Beef Business May 2019

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Beef Business ‘

Saskatchewan’s largest circulated industry magazine Saskatchewan's Premier Cattle Industry Publication Saskatchewan`s Premiere Cattlecattle Industry Publication May 2019

A Saskatchewan Stock Growers Association Publication Publication Mail Agreement #40011906

Working for Producers

PROGRAMS PROGRAMS Ducks Unlimited Canada (DUC) provides financial incentives for programs that preserve, protect and restore habitat on the land for waterfowl and wildlife.

In addition these programs also provide other benefits for improvement of soil health, prevention of soil erosion, and flood and drought prevention.

Here is a list of our current DUC programs that are offered in our priority areas:

Conservation Easements (CE)

DUC signs a CE with the landowner who agrees to protect the natural value of the land (wetlands, native prairie, and tame grasslands) in perpetuity in exchange for financial compensation. Haying and grazing are allowed on the uplands while the wetlands are kept intact.

exchange for a fee, then we invest those proceeds back into local conservation programs. Contact your local DUC office for more information on this program.

Forage Programs

DUC currently offers several types of forage programs including the following:

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Nutrien Forage Program This program provides $100 reimbursement for each 50lb bag of Nutrien seed purchased and seeded.

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Forage in Rotation Program – DUC agronomists will work with you to implement a rotational forage program and provide financial compensation for those areas that are seeded.

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Marginal Areas Program – DUC agronomists will work with you to find areas on your land that are growing poor crops due to excessive moisture or salinity, and work with you to seed those areas to forage. DUC will also provide financial compensation on those forage lands. The remaining cultivated acres remain farmed to maximize your crop yield and profit on the most viable cultivated acres of your field.

Purchase of Land

DUC purchases land for the purpose of restoring and protecting the habitat on the parcels. DUC pays fair market value for land and retains ownership of these lands in perpetuity. DUC also buys land as part of our Revolving Land Conservation Program (RLCP), where we purchase the land, restore any upland or wetland habitat on the parcels and then sell the land with a CE.

Long-term Lease

The long-term lease program (minimum 10 years) provides annual compensation to landowners based on current fair market value for land (cultivated and grassland). DUC pays for all restoration (grassland and wetlands) and manages the land for the period of the lease.

Rangeland Programs

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DUC provides financial assistance to landowners for costs associated with constructing a new perimeter barbed wire fence (up to a maximum of $5,000) in exchange for protecting the wetlands and upland habitat on the parcel.

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DUC manages its lands through haying and grazing tenders, and we invite producers to use portions of our land in

Wetland Restoration

If wetlands have been drained or altered on your land, we can help you restore them back to their natural levels. These projects are usually combined with other programs such as our CE, lease or forage programs.

Some conditions apply. Contact DUC for more information at 1-866-252-DUCK (3825) or du_regina@ducks.ca

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Contents Cover photo courtesy of Lonesome Dove Ranch, Tara Davidson, Pontiex, SK

A Proud Saskatchewan Tradition Since 1913

Beef Business 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

Industry Concerned New Livestock Transport Regulations

8

SSGA and SODCAP Inc. Receive Conservation Grant

9

SSGA AGM and Convention

10

SSGA Partners with Young’s Equipment

12

New Program Allows Use of Crown Lease as Security

14

SSGA Launches Wildfire Relief Fund

Communications Manager: Marusia Kaweski Box 4752, Evraz Place, Regina, SK S4P 3Y4 (306) 757-8523 (306) 569-8799 (fax) ssgacommunications@sasktel.net 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 16

Weekly Chart

17

Cattle Market Optimistic Despite Uncertainty

18

Retail Meat Price Survey

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

Features 20

Sask. Employers, Employees Gain

22

Using Canola Meal Pellets

24

Canada's Food Guide

Design and Layout: Jackson Designs Candace Schwartz Tel: 306-772-0376 email: cjacksondesigns@gmail.com

Science and Production 31

Common Sense Protection and Prevention

35

Where's the Beef? Missing Livestock Files

36

Artificial Insemination in Commercial Beef Sector

Prairie Conservation Action Plan (PCAP) Manager: Diego Steinaker Box 4752, Evraz Place, Regina, SK S4P 3Y4 Tel: 306-352-0472 Fax: 306-569-8799 email: pcap@sasktel.net

Stewardship 39

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.

Ecological Goods and Services Association News, Reports and Events

42

SSGA Zones Hold Annual Meetings

43

SSGA Zone Meeting Resolutions

43

SSGA Zone Scholarship

44

SSGA President's Report

46

Calendar of Events

47

Advertisers Index

48

Business Directory

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

Contributors

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Colin Palmer Greg Penner Jason Pollock Diego Steinaker

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Fonda Froats Bill Huber Marusia Kaweski Chad MacPherson

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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

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Industry News Industry Concerned That New Livestock Transport Regulations Will Reverse Achievements Canada’s new livestock transportation regulations will come into effect next year on February 20, 2020, leaving the industry less than a year to prepare for its implementation. Proper animal care and welfare is crucial in the beef industry. The cattle industry aims to achieve the best possible outcomes for animals that are transported, while at the same time ensuring the industry remains competitive. However, the new regulations raised several concerns within the industry that would find it tough to comply with the regulations. Taking a closer look at the issues, Beef Business asked Brady Stadnicki, policy analyst for the Canadian Cattlemen’s Association, to outline the new livestock transport regulations and the most concerning aspects for the cattle industry.

Background The livestock transport regulations were first introduced in 2016 in Canada Gazette Part 1. There was a 75-day period for feedback, and the Canadian Cattlemen’s Association (CCA) and provincial cattle associations submitted their comments and concerns to the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA). “They had over 50,000 comments from 11,000 different respondents,” Stadnicki noted about the great interest in animal transportation.

The CCA also appeared before the House of Commons Standing Committee on Agriculture and Agri-Food, providing comments and concerns about the regulations. Then, in February, CFIA unveiled the latest version of the new regulations, which were said to be based on new knowledge about animal welfare, improved modes of transportation, as well as higher expectations from the public.

At its annual meeting in March, the CCA shared its disappointment and unease about the regulations. “It remains a high priority issue for beef producers,” Stadnicki stated. The CCA plans on continuing to engage with the government to explain the industry’s position on the regulations.

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Transport Research Canada is home to many globallyrenowned animal welfare researchers focused on transportation. Past research efforts have included benchmarking how the industry was performing and to seek ways to minimize the stress on the animal. Canadian research demonstrated that 99.9% of short haul (4 hours or less) and 99.95% of long haul (4 hours or more) beef cattle reach their destination with no serious problems. Researchers have also examined effects of loading densities, ventilation, driver experience, and overall risk factors for cattle.

New research is also underway, which is evaluating the stress of unloading and reloading versus the stress of completing the journey, optimal rest stop durations, as well as whether rest stops do relieve stress in the short and long term. Furthermore, the researchers are following the transported animals in their first 30 days at the feedlot to examine animal health, welfare and performance under different rest stop duration conditions. That study, funded under the Beef Cattle Research Council’s Sustainable Beef and Forage Science Cluster, won’t wrap up until 2022, but some preliminary results could become available before the regulations come into place. There may be an opportunity for amendments to be made based on these findings.

The CCA believes that for a new rule to be meaningful, the supporting research needs to be conducted using commercial cattle, transport trailers, and drivers under typical commercial distances and conditions in Canada.

“We were disappointed the regulations moved forward before the ongoing research could be completed. CCA will be reviewing the findings with CFIA to better inform the regulations,” Stadnicki added.

Issues One of the major concerns for industry is the reduction in hours cattle can be transported. The maximum hours that

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cattle will be able to be transported without food, water or rest will be reduced from 48 to 36 hours. The reduction in hours, which will cause more frequent loading and unloading, along with increased risk of contracting illness with more exposure to cattle at rest stops, will likely cause more stress and increased likelihood of injury. ”Producers are apprehensive that industry may move further away from a 100% success rate, rather than getting closer,” Stadnicki explained. Animal welfare research has demonstrated that increased injuries and stress occur during the unloading and reloading process.

A second issue surrounding the rest stops is that rest durations have been extended from 5 hours up to 8 hours. According to Stadnicki, there’s no conclusive research on optimal rest stop durations. “There’s no scientific evidence currently that justifies why 8 hours was chosen,” he added, noting that the Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada (AAFC) research has only begun looking into a comparison of rest stop durations. The CCA had asked the CFIA to delay rolling out the new regulations until the AAFC research was completed “so we can have the scientific information to make the change that’s going to have the most positive effect on cattle health and welfare,” he stated.

A third key issue is related to rest stop infrastructure. In its submission to CFIA during the comment period, CCA has asked for a detailed review of rest stops across Canada. “We want to ensure that the capacity is there for the increased amount of cattle that may need to stop as a result of the reduction in hours,” Stadnicki said. The regulations could have the greatest impact on cattle travel between western Canada and eastern Canada. The main rest stop infrastructure is located in Thunder Bay, Ontario, but it may need to be upgraded to handle the greater number of cattle that will be required to stop. In fact, noted Stadnicki,

MAY 2019

Industry News “there’s few places in remote parts of the country, especially Northern Ontario, where there is infrastructure at all for cattle to be unloaded.”

The added rest stops will likely change the driving logistics for cattle haulers in Canada. The Canadian Trucking Alliance (CTA), a federation of provincial trucking associations, shared similar concerns in their own presentation to the House of Commons Standing Committee on Agriculture and AgriFood. The CTA pointed out that the continual consolidation of the Canadian agriculture sector has meant that animals are transported greater distances to reach production points, yet the new regulations have reduced the time periods between rest stops. Once the maximum time intervals are reached, a minimum rest period of 8 hours is required. The CTA fears that the existing feed and rest stations at Thunder Bay may no longer be adequate to service carriers that transport animals from Ontario to western Canada.

It is calling for additional stations in Manitoba or Saskatchewan.

Truckers are also concerned about another key aspect related to the rest stops.

According to the CTA, commercial vehicle drivers must comply with regulations on the number of driving hours. Proposed amendments to Canadian Hours of Service Regulations from December 2017 will mandate the use of electronic logging devices (ELDs) by drivers for daily logs. The concern is that the driver’s hours of service regulations and the animal rest stop regulations have not been harmonized and there is a lack of infrastructure to accommodate rests for drivers and animals. For its part, the CCA and the National Cattle Feeders Association are calling for ELDs and the rules to be harmonized with U.S. regulations, which have been suspended right now.

According to Stadnicki, the Canadian industry’s cattle transportation outcomes have been outstanding thanks to continuous research and the updating of practices. Producers, livestock haulers, veterinarians, researchers and animal welfare experts are always seeking ways

Comparison of Changes to Livestock Transport Regulations Changes Provision

Then (Regulations from 1977)

Now (Amended Regulations 2019)

Transport Continuum

Focus mainly on time in confinement

Feed, water, rest (FWR) times begin when FW are removed before loading and do not end until the animal receives FWR. It contains the confinement time.

Ruminants

Max. 48 h ofpage transport 14 – wildfire Max. 36 h without FWR confinement

All livestock (including ruminants) 8 days of age or less, or too young to be fed exclusively on hay or grain

Max. 18 h of transport confinement

Max. 12 h without FWR

Compromised Animals

Not specified

Max. 12 h without FWR

Rest Period

5h

8h

Ramps

45 degrees

25 degrees

to improve practices and increase their success rate. Some of these practices include using low stress handling facilities.

The drivers are also well-trained. Many Canadian livestock haulers receive excellent training through the transport course, the Canadian Livestock Transport Certification Program which informs best practices.

He also stressed that it is important that producers and transporters are making the proper pre-transport decisions like assessing the risk level of cattle prior to being loaded to ensure that cattle are suitably fit to be transported for the entire journey. “The positive outcomes of livestock transport in Canada speak to strong communication between producers, transporters and the final destination,” Stadnicki added.

Meeting the Regulations Overall, the industry believes that aspects of the new regulations may reduce positive outcomes for transported cattle rather than improving outcomes.

Stadnicki pointed out that the cattle industry has nearly a 100% success rate when hauling cattle. “The research has demonstrated that the industry is doing a great job,” he said. In commenting about the amendments to the regulations, “Producers want to ensure that any regulatory changes are going to lead

to meaningful improvement to our cattle transportation record,” Stadnicki explained, “We’re not convinced that increased loading and unloading is going to lead to meaningful improvement. In fact, it is very possible that we could move away from 100%.”

The CCA felt that the new regulations brought in big, sweeping changes that weren’t warranted or justified by the science in relation to cattle transportation.

During the Standing Committee submission, the CCA asked that transportation regulations be considered through a sector specific lens. The cattle sector will continue to conduct research and improve best practices to continually improve welfare outcomes for cattle.

Impacts According to Stadnicki, the regulations could have market impacts down the road. For instance, fewer cattle could be moving across the country, like feeder cattle from Saskatchewan, Alberta, Manitoba and the Maritimes going to Ontario and Quebec. There is even the possibility there could be more sourcing of cattle from the United States. The new rules could also mean that eastern buyers wouldn’t be bidding on western cattle, precluding competitive bidding and suitable prices for cattle being sold on the prairies. “We don’t want to see continued on page 35

MAY 2019

www.skstockgrowers.com | ©BEEF BUSINESS | 7

Industry News SSGA and SODCAP Inc. Receive Conservation Grant for Results-Based Agreements The Saskatchewan Stock Growers Association (SSGA) and the South of the Divide Conservation Action Program Inc. (SODCAP Inc.) are pleased to announce that funding has been secured from the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation (NFWF) and the Habitat Stewardship Program (HSP) to implement resultsbased conservation agreements with beef producers.

under the results-based conservation agreements. The two grazing corporations are responsible for managing 160,000 acres of native grasslands which includes critical habitat for a number of species, in addition to the Greater Sage Grouse such as Sprague’s Pipit, Swift Fox and Mormon Metalmark. The cattle producers will be expected to meet annual habitat targets for the term of the three-year agreements.

The $250,000 USD in funding from the U.S.-based conservation organization will be used to match $330,000 in funding awarded in 2018 from the Habitat Stewardship Program (HSP) for Species at Risk. The funding will be used to enhance and conserve approximately 25,000 acres of Greater Sage Grouse critical habitat for the next two years.

These agreements are designed to encourage producers to make management decisions that support species-at-risk habitat as they work to achieve desired habitat targets.

Management decisions must be within a producer’s capability, including range and management of livestock, forage production, predator control, land accessibility and agricultural development.

“This funding shows that our beef producers in Saskatchewan are actively engaged in stewardship of grasslands which contributes to conservation of species-at-risk,” stated SSGA President Bill Huber.

Results-based agreements are a type of agreement being piloted under Speciesat-Risk Partnerships on Agricultural Lands (SARPAL) for the past several years. They are signed with producers and identify and describe specific habitat results.

