supply. Vermeer Corporation reserves the right to make changes in engineering, design and specifications; add improvements; or discontinue manufacturing at any time without notice or obligation. Equipment shown is for illustrative purposes only and may display optional accessories or components specific to their global region. Please contact your local Vermeer dealer for more information on machine specifications. Vermeer and the Vermeer logo are trademarks of Vermeer Manufacturing Company in the U.S. and/or other countries. © 2022 Vermeer Corporation. All Rights Reserved.

“A Ducks Unlimited Canada conservation easement hits all cylinders for our beliefs in conservation and for how our operation runs, including soil health and grazing. It was also a huge financial boost for our operation!” – CHRIS AND JENNA HUBICK, STRASBOURG AREA RANCHERS AND DUC PROGRAM PARTNERS

DUC Conservation Easements (CEs) pay approximately 30% of current land values, and have no restrictions on haying or grazing*. Contact us to find out how our CEs and other farm-gate programs increase your bottom line and put money back in your pocket: Call 1-866-252-3825 or email du_regina@ducks.ca

Proud to be your conservation partner

ag.ducks.ca *Some conditions apply. Contact DUC for details.

TRACING BACK A

QUARTER

OF LIVESTOCK IDENTIFICATION

CENTURY

For Industry BY INDUSTRY

A lot has changed since the CCIA was founded 25 years ago, from our corporate logo to our new offices and National Distribution Centre in Calgary. But one thing hasn’t – our commitment to

delivering a world-class traceability and ID program that Canada’s livestock industry can be proud of. To learn more about our history and our role as a Responsible Administrator, visit canadaid.ca

Contents A Saskatchewan Stock Growers Association (SSGA) Publication

INDUSTRY NEWS 6

AgriRecovery Details Announced for Saskatchewan

2023 Canada-Saskatchewan Feed Program

Cows: Part of the Solution When it Comes to Climate

The Lake Diefenbaker Irrigation Project: Saskatchewan's Blue Gold

Status of the Bovine TB Investigation

A Day in the Life - A Survey for Cattle Producers

CFIA Invites Guidance on Plant-Derived Ingredients for Feed

MARKETS AND TRADE 20

Retail Meat Price Survey

Weekly Market Charts

Measuring Pastureland Value: Insights for Cow-Calf Producers

The Uncertain Future of Live Horse Export

The Future of Ag Machinery Is Probably Not Electric, Expert Says

SCIENCE AND PRODUCTION Active Missing Livestock Files

Clearing Brands

Managing Editor: Kori Maki-Adair Tel: 403-680-5239 Email: kmaa@shaw.ca Agri-business Advertising Sales: Diane Sawatzky Tel: 306-716-4271 Email: sales@skstockgrowers.com Livestock Advertising Sales: Stephanie Kot Tel: 306-861-4348 Email: livestocksales@skstockgrowers.com Subscriptions Box 4752, Evraz Place, Regina, SK S4P 3Y4 Tel: 306-757-8523 Fax: 306-569-8799 Email: office@skstockgrowers.com Subscription Rate: One year $26.50 (GST included) Published five times per year

FEATURES

General Manager: Chad MacPherson Box 4752, Evraz Place, Regina, SK S4P 3Y4 Tel: 306-757-8523 Fax: 306-569-8799 Email: gm@skstockgrowers.com Website: www.skstockgrowers.com

ASSOCIATION NEWS, REPORTS AND EVENTS 38

Beef Business Welcomes Stephanie Kot to Livestock Ad Sales

Global Youth Dialogue on Sustainable Livestock Transformation

SSGA President's Report

Design and Layout: Jackson Designs | Candace Schwartz Tel: 306-772-0376 Email: candace@jacksondesigns.ca Prairie Conservation Action Plan (PCAP) Manager: Carolyn Gaudet Box 4752, Evraz Place, Regina, SK S4P 3Y4 Tel: 306-352-0472 Fax: 306-569-8799 Email: pcap@sasktel.net SSGA reserves the right to refuse advertising and edit manuscripts. Contents of Beef Business may be reproduced with written permission obtained from SSGA's General Manager, and with proper credit given to Saskatchewan Stock Growers Association. Articles submitted may not be the opinion of SSGA. SSGA assumes no responsibility for any actions or decisions taken by any reader from this publication based on any and all information provided.

STEWARDSHIP 46

JPM Farms Earns Certified Angus Beef Award

Blossoming Biodiversity: Pollinators Thriving in Native Plant Gardens

10th Native Prairie Restoration/Reclamation Workshop

Learning from Experiences in US with Term Conservation Easements

BUSINESS 54

Calendar

Advertiser Index

Business Directory

Publications Mail Agreement #40011906 Return undeliverable Canadian addresses (covers only) to: Saskatchewan Stock Growers Association Box 4752, Evraz Place, Regina, SK S4P 3Y4

fb.com/skstockgrowers

@SK_StockGrowers

Cover photo courtesy of: Peggy Wiome, McLean, Saskatchewan

Contributors

you know that SSGA is Saskatchewan's ? Did oldest agricultural association?

• • • • •

Chad MacPherson Lexi Macza Kori Maki-Adair Jason Pollock Garth Woods

cycle This M a

Ple as

Shirley Bartz Garner Deobald Jeff Gaye Lindsay Graber Runft Tim Hammond Mindy Hockley

zin ga

• • • • • •

This magazine is printed on paper that is comprised of 50% recycled paper and 25% post-consumer waste. It is acid-free, elemental chlorine-free and is FSC certified

NOVEMBER 2023

www.skstockgrowers.com | ©BEEF BUSINESS | 5

INDUSTRY NEWS AgriRecovery Details Announced for Saskatchewan Saskatchewan Crop Insurance Corporation and Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada

On October 20th, Agriculture and AgriFood (AAFC) Minister Lawrence MacAulay and Saskatchewan Agriculture Minister David Marit announced details of Saskatchewan’s AgriRecovery Program, now referred to as the 2023 CanadaSaskatchewan Feed Program. Starting next week, producers can begin to submit applications to the Saskatchewan Crop Insurance Corporation (SCIC). “I’ve had the opportunity to meet with farmers and producers from across Western Canada and they’ve shared just how challenging this growing season has been for their operations,” said MacAulay. “With a federal investment of $219 million through AgriRecovery, we’re helping them recover so they can continue to feed Canada, and the world.” “The livestock sector is a significant contributor to our provincial economy,”

Marit said. “It is important we are there for producers through the current challenges. The program will provide some financial relief to livestock producers, helping them to maintain the breeding herd by providing funding to address extraordinary costs caused by the drought.” This program covers 70 per cent of extraordinary costs related to feed and freight, incurred after May 1, 2023, through to the application deadline of March 1, 2024. Program funding will provide eligible producers an initial payment up to $150 per head to help maintain the breeding herd in the drought regions. Based on available funding, additional payments will be issued to program participants.

Eligibility is area specific, guided by the Canadian Drought Monitor. Producers will need to submit their receipts or appropriate documents for the extraordinary expenses. Eligible extraordinary expenses include purchased feed, self-hauling or transportation costs for feed or breeding animals, and/or land rented for additional grazing acres or additional feed production. Eligible animal species include beef cattle and other grazing animals, limited to bison, elk, deer, sheep, goats and horses. This program is designed to help retain breeding stock. Breeding animals include females and males of the reproductive age of the species. A Saskatchewan Premises Identification (PID) is required to be eligible for the program.

MINERAL DEFICIENCIES? FESCUE TOXICITY? LOW CONCEPTION RATES?

LOW PROTEIN FORAGES? STRESSED CALVES AT WEANING? HORN FLIES OUT OF CONTROL? LOW WEANING WEIGHTS?

Supplement tubs designed with real-world situations in mind.

GRAZING CORN STALKS? POOR QUALITY STORED FORAGES? BACKGROUNDING HIGH RISK CALVES? DIFFERENT SPECIES IN ONE PASTURE? MOTHER COW SUPPORT? CONFINEMENT FEEDING?

newgensupplements.com/smartlic

(888) 571-3421

“Tub For That” Print Ad - Beef Business Saskatewan - Nov. 2023 - 7.625 x 4.875” (no bleed) - 4c 6 | ©BEEF BUSINESS | www.skstockgrowers.com NOVEMBER 2023

INDUSTRY NEWS The online application form will be available at scic.ca. This application process assists producers to determine if they have extraordinary expenses on their operation, including an Extraordinary Cost Assessment. The submitted application needs to indicate the number of breeding animals on hand, as of August 21, 2023, intended to be kept until January 31, 2024. On August 18, Saskatchewan’s Ministry of Agriculture announced the province has already committed up to $70 million to assist impacted producers. Federal cost-share funding for Saskatchewan’s AgriRecovery Program is up to $77 million. AgriRecovery is a federal-provincialterritorial disaster relief framework to help agricultural producers with the extraordinary costs associated with recovering from disaster situations. AgriRecovery initiatives are cost-shared on a 60:40 basis between the federal government and participating provinces or territories, as outlined under the Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership (Sustainable CAP).

“On behalf of Saskatchewan’s cattle industry, we thank the provincial and the federal governments for providing this much-needed funding for our producers who have been impacted by this drought,” Saskatchewan Cattlemen’s Association Chair Keith Day said. “We appreciate the provincial government’s recognition of the urgency of the situation, as was demonstrated through their funding announcement in August. While today’s announcement is later than we had hoped, it will be a help to many producers that have already and continue to incur extraordinary expenses to ensure the wellbeing of their herds.” “SARM appreciates this announcement,” Saskatchewan Association of Rural Municipalities President Ray Orb said. “These measures are needed as farmers and ranchers are dealing with significant challenges in Saskatchewan, we are

thankful for the contributions from both senior levels of government.” “We greatly appreciate this muchneeded provincial and federal support, as many producers continue to deal with consecutive years of drought,” Saskatchewan Stock Growers Association President Garner Deobald said. “Improved BRM programming will require highlycollaborative and forward-thinking industry-government teamwork—as ownership of risk is shared and response time is critical. Producers outside the eligibility areas are also hard-hit, so we are hoping there will be some flexibility for those operations in need too.” For more information, producers are invited to contact SCIC by toll-free phone at 1-844-723-1211 and email at skfp@scic.ca, or by visiting scic.ca/2023canada-saskatchewan-feed-program. B

This announcement is part of a larger disaster response totaling $365 million in federal-provincial cost-shared funding under the AgriRecovery Framework to help farmers and ranchers in British Columbia, Alberta and Saskatchewan with extraordinary costs due to this year’s extreme weather conditions. Producers already have access to a comprehensive suite of business risk management (BRM) programs that are the first line of defense for producers facing disasters, including AgriStability, AgriInsurance and AgriInvest. With joint funding from the federal government and provinces, these BRM programs provide protection against different types of income and production losses. The federal government also announced an initial list of designated regions in British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan and Manitoba where Livestock Tax Deferral has been authorized for 2023 due to extreme weather conditions.

NOVEMBER 2023

Livestock and Feed Extention Specialists Livestock and Feed Extension Specialists can help answer your questions regarding feed testing, feeding plans, using alternative feeds and more. Contact the Agriculture Knowledge Centre at 1-866-457-2377 to connect with your nearest specialist, or stop by your local regional office. saskatchewan.ca/agriculture

www.skstockgrowers.com | ©BEEF BUSINESS | 7

INDUSTRY NEWS 2023 Canada-Saskatchewan Feed Program Saskatchewan Crop Insurance Corporation (SCIC) welcomes Saskatchewan producers to apply for the 2023 Canada-Saskatchewan Feed Program (CSFP). Producers may: Access application forms • Online at www.scic.ca (for web and download-to-print application forms) OR • In-person at any SCIC office (for paper application forms) Submit application forms • Online at www.scic.ca, • By email at skfp@scic.ca, OR • In-person at any SCIC office. This program covers 70 per cent of extraordinary costs related to feed and freight, incurred after May 1, 2023, through to the application deadline of March 1, 2024. Producers will need to submit their receipts or appropriate documents for extraordinary expenses, which include: • purchased feed,

• self-hauling or transportation costs for feed or breeding animals, and/or • land rented for additional grazing acres or additional feed production. Eligible animal species include beef cattle and other grazing animals, limited to bison, elk, deer, sheep, goats and horses. Producers must have lost a minimum of 25 feed days. This program is designed to help retain breeding stock, which includes females and males of the reproductive age of the species. A Saskatchewan Premises Identification (PID) is required to be eligible for the program.

FEDERAL-PROVINCIAL FUNDING Eligibility is area-specific driven by the federal government as a condition of the program. The map of eligibility is guided by the Canadian Drought Monitor D2 Drought Area. Under Federal-Provincial funding eligible producers will receive an initial payment of up to $150 per head. PROVINCIAL-ONLY FUNDING Saskatchewan recognizes the drought impact throughout the province and is committed to providing assistance to all producers experiencing extraordinary expenses.

This application process assists producers to determine if they have extraordinary expenses on their operation, including an Extraordinary Cost Assessment.

Provincial-only funded payments will not be limited by area-specific eligibility. Any producer experiencing extraordinary expenses due to drought, outside of the area of eligibility, are strongly encouraged to apply.

The submitted application needs to indicate the number of breeding animals on hand as of August 21, 2023, intended to be kept until January 31, 2024.

Under Provincial-only funding, eligible producers will receive an initial payment of up to $60 per head.

The deadline to submit applications is March 1, 2024

Did You Know? Last year, Saskatchewan exported a record $18.4 billion of agri-food products.

Prior to submitting an application, producers are encouraged to read the 2023 Canada-Saskatchewan Feed Program’s Terms and Conditions, which are posted with the Program User Guide, Online Application Form, and Printable Application Form at https://www.scic. ca/2023-canada-saskatchewan-feedprogram. For more information and one-on-one program guidance, please contact the Feed Program’s dedicated team by tollfree telephone at 1-844-723-1211 or by email at skfp@scic.ca.B

Thank-you

to the agricultural producers working hard to produce that high-quality food Saskatchewan is known for!

REFERENCE

Daryl Harrison • MLA for Cannington

Saskatchewan Crop Insurance Program 2023 Canada-Saskatchewan Feed Program https://www.scic.ca/2023-canadasaskatchewan-feed-program

(306) 443-4400 • canningtonconstituency@sasktel.net 20231023_Harrison_BeefBusiness.indd 1

8 | ©BEEF BUSINESS | www.skstockgrowers.com

2023-10-25 11:14:00 AM

NOVEMBER 2023

DAVE & TERRI RAJOTTE & Family

Dave: 306-736-8698 Ben: 306-495-7727 Carlin: 306-495-7292

dtrajotte@sasktel.net Box 36, Peebles, SK S0G 3V0

JOIN US AT OUR

ANNUAL FEMALE SALE

400

Bred Heifers

December 12, 2023 Peebles, Saskatchewan SALE MANAGED BY

CHRIS 306-220-5006 | SHANE 403-363-9973 | BEN 519-374-3335

WATCH FOR THE CATALOGUE

BUYAGRO.COM

INDUSTRY NEWS Cows: Part of the Solution When it Comes to Climate Kori Maki-Adair

With the goal of shedding light on how livestock can help reduce climate warming while also feeding the world, Beef Business Magazine connected with Jeff Simmons, Chief Executive Officer of Elanco Animal Health for his perspective.

planet. This is because of methane.

Beef Business: Please set the scene for our readers. With almost 35 years of experience in animal health and life sciences, how would you describe the current demand for Canadian beef and consumer preferences for it?

That’s why it’s beyond time to stop the blame game and start talking about the tangible solutions available to make a difference. We have to shift the conversation from cows as the culprit to cows as part of the solution when it comes to climate.

Jeff Simmons: I recently spoke at the Canadian Roundtable for Sustainable Beef annual meeting about the intersection between cattle and climate.

In cattle, the biggest source of methane is enteric from the rumen; however, reductions made with new innovations create permanent, absolute reduction.

Beef Business: What are the myths associated with livestock production in relation to climate change?

Jeff Simmons Chief Executive Officer Elanco Animal Health Jeff has 34 years of animal health and life sciences experience. As the president and CEO of Elanco Animal Health (NYSE: ELAN), Jeff guides the company toward a future where innovative products and knowledge improve the health of animals, people and the planet.

According to Canadian Cattle Association, compared to 30 years ago, Canadian beef uses 17 per cent less water, 24 per cent less land, and produces 15 per cent less green house gas emissions (GHGs).

Jeff Simmons: The number-one reason consumers avoid animal protein isn’t because of taste, cost or nutritional value—it’s all about perceived environmental impact.

Canadian dairy reduced their carbon footprint by 25 per cent between 1990 and 2020.

According to a study we conducted, climate neutral in one to two decades. one in 10 adults who avoid meat think They sit at the intersection of nourishing livestock operations create 75 to 100 the world and reducing climate warming. per cent of annual GHGs. One in 10 adults who avoid meat Beef Business: What That number is think livestock operations create measures can the actually about six 75 to 100 per cent of annual GHGs. Canadian livestock per cent. industry take to become That number is actually part of the solution about SIX PER CENT. When it comes to addressing climate to reducing change? climate warming, methane is the opportunity. It’s all about Jeff Simmons: It all starts with analytics. temperature. Methane lasts about a Measuring and predicting emissions from decade in the atmosphere, but it’s 25 cattle is key. times more potent than carbon dioxide at trapping heat—so, smaller reductions Elanco has developed a tool that identifies create greater impact on temperature. key drivers of an operation’s carbon footprint, providing producers with a Methane makes up 18 per cent of GHGs, baseline of their current stewardship globally. About one-third of methane efforts and facilitates continuous is linked to animals. With just a 20 to measurement through data and technical 30-per-cent reduction in enteric methane consulting. Today, this is a significant gap emissions, livestock can help reduce for farmers and ranchers at the individual climate warming, improve air quality and operation level. protect water quality.

As the original stewards of the land, Canadian producers are already considering sustainable practices in all that they do. Meat is in high demand—be it beef, pork or poultry—with global protein consumption expected to grow by 90 million metric tonnes within the next 10 years. Today we consume about 300 million metric tonnes, annually. If producers are going to meet the increased protein demand, they are going to need our help to give them better resources. Beef Business: Why is livestock production linked to climate change? Jeff Simmons: For years, livestock—cattle in particular—have been labelled as one of the leading causes of climate warming and a threat to the sustainability of our

You want impact? Beef and dairy can be

10 | ©BEEF BUSINESS | www.skstockgrowers.com

This established baseline and tracking of

NOVEMBER 2023

INDUSTRY NEWS progress is the first step to certification and monetization of carbon reduction. Measuring leads to monetization. Beef Business: What kind of investment from or incentives for producers could be required?

Impact starts with innovation. That starts with providing producers with innovative tools, such as feed additives like Rumensin and Experior, as well as new opportunities in our pipeline that can help improve their sustainability footprint.

Our current portfolio reduces cattle Jeff Simmons: The voluntary carbon emissions by 11 per cent, with a goal to market is expected to build and expand grow from two billion this innovative Beef and dairy can be dollars in 2020, to portfolio to reduce $10 to 40 billion cattle emissions by climate neutral by 2030.1 40 to 50 per cent. For in one to two decades. farmers that have Agricultural carbon existing sustainability credits today practices—such as comprise only about one per cent of all digesters—on their operation, this could carbon credits issued, but innovations help them reach climate neutrality. to reduce livestock enteric-methane emissions are poised to grow this We’ve also secured the exclusive U.S. market segment. licensing rights to develop, manufacture and commercialize Bovaer for beef This represents a crucial opportunity to provide farmers economic incentives for on-farm sustainability efforts and channel private finance toward much-needed climate solutions.

and dairy cattle, which is a first-in-class methane-reducing product for beef and dairy cattle approved in Europe, Brazil, Chile and Australia. Beef Business: Thank you for sharing your ideas on how the livestock industry can help to slow climate warming, Jeff. We all need to take action to reduce our impact on the environment. Your calculations show that our efforts can add up fast. B REFERENCE 1. Boston Consulting Group (BCG) The Voluntary Carbon Market Is Thriving https://www.bcg.com/publications/2023/ why-the-voluntary-carbon-market-isthriving

In addition, we need to look at a path for an inset livestock carbon credit market. Beef Business: How would this affect the whole value chain? Jeff Simmons: This approach creates reputational value for the entire value chain. An offsetting approach or selling credits outside of the value chain doesn’t allow farmers to get the recognition they deserve for these efforts. Beef Business: Do you think zeroemissions livestock operations are possible? If so, how could this be accomplished and how soon? Jeff Simmons: From changing feeding strategies and manure management to embracing renewable energy sources on livestock operations—the industry can build on its already environmentallysustainable practices by adopting new innovations. In fact, we see a path to climate neutral in the next decade; result—nourishing the world and reducing climate warming. NOVEMBER 2023

www.skstockgrowers.com | ©BEEF BUSINESS | 11

INDUSTRY NEWS The Lake Diefenbaker Irrigation Project: Saskatchewan's Blue Gold Kori Maki-Adair

Last week, I came across an article discussing a clade of Old World lizards that are found in a variety of natural habitats around the world—and they are distinctive, highly-specialized and noted for exhibiting considerable variability in their capacity to adapt to their diverse environments. There are more than 200 known species of this remarkable creature, which have evolved over millions of years to master their habitats. Though they are known for having a number of remarkable characteristics, two of their most impressive attributes may be their telescopic eyes that provide panoramic vision, and brains that can analyze more than one view at a time, which help them to identify potential threats in their surroundings. What are they? Chameleons! And, National Geographic’s description of them reminds me of ag producers.

Their etymology does too; in that, the English word chameleon comes from the Latin spelling chamaeleōn1, which is the result of compounding the Greek words khamai (on the ground)2 and léōn (lion)3: earth lions. Since the beginning of farming, we have relied on producers to do their professional best to feed their families, communities and the planet by assessing their resources and observing the natural world in order to plan, manage and grow food. And now, in the face of continued reports of the most severe drought in Southwestern Saskatchewan with low soil moisture, critically-low surface water supplies and persistent feed shortages4, the world must continue to rely on producers to grow our food.

Thankfully, to uphold that heavy responsibility, producers are transforming into a new species of chameleon—a climate warming type. They are concentrating on improving soil condition and enhancing water availability to bring about healthier and more profitable crops by choosing crop varieties with longer root systems; rotating crops; minimizing tillage; sowing cover crops; and planting trees as windbreak hedge. And since there is no way to predict if and when drought will develop, remain the same or improve, producers are investing in crop insurance and are eagerly awaiting the launch of Saskatchewan Stock Growers Association’s satellitebased forage insurance pilot in the new year (which is designed to provide more accurate and site-specific rainfall data for determining forage crop insurance claims across the Canadian Prairies, and lower premiums for insured producers). These are all great business management practices that show the future of agriculture holds promise despite warmer and dryer temperatures. What would finesse these efforts to help manage precipitation shortfalls in times of low precipitation and drought? Many agri-food specialists agree the answer to that question would be completing a province-wide irrigation infrastructure— like Alberta has done.

The Gardiner Dam on the South Saskatchewan River creates the 225-kilometre-long freshwater reservoir of Lake Diefenbaker with four pumping stations that siphon water into raised canals that rely on gravity for water flow.

12 | ©BEEF BUSINESS | www.skstockgrowers.com

Did you know, around 70 years ago, the Saskatchewan government launched a 500,000-acre irrigation development project in the semi-arid region of the Palliser Triangle, and stopped working on it in 1973 because it required 1) substantial public funding and 2) ag-industry investment in the necessary irrigation technology, which were unfeasible NOVEMBER 2023

INDUSTRY NEWS systems in three phases, which will add an estimated 460,000 to 500,000 acres of irrigable land in Saskatchewan. In addition to providing Saskatchewan ag producers with much-needed access to water, Mesly’s case study on this project also presents. Centre pivot with low-pressure drop hose sprinklers (Photo by Nicolas Mesly)

expectations at the time. I learned about this project by reading Irrigation: Saskatchewan's unfulfilled dream—a case study published in May 2023, authored by Nicolas Mesly for Canadian Agri-Food Policy Institute (CAPI)—which examines the potential impacts that water management and government investment can have on Prairie agriculture, national prosperity and global food security. Though only partially completed, this irrigation development project successfully formed the Gardiner Dam on the South Saskatchewan River, which created a 225-kilometre-long freshwater reservoir with four pumping stations that siphon water into raised canals that rely on gravity for water flow. That enormous reservoir is Lake Diefenbaker, and it supplies water to 60 per cent of Saskatchewan’s population; the potash mining, oil and gas, sport fishing and tourism industries; and a variety of ecosystems, national parks and farmers. As that project intended, the South Saskatchewan River replenishes Lake Diefenbaker with runoff from the Canadian Rocky Mountains through annual snowmelt shared with Alberta and Manitoba through an interprovincial agreement signed in 1969 (i.e., Master Agreement on Apportionment).5 To prepare for dry years, in the summer of 2020, Saskatchewan Premier Scott Moe announced a refreshed version of this project which includes an estimated $4 billion investment over 10 years to build 400 kilometres of canals, 1,400 kilometres of pipeline and 2,000 irrigation NOVEMBER 2023

PROJECT POSSIBILITIES Could boost: • Saskatchewan’s GNP by $40 to 80 billion over the next 50 years • Employment by creating an estimated 2,500 jobs during construction • Development of fresh vegetable market to reduce dependency on imports Could lower premiums for droughtrelated crop insurance Could attract frozen vegetable processing companies TO BE DETERMINED At the cost of $4 billion to Saskatchewan tax payers, is this project the best investment to transform the province's economy? Without a business risk management costsharing program in place, will producers be able to: • Purchase irrigation pivots (~$150,000 each) and pay for the electricity to operate them? • Maintain an irrigation system (i.e., canals, pipelines and energy to pump water from Lake Diefenbaker to their land)? When the reservoir’s water level is low (due to prolonged drought), how would water use and supply be adjusted among users? Though Saskatchewan Ministry of Agriculture has not released an official progress report on the three-phase Lake Diefenbaker irrigation expansion project since its inception, Water Security Agency Executive Director Clinton Molde publicly confirmed the project is well underway at the Irrigation Saskatchewan Conference in 2022.

Since this year’s Irrigation Saskatchewan Conference is scheduled for December in Saskatoon, please check these pages for a project update in the new year. B REFERENCES 1. Charlton T. Lewis and Charles Short A Latin Dictionary on Perseus Project http://www.perseus.tufts.edu/hopper/tex t?doc=Perseus:text:1999.04.0059:entry=ch amaeleon 2. Henry George Liddell, Robert Scott A Greek-English Lexicon http://www. perseus.tufts.edu/hopper/text?doc=Perse us:text:1999.04.0059:entry=chamaeleon 3. Henry George Liddell, Robert Scott A Greek-English Lexicon https://www.perseus.tufts.edu/hopper/te xt?doc=Perseus:text:1999.04.0057:entry= le/wn 4. Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada Current Drought Conditions https://agriculture.canada.ca/en/ agricultural-production/weather/ canadian-drought-monitor/currentdrought-conditions 5. The Canadian Agri-Food Policy Institute Irrigation: Saskatchewan’s Unfulfilled Dream by Distinguished Fellow Nicolas Mesly https://capi-icpa.ca/explore/resources/ irrigation-saskatchewans-unfulfilleddream/ National Geographic Animals, Photo Ark, Chameleons https://www.nationalgeographic.com/ animals/reptiles/facts/chameleons SaskAdapt Water & Drought https://www.parc.ca/saskadapt/ adaptation-options/theme-assessments/ water-drought.html Saskatchewan Ministry of Agriculture Saskatchewan Announces $4 Billion Irrigation Project at Lake Diefenbaker https://www.saskatchewan.ca/ government/news-and-media/2020/ july/02/irrigation-project

www.skstockgrowers.com | ©BEEF BUSINESS | 13

INDUSTRY NEWS Status of the Bovine TB Investigation On February 23, 2023, the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) notified Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) that a heifer exported from Saskatchewan in September 2022 had tested positive for bovine tuberculosis (TB), and was in a United States feedlot until its slaughter. CFIA utilized animal movement records to determine:

• The heifer’s herd of origin, which

they quarantined until testing could be completed.

• The heifer had not been on any other farm premises in Canada

• The heifer spent five months in

Contact herds (i.e., herds that shared a fence line or may have co-mingled with the infected herd)

• There is one contact herd, on which CFIA has started live animal testing and will continue through the fall.

Trace-in Herds (i.e., herds that provided animals to the infected herd)

• CFIA has completed live animal

testing and released one trace-in herd from quarantine.

• CFIA will complete live animal

testing on one trace-in herd after summer grazing ends.

a Canadian feedlot before being exported.

Trace-out Herds (i.e., herds that received animals from the infected herd)

• All of the Canadian feedlot contact

• CFIA has released two confirmed

animals were destined for slaughter.

In May 2023, CFIA tested all animals over the age of six months, and removed the reactor animals for slaughter and postmortem examination, which confirmed two cases on June 19. Investigation Status as of October 25, 2023 Infected Herd

• One infected herd has been

humanely depopulated and all testing is complete.

• There were 32 confirmed cases of bovine TB.

• The bovine TB strain found in the infected herd is consistent with the strain the USDA found in the infected heifer at the US feedlot; and it is not a close match to any strain previously reported in livestock or wildlife in North America.

Life Line Herds (i.e., herds traced from an infected animal in the infected herd)

• There is one life line herd, which CFIA lab tested and received negative culture results (i.e., for all the reactors), before they released the animals from quarantine.

trace-out herds from quarantine, based on negative results from lab testing to date.

• CFIA will complete live animal

testing on two confirmed trace-out herds after summer grazing ends.

• CFIA is continuing tracing work. As the investigation proceeds, CFIA will trace the movement of animals to and from the infected herd to identify and eliminate the source and any potential spread of the disease. B REFERENCE Canadian Food Inspection Agency

• Industry Notice - Detection of bovine tuberculosis in Saskatchewan https://inspection.canada.ca/animalhealth/terrestrial-animals/diseases/ reportable/bovine-tuberculosis/ saskatchewan-2023/detection/ eng/1687969580006/1687969846737

• Status of the bovine tuberculosis

investigation status as of October 25 https://inspection.canada.ca/animalhealth/terrestrial-animals/diseases/ reportable/bovine-tuberculosis/ saskatchewan-2023/status/ eng/1689254193235/1689254193704

• What to expect if your farm is part

14 | ©BEEF BUSINESS | www.skstockgrowers.com

of the investigation for bovine tuberculosis https://inspection.canada.ca/animalhealth/terrestrial-animals/diseases/ reportable/bovine-tuberculosis/ farm-under-investigation/ eng/1449456995596/1449456996360

Suspicion of Bovine TB When there is reason to suspect that a herd may be infected with bovine TB, CFIA takes actions to investigate and, when present, respond to eradicate the disease. While all investigation and response situations are different, the steps involved in a bovine TB investigation or response normally include the following: • quarantine • investigation • destruction and disposal • cleaning and disinfection • compensation • confidentiality It is important to note that the occurrence of bovine TB in Canada today is rare and hence the majority of investigations ultimately serve to rule out the presence of disease. This activity remains important to ensure prompt detection and eradication of the disease―to prevent its establishment and spread. - Canadian Food Inspection Agency NOVEMBER 2023

The Diamond K Cattle Co. Bred Heifers Sell

DECEMBER 11, 2023 • 2 PM Bircham Ranch, 8 miles south of Piapot, SK

sold

100% mers 2022, o

to r

t cus epea

These heifers are fully guaranteed and we deliver. A program designed to produce females to use with Charolais bulls.

• 130 Home Raised Heifers • 55 Red Simm X bred for February, exposed May 1 to June 14 to Charolais Bulls • 35 Red Simm X bred for February, exposed May 1 to June 14 to Simmental Bulls • 40 Red Simm X bred for March, exposed June 5 to July 20th to Red Angus Bulls We deliver, give us a call! 24 years of supplying bred heifers to the industry For more information on the 500 plus head in the sale, visit www.rocksolidbredheifer.com Videos will be online and the sale broadcast live on DLMS.ca & T.E.A.M.

Bryce & Dena Weiss Maple Creek, SK Phone: 306-662-2926 Cell: 306-662-8733

INDUSTRY NEWS A Day in the Life - A Survey for Cattle Producers With the goal of gathering a better understanding of how smart technologies are used in the cattle industry, and what new technologies can better support beef and bison operations in Saskatchewan, University of Saskatchewan is inviting cow/calf and forage operators to participate in a research study entitled: A Day in the Life. Objective: To classify different types of user groups of smart technology in the Cattle industry and understand the gaps between new technology and technology adoption. Purpose: The results will serve as a road map for technology developers and entrepreneurs. Estimated time to complete: 15-20 minutes Get involved by completing the survey at https://www. surveymonkey.ca/r/3MJ7MD9. University of Saskatchewan will post a summary of the survey results online in January 2024. B

Meet the new baler that’s already stolen the show with its winning combination of toughness and ease of use. Bank on the Hesston by Massey Ferguson® 1 Series round baler for dependable, long-lasting service, thanks to a heavy-duty design and build, capable of maintaining your desired bale density, even at higher speeds. Plus, features like innovative net loading and an optional hydraulic drop ﬂoor ease your workload during long days in the ﬁeld.

Visit www.masseyferguson.us and discover how the Hesston ® 1 Series round baler can turn your baling into a premier event.

ROLL OUT THE RED BALER. 16 | ©BEEF BUSINESS | www.skstockgrowers.com

2 S Plains Rd W Emerald Park, SK S4L 1C6

306-781-1077 www.nicksservice.com ©2023 AGCO Corporation. Massey Ferguson is a worldwide brand of AGCO Corporation. Hesston is a brand of AGCO. AGCO, Massey Ferguson and Hesston are trademarks of AGCO. All rights reserved.

NOVEMBER 2023

BECAUSE YOU CALL THE SHOTS FOR ALL THE RIGHT REASONS. Vetoquinol is a family-owned animal health company. Just like you, we are passionate about what we do. Our products are backed by years of experience dedicated to quality. Lydaxx® gets the job done. You call the shots because your feedlot is your family legacy. Switch to Vetoquinol. For all the right reasons.

www.vetoquinol.ca

Tulathromycin injection 100 mg/mL CONSULT YOUR VETERINARIAN

INDUSTRY NEWS CFIA Invites Guidance on Plant-Derived Ingredients for Feed Canadian Food Inspection Agency is leading a 60-day public consultation from September 27 to November 27, 2023, to seek comments on the proposed guidance document: How to determine when a plant-derived ingredient requires a feed pre-market assessment. This guidance is intended to provide clarity regarding plant-derived ingredients that require a pre-market assessment under the Feeds Regulations. The guidance also aims to elaborate on and describe the characteristics of a plant that could result in a novel feed ingredient.

Participate in two steps: 1.

Read the proposed guidance on how to determine when a plantderived ingredient requires a feed pre-market assessment at https:// inspection.canada.ca/about-cfia/ transparency/consultations-andengagement/feed-pre-marketassessment/eng/1669645134535/16 69645134910enge

Send an email with your ideas or comments to cfia.afp-paa.acia@ inspection.gc.ca B

WHAT’S COOKING AT CANADA BEEF? Learn about Canada Beef’s marketing activities at home and around the world, funded by your check-off dollars. Subscribe to Canada Beef Performs, Canada Beef’s monthly e-newsletter delivered directly to your inbox.

canadabeef.ca/canadabeefperforms

CBP_Sask-Stock-Growers_FINAL_7.625x4.875_2023.indd 1

18 | ©BEEF BUSINESS | www.skstockgrowers.com

2023-10-26 6:04 PM

NOVEMBER 2023

ON THE FARM: 12 miles North of Maidstone, SK | COMPLETE SALE INFO: www.biggullyfarm.com ALSO SELLING 15-20 REGISTERED HEREFORD COWS WITHOUT PAPERS

56 YEARS OF BREEDING HEREFORD CATTLE • WHAT WE OFFER TO OUR CUSTOMERS Hereford & Polled Hereford Bulls • Yearling & Two-Year Old Options • Genomic Enhanced EPD’s Carcass Ultrasound • Wintering/Delivery Included • Repeat Buyer/Volume/Cull Bull Discounts

LANCE & SHARI LEACHMAN biggullyfarm@gmail.com | Lance: (306) 903-7299 | Shari: (306) 903-7289

MARKETS AND TRADE RETAIL MEAT PRICE SURVEY as of October 31, 2023 ($/lb)

SUPERSTORE

SOBEYS

CO-OP

SAVE ON FOODS

5.95

6.44

6.45

Cross rib roast

11.40

9.42

Rib roast

Ground beef - lean

Outside round roast

11.89

Inside round roast

5.95 *

15.39

11.89

8.43

11.90

9.43

Ribeye steak

27.79

29.28

$ 19.86

27.79

Round steak

8.42

12.09

9.92

8.42

Sirloin steak

12.38

11.40

8.80

12.38

T-bone steak

25.81

$ 15.38

Tenderloin

41.21

33.75

41.21

*These items were unavailable at the time of data collection

JOIN THE SHELTER PProviding roviding iinnovative, nnovative, aaffordable ffordable aand nd ccompetitive ompetitive ffinancing inancing ooptions ptions ffor or SSaskatchewan askatchewan llivestock ivestock pproducers. roducers. S KLF iis sp leased tto o ooffer ffer tthe he SKLF pleased ffollowing ollowing pprograms: rograms:

I YOUNG YOUNG PRODUCER PRODUCER PROGRAM PROGRAM I FEEDER FEEDER BISON BISON FEEDERCATTLE CATTLE I I I FEEDER I BREEDER CATTLE BISON BREEDER BREEDER I CATTLE I BISON I BREEDER AVAILABLE TO 4-H PARTICIPANTS

AVAILABLE TO 4-H PARTICIPANTS

12 MONTHS 5% DEPOSIT

18 MONTHS 5% DEPOSIT

5 YEARS 1Oo/oDEPOSIT

6 YEARS 10% DEPOSIT

12 MONTHS | 5% DEPOSIT

5 YEARS | 10% DEPOSIT

18 MONTHS | 5% DEPOSIT

s as Rate s low a e Prim % + 0.5

6 YEARS | 10% DEPOSIT

Visit us at SKLIVESTOCKFINANCE.CA o r call (306) 775-COWS (2697)

Visit us at SKLIVESTOCKFINANCE.CA or call (306) 775-COWS (2697)

20 | ©BEEF BUSINESS | www.skstockgrowers.com

NOVEMBER 2023

EIGHTY Red & Black Purebred Simmental Bred Heifers

FORTY Registered Red & Black Angus Bred Heifers

PLUS

SIXTY

Registered Simm/ Angus March Calving Bred Heifers

Lee: (306) 928-4820 C: (306) 483-8067 Dave: C: (306) 483-8660 Jim: (306) 928-4636 C: (306) 483-7986 Sale Barn: (306) 928-2011 F: (306) 928-2027 E: mrl@sasktel.net W W W. M R L RA N C H . C O M

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 19, 2023 | AT THE RANCH, CARIEVALE, SK For 2023, every single bred heifer will sell. 55 years in the seedstock business of multiplying our top cow families. For the first time in our ranch’s history the untouchable will be offered for sale out of our most elite herdbull raising cow families. A one time buying opportunity for 2023!

MARKETS AND TRADE For more information visit www.canfax.ca

SK Weekly Average Price Heifers 500-600 lbs 2023

315.00

2022

265.00

2021

215.00

400.00 Price per hundred weight

215.00 2022

195.00 175.00

2021

155.00

Price per hundred weight

2023

2021 250.00

Source: CanFax

2023 2022 2021

Weekly Canadian Dollar Weekly Canadian Dollar

0.81

Source: CanFax

Alberta Weekly D1 & D2 Cows

160 150 140 130 120 110 100 90 80 70 60

Wk 1 Wk 4 Wk 7 Wk 10 Wk 13 Wk 16 Wk 19 Wk 22 Wk 25 Wk 28 Wk 31 Wk 34 Wk 37 Wk 40 Wk 43 Wk 46 Wk 49 Wk 52

135.00

Source: CanFax Source: CanFax

Lethbridge Barley Price 490.00

0.80

2023

440.00

2022

0.78 0.77

5 yr avg 20182022

0.76 0.75 0.74

Price per tonne

0.79

CDN $ - US terms

300.00

200.00

235.00

2022

390.00

2021

340.00

2020

290.00 240.00

0.73

Wk 52

Wk 49

Wk 46

Wk 43

Wk 40

Wk 37

Wk 34

Wk 31

Wk 28

Wk 25

Wk 22

Wk 19

Wk 16

Wk 13

Wk 10

Wk 7

Wk 4

190.00 Wk 1

0.72

2022

Source: CanFax

AB Fed Steer Prices

255.00

350.00

Wk 1 Wk 4 Wk 7 Wk 10 Wk 13 Wk 16 Wk 19 Wk 22 Wk 25 Wk 28 Wk 31 Wk 34 Wk 37 Wk 40 Wk 43 Wk 46 Wk 49 Wk 52

165.00

2023

Source: Bank of Canada

22 | ©BEEF BUSINESS | www.skstockgrowers.com

Wk 1 Wk 4 Wk 7 Wk 10 Wk 13 Wk 16 Wk 19 Wk 22 Wk 25 Wk 28 Wk 31 Wk 34 Wk 37 Wk 40 Wk 43 Wk 46 Wk 49 Wk 52

Price per hundred weight

365.00

SK Weekly Average Price Steers 500-600 lbs

Source: CanFax

NOVEMBER 2023

It pays to be sustainable The Sustainability Incentive Program rewards eligible FCC customers who are Canadian Roundtable for Sustainable Beef (CRSB) Certified. Not CRSB Certified yet? With cash incentives, there’s never been a better time for beef producers to get started.

Learn more at fcc.ca/SustainabilityPrograms

FEATURE Measuring Pastureland Value: Insights for Cow-Calf Producers Tim Hammond

real estate broker and business owner, I have had the privilege of learning from seasoned experts in the industry. These individuals possess a profound understanding of the livestock industry’s intricacies, which allows them to make informed decisions with ease.

Tim Hammond, PAg Founder, Chief Executive Officer and Broker Hammond Realty Tim is Hammond Realty's founder, chief executive officer and broker. He focuses his energy and efforts on operations, supporting Hammond Realty's ag experts and business development. Tim grew up on a third-generation grain farm southwest of Biggar, Saskatchewan, where his family continues to farm today. Tim has a Bachelor of Science in Agriculture from University of Saskatchewan with a major in economics and a minor in soils, and 11 years of experience working with Farm Credit Canada. Tim is a long-time member of the Saskatchewan Institute of Agrologists and holds his Professional Agrologist designation. Agriculture is in his blood. In the world of livestock farming, the ability to understand and analyze industry metrics is a valuable skill. As a farmland

Inspired by their knowledge, I have embarked on a journey to quantify the value of pastureland based on its productivity. While many discussions revolve around pastureland sales in terms of dollars per acre or multiples of assessment, these metrics fail to capture the true essence of productive capacity or value. Three Key Metrics for Cow-Calf Producers 1. Pasture Carrying Capacity One of the most common questions from prospective buyers inquiring about pasture listings is: “How many cow-calf pairs can it support?” This query makes perfect sense, as it provides insight into potential revenue generation from the pastureland and its scope for improvement. In Saskatchewan, the grazing period is typically 150 to 180 days, but in other areas of the country, it can be longer. Carrying capacity is not a fixed number, but varies depending on several factors. Soil quality, vegetation type, climate and management practices all play a role in determining how many cow-calf pairs a pasture can support. Soil fertility and moisture levels directly affect forage growth, while rotational grazing and weed control can significantly enhance carrying capacity. Understanding these variables and optimizing them can lead to sustainable increases in productivity.

24 | ©BEEF BUSINESS | www.skstockgrowers.com

It is a good business practice to keep detailed and accurate grazing records. A potential buyer will trust what you state is the carrying capacity, but will want to verify it. If your pasture can carry above what the area average is, providing proof will help justify to the buyer that a premium is warranted. 2. The $10,000 per Cow-Calf Pair Benchmark Similar to evaluating grain farmland, pastureland can be assessed based on its productive capacity. A crucial metric in this evaluation is the dollar amount per cow-calf pair that livestock producers are willing to invest in pastureland, considering its sustainable grazing capacity. Currently, the Saskatchewan pastureland market hovers between $9,000 and $11,000 per pair, with a general guideline of $10,000 per pair for well-sized, economically-viable pastures. For example, if a section of native pasture will support grazing 50 cow-calf pairs annually in a sustainable manner, the value of that section of pasture will be in the range of $500,000 (i.e., 50 cow-calf pairs multiplied by $10,000 per cow-calf pair = $500,000 or $125,000 per quarter). Over the past seven to eight years, we have observed this benchmark increase from $5,000 to $10,000. Essentially, pastureland has doubled in value over that time frame. Unlike grain farmland where profits have surged, demand has skyrocketed, and the amount of available land for sale has plunged, the demand and supply of pastureland in Saskatchewan has been much more balanced. The rapid rise in grain farmland prices has likely boosted the desirability of continued on page 26

NOVEMBER 2023

“ Jamie King Creekside Ranch, Bridgeford, SK

Markets are volatile, and all our inputs are costing more. Livestock Price Insurance costs us money, too—but with all the uncertainty in the world, having that floor price and the peace of mind it brings makes all the difference. I can’t imagine running this generational ranch and dealing with that kind of uncertainty year after year.

”

To learn more, visit SCIC.ca/LPI

FEATURE Cow-alf Insights cont. from pg. 24 pastureland as an asset class. The increase in pastureland values has not been as revenue or profit-driven as it has been with grain farmland.

such expenditures could enhance their pastureland’s productive capacity. It also informs diversification strategies, aiding producers in exploring other ventures if current metrics predict unfavourable future returns for cattle.

Although market value is certainly influenced by local conditions, we find this benchmark tends to be applicable anywhere in the province. The economics of grazing pastureland is not as variable as it is with grain farming where numerous crop rotations and different commodity prices over multiple years factor into value.

Additionally, this valuation is instrumental in securing loans, as it provides financial institutions with tangible data on an operation’s potential profitability.

Understanding the dollar per cowcalf metric is important for long-term decisions in livestock production. It serves as a reliable benchmark for assessing the value and potential return on investment during pastureland acquisition or sale. This metric guides capital investments by helping producers evaluate whether

Finally, it plays a significant role in succession planning, offering a definitive overview of a farm’s value and productivity for transparent, equitable generational transitions. 3. The Capacity of a Commercial Cattle Liner You might wonder what the size of a cattle liner has to do with pastureland value. Surprisingly, it is quite relevant. A commercial-sized cattle liner represents the most efficient and cost-effective means of transporting cattle to pasture.

Castration Made Easy!

Lynn Locatelli, DVM

Contact your local animal 800-858-5974 health distributor CallicrateBanders.com or contact:

26 | ©BEEF BUSINESS | www.skstockgrowers.com

Producers prefer moving 50 cows at a time for efficiency. Pasture blocks supporting fewer than 50 cow-calf units are considered less efficient and less attractive, leading to a lower value per cow-calf unit. In an industry where the number of producers is shrinking, there might not be enough demand locally to facilitate a sale. It is important to be able to attract livestock producers from outside the local area to maximize value—and that means understanding their economics, if they are going to travel to get to your pasture.

Efficiency in cattle transport is a matter of convenience and economics. Producers strive to minimize costs wherever possible, and hauling fewer cattle in smaller liners over longer distances can be less cost-effective. Therefore, pasture blocks that support larger herds become more desirable due to their efficiency. Typically, the $10,000-per-pair value does not apply to smaller or inefficient pastures. However, if a neighbour has adjoining pasture and can utilize the seller’s pasture more efficiently than anyone else, it can be worth $10,000 per cow-calf pair to them. However, the neighbour usually knows if they do not buy it, it is not worth as much to a third party travelling to get to it. Both parties are right, and if they want a deal, they must explore a price in the zone of potential agreement (ZOPA), which is typically $8,000 to $9,000 per cow-calf pair. Optimizing Pasture Size To maximize value per pair, optimal pasture sizes tend to gravitate to increments of 50 cow-calf pairs, the same size as a cattle liner. A pastureland owner can expect to obtain maximum value per pair for pastures that carry 50, 100, 150, 200, 250 and 300 pairs. Like grain farms, the larger the block, the higher the value per unit. However, there is a diminishing marginal return to this concept. We find value tends to maxout at 300 pairs, which is arguably the economic size of a cow-calf operation. It is interesting how the metrics align and tie together. If your pasture does not support 50 pairs, is there a way package it with the neighbour’s land so it does? Individually, neither pasture will support 50 pairs, but together they do. Selling together will maximize what you can both achieve in terms of dollars per pair. The same concept can be applied to acquisitions. If you can purchase adjoining pasture for $8,000 per pair,

NOVEMBER 2023

FEATURE Water Management: Developing watering points and improving water infrastructure can keep cattle where you want them, which help pastures remain productive, even in times of drought.

and it increases your total capacity to 50 pairs, you can expect the value of the entire pasture to increase to $10,000 per pair. Sometimes, it makes sense to purchase before you sell.

Government programs, like the Farm and Ranch Water Infrastructure Program, offer financial assistance for such projects.

Ways to Enhance Pastureland Value As pastureland values continue to rise, livestock producers have a vested interest in maximizing carrying capacity to boost profitability, and the value of their pastureland. Several practical strategies can help. Rotational Grazing: Divide pastures into sections and rotate livestock, which allows grasses to recover while promoting plant health and soil fertility. Rotational grazing is not just about moving cattle; it is an holistic approach to pasture management. By dividing pastures into smaller sections and rotating cattle through them, producers can optimize forage utilization and promote healthy re-growth. This method not only increases carrying capacity but

also enhances soil health by reducing compaction and nutrient distribution. Grass Improvement: Rejuvenate arable acres with high-quality forage species, conduct soil testing, and apply appropriate fertilization to enhance forage production. By introducing drought-resistant forage species and optimizing soil fertility, producers can increase the quantity and quality of available pasture. This enhances carrying capacity and also provides better nutrition for livestock.

Weed Control: Proactive management of invasive species safeguards and promotes nutritious forage growth. SUMMARY Measuring pastureland value requires a multifaceted approach, considering both the land’s inherent qualities and its operational efficiencies. By understanding and leveraging these key metrics and enhancement strategies, Saskatchewan cow-calf producers can make informed decisions that foster long-term productivity and profitability. B

Wade Berlinic

Kevin Jarrett

Alex Morrow

Rosetown, SK

East Central, North East

Saskatoon, SK

South East, East Central

(306) 831-9214

(306) 641-4667

(306) 441-4152

(306) 434-8780

Tim Hammond

Dave Molberg

Dallas Pike

For the most current pasture listings, please visit our website.

Grant Anderson

Saskatoon, SK

Biggar, SK

(306) 948-5052

(306) 948-4478

Regina/Swift Current, SK

(306) 500-1407

Saskatchewan’s Ag Real Estate Professionals NOVEMBER 2023

www.skstockgrowers.com | ©BEEF BUSINESS | 27

FEATURE The Uncertain Future of Live Horse Export Kori Maki-Adair

This is a controversial topic, so let’s examine the facts. Consumers in Canada, Europe, Asia and South America eat horse meat. Canada has a domestic market for, and exports, horse meat that is processed by facilities that are licensed and inspected by Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA), under the Safe Food for Canadians Regulations, which are the same regulations and services that apply to all livestock in the food system. Canada also exports live horses bred for the agri-food system in Japan and other countries, which fatten them before slaughter to provide their consumers with fresh horse meat. Though Canada’s livestock value chain supplies Canadian consumers and many other countries with live cattle, bison, sheep, pigs and poultry through export— some Canadians are opposed to live horse export. While some of the opposition is based on the ethics of eating horse meat, and some is based on animal health and welfare issues, it is important that conversations regarding live horse export are based on accurate information. A lot has happened on this issue over the past two years. From February 18 to December 16, 2021, Canadian Horse Defence Coalition launched federal petition e-3187 to end air export of live horses due to animal welfare concerns; BC SPCA sent the federal government a letter calling for action on the petition; and MP Nathaniel ErskineSmith presented the petition to the House of Commons with 77,684 signatures. And, although Parliament dissolved in August 2021 before tabling a response to it, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau issued a Ministerial Mandate Letter to then agriculture minister Marie-Claude

Bibeau, assigning the task of banning the live export of horses for slaughter in December 2021. Almost one year later, on November 9, 2022, Canadian recording artist, writer and actress Jann Arden launched federal petition e-4190, which MP Alistair MacGregor presented to the House of Commons in February 2023 with 36,175 signatures. Aligning with the ag minister’s mandate letter, Parliament tabled a response to e-4190 six weeks later, indicating:

horses)]3, which underwent its first reading June 21, 2023; and Liberal MP (KitchenerConestoga) Tim Louis sponsored Private Member’s Bill C-355 [An Act to prohibit the export by air of horses for slaughter and to make related amendments to certain Acts]4, which underwent its first reading September 19, 2023. Though there are seven steps for a bill to become a law, if bill S-270 and C-355 are passed by the House of Commons and Senate, and approved by the Governor General, they will become law after 18 months.

. . . the Government is currently exploring the legal and policy framework for a ban on live horse exports for slaughter. This complex issue touches on a number of key considerations, including legal obligations, international trade commitments and relations, acts and regulations involving animals more broadly, and mechanisms for implementation and enforcement. The Government is performing its due diligence to minimize potential unintended consequences related to any changes in policies or laws, taking into account such issues as the risks to international trade commitments, impacts on producers’ livelihoods, and interaction with any existing laws or regulations. This includes economic and legal analysis, as well as conducting an international scan and examining approaches in other jurisdictions . . . We remain engaged in working diligently to implement the mandate letter commitment to ban the live export of horses for slaughter.1 The results of the government's due diligence process will inform the Honourable Lawrence MacAulay, whom was reappointed to ag minister in July. In the meantime, due to continued concerns with animal welfare issues, Senator Pierre J. Dalphond sponsored Senate Public Bill S-270 [An Act to amend the Health of Animals Act and the Agriculture and Agri-Food Administrative Monetary Penalties Regulations (live

28 | ©BEEF BUSINESS | www.skstockgrowers.com

Though several industry and government stakeholders are choosing to reserve comment on the matter right now, Jennifer Woods agreed to go on record. NOVEMBER 2023

FEATURE

Under CFIA’s supervision, transporters move horses up a ramp into the transport crates

Woods is an Alberta-based animal welfare specialist that has been conducting animal welfare audits at Canadian horse feedlots, processing plants, transport trucks and airports for live horse shipments headed to Japan and other countries, to ensure they meet Canadian standards—since 2017. Woods has also performed animal welfare audits at horse feedlots and processing plants in Japan. “The treatment and handling of livestock is protected by provincial and federal regulations set out by CFIA’s Health of Animals Act,” she said. “CFIA vet inspectors are present for each air shipment to ensure the horses are fit to travel and will be transported humanely.” Woods works alongside CFIA at airports at loading time to ensure those horses are transported in accordance with Canadian animal welfare standards. Woods confirms transporters at airports are complying with Canadian regulations and said, “The animal welfare audits performed at the airports at time of shipping have more than 45 standards that are assessed for compliance.” Ensuring Humane Transport According to a CFIA fact sheet online, to confirm horses meet pre-export conditions, CFIA vet inspectors collect NOVEMBER 2023

blood samples for lab testing, and exporters assess the animals and remove any they feel are not fit for transport. The horses have full access to feed and water until they are loaded for transport, which is usually no more than a two to three hour drive from the departure airport. Woods states that under the supervision of CFIA, transporters move horses up a ramp into the transport crates utilizing low-stress, livestockhandling techniques and acceptable handling tools such as pool noodles, sort sticks or flags. Once the horses are in the shipping containers, CFIA conducts a visual inspection to confirm the horses can stand in their preferred position without being in contact with the container and that the horses are not overcrowded. Woods says one of the most common concerns expressed in regard to the shipping of the horses is that they are overcrowded in the containers and that, “Per the International Air Transportation Association (IATA), loose hauled equine (1,541 to 1,760 pounds) are required to have 18.62 square feet of floor space.

“The export horses in this weight range are transported three to a container and have 22.85 square feet, exceeding the required amount. For horses 1,321 to 1,540 pounds, which are transported four to a container, IATA requires 16.25 square feet, with the export horses provide 17.14 square feet, also in excess of the required amount.” CFIA’s online fact sheet also indicates that before takeoff occurs, CFIA inspectors verify that no horses are down or showing signs of distress, which would make the animals unfit for air transport. CFIA reviews each transporter’s travel plans to ensure travel time does not exceed 28 hours—which is the same requirement for all equine, porcine and poultry being transported (NOTE: cattle, bison, sheep, goats, etc., cannot exceed 36 hours). Woods indicates for horses flying out of Edmonton, the total time in transit (i.e., from when the horses step onto the trailer at the feedlot until the horses arrive at the quarantine facilities in Japan), is approximately 23 hours—which includes an average flight time of 11.5 hours and a continued on page 30

www.skstockgrowers.com | ©BEEF BUSINESS | 29

FEATURE Live Horse Export cont. from pg. 29 stop to refuel in Alaska. For horses flying out of Winnipeg, the total time in transit is approximately 26.5 hours. Upon arrival in Japan, Japanese authorities manage the animal health and welfare of horses, which involves off-loading the horses immediately upon arrival to quarantine stations in order for the animals to resume feed, water and rest. Woods also said that veterinarians inspect and monitor the horses during their time in quarantine and upon delivery to the feedlots.

included in the Prime Minister’s Ministerial Mandate Letter to the ag minister. We ensure transporters are in compliance with the regulations. They have passed animal welfare audits and they are not doing anything wrong,” she added. Woods theorizes that anti-live-horseexport petitioners have an issue with the end use of the horse and are likely ignorant of the rigor of the inspection process, which ensures humane conditions during air transport. She said, “An animal’s end use should not be what is used to define their welfare during life.”

“I speak from experience when I say that exporters are meeting and exceeding Canada’s animal welfare standards for transport, which provide the same protections for all animals in this country—regardless of their end use,” declared Woods. “There is no basis for the ban to be

The Possible Impact on Other Parties If animal welfare is the concern, Woods wonders why the mandated ban does not include all the other animals that Canada transports/exports by air every day, including: sporting horses, breeding horses, zoo animals, pigs, cattle, sheep and pets.

We’ve got the property you’ve been looking for! SCENIC CROP FARM & RANCH ID#1102318 • BIG BEAVER, SK

TROPHY HUNT RANCH

ID#1102295 • SASKATCHEWAN

PAUL CORBIERE

780.853.7858

2,860.44 ACRES

477.3 ACRES 18.56 ACRES $3,990,000

Scenic crop farm and ranch all in one block 895 acres of cul�vated land, poten�al for more Good water supply for livestock Scenic area with lots of wildlife, good hun�ng RIA 192 km south of Regina, next to the USA border BRAAKSMA

Elite trophy game ranch with a hunter’s haven Produc�on facility for raising big game Quality lodging , scenic views & great topography Heated shop with sleeping quarters for staﬀ GORD Separate home quarter, paddocks, corrals and waterers KOZROSKI Turnkey business with owner willing to train MLS® FARMREALESTATE.COM 306.672.7463

152.05 ACRES $4,350,000

MLS® FARMREALESTATE.COM

780.446.3006

GREAT LOCATION DAIRY

WELL DIVERSIFIED CATTLE & CROP OPERATION ID#1102286 • FOX VALLEY, SK

ID#1102340 • OSLER, SK

RIA BRAAKSMA

2551 ACRES

780.446.3006

$6,998,000 Fully integrated farm & business opportunity 1,457 cult. (SAMA) acres and balance in grass 250 cow/calf pairs and surface lease revenue 2017 home with meat processing building PAUL Heated shop, quonset, barn & 2 more homes CORBIERE MLS® FARMREALESTATE.COM

780.853.7858

234 ACRES 656.24 ACRES $3,290,000 Well located dairy with 5 year old barn Two De Laval robots, feed room, & 3000 gal tank City water & well water, quonset and shop 5 Bedroom home with a�ached double garage CHRIS VEENENDAAL Can be bought with quota & 65 cows EXCLUSIVE FARMREALESTATE.COM 403.849.8211

FarmRealEstate

.com

SERVING YOUR AGRICULTURAL REAL ESTATE NEEDS IN ALBERTA & SASKATCHEWAN

1.866.345.3414• FARMREALESTATE.COM 30 | ©BEEF BUSINESS | www.skstockgrowers.com

She says it seems to be “the only animals they believe experience poor welfare are the horses exported for meat.” Considering that Statistics Canada (census data from May 2021) indicates there were 183,733 head of horses in Canada’s livestock sector, be they intended for domestic or export markets, a federal ban on live horse export could have seriously negative implications on a range of Canadian livestock operations—such as breeders, feedlots and exporters—which could also affect the domestic market of horse meat, since some exporters are also packers.

“We know what is happening in the economy right now. The ag industry is facing rising fuel, land and feed prices on top of an unprecedented, multi-year drought and extensive wildfires across the country. Livestock operators are more challenged than ever with the cost of wintering their herds. Private horse owners are also feeling the strain; and some are even resorting to surrendering their animals to shelters, or abandoning them at auction markets or in pastures with feral herds where they may eventually starve and die,” Woods said. On a personal note, Woods and her spouse recently made the difficult decision to euthanize one of their family’s horses. She said, “We recently had to make the decision to euthanize one of our horses that was geriatric and was struggling to keep weight on going into winter. In Alberta, we have a service that will come out and euthanize your horse by gunshot and then either take them away for disposal or cremate them. “The service was a good option for us, but it was also expensive and not everyone can afford the services. End of life decisions not only have to be humane, but also economically feasible for the owners. Meat plants provide a humane and economical option for horse owners from all aspects of the industry.” Woods is hoping Parliament’s due diligence on bill S-270 and C-355 include investigations and conversations around what to do with approximately 13,000 draft horses that were bred for the export market. She made clear her dedication to animal welfare when she said, “There will be no place to go. I’m not sure how easily Canada’s current slaughter capacity could even accommodate them. Do MP Louis and Senator Alphond understand this? Are they okay that these horses will enter the domestic slaughter market? Is the Canadian Horse Defense Coalition going to support this as the only way to liquidate the herds? What are they proposing happens to the horses that cannot be

NOVEMBER 2023

FEATURE accommodate by Canadian slaughter plants?” Before concluding the interview, Woods shared one more thought. “As an animal welfare specialist in Canada and former producer, I am part of the agri-food industry that raises livestock to provide a source of protein to people that want to eat it for a long time. A lot of people are concerned about the future of their family business, their livelihood and the risk posed to our autonomy as an industry. This is not just a concern for the exporters, if activists are able to get a mandate to ban horse export so easily, then the rest of the livestock industry should be concerned.”B

• The Regulatory Role of Canadian Food Inspection Agency in the Humane Transport of Live Horses to Japan https://inspection.canada.ca/DAM/ DAM-animals-animaux/STAGING/texttexte/hamane_transport_live_horse_ to_japan_1614377884167_eng.pdf

Office of the Prime Minister Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food Mandate Letter dated December 16, 2021 https://www.pm.gc.ca/en/mandateletters/2021/12/16/minister-agriculture-

and-agri-food-mandate-letter Statistics Canada Livestock in Canada https://agriculture.canada.ca/en/ sector/animal-industry/canadian-dairyinformation-centre/publications/statisticscanadas-animal-genetics/livestock-canada The views and opinions expressed in this article do not necessarily reflect those of Saskatchewan Stock Growers Association.

REFERENCE: 1. House of Commons Petition e-4190 (Animals) https://petitions.ourcommons.ca/en/ Petition/Details?Petition=e-4190 2. Citizenship Counts Discover Canada Study Guide https://www.citizenshipcounts.ca/guide/ government2/how-a-bill-becomes-law 3. Parliament of Canada S-270 44th Parliament, 1st session https://www.parl.ca/legisinfo/en/bill/441/s-270 4. Parliament of Canada C-355 44th Parliament, 1st session https://www.parl.ca/legisinfo/en/bill/441/c-355 BC SPCA Speaking for Animals: Live Horse Export https://spca.bc.ca/ways-to-help/takeaction/farm-animals/live-horse-export/ Canadian Food Inspection Agency

• Live horse exports to Japan

https://inspection.canada.ca/ animal-health/terrestrial-animals/ humane-transport/horses/ exports-of-horse-to-japan/ eng/1601347381621/1601347382153

NOVEMBER 2023

www.skstockgrowers.com | ©BEEF BUSINESS | 31

FEATURE The Future of Ag Machinery Is Probably Not Electric, Expert Says Jeff Gaye

Electrification is generating a lot of buzz. As concerns over climate change fuel a global energy transition, researchers, investors and manufacturers are looking at situations where electric motors can replace internal-combustion engines. And with the ag sector identified as a heavy greenhouse gas (GHG) emitter, it’s natural that innovators will look at electrifying food production. This includes ongoing research into battery-electric farm machinery, such as electric tractors. But before we go too far down that road, Alastair Hayfield says we should examine other methods of reducing farm emissions. The effectiveness and the costefficiency of electric farm machinery don’t add up.

Hayfield is senior research director for commercial vehicles at Interact Analysis, an international company that provides research and analysis on technological innovations and emerging trends. While there are some practical and cost-effective applications for batteryelectric farm vehicles—particularly small machinery under 100 horsepower— Hayfield says there are better ways to power larger machines and still reduce GHGs. He said, “It depends what type of farm you run and your appetite for investing in something that’s kind of new. Crop farms, dairy operations and cattle ranches have different needs, and electric power isn’t a suitable solution for all of them. “If you have extreme winters, this technology is not going to be a good fit by comparison to a vineyard out in California, for example. “Some of the appetite for this is going to come down to how well-funded the producer is and are they willing to invest in new technology. To be honest, I think a lot of farmers would probably not be in that position right now,” he added. The cost of the machinery notwithstanding, it’s doubtful there is much to be gained by moving to electric-powered tractors. Of all of the GHG emissions attributed to agriculture, only a small fraction come from farm machinery. “When you look at agriculture’s sources of emissions, machinery is not in the top five. It probably

32 | ©BEEF BUSINESS | www.skstockgrowers.com

doesn’t even make it to the top 10,” Hayfield said. Leading sources include enteric fermentation (i.e., “cow burps”), manure left on pastures, synthetic fertilizers, and paddy rice. According to Hayfield, “There is a lot you can do in agriculture to change the way you manage the land, rear animals and things like that before you get around to actually changing the machinery.” If there are improvements to be found through changing the way we power farm machines, he suggests there may be more promise in biofuels than in electrification. Bio-methane from animal waste and biofuels derived from crops may be part of a more eco-sustainable future for agriculture. But aside from the economics, are electric tractors even any good? The power is there, according to Hayfield. “You could build an electric tractor that would be able to plow a field or work for multiple hours in a day. But the problem we have there is that you need very large battery pack; and then you get into soil compaction. And you can’t really sidestep the economic situation. It’s all very, very costly,” he said. If the alternative to “a very large battery pack” is a smaller one, the need to recharge becomes a problem—especially, at critical times like harvest. Even if the machine is equipped for batteryswapping, where a spare battery can be charging while you’re working, there is time lost in returning from the field to the yard every four to six hours to make the switch. And it adds significantly to the cost. “If you’re going to buy two or three battery packs with your tractor, you’re not NOVEMBER 2023

FEATURE doubling the cost, you’re maybe tripling or quadrupling the cost of the actual solution. And again, there may not be many small producers who are able to afford that,” Hayfield said. Despite the expense and impracticality of electrifying heavy-duty farm machinery, manufacturers are still investing in research and development. John Deere, for example, has developed prototypes of large tractors and electric-powered autonomous farm machines. What is driving the investment? What is the prospect of it yielding a return? Hayfield says a large, vertically-integrated company like John Deere can realize a return from its research and development across its various divisions, and at the same time can develop applications within its farm machinery operations. For example. John Deere has acquired the Kreisel factory which builds battery technology for commercial highway vehicles. “It’s entirely possible that those battery packs can be used for construction equipment or agricultural equipment,” Hayfield said. “But I don’t think we will see them in John Deere’s large tractors or large combines. They might be used for compact tractors or for utility applications, or might be used for light yard work.” Hayfield says it’s the lighter-duty applications where the investment is most likely to pay off. Electric machinery is wellsuited for certain work. “There are some applications where it makes sense,” he said. “For example, a utility tractor might be used for lightduty field work or yard work—things like mowing tractors or tractors being used on feedlots.

“I think there is probably a cost advantage there, and there are also some benefits if you’re working around animals. It’s better to have a quieter machine that’s not producing pollution in a barn or in a feedlot.” He said vineyards and organic production, where sustainability is a big part of the brand, are also well-suited to using electric machinery under that 100-horsepower threshold. It’s these specific applications that in his opinion are driving a lot of the investment. Beyond that, he says, the future of lowemission heavy duty machinery is more likely to be in biofuels or hydrogen. “If you look at what the engine manufacturers are doing to supply offhighway, and specifically supplying to the agricultural market, most of those are developing biofuels solutions,” Hayfield said. These technologies include hydrotreated vegetable oil or ‘bio-diesel,’ biomethane, ethanol, and other fuels. “It’s pretty clear they see that the future of agriculture is going to be around biofuels as opposed to battery electric. Battery electric solutions are being developed, but it is typically for smaller tractors,” he said.

Pneu-Dart For more than 50 years, Pneu-Dart has offered the best remote injection equipment for your drug delivery needs. Our Remote Drug Delivery (RDD) systems are designed to capture or medicate while minimizing stress on animals. Whether you're treating freerange cattle, sedating cervid livestock, or assisting in the translocation of wild animals, Pneu-Dart manufactures the products to handle every target situation. Less stress on the animal

No need to confine

High tech darts for ideal delivery

Come visit us at Agribition! Booth #825 in the AffinityPlex

Model 196

Model 389

Model 178BS

For large-scale agriculture operations, like harvest, Hayfield says the cost and the technical limitations pretty much disqualify battery electric as a practical replacement for fossil fuels.

G2 X-Caliber

“Harvest is basically a 24/7 operation for a couple of weeks. I just think it would be very expensive. It would not meet the requirements to do that,” he said. B

Canadian Distributor | Since 2012

January 2024 Beef Business Advertising Deadline

DECEMBER 11

COMMERCIAL ADS Diane at 306-716-4271 LIVESTOCK SALES Stephanie 306-861-4348 NOVEMBER 2023

For safe and effective drug delivery, choose

INC.

B E C A U S E Y O U C A N ’ T A F F O R D T O M I S S®

Dale Watson 306.861.4618

Austin Watson 306.861.7031

Brody Ward 306.861.7191

targetcattleconcepts@gmail.com targetcattleconcepts.com Follow us on

www.skstockgrowers.com | ©BEEF BUSINESS | 33

SCIENCE AND PRODUCTION Active Missing Livestock Files October 15, 2023

If you have any information related to these or any missing livestock file, please contact Livestock Services of Saskatchewan or RCMP Livestock Investigator Cpl. Owen Third at 306-537-9448. Area Missing From

# of Head

Animal Type

Cows

Calf

Cow

Brand Description and Position

Livestock Services of Saskatchewan Contact

Date Reported

Yorkton 306-786-5712

August 28

Yorkton 306-786-5712

September 1

Yorkton 306-786-5712

September 13

Yorkton 306-786-5712

September 17

Moose Jaw 306-693-3709

September 22

Swift Current 306-778-8312

September 27

North Battleford 306-446-7404

October 5

North Battleford 306-446-7404

October 7

Saskatoon 306-933-7660

October 10

North Battleford 306-446-7404

October10

Left rib

Right hip Ochapowace First Nation

Calves Right rib

Right hip

Bull Right rib

Calves Right shoulder

Cote First Nation

Cow Right shoulder

RM #92

Heifers

RM #123

Bull

RM #244

Heifer

Right rib No brand

Left hip RM #78

Heifer

RM #438

Cow

RM #411

Gelding

RM #347

Heifer

Cows

No brand

Right rib No brand

Left hip

Left rib

RM #464

Calves

Right rib

Left rib

34 | ©BEEF BUSINESS | www.skstockgrowers.com

NOVEMBER 2023

SCIENCE AND PRODUCTION Clearing Brands Jason Pollock

the purchased animals didn’t measure up to our checklist. These ones were mixed in with the other group of unfortunates and trailed up to the hills for the summer to continue along their path to a bun. We had a pretty dry year again, but the cool spring and absence of a late frost made for a decent grass year; so, the yearlings did well in the hills. They were contracted for sale, and the day I delivered them, I had a small moment of panic when I remembered I needed to bring along the paperwork to give to the livestock inspector. Chief Executive Officer Jason Pollock Livestock Services of Saskatchewan After my youngest son decided he wanted to make ranching his way of life a couple of years ago, we have been on the path of trying to grow our herd to accommodate his aspirations. We have been adding cows, retaining heifers, looking for grass to rent, buying hay, and generally following the path of many other family enterprises. The year 2021 wasn’t the easiest to add numbers due to the dry conditions across the prairies, and 2022 wasn’t much better. To preserve our range, we tightened up our breeding season, culled harder than normal, and let a lot of good heifers leave—not exactly the best way to grow our operation, but it was the right decision for the long term. Last spring, we were full of optimism and decided to buy a few extra replacement heifers. The group we purchased was a fine lot of potential mamma cows, and we mixed them in where they fit, once our home-raised group returned home from their winter smorgasbord. The process of picking which ones get bulls and which ones don’t is always challenging; yet, it was generally a fun day around our place, even though a few of

NOVEMBER 2023

In prior articles, I have reiterated that when inspectors inspect your animals, they are working for all other producers, not you. Likewise, when they inspect the next load, they are back in your service, working for you along with all other producers—not the owner of the animals on that load. Our livestock inspectors are local people, and they have relationships with most producers. As a result, when they ask for clearance documents, it can feel like they don’t trust you. This is not the case; they are just doing their job.

We don’t purchase a lot of heifers from They are working for the industry and outside; so, secondary brands and bills of doing their part to ensure what is yours sale aren’t always top of mind for me on stays that way. They are providing shipping day. Thankfully, my wife is good creditors with assurance their financial at filing and is quite a bit more organized arrangements remain intact. This allows all than I; so, she was able to produce the continued on page 36 brand list the auction mart gave me when the group was offering our best. purchased. I provided this to the inspector, and he was able to • GRASSFED: “True North Foods is partnered with A&W Canada clear the brands and to supply Canadian grassfed beef for A&W’s grassfed burger program. do his job. Clearing brands is a critical component of the inspector’s role, and one of the primary deterrents to any characters that might be tempted to sell what isn’t theirs. Many producers don’t think of this important step when they are asked for clearance documents (i.e., receipts, proof of sale, etc.); and at times, the inspectors are not very popular when a check is held until clearance can be given.

• SERVICES: Whether you are a specialty producer looking to get your

product to a specific market or distributor, or if you are producing commodity livestock for sale, we can partner with you. From our multi-species capabilities to our ability to handle smaller volumes, we offer excellent capabilities for producers in the Canadian Prairies to maximize their profitability.

• FACILITY: We have a state-of-the-art facility to allow us to reach

markets across Canada, the USA, and beyond. We understand producer’s needs, their care for their animals, and their honest, straightforward nature. Call us to hear how we can work together to get your product to market.

www.truenorthfoods.ca

trever.frattinger@truenorthfoods.ca | 306-536-6193 For all general inquiries call 204-745-3068 www.skstockgrowers.com | ©BEEF BUSINESS | 35

SCIENCE AND PRODUCTION Clearing Brands cont. from pg. 35 producers, especially young ones like my son, to gain access to credit from feeder finance programs or lending institutions that secure their debts with a brand. Branding is the single most important tool that you can use to help our inspectors do their job. When they see a brand on an animal, fresh or otherwise, they can act with confidence in clearing that brand and facilitating commerce. Livestock Services of Saskatchewan (LSS) facilitates secure commerce for the livestock industry through inspection and identification services, transaction assurance and integrity management. It is our mission statement and what we expect from each of our inspectors. This is what you see in action when you sell your calves, yearlings or cull animals,

as they do their part in fulfilling this mandate on your behalf. In this market, each animal is worth the time and effort it takes to ensure the right owner is paid when it comes to market. Last year, the clearance/withhold process protected the owners of more than 7,500 head, and represented more than $10 million. This is not an insignificant number of animals nor amount of money. And, it doesn’t mean that people were trying to steal more than 7,500 animals last year. It means that not everyone out there has a wife as organized as I do when it comes to the paper side of the business. A clearance is something we all need to think of when we market animals. Especially, at this time of year when our cull cows go to town. Most often, a cow, that has been in our herd for a few

36 | ©BEEF BUSINESS | www.skstockgrowers.com

years, makes the clearance documents associated with her original purchase a little harder to find—no matter how organized our paperwork is. The best defence is a good offence; so, take some time after your culling decisions are made—and, if you find secondary brands on cows that were purchased from outside your operation, bring the paperwork along with the manifest to present to the inspector. It will help them do their job and help you get paid without delays. It can seem onerous, but as I have said many times in this column, ‘good paper is good business.’ Have a great Christmas season. B

NOVEMBER 2023

Come See Us at Agribition

Custom Systems Using Stock Components

www.hi-hog.com

BISON CHUTES

CALVING PENS

1-800-661-7002

TIPPING TABLES

ASSOCIATION NEWS AND REPORTS Beef Business Welcomes Stephanie Kot to Livestock Ad Sales Stephanie Kot has an extensive background in agriculture and sales, making her an ideal choice for this position. In addition to raising quarter horses and longhorn cattle at Coronach, Saskatchewan, her previous roles with Saskatchewan Bison Association and Livestock Services of Saskatchewan bring added value and industry experience to our team. Stephanie looks forward to meeting with many of you in Regina at Canadian Western Agribition to discuss all of your advertising and marketing needs. Keep her contact information handy!

Stephanie Kot Livestock Ad Sales Beef Business Magazine

Stephanie Kot Livestock Ad Sales Beef Business Magazine Regina, Saskatchewan 306-861-4348 livestocksales@skstockgrowers.com

The deadline for ad space bookings for the January 2024 issue is December 11, 2023.

38 | ©BEEF BUSINESS | www.skstockgrowers.com

NOVEMBER 2023

Agriculture is your life You deserve an advisor who gets what’s on the line.

Our local practitioners specializing in the livestock industry can help minimize your taxes, maximize results, and optimize your operations.

MNP.ca

ASSOCIATION NEWS AND REPORTS Global Youth Dialogue on Sustainable Livestock Transformation Lexi Macza

However, it turns out, I did not look as lost as I felt, as delegates from Turkey were following me through the building assuming I knew where I was going as they were also lost. We had a good chuckle about it later. Now, imagine my shock when I saw them sitting in the Plenary meeting room in front of the sign for Turkey. I knew how important this event was, I just didn’t realize I would have the opportunity to mingle, so casually, with such high dignitaries. As we began the opening remarks at the Plenary Discussion, I was absolutely speechless as I looked at the honourees, delegates, and ministers representing 194 member nations throughout the room. Saskatchewan Stock Growers Association Policy & Programs Manager Lexi Macza attends the Sustainable Livestock Transformation summit in Rome, Italy

The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations (UN) hosted a Sustainable Livestock Transformation summit at the FAO head Quarters in Rome, Italy, this past September.

Once the Youth Dialogue started, we dove right into the conversation on what is currently happening within the livestock industries around the globe. It was amazing sitting with peers from places like Mongolia, Brazil and Cambodia, and realizing how we are all facing such similar challenges within our livestock industries.

At times it feels like we are worlds apart from each other, but at the end of the day, we are all working towards trying to make a better, more-sustainable future for the livestock sectors. On the second day of the Youth Dialogue, we began creating the Global Youth Statement on Sustainable Livestock Transformation, which we read aloud to the delegates at the final Plenary Discussion. The statement is meant to be used to help the members working on the Sustainable Livestock Transformation understand what we, as youth and members of the livestock industries, believe are important and necessary changes to ensure the livestock sectors have a prominent future. We looked at everything from nutritional requirements to environmental soundness. It was amazing to see and hear the passion within the room as we all discussed the importance of what we believed needed to be covered within the statement. In the Statement, we had a list of

Within the Livestock summit, the UN hosted the Global Youth Dialogue, which was meant to help assist the UN members on the direction their efforts would go. Out of 3,200 applications to attend the Global Youth Dialogue, they selected and invited 72 young industry leaders from around the globe, and I am proud to have been one of the invitees for the event. When I arrived at the FAO building on the first day, I was immediately overwhelmed by the building and all of decorations and demonstrations they had set up for the summit. This led to me wandering lost throughout the first level of the building.

Seventy-two young industry leaders, representing 194 member nations, attend the Global Youth Dialogue

40 | ©BEEF BUSINESS | www.skstockgrowers.com

NOVEMBER 2023

ASSOCIATION NEWS AND REPORTS recommendations covering general Overall, the entire experience was topics, social sustainability, economic incredible. I feel fortunate to have been sustainability and environmental able to attend such an important global sustainability. I was so honoured and event. I was worried that once the excited to be event was over, the other It was reassuring to see how asked to be participants of the Youth many countries strongly believe in one of the Dialogue and I would be left utilizing the livestock sector as a means presenters to out of the loop, as progress to tackling environmental challenges, the member is made on the Sustainable nations, on the rather than looking at ways to love away Livestock Transformation; from the livestock sector, entirely. Statement we however, I have already created, at the received updates on the final plenary discussion. work that is taking place, and I am eagerly awaiting the next stage of the process. I was invited as one of 10 individuals to meet with Minister for Nature and I am grateful for the support from Nitrogen Policy Christianne van der Saskatchewan Stock Growers Association Wal-Zeggelink and her team from the and our General Manager Chad Netherlands; Minister of Agriculture, Food MacPherson for allowing me to take and Marine Life Charlie McConalogue time from my work schedule to attend and his team from Ireland; and Assistant this conference. Deputy Secretary, Agriculture Trade Group, Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and I am also grateful for the support offered Forestry Nicola Hinder and her team by Canadian Angus Foundation and Ducks from Australia. Unlimited for the trip. It was a sincere pleasure to be able to attend this event, and I am thankful These three meetings were great experiences, as we had thought-provoking for the connections I made with likeand challenging questions for the minded individuals ministers and assistant deputy secretary from across to address. It was interesting to see the the globe. differing priorities for all three countries. Afterwards, those three government representatives spoke within the final plenary discussing their countries changing regulations within the livestock sectors. It was interesting to listen to the questions posed by the member nations within the audience, as most member nations that were present, appeared to be focused on utilizing the livestock sectors for food security, and for the environmental benefits that we receive through grazing grasslands, which is particularly different from the Netherland’s take on the livestock sectors (i.e., after their recent Supreme Court rulings on methane emissions.

Global Youth Dialogue invitee Lexi Macza speaks to the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations

After attending the Global Youth Dialogue on Sustainable Livestock Transformation, I believe the livestock industries will have a bright, sustainable and profitable future—we just have to maintain forward progress—making sure we are present at the table as these discussions occur. B

It was reassuring to see how many countries strongly believe in utilizing the livestock sector as a means to tackling environmental challenges, rather than looking at ways to move away from the livestock sector, entirely. NOVEMBER 2023

www.skstockgrowers.com | ©BEEF BUSINESS | 41

ASSOCIATION NEWS AND REPORTS A Report from Garner Deobald President, Saskatchewan Stock Growers Association a long time coming with the federal government and Liberal caucus being responsible for the delay. Thank goodness for Minister Marit and his department colleagues pushing for the program to kick-in, or who knows if this would have even happened.

President Garner Deobald Saskatchewan Stock Growers Association

Here we are heading into winter with many things to be thankful for and several challenges ahead. Across the province, it’s been a year with mixed results, and it appears to be setting up for the same in 2024. It’s great to see a strong start to the fall calf run, but as I’m writing this report, prices are starting to pull back with futures off considerably from the all-time market highs—right when we are seeing the greatest number of calves coming to town. Big numbers of cows are also hitting the market as we’re in the middle of pregcheck season, and talking of culling hard due to feed costs and shortages in many areas. All reports still indicate there is a shortage of all classes of livestock, so I’m sure this drawback will be temporary. In mid-October, we finally had the details of the AgriRecovery Program announced by the Honourable Lawrence MacAulay, Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, and the Honourable David Marit, Saskatchewan Minister of Agriculture. The program will be administered by Saskatchewan Crop Insurance Corporation and is referred to as the 2023 CanadaSaskatchewan Feed Program. This was

In reality, AgriRecovery is a Business Risk Management program that amounts to an ad-hoc system or payment by another name. Because of the federal government’s tardiness, some producers made difficult decisions early and will not benefit in-full from the program. For the sake of the industry, let’s hope ranchers and farmers find value in the plan. This brings me to another related topic that was brought up during a number of calls I received prior to and after the announcement of the 2023 CanadaSaskatchewan Feed Program. There is a strong feeling by members, ranchers and farmers at large, that adhoc programs—like the 2023 CanadaSaskatchewan Feed Program—punish producers that are proactive and manage their operations according to short and long-term conditions for their longterm viability. Reducing cow numbers to suit the growing conditions and feed availability definitely puts those producers at a disadvantage, compared to other producers that are overstocked—not adjusting numbers accordingly. It is food for thought, and a good point. Decisions need to be made for the right reasons and long-term viability, not to farm a per-head payment program.

It’s difficult to imagine that for generations to come, returns from ag land will cover the investment on its own—no matter what commodity is grown. I’m currently aware of thousands of acres of native grasslands being converted to arable land. This becomes a huge challenge for the preservation of these lands and conservation efforts across the region. If society is sincerely interested in protecting and preserving these ecologically-diverse and sensitive lands, there needs to be a much higher level of compensation placed on term and perpetual easements. There must be a greater value placed on the conservation of grasslands above alternate use and or percentage of current land values. There isn’t an easy solution. I hope to see you at a sale barn or fall fair somewhere across the province over the next few months. If not, I encourage you to give me a call anytime. I look forward to hearing your views on the livestock industry. Wishing everyone a safe and productive fall and winter. Kindest regards,

Garner Garner Deobald

I continue to be amazed at the amount of money being paid for land across the western provinces!

42 | ©BEEF BUSINESS | www.skstockgrowers.com

NOVEMBER 2023

RHINESTONE COWGIRL Featuring Cow Print Hoops, Studs, and our best selling Bolo Tie Necklace. Visit us at Agribition or shop online at: www.hillbergandberk.com/agribition

NOVEMBER 2023

www.skstockgrowers.com | ©BEEF BUSINESS | 43

OWBOY We have something for the HAND CARVED LEATHER PORTFOLIO 7.5"x10" with button closure Holds a notepad (included) $150 + GST and shipping

Check us out online available to shop 24/7 Find us on social media @millwestboutique or in person at 1201 Winnipeg st, Regina sk https://millwestboutique.ca/

CINCH SHIRT WITH SSGA LOGO 2"x4" logo over left breast pocket $80 + GST and shipping

HRISTMAS hard to shop for Cowboys and Cowgirls on your list

SSGA BELT BUCKLE $300 + GST and shipping

Austin’s Saddlery

@MawsonBros

Your one stop shop for custom leather goods, repairs, production line tack, western apparel & footwear. North Battleford, Sk. (306)445-4320

STEWARDSHIP JPM Farms Earns Certified Angus Beef Award Lindsay Graber Runft

The cattle business awards no trophies for participation. Nor does any rancher plan and work to be noticed for doing things right.

The arid to semi-arid Coteau’s native grasses tolerate some drought, but all pastures run the risk of sudden declines in grass and water quality.

Yet caring for land and livestock quietly switched a spotlight on JPM Farms. Jean-Paul and Marlene Monvoisin, with their son Colton and daughter Josee MonvoisinGarner, operate the quality-focused seedstock Angus ranch in the rolling hills near Parkbeg, Saskatchewan.

That is why the family worked with the Farm and Ranch Water Infrastructure Program on a pipeline that carries water to remote pastures on conservation easements. The result helps distribute grazing and gives purpose to land otherwise unusable for ranching.

They lean into viable sustainability, with immense focus on the environment and a long-time partnership with Ducks Unlimited Canada. The perpetually-progressive learners naturally work hard to improve their cow herd and grasslands.

Marlene, Colton and Jean Paul Monvoisin (left to right)

“Our philosophy is to treat the land, the cattle and our family the best we can every day to make it a better Marlene (left) and Jean Paul (right) with Josee day than the one before,” Marlene Monvoisin-Garner (centre) says. Outstanding results earned JPM Farms the Certified Angus Beef (CAB) birds and deer with helping increase 2023 Canadian Commitment to Excellence sustainability in their native grassland Award. The Monvoisin family was pastures. recognized at the CAB Annual Conference in Las Vegas, Nevada, in September. “Ensuring that you have a resilient, highlyfunctioning soil provides biodiversity Destination Ranchland across the landscape—and distribution of landscape dynamics needed for different About 160 kilometres north of the wildlife species and cattle grazing Montana border, JPM Farms sits in resources,” MacDonald says. the heart of the Missouri Coteau, a hilly plateau that parallels the river Partnering with Ducks Unlimited helps southeastward into the Dakotas. improve JPM Farms’ grasslands for environmental and ranching wins. “When we’re green and wet here, we have a lot of pothole wetlands, and Conservation and Cows great upland vegetation that supports nesting habitat for waterfowl,” says Ross Cattle are good for the grass. “I don’t think MacDonald of Ducks Unlimited. “That’s there’s another animal that could be as also what allows ranchers in this area efficient in maintaining the landscape,” to thrive.” Jean Paul says. The ecosystem here depends on wildlife. The Monvoisins credit waterfowl, other

Management underpins the effect, as JPM Farms strictly limits grazing for sustainability.

46 | ©BEEF BUSINESS | www.skstockgrowers.com

Feet, Function and Selection Their cow herd has adapted greatly to the big hills and rocky setting since Jean-Paul’s grandfather brought registered black Angus to Saskatchewan in 1941. Cattle must walk across large summer pastures where structural correctness determines survival. “You have to have good feet,” JeanPaul says. “That’s the most important thing I’ve found.” The wide-open country says a cow must be maternal, Marlene adds, providing steady care and raising a quality calf. “The mother cow is the biggest way you’re going to be profitable,” she says. They rely on such cows to produce bulls for customers, as well as calves with superior carcasses for beef the Monvoisins market independently. “The biggest compliment I can get is to see my customers’ calf weaning weights go up a year or two after they start using our bulls,” Marlene says. She says the best way to improve a herd and profitability is to cull from the bottom and build the top end. They are doing it in their own herd using expected progeny differences (EPDs), and helping customers do likewise. With better bulls come higher

NOVEMBER 2023

STEWARDSHIP weaning weights and greater carcass quality, all adding dollars. “It’s a huge part of sustainability,” JeanPaul says. “We have to get paid for what we’re doing.” Incorporating embryo transfer and a robust data collection system, the Monvoisins are geared toward progress. They are also committed to education, both in explaining EPDs to customers and learning for themselves. The Goal, Not the End The family’s recipe comes down to careful consideration of Angus genetics, continuing education and serving customers as bull buyers or helping to market calves. “I feel ownership in the Certified Angus Beef brand,” Marlene says. “There’s

Ross MacDonald walking with Jean Paul Monvoisin

immense pride in having Angus cattle in our herd and producing Angus for our customers, ourselves and the consumer.” But excellence? “I don’t think anybody can ever say they’re the best at anything. Excellence is a goal, not the end,” Marlene says. “It’s all the extra work you do to be successful or just make

your own operation better.” At JPM Farms, it means approaching each day with the attitude that you will make things better than they were yesterday— for your cattle, the land and how you treat other people. Going the extra mile and working hard at what you love. B

SASKATCHEWAN CONSERVATION OFFICERS NEED YOUR HELP TO SOLVE THIS CASE. YOU CAN REMAIN ANONYMOUS AND EARN UP TO $2000 CASH REWARDS IF THE INFORMATION YOU PROVIDE LEADS TO A CONVICTION.

E LV

SO UN

ST667

IF YOU HAVE ANY INFORMATION, CALL THE TOLL-FREE TURN IN POACHERS & POLLUTERS LINE 1 - 8 0 0 - 6 6 7 - 7 5 6 1 OR # 5 5 5 5 FROM A SASKTEL CELL (NO TEXT MESSAGES). CALLS ARE TAKEN 24 HOURS A DAY, 7 DAYS A WEEK. YOU CAN ALSO REPORT ONLINE AT w w w . s a s k a t c h e w a n . c a / t i p p . For the latest unsolved cases, visit www.sasktip.com and follow @sasktip

NOVEMBER 2023

www.skstockgrowers.com | ©BEEF BUSINESS | 47

Blossoming Biodiversity: Pollinators Thriving in Native Plant Gardens Shirley Bartz

Leaf-cutter bee (Megachile spp.) on meadow blazing star (Liatris ligulistylis). Photo by Shirley Bartz

When we think of a typical ornamental flower garden, we tend to think of a visually pleasing space that we create for beauty and outdoor activity. Often, we work to protect these spaces from weeds and pests. A native wildflower garden can satisfy the same needs, but it also supports native bird and insect pollinators in desperate need of food.

ornamentals (like chrysanthemums, petunias and geraniums), and one planted with native plant species (such as dotted blazing-star, many-flowered aster, and wild bergamot). The ornamentals are often annuals, living for only one season. As a result, you have to buy them each year along with garden soil and fertilizer, in some cases.

By planting native flowers and grasses, we can increase biodiversity and provide a banquet of necessary food to native pollinators. This is one instance when feeding the wildlife is highly encouraged!

Many native species are perennial, which means you plant them in the ground once, and they live and flower for years, holding the soil in place with their deep roots and fertilizing it as they drop their leaves. Ornamentals may also require regular watering throughout the season, whereas native perennials need water to establish as seedlings, but after one or two growing seasons, the plants are drought-tolerant and often make do with minimal seasonal rainfall.

Prairie plants and insects have evolved together over thousands of years. By planting a garden of native plant species, you will draw in a community of insects and birds that you might not otherwise see. These plants and animals are adapted to live with each other, so insects feeding in your garden will not cause irreparable harm to the plants. Native pollinators are part of a complex food web and provide their free services of pollinating blooms that will create fruit and seeds in native and cultivated crops. In the height of the growing season, when blooms are attracting a diversity of pollinators, yellow warblers, chipping sparrows and other invertivores (i.e., those feeding on insects), will collect some of these insects to feed their young. The pollinated flowers will later produce an abundance of seeds which will, in turn, draw in migrating songbirds. You could see an American goldfinch picking tiny seeds from a Lindley’s aster, or an orangecrowned warbler foraging for late season insects as they migrate south in the fall. There are other notable differences between a flower garden planted with

One benefit of a native wildflower garden is the variety and abundance of pollinators that will be drawn to your yard. Although the native bees, beetles, flies and butterflies will be targeting specific species of favoured flowers or host plants for their young, other plants in your yard will benefit from their pollination services as well. For example, in one particular native garden, there may be 21 species of wildflowers and three species of grass in a four by seven- metre area. Among the flowering grasses and forbs, there could also be at least five species of native bees and bumble bees, four different kinds of beetles, seven types of butterflies, white and yellow crab spiders, and numerous types of unique flies that mimic bees. Watching the pollinators arrive in your garden can be a little like birdwatching, except with these creatures, you can

lean in close and observe them from just inches away, where you can see details like the stained-glass panes of their wings and the rainbow facets of their eyes. They can be easily photographed, posted on social media and used as a shared-learning opportunity for children and grandparents, and all ages in between. When these busy bugs are working, it is easy for kids and adults alike to understand their industry and their beauty. Understanding the work they do for us, turning flowers into fruits and vegetables, is an important part of teaching our children to have a good relationship with the creatures that live with us in Saskatchewan. With the loss of more than 80 per cent of the native grasslands in our province, the unbroken prairie is an endangered ecosystem. When you plant a native wildflower garden, you are helping to conserve a disappearing community of plants and animals. With their drought tolerance, long lifespan and community of colourful entertaining pollinators, a native garden is an economical and delightful addition to any yard. We are not only creating habitat for pollinators, we are also increasing connectivity between remnant patches of native grasslands in our prairie landscape. Prairie species at risk are mainly threatened by habitat loss; so, planting a native garden is also a way of reducing that threat—and, it is a small step toward changing the way we think about sharing our place in the grasslands, with the plants and animals that have lived here for thousands of years. B

NOVEMBER 2023

Between now and December 31st, 2023 active Members of the SSGA will receive a $1,250 Young’s Equipment Gift Card for Parts and/ or Service at any Young’s Equipment location with the purchase of any of the following new units: - Case IH MFD Loader Tractor (60-185 HP) - Case IH RB565 Round Baler - NDE Vertical Mixer - Highline *NEW* BP60 series Bale Pro® In addition to that, we will donate $250 per unit sold to the Saskatchewan Stock Growers Association to support their formidable cause. NOVEMBER 2023

STEWARDSHIP 10th Native Prairie Restoration /Reclamation Workshop Saskatchewan Prairie Conservation Action Plan (SK PCAP) is looking forward to hosting the 10th Native Prairie Restoration/Reclamation Workshop, February 7-8, 2024, in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan. Attendees—including scientists, researchers, technical staff, ranchers, communicators and naturalists— will participate in sessions that address tools for restoration; restorations from a soil’s perspective; invasive weed strategies; industry practices; urban projects; using native seed and community engagement. Prairie restoration and reclamation practices continue to shift and evolve as does land use and development. Many experts and researchers from across the Prairies and Northern United States will be sharing their collective experiences and knowledge. The event also includes case studies, a poster session, tradeshow and networking opportunities. For more information, please visit www.pcap-sk.org and select Upcoming Events or contact Carolyn by email at pcap@sasktel.net. B

NOVEMBER 2023

STEWARDSHIP Learning from Experiences in US with Term Conservation Easements Mindy Hockley

The idea of Term Conservation Easements (Term CEs) is relatively new in Canada, but has been implemented in United States through various conservation programs in recent years. Saskatchewan Stock Growers Foundation (SSGF) is working to sign Term CEs to provide added flexibility for landowners. One point of contention for Term CEs in Canada seems to be how much landowners should be compensated for a Term CE compared to a perpetual CE. A recent report completed by Chad Lawley, a University of Manitoba Agribusiness and Agricultural Economics professor, and Bob McLean explores the experiences that United States has had with their Term Conservation Easement programs. When a landowner is considering placing an easement on their land, it can have a large impact on the future use of that land and hold important financial implications as well. The landowner has the choice to leave the land as is with the option to convert in the future or to place an easement on the land and abide by the agreement and restrictions in exchange for a one-time payment. The choice to enter into an easement can largely come down to how much compensation landowners receive in comparison to the restrictions associated with that easement. When it comes to easement compensation, there are numerous ways to determine a price—such as reverse auctions, uniform price per acre, price per acre by land value or alternative uses— before and after appraisal approach or based on a percentage of the land’s value. It is important that whichever approach the agency uses, it can be easily applied, and it is fair to both the landowner and the agency itself.

NOVEMBER 2023

In the US conservation easement programs that are examined within the report, it is summarized that overall, the compensation is derived from estimates of the fair market value of the land. Perpetual easement payments are calculated as a percentage of fair market value, and term easement payments are calculated as a share of the perpetual easement payment.

It is important to remember that grasslands on non-productive soils that are not worth converting to annual cropping, will be priced lower than grasslands that can be converted and successfully grow crops. Grasslands that hold significant ecological value, and are at risk of conversion, should be targeted for grassland conservation programs.

For example, the Natural Resource Conservation Services (NRCS) easement program allows for Term CEs of 30 years, where the payment is equal to 50 to 75 per cent of the price paid for a perpetual CE. This adjustment uses a “discount rate” to reflect the value of money over time and adjustments associated with shorter duration easements.

They can hold greater significance for long-term conservation goals than land at a lower risk of conversion. Although, with the increasing loss of native grasslands, anything left intact is important to conserve.

If you assume a two to five-per-cent discount rate, a 20-year term easement payment can range from 30 to 53 per cent of the perpetual easement payment, and a 40-year term easement payment can range from 68 to 85 per cent of the perpetual easement payment.

Another program example is the United States Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS), which aims to purchase approximately 500 minimally-restrictive CEs on wetland and grassland in the Prairie Pothole Region of United States, every year. Restrictions for these easements include the prohibition of converting the land, but they can still be used for grazing or haying. Typically, the restrictions of this continued on page 52

PROVIDING A FULL RANGE OF

VETERINARY DIAGNOSTIC SERVICES Necropsy

PCR

Histopathology

Genomics

Surgical Pathology

Parasitology

Dermatopathology

Serology

Immunohistochemistry

Virology

Clinical Pathology

Immunology

Endocrinology

Toxicology

Bacteriology/Mycology

PDS

PRAIRIE DIAGNOSTIC SERVICES INC

(306) 966-7316 | www.pdsinc.ca Accredited by American Association of Veterinarian Laboratory Diagnosticians (AAVLD); Standards Council of Canada, and CFIA for specific tests.

STEWARDSHIP Learning from Experience cont. from pg. 51 type of easement are expected to have minimal impact on the value of the land. The USFWS utilizes “administrativelydetermined payments (ADP)” to determine compensation for their easements, which has proven to be a fast and transparent way of determining price. ADP is calculated by the agency estimating the market value of the land by comparing recent land sales to assessed land values in the same area. This estimated land market value is then multiplied by a set percentage, or index, which is set to achieve a 40 to 70-percent acceptance rate. As the land value increases, so do the indices. This system is a quick way to determine compensation without exhausting resources. Dr. Lawley reports, “In the US programs we studied, easement payments are

anchored to assessed land values. One reason for this approach is that land values provide market-based estimates of the potential returns to land in alternative uses. For example, grassland that can be profitably converted to cropland, typically, sells at a premium. “Easement payments scaled to land values will tend to be higher for the highrisk grassland, and lower for marginal grassland that is less profitable to convert to annual crops. Correlating payments with risk of conversion allows the agency to make easement payments that are attractive to owners of both high-risk and low-risk grassland.” Saskatchewan Stock Growers Foundation has been working to explore different options to compensate landowners. By reviewing which programs United States has tried, can help SSGF narrow down the best option that benefits the landowners’ and SSGF’s long-term conservation goals.

Regardless of what method is used to determine Term CE compensation, the payment cannot exceed the full value of the land, or it makes more sense for the agency to buy the land. It is important to note, SSGF is working to keep ranchers on the land—by trying to find appropriate compensation for the ecological goods and services the grasslands provide for generations to come, while keeping ranchers in charge of their land. To view the full report, visit www.ssgf.ca or scan the QR code. B

NOVEMBER 2023

Place a Bid on

Grassland Restoration

with the Saskatchewan Stock Growers Foundation

Interested in seeding cultivated land back to native prairie?

Place a bid in our Reverse Auction for an opportunity to receive financial compensation for your restoration project! By restoring grasslands, we increase long term grazing resources, biodiversity and reduce habitat fragmentation for species at risk, especially in areas of critical habitat! Contact us to learn more about the reverse auction process and how to place a bid! www.ssgf.ca communications@ssgf.ca 306.530.1385

Project Partners

CALENDAR NOVEMBER Nov.1-2

Range Health Conference

Moose Jaw, SK

Nov.1 - 4

Yorkton Harvest Showdown

Yorkton, SK

Nov.13 - 15

MFGA Regenerative AG Conference

Brandon, MB

Nov.15

Maple Lake Stock Farm Commercial Female Sale

Hartney, MB

Nov. 19-20

Maple Lake Stock Farm Purebred Female Sale

Online

Nov.20 - 25

Canadian Western Agribition

Regina, SK

Nov.28-Dec.1

Canadian Forage and Grassland Association Annual Conference

Harrison Hot Springs, BC

Dec.1

Cornerglen Ranching & Right Cross Ranch’s Annual Female Sale

Kisbey, SK

Dec.1 -2

Rancher’s University

Moosomin, SK

Dec.6

Gemstone Cattle Company Hereford & Angus Bull & Female Sale

Brooks, AB

Dec.6 -7

Transboundary Grassland Partnership Workshop

Swift Current, SK

Dec.7

Back to Business

Moose Jaw, SK

Dec.7

Big Gully Farm Hereford Bull Sale

Maidstone, SK

DECEMBER

Dec.8

Back to Business

Saskatoon, SK

Dec.11

Diamond K Cattle Co. Bred Heifer Sale

Piapot, SK

Dec.12

D&N Livestock Annual Female Sale

Peebles, SK

Dec.13

Diamond K Bred Heifer Sale

Piapot, SK

Dec.19

McMillen Ranching Bred Heifer Dispersal

Carievale, SK

Jan.22-24

Saskatchewan Beef Industry Conference

Regina, SK

Jan.25

Brost Land & Cattle Annual Production Sale

Irvine, AB

Jan.27

MC Quantock Bull Sale

Lloydminster, SK

10th Native Prairie Restoration/Reclamation Workshop

Saskatoon, SK

JANUARY

FEBRUARY Feb.7-8

SSGA BOARD OF DIRECTORS THE EXECUTIVE

DIRECTORS AT LARGE

Garner Deobald President Hodgeville, SK

Phone: 306- 677-7777

Jeff Yorga 1st Vice President Flintoft, SK

Phone: 306-531-5717

Kelly Williamson 2nd Vice President Pambrun, SK

Phone: 306-582-7774

Chay Anderson Finance Chair Fir Mountain, SK

Phone: 306-640-7087

Kelcy Elford Past President Caron, SK

Phone: 306-690-5305

Find email contact for the Executive Directors at skstockgrowers.com

Chay Anderson, Fir Mountain, SK Keith Day, Lacadena, SK Gerry Delorme, Assiniboia, SK Calvin Gavelin, McCord, SK Adrienne Hanson, Langbank, SK Lance Hockley, Yellowgrass, SK Joe Gilchrist, Maple Creek, SK Kelly Lightfoot, Assiniboia, SK Miles McNeil, Alameda, SK Lee Sexton, Hanley, SK Chris Williamson, Mankota, SK Kelly Williamson, Pambrun, SK

ZONE CHAIR DIRECTORS Zone 1 Zone 2 Zone 3 Zone 4 Zone 5 Zone 6 Zone 7Zone 12 -

Henry McCarthy, Wawota, SK Karen McKim, Milestone, SK Larry Flaig, Assiniboia, SK Brad Howe, Empress, AB Aaron Huber, Lipton, SK Dave McKenzie, Delisle, SK Darcy Moen, Kyle, SK Rod Gamble, Pambrun, SK

306-640-7087 306-375-2934 306-640-7493 306-478-7748 306-421-8538 306-891-8189 306-662-3986 306-642-8977 306-489-2073 306-544-2660 306-478-7036 306-582-7774

306-739-2205 306-436-4616 306-266-2070 306-661-0409 306-331-0097 306-493-8127 306-962-3944 306-582-2077

AFFILIATE DIRECTORS

Garner Deobald - SK Charolais Affiliate Gord Ell - SaskMilk Affiliate Kyron Manske - SK Simmental Affiliate Marlene Monvoisin - SK Angus Affiliate Rob O'Connor - SK Hereford Affiliate Ray Rintoul - SK Shorthorn Affiliate Gord Schroeder - SK Sheep Affiliate Ian Thackeray - Man-Sask Gelbvieh Affiliate Jeff Yorga - SK Limousin Affiliate

APPOINTED DIRECTOR

Dr. Andy Acton - Veterinary Advisor, Ogema, SK

SASKATCHEWAN CCA DIRECTORS Ryan Beierbach, Whitewood, SK Lynn Grant, Val Marie, SK Philip Lynn, Marquis, SK Duane Thompson, Kelliher, SK

306-677-2589 306-535-1922 306-267-7530 306-648-8200 306-550-4890 306-917-7805 306-933-5582 306-861-7687 306-531-5717

306-459-2422

306-532-4809 306-298-2268 306-361-9299 306-675-4562

NOVEMBER 2023

ADVERTISER INDEX Allen Leigh 58 Apollo Machine & Products Ltd. 58 ArcRite Welding 57 Austin's Saddlery 45,56 Bannerlane Horned Herefords 58 Bauma Lighting 1 Beef Smart Consulting 57 Big Gully Farm Hereford Bull Sale 19 Brost Land & Cattle Annual 41 Production Sale Bud Williams 58 Callicrate Banders 26 Canada Beef 18 Canadian Cattle Identification 4 Agency Canadian Western Agribition 50 Cargill Animal Nutrition 57 Cornerglen Ranching & Right Cross 52 Ranch's Annual Production Female Sale Cows in Control 57 Cowtown Livestock Exchange Inc. 58 Cozy Caps 56 Cramer Ag Cow Pellets 56 Diamond K Cattle Co. Bred Heifer 15 Sale D&N Livestock Annual Female Sale 9 Ducks Unlimited Canada 3 Edward Jones 56 Farm Business Consultants 55 Farm Credit Canada 23 Farm Real Estate 30 Frostfree Nosepumps 56 Gem Silage Products 57 Gemstone Cattle Co. Sale Dates 36 Great Plains Realty 56 Daryl Harrison, MLA for 8 Cannington Hammond Realty 27 Head for the Hills Shorthorns 56 Hi-Hog Farm & Ranch Equipment 37 Hillberg & Berk 43 Irvine's Western Store 44 John Brown Farms 58 Johnstone Auction Mart 58 Kramer Trailer Sales 57 Linthicum Ranch 57 Manitou Maine-Anjou 58 Man Sask Gelbvieh Association 57 Maple Lake Stock Farms Female 38 Sales

NOVEMBER 2023

Masterfeeds McMillen Ranching Bred Heifer Dispersal Mill West Boutique Milligan Biofuels MNP N.M. McMahon CPA New Generation Supplements New-Life Mills Nick's Service Ltd. Norheim Ranching OLS Tubs Jeremy Patzer, MP Cypress HIlls Grasslands Performance Seed Prairie Diagnostic Services Quick Look Back Ranchland Livestock Supplies RE/MAX Yorkton, Shawn Pryhitka Right Cross Ranch & Cornerglen Ranching's Annual Production Female Sale

57 21 44 56 39 56 6 57 16 2,60 59 32 57 51,57 58 56 57 52

Saskatchewan Angus Association Saskatchewan Crop Insurance Corp. Saskatchewan Livestock Finance Co-operative Saskatchewan Ministry of Agriculture Saskatchewan Stock Growers Foundation SASKTIP Inc. Sheppard Realty SunStream Solar Target Cattle Concepts True North Foods Turtle Wood Lake Products Union Forage Vetoquinol The Waterbox Ltd. Willow Mills Ltd. Young's Equipment Young Dale Angus

58 25 20 7 53 47 58 11 33 35 56 50 17 45 58 49 58

$80 CAN GET YOUR AD

HERE

(306) 757-8523

TURTLE LAKE WOOD PRODUCTS DEAN 306-845-7266 - LUMBER VERN 306-845-2564 - FIREWOOD

COZY CAPS FOR CALVES Ear protection for newborn calves

Betty Wyatt Box 27, Wawota, SK S0G 5A0 Cell: 306-577-7182 Main:306-739-0020 cozycaps@outlook.com | www.cozy-caps.com

NEED FEED? GROWING WITH YOU

www.cowpellets.ca

Rations, supplements & minerals Call Bruce at 306-229-0302

306-520-3553

Locally sourced grains & commodities Call Wes at 306-229-5206 www.willowmills.com

www.edwardjones.com

SIMPLE & RELIABLE YEAR-ROUND LIVESTOCK WATERING Know your goals so you can choose your investments. Custom Fabricating & Manufacturing

Specializing in solar powered water troughs Custom Chutes | Hay & Bunk Feeders | Custom Livestock Equipment

Maple Creek, SK

Tyler Knibbs

Financial Advisor .

461 King Street Unit 3 Estevan, SK S4A 1K6 306-634-4870 www.edwardjones.com

Connect With Us to Learn More About Buying or Selling! #3-3815 Thatcher Ave, Saskatoon, SK | 306-481-5574 info@greatplainsrealty.ca | greatplainsrealty.ca

866-843-6744 | frostfreenosepumps.com

HEAD FOR THE HILLS

Serving Farmers & Ranchers Across Saskatchewan!

Shelly Pobran-Janostin, Associate Broker

for large herds

• Saves money • Saves time • 100% sustainable

Frostfree Nosepumps Ltd.

Call John @ (306) 662-8098 Member – Canadian Investor Protection Fund

Mike Janostin, Owner/Broker

• No power! • Multiple pumps

SHORTHORNS

• AgriInvest and AgriStability • Financial Statement and Tax Preparation • Bookkeeping and Payroll • Tax Planning and Consulting • CRA Assistance • Estate and Trust 604 Government Road South, Weyburn SK S4H 2B4 PH: 306.842.5344 | FX: 306.842.5345 McMahon@McMahonCPA.ca

Consigning to Northern Exposure Sale Cattle also for sale by private treaty

Dr. Christine Ewert Hill | Dr. Clarke Hill christine.ewert@gmail.com (306) 452-7867 (C) • (306) 452-3803 (H) Redvers, SK S0C 2H0

NOVEMBER 2023

SHAWN PRYHITKA A Farmer Helping Farmers

MANAGE RISK We’ll help you get the best return for your livestock.

Realtor Ag Specialist 269 Hamilton Rd, Yorkton, SK S3N 4C6

306.621.9798

spryhitka@remax-yorkton.ca

Phone 403-775-7534 www.cowsincontrol.com

Animal Nutrition

VETERINARY DIAGNOSTIC SERVICES

1.800.661.9929

We have your hauling needs covered. Check out our website to see what we have in stock or call 1-306-445-5000 and we can discuss your trailer needs. Custom orders available!

• Necropsy • Histopathology • Surgical Pathology • Dermatopathology • Immunohistochemistry • Clinical Pathology • Endocrinology • Bacteriology/Mycology • PCR • Genomics • Parasitology • Serology • Virology • Immunology • Toxicology

WWW.CARGILL.COM

Financing & Leasing

Manufacturers of Livestock Feeds

ORDER DESK

PROVIDING A FULL RANGE OF

(306) 966-7316 | www.pdsinc.ca Accredited by American Association of Veterinarian Laboratory Diagnosticians (AAVLD); Standards Council of Canada, and CFIA for specific tests.

PD S

PRAIRIE DIAGNOSTIC SERVICES INC

BeefSmart

10029 Marquis Ave., North Battleford, SK

Linthicum Ranch Ltd.

C O N S U LT I N G I N C .

• Forage & Feed Analysis • Ration Formulation • Mineral & Supplement Formulation

• Forage and Pasture Systems • Herd Trace Mineral Status Assessments

Open replacement and bred heifers for sale. Black/black baldy heifers.

GOOSENECK, BUMPER PULLS

aVaiLaBLe

15’, 20', 25' LENGTHS

kramertrailersales.com

Animal Nutrition Programs designed to achieve optimum health, results & profits – delivered with service beyond the competition.

“Masterfeeds is the only brand we trust. It just works.” MASTERFEEDS CUSTOMER

Increasing efficiencies and improving profitability of cow-calf, backgrounding, feedlot, bison and sheep producers through nutrition consulting in the prairies. Connect with us today.

Murray & Jan Linthicum (306) 266-4377

Balanced by BeefSmart

Glentworth, SK

Unit 108 4002 Arthur Rose Ave, Saskatoon

LIVESTOCK , CAR HAULERS AND FLAT DECKS

SASKATCHEWAN:

Humboldt / 1-306-682-2668 Regina / 1-306-721-2727 Saskatoon Premix / 1-306-384-2144 Swift Current / 1-306-773-3001

beefsmart.ca • 306-229-0675 • info@beefsmart.ca

Celebrating 50 years of Gelbvieh in Canada

Contact: Man-Sask Gelbvieh President Ian Thackeray at 306-861-7687

NOVEMBER 2023

$80 CAN GET YOUR AD

HERE

(306) 757-8523

COWCAM

Wireless & IP Systems Makes your calving €easier, safer & more profitable! • Smartphone compatible • Save more calves • Stop disturbing them and check more frequently Allen Leigh

Security & Communications Ltd.

Cam

545 Assiniboine Ave, Brandon, MB I TF: 1.866.289.8164 T: 204.728.8878 I info@allenleigh.ca

www.precisioncam.ca Trusted Quality,

Trusted Support,

Trusted Service!

Machine & Products Ltd.

• ROLLER MILLS ~ Electric or PTO models ~ 10 sizes available ~ Increase the nutrition value of your feed! ~ Manufactured in Saskatoon • SILAGE COVERS & GRAIN BAGS We regroove roller mill rolls - most brands

2502 Millar Ave, Saskatoon 306-242-9884 or 877-255-0187 apm@sasktel.net www.apollomachineandproducts.com

Helen Finucane phone: 306-584-2773 cell: 306-537-2648 Carlyle, SK

Annual February Sale Two year old bulls & bred heifers Rob & Joanne Bannerman, Livelong, SK Home: 306 845 2764 Cell: 306 845 7790 bannerman1964@icloud.com

We have new books:

Farm & Ranch Real Estate. It’s what we do. 3287 Quance Street, Regina, SK OFFICE 306.352.1866 CELL 306.530.8035 sheppardrealty.ca

Manitou

Smile and Mean it: the Bud & Eunice Williams Story

Maine-Anjou Bulls

Stockdogs: Partners and Friends

garysandygraham@gmail.com Marsden, SK | 306.830.0883

(since 1970)

We raise the real Maine-Anjou cattle!

Cowtown Livestock Exchange Inc. Maple Creek, SK

Regular Sales every Tuesday @ 10:00 a.m. Locally Owned & Operated Call for info on Presort & Other Sales Phone 306-662-2648 Toll Free: 1-800-239-5933

www.cowtownlivestock.com

Call Us You’ll be Glad You Did! Visit www.stockmanship.com or call 417-719-4910 for more information.

manitoumaineanjou.ca

$80 CAN GET YOUR AD

HERE

All types of commercial and purebred livestock auctions and farm sales. Wash rack facilities for livestock

www.johnstoneauction.ca

Wayne or Scott Johnstone Box 818, Moose Jaw, SK 306-693-4715 (Bus) Fax 306-691-6650

JOHN SMORODEN

(250) 417-5412 info@quicklookback.com 1075 - 26th Ave. South Cranbrook, B.C. V1C 6Y7 www.quicklookback.com

CAMERA SYSTEMS FOR FARM & RANCH

SASKATCHEWAN

ASSOCIATION

306-537-1518

office @saskatchewanangus.com cdnangus.ca/saskatchewan-angus-association

NOVEMBER 2023

is in the Affinityplex Welcome to the

Nov 20-25

Next Generation of Feed Processors

Saskatoon • Moose Jaw • Lloydminster

306-955-1350

NORHEIMRANCHING.COM