Beef Business May 2017

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Saskatchewan`s Premiere Cattle Industry Publication May 2017

A Saskatchewan Stock Growers Association Publication Publication Mail Agreement #40011906

Working for Producers

.. us.

A oin N 7 J G & O 01 S S M TI 2 G N , A VE 13 , SK N 1 - e Jaw CO e 1 Moos

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Beef Business

YOU PROTECT THEM, NOW LET US

PROTECT YOU.

You’ve worked hard to take care of your livestock — to raise them right and protect them from harm.

So, when it comes to factors beyond your control, like an unexpected drop in prices, we’re here to help you take care of your investment — with the Western Livestock Price Insurance Program.

MAY

31 With WLPIP, you can select the coverage that works for your operation and lock-in market price protection to avoid unexpected declines. And it has worked time and again for Saskatchewan producers. In the last two years, we have paid out over $12 million dollars in claims. Contact your local Crop Insurance office to learn about the program, how to sign up and how to purchase price insurance policies. saskcropinsurance.com

@skcropinsurance

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Images courtesy of Canadian Cattlemen

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The Beef Magazine

Common Ground

Register at www.canadian beefindustry conference.com

AUG 15 - 17

Interactive workshops for producers on production innovations, a tradeshow, market outlooks, and presentations about how we can work together to advance connectivity, productivity, beef demand and competitiveness in the industry PLUS excellent networking opportunities including a golf tournament and tour

at the BMO Centre on Stampede Park, Calgary, Alberta WITH KEYNOTE SPEAKER JON MONTGOMERY Olympic athlete, gold-medalist, host of The Amazing Race Canada, and coast-to-coast Canadian folk hero

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Contents

Beef Business

Cover photo courtesy of Logan Grant

A Proud Saskatchewan Tradition Since 1913

A Saskatchewan Stock Growers Association (SSGA) Publication General Manager: Chad MacPherson Box 4752, Evraz Place, Regina, SK S4P 3Y4 Tel: 306-757-8523 Fax: 306-569-8799 email: ssga@sasktel.net OR ssga.admin@sasktel.net Website: www.skstockgrowers.com

Industry News 6

BIXS Clarifies Misconceptions

7

New Website for Verified Beef Production Plus

7

SSGA Outlines Saskatchewan Pastures Program Concerns

8

Strong Start for SARPAL Conservation Projects

9

Changes to Access for OTC Antimicrobials

Subscriptions Box 4752, Evraz Place, Regina, SK S4P 3Y4 Tel: 306-757-8523 Fax: 306-569-8799 email: ssga.admin@sasktel.net

Markets and Trade 10

Retail Meat Price Survey

11

Weekly Charts

12

Government Says Saskatchewan Pasture Program Process Will Protect Patrons

14

Can Cattle Be Used to Reverse Climate Change?

17

WLPIP Pays off During Price Correction

18

Myths & Facts About Price Insurance

Subscription Rate: 1 yr $26.50 (GST included) Published 5 times per year

Features

Advertising Sales - Tracy Cornea Tel: 306-693-9329 Fax: 306-692-4961 email: tracy.cornea@gmail.com Design and Layout - Jackson Designs Candace Schwartz Tel: 306-772-0376 email: cjacksondesigns@gmail.com

Science and Production 19

Livestock Inspection and Premises ID

22

Where's the Beef? Missing Livestock Files

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

Stewardship 23

No Input - No Rejuvenation Forage for Grazing

24

Think About Biosecurity to Protect Agricultural Lands

25

The Loggerhead Shrike: Beautiful, Bloody, or Both?

SSGA reserves the right to refuse advertising and to edit manuscripts. Contents of Beef Business may be reproduced with written permission obtained from the SSGA Manager and proper credit given to the Saskatchewan Stock Growers Association. Articles submitted may not be the opinion of the Association.

SSGA assumes no responsibility for any actions or decisions taken by any reader from this publication based on any and all information provided.

Association News, Reports and Events 27

SSGA 2017 Zone Resolutions

28

SSGA AGM & Convention

30

Zone Scholarship Winners

30

SSGA Board Recognizes Retiring Director Lloyd Thompson

31

CCA Annual General Meeting in Ottawa

32

SSGA Welcomes New Director Jerry Chanig

33

A Report from the SSGA President

34

Calendar of Events

35

Advertisers Index

36

Business Directory

Re

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Follow us on

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

facebook.com/skstockgrowers @SK_StockGrowers MAY 2017

Contributors Jodie Griffin Harvey Anderson Tara Mulhern Davidson Shane Jahnke Chad MacPherson Fonda Froats Jason Pollock Larry K. Gabruch Wendy Wilkins Jeff Gaye

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

www.skstockgrowers.com | ŠBEEF BUSINESS | 5

Industry News BIXS Clarifies Misconceptions The Beef InfoXchange System (BIXS) recently issued a press release addressing producers’ concerns about using the BIXS data management system. The release reads as follows: “BIXS will not charge producers to use the data management system now or in the future. Inputting data will always be at no charge, and retrieving that data will be free. Any additional data put in the system where the contributor does not require payment can be acquired at no charge to the producer. This means that a producer can retrieve data attached

to RFID tags that have been in his or her account during the animal’s lifetime.

We would encourage producers to share management data as it benefits the whole industry both domestically and internationally. Data sharing and improvement supports Efficiency and Innovation, one of the five principles of sustainable beef production.”

“Carcass data may or may not have a charge attached to it, once it is available.

This will depend entirely on the individual agreements with the packers, or for that matter any company or group

which inputs data, as each company has different business models and reasons for data sharing.”

“The new BIXS web-based data management system will launch within the next few weeks, allowing direct recording of multiple actions on multiple animals at one time. It also allows some customization of the information recorded and how it appears in the system. It will run alongside the old BIXS system to allow users some time to become comfortable with the new system.” B

Visit us at the Farm Progress Show June 21 - 23, 2017 Located in Hall 12

Canada Centre

6

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MAY 2017

Industry News New Website for Verified Beef Production Plus The Verified Beef Production Plus (VBP+) program launched its new website, verifiedbeefproductionplus.ca, on March 28, 2017.

The website is aimed at producers who are participating in the VBP+ program as well as those who want to know more about getting involved. There is also information for retailers and consumers.

Producers will find information about VBP+ on-line training, the five steps for getting into the program, and detailed information on VBP+ modules for animal care, biosecurity and environmental stewardship.

The “Producer Resources” section includes downloads, articles, links, and videos for those wanting to be a part of VBP+ and for beef operations already in the program.

VBP+ registered operations will find resources to enhance their marketing.

Under the “Registered Producers” section, the VBP+ Auction Market Cattle Sales Listing is where registered operations can list, three months in advance, their cattle auction sale date(s), auction market site of sale, the number of head on offer on sale day and cattle descriptions. This enables VBP+ registered operations to showcase the VBP+ attributes of their sale animals while promoting their selected auction market.

The website has specific pages for each region of Canada, with local information about VBP+ including regional workshops, regional-specific articles and information as well as upcoming events related to VBP+ for the specific province or region.

It also includes a photo gallery where site visitors can view images submitted by VBP+ registered operations showcasing their farm, ranch, feedlot, cattle, family and more. Credit is provided for submitted imagery.

The verifiedbeefproductionplus.ca website is easily viewed on smartphones, tablets or laptops.

The Beef Cattle Research Council operates VBP+. Funds to develop and deliver VBP+ are provided through the Canadian Beef Cattle Check-off and the AgriMarketing Program under Growing Forward 2, a federal, provincial and territorial initiative. B

SSGA Outlines Saskatchewan Pastures Program Concerns The Saskatchewan Stock Growers Association has expressed qualified support for the province’s phase out of the Saskatchewan Pastures Program (SPP).

“We know the government had to make some difficult choices in the budget,” said SSGA president Shane Jahnke. “What’s important for us is that the lands are protected and the patrons are supported.”

In a letter to the Ministry of Agriculture, Jahnke laid out the SSGA’s three main priorities: that livestock grazing is maintained on the SPP lands, that patrons be given the first right to purchase or lease the SPP lands, and that the ecological integrity of the land is maintained.

Jahnke said pasture patrons are in the best position to manage the lands, and giving them the option to purchase or lease the pastures will provide them with greater financial flexibility and long-term stability.

MAY 2017

“It’s also important to implement the precautions to guarantee that the land is maintained in an acceptable standard for wildlife habitat and environmental sustainability,” he said.

Jahnke said the SPP patron groups should be given the same lease agreement (term length, right to control access) as all other provincial Crown grazing lessees. As well, support to patrons should be on the same terms that were offered to PFRA patrons, he said. This includes up to $120,000 for startup and professional services costs and assistance with business plan and grazing plan development.

noxious weed infestations,” the letter states. “To address this concern we are in favour of providing funding to the patron groups to implement weed management plans to prevent the further spread of noxious weeds.”

Jahnke says it’s important for producer groups to communicate with the government as the process unfolds.

“We hope the stakeholders’ concerns are heard,” he said. “A smooth, seamless transition is in everybody’s interests.” B

The SSGA would like to see an environmental assessment of all the pastures to identify liabilities such as oil and gas sites, abandoned water wells, or Species at Risk habitat that the patron groups might be inheriting.

“Some of the pastures have well-known

www.skstockgrowers.com | ©BEEF BUSINESS | 7

Industry News Strong Start for SARPAL Conservation Projects The Saskatchewan Stock Growers Association and the South of the Divide Conservation Action Program Inc. (SODCAP Inc.) are moving ahead with new projects following a busy and successful year with the Species at Risk Partnerships on Agricultural Lands (SARPAL) program.

The partnership between SODCAP Inc. and the SSGA has already produced 14 Results-Based Conservation Agreements (RBCAs) on over 56,000 acres, and 7 Habitat Management Agreements (HMAs) on over 75,000 acres. These agreements and projects are designed with a focus on habitat for multiple species at risk including the Greater Sage Grouse, Sprague’s Pipit, Swift Fox, Loggerhead Shrike, Northern Leopard Frog, Chestnut Collared Longspur and McCown’s Longspur.

Conservation results from the resultsbased agreements have exceeded targets in all four designated measurable categories. This will help SARPAL assign a quantitative value to species at risk habitat separate from the value of agriculturally productive land. Activities in the habitat management agreements include, but are not limited to, range evaluations; setting appropriate stocking rates; designing extensive grazing systems; creation of frog friendly dugouts; avoidance of destructive activities, and monitoring of wildlife and habitat.

The advances made through this and other partnerships have inspired the “Prairie Provides” certification campaign.

This niche-branding exercise will certify producers whose beef was raised in a conservation-friendly way. The idea is to license producers to use a logo on their product to demonstrate that it was raised in accordance with habitat friendly practices.

“We’re looking at partnering with two or three producers who raise their beef on native grasslands with species at risk habitat, and who sell beef directly through farmers’ markets or at the farmgate,” said SSGA president Shane Jahnke.

“We want to see if customers are willing to pay more for beef with our ‘Prairie Provides’ logo.” Beyond catering to a niche market, the campaign will make consumers more aware of the value that ranching adds to the prairie ecology.

The SSGA and SODCAP Inc. are investing considerable resources, including SARPAL support, in native prairie conservation.

Their efforts include conserving thousands of acres of native grasslands and restoring thousands more that had been broken for cropland.

The organizations are exploring grass banking possibilities. Grass banks are mutually beneficial arrangements where producers graze their cattle on native prairie at a discount, while the landowner gains the benefits that grazing brings to the land.

Talks are already underway with the Nature Conservancy of Canada to determine if such an arrangement would work at Old Man on His Back Ranch.

“We’re hoping to announce another major partnership in a couple of months,” Jahnke said.

“Our SARPAL projects are really taking off, and this is just the beginning,” Jahnke said. “Environmental stewardship benefits everybody, and these partnerships and programs allow producers and land managers to share in the value they create through their conservation efforts.”B

Through SARPAL, the organizations have established partnerships and launched projects to protect habitat for species at risk in southwestern Saskatchewan.

Thanks to a $200,000 grant from the US-based National Fish and Wildlife Foundation (NFWF), the SSGA has additional goals of implementing four Habitat Management Agreements and four Habitat Restoration Agreements on native grasslands or lands associated with native prairie or species at risk habitat. SARPAL, a program of the federal Environment and Climate Change Canada ministry, is matching the NFWF funding.

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Congratulations to SSGA Past President Miles Anderson on his appointment to the Federal Species at Risk Advisory Committee

MAY 2017

Industry News Changes to Access for OTC Antimicrobials

by Wendy Wilkins, DVM, PhD, Disease Surveillance Veterinarian SK Ministry of Agriculture/Livestock Branch

Due to concern about rapidly rising antibiotic resistance in Canada and around the world, Health Canada is making regulatory changes to increase veterinary oversight of medically important antibiotics used in livestock and poultry.

A medically important antibiotic is any antibiotic that is used to treat bacterial infections in humans. This includes pretty much any antibiotic that you can think of. Penicillin, for example, is a medically important antibiotic. The only ones that are not included are ionophores, which are drugs such as Rumensin and Bovatec that are used in livestock to increase feed efficiency or treat parasitic disease such as coccidiosis. Ionophores are not used to treat humans.

The first change, which has already been implemented (January 1, 2017), is that all label claims allowing medically important antibiotics to be used as growth promotants have been eliminated.

These claims were voluntarily removed by the manufactures; this means that use as growth promotants is no longer an acceptable use of these drugs in any circumstance.

Other changes that will be coming, early in 2018, include: •

Increasing oversight on importation of veterinary drugs (“Own Use Importation” and import of active pharmaceutical ingredients, or raw drug products).

•

Improving tracking of antibiotic drug sales by requiring mandatory reporting of sales volume from manufacturers.

•

Streamlining the approval process for low-risk veterinary health products that promote animal health and potentially reduce the need for antibiotics.

•

All medically important antibiotics will be moved to the prescription drug list.

This last change is likely to have the biggest impact on livestock producers.

Currently, some livestock antibiotics, such as certain formulations of penicillin and tetracyclines, sulfa boluses for calf scours, or even medicated chick starter, can be bought off the shelf, or “over the counter”, at places like farm supply stores.

Once these changes come into effect, these items will no longer be sold at these stores, and producers will have to have a prescription from a veterinarian before they can buy them. And this applies to all animals – whether you have 500 head of cattle or five chickens. Even beekeepers will need a veterinary prescription before they can buy antibiotics for their bees. Provincial laws dictate that only veterinarians or pharmacists may sell prescription medications.

The proposed changes will also impact producers who purchase feeds containing antibiotics from commercial feed mills.

Some antibiotics currently do not need a prescription before mixing in feed, but when the changes come into effect then prescriptions will be required whenever any antibiotic is mixed into feed. Also, some producers purchase antibiotics directly from the feed mill, to take home and mix in feed on-farm. Once the changes come into effect, the feed mill will be allowed to sell these medicated premixes only with a prescription. They will not be able to sell any antibiotic continued on page 10

Implicated MIAs for switch from OTC to Pr status Implicated MIAs for Switch from OTC to Prescription Status • • • • • • • •

Apramycin • Bacitracin • Erythromycin • Lincomycin • Neomycin • Penicillin G • Spectinomycin Streptomycin/Dihydrostreptomycin •

Sulphonamides Tetracycline/Chlortetracycline/Oxy tetracycline Tilmicosin Tiamulin Tylosin/Tylvalosin Virginiamycin Or their salts or derivatives

Courtesy of Health Canada

MAY 2017

www.skstockgrowers.com | ©BEEF BUSINESS | 9

Markets and Trade RETAIL MEAT PRICE SURVEY as of April 29, 2017 ($/lb)

CUTS

SAFEWAY

SAVE-ON-FOODS

SOBEYS

5.44

EXTRA FOODS 5.39

3.17

5.39

3.98

Ground beef/regular

*

4.19

4.79

4.19

3.79

Roast/cross rib

*

*

7.49

9.39

*

Roast/rib

15.64

*

*

17.89

17.99

Roast/outside round

4.99

6.99

7.49

*

6.11

Steak/rib eye

*

20.29

15.99

15.90

15.89

Steak/round

7.49

7.39

*

6.99

6.11

Steak/sirloin

8.54

12.09

12.49

12.99

10.19

Steak/T-bone

16.32

*

*

16.29

17.68

Steak/tenderloin

18.14

*

25.49

25.99

36.28

Ground beef/lean

CO-OP

*these items were not in the display case on this date

OTC Antimicrobial Access cont. from pg. 9 unless it is mixed in a feed, this includes all products with a Drug Identification Number (DIN). Talk with your feed mill manager and your veterinarian to determine how these changes are going to affect you.

It is important that all livestock and poultry producers be aware of the upcoming changes, and even more important that you understand how the changes will affect you specifically.

Before a veterinarian can prescribe any medication for your animals, by law, they are required to have an established veterinary-client-patient relationship with you. This relationship can differ depending on the species and circumstance, but typically if a vet has been out to your farm and is familiar with your animals and your management of them in the recent past, then a valid relationship exists. If you see your vet only once a year when you stop in

10

to buy vaccines, then a valid relationship does NOT exist. Do you currently have a veterinarian who routinely looks after your animals? Has this veterinarian been out to your farm in the last, say six months to a year? If not, now is the time to build that relationship.

By law, a veterinarian cannot issue a prescription for any drug unless they have an established relationship with a producer and a working knowledge of their animals. Once these changes come into effect, veterinarians are obligated to follow the new rules or risk losing their license to practice.

agriculture in order to preserve the efficacy of these drugs for human use. We see evidence of this pressure every day as restaurants and grocery stores implement “antibiotic-free” and “raised without the use of antibiotics” policies.

Should agriculture lose access to antibiotics, it will result in welfare issues for animals and financial losses to producers. It is important that all producers practice good antibiotic stewardship so that agriculture continues to have access to these critically important medications. B

The underlying reason for these changes is simple: antibiotic resistance is on the rise, and it is increasing faster than we can come up with new drugs to combat bacterial infections. Consequently, there is growing public pressure to reduce or eliminate the use of antibiotics in

| ©BEEF BUSINESS | www.skstockgrowers.com

MAY 2017

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 210 2016

2017

160

180.00

170.00

130.00

160 150 140 130 120 110 100 90 80 70 60

MAY 2017 Source: CanFax

2014

160.00 2015

150.00 2016

140.00

2017

2014

2015

2016

2017

Source: CanFax Source: CanFax

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

2015

Source: CanFax

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

2014

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

260

Price per hundred weight

310

210.00

200.00 0.98

190.00 0.93

CDN $ - US terms

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 360

Price per tonne

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

Markets and Trade SK Weekly Average Price 500-600 lbs Steers SK Weekly Average Price Heifers 500-600 lbs

120.00 280

230

AB Fed Steer Prices

Alberta Weekly D1 & D2 Cows 2014

2014

180 2015

130 2017

0.88

0.83

0.78

230

Source: CanFax

Weekly Canadian Dollar

2016

2017

0.73 5 yr avg

0.68 Source: Bank of Canada

Lethbridge Barley Price

270

250

210 2014

2015

190 2016

170 2017

150

Source: CanFax

For more information visit www.canfax.ca

www.skstockgrowers.com | ©BEEF BUSINESS | 11

Feature Government Says Saskatchewan Pasture Program Process Will Protect Patrons

by Jeff Gaye

The Saskatchewan government’s decision to end the Saskatchewan Pasture Program (SPP) isn’t likely to trigger a wholesale selloff of the 51 provincially-owned pastures.

“First of all, there’s been no decision to sell the land,” said Wally Hoehn, Executive Director of the Ministry of Agriculture’s Lands Branch. “The decision has been made not to continue with the program.”

SPP patrons are guaranteed grazing under the present arrangement for the rest of 2017. Hoehn expects it will take up to three years to discontinue the SPP program. “We can’t shut down 51 pastures this year but we think in two to three years we’ll see the end of the program,” he said.

Hoehn said the government is consulting stakeholders to shape the future management of the land.

The experience of the PFRA divestment suggests there probably won’t be a stampede to purchase the pastures if they are put up for sale. Only one quarter section of the 1.78 million acres of federal pasture land in Saskatchewan has sold since the divestment was announced in 2012.

Hoehn says the provincial process will be different from the PFRA experience.

For one thing, all of the SPP lands are provincial lands, whereas the federal pastures were controlled under three different ownership models. That complicated the process “In the patron meetings it became quite evident that most of the patrons are aware of the federal program and most of the discussion has just defaulted to that being the model,” he said. But the PFRA experience has helped to prepare the province for a smooth transition from the SPP. “We have programs in place, we have

12

funding in place. So it’s not nearly as scary as in 2012 when we first started with the federal program,” Hoehn said.

Part of the consultation involves ensuring that patrons’ interests are protected. The government hasn’t decided whether patrons will have the first opportunity to buy or lease the pastures, but Hoehn said it is being considered, and that it would be in line with what was done with the federal divestiture program.

“We expect to treat our patrons’ rights with respect. Patrons, our clients, are always advocates for agriculture so we intend to try to best protect their interests,” he said.

“Until the consultations have been completed, it’s hard to say how everything is going to shake out but for sure the patrons will be one of our main concerns.

And their continued use of the land for grazing is another key thing that we’re trying to keep in mind.”

The government has a number of measures available to make sure the land continues to be grazed. Under any lease agreement, they can stipulate that the land is kept for grazing. Even in the event of a sale, a Crown conservation easement would prohibit development of the land, including clearing or breaking or illegal drainage.

The Crown Land Ecological Assessment Tool (CLEAT) is another means of protecting the land for grazing.

“Under a lease agreement we would expect the same protection that it’s currently under right now,” Hoehn said.

“Before a client could break up anything they would have to get our permission.

And typically what’s good for cattle is also good for the environment, they aren’t mutually exclusive. And so to keep it

| ©BEEF BUSINESS | www.skstockgrowers.com

healthy and high performing for livestock grazing, it will also afford great habitats for wildlife, for plants or anything else that’s out there – not just livestock.”

As the program transitions, support for producers is likely to remain in place.

Initiatives under Growing Forward 2, including support for developing business and grazing plans, still have a year remaining before a new federal-provincial framework comes into effect. Hoehn says the province is looking to include something similar in the new framework – $80,000 for professional and startup costs, and $40,000 for technical services and training.

Inclusion of improvements in sale or lease arrangements is also under consideration.

Land will be sold or leased at fair market value, and improvements such as fences, head gates, corrals and dugouts will likely be included. Things like trucks, tractors or post pounders will not.

Hoehn said the government will continue its assistance in dealing with noxious weeds after land changes hands. “There’s noxious weeds on some of these pastures, and one or two have a severe problem.

Our expectation is that we aren’t going to saddle our clients with that in terms of ‘here, now it’s yours, look after it.’ We’ll partner with them on a program,” he said.

“We’ve been working for well over a year on kind of an inter-agency landscape approach to the management of noxious weeds in the province. So that’ll be a part of this as well.”

While the decision to close the SPP will eventually lead to cost savings for the government, Hoehn says it was more of a philosophical decision than a dollars-andcents proposition.

MAY 2017

Feature “It’s just not seen as a core business of government anymore to be running community pastures,” he said. “It was more important in the 1920s to help support the diversification of the industry.

The industry has evolved and so have producers, so we just don’t see it as a core program for government. There’s only about five per cent of the provincial cattle herd that is in these pastures, and only about 12 per cent of the producers in the province. So it’s not an equally available program to all parties in the province.”

Consultations with stakeholder groups are continuing. An online survey will be completed May 8, and results of that survey, along with discussions of consultations with various interested parties, will probably be released in early July. B

MAY 2017

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Feature Can Cattle Be Used to Reverse Climate Change?

by Jeff Gaye

Allan Savory, who will be speaking at the Saskatchewan Stock Growers Association Annual General Meeting and Convention in June, is hell-bent on fighting climate change. As a wildlife biologist, he has come to believe that climate change and the desertification of grassland ecosystems are serious threats to our ability to sustain ourselves. And he believes that a massive increase in livestock numbers represents our only hope of reversing the damage.

Savory is a slim, fit 81-year old from Zimbabwe. His career as an ecologist began in that country, then known as Rhodesia, where he worked establishing its national parks system. Even then, in the 1950s, he could see how soil degradation was affecting the land’s ability to hold water and sustain life.

He tells of how his research into a deteriorating range led him to a grim conclusion: the land could not sustain its elephant population. To preserve the land and maintain a healthy population of elephants, 40,000 of the animals would have to be killed.

The government had his findings carefully reviewed by a team of experts, and they agreed with him. In the subsequent years, the elephants were shot. And the land got worse, not better.

“Loving elephants as I do,” he says, “that was the saddest and greatest blunder of

my life. And I will carry that to my grave.”

But, he says, “it made me absolutely determined to devote my life to finding solutions.”

situation, whether in a household or a national government, we seek to improve things by focusing on narrowly defined, clearly identified problems.

Savory came to understand that vast herds of grazing animals were an important element in the formation of grasslands ecosystems. Because, through their sheer numbers, they quickly foul their food plants with dung and urine, and because they were hunted by packs of predators, the animals were constantly moving.

Instead, he advocates holistic management and promotes his Holistic Planned Grazing practices.

This is how overgrazing was prevented – not by limiting the numbers of animals on the range, but by limiting their time in one location. Plants were left to decay and regenerate while manure nourished the soil and helped provide moisture-saving ground cover.

It was the ground cover in the form of plants, plant litter and manure, that enabled the soil to retain moisture. It insulated the ground, keeping it cooler by day and warmer in the nighttime. This prevented evaporation and encouraged plant growth. The trampling of the large herds further ensured good ground cover.

Most of these wild herds have disappeared. In their place, we have sparse populations of livestock grazing on ranches and farms or penned in feedlots. This is a result of what Savory calls “reductionist” management: in any

September 2006 - Photo courtesy of the Savory Institute.

14

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“What I accidentally discovered while striving to solve the global desertification problem is that management has always been reductionist, and that the moment we use the holistic framework the situation changes dramatically for the better,” he said.

“It does so because most people are good and doing their best, and we did not lack knowledge, which is amazing in our ranching, farming communities and in our universities – it was simply the reductionist management that was flawed. However, holistic management involves ending the vilification of livestock and accepting they are an essential tool, without which we cannot address both desertification and climate change effectively.”

The belief that livestock cause desertification and climate change has hindered widespread understanding of the broader use of the holistic framework, Savory says. continued on page 16

March 2009 - Photo courtesy of the Savory Institute.

MAY 2017

May the

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MAY 2017

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Terms and conditions

Feature Climate Change cont. from pg. 14 “Management systems can work only where things are predictable," he said. But a ranch is too complex and unpredictable for a management system to work. But do not even dream of being able to manage the ranch or any business using any management system, worst of all any grazing system. On the ranch there is just too much that is unpredictable involving the weather, livestock, crops, wildlife, diseases, markets and the economic factors all constantly changing on top of social changes.

experiencing amazing improvement of land using the grazing planning process I had adapted from centuries of military experience in planning for immediate battlefield situations. But results were not consistent so something was still missing that we were able to solve by 1984 when the full holistic framework came about,” he said.

over thirty years later and with social networking and talks like TED possible it is time for all governments, cattlemen and environmental organizations to open minds and investigate more deeply.”

“Since then I am not aware of a single failure anywhere despite constant appeals to practitioners to let me know if they ever experience any failure, whether due to drought or any other reason. None have done so.”

“I will make it as clear as I can why, if we are serious about desertification and climate change and about the many symptoms – increasing frequency and severity of both floods and droughts, poverty, social breakdown, collapsing small towns and economies, mass emigration across borders (changing the political face of Europe and the US) increasing recruitment to violent organizations and war, then we need to accept the role of livestock, and that reductionist management is the real cause of almost all our major problems and conflicts.”

“In management there is always an inescapable web of complexity. All of this complexity is addressed in a really very simple common sense way as soon as ranchers use the holistic framework to guide management. That is what the word ‘holistic’ in Holistic Planned Grazing means.”

There has been a new explosion of interest in Savory’s ideas since he gave a TED Talk in 2013. In a captivating 20-minute lecture, he explained his approach and illustrated his successes with photographs showing marginal lands coming back to life. The video of that talk has been viewed almost 4 million times.

Naturally, Savory has his critics. Some come from predictable political positions (a writer for Slate concluded an article on Savory saying “there’s no such thing as a beef-eating environmentalist”), others are from the scientific community.

This is part of a turning point that comes after more than 50 years of advancing his ideas. Institutions and organizations are naturally resistant to new, counterintuitive ideas, Savory said, but they can change when presented with a shift in public opinion.

There are as many people, including scientists, who defend Savory’s findings and techniques. In their rebuttals they say Holistic Planned Grazing was not properly understood or implemented in the critics’ research.

“Yes, it is a nightmare of conflicting views and confusion as the ship sinks. Almost everyone is arguing about how to rearrange the deck chairs on the Titanic,” Savory said.

“And no, holistic management is not yet getting the consideration needed, although it is increasingly being understood and heard.”

Savory says his early results were encouraging but mixed.

“From the late 1960s until 1984 we were

16

He recalled doing some work for the United States Department of Agriculture in the 1980s. Despite positive results, the project was ultimately abandoned.

“They engaged me over two years to put some 2,000 people through a week of training in the use of the holistic framework. These professional people came from all the main government land management agencies, World Bank, USAID and faculty members of the main agricultural universities. They analyzed hundreds of their own policies using the holistic framework and concluded none could succeed and all would lead to unintended consequences,” he said.

Savory said his message at the AGM in Moose Jaw will explain how livestock can indeed change the world.

He says this is relatively easy to change “just as fast as the public understands and institutions can change.”

And the beef industry can flourish while cows are saving the planet, he says. It starts with producers influencing their organizations.

“Only as increasing numbers of ranchers change will we see cattlemen’s organizations shift from supporting destructive grazing systems and factory model feedlots to supporting holistic management.”

“And when that happens the massive public resistance to red meat will change, enabling the entire cattle industry to surge to levels of production and prosperity few even dream of today, while seriously addressing desertification and climate change.” B

“This did not result in acceptance and change as we all expected, but resulted in further training being banned. Now

| ©BEEF BUSINESS | www.skstockgrowers.com

MAY 2017

Feature WLPIP Pays Off During Price Correction

by Jeff Gaye

The Western Livestock Price Insurance Program (WLPIP) proved its worth through the 2015-2016 market correction, paying out more than $6 million to insured producers.

WLPIP was launched in 2014, but the concept grew out of the 2003 BSE crisis.

The catastrophic collapse of markets for Canadian beef cost producers millions of dollars and drove many of them out of the industry altogether.

“A lot of producers got together with other stakeholder partners and said we can’t have that happen again. We can’t be that vulnerable again,” says Jodie Griffin, Saskatchewan Coordinator for WLPIP. And so price insurance as a risk management tool was launched in Alberta in 2009. The Alberta model was used as the prototype for today’s program, which is offered in all four western provinces with the federal government also on board as a partner. “It’s unique,” Griffin said. “It’s unique in concept. It’s unique in structure.”

She said not all sectors of the cattle industry are familiar with using risk management tools, but WLPIP is especially valuable for cow calf producers. “It’s beneficial for them because any producer can access it, there’s no minimum requirement to participate in this program,” Griffin said. “And there is no cost to apply.”

“It’s a one-stop-shop risk management tool. It’s one time you come in. You purchase a policy and that policy protects you from market risk at the time you’re going to bring your cattle onto the market, for a defined period of time.”

Producers apply for the program through the WLPIP website (www.wlpip.ca). This makes them eligible to purchase a policy, but does not oblige them to do so. Once they have established a price they want to protect, they can check that against the program’s premiums and decide whether to buy the insurance.

It’s worthwhile to consider the coverage you want before coming to one of the 21 crop insurance offices in Saskatchewan,

MAY 2017

Griffin says, because the opportunity to buy insurance is “time-sensitive.” “There’s three and a half hours in a given day that they can buy a policy. So when you think of that time frame, of when they can actually pull the trigger, then you can visualize why it’s so important to be enrolled in the program, and to have a game plan coming into it,” she said.

“Know what your cost of production is, know what your break-even is. Know you have to come looking at it based on what is your personal worst case scenario.”

It doesn’t take a catastrophe on the scale of 2003’s BSE crisis to inflict serious harm on an operation’s financial viability.

The heady days of record prices in 2014 and 2015 gave way to a major market correction in the following years. Those who invested in their herds and their operations expecting continued high prices were met with a sobering new reality.

“This is where the insurance program essentially was put to the test,” Griffin said. “Is it responsive? Is it doing what it’s intended to do? Is it responding when a producer needs it? And it absolutely has done that in the past year and a half.”

WLPIP estimates 12 per cent of marketable calves were insured last year. “This program paid out over six million dollars in a matter of seven weeks last fall to that 12 percent,” Griffin said. “So it definitely injected back into the industry when it was needed, and that’s the whole intention of the program.”

For producers weighing whether to buy price insurance, the program helps by crunching the numbers on the risk side. Its forecasts take the three main risk factors into account: futures prices; currency fluctuations (since futures are traded in US dollars); and basis, or the difference between today’s cash price and a US futures price. What remains for the producer is to weigh their personal “floor” price against the corresponding WLPIP premium.“Those three [risk]components are already built in, so those are three things that you don’t necessarily have to concern yourself with,” Griffin said.

“What you need to concern yourself with is where am I going to be comfortable if the market dropped to this level. Am I still able to meet all my financial obligations?

If the market dropped to this level and say we had a border closure, I just want to know that I have my farm for another day.”

Usually the wisest strategy is to use the insurance as a stop-loss tool, she said.

In rising markets, it can be tempting to insure a high price – to guarantee strong margins rather than to protect against losses.

Griffin cautions this is not for everyone, and may not be the best use of the program. If prices are high, producers will see the benefits without having to pay insurance premiums to protect them.

“Sometimes we have to remind producers not to get caught up in top coverage if that’s not necessarily where they need to be from a business risk perspective,” she said. Premiums to protect top prices will always come at the highest cost.

An additional advantage to holding a WLPIP policy is that it can be used as security for the Cash Advance Program. In the past, producers who wanted to get a cash advance on their calves had to be in the AgriStability program.

WLPIP is in its last year as a four-year pilot program under Growing Forward 2, the federal-provincial agriculture framework.

Griffin says its renewal will depend on support and participation from producers.

“This is a program that was created by producers and offered to producers. And we need our producers to keep it here,” she said. “What’s happened recently has really shown how important a tool this program is.” B

www.skstockgrowers.com | ©BEEF BUSINESS | 17

Feature Myths and Facts About Price Insurance

by Jodie Griffin, Program Coordinator, Western Livestock Price Insurance Program MYTH: My calves have to weigh 600 lbs to buy calf insurance.

FACT: No, they don’t. A producer insures the weight he estimates his production to be and wishes to protect. The weights we use are benchmarks for the program. After extensive data collecting, the weights we use are what we can consistently rely on to be in the market.

MYTH: I can’t insure my heifers because the program doesn’t collect heifer data.

FACT: This program is about insuring weight, not gender. Price risk exists for all classes and gender of cattle. The program uses steer data because that is what can be relied upon to be in the marketplace.

MYTH: When you buy a policy, it guarantees what your calves will sell for in the fall.

FACT: The program measures and makes payment on the overall cash market for a specific region (SK/MB or AB). A producer purchases a policy that guarantees that if the overall cash market in that region falls below the coverage purchased, the producer will receive an indemnity.

MYTH: The settlement price is averaged over the four week claim window and offered on the last Monday, if earlier claims have not been made.

FACT: Settlement price is offered on Mondays to reflect the previous week’s cash market.

This price is available only within that day’s claim hours. If a producer does not trigger a claim during those hours, the price offered is lifted and a new price will be available the following Monday.

If a producer chooses not to trigger a claim in the first three weeks of the four week

18

claim window or has weight remaining on the policy in the fourth and final week of the policy, the system will automatically settle the policy using the final Monday’s settlement price.

MYTH: I have to own the cattle before I can buy a policy.

FACT: As per the contract of insurance, a producer must own the cattle for a minimum of 60 days within the lifetime of the policy.

MYTH: I can buy only from the SK/MB premium table because I file farm tax in Saskatchewan.

FACT: A producer can use whichever table best represents his marketing risk.

Just a reminder to producers when they select a premium table, that table represents a region.

•

The Alberta premium table represents the markets in Alberta.

•

The SK/MB premium table represents the markets in Saskatchewan AND Manitoba

•

If a producer feels his market risk tracks along with Alberta then that is the table they may choose; the same is true for SK/MB

MYTH: Premiums have increased because the program has paid out.

FACT: The premium costs are impacted by the implied volatility obtained from the CME options market; the index/coverage being offered; policy length; and self-sustainability load.

MYTH: I can buy only one policy.

FACT: A producer can have as many policies as he wishes, as there is no minimum requirement. He just cannot insure more weight than he has.

MYTH: I can insure my calves only once.

FACT: If the producer intends to own his cattle into the next production cycle, he may have them insured on one program, and toward the end of that policy insure them on another program. He can’t insure calves twice on the calf program, but he may insure twice on the feeder program (backgrounding/grass). B

MYTH: I must sell my cattle before my policy expires.

FACT: No, you do not. The program is a risk management tool to protect a producer from external market volatility. How he chooses to use this tool is at his discretion. He may choose to sell cattle in a down market and take insurance to recoup some loss, or he may take his insurance and buy more feed to retain the inventory until markets become more favourable.

| ©BEEF BUSINESS | www.skstockgrowers.com

MAY 2017

Science and Production Livestock Inspection and Premises ID

by Jason Pollock, Interim CEO

Livestock Services of Saskatchewan (LSS) is working with the Saskatchewan Ministry of Agriculture to provide producers with awareness and understanding of the provincial Premises Identification (PID) system.

Together with animal identification and animal movement reporting, PID is one of the three pillars of traceability – which links livestock to land locations, or premises. Premises identification became a provincially legislated requirement for all livestock producers on December 15, 2016.

The information producers provide for PID enrollment will be used to help protect the livestock industry through improved planning for and response to potential animal disease outbreaks. It can also provide early warning of natural disasters (flood, fire, etc.) that could affect animals or operations. This producer information is confidential and will be held within a provincial database.

Over the coming months, Livestock Inspectors will be answering producer questions, such as how to apply for a PID

number, and how to include their PID number on a livestock manifest when transporting animals.

LSS is also working with other industry organizations and the ministry as we build our new CHIP management and information system, which will capture producer PID numbers. Our goal is to meet the needs of the livestock industry as they relate to future national animal movement reporting requirements.

Our CHIP system will provide timely and effective trace-back analytics and reporting in the event of an industry emergency.

LSS encourages producers to educate themselves about the provincial PID program, and how their participation will help protect their animals and those of other Canadian producers.

Taking 10 minutes, today, to register helps protect your operation and the industry as a whole tomorrow. B Visit premisesid.saskatchewan.ca to register and read the fact sheets.

For more information, call the Agriculture Knowledge Centre at 1-866-457-2377.

What will you do in a livestock-related emergency?

Are you prepared for an emergency? Let the Saskatchewan Premises Identification Database help you protect your cattle.

Register at premisesid.saskatchewan.ca.

MAY 2017

www.skstockgrowers.com | ŠBEEF BUSINESS | 19

Connecting Sustainability and Beef Production in Canada

Verified Beef Production in

SASKATCHEWAN DRIVING CONSUMER CONFIDENCE

A PRACTICAL APPROACH TO VERIFYING SUSTAINABILITY

PROOF OF RESPONSIBLE MANAGEMENT

Canadian Beef is Sustainable, Safe and Wholesome.

Let’s become VERIFIED and show consumers why!

E

OF: PReOdibility TH

Take the Training

Apply SOPs on the Beef Operation

Complete the On-Farm Audit

IN-PERSON WORKSHOP OR ONLINE

STANDARD OPERATING PROCEDURES

VERIFICATION OF THE OPERATION

Education on Food Safety, Animal

Industry-led practices focused on Food

Care, Biosecurity, and Environmental

Safety, Animal Care, Biosecurity, &

Stewardship Management Practices:

Environmental Stewardship during beef

•

Inject in the Neck, Reduce Broken

production are being used on the cattle

Needles, Meet Withdrawal Times

operation:

•

Keep Records (Treatments, Deaths)

•

Beef Code of Practice, Disease Prevention, Manure Management

Cr

Our 3rd party auditors are also beef producers and understand the industry. It takes about 3.5 hours and is mostly done in the comfort of your home, through discussion and review of your records.

•

Feedlots: 3 months of Records

This 3rd party verification gives credit

•

Cow-Calf: 6 months of Records

towards the excellent things you do.

ENHANCING CONSUMER CONFIDENCE IN THE WHOLESOMENESS OF BEEF To learn more about Visit saskvbp.ca or contact Coy Schellenberg, Provincial VBP in Saskatchewan: Coordinator, at 306.859.9110 or office@saskvbp.ca

VBP+ Verification Audit

WHAT IS INVOLVED?

The dairy, pork and poultry industries have all implemented some type of Quality Assurance program similar to ours. Retailers and consumers are looking for it and this is our opportunity to use an industry created program to enhance our social license to produce beef by gaining consumer trust. There is strong potential to increase local consumption and global exports of Canadian beef. VBP+ validates sustainable production practices, on-farm. Let’s show the world why Canadian beef is the safest, highest quality protein product on the planet!

Audit fees are a flat $500 per onfarm audit and beef producers in Saskatchewan can get 50% back through the On-Farm Food Safety (OFFS) funding program for their First Certification Audit.

MAINTAINING REGISTRATION

Beef Producers in Saskatchewan may qualify for funding provided through Growing Forward 2, a federal-provincial-territorial initiative.

8 year cycle of annual reviews F-R-S-S-R-S-S-S (and repeat)

(this is the last year of GF2 - Funding Application deadline is Jan 21, 2018)

Beef Biosecurity funding program: SEGREGATION PENS - 50% up to $1,000

NO ANNUAL FEES

(isolation/quarantine pens for incoming or sick cattle)

•

F= Full on-farm audit

VET CONSULTATION VISITS - 50% up to $1,000

•

R= Records Assessment (sample)

•

S= Self Declaration

•

VBP+ Registration Certificate and

(on-farm disease risk assessment and protocol development) IF YOU CHOOSE TO BECOME REGISTERED WITH THE VBP+ PROGRAM

Gate Sign are provided to the operation

•

you need records as per the Must Do’s in the VBP+ Producer Manual

•

then contact the Sask VBP office to request a validation audit if all components are met

•

we will help prepare you for the audit, ensuring that you understand our program and

towards eligible equipment (neck

that you are ready (Producer Checklist & Self-Assessment)

extenders, scale with load bars,

then the auditor will connect with you directly to schedule the on-farm audit

record keeping software, etc.)

•

•

VBP+ Registered Producers in SK are eligible for 50% up to $2,000

VBP+ IS A NATIONAL PROGRAM RECOGNIZED BY THE CFIA To learn more about Visit saskvbp.ca or contact Coy Schellenberg, Provincial VBP in Saskatchewan: Coordinator, at 306.859.9110 or office@saskvbp.ca

Science and Production Active Missing Livestock Files May 2017

Area Missing From

Number of Head

Animal Description

Biggar

3

Carlyle

Ormiston

Brand Description

Brand Location

RCMP Subdivision

LSS Regional Office

Date Reported

3-2016 calves

LR

Biggar

North Battleford 306-446-7404

Dec 16, 2016

13

6 cows 6-2016 calves 1 mature bull

RS

Carlyle

Moosomin 306-435-4582

Mar 1, 2017

3

3-2017 calves

Unbranded

Coronach

Moose Jaw 306-694-3709

Mar 21, 2017

Unbranded

Information provided by Livestock Services of Saskatchewan

Help shape the future of the SSGA by taking our survey at http://skstockgrowers.com/survey/ or call 306.757.8523 to receive a paper copy.

22

| ŠBEEF BUSINESS | www.skstockgrowers.com

MAY 2017

Stewardship No Input – No Rejuvenation Forage for Grazing

by Larry K. Gabruch P.Ag

As the grazing season approaches many stock growers are assessing grazing needs and forage availability. Typically, inputs such as fertilizer applications and rejuvenation management are implemented to meet these needs.

Another option that may provide complimentary grazing with no inputs or rejuvenation is to establish long-lived suitable native forage species.

Native prairie grasses and legumes are well suited to handling the variabilities and extremes brought on by weather events or climate extremes and livestock grazing. Since these plants have evolved on the prairies from the end of the last ice-age, a resiliency against drought, floods, fire and grazing disturbances are ingrained in its genetic make-up. This makes them especially suited to the marginal soils of the prairies where, in a lot of cases, it just doesn’t pay to continually invest in crop/forage inputs and receive production benefits only in the wet years.

Seeded natives can play a role in droughtproofing on your ranch and provide some relief to stressed plants/fields that might not have the same ability.

Initial establishment costs (especially during high seed price years) seem to deter some producers from incorporating seeded native fields into their grazing plan. In addition, sometimes the lack of confidence of the native grasses to meet production expectations poses some additional hesitation to adopt a slightly different grazing strategy.

Preparing revegetation sites insofar as getting on top of weed control and grooming a proper seed bed can be done in conjunction with most cropping and forage rotations, keeping start-up costs at a minimum. When planning for these types of projects, including additional or ‘heightened’ weed control in-crop for a year or two prior to grass planting is strongly recommended. Cropping the land and using sound agronomic practices

MAY 2017

during the cropping years can go a long way toward reducing establishment costs. Including a green feed crop the year prior to grass planting is always a good approach especially for feed production and when grain for harvest is not an option. Removing the green feed residue (including weed seeds) in the bales or silage leaves a firm seed-bed that with little to no crop residues which could potentially interfere with grass seed placement the next year. This approach also accommodates the application of herbicides post green feed removal and prior to fall freeze up.

To further manage establishment costs, plan on drill seeding the native forage mix rather than broadcast seeding. The broadcast seeding method could double seed costs and is not necessarily as reliable or risk averse as placing the seed in the soil to achieve optimum chances for emergence and subsequent strong establishment.

Assistance in designing a suitable, siteadapted native seed mix that will work for the range site and producer operations is available through several conservation agencies and producer groups, native

prairie restoration practitioners, provincial and federal agricultural extension providers and researchers. Varying levels of plant diversity and function can be designed into seed mixes to help achieve planting objectives. Managing establishment risk without incurring exorbitant costs should be top of list for producers who are concerned about the bottom line.

In some cases, financial assistance is available to producers and if you happen to ranch in southwestern Saskatchewan and south of the Divide, The South of The Divide Conservation Action Program Inc. (SODCAP) does fund eligible projects up to 100% of costs! Successful projects under this program have the added benefit of providing and/or enhancing habitats for the many species that call the prairie home along with their ranching neighbors. B For more information on SODCAP programs please visit www.sodcap.com or call Tom Harrison, Executive Director at 306-530-1385 or Larry Gabruch, Restoration Specialist at 306-716-9603.

www.skstockgrowers.com | ©BEEF BUSINESS | 23

Stewardship Think About Biosecurity to Protect Agricultural Lands

by Harvey Anderson

Agriculture in Saskatchewan is still one of the leading economic generators. Oil and mining activities in the province have become much more important, in recent years, and tend to generate most of the headlines these days. Our land base is still very important and it strikes a nerve in me every time I hear someone refer to any land as wasteland. I do not believe in this concept of “wasteland” as all land has some potential value and should be protected through some efforts at biosecurity. Whether land is suitable for growing crops or producing forage for domestic livestock or simply as habitat for wildlife or part of a watershed which filters life-giving water it should be considered as useful and never considered by anyone as wasteland.

Roadway corridors and river systems have proven to be pathways for the spread of invasive alien plants. All landowners should demand that their local governments have someone in place to watch for these invading plants and manage them effectively before they become established and spread further and that person should be an RM appointed Weed Inspector. The Weed Inspector should be allotted a sufficient

budget to allow for both scouting for weeds and their efficient management, as they are an important element in biosecurity of an area.

Landowners themselves should be thinking about biosecurity of their own properties, and should create a system which considers the threat posed by everything that enters their property. If gravel or soil is moved in, the location from which it is coming should be considered and possibly inspected prior to movement, if there is any doubt.

All equipment and vehicles should be inspected and thoroughly cleaned, before they enter your property. Seed should be from weed-free sources, hay should be weed-free, even animals moved in should be isolated in a location where any invasive weed can be contained, should it pass through their systems. While they are being fed weed-free hay, or at least hay produced on the property you’ll know that if there are weed seeds in the manure, these are weeds which the property already had.

although there were some issues with the cost of such a program and who would cover these additional costs it appears to be feasible in the future. Anyone who sees value in such a program, which should limit weed movement, should contact the Forage Council and encourage further effort on the program.

The bottom line is that every landowner, and really every resident of Saskatchewan, should be thinking about their responsibility toward biosecurity for the land base in this province as no new land is being created so we should be preserving what we have to maintain our agricultural economy. B Harvey Anderson is an Invasive Alien Plants Management Advisor working jointly with the Saskatchewan Ministry of Agriculture and the Saskatchewan Association of Rural Municipalities.

Funding for this project is provided through the Canada-Saskatchewan “Growing Forward” Program.

The Saskatchewan Forage Council has just completed an Assessment Study for a “Weed Free Forage Program”, and

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MAY 2017

Stewardship The Loggerhead Shrike: Beautiful, Bloody, or both?

by Tara Mulhern Davidson

The Loggerhead Shrike is a distinctive grassland songbird that is currently listed as threatened under the Species at Risk Act. Slightly smaller than a robin, Loggerhead Shrikes have a very distinctive black eye mask, a stout, black hooked beak, a grey head and back, white belly, and black wings that feature small white patches. Perhaps it is not their appearance or sweet birdsong that is the species’ most striking feature, but rather its particular gory habit that can catch farmers and rancher by surprise … they routinely impale their prey!

Loggerhead shrikes impale their food on sharp thorns or barbed wire while they dismember and eat the flesh of the prey at their convenience. This disconcerting ritual has earned them the name “butcher bird.” They will hunt smaller birds, mice, voles, insects, and sometimes even frogs and garter snakes, leaving its supply of food to fester on a fenceline.

The breeding and nesting range for Loggerhead Shrikes is the mixed and moist mixed prairie grassland ecoregion in Saskatchewan, with potential occurrences in the Aspen Parkland. The birds usually return to the prairie in April and stay until they migrate south to the southern United States and Mexico in September. Pairs will lay clutches of four to six eggs, and often build nests in isolated trees with dense cover, to help protect themselves from predators. In spite of being fairly aggressive hunters, they do deal with predators themselves, including magpies, bull snakes, feral cats and weasels.

Loggerhead Shrikes make use of a diversity of habitat, preferring open prairie grasslands with some cover from tall shrubs such as chokecherry, thorny buffaloberry, and Saskatoon berry. Shrikes can also be found in tame pastures, existing or abandoned farm yards, agricultural lands, creeks and other riparian areas, and roadsides.

Because the species relies on thorny shrubs or fencelines for impalements, they can often be found nesting in prairie

MAY 2017

cemeteries, golf courses, parks, or any other areas that have shelterbelts and fencelines. Loggerhead Shrikes face threats due to grassland and shelterbelt habitat loss in Canada as well as its wintering grounds. Also, past use of organochlorine insecticide products used to kill insects, including grasshoppers, have been flagged as potentially causing a decline in Loggerhead Shrikes. Vehicle collisions, particularly as birds congregate along roadsides or other high traffic areas, are another potential threat to the species. As well, juveniles are often unable to withstand very cold or very wet conditions, both of which have been prevalent in its prairie habitats in the last few years.

Loggerhead Shrike photo courtesy of Emily Putz

While the “butcher bird” does deal with a few challenges, there are a variety of programs in place to help producers and others who are interested in conserving Loggerhead Shrike habitat. PCAP Partner Nature Saskatchewan has a voluntary, non-binding program called “Shrubs for Shrikes,” that encourages landowners and land managers to conserve habitat for Loggerhead Shrikes. Through an annual mail-out survey, producers and landowners report whether the shrikes have returned each year. “It is the producers who have first-hand, long-term knowledge about their land and they are the ones who can really make the difference when it comes to conservation on the prairies,” said Ashley Vass, Habitat Stewardship Coordinator with Nature Saskatchewan. “Working with producers to monitor species and conserve habitat is key,” Vass added. An

Garter Snake photo courtesy of M. Yaskowich

easy way for any producer interested in helping Loggerhead Shrikes through Nature Saskatchewan is to call their toll-free line, 1-800-667-HOOT (4668).

Information is kept confidential and used to help monitor shrike populations. More information on Shrubs for Shrikes can be found at http://www.naturesask.ca/whatwe-do/stewards-of-saskatchewan/shrubsfor-shrikes .

Simply Ag Solutions Inc. has recently developed Species at Risk Beneficial Management Practises which focus on target species in Saskatchewan, including the Loggerhead Shrike. Simply Ag is hosting workshops across the province for producers interested in creating Species at Risk Farm Plans to help mitigate potential threats against Loggerhead Shrikes and many other species at risk. Simply Ag lists several useful beneficial management practices that producers may want to incorporate in their operations that support shrikes, including: maintain existing shelterbelts; conserve native or perennial grassland habitat; maintain existing riparian (i.e. creek) corridors; plant trees and shrubs; maintain a buffer of natural vegetation adjacent to trees and shrubs; clean up spilled grains; store grains in bird and animal-proof containers; moderate grazing intensities on perennial grasslands to support vegetative structural diversity and remove woody debris, trash piles, or abandoned buildings to discourage shrike predators continued on page 26

www.skstockgrowers.com | ©BEEF BUSINESS | 25

Stewardship

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Loggerhead Shrike cont. from pg. 25 from moving in. More information on Simply Ag Solutions programming as well as upcoming workshops can be found at http://simplyag.ca/species-at-risk/.

The South of the Divide Conservation Action Program (SODCAP), also a PCAP Partner, has taken measures to identify optimal habitat requirements for Loggerhead Shrikes as part of an effort to partner with producers who provide such environments. Ideal habitat has been identified as grassland areas containing tall shrubs (i.e. greater than 2 meters in height), such as chokecherry, thorny buffaloberry, or Saskatoon that are present on less than 30% of the landscape.

It’s important to note that Loggerhead Shrikes won’t make use of short shrubs, such as buckbrush or rose, so shrub height is a very important indicator. Loggerhead Shrikes can certainly live in a variety of habitats, although the previously mentioned indicators are considered to be optimal to support shrikes and other species at risk populations. Landowners who provide such habitat in the Milk River Watershed (i.e. South of the Divide), the Missouri Coteau, or the Sandhills, may be interested in participating in Results-Based Conservation Agreements through SODCAP and the Saskatchewan Stock Growers Association under the Species at Risk Partnership on Agricultural Lands (SARPAL) program. Results-Based Conservation Agreements provide financial incentives for producers who are able to meet the particular habitat targets outlined previously. Producers interested in participating in such agreements with SODCAP can learn more at http://sodcap. com/ .

The Loggerhead Shrike is indeed a unique bird species that shows up on farms and ranches across Saskatchewan. While the species faces numerous challenges, conscious conservation efforts and producer partnerships will hopefully help to ensure the survival of the “butcher bird” long into the future. B

26

| ©BEEF BUSINESS | www.skstockgrowers.com

MAY 2017

Association News, Reports, and Events SSGA 2017 Zone Resolutions Zone 4 - Resolution #1 WHEREAS there have been recent public requests for the federal and provincial governments to stop the transfer of the remaining AAFC pastures in SW Saskatchewan and to provide protection of the grasslands habitat through the creation of National Park or National Wildlife Area (NWA); and WHEREAS National Parks and NWA currently have no policy on livestock grazing and do not allow any long-term grazing agreements.

BE IT RESOLVED that the SSGA lobby the SK Ministry of Environment to cooperate with random testing of elk and deer for TB. Zone 3 & 12 - Resolution #1 WHEREAS the Saskatchewan Pastures Program (SPP) will be phased out over the next few years; and WHEREAS grazing disturbance is critically important to maintaining range health.

BE IT RESOLVED that the SPP patrons be given the first opportunity to lease or purchase the SPP pastures.

BE IT RESOLVED that the SSGA lobby the federal and provincial governments to continue the transfer of the former AAFC pastures as written in the existing agreements.

Zone 7 - Resolution #1 WHEREAS SK Parks is proposing to conduct a prescribed burn on 320 acres of native grassland on the Matador Prairie Protected Area prior to a chemical application; and WHEREAS the SGA has offered to provide funding and expertise to finding a solution that works for local producers, SK Parks, native grasslands and species at risk.

BE IT RESOLVED that the SSGA lobby the Government of Saskatchewan in opposition to the proposed prescribed burn management plan.

Zone 7 - Resolution #2 WHEREAS Bovine Tuberculosis has been identified; and WHEREAS the impact costs of quarantines are huge for producers.

MAY 2017

www.skstockgrowers.com | ŠBEEF BUSINESS | 27

SSGA

AGM & CONVENTION June 11 - 13, 2017

Mosaic Place, Moose Jaw, SK

Change, Challenge, Opportunity AGENDA SUNDAY, JUNE 11

5:00 p.m. Buses depart hotel for JGL 5:30 p.m. JGL Assembly Yard Tour 6:00 p.m. President’s Reception

MONDAY, JUNE 12

8:00 a.m. Registration, Breakfast, Trade Show 9:00 a.m. Greetings and Welcome - Shane Jahnke - President, SSGA Address from Saskatchewan Agriculture - Honourable Lyle Stewart, Minister of Ag. Address from City of Moose Jaw - Mayor Fraser Tolmie 9:15 a.m. Solving the Succession Puzzle Jonathan Small - Business Advisor, MNP 10:00 a.m. Networking Break and Trade Show 10:30 a.m. A Saskatchewan View on Global Labour Supply Bill Martin - Agriculture Director, ILCAg 11:15 a.m. Johne’s Disease Surveillance & Regulatory Changes to Antimicrobial Access Dr. Wendy Wilkins - Disease Surveillance Veterinarian, SK Ministry of Ag. 11:45 a.m. Canadian Cattle Industry Update Dan Darling - President, Canadian Cattlemen’s Association 12:15 p.m. Lunch and Trade Show 1:00 p.m. Beef Cattle Market Outlook Anne Wasko - President, Cattle Trends Inc. 1:45 p.m. Consumer Perspective on Protein Production Bryant Johnson - Director of Market Access, Elanco 2:30 p.m. Networking Break and Trade Show 3:00 p.m. VIDO - Current Research & Future Projects Dr. Volker Gertz - Associate Director of Research, VIDO 3:30 p.m. National Beef Sustainability Assessment Results Brenna Grant - Research Manager, CanFax 4:00 p.m. Cattle: Villains or Saviours Allan Savory - President, Savory Institute *** Remote Video Presentation 5:00 p.m. Closing remarks 6:00 p.m. Cocktails 7:00 p.m. Banquet and Entertainment: Scholarships Awards (TESA, Life Time, President’s) Auction (Silent & Live auction)

TUESDAY, JUNE 13

9:00 a.m. Registration, Breakfast and Trade Show 9:30 a.m. Call to Order, Welcome and Introductions Approval of the Agenda Minutes from the 2016 Annual General Meeting President’s Report 2nd Call for Nominations 2nd Call for Resolutions 10:00 a.m. 2016 Agriculture Census Terry Bedard - Statistician, SK Ministry of Agriculture 10:30 a.m. Networking Break and Trade Show 11:00 a.m. Financial Report Zone Chair Ratifications Final Call for Resolutions 11:30 a.m. The Value of Vaccination Kathy Larson - Beef Economist, Western Beef Development Centre 12:00 p.m. Lunch and Trade Show 1:00 p.m. Trace Minerals and Reproductive Performance Dr.Cheryl Waldner - Professor, University of Saskatchewan 1:45 p.m. Networking Break 2:15 p.m. Voting Procedures/Results & Resolutions Other Business Final call for Nominations and Elections Closing remarks Adjournment

ACCOMMODATION

Registration fees do not include accommodation. A block of rooms is reserved until Deadline is May 31, 2017 at the Temple Gardens Hotel & Spa, Moose Jaw for $139/night. When booking your room, indicate you are with the Saskatchewan Stock Growers Association. To reserve a room call the Temple Gardens Hotel & Spa 1 800-718-7727.

p: 306.757.8523 e: ssga@sasktel.net w: www.skstockgrowers.com

Thank You to Our Sponsors Heritage Crescent Point Energy ILC Agriculture JGL Livestock Saskatchewan Cattlemen’s Association Saskatchewan Ministry of Agriculture Vétoquinol Canada Inc. Western Litho Printers Western Producer

Gold

Ducks Unlimited Canada Elanco Animal Health Golden West Radio Real Agriculture Zoetis

Silver

BMO - Bank of Montreal Canadian Cattle Identification Agency

Bronze

Canadian Hereford Association Federated Co-operatives Ltd. Heartland Livestock Services Johnstone Auction Mart Ltd. Masterfeeds Saskatchewan Bison Association South Country Equipment

Trade Show

Agriclear LP Canadian Cattle Identification Agency Canadian/Saskatchewan Angus Association Grain Millers Canada Corp.

ILC Agriculture Range Ward Inc. Saskatchewan Cattlemen’s Association Saskatchewan Charolais Association Saskatchewan Forage Council Saskatchewan Ministry of Agriculture Saskatchewan Verified Beef Production Inc. Savory Institute Simply Agriculture Solutions Inc. As of April 28, 2017 Western Beef Development Centre

Monday registration is eligible for up to 75% reimbursement through FBDI!

REGISTRATION (includes GST) Early Bird

Regular

Full Conference

(before May 31) (after May 31) $225.00 $250.00 ___________

Spousal Full Conference*

$200.00

$225.00

___________

Single One Day  Mon  Tues (check one)

$135.00

$160.00

___________

Spousal One Day*  Mon  Tues $110.00 (check one)

$135.00

___________

Banquet Only (Monday)

$45.00

___________

$40.00

Total registration and ticket fees:

___________

*Include additional name(s) on this form for name tag(s)

PERSONAL INFORMATION Name: Organization/Ranch Name: Mailing Address: City: Phone:

Province:

Postal Code: Fax:

Email: PAYMENT Total Registration Fees Enclosed: Payment must accompany registration. Registration form must be received on or before May 31, 2017 to qualify for early-bird rates. Cancellations received prior to May 31 will be refunded less a $50 administration fee. Cancellations received on May 31 or later will not be refunded. Make cheques payable to “Saskatchewan Stock Growers Association” and send to PO Box 4752, Regina, SK S4P 3Y4.

Registrations with credit card payment may be faxed to (306) 569-8799 or call (306) 757-8523.

Method of Payment (check one):

 Cheque (enclosed)

 Visa

 Mastercard

Card Holder Name: Signature: Card Number: __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ Expiry Date: __ __ / __ __

Association News, Reports, and Events SSGA Zone Scholarship Recipients Zone 1 - Paige Martens Alameda

Zone 1 - Kayci Henderson Gainsborough

Zone 7 - Nicole Anhorn Elrose

Zone 4 - Jordana Voss Maple Creek

Zone 4 - Brooke Martin Piapot

SSGA Zone 1 Board recognized retiring long time director Lloyd Thompson with a personalized copy of Riding for the Brand.

Allen Henderson, Mike Taylor, Lloyd Thompson, Henry McCarthy

30

| ŠBEEF BUSINESS | www.skstockgrowers.com

MAY 2017

Association News, Reports, and Events SSGA Representatives Attend the CCA AGM in Ottawa

SSGA representatives, Chad MacPherson and Kelly Williamson, along with SSGA Youth Mentorship Program participants, Chay Anderson and Adrienne Hanson, attended the CCA AGM in Ottawa from March 8-10.

In addition to attending CCA meetings and the VIP reception, the delegation had private meetings with several SK MPs and Senators as well as senior officials and staff with the Ministers of Agriculture and Agri-Food, Environment and Climate Change and Public Safety.

Association News, Reports, and Events SSGA Welcomes New Director Jerry Chanig Jerry joined the SSGA Board as a Director at Large in June 2016 at the SSGA AGM. Jerry and his wife Evelyn operate Chanig Ranch south and west of Mankota, SK in the Hudson Bay Divide area residing on the homestead where the ranch land ownership began in the late 1920s. Now at 6400 acres, Chanig Ranch is home to 325 cow-calf pairs, 80 breeding heifers and usually 100 head of grass yearlings with 700 acres in certified organic crop production. Jerry and Evelyn have two adult children, Trevor and Tracey. Family involvement is important at the Chanig

Ranch and Jerry is also thankful for good neighbors – both he feels are a ‘must’ in the business.

Jerry has been a life member since the 1970s and sees the SSGA as a wellrespected voice in the industry. He feels that the livestock industry has many challenges and concerns continually surfacing and that stockmen need a voice such as the SSGA, where Jerry looks forward to doing his utmost to help. B

Now accepting commercial cattle

32

| ©BEEF BUSINESS | www.skstockgrowers.com

MAY 2017

Association News, Reports, and Events A Report From Shane Jahnke President, Saskatchewan Stock Growers Association Canada and around the world there will changes that influence how producers purchase animal health products going forward. These changes, made by Health Canada, are important in protecting human health while ensuring prudent use of antibiotics and maintaining the producer’s ability to use antibiotics. It is important to discuss these changes with your veterinarian and learn how they will affect your operation.

I hope everyone has been having a great calving season. As for our outfit, with the exception of a couple of cold mornings, the calves have been born on dry ground.

It’s been a busy couple of months with the organization, especially with Zone meetings taking place. The attendance and discussions at these meetings always make it worthwhile to come out and hear what is going on in the industry from federal to regional issues. I would like to extend a big thank you to each of the Zone Directors who put on another successful round of Zone meetings.

At the Zone 7 meeting in Kyle a great deal of discussion took place about the proposed burn of 320 acres of the Matador Prairie Protected Area. As an organization, we appreciate SK Parks wanting to apply different methods in order to control invasive plant species.

However, we believe cattle and proper grazing are the right choice rather than lighting a match and hoping that the fire doesn’t get out of control. The decision for a plan going forward has not yet been made. A follow-up meeting is scheduled to discuss and review the different management options available to manage this important area.

The provincial budget, of March 21, included some changes that will directly impact the bottom line of our operations.

Some of those changes are the elimination of the fuel tax exemption on gasoline and the exemption reduction from 100% to 80% on diesel, increases to the education tax on agricultural lands and a 1% increase of the PST as well as adding the PST on previously exempt products including insurance.

I would like to encourage everyone to consider using WLPIP. Just recently, the top coverage hit $2.20 which is a positive sign of things to come for the fall.

We are getting closer to finalizing the agenda for our 104th AGM and Convention in Moose Jaw which will offer something informative for everyone.

Please consider attending. We’ve included a registration form in this issue or call the SSGA office at 306-757-8523 for more information. It is an event I look forward to each year with the opportunity to learn something, interact with other producers and industry and most importantly have some fun.

In closing, and as always, please feel free to give me a call if you ever have any questions or concerns. B See you at the convention!

Shane

Another significant announcement that came out of the budget was the decision to phase out the SK Pasture Program (SPP).

I would like to believe that a protocol has already been established through the divestment of the PFRA pastures but I would still like to encourage everyone to take the opportunity to provide feedback through the meetings and online surveys that are available. There is no doubt that these changes will affect our bottom line but I do appreciate the fact that the current government does have a plan in place to balance the books in the next three years.

We are continuing to work with SARM and other agricultural organizations to address rural crime as it continues to be a serious issue. We are each aware of this problem in our own areas and a recent case of livestock theft made popular in the media only puts further emphasis on the urgency of this issue.

As a result of the increased concern and prevalence of antibiotic resistance in

MAY 2017

www.skstockgrowers.com | ©BEEF BUSINESS | 33

Calendar of Events JUNE June 11-13 June 15 June 18-24 June 20 June 27

Moose Jaw, SK

SSGA 104th AGM and Convention

Saskatoon, SK

Cattle Marketing Workshop Saskatchewan Native Prairie Appreciation Week

Lanigan, SK

WBDC Field Day Swift Current Research and Development Centre Grazing and Forage Field Day

Swift Current, SK

JULY July 1

TESA Application Deadline AUGUST

August 3 August 11 August 14-17

Foam Lake, SK

SK Pasture Tour Advertising deadline for September issue of Beef Business

Calgary, AB

Canadian Beef Industry Conference

SSGA Meeting Notice SSGA ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING & CONVENTION June 11-13, 2017 Mosaic Place, Moose Jaw, SK 1st Call For Nominations Please submit nominations to: Doug Gillespie, Box 44, Neville, SK S0N 1T0 Phone: 306-627-3619 Fax: 306-627-3645 Cell: 306-741-6533 email: maplecoulee12@gmail.com

1st Call For Resolutions Please submit nominations to: SSGA, Box 4752, Regina, SK S4P 3Y4 Phone: 306-757-8523 Fax: 306-569-8799 email: ssga@sasktel.net

SSGA BOARD OF DIRECTORS THE EXECUTIVE

Shane Jahnke President/Director at Large Gouldtown, SK

DIRECTORS AT LARGE Phone: 784-2899

Bill Huber 1st Vice President/Director at Large Lipton, SK Phone: 336-2684 Kelcy Elford 2nd Vice President/Director at Large Caronport, SK

Phone: 690-5309

Jeff Yorga Finance Chair Flintoft, SK Phone: 531-5717 Doug Gillespie Past President Neville, SK Phone: 627-3619

34

Jerry Chanig, Mankota Keith Day, Lacadena Gerald Duckworth, Courval Glen Elford, Milestone Calvin Gavelin, McCord Joe Gilchrist, Maple Creek Paula Larson, D'Arcy Norm Nordgulen, Assiniboia Donnie Peacock, Maple Creek Barry Olney, Estevan Roy Rutledge, Assiniboia

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

Henry McCarthy, Wawota Stephanie Deg, Weyburn Rod Gamble, Pambrun Robin Wiggins, Maple Creek Bill Huber, Lipton Brent Griffin, Elbow Kimberly Simpson, Kyle Kelly Williamson, Pambrun

| ©BEEF BUSINESS | www.skstockgrowers.com

478-2658 375-2934 394-4211 436-4688 478-2558 662-3986 379-4523 642-4961 662-8288 421-1495 642-5358

AFFILIATE DIRECTORS

Garner Deobald - Charolais Affiliate, Hodgeville 677-2589 Jack Ford - SaskMilk Affiliate, Wishart 328-4700 Tara Fritz - SImmental Affiliate, Shaunavon 297-3147 Russell Murri - Shorthorn Affiliate, Swift Current 773-6583 Laird Senft - Angus Affiliate, Fort Qu’Appelle 332-4823 Corbin St. John - Goat Breeders Affiliate, Brock 460-7361 Jeff Yorga - Limousin Affiliate, Flintoft 531-5717

APPOINTED DIRECTORS

Dr. Andy Acton- Veterinary Advisor, Ogema

459-2422

SASKATCHEWAN CCA DIRECTORS

739-2205 891-9894 582-2077 666-2103 336-2684 854-2050 375-5534 582-6102

Pat Hayes, Val Marie Lynn Grant, Val Marie Reg Schellenberg, Beechy Duane Thompson, Kelliher

298-2284 298-2268 859-4905 675-4562

Listings of email and fax numbers can be found on the SSGA website at www.skstockgrowers.com

MAY 2017

Advertisers Index Allen Leigh Security & Communications

36

Linthicum Ranch

39

Saskatchewan Angus Assoc.

38

Apollo Machine & Products

36

Liphatec Inc.

INSERT

Saskatchewan Crop Insurance

3

Arm River Red Angus

39

Luck Now Products

SSGA MEMBERSHIP

The Saskatchewan39Stock Man-SK Growers Barr & Olney Gelbvieh Association has entered into 27 Benchmark Angus ManitouaMaine-Anjou 4 Canadian Beef Industry Conferencewith Flaman Masterfeeds partnership to 37 Cowtown Livestock Exchange, Inc. McCaw Livestock increase Memberships and 24 D&R Prairie Supplies N.M. McMahon Chartered Professional Accountants Subscription readership.

15 Ducks Unlimited Canada Edward Jones

37

Federated Co-operatives Ltd.

37

FeedMax Corporation

36

Frostfree Nosepumps Ltd.

36

GBT Angus

39

New Life Mills

Saskatchewan Verified Beef Production Inc.

20-21

39

Simply Ag Solutions

36

37

Solar West

37

39

Superior Livestock Auction

38

37

Sweet Pro

36

Target Cattle Concepts

6,37

Terra Grain Fuels

36

Western Beef Development Centre

26

Western Litho

38

38

Norheim Ranching

40

Northstar Seed

36

As of September 1, 2008 the Saskatchewan Stock Growers will be offering a major prize draw for all paid new and renewal of existing memberships as follows:

37 12’ BERGEN STOCK TRAILERTrusted 38

Specs: Full rear door, side door, 36 slots for side window slides, rock guard, Hi-Hog Farm & Ranch Equipment 2-3,500 lb torefl13 ex axles

Drive

2

Paysen Livestock Equipment

Gibson Livestock

Golden Thread Livestock Images

19

36

37

Gem Silage/Morley Ag Sales

Saskatchewan Ministry of Agriculture

38

New Vision Agro

The sponsored membership 36,37 prize by Flaman will be a

Gem Silage

37

by Generations... for Generations!

Grayson & Co.

New or Existing Memberships:

13

Impact Trailer Sales

Everyone an 1 yearthat purchases $105.00 John Brown Farms memberships will receive39a free registration for 2 year $194.25 1st SSGA membership

by June 38 Johnstone Auction Mart two to the2009 SSGA AGM. 2 year spousal $97.12 37 Kelln Solar will be 3entered to win one ton year $262.50 36 Kramer Trailer Sales of #1 or3 year #9 spousal OLS mineral$131.25 37 Kyle Welding & Machine Shop Life $1050.00 39 LLB Angus (retail value of over $1,750) 26 38 most SSGA new Jackson DesignsThe member that sells the

Lane Realty Corp.

Life spousal

$525.00

1 entry 2 entries 1 entry 3 entries 2 entries 10 entries 4 entries

All draws will be made atp:the 2009 SSGA Annual Convention 306.757.8523 e: ssga@sasktel.net w: www.skstockgrowers.com For more information or to become a member, please contact the SSGA office at 306-757-8523

Membership type: Member

Associate

Membership status:

Affiliate (call for rate)

Renewal

New

1 Year $157.50...................

Spousal $78.75 Spousal $145.69 2 Year $291.38 ....................

3 Year $393.75 ....................

Spousal $196.88 Lifetime: $2625.00 ............

Spousal $1312.50 Junior Membership 1 Year $26.75 2 Year $52.50 3 Year $78.75 Subscription 1 Year $26.25 2 Year $47.25 3 Year $68.25

Name _______________________________________________ _ Address_ ____________________________________________ _ City/Town______________ Prov_____

Postal Code _________

SSGA MEMBERSHIP

Drive

Phone (________) _________________________________Email ______________________________ Ranch/company name___________________________________________Herd Size ________________ Fall Sale Dates___________________________Spring Sale Dates ________________________________

In order to be eligible to receive the prize a member, subscriber or advertiser who’s entry is drawn must answer a g skill question. testin The chances of winning the sponsored membership prize draw is dependant on the number and type of membership sold during the membership drive of September 1, 2008 to the 2009 AGM. During a comparable d in 2007, perio there were approximately 300 new and renewal memberships sold.

MAY 2017 Stockgrower “Super Issue” - September 2008 ©The Saskatchewan

www.skstockgrowers.com | ©BEEF BUSINESS | 1135

STOCK TRAILER DEALER

7 YEAR STRUCTURAL WARRANTY

Reputation of Quality 16, 20, 24 & 53’ ground loads in stock

15’, 20’, 25’s in stock

Custom Orders are Welcome North Battleford, SK P: 306.445.5000 TF: 1.800.529.9958 Online Showroom at: BeefBusiness_1.pdf

1

12/14/15

7:25 PM

Forage Seed Mixes Corn Seed Neil McLeod 306-831-9401

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

Y

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!

Working to create opportunities for farmers in Saskatchewan

Phone: 306-955-5477 / 1-866-298-7222 www.simplyag.ca

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

Integrity Commitment Results

Proudly providing legal services since 1883

(306) 693-6176

e-mail us at: admin@graysonandcompany.com 350 Langdon Crescent Moose Jaw, SK S6H 0X4

NEW VISION AGRO

BEEF & BISON FEED AVAILABLE IN: - COMPLETE FEED PELLETS - SUPPLEMENTS - MASH FEEDS CALL TOLL FREE 1-866-FEEDMAX (333-3629)

www.feedmax.com 36

Box 479 Hague, SK S0K 1X0 PH: (306) 225-2226 FX: (306) 225-2063

email: newvisionagro@sasktel.net www.newvisionagro.com

Dealer & Distributor For: - Jay-Lor Vertical Feed Mixers - Masterfeeds - Cargill Rite Now Minerals - Baler twine, netwrap, silage bunker, covers, plastic wrap, Grain Bags

Check with us before you buy!

| ©BEEF BUSINESS | www.skstockgrowers.com

Call (306) 345-2280 or visit www.terragrainfuels.com for more information.

MAY 2017

Pump Kit

There is a Dealer near You!

Solar West 500

Calmar, Alberta

FOR ALL OF YOUR BEEF NUTRITION SOLUTIONS CALL:

Humboldt / 1-800-747-9186 Regina / 1-877-929-8696 Saskatoon / 1-888-681-4111 Swift Current / 1-877-773-3001

CT

Your AD could be here!

Contact Tracy Cornea at 306-693-9329

Cowtown Livestock Exchange Inc. Maple Creek, SK

Regular Sales every Tuesday @ 11:00 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

STOCK WATER TROUGHS

Kyle, SK

306-375-2271

RYAN GIBSON BUS: 306-692-9668 CELL: 306-631-0070 FAX: 306-692-3252 TOLL-FREE: 1-800-667-7176

Made of 12 gauge galvanized with angle iron reinforcement and cross braces. Has 2” drain outlet (and overflow outlet at top if required).

Available in standard 400, 500, 1000, or 1250 Imp.gal., or custom built to your needs. Movable water trough on wheels also available.

kylewelding@sasktel.net | www.kylewelding.com

www.lucknowproducts.com

TMR MIXER FEEDERS VERTICAL & HORIZONTAL

Snowblowers Also Available Contact

Randall Herperger For More Information 306-621-7031 www.edwardjones.com

Proud to provide all your livestock needs.

Brandon: (204) 727-0571 Calgary: (403) 531-6656

We are a Canadian distributor for Pneu-Dart

Edmonton: (780) 472-6767 Melfort: (306) 752-2894

Pneu-darT

Moosomin: (306) 435-3331

INC.

Saskatoon: (306) 477-6464 ®Registered trademark of TMC Distributing Ltd., Saskatoon S7K 3M9

Graham McKenzie

306.861.7074 MAY 2017

Dale Watson

306.861.4618

Know your goals so you can choose your investments.

Tyler Knibbs

Financial Advisor .

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

IT’S HERE Member – Canadian Investor Protection Fund

www.skstockgrowers.com | ©BEEF BUSINESS | 37

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

Canadian Livestock Auction Ltd. Direct Ranch & Farm Purchases of: • Feeder Cattle • Slaughter Cattle • Breeding Stock

Representative for:

Weekly Online Sales

Layton Bezan Head Office: Box 1726, Regina, SK Canada S4P 3C6

Bus: (306) 775-0412 Cell: (306) 537-8898 Toll Free: 1-800-521-7355

LIKE us on Facebook!

For Upcoming Gelbvieh Sales and Breeders in your area contact:

Jackson Designs Photography

Ian Thackeray President (306) 861-7687 tgfis@sasktel.net

www.jacksondesigns.ca | 306.772.0376

www.gelbvieh.ca

Commercial Graphics | Catalogue Design

sbuchanan@gold-bar.com 306.681.5340 SARAH BUCHANAN

IF YOU CAN’T SHIP IT, TEST IT Help maintain current market access by having your cattle tested for BSE. Animals that are unfit for shipping, dead, diseased, dying or downer are the type of animals eligible for testing.

BSE surviellence is still important and every animal tested makes a difference.

Protecting your investment is as easy as testing one animal for BSE each year.

For more information visit www.agriculture.gov.sk.ca/BSE or phone 1-877-727-5273.

38

| ©BEEF BUSINESS | www.skstockgrowers.com

MAY 2017

B R E E D E RS Your AD could be here!

(306) 567- 4702

Box 688, Davidson, SK S0G

Linthicum Ranch Open replacement and Bred Heifers for sale, Hereford Black & Baldy Heifers for sale.

Also, commercial Hereford Bulls Murray & Jan Frank (306) 266-4377 (306) 266-4417

Contact Tracy Cornea at 306-693-9329

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

LLB Angus Annual March Bull & Female Sale Private Treaty Sales LEE & LAURA BROWN Box 217, Erskine, Alberta T0C 1G0 Phone: 403-742-4226 email: llbangus@xplornet.com

www.llbangus.com

Your AD could be here!

Contact Tracy Cornea 306-693-9329 Annual Online 2 Year Old Bull Sale 3rd Friday in March Trevor, Cheryl, Brett & Carter Branvold Box 205 Wawota, Saskatchewan S0G 5A0 Ph: 306 739 2924 | Cell: 306 577 9141 gbtangus@sasktel.net | www.gbtangus.com

MAY 2017

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RANCHING

NORHEIM

NET WRAP 64” x 8,000ft Get FREE DELIVERY 67” x 8,000ft on full pallet quantities

SILAGE WRAP & SILAGE COVERS Norheim Ranching carries a wide variety of silage plastics in stock Contact us for pricing on your silage plastic needs

CLEARFIELD TWINE Solar degradable twine. Ideal for bale grazing

Visit us This Summer June 21-23 regina SK

Lee - Saskatoon Mike - Asquith 1.306.227.4503 1.306.220.2265

July 18-20 - Langham SK

Kelly - Eatonia Sheldon - Redvers Chuck - Gull Lake 1.403.990.2098 1.306.452.7545 1.306.671.7454

WWW.NORHEIMRANCHING.COM