In exchange for achieving the desired habitat targets, producers are rewarded with financial incentives. The SSGA will be administering the agreements, while SODCAP will be conducting the monitoring. SODCAP will negotiate the agreements and design the grazing regimes and strategies. Producers who own or manage candidate critical habitat for species-at-risk in southwest Saskatchewan are eligible to sign resultsbased conservation agreements. Results aim to achieve more than livestock and forage production objectives, but also strive for habitat results.

Over the course of three years, $262,500 is being allocated to two grazing corporations to protect 25,000 acres of Greater Sage Grouse Critical Habitat 8

“The whole idea behind these agreements is that we’re not being prescriptive in our management. We’re letting the producers do the decision-making,” stated SODCAP Executive Director Tom Harrison.

The producers will be aware of the targets and critical habitat, but they will work

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toward these targets making their own management decisions, depending on a number of factors related to the land being managed. For example, these decisions might include setting appropriate stocking rates, maintaining sage brush, avoiding overgrazing, or deferring grazing. Habitat attributes must be achievable within the site potential based on soils, hydrology and climate or other bio-physical attributes. If the producers meet their habitat targets, then they will receive a payment on an annual basis. SODCAP will be monitoring habitat targets.

SODCAP Inc. is a partnership between stakeholders and government with a goal of implementing actions relating to the South of the Divide Multi-Species Action Plan. NFWF works with partners to support results-oriented projects for forest and grassland species, from songbirds to the pronghorn, to restore degraded habitat, improve stewardship of ranch lands, expand conservation areas and address barriers to wildlife movement.

Environment and Climate Change Canada administers HSP funding for projects continued on page 27

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MAY 2019

Industry News SSGA AGM and Convention Seeks to Spark Producer Success The Saskatchewan Stock Growers Association (SSGA) is holding its 106th Annual General Meeting and Convention on June 9-11 at the Exhibition Centre in Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan. This year’s theme, “Strategies for Success,” highlights the optimism for the beef industry and ways to make the most of prospects in light of global opportunities for the beef industry.

“Our AGM and Convention brings together producers, industry experts and guests for business, learning and networking – all to help our Saskatchewan stock growers succeed,” stated SSGA President Bill Huber.

Dr. Frank Mitloehner is a prominent professor and Air Quality Extension Specialist in the UC’s Department of Animal Science. Mitloehner will be presenting on sustainability in beef.

The agenda features some of the hottest topics affecting beef producers today.

Leading speakers and researchers will be presenting on a broad range of topics from animal health to the environment to marketing to consumer food choices and more.

“We want to thank our generous sponsors, who make it possible for our presenters to attend and to be a part of such a topnotch event,” the SSGA president added.

SSGA is pleased to welcome Dr. Frank Mitloehner from the University of California as keynote speaker from a remote presentation. In addition to publishing an array of academic works, Mitloehner maintains an active presence on Twitter debunking myths about beef production and greenhouse gas emissions.

Members will hear presentations on the latest research concerning animal health. Dr. Doug Colwell, specialist in livestock parasitology from Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada will speak on parasite control for beef cattle. Don Ferguson, Executive Director of Animal Protection Services of Saskatchewan, will be presenting on animal welfare enforcement in Saskatchewan.

MAY 2019

With the environment a top of mind topic for producers, the convention features a presentation on conserving habitat on a working landscape by Tom Harrison, executive director of the South of the Divide Conservation Action Plan, as well as the topic of carbon offsets from the Saskatchewan Ministry of the Environment. Rounding out the diverse program of speakers are Megan Schaefer, acting executive director of the Ministry of Agriculture’s Lands Branch, Aaron Gray from Saskatchewan Irrigation Association and Vern Randall from Cherry Insurance.

At the business session, members will hear reports from the association and beef industry, including from the SSGA president Bill Huber and the Canadian Cattlemen’s Association Vice President Bob Lowe. Members will have an opportunity to listen to business information, to bring forth and vote on resolutions and nominations, and to discuss policy directions from the producer’s point of view.

The three-day event also features a trade show that provides members with the opportunity to check out the latest in beef industry products and services and to get to know the faces behind the many livestock businesses.

Anne Wasko, President of Cattle Trends, will speak on the beef cattle market outlook.

The Convention will provide plenty of networking and social opportunities starting with the President’s Reception.

One of the highlights of the convention is the banquet where deserving Saskatchewan beef producers will be honoured with The Environmental Stewardship Award (TESA) to recognize environmentally and economically sustainable cattle production. The Rangeland Scholarship will also be presented. B See pages 40-41 for a detailed schedule.

Dr. Greg Penner from the University of Saskatchewan will share the results of his research on using canola meal pellets for beef cattle.

www.skstockgrowers.com | ©BEEF BUSINESS | 9

Industry News SSGA Partners with Young’s Equipment on Member Benefits Saskatchewan Stock Growers Association (SSGA) is partnering with Young’s Equipment to launch exclusive member benefits through Young’s Equipment purchases. The partnership will also support the work of the SSGA. This partnership promotion runs until December 31, 2019.

In the promotion, SSGA members who purchase one of the following equipment units – Case IH MFD loader tractor (60185 hp), Case IH RB565 round baler, NDE vertical mixer, and Highline CFR bale processor – would receive a $1,250 Young’s Equipment Gift Card for parts and/or service at any Young’s Equipment location.

Equipment must be purchased through one of Young’s Equipment’s nine dealerships around the province, including Assiniboia, Chamberlain, Davidson, Moose Jaw, Raymore, Regina, Watrous, Weyburn and Windthorst.

“We proudly partner with Young’s Equipment and we would like to thank this strong Saskatchewan business for supporting the work of the SSGA. This demonstrates the close cooperation that exists in the agriculture sector in Saskatchewan,” stated SSGA President Bill Huber.

In addition to supporting individual members, Young’s Equipment will also donate $250 per unit to the SSGA. These

funds will go towards SSGA’s many programs and initiatives.

“We are committed to supporting the SSGA, an organization that works to improve the agricultural industry in Saskatchewan. This promotion also provides tangible benefits to SSGA members across the province,” said Tim Young, General Manager of Young’s Equipment Inc. “It’s very important for us to support the communities and the industries like the livestock sector where we live and work.”

“This promotion is another way to get value from being a SSGA member,” added the SSGA president. B

Between now and December 31st, 2019 active Members of the SSGA will receive a $1,250 Young’s Equipment Gift Card for Parts and/or Service at any Young’s Equipment location with the purchase of any of the following new units: - Case IH MFD Loader Tractor (60-185 HP) - Case IH RB565 Round Baler - NDE Vertical Mixer - Highline CFR Bale Processor In addition to that, we will donate $250 per unit sold to the Saskatchewan Stock Growers Association to support their formidable cause.

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MAY 2019

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www.skstockgrowers.com | ©BEEF BUSINESS | 11

Industry News New Program Allows Use of Crown Lease as Security Eligible lessees of agricultural Crown land are now allowed to use their Crown lease as security to obtain a loan under the new Crown Lease as Security program as of April 1, 2019. To find out more about this program, Beef Business spoke to Megan Schaefer, director of strategic initiatives in the Ministry of Agriculture.

Start of the Program The program grew out of consultations on The Provincial Lands Act and Regulations taking place back in 2012.

The stakeholders and lessees provided feedback and were looking for a way to use their Crown leases as security in the same way as Alberta lessees are able to use their Crown land as security. The information collected at the consultations became part of amendments to The Provincial Lands Act in 2016. One of those amendments included allowing lessees to use their Crown leases as security.

Following the amendment to the Lands Act, the Ministry of Agriculture developed this Crown Lease as Security program in 2018, meeting twice for consultations with stakeholder groups. After receiving feedback from consultations, changes were made to the regulations. Many of the changes provide clarity around the relationship with the lending institutions.

Eligibility Lessees can apply to use their Crown lease as security at any time. Both new and existing lessees are eligible. The new lessee can apply to use the lease as security at the time of signing their Crown lease. For example, a new potential lessee is looking to buy a farm operation which includes deeded land and leased land. If the individual purchases the deeded land, the lease can be assigned to them as long as the individual is eligible. At that point, the person can submit an application to have a lease assigned to them and can also submit an application to use the lease as security if they needed it in order to purchase the deeded land.

status. This means that they do not owe any monies to the Lands Branch and do not have rent or tax arrears on their lease.

They will also be checked for arrears owed to the Saskatchewan Crop Insurance Corporation or Agriculture Credit Corporation of Saskatchewan. If they do owe any payments, the potential lessee would have an opportunity to repay these outstanding amounts to return their account to acceptable status in order to be eligible.

For the most part, the lease land being used as security will be grazing land. Most of the Crown croplands will be cultivated or previously cultivated land that are subject to the 45% rental premium because these are lands that have been identified for sale, and these leases will not be eligible for use as security.

If there is a succession of the farming operation during the term of the lease and the loan security agreement, the lessee would have to notify the Ministry of the

One of the conditions for eligibility is to not have any contraventions of the terms and conditions of their lease on file for the last 10 years or for the duration of their lease if they have had it for less than 10 years. Contraventions of the lease refer to factors such as overgrazing. According to Schaefer, contraventions are dealt with on a case-by-case basis. Typically, Lands Branch would enter into a lease utilization plan with the lessee to evaluate the risk of the lease. For example, if a lessee is in the fifth year of a five-year utilization plan and they are in alignment, the Lands Branch can be more confident that management may continue to be positive and that the lease could be approved. Generally, higher risk leases may not get approval.

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One of the criteria to use the Crown lease as security is that a potential lessee must have all of their accounts with the Ministry of Agriculture Lands Branch in acceptable 12

change and the Ministry would notify the lending institution. There would have to be agreement from all parties – the lessee, the successor, the Ministry, and the lending institution, which must agree to the successor taking on the remainder of the loan.

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MAY 2019

Industry News A site inspection and review of leases usually takes place at the time of renewal.

In addition, if Lands Branch receives information regarding the lease, such as a report on overgrazing, then typically a site inspection is undertaken. If a contravention is found, they would enter into a lease utilization plan.

Application Procedure To apply for the new program, lessees need to complete the Use Crown Lease as Security application and submit it to the local Lands Branch office. The lease and the loan applications can be initiated at the same time. Usually, the lessee would meet with the Lands Branch to start the application and follow this with a meeting with their lending institution to complete the financial part of the application information. The lessee returns this form to the Lands Branch for approval. It is important to note that the Ministry is requiring that lessees use the whole lease as security.

The lessee can begin the loan application with the lending institution to use the lease as security. It will be up to the lender to determine the value of the lease for the loan. Valuing leases will be new for lending institutions in Saskatchewan.

If the lessee has repaid the lease as security loan and wishes to take out another such loan, they would be required to submit another application. The lessee would have to follow the same eligibility process for the next loan, including having all accounts in good standing.

Land Management One of the conditions of the lease is appropriate land management. The criteria are the same for grazing or cultivated land. The lessee must be actively managing the farm operation and making the management decisions on the lease. Furthermore, the land must be used for its intended purpose. For example, grazing land must be used only for grazing purposes. The lessee must also use accepted management practices. For example, they must manage weeds, and they cannot overgraze. For those lessees undertaking conservation agreements, the Ministry will have to be signatory to this agreement and will approve

MAY 2019

conservation management practices on the land. While management practices for conservation may differ from conventional practices, they would be recognized as accepted management for conservation goals.

The Loan Regarding the loan, the terms and conditions of the loan will be determined by the lending institution with the lessee.

The amount borrowed is determined by the lending institution as well. Although the lessee signs the loan agreement with the bank, as part of this program, the lessee is required to submit an application to the Lands Branch to determine if the lease is eligible to be used as security.

“We approve that ourselves, but the terms and conditions of the loan are between the lessee and the lending institution,” Schaefer explained. Moreover, it is up to the lender whether they are willing to use the lease as security and provide the loan to the lessee. For the Lands Branch’s part, they ensure that the lease is eligible to be used as security. They do not restrict the value or amount of lease land that can be used because the leases are of different sizes and values.

The Lands Branch does not place any restrictions on the use of the loan. The lending institutions, however, may have limitations. In their feedback, lenders recommend that the lease security be used to acquire additional land, while the producers would like to be able to use the lease as security to expand operations.

The Lenders To be eligible for the program, the lending institution must be a chartered bank, credit union, Crown corporation, such as Farm Credit Canada, trust company, financial services company or any other person approved by the Ministry. The head office must sign a Memorandum of Agreement with the Ministry of Agriculture. The Ministry is presently working with the lending institutions on agreements.

After a lessee has completed the application with their lending institution and submitted it to a Lands Branch office, it will be confirmed whether the lender’s

head office has signed a memorandum agreement. If it has not signed on, the lending institution should contact the Ministry for a copy of the agreement. The lending institution can then determine whether they want to sign the agreement and be willing to use a lease as security.

Nonpayment In the case of a default on a loan, the lending institution first works with the lessee to take measures to get them back into making payments. Because the loan is between the financial institution and the lessee, the Ministry is not involved at this point. If these steps fail, the lender will notify the Ministry that the loan is in default. At that point, the Lands Branch would follow a process set out in the regulations to cancel the lease. After the cancellation, the Ministry would enter into a Security Lease Agreement with the lending institution for one year to look for a new eligible lessee. The lender would sell the lease to this new eligible lessee once the Ministry has confirmed eligibilty and approved the lease.

In the case of nonpayment, such as for rent or taxes on the lease, the Lands Branch follows an established regular process to issue a notice of intention to cancel, followed by a notice of cancellation. They also will follow up with two phone calls. The lending institution will be notified during this process. If payments are not made by the particular date, the Lands Branch would proceed with cancelling the lease. Then, they would enter into the one-year Security Lease Agreement with the lending institution to find a new eligible lessee.

The Ministry started this new Crown Lease as Security Program in response to the consultations and feedback it has received from 2012. Initially, they are not anticipating numbers in the program to be as large as those seen in Alberta, but they do think it will become popular as more producers learn about the program and more lenders get involved. Producers can benefit by being able to expand their operations based on lease values. B

www.skstockgrowers.com | ©BEEF BUSINESS | 13

Industry News SSGA Launches Wildfire Relief Fund to Help Biggar-Area Ranchers The Saskatchewan Stock Growers Association (SSGA) has launched a Wildfire Relief Fund to help ranchers affected by the mid-April wildfire in the Biggar, SK, area.

On Monday, April 22, 2019, shortly after the noon hour, a grass fire was started south of the Town of Biggar. It developed into a large-scale wildfire fed by strong winds and dry conditions. The town and RM of Biggar declared a state of emergency on April 23. The fire did not reach the town, but over 22,000 acres were burned, including a significant amount of pasture land. The fire was finally brought under control by volunteer firefighters on Thursday, April 25.

“In times like this, ranchers always help each other out,” Huber said. “We’re asking our members, and everyone who is able to help, to pull together for the people in the ranching community who suffered damage from the wildfire.”B

*Producers affected by the fire can also call this number to identify their losses. **Producers do not need to be SSGA members to qualify for assistance.

If you would like to contribute, go to: www.skstockgrowers.com or Call the SSGA office at (306) 757-8523

“We’re collecting whatever people can offer,” said SSGA President Bill Huber. “Losing 22,000 acres of grass is a devastating setback. Cattle will have to be fed, which means ranchers will need feed and transportation. And maybe as much as 75 miles of fence has been destroyed.”

No farm buildings were lost in the fire, but the loss of grass and fencing are an additional blow to producers who are already struggling with dry conditions.

Fencing is a huge cost for ranchers. “At $5,000 per mile, that’s a very serious situation,” he added.

The southern half of Saskatchewan, from Meadow Lake to the U.S. border, is dangerously dry. As of April 26, 159 municipalities have implemented fire bans.

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“The drought conditions have already caused feed shortages, which means high prices,” Huber said. “The same conditions that caused the shortage are also increasing the fire risk and making it expensive to buy feed to replace the lost grass. It’s a merciless cycle.”

Meanwhile, trucking in feed is just a shortterm fix, Huber said. Ranchers will have to find pastures for summer grazing. They will also need help moving their animals.

14

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| ©BEEF BUSINESS | www.skstockgrowers.com

MAY 2019

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Markets and Trade

230

2017 2018

180

2019 130

360 310 2016 260

2017 2018

210

2019

160

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

2016

Price per hundred weight

SK Weekly Average Price 500-600 lbs Steers

280

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

Source: CanFax

AB Fed Steer Prices 180 170

2016

160

2017

150

2018

140

2019

130

CDN $ - US terms

Price per hundred weight

0.98

190

0.93 0.88

2019

0.83

2018

0.78

5 yr avg

0.73

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

0.68

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

120 Source: CanFax

Alberta Weekly D1 & D2 Cows 120.00

290.00

110.00

270.00

100.00

2016

90.00

2017

80.00

2018

70.00

2019

60.00

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

Source: Bank of Canada

Lethbridge Barley Price

Price per tonne

Price per hundred weight

Source: CanFax

Weekly Canadian Dollar

200

250.00 2016

230.00

2017

210.00

2018

190.00

2019

170.00 150.00

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

Price per hundred weight

SK Weekly Average Price Heifers 500-600 lbs

Source: CanFax

For more information visit www.canfax.ca

16

| ©BEEF BUSINESS | www.skstockgrowers.com

MAY 2019

Markets and Trade Cattle Market Optimistic Despite Uncertainty The cattle market looks positive for 2019 despite the past year of uncertainty surrounding the NAFTA negotiations as well as a conjunction of factors causing volatility earlier this year. Beef Business spoke to Brian Perillat, manager at CanFax, to sum up cattle market trends over the past year, factors affecting cattle prices and projections for 2019.

Big Stories One of the biggest stories on the cattle market in 2018 was the strength of the Canadian market, especially in Western Canada. “We basically had the strongest market in North America,” Perillat stated.

However, there was a major shift in the cattle basis in the winter of 2018 and into early 2019 and the market started to weaken. Then, it went to a big discount, which has surprised market watchers given the opportunities in Japan. By February 2019 the Canadian market was sitting at a fairly large discount to the U.S. market, taking a lot of dollars off the Canadian market.

Another major story is the impact of U.S. pork prices and the African Swine Fever Virus on the meat sector. Pork prices have been struggling on the U.S. market, impacted by the trade agreement between the U.S. and Mexico. In addition, African Swine Fever Virus (ASFV), which is lethal to pigs, has been sweeping through hog populations in China. Already, there are reports of pig mortality rates of up to 20%.

ASFV has now spread to other AsianPacific countries, most recently, Vietnam and Cambodia, and could have a devastating effect on the region. For instance, China has over half of the world’s hogs, and it accounts for nearly half of global pork consumption. The sudden decline in pig numbers could have an enormous impact on the hog market as supplies drop, while the meat demand remains strong. This conjunction creates potential for the beef market. Prior to this disease outbreak, China’s beef imports have been the fastest growing market for beef. This demand could surge even more as consumers look for a replacement protein source.

MAY 2019

Prices Perillat noted that most cattle prices, in general, were sitting below what they were a year ago. “It’s a bit disappointing for the Canadian cattle market,” he added.

Prices were affected by a complex of factors that has been influencing the markets, he explained.

Prices held relatively stable over the past year. Fed cattle prices have mostly traded around $160/cwt, whereas last year, they had been up to $167/cwt. “We’re not far off,” he said, noting that prices have been up and down. Fed cattle prices climbed slightly by year’s end but struggled and took a drop in February. Early in February, fed cattle fell to a range of $148/cwt, which was significantly below last year’s levels. The fed cattle market is expected to see some pressure into the summer and early fall. Factors like trade with China could determine this basis.

Feeder cattle prices also struggled. The feeding sector has struggled to make a profit in the last few months and that’s likely to continue into the summer of 2019.

Looking forward, a strong demand is expected.

At the same time, calf prices this spring are higher than a year ago. These prices are expected to stay there providing that moisture conditions improve this year. In the future, calf prices could remain firmly around $2.00 mark or maybe higher.

Perillat said that prices will depend on a number of factors, including feed costs, feedlot profitability, the basis levels and other factors.

Looking ahead, it appears that the African Swine Fever Virus affecting pigs will continue to influence meat prices. It remains to be seen how calf markets will be affected.

Weather Effect The Canadian herd shrunk again over 2018 with beef cow numbers declining about 1%, falling to the lowest levels it has been since 1991. In large part, this was due to the weather – dry conditions and drought.

“We didn’t expect too much growth and we didn’t expect to have another sell-off again in the cattle herd,” Perillat stated. In cattle-producing regions on the prairies the lack of moisture resulted in high feed costs. At the peak of the drought in mid-summer, there was a fear that cattle producers would have to sell large parts of their herds, but such drastic measures did not materialize. Rather than a big sell-off of cattle taking place, producers became more creative with their feed sources and looked at alternatives to hay once it became very expensive.

If this year proves to be another dry summer with grass starting to run short in the early summer, that could mean insufficient feed supplies and an expected high cost of feed. Many producers might also have used up their hay stores during the past year, which means that more cows could be sold or going to slaughter.

“This would certainly put a cap on any herd expansion,” Perillat stated.

Trade Following last year’s market uncertainty during the United States-Mexico-Canada free trade agreement negotiations, Perillat has been keeping a close eye on trade with the U.S. and Mexico. “It’s not as big of an issue for beef,” he noted. So far, Canada has maintained steady trade with the U.S. and Mexico.

As 2018 closed, Canada ratified the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP), promising reduced tariffs on Canadian beef and more beef sales to the Asia-Pacific region. The ratification qualified Canadian beef for a reduction in tariffs in the Japanese market. Japan used to pay a 38.5% tariff for importing Canadian beef, which has fallen to 26.5% in April and will drop to 9% by 2033.

“That’s given us a pretty big boost to the Japanese market,” Perillat stated.

He added that trade numbers are just starting to come in about the impact continued on page 18

www.skstockgrowers.com | ©BEEF BUSINESS | 17

Markets and Trade RETAIL MEAT PRICE SURVEY as of April 30, 2019 ($/lb)

CUTS

CO-OP SAFEWAY SAVE-ON-FOODS

SOBEYS

SUPERSTORE

COSTCO

Ground beef/lean

4.79

6.49

6.35

3.99

5.99

3.44

Ground beef/ regular

5.29

5.49

*

4.49

4.21

*

Roast/cross rib

*

5.99

8.99

6.99

*

*

Roast/rib

5.99

*

*

*

5.89

11.30

Roast/outside round

3.99

8.89

7.01

*

5.84

4.71

Steak/rib eye

6.49

9.66

21.00

17.00

*

*

Steak/round

*

9.79

7.49

*

5.84

*

Steak/sirloin

11.49

18.00

16.56

18.00

*

9.98

Steak/T-bone

14.59

17.00

17.00

17.50

14.06

*

*

24.51

25.00

21.01

20.87

Steak/tenderloin

*

*these items were not in the display case on this date Cattle Market cont. from pg. 17 of the reduced tariffs in CPTPP-country markets. The optimism seems to be warranted because initial indicators show that January exports to Japan have risen 75% in volume and 100% in value. “That’s an advantage that we have over the United States,” Perillat stated about the tariff reduction. The U.S. withdrew from the Asia-Pacific deal and continues to have a tariff of 38.5% on its beef to Japan.

In the long term, the CPTPP is viewed as a benefit for the beef industry and cattle producers.

Canada’s agricultural trade issues with China has not impacted beef to a great extent because China is not a major export market for Canadian beef.

Nevertheless, Perillat has been monitoring trade developments with China closely.

Conversely, the trade agreement with the European Union, the Canada-European Union Comprehensive and Economic Trade Agreement (CETA), has been slow to develop. “There’s still a certain number of barriers and some technical differences in terms of production practices that reduces the amount of Canadian beef shipped 18

to the EU,” Perillat noted. The benefits of the agreement are not yet visible for the average producer. Exports to the EU have increased substantially, but it is still finding a very limited market. Canada exported $15.5 million in beef to EU member countries last year.

Dollar The Canadian dollar to U.S. dollar rate makes an enormous impact on market prices, in addition to other key market factors. The current Canadian dollar of around $0.75, and even a drop to $0.77, benefits prices for Canadian calves.

However, an increase of even a few cents on the dollar could mean a big drop per pound in calf prices. For example, if the dollar rose 2 or 3 cents, calf prices would fall by 10 to 15 cents per pound.

While a weak dollar supports calf prices, it’s not optimal for the Canadian economy overall and it does not favour the country’s purchasing power internationally. In addition, the cattle market in Western Canada has been at a feed cost disadvantage, hitting the feeder market hard. Grain prices have been very high on the feed grain market, and a weaker dollar can reduce grain prices.

| ©BEEF BUSINESS | www.skstockgrowers.com

Domestic Demand The domestic demand for beef in Canada has been solid for the last two years, despite the increase in retail prices about three years ago. In 2018 there was a slight surge in beef consumption. “That’s been a positive sign,” Perillat stated. “Consumers continue to put good value into beef.”

There has also been a very strong international demand for Canadian beef following the ratification of the CPTPP and opportunities becoming accessible on the Japanese market, as well as overall growth in demand in China and the Asia-Pacific region.

One factor that could have an impact on beef demand down the road will be the carbon tax. According to Perillat, it’s too early to predict what the full impact will be from the carbon tax, which only came into force in Saskatchewan, apart from adding costs to fuel and trucking.

Trends Western Canada has more cattle on feed than other areas in North America. This is partly due to a large number of calves, especially dairy calves, being imported continued on page 34 MAY 2019

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Feature Sask. Employers, Employees Gain Through Job Grant Program The Canada-Saskatchewan Job Grant (CSJG) is an employer-driven program that provides eligible employers with financial support to train new or existing employees for jobs in their organization.

Beef Business sat down with Larry Wells, director of Canada Saskatchewan Job Grant, Skills Training Branch of the Ministry of Immigration and Career Training, to discuss the program and how it can benefit employers in the livestock industry.

Background The Canada-Saskatchewan Job Grant began in 2014 as a collaboration between the federal and the provincial governments. The program is ongoing and is expected to continue into the future as it was included in the 2019-2020 budget and does not have a program end date.

The CSJG was designed to support employer investments in training, support employer access to skilled labour, and assist individuals in gaining access to Saskatchewan jobs and connecting training to employment.

The program provides funding for training that supports skill training gaps in Saskatchewan businesses due to employer-driven demand or economic changing conditions. A critical element of the program is to enhance the existing skills of an employee that will support an employer’s business.

Eligibility To be eligible the employer must be a private or not-for-profit business. In the case of farms and ranches, the employer can be an individual farmer or limited corporation. The “farmer” is defined as one who is included under The Fuel Tax Regulation of 2000. Other farm businesses, such as value-added businesses, would be eligible so long as they are registered as a business and the training requested meets the eligibility criteria.

20

The most important element, Wells stressed, is that there must be an employer-employee relationship with the staff who work for that ranch, farm or stock producer. A key factor is that the program is designed for employees of the business, farm or ranch. That means that there is always an employer-employee relationship and it also means that the employer is not eligible for training under this program.

For training to qualify under the program, it must be related to a skill needed to grow the business. In other words, the employer can grow the operations by increasing the employee’s skills.

For example, if an employer wants to automate or computerize the business and staff is to be retrained to do their job more efficiently, this would be regarded as an upscaling of the business and something that is employer-driven.

Regarding family members, the program permits family members to receive training. In the case of children of farm and ranch families, they would be eligible for training if they are employees of the farm.

Temporary Foreign Workers are not eligible for the program because the intent of the program is to invest in training for employees who will be in Saskatchewan, stay in Saskatchewan and work in Saskatchewan. “We want to support that Saskatchewan business over the long term,” stated Wells.

As for part-time employees, the program is intended for full-time, permanent workers. It does not distinguish between seasonal and part-time work. It considers employment of more than 30 hours a week as full-time employment. An application would be examined on a caseby-case basis to determine the number of hours and the type of work.

| ©BEEF BUSINESS | www.skstockgrowers.com

Types of Training The types of training eligible for the program is designed for expanding the skill set of the employee to help address employer-driven changes or the economic conditions that motivate an employer to make changes. Any type of training is eligible if it would grow, enhance, maintain or make the business more efficient. “Those are some of the elements we look at – the growth of a business, efficiency of a business, and just meeting changing economic conditions,” stated Wells.

The following illustrate some examples of eligible training. If an employer purchases a piece of specialized equipment, the employee would be eligible for training on the use of this equipment. One or more employees could take the training. In another case, an employee does a primary job on the farm, such as handling cattle, and the employer wants to expand this employee’s job responsibilities to hauling the cattle. Training to obtain a Class 1A license to drive the truck would fit the program eligibility. Truck driver training is a good example of meeting changing economic conditions in light of the new mandatory entry level truck driver training that is now required.

Often learning a new skill comes with a job advancement, an increase in hours, or a wage increase. One of the program elements is an anticipated raise in pay if it increases the employee’s skill and supports the ongoing growth of the company. “We like to see where there is an opportunity for employee advancement,” said Wells. For an existing employee, the program considers the skill that is needed and opportunities for advancement and a wage increase if the employee acquires the skill. However, in a new hire, all those criteria are removed except the requirement that the employer must provide a minimum of 600 hours of employment post training.

MAY 2019

Feature The training should also lead to some type of record of completion, certification, diploma, or industry-recognized credential to recognize that the individual has completed the training and acquired the appropriate skill. The training does not have to have an exam, but it has to end in a credential. It is also important that it must be a course program. An employer cannot select several separate classes or training modules from different learning programs and bundle them together.

The format of the training can vary. It can be delivered online, in class, in lab, or it could take place at the workplace where a third-party delivery agent comes to the workplace to deliver the training.

Training formats that are not eligible are Instructional DVDs, audio books, and selfstudy exams.

Notably, the program does not cover apprenticeships, or the type of mandatory training required to maintain a professional association designation, like a Chartered Professional Accountant (CPA).

The CSJG is not intended for training that the employer should normally pay for themselves.

Seminars typically do not qualify as well because they are commonly held for only a few hours and do not result in a credential. To be eligible, the training time must total a minimum of 24 hours.

A three-day seminar course might be considered depending on the course structure and content, and if total training reaches 24 hours and results in a credential. For example, it could contain some classroom time, some online work, or lab hours.

Application Process Employers apply for the training for their employees and an application can include one or more employees if they are all taking the same training. Employers can download the application online from the program website (See below). Once the employer completes the application with all applicable documentation, it is submitted online or by mail to the CSJG office. The office confirms within three business days that the application has been received.

MAY 2019

Applications are processed on a firstcome, first serve basis. The application will be reviewed and assessed to ensure that all components meet the eligibility requirements and intent of the program.

The employer is asked to identify the specific skill gap and how the requested training course can meet this gap. During the assessment, the program looks at whether or not the proposed training will address a skill gap which can benefit the business and make it more profitable and diversified.

If the application is eligible, then an agreement is drawn up. The service standard is 20 days from the time of the completed application to the agreement, providing that all information has been submitted. An application could be delayed if information is incomplete or additional information is required. The agreement is executed once the employer has signed it.

It is important to note that an approved agreement must be in place and signed before training can take place. At the same time, it is permitted for the employer to book a spot in a training program, or make an application for the training, or put a deposit on the training. The training must be completed within 52 weeks of the application. If there is a second level of training, an application would have to be made following the successful completion of the first level of training.

There is no limitation on the number of employees on the application. The only limitation is on the amount of funding allocated for reimbursement – $10,000 per person per application, and a maximum of $100,000 per year for the employer.

Costs Because the program is considered employer-driven, it is the employer, not the employee who will pay for the training as well as travel and accommodation.

The employer must contribute one third of the training funds and CSJG will contribute two thirds. Eligible costs for the program are training tuition, software costs, student fees, exams, textbooks and applicable taxes. It

does not cover associated costs like meals, accommodation and travel. The program prefers that as much training as possible takes place in Saskatchewan, but this condition would depend on the availability and timing of the training.

Employers must bear in mind that the greater distance that an employee would have to travel outside the province for training, the more it will cost the employer for travel and related expenses.

A critical element of the program is that the employer decides what training is required, which employee will receive the training and where the employer is going to get the third party to deliver the training. “That’s why it is so important that it is employer driven, it’s all about the employer deciding,” said Wells.

At the same time, the employee could approach the employer suggesting training for a skill that would improve the employee’s efficiency on the job, and in turn enhance the business, like learning a new software program or how to operate a piece of equipment. However, a decision on whether to implement this type of training still rests with the employer.

There are cases when an employee leaves the job, withdraws from training or fails the class. In these cases, the CSJG will cover training costs as per the agreement.

In the case of a medical issue occurring or the need for a delay in training, the employer should consult with the CSJG Consultant assigned to their agreement about the possibility of an extension.

Extensions would be granted through an amendment to the agreement.

Reporting The program requires financial reporting and information about the employee’s training. Employees initially complete a training registration form that describes the salary for that job. At the end of the training, they complete another training document to demonstrate that the employee has completed the training and to state any changes in job conditions, like a wage increase or added responsibilities.

In addition, the CSJG must receive invoices continued on page 22

www.skstockgrowers.com | ©BEEF BUSINESS | 21

Feature Using Canola Meal Pellets as a Protein Supplement for Beef Cattle

by Dr. Greg Penner, Department of Animal and Poultry Science, University of Saskatchewan Over the last 2 years, dry conditions during summer have led to rangelands and pastures that mature rapidly, probably resulting in forages that are likely deficient in crude protein when considering requirements for beef cattle.

In addition, grazing stockpiled forages or cereal residues will likely not meet crude protein requirements for cattle.

Cattle grazing forages that are low in crude protein have reduced fibre digestibility and, as a result, not only does low protein content in forages limit protein availability, but it can also limit forage intake and energy availability. One strategy to offset a protein deficiency in forages is to provide a protein supplement.

In Saskatchewan, a common protein source used in the beef industry is dry distillers’ grains (DDGS). The protein content of DDGS depends on whether it arises from corn – or wheat-based – ethanol, and it is clear that DDGS is a good source of both protein and energy.

However, DDGS can be highly variable and recent changes in the United States to remove the oil from DDGS has resulted in reduced energy content. In addition, DDGS can be quite variable depending on the source, ratio of corn and wheat used, and poses a risk for mycotoxin contamination.

Job Grant Program cont. from pg. 21 and receipts for any training costs to be reimbursed by the program. Payment is made to the employer once all of these documents have been submitted.

The CSJG program has enjoyed popularity and is one of the programs promoting the growth of Saskatchewan businesses.

In the last fiscal year in 2018-2019, over 1,500 applications were received, which involved at least one trainee. Some applications included multiple trainees.

22

Figure 1. Image of dry corn distillers’ grain pellets (left) and canola meal pellets (right).

Another common source of protein in Saskatchewan is canola meal. Canola meal has been used extensively in the dairy industry and is well known to improve milk production relative to cows fed soybean meal or DDGS. However, canola meal has historically been costlier per unit of dry matter than DDGS; hence, the greater use of DDGS in the beef industry.

That said, in recent years the cost spread between canola meal and DDGS has been narrowing. In fact, at the time of the study, canola meal was priced at $380/ metric tonne and DDGS as $360/metric tonne. When factoring the cost on a $/ unit of protein, canola meal was valued at 9.43/kg protein and DDGS at 10.96/kg protein showing that canola meal may be an economical option. Additionally, canola meal removes the concern of mycotoxins in feed. Given the recent trade dispute with China, canola meal may continue to be a cost-effective protein supplement for beef cattle in the near future.

“This, to me, is one of the best programs I have ever seen delivered to employers, to support employers, and it is one of the easiest programs to apply for, be approved for and receive reimbursement for, for those training dollars spent by the employer,” stated Wells.

With the technological and know-how changes demanded today, the agricultural sector is facing a labour shortage along with a need for enhanced skills of existing employees. This program offers

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In collaboration with the SSGA, SaskMilk and the Saskatchewan Canola Development Commission, we initiated a project to compare the use of DDGS pellets and canola meal pellets (See Figure 1) as supplements for cattle fed a crude protein deficient forage (7% crude protein). This study was conducted by Kaylan Ginther, an undergraduate student in the Department of Animal Science at the University of Saskatchewan.

In this study, heifers were fed 1 of 5 treatments. The treatments included: 1) a negative control where they only received a mature hay source that was moderately deficient in crude protein along with a vitamin and mineral supplement; 2) a diet where the same hay and supplement were provided with canola meal pellets offered daily; 3) a diet where the same hay and supplement were provided but canola meal pellets were offered every second day; or diets with the same hay and supplement but with DDGS pellets being the livestock industry opportunities for its employees to augment their skills and become more employable in the agricultural labour market and for employers to help grow their businesses with a skilled workforce. B For more information: CSJG website: www.saskatchewan.ca/job-grant Email: cansaskjobgrant@gov.sk.ca

MAY 2019

Feature offered 4) daily or 5) every second day.

The diets supplemented with canola meal pellets and DDGS pellets were balanced for crude protein. This required feeding more DDGS as it contained less crude protein (33 vs 40% crude protein) than the canola meal.

crude protein. It should be noted that the supplemented heifers also received their pelleted protein supplement and, therefore, total dry matter intake was greater than for those not supplemented.

You might be wondering why we would provide the supplement pellet every second day. For protein supplementation programs (but not other supplementation programs), the evidence is clear that a protein supplement can be provided on alternate days without negatively affecting fibre digestibility or performance of cattle. However, to do this, twice the amount must be provided on the day of supplementation.

From a practical standpoint, alternateday supplementation has potential advantages as it can reduce labour cost associated with supplementation and providing more at one time would effectively increase the bunk space if providing the supplement on the ground. Because of the increase in bunk space we though that we could increase the likelihood that cattle received their allocated pellet dose by reducing competitive feeding interactions.

The greater forage intake and supplement intake also led to supplemented heifers having a growth rate that was 0.86 lbs/d more than those not supplemented. In fact, heifers that were not supplemented only gained 0.44 lbs/d. Such slow growth in heifers might reduce the likelihood of them becoming pregnant and reduce their body condition score going into winter.

Likewise, if these were stocker cattle, producers may be disappointed with the growth that was realized.

The study involved pens of 3 yearling heifers with one of the heifers having a ruminal cannula so that we could measure how the treatments affected ruminal fermentation. All treatments were provided on artificial turf (as described in Beef Business, March 2019, page 34) such that we could measure pellet refusals and pellet intake in a simulated grazing condition. This experimental approach allowed us to compare whether protein supplementation was needed, whether the type of protein supplement had an effect, and whether frequency of supplementation impacted the outcomes.

These will be discussed below.

Is Supplementation Worthwhile?

Heifers that were provided with a protein supplement consumed 0.62 lbs more forage than those that were not supplemented. The greater forage intake for heifers provided the protein supplement was expected, and confirms that the hay was marginally deficient in

MAY 2019

DDGS Pellets vs Canola Meal Pellets Use of canola meal pellets did not change forage intake relative to heifers fed DDGS pellets. This is likely because both diets provided adequate crude protein. However, heifers fed DDGS pellets consumed more of the protein supplement to achieve the same dietary protein content. Heifers fed DDGS pellets also ate their supplement slower than those fed canola meal. Growth did not differ among heifers fed DDGS or canola meal, nor did ruminal fermentation. These data clearly indicate that both canola meal and DDGS can promote feed intake and ruminal fermentation when fed with a protein deficient hay. On a cost basis, the canola meal pellet and DDGS pellet diets differed by $4.8/metric tonne with lower cost for canola meal.

Frequency of Supplementation As was expected, providing the supplement daily or on alternate days did not affect growth or forage intake. We had expected that providing the protein pellets on alternate days would reduce competition during eating due to a larger bunk space; however, feeding on alternate days resulted in longer pellet eating times and more competitive interactions during pellet eating (heifers displacing

Heifers in the study eat their protein supplements on artificial grass.

one another). Thus, while we cannot detect differences in forage intake or performance, providing the supplement on alternate days may actually increase competition for the pelleted supplement.

Summary When forages are deficient in crude protein, providing a protein supplement can stimulate forage intake and promote ruminal fermentation. Canola meal pellets and DDGS pellets both can promote forage utilization and depending on the cost spread, canola meal may actually be a more economical option. The supplement can be provided on alternate days, but consideration must be given to increased competition for the supplement on the days of supplementation. *Funding for this research was provided by the Saskatchewan Stock Growers Association, SaskMilk, the Saskatchewan Canola Development Commission, and the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC) through the Collaborative Research and Development Program.

All photos courtesy of Dr. Greg Penner

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Feature Diet and the Food Guide

Canada’s

Beef Business looked at three main aspects of Canada’s Food Guide. For this section, Beef Business spoke to Carol Harrison, a registered dietitian from Toronto, ON, whose passion is making healthy eating easier for busy families. She started the Yummy Lunch Club, which is a blog and campaign to make healthy lunches easier for children, and she also makes regular appearances on local television. Harrison presented the view of the food guide from the perspective of dietitians and a healthy diet for Canadians.

Plate Model The plate model has received praise from Harrison and from her dietitian profession.

“As a dietitian, I was really pleased to see Health Canada went with an easy to understand healthy plate approach,”

Harrison commented. She noted that the plate concept has been promoted by dietitians themselves in the past. The model works well for educating people about diets and providing examples of optimal food choices. The simplicity of continued on page 26

Medical Health and the Food Guide Beef Business looked at three main aspects of Canada’s Food Guide. In this section, Beef Business spoke to Dr. Andrew Samis, a physician and surgeon from Kingston, who has a research interest in diet and cardiovascular disease.

Samis served for almost three decades as a reserve soldier in the Canadian Army retiring at the rank of LieutenantColonel. With 30 years of study at Queen’s University, he has completed Bachelor’s, Master’s, PhD, and MD degrees as well as general surgery and critical care fellowships with expertise in critical care medicine, surgery, cardiovascular health and stroke. Samis has published and spoken on the development of guidelines related to diet and cardiovascular disease.

He was one of the experts that served on the Advisory Panel for Heart and Stroke Foundation of Canada’s 2015 Position Statement on Saturated Fat, Heart Disease and Stroke. Samis shared his medical perspective on the food guide.

Use of Guide Although the food guide has been much talked about in some circles – the food production and manufacturing industries, health care and government, some question if the food guide really matters to ordinary Canadians in their everyday context and how much influence does it really have on their food habits.

According to Samis, many people will be influenced by the food guide. Those who continued on page 28

24

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The revised Canada’s Food Guide was unveiled with a lot of fanfare earlier in the year. Since 1942, Health Canada has been producing food guidelines for Canadians, each reflective of their era and the nutritional needs of the day. Beef Business reached out to experts in diet, medicine and research to present a special on three key perspectives on the food guide related to the beef industry, as well as the benefits and limitations of the food guide for the health of Canadians.

This latest guide introduced some fundamental changes to address the key health issues of Canadians. The most obvious change is that the new guide introduces the concept of a plate model for eating. The image depicts a plate with half devoted to fruits and vegetables, a quarter to grains and cereals and a quarter to proteins. The recommended beverage is water. The plate is a visual cue for Canadians to illustrate the volumes and combinations of foods to select for a meal.

As a departure from previous guides, the new guide merges the dairy and meat categories into a broader protein category that encompasses dairy, meat, eggs and fish along with plant-based protein choices. The portion is reduced to one quarter of the plate. The Saskatchewan Stock Growers Association is pleased to MAY 2019

Feature

Food Guide

Environment and the Food Guide Guidelines Bergen pointed out that, in its latest rendering, the food guide has been rebranded as the Canadian Dietary Guidelines having three chief guidelines. The first guideline states that nutritious foods are the foundation for healthy eating. In other words, he explained, this means Canadians should eat more fruit and vegetables and consume sufficient protein. While the guideline emphasizes plant-based protein, it does allude to eggs, poultry and lean meat.

However, this point also calls for foods containing saturated fat to be replaced by foods that contain unsaturated fat. This guide continues to endorse one of the misconceptions about beef – that beef should be substituted out of the diet because it contains saturated fat.

Beef contains mostly unsaturated fat, while saturated fat makes up less than half of its total fat content. On the other hand, Bergen said, “When it comes to a protein source, beef fits right in with what they are recommending in terms of lean red meat as well as saturated fat.”

see that beef is still on the plate and is included as a healthy food choice for Canadians.

The guide introduces new themes. It stresses plant-based eating and eating for environmental sustainability. It also offers advice on food skills, like how to eat, and food preparation. Health Canada has determined that the food knowledge and skills of Canadians has declined and has added a section in the food guide as a response to this growing issue.

The new Canada’s Food Guide drew a variety of reactions from food producers, food manufacturers, health care specialists and the public. There are many laudable points, such as the promotion of fresh, whole foods, as well as obvious shortcomings, such as implications for beef and beef production. The guide has faced criticism from the medical community, food producers and others for using outdated science and for overlooking major causes of diet-related conditions. While the average Canadian may take little note of the guide, this new food document will form the basis for diets in day cares, schools, hospitals, prisons, care homes and other intuitions and it will be used by dietitians, doctors, and health professionals to advise Canadians.

MAY 2019

The second guideline advises Canadians to not eat processed or prepared food on a regular basis that has too much salt and sugar. As Bergen noted, these recommendations are similar to the enduring wisdom of past generations and are wellestablished and accepted today in science, in health care and in society.

The third guideline boils down to additional time-honoured advice – using nutritious foods for food preparation and cooking, and following food labels.

Meat Consumption One of the recommendations being promoted by Health Canada through the food guide is to eat a plant-based diet and to eat less meat. This point has been a concern for the beef industry. According to Bergen, data shows that meat consumption, especially beef, has been declining steadily for some time. Yet, at the same time as beef consumption has dropped, Canadian obesity rates have grown. “That’s the challenge that the food guide is really trying to tackle,” he stated. If beef consumption and obesity trends are already going in opposite directions, it's hard to see how further decreasing beef consumption will help improve obesity statistics. The underlying problem is probably somewhere other than beef.

Meanwhile, the guidelines seem to be a one-size fits-all eating program that doesn’t appear to support other conditions and needs. Bergen explained the difficulty in developing eating benchmarks. “It’s very hard to update a dietary guide because people’s nutrient requirements haven’t changed for thousands of years. We still need the same nutrients, we just need to eat less of them today because our lifestyles have changed.”

Value of Beef The food guide does recognize beef as adding value to the food plate. From the nutritional side, beef is a great source of protein, says Bergen. Furthermore, animal protein can’t simply be replaced with plant protein. For example, iron is a nutrient that is commonly lacking or deficient – even in North America. Beef is a great source of iron, which is very easy to digest and is more bioavailable. Non-heme iron found in spinach, continued on page 30

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Feature Diet & Food Guide cont. from pg. 24 the plate filled with a variety of whole, fresh, healthy foods is easy for Canadians to understand by just looking at the image. “From an educational point of view that works great,” Harrison added.

She was also happy to see the way the plate was put together with lots of examples of whole healthy foods. “It really highlights for people that these are whole, nutritionally rich foods, the foundational foods that we should be eating more often,” she stressed.

At the same time, Harrison noted that this model reflects the concerns of dietitians about the food habits of Canadians. “The fact of the matter is, 50% of calories in the Canadian diet actually comes from ultra-processed foods. These are high in calories, low in nutrients, like chips and pop and frozen pizza and fast food,” she explained. “They are not contributing to a nutritional diet. They are filling us up and that’s how we ended up in the position we are in now – overfed and undernourished.” Health Canada hopes to address this issue with the plate model.

Food Skills Another positive point in the food guide is the section on food skills and knowledge that focuses on how to eat, when to eat, where to eat and with whom to eat. Food skills and food knowledge are sorely needed today. According to Harrison, Health Canada issued a report on the decline in Canadians’ food skills and considers it one of the principal nutritional issues. “You have adults now who have children who don’t really know how to cook because their parents didn’t teach them,” she noted.

While some Canadians feel that food skills are age-old common sense, Harrison explained there is a need for the food guide to focus on how to eat because of a shift in food habits. There is a growing trend to move away from a square family meal at the table towards eating on the run and constant snacking. “The reality is we are not cooking and eating together.

We’re not cooking from scratch,” she said.

The food guide encourages families to eat together, rather than alone in front of a TV or in a car. Some may feel Health 26

Canada is giving intrusive advice, but its research shows that a growing number of Canadians are eating mindlessly in front of the TV or at a desk at work. It’s a problem that is contributing to obesity rates in Canada.

As a dietitian, Harrison is also very concerned that Canadians lack food skills.

She is happy to see that the food guide provides supports for learning these skills.

For example, the guide advises Canadians to eat when hungry and to be aware of what it feels like to be hungry as well as to recognize when hunger is satisfied and to stop eating. The guide also gives attention to mindful eating and intuitive eating.

It’s the elephant in the room. No one wants to talk about the chips and the pop.

Right Foods The previous food guide used the method of serving sizes, quantities and weights in recommending adequate nutritional amounts. There is a concern with the plate model that Canadians will not eat the right combination of foods or insufficient amounts to meet nutritional needs and daily recommended doses of nutrients.

For dietitians, the serving model of the previous guide was too prescriptive in its approach and was difficult to apply in practical settings. According to Harrison, the plate model relies on the timeless message of “eat a variety of foods” through its portrayal of a huge assortment of food items. By looking at the plate, the individual can get ideas about healthy food choices.

Harrison noted that one of the aspects missing from food guide discussions is mention of ultra-processed foods. She observed that too much attention has been given to micromanaging healthy foods on the plate. “The problem is not what to choose among healthy foods like a pear or orange, or whether to choose meat or plant-based protein,” she stressed. “The real concern is that there

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is a tsunami of health concerns coming down the line because of ultra-processed foods in the diet.” The Heart and Stroke Foundation has already recognized the overconsumption of ultra-processed foods in the diet as an issue. It noted that 50% of calories in the diet of Canadians are coming from these foods which are not nutritionally rich. “That’s a big concern,” Harrison said, adding, “I would like to see people swap those ultra-processed foods with those foundational foods you see on the plate.”

Beef Initial redactions of the food guide had the beef industry concerned that there would be an anti-meat message that would overshadow the health benefits of beef. However, in the final version, Harrison observed that the core of the food guide plate has a variety of animal proteins. She agrees that beef should be on the plate because it provides essential nutrition. “Beef anchors a healthy plate,” she said. “We don’t eat beef alone.

We round the plate by eating healthy vegetables.” At the same time, in making such a meal, she has observed that many people lack the food skills to prepare a roast beef or another cut, or how to prepare and cook vegetables as a side. In this way, food skills influence food choices.

Part of the food guide offers suggestions on how to prepare healthy meals.

In general, protein is an important category and Harrison believes that Canadians are not eating enough protein.

She suggests they could be eating more.

“We shouldn’t underestimate the protein requirements across the entire lifespan for good health. It’s important for nutrients; it’s important for muscles; it’s important for aging adults as they get older,” she explained.

Health Canada has emphasized plant proteins in the guide. But Harrison wants people to understand the difference between the types of proteins when selecting foods for a meal. There is a difference in protein quality and quantity as well as its overall nutritional package.

In choosing a protein for a meal, these factors have to be weighed against what other foods from the vegetable-fruit and grains groups will accompany the protein.

MAY 2019

Feature Legumes, for example, provide more fiber than other proteins; dairy is a rich source of calcium and Vitamin D; and “beef provides not just a very rich source of iron, but is far better used by the body than plant sources of iron,” she explained.

She stressed that these foods are not interchangeable. “You can’t eat two or three and say you got all your nutrients,” Harrison noted. “That’s what I’m hoping is communicated with that portion of the plate.”

Another factor is quality. “Animal protein has all the building blocks that we need to make protein,” she said, adding that animal products are richer in protein than plant-based foods. Beef also contains zinc and B12, a vitamin that is important for health that only comes from animal food.

If the individual is not eating animal food for B12, then they will need a supplement.

That’s why, she said, the emphasis must be on obtaining a variety of foods to ensure good nutrition.

Other factors to consider in putting together a meal are calorie considerations as well as nutrient considerations, she pointed out. For example, plant proteins are missing some amino acids and need to be supplemented to make it a complete protein. However, this adds calories to the plate which is a factor to be considered.

“To get the same amount of protein as a piece of beef that is the size of the palm of

your hand, you would have to eat about 700 calories worth of almonds. You’d have to have 2.5 servings of black beans, or about 1¾ cup, which would be about 400 calories,” Harrison explained. The black beans and almonds would add necessary fiber. Although it could be challenging for children and the elderly to consume large enough volumes of almonds and beans to obtain sufficient iron. A small portion of beef, on the other hand, would provide one of the best bioavailable sources of iron, while fiber could be added through fruit and vegetables or grains.

“When we look at our nation’s population being overfed and undernourished, and how can we provide optimal protein with a moderate amount of calories, animal proteins really win in that regard,” Harrison concluded.

Plant vs Animal Debate According to Harrison, from a dietitian’s perspective, the discussions surrounding plant and animal proteins really obscure the major problems they encounter with the Canadian diet. “The debate about plant vs animal protein distracts from this hugely important issue. It’s the elephant in the room. No one wants to talk about the chips and the pop,” she said. “We need to curb the ultra-processed foods and not get distracted over whether it’s plantbased or animal-based. They are both healthy,” she added.

Harrison says that both plant and animal proteins have a place in the diet and should be valued over ultra-processed foods. “It’s important to point out that we don’t have to think about choosing plant or animal protein for optimal health – we really need them both, and that’s why I’m happy to see in Canada’s Food Guide they are showing animal and plant proteins.”

Harrison notes another unwholesome trend – when people contemplate changing their diet, they automatically think of removing animal proteins and exchanging them for plant proteins – often without removing any processed foods from the diet. “We’re not addressing the real issue.” Swapping two healthy foods is not the problem, she maintains, preferring that people reduce their ultraprocessed food consumption and replace it with healthy foundational foods.

As a final note to both critics and fans of the guide, Harrison offers some professional dietitian advice. “The one caution that I would have is that people expect this food guide to be for everyone all across the country. It is meant to be a guide.” Thus, individuals with health conditions, the elderly and children and those with special nutrient needs should use the guide with caution and check with their health care providers. B

Conservation cont. from pg. 8 that contribute directly to the recovery objectives and population goals of species-at-risk listed on Schedule 1 of the Species-at-Risk Act (SARA) and prevent others from becoming a conservation concern. The Habitat Stewardship Program for Species-at-Risk was established in 2000.

“This grant and the results-based agreements it provides for is a good opportunity to demonstrate voluntary stewardship in action and that it is working,” the SSGA president added. B

MAY 2019

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Feature Medical Health cont. from pg. 24 are interested in healthy eating, he noted, in large part, will obtain their nutritional resources from sources other than the Canada’s Food Guide. “Certainly, well over 90% of Canadians either don’t trust or don’t find it useful, but it doesn’t mean that a bunch of people aren’t influenced by it,” he added, noting that schools, hospitals and prisons are all obliged to use it. Dietitians of Canada are also obliged to use it as a guide as they counsel the public. “For people who are vulnerable and for people who don’t have a choice, unfortunately, it’s going to influence their lives a lot,” Samis stated. “And that’s worrisome.”

Nutritional One can say that Samis has a daily frontline view of the impact of dietary choices by Canadians in his medical work.

He has been critical of the food guide for its positioning and messaging about some foods and for using inaccurate science.

A big concern of Samis is the food guide’s information about saturated fat. Saturated fat and animal fat are positioned in the guide to be unhealthy and to be the cause of heart disease and stroke. “It’s just plain wrong based on the evidence,” said Samis, who is well-versed on this topic. Since Health Canada finished its technical report on the food guide, 16 studies have come out of which 14 have shown that saturated fat has no effect on cardiovascular disease.

The argument against fat began when food guidelines were issued in 1961, and again in 1977, claiming that fat

is detrimental without providing any strong evidence, he explained. Most recently, other leading organizations like the Heart and Stroke Foundation have issued statements acknowledging that this former position was incorrect. He said that Health Canada continues to promote the same “fat is bad” notion from 1961, despite evidence to the contrary.

It has issued guidelines against animal fats without citing appropriate scientific evidence.

According to Samis, the blame for these diseases lie elsewhere, and not with saturated fat. “My biggest concern is that there is a compilation of diseases that go together in our society –those are diseases of heart attack and stroke and other cardiovascular diseases, obesity, osteoarthritis, Type II diabetes, irritable bowel syndrome, and a host of other problems – that all seem to have one root cause. That cause is too much insulin from too much ultra-refined and highprocessed food.” By blaming animal fat for the problem, those people suffering from these conditions are being prevented from understanding the root cause of these conditions as well as the solutions.

“The information you’ve been given [in the guide] doesn’t allow you to know what the cause is, and it’s frustrating to me as a doctor because so many of these people end up in the ICU and they truly don’t understand what’s doing it,” Samis explained, drawing on his daily experience with patients. He noted that these people were given inaccurate health advice to remove animal fat from their diet “but it’s not the animal fat.” “It has

nothing to do with eating eggs and meat, and everything to do with ultra-refined foods, which are high in flour and sugar and often pack some processed fats with that sugar and flour,” he added. Samis is feeling frustrated because scientific evidence, especially released since 2014, has shown that saturated fat is not unhealthy.

Samis is also concerned that the food guide is not basing its recommendations on the most recent research, leading to this kind of inaccurate messaging and keeping Canadians unhealthy. “Our food guide is a dinosaur that lags in the past on non-scientific facts, for reasons that are suspicious,” he added.

At the same time, Samis supports the food guide’s position on sugar. “Sugar is bad, most refined foods are bad, beverages and foods high in sugar are bad – they’ve got that right, and they are encouraging eating whole and healthy foods,” he noted. “But they don’t have it right with respect to fat.”

Samis also welcomes the food guide’s promotion of eating whole, healthy foods.

He is concerned by the lack of food skills and the trend that sees people moving away from preparing foods with fresh ingredients to consuming foods that are processed. “Because part of our problem is that we are poisoning ourselves out of convenience,” he stated. “We want foods that last a long time on the shelf and foods you can pop in a microwave and eat in 5 minutes.” He says the aim of the food guide’s recommendations is to get people to prepare food from fresh,

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Feature whole ingredients that can be locally sourced and that also supports the local agricultural economies.

He also sees the guide as sending mixed messages about animal-based foods and plant-based foods. Samis stressed that there is no scientific evidence for the food guide’s categorization of foods into “animal-based” and “plant-based”, which are artificial groupings. “Dividing the world into animal and plant food is not what the science suggests what normal, evolved human eating is about,” he explained. “That’s a divide not for health, but it’s a divide based on ideology.”

Rather, the world is divided into foods that are refined and processed, like sugars and flours, and those that are whole and natural. “That’s how food is divided to be healthy,” he stated.

Science Another concern for Samis is that Health Canada did not examine empirical research studies to prepare the food guide. They used the reports prepared by others about study reviews. According to Samis, this is very unscientific. There is a structured and clear process for evaluating scientific research. Review studies must first identify who is conducting the evaluation, then use a search strategy and eliminate studies that do not meet the research question criteria, and evaluate the remaining studies according to the research question.

The flaw in the Health Canada research, said Samis, is that it was a selective evaluation. They did not examine heart disease and stroke in relation to the consumption of sugar and flour, but only concerned itself with animal fat, raising suspicions about research bias. “This is certainly not what a preponderance of scientists believes. It’s not what a preponderance of scientific studies has shown,” he pointed out. There is no real link between heart attack and stroke and animal fat in empirical research.

Food Ideology Regarding transparency, bias and the food guide, Samis observed that Health Canada has only addressed part of the issue.

During the presentation of the food guide in January, Health Canada announced that MAY 2019

the agriculture and agri-food industry was not involved in the preparation of the food guide. “If you work in the food industry and make money from it, you can’t be unbiased in your decision about what kind of food Canadians should eat,” he noted.

On the other hand, in addition to declaring a conflict of interest as part of the food industry, Samis also thinks it’s important for those preparing the food guide to declare their ideological and belief views surrounding foods. Those individuals who do not consume certain foods because of their beliefs would be biased to eliminate them from the food guide. “I think Health Canada really owes Canadians an explanation to list any biases that people preparing the food guide might have,” he said. “If you have a strong belief that animals shouldn’t be used for human food or hold a religious belief about eating animals or ideas around global warming and the planet – these are all biases too that should be declared.” For example, Health Canada has not declared how many people from the vegetarian and vegan movement, for example, were involved in preparing this food guide.

Place of Meat “First of all, meat is not unhealthy,” Samis stated. He observed that there is a large movement in society trying to convince people not to eat animals because it is unhealthy. This movement exists through various organizations through which people can have a vegan or vegetarian diet for reasons related to many considerations like ideology but not health. They create an artificial divide between plants and animals and try to capitalize on aspects of production that are problematic like antibiotics and greenhouse gas emissions. Yet, some plant foods contain too many pesticides, but they don’t receive the same attention as meat.

Samis says that the quality of foods should be improved. It is important to eliminate the parts of food production that can cause health problems, he added. Meat can be produced that will help the environment and would address consumer concerns, such as beef raised on grass without hormones.

Therefore, the attempts by Canada’s Food Guide to exhort people to take up more plant-based foods appears akin to a movement than food advice. Samis doesn’t think that Health Canada or the food guide should be favouring one type of diet over another. He believes that plant-based eating should be just one choice among many other diets, including the DASH, Mediterranean, Keto, Paleo and others, that people can follow to help their health.

Environment The food guide also asks Canadians to consider the environment as they make their food choices. In terms of changing one’s diet to promote the environment, Samis agrees that this is overstepping the purpose of the food guide. “We have thousands and thousands of Canadians dying every year from diseases that are contributed to by their diet. Eating something that is not likely going to help that for the sake of the environment is misplaced,” he stated.

The food guide is concerned about the health of Canadians, not the environment.

“The bottom line is that the food guide is not a document about sustainability,” Samis maintained. “It’s a document about keeping Canadians healthy and keeping Canadians from dying prematurely from chronic diseases associated with diet.”

Based on his decades of experience in caring for food consumers, Samis offers some advice to the industry to keep moving forward and produce more sustainable meats “and keep pushing the message that meat is valuable and healthy and an important part of the diet.”

“You can choose a diet that is meat and you can make yourself much more healthy and have less chance of a heart attack and stroke – and that word needs to get out there,” he concluded.

Thus, from the medical and health perspective, Canada’s Food Guide is sending mixed messages. It is positive that the guide encourages choosing fresh, healthy foods. However, the guide overall is reliant on outdated or inaccurate science on such foods as saturated fat. B

www.skstockgrowers.com | ©BEEF BUSINESS | 29

Feature Environment cont. from pg. 25 for example, is poorly absorbed because it has high levels of oxalic acid that binds to iron and prevents its absorption. But adding beef to the meal can boost the absorption of iron from spinach.

Bergen maintains that, regardless of the amount of plant-based protein consumed, one will never obtain Vitamin B12, which only comes from animal sources. “That one’s really important because you need Vitamin B12 to make healthy blood cells,” he added. He pointed out that Vitamin B12 deficiency is rather common among the elderly. The ability to absorb Vitamin B12 rapidly declines with age.

Older people are unable to absorb nutrients as efficiently as they age, yet also consume less food than in earlier life stages. Therefore, meat plays a key role in a nutrient-rich diet for Canada’s aging population.

Environmental Impact While the food guide does not mention beef’s environmental footprint specifically, this is the first food guide that tries to connect the food choices of Canadians to the environmental impact of their production. The guide takes a soft approach, mentioning only that food choices can have environmental impacts like soil erosion and water use. Notably, eating beef is a very effective means of avoiding soil erosion.

One of the public misconceptions about beef concerns its environmental impact.

This grew out of a report that appeared over a decade year ago called Livestock’s Long Shadow that claimed that livestock are responsible for more greenhouse gas emissions (GHGs) globally than all transportation combined. It soon came to light that the report was based on inaccurate calculations, Bergen said. While the report’s authors have since admitted that the report was inaccurate, the message continues to linger in the public mind and be propagated. The authors, meanwhile, have issued a new report that explains the way livestock are produced and managed which greatly impacts the degree of GHGs they produce. “When it

30

comes to beef, it turns out that countries like Canada, the U.S., Australia and parts of Europe have really sophisticated modern production practices and have a much lower greenhouse gas footprint than other places,” he stated. “Canada’s environmental performance when it comes to beef production is as good as anybody and the envy of most of the world.”

Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada conducted a study a few years ago funded in part by National Check-off through the BCRC and it found that the environmental impact of beef production had changed over a period of 30 years between 1981 and 2011. This was due to several reasons like improved crop productivity, improved animal feed efficiency, improved reproductive performance and improved health performance. “That meant that each animal was producing more beef than they were 30 years earlier with the same amount of inputs,” Bergen noted, adding that the GHG footprint per kilogram also dropped by 15%.

As producers implement measures to improve their productivity, these same activities are also contributing to a lower environmental footprint and a more environmentally sustainable industry.”

Health Canada saw the need to mention the environmental impact in the food guide as a response to reduce food waste, which it sees as a growing concern in Canada. Bergen provides the example of a watermelon that is grown in the south. It requires significant water resources. It has to be harvested and shipped to Canada, requiring labour and fuel resources. If the watermelon goes uneaten and is thrown away later in a Canadian home, “then it is a complete waste of all the resources that went into growing it, and all the resources that went into shipping it, and all the resources that went into storing it,” he identified the food waste chain.

The degree of waste varies by type of food. Compared to other foods, meat does not get wasted as much as other foods, Bergen said. For example, 25% of boxed cereals are uneaten and discarded, 25% of vegetables, 15% of dairy, but only 8% of meat. Meat is wasted less often partly due

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to its higher cost and partly because it is quite often purchased and prepared the day it is consumed.

Beef Benefits The message missing from the food guide is that beef consumption supports the environmental benefits that raising cattle brings. In addition to more efficient practices, raising cattle keeps fragile land prone to soil erosion in grass production.

“Beef is the original plant-based protein.

They [cattle] eat totally indigestible plants and turn it into high quality nutritious protein,” said Bergen. Grazing beef cattle means that producers can grow high-quality protein on land that cannot sustainably grow other crops, such as arid prairie areas, marshlands, land that receives too much rainfall for crops, steep hills and rocky areas.

Pastureland also preserves biodiversity.

Bergen maintains that cattle grazing keeps land in its natural state which allows biodiversity. A variety of plants can flourish. There are plants flowering at different times throughout the summer providing bees a steady supply of a food sources. “It supports pollinators, which is a pretty big concern for a lot of people,” he added. Beef production also supports wildlife habitat and helps maintain wetlands which have flood benefits and provide habitat for migratory birds and nesting waterfowl.

Bergen also pointed out that GHGs from beef need to be understood in their context. The GHGs of beef production have to do with the carbon that’s cycling in the top six inches of the soil. Cattle eat the grass and release GHGs, while the grasses capture carbon and sequester it in their healthy root systems. This cycle continues in constant motion, which is unlike fossil fuels that have been sequestered far below the earth’s surface for a long time and are being unearthed now.

“All food choices have an environmental impact and environmental benefits,” stated Bergen. “But when it comes to benefits, there’s really not very many food choices I can think of that have the long list of benefits of beef.”B

MAY 2019

Science and Production Common Sense Protection and Prevention

by Jason Pollock, CEO, Livestock Services of SK

By the time this article is published, many of you will be finished calving and getting ready for the summer grazing season.

Summer grazing is a period of relative calm in the annual production cycle.

Cattle head out on grass to do what they do best, and producers can focus on other essential tasks.

For a lot of herds, it represents the most vulnerable time of year for theft.

Infrequently checked pastures and remote locations offer unscrupulous people opportunities for taking what isn’t theirs.

Missing livestock is a regular part of our activities and LSS Inspectors are often called when something is amiss.

In the April 2018 to March 2019 period, LSS had 82 files for 879 head of cattle and horses reported missing, some of which are suspected theft files. Although the status of a file may change over time as searches are completed and cattle are gathered in the late fall, it is important to note that it is generally suspected that over 30 percent of the animals reported are stolen or illegally harboured strays.

This represents a significant value to the industry and specifically to those producers who lost the animals.

Livestock go missing for a variety of reasons, including theft. There are a few things a producer should keep in mind to minimise their risk and items they can implement that will assist in finding any missing animals.

An RFID tag is a federal requirement for national identification purposes as well as sale purposes. It is NOT to be relied upon for prima facie (clear-cut, obvious) proof of ownership. Tags can fall out, be removed or replaced and are not recorded as part of a brand registry or on livestock manifests as part of the inspection process.

The information collected at the time of tag purchase and tag retirement is maintained at the Canadian Cattle Identification Agency (CCIA) office and MAY 2019

in part includes the date; an individual account, a unique number; and the packing plant where the tag is retired. The tag may be voluntarily reported as “read in” to an interim location upon purchase, but, nonetheless, this information is secure.

The CCIA will provide information only from those records to the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) in the event of a trace-back for health reasons.

Other agencies such as LSS do not have access to CCIA information. Therefore, they cannot find a tag owner’s name if a missing animal, or a found stray animal, is reported. In short, RFID tags will not automatically give producers protection against theft or for the return of a stray.

There are some specific steps you can take to protect your livestock.

1. Brand animals with a legible, registered brand. Your local LSS Inspector can help with advice on brands and proper application techniques. A brand may look really good on your letterhead but can turn into a blotched mess on the hide of your prized cow. Proper selection of a legible brand is key to long term success in locating any missing livestock. Equally important is the application of the brand. Burning the hair off isn’t sufficient in creating a lifetime prima facie proof of ownership on the animal.

2. Maintain accurate herd information which may include number of livestock, types, colour, brand symbols, brand location and any other identifiers.

3. Be aware of unusual findings

such as distressed animals left in the field, a gate not done up “your way”, damage to fences, or unknown vehicle tracks. Animals are often allowed to escape a field by people who do not understand their responsibilities while pursuing recreational activities.

4. Talk to your neighbours about

unusual vehicle traffic or animal behaviour and movements.

5. Post your property with “No

Trespassing” signs if applicable.

6. In recent years, video surveillance technology has become quite affordable for remote locations.

There are many options and price ranges available to provide some additional peace of mind for remote or infrequently checked locations.

Statistics show that most thieves are opportunistic. The above steps are some common sense options for you to remove “opportunities” and the ease a potential thief may have in accessing your livestock for their nefarious intentions.

If you suspect your livestock may be stolen, file a report with the nearest RCMP detachment. Also, visit your nearest LSS Inspector to file a missing livestock report.

The inspector will enter the missing livestock information in our provincial database. As a result, inspectors across the province will be alerted any time your brand is entered into the database by any party other than the brand owner.

This information is also shared with other jurisdictions when applicable to allow for alerts in those other brand jurisdictions should your animals be moved out of the province.

A very critical factor for success in reporting missing livestock is doing so as soon as you realize they are missing.

Unfortunately, LSS is often informed months or years after the animals are suspected missing rather than days or weeks. The sooner LSS can be informed, the better the chance that we can assist in their safe return to you if the animals have been stolen and the thieves are attempting to sell your livestock.

Social media plays a role in many folks’ continued on page 34

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MAY 2019

AUGUST 13-15, 2019 BMO CENTRE ON STAMPEDE PARK, CALGARY, AB Visit us at canadianbeefindustryconference.com @CDNBeefConf

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Science and Production

SSGA Meeting Notice SSGA 106th ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING & CONVENTION June 9-11, 2019 Exhibition Convention Centre Moose Jaw, SK 1st Call For Nominations Please submit nominations to: Shane Jahnke, Box 39, Gouldtown, SK S0H 1W0 Phone: 306-784-2899 Email: xtbeef@xplornet.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

Cattle Market cont. from pg. 18 from the U.S. This is notable given the decline in the Canadian herd and growth in the U.S. herd. As a result, there will be more cattle to process going into the summer, placing significant pressure on the markets. This influx in calves causes some concerns because of its impact on prices.

There was mostly a premium market for Canadian beef in 2018. Despite the higher beef costs, fed cattle were at a premium compared to the U.S. Last year, Canada was a net exporter of cattle overall, having imported almost as many feeder cattle in 2018 as it exported.

In the long term, there is room for optimism despite that several factors have been influencing the markets – the

34

economy, opportunities internationally in Japan, the CPTPP, trade with China and the impact of the African Swine Fever Virus. Generally, a major trend is growing supplies in North America with the U.S. going through a big expansion.

However, this growth is expected to slow somewhat. On the demand side, North American demand is expected to stay robust.

There is also some caution on the horizon.

Calf prices could be impacted if the fed cattle market doesn’t perform well through the summer or feedlots continue to lose profitability. Producers might wish to look at price insurance programs to minimize risk on some of their feeders and calves going out to grass this summer. B

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Common Sense cont. from pg. 31 communications in this day and age, but it is important to properly report either lost or found livestock to your livestock inspection agency. B For more information or if you suspect your animals are missing, contact an LSS Manager: Ron Sabin, North Battleford/Saskatoon: 306-446-7404 Bob Solomon, Yorkton: 306-786-5712 Barry DeJaeger, Winnipeg: 204-694-0830 Garth Woods, Moosomin: 306-435-4582 Bill McConwell, Moose Jaw: 306-694-3709 Nikki Henderson, Swift Current: 306-778-8312

MAY 2019

Science and Production Active Missing Livestock Files April 2019

Area missing from

Number of head

Animal description

Tantallon

1

Stallion

Hatherleigh 12

Yearling heifers

Brand description

No brand

Brand location

RCMP subdivision

Livestock Branch contact

Date reported

Left hip

Esterhazy

Moosomin 306-435-4582

March 13, 2019

N/A

North Battleford

North Battleford 306-446-7404

April 23, 2019

Information provided by Livestock Services of Saskatchewan Transportation cont. from pg. 7 reduced competition due to unnecessary regulatory burden,” he stated.

In its advocacy work, the CCA highlighted that the cattle industry is a great example of interprovincial trade with westernraised cattle going to eastern Canada to be fed and finished. It’s a model that benefits the industry and all parts of the country.

Next Steps The CCA will continue engaging with

government on the welfare impacts of the regulations, investigate rest stop infrastructure needs and evaluate the most recent and applicable research on rest stop duration. “Industry will be working to ensure the impacts of the regulations will be mitigated as much as possible,” said Stadnicki. “We’ll also be communicating with cattle producers to help them understand what the changes are and how they can best prepare.”

Stadnicki pointed out that the cattle industry has a very positive story to tell about cattle transportation right

now and that needs to be conveyed to the government and to the public. The industry has made many improvements, taking steps and making ongoing efforts to refine the already positive outcomes.

Proper animal care and welfare is critical to the cattle industry. “Cattle producers haven’t taken a backseat approach to understanding the effects on transportation of cattle, and the industry will continue working to make demonstrable improvements in animal health and welfare outcomes,” Stadnicki concluded. B

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Genetics and Artificial Insemination Feature Artificial Insemination in the Commercial Beef Sector

by Dr. Colin Palmer, University of Saskatchewan

The quality of bulls available at most sales across western Canada rivals what is available from bull semen suppliers with some of the highest quality bulls being purchased by commercial producers.

Few of us would argue the fact that a bull is more effective at detecting heat and breeding cows than we are, yet artificial insemination (AI) can still be a useful tool for the commercial beef producer. Here is a listing of some of the advantages: 1) Uniformity of the calf crop. There is no way that natural service can exceed the ability of AI to generate large numbers of half-sib progeny in a single season.

You could potentially AI 100 heifers, or more, all in the same day to a single AI sire. With a 50% pregnancy rate, 50 calves would be born over a 10-day to two-week period. You could preg check using ultrasonography following the AI breeding and choose to market or retain females based on the outcome.

2) Increased performance of calves.

There are two ways to look at this point – access to genetically superior bulls and larger calves at weaning. The cost of purchasing the most genetically superior bulls may not be feasible for your operation. Many of these bulls or their progeny eventually become available through semen suppliers. Older bulls that have been popular in the purebred sector will often have highly accurate expected progeny differences (EPDs). Selecting for increased growth performance using EPDs will result in growthier calves.

Calf size at weaning is also influenced by age at weaning. Artificial insemination programs are often scheduled for the first day(s) of the breeding season, hence, they will be the first calves born. At a gain of 2.5 to 3.0 pounds per day, a 21-day (the length of a cow’s estrus cycle) age advantage could translate to as much as 60 pounds more in calf weight at weaning. Combine superior growth traits with additional age, plus a highly sought-after calf in the market place, and the financial return may be even greater.

3) Access to proven genetics. Many older AI sires will have hundreds, or even thousands of progeny with numerous sons and daughters in production. Semen from these bulls may be available to commercial producers at a reduced cost, especially if buying in quantity. Often these are the sires of notable foundation females enabling the astute breeder to develop a consistent, high-quality cow herd.

4) Introduction of new genetics. How about sampling a new line or a new breed without buying a bull? There is no single best breed of cattle for all situations.

Crossbreeding will generate enhanced performance in many traits beyond that which could be achievable in straightbred lines. This effect, known as heterosis, really is the low-hanging fruit when looking for ways to improve productivity.

5) Increased utilization of bull power.

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and used to inseminate more cows in a season. Building on the example used above, you have just bought the best “heifer bull� you can find, but you have a hundred heifers to breed. There is no way that one bull could be expected to naturally breed 100 in a single 60-day breeding season.

Potentially, you could preserve semen from your new bull and AI these one hundred heifers. If 50% became pregnant to a single AI, that would leave 50 for another round of AI, or, alternatively, cleanup bulls could be put in. If you had just 50 heifers to breed and a 50% pregnancy rate to the first round of AI, you could use your new bull as a natural service cleanup bull following his use as an AI bull.

6) Fewer walking bulls. An artificial insemination program might enable you to keep fewer bulls. One scenario might be that 25 or 30 cows are committed to be bred using artificial insemination each year. Costs of semen, insemination, pharmaceuticals and labour would be offset by not having to purchase and maintain the same number of bulls. The “AI herd� could also serve as a source of replacements for the main breeding herd.

A commonly used bull to female ratio is 1:25 that translates into four bulls per 100 females. If 100 were AI-ed and 50% became pregnant, then only 50 would remain to be bred by cleanup bulls. Two mature bulls could easily breed 25 to 30 females each. Therefore, you would need fewer walking bulls.

7) Sex-sorted semen is available from a growing number of beef bulls. Increase the number of replacement females available by using frozen semen that contains only female-generating (X chromosome bearing) sperm. Conception rates using sex-sorted semen are at least 10% lower than conventional non-sorted semen due to processing and the cost per semen dose is higher.

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MAY 2019

So why don’t more commercial breeders use AI? Probably because it takes too much time and is too complicated.

Learning and perfecting the technical skills requires a short course and a great number of hours spent practicing with animals.

For a beginner inseminator with a tank full of expensive semen, a long list of cows and no mentor, the first breeding season might well be the last. Twice daily heat checking gets old pretty fast, especially if you have other jobs to do. I think the best solution for many of those wanting to try AI for the first time is to hire an inseminator and use Fixed-Time AI. Fixed-Time AI means that you pick the date and time you want to inseminate and then, with a knowledgeable accomplice, you choose the most appropriate estrus synchronization protocol to fit your situation. The most popular and generally effective protocols use a vaginal implant containing progesterone called a CIDR (pronounced “Cē der�, like the tree), which stands for Controlled Internal Drug Release. Cattle will need to go through the chute three to four times including insemination, but each time through handling gets easier. Protocols can be completed in as few as eight to 10 days and cleanup bulls can be turned in about 10 days later – sooner if parentage will not be a concern at calving.

Choosing a Fixed-time AI protocol can be like picking a flavour of ice cream, especially if you are committed to a single scoop. All of the drugs require a veterinary prescription, so you will need to have established a Vet-Client-Patient Relationship (VCPR) with your veterinarian.

Many protocols employ drugs that are licensed for use in cattle with clear meat and milk withdrawal instructions. Drugs that are not licensed for use in food animals, which includes any estrogencontaining products, may be used in Canada under the Extra-label Drug Use legislation that veterinarians must follow.

Our laws are not the same as those in the United States and the use of estrogens in AI protocols is illegal. Costs of drugs and continued on page 38 MAY 2019

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Stewardship Genetics and Artificial Insemination Feature Artificial Insemination cont. from pg. 37 disposables are in the neighbourhood of $35. Semen costs vary – many great bulls may be purchased for $25 to $40 per straw. Semen offered to commercial producers from proven lines may be purchased for $10 to $20 per straw. Bulls, whose semen is in demand by the market place, may easily exceed $100 per straw.

Most producers should be happy with a conception rate between 60% and 70% to a single insemination. Poor results are below 40% to 50%. Aside from putting good quality semen in the right place at the right time, success depends on a lot of little things I include under the heading “management”. Cows should be at least 40 days post-calving; 50 to 60 is even

better and on a good plane of nutrition, including an effective mineral program.

Heifers should be at least 65% to 70% of mature weight.

Facilities should be in good order and handlers should be skilled. Modified live vaccines should be administered weeks ahead of beginning a protocol to avoid inflammation of the ovaries that may reduce conception rates. All protocols should be written, and times of treatment recorded. I prefer to use a two-cc volume for each drug employed in the protocol to prevent dosing mistakes. Avoid including more cows than can be inseminated in a four-hour period.

Calving distribution to a single insemination date will be within a 10 to

14-day window. However, it is wise to be prepared to handle one third of the calves over a two to three-day period. Failure to do so could prove to be a problem in the event of a cold snap.

When costs of pharmaceuticals, disposables, semen and labour are compared with the increased value of calves all born very early in the calving season (used recent 600 pound steer calf price), it is easy to see that even a 50% pregnancy rate to a single insemination will show that there is an economic advantage in the use of Fixed-Time Artificial Insemination. B *Dr Palmer is an associate professor in the Department of Large Animal Clinical Sciences at the University of Saskatchewan.

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MAY 2019

Stewardship Ecological Goods and Services from Native Prairies

by Diego Steinaker, SK Prairie Conservation Action Plan

Native prairies provide us goods and services that go far beyond forage and livestock commodities. Native prairies provide other ecological goods such as clean air and fresh water, and key ecological services including mitigation of floods and droughts, stabilization of climate, control of potential agricultural pests, dispersal of seeds, translocation of nutrients, maintenance of biodiversity, decomposition of wastes, soil and vegetation generation and renewal, pollination of crops and natural vegetation, groundwater recharge, greenhouse gas mitigation, and providing of aesthetically pleasing landscapes, among others.

These ecological goods and services are interconnected and depend on one another. For example, the decomposition of plant material (an ecological service), results in soil production (an ecological good). This ecological good allows us to grow food agriculturally or with human assistance. The process of seed dispersal and pollination of plants by birds and insects (an ecological service), produce plants (an ecological good).

Native grasslands in Saskatchewan provide habitat for numerous plants and animals including those at risk such as the endangered Burrowing Owl and threatened Loggerhead Shrike and Sprague’s Pipit, which require grasslands to nest in and produce young. Burrowing Owls and Loggerhead Shrikes are natural forms of pest control in the prairie region.

A family of Burrowing Owls can consume 1,800 rodents and 7,000 grasshoppers in one summer.

Wetlands also provide an abundance of ecological goods and services (EG&S) such as filtering and recharging our freshwater, helping to prevent flooding, storing greenhouse gases and providing habitat for over 600 wildlife species as well as various tourism and recreational opportunities. In Canada, we have approximately 25% of the world’s remaining wetlands.

MAY 2019

Cattle grazing on the grass manage growth. Photo credit: Diego Steinaker

The annual value of all the EG&S generated by one hectare of wetlands has been estimated to be between $5,792 and $24,330. The draining of just 6 hectares of wetlands releases the same amount of carbon dioxide that would be captured by switching from conventional tillage to zero tillage on 2,000 hectares of cropland.

Grasslands and wetlands are the most threatened ecosystem around the world, making them a conservation priority.

The most important threats for these ecosystems are drainage and conversion for agricultural production. With the loss of native grasslands and wetlands, the quality of the water in our lakes and rivers is also being degraded by nutrient loading, increased sedimentation from soil erosion and pollution.

Livestock production is one of the few recognized land uses compatible with native grassland conservation. Grasslands evolved with and depend upon herbivory.

Moderate grazing stimulates plant growth, enhance nutritive value and accelerate nutrient cycling. Grazing also plays a key role in maintaining species-rich habitats by controlling more dominant species and allowing other species to increase in the understory.

Moderate grazing removes excessive litter and alters the fuel-load, changing fire-return cycles and fire intensity. Thus, grazing can be used to intentionally manipulate fire fuel-loads in prescribed burning programs. Overall, effective grazing management may contribute to sustainable and healthy natural grasslands.

We should educate ourselves to recognize and incorporate the environmental and economic values of natural capital.

Government and non-government organizations play an important role in delivering programs that conserve and restore natural areas. Because EG&S, such as carbon storage and habitat provision for species that favor pollination and pest control, have the potential for a dollar value, producers should be paid for owning and managing those services.

But first it is necessary to better quantify the contributions from native prairies, whether it’s carbon storage, pollination, pest control, groundwater recharge or habitat provision for species. Once the quantification of those benefits is done, the next step is to find the right policy mechanisms to promote, conserve or even increase them from these systems. B

www.skstockgrowers.com | ©BEEF BUSINESS | 39

STRATEGIES FOR SUCCESS

SSGA 106TH AGM & CONVENTION

June 9 - 11, 2019 AGENDA SUNDAY, JUNE 9

5:30 p.m. Product Innovation and New Cut Concepts for Under Utilized Cuts Abe Van Melle – Technical Manager, Canada Beef 6:00 p.m. President’s Reception

MONDAY, JUNE 10

8:00 a.m. Registration and Trade Show 9:00 a.m. Greetings and Welcome Bill Huber – President, SK Stock Growers Association Address from Saskatchewan Agriculture Honourable David Marit, Minister of Agriculture Address from City of Moose Jaw – Fraser Tolmie, Mayor of Moose Jaw 9:15 a.m. The Resilience Framework Dinah Tambalo – Research Analyst, Cumulative Impacts and Science Branch - SK Ministry of Environment The Emissions Management Framework Adam Gorr – Offset Program Coordinator, Climate Change Branch - SK Ministry of Environment 10:00 a.m. Networking Break and Trade Show 10:30 a.m. Sustainability in Beef – The Nexus Between Productivity and Environmental Performance (Remote Presentation) Dr. Frank Mitloehner – Professor, University of California 11:30 a.m. Animal Welfare in SK Don Ferguson – Executive Director, Animal Protection Services of SK 12:00 p.m. Lunch and Trade Show 1:00 p.m Beef Cattle Market Outlook Anne Wasko – President, Cattle Trends Inc. 1:45 p.m. Beef Belongs on Canadian Tables Carol Harrison – Registered Dietitian 2:30 p.m. Networking Break and Trade Show 3:00 p.m. Using Canola Meal Pellets as a Protein Source for Beef Cattle Dr. Greg Penner – Professor, University of Saskatchewan 3:30 p.m. Conserving Habitat in a Working Landscape Tom Harrison – Executive Director, SODCAP 4:00 p.m. Canadian Cattle Industry Update Bob Lowe – Vice President, Canadian Cattlemen’s Association 4:30 p.m. Times They are a Changing: Parasite Control for Beef Cattle Dr. Doug Colwell – Livestock Parasitology, Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada 5:00 p.m. Closing remarks 40

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Moose Jaw Exhibition Convention Centre - Moose Jaw, SK

6:00 p.m. Cocktails 7:00 p.m. Banquet and Entertainment: TESA Award Rangeland Scholarship Live and silent auction

TUESDAY, JUNE 11

9:00 a.m. Registration and Trade Show 9:30 a.m. Call to Order, Welcome and Introductions Approval of the Agenda Minutes from the 2018 Annual General Meeting President’s Report 2nd Call for Nominations 2nd Call for Resolutions 10:00 a.m. Protecting Your Legacy Vern Randall – Cherry Insurance 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. Lands Branch Update Megan Schaefer – Acting Director, Lands Branch - SK Ministry of Agriculture 12:00 p.m. Lunch and Trade Show 1:00 p.m. Tapping Saskatchewan’s Irrigation Potential Aaron Gray – Chairman, SK Irrigation Projects Association 1:45 p.m. Networking Break and Trade Show 2:15 p.m. Voting Procedures/Results & Resolutions Other Business Final call for Nominations and Elections Closing remarks Adjournment *Agenda subject to change without notice

ACCOMMODATION

Registration fees do not include accommodation. A block of rooms is reserved until May 21, 2019 at the Suburban Extended Stay Hotel, Moose Jaw for $94/night. When booking your room, indicate you are with the Saskatchewan Stock Growers Association. To reserve a room call the Suburban Extended Stay Hotel (306) 972-7829.

MAY 2019

Thank You to Our Sponsors Heritage Canadian Cattlemen Magazine Real Agriculture Saskatchewan Ministry of Agriculture Western Litho Printers Western Producer

Gold

Canadian Cattle Identification Agency Ducks Unlimited Canada Saskatchewan Cattlemen’s Association Vétoquinol Canada Inc.

Silver

BMO - Bank of Montreal Great Western Brewing Company Titan Livestock Inc. Visit Moose Jaw

Bronze

Bio Agri Mix LP CIBC Crescent Point Energy Farm Credit Canada Johnstone Auction Mart Ltd. New Life Mills Saskatchewan Crop Insurance Corporation Heartland Livestock Services

Trade Show

Boehringer Ingelheim FenceFast Highline Manufacturing Ltd. Norheim Ranching Range Ward Saskatchewan/Canadian Angus Association Saskatchewan Charolais Association Saskatchewan Crop Insurance Corporation Saskatchewan Ministry of Agriculture Saskatchewan Verified Beef Production Inc. Simply Agriculture Solutions Inc. SK PCAP SODCAP Inc. Union Forage Universe Satellite Sales Ltd. As of April 28, 2017 *Confirmed as of April 24, 2019 MAY 2019

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

___________

Sunday Only

$25.00

$30.00

___________

Banquet Only (Monday)

$40.00

$45.00

___________

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:

Province:

Phone:

Postal Code: Fax:

Email: PAYMENT Total Registration Fees Enclosed: Payment must accompany registration. Registration form must be received on or before May 31, 2019 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: __ __ / __ __

www.skstockgrowers.com | ©BEEF BUSINESS | 41

Association News, Reports, and Events SSGA Zones Hold Annual Meetings Saskatchewan Stock Growers Association Zones held their annual meetings during the months of March and April. They began on March 1, 2019, with the Zone 4 annual meeting in Maple Creek. Zone 3 & 12 held its annual meeting on March 8 in Fir Mountain. Zone 2 held its meeting in Weyburn on March 28. The Zone 7 annual meeting took place on April 27 in Kyle. The Zone 1 meeting will be coming up in May. One resolution was adopted at the Zone 3 & 12 meeting, and one resolution was adopted at the Zone 7 meeting.

The Zone 4 meeting included a business meeting with a SSGA provincial update, a speaker presentation with Anne Wasko, chair of the Canadian Roundtable for Sustainable Beef, and a roast beef dinner and dance. A fundraising event was held which raised $2,100 for STARS Air Ambulance. The evening concluded with an auction of Western gear and art followed by music and dancing.

Zone 3 & 12 held its business meeting in the afternoon and adopted a resolution calling on the SSGA to lobby the provincial government to remove funding limits in the Canadian Agricultural Partnership

Thanks to MLA Doug Steele and Minister of Agriculture David Marit for attending the SSGA Zone 3 & 12 annual meeting in Fir Mountain on March 8.

(CAP) forage programs. The members heard presentations on the CAP program as well as on forage insurance program and predation coverage from Jodie Griffin, WLPIP coordinator for Saskatchewan Crop Insurance Corporation (SCIC). The evening concluded with a roast beef dinner, followed by a social and live auction of donated items. The Zone 3 & 12 Student Scholarship was presented to Brooklyn Newton.

Zone 2 began its meeting with a roast beef supper sponsored by the Weyburn

Thanks to MLA Doug Steele for attending the SSGA Zone 4 annual meeting in Maple Creek on March 1.

42

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Livestock Exchange. The agenda followed with a business meeting and presentations by guest speakers.

Zone 7 held its business meeting followed by a supper and presentations. The program included Jodie Griffin from the SCIC speaking on the forage insurance program and predation coverage. Dwayne Summach, regional livestock specialist, presented on new water programs. He also was on hand to test water samples during the evening for members. B

This wooden bench made by Grieta Krisjansons with a SSGA logo was auctioned at the Zone 4 annual meeting raising $2,100 for STARS Air Ambulance.

MAY 2019

Association News, Reports, and Events SSGA Zone Scholarships Awarded The Saskatchewan Stock Growers Association (SSGA) Zone 3 & 12 Scholarship was presented to deserving student Brooklyn Newton on March 8, 2019.

Brooklyn was awarded the scholarship during the SSGA Zone 3 & 12 annual meeting that took place in Fir Mountain, Saskatchewan.

Brooklyn is currently completing her first year in Animal Sciences at the University of Saskatchewan in Saskatoon, SK, and she eagerly looks forward to her second year in the program.

Brooklyn is from Cabri, SK.

2019 SSGA ZONE MEETING RESOLUTIONS Zone 3 & 12 – Resolution 1 WHEREAS the funding limits are not adequate; BE IT RESOLVED that the SSGA lobby the provincial government to remove the funding limits in the CAP forage programs.

The Saskatchewan Stock Growers Association (SSGA) Zone 1 Scholarship for 2019 was presented to deserving student Shaelyn Walls from Oxbow, SK. Shaelyn is completing Grade 12 and plans to continue her education at the Lakeland College in Vermillion, Alberta, in the Animal Science program where she hopes to further her knowledge of the livestock industry.

Premises identification Protect your herd, the industry and our market access.

Register today at saskatchewan.ca/premises-identification-program.

Zone 7 – Resolution 1 WHEREAS there is an extreme shortage of rural large animal and mixed vets in Saskatchewan; and WHEREAS the Government of AB is discontinuing their funding of WCVM; and WHEREAS the Government of AB decision will create a funding shortfall for 20 seats at WCVM. BE IT RESOLVED that SSGA lobby the Government of SK to fund additional seats at WCVM to help address the shortage of rural large animal and mixed vets in Saskatchewan.

MAY 2019

saskatchewan.ca/livestock

www.skstockgrowers.com | ©BEEF BUSINESS | 43

Association News, Reports, and Events A Report From Bill Huber President, Saskatchewan Stock Growers Association Goodale and AAFC Minister Lawrence MacAuley. At issue is the reduced amount of travel time between rest stops and longer duration of stops. The increased loading and unloading pose a greater risk of injury to cattle. The industry is also concerned about the lack of rest stop infrastructure across Canada.

With spring underway, we look forward to our 106th Annual General Meeting and Convention on June 9-11 at the Exhibition Centre in Moose Jaw, SK. Our theme, Strategies for Success, reflects what we do at SSGA – developing policies and approaches to achieve growth in the province’s beef industry.

We have scheduled an exciting line up of speakers who will be covering some of the most important issues affecting our industry today from animal health and conservation to cattle markets and irrigation. We are pleased to have as keynote speaker, Dr. Frank Mitloehner from the University of California. We will have special guests from the Ministry of Agriculture, Ministry of the Environment, Canadian Cattlemen’s Association and Canada Beef. There will be a trade show running throughout the event. We encourage all members to attend our business session on June 11. You can submit your resolutions and nominations in advance (See page 34). For more details about the agenda and registration, see our full schedule on page 40 -41.

The new livestock transportation regulations were announced earlier this spring and they will take effect next year.

We are concerned that the regulation changes could reverse successes in the livestock transportation industry. We have taken our concerns to meetings with the SK Ministry of Agriculture and with Ralph

44

As of April 1, 2019, lessees of agricultural Crown land will be allowed use leases as security. This program offers producers an opportunity to expand their operations.

For more details about program eligibility, see page 12 or call your local regional office of the Lands Branch. We are pleased to see this program being implemented since we have passed a resolution supporting such a program. We hope that this is a step towards achieving parity with Alberta.

SSGA Zone meetings took place in March and April. SSGA Zone 4 annual meeting was held in Maple Creek on March 1; Zones 3 & 12 met on March 8 in Fir Mountain; Zone 2 had its meeting on March 28 in Weyburn; and Zone 7 met on April 27 in Kyle. Thanks go out to all the Zones for organizing informative annual meetings. I would also like to thank members for coming out to participate in the meetings, and for supporting the activities of the SSGA and our Zones. If you attended one of the Zone meetings and you would like to become a member or be more involved in SSGA, I encourage you to come out to our AGM and Convention in Moose Jaw on June 9-11.

SSGA representatives attended the Agriculture Budget Briefing and 20192020 budget speech in late March. We were pleased to see the government’s continuing support of the agriculture sector with funding increased this year to $389.74 million. This increase recognizes the importance of the agriculture sector, including the livestock industry, for the provincial economy.

| ©BEEF BUSINESS | www.skstockgrowers.com

Just a reminder that the last day to purchase calf coverage with the Western Livestock Price Insurance Program (WLPIP) is May 31. I encourage all producers to take advantage of this risk management tool because it gives some protection against marketplace volatility. Coverage for calves can be tailored to your operation and is available from February 5 to May 30, 2019.

Recently, representatives from SSGA held meetings with Saskatchewan and federal government members on key issues for the SSGA. We had a good meeting with Minister of Agriculture David Marit. We raised our concerns on national issues related to changes to the livestock transportation regulations and proposed changes to the use of predacides. We are concerned that the government may be taking a regulatory approach through grazing lease contracts to meet Target 1 acres. We were also seeking clarification of the new program on using Crown leases as security as well as updates on proposed revisions to the CAP assurance program funding and the joint funding proposal with SODCAP for working with producers on critical habitat land.

We met with Minister of the Environment Dustin Duncan and discussed SARPAL programming and conservation.

We followed up on our resolution to lobby government by discussing the possibility to have privately owned and managed land recognized under Target 1 conservation goals. We brought to the minister’s attention our concerns with the Nature Fund which is securing private lands and excluding participation of private landowners in habitat protection.

SSGA would like to see voluntary, fixedterm renewable agreements which makes use of existing habitat protection provided by the ranching community.

We also held a recent meeting with Regina MP and federal Cabinet minister Ralph Goodale. We had an opportunity

MAY 2019

Association News, Reports, and Events to express our concerns about Canada’s Food Guide and Front-of-Package labelling that give the impression that beef is unhealthy, and about the impact of the carbon tax on the beef sector. We had some good discussion on species-atrisk projects with SARPAL and our support of local ranchers to meet environmental outcomes and water adaptation projects.

We also expressed concerns about changes to the livestock transportation regulations and asked that the regulations be tabled until Agriculture and AgriFood Canada completes it research. We also expressed our views on maintaining exports to China, and retaining strychnine for Richardson’s Ground Squirrel control.

U.S. border is extremely dry. As of April 26, 159 municipalities have implemented fire bans. Take care using equipment on fields this spring. We’re asking our members, and anyone who can help, to band together for those in the ranching community who suffered damage from the wildfire. If you would like to contribute, or if you know a producer who could use some help, call the SSGA office at (306) 757-8523, or see our website www.skstockgrowers.com.

SSGA has launched a Wildfire Relief Fund to help ranchers affected by the mid-April wildfire in the Biggar, SK, area.

Damages are only being assessed now, but about 22,000 acres of pasture and 75 miles of fence has been lost. South Saskatchewan from Meadow Lake to the

Bill

In closing, I hope to see you at the AGM and Convention in June.

If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to give me a call!

Last Chance for Funding!

SSGA is entering the last year of funding for projects with critical habitat for species at risk!

We are looking for producers who have native grasslands with critical habitat in southwestern Saskatchewan and are interested in participating in Habitat Management Agreements. Up to $30,000 in funding available per producer!

For more information on funding or critical habitat, contact: Tom Harrison, PAg Executive Director, SODCAP Inc. 306-530-1385 ED@sodcap.com

MAY 2019

www.skstockgrowers.com | ©BEEF BUSINESS | 45

Calendar of Events MAY May 15-16

Animal Nutrition Conference of Canada

Niagara Falls, ON

May 28-29

Back to the Field: Diversity in the Landscape

Val Marie, SK

June 9-11

SSGA 106 AGM & Convention

Moose Jaw, SK

June 18

Livestock and Forage Centre of Excellence Field Day

Clavet, SK

June 18

Saskatchewan Forage Council AGM

Clavet, SK

JUNE th

June 17-21

Saskatchewan Native Prairie Appreciation Week and Tour

June 19-21

Canada’s Farm Progress Show

Regina, SK

JULY July 1

TESA Application Deadline AUGUST

August 8

Saskatchewan Pasture Tour

August 10

Advertising Deadline for September Edition of Beef Business

August 13-15

Saskatoon, SK

Canadian Beef Industry Conference

Calgary, AB

Thank You!

We at Beef Business would like to express our gratitude to all of our loyal bull sale advertisers.

Thank you for supporting us over the 2018-2019 sales season.

We hope that you enjoyed a strong sales year.

Thank you to: Ashworth Farm & Ranch Ltd. 16th Annual Bull Sale Bench Angus Borderland Cattle Company Bull Sale Burnett 35th annual Black Angus Bull Sale Calgary Bull Sale Canada’s Red, White & Black Bull Sale Cattleman’s Caliber Angus Bull Sale Chapman Cattle Company Cornerstone Bull Sale – More Bang For Your Buck CR Ranching 10th Annual Carlrams Bull Sale Cudlobe Bull Sale Diamond K Cattle Co. Double Bar D Farms Best of Both Worlds Bull sale Early Sunset Ranch Only the Good Ones Sell Production Sale Eastondale 12th Annual Angus Bull & Female Sale Elder Charolais Farms 9th annual Charolais Bull Sale Freyburn Angus Bull & Female Sale Rodney Gamble Gemstone Cattle Company Hill 70 Quantock Ranch “Barn Burnin’ Bull Sale” Ivanhoe Angus Yearling & Two Year Old Bull Sale JAS Red Angus 15th annual Buy The Beef Sale JPM Farms Inaugural Yearling Angus Bull & Select Female Sale Kenray Ranch Annual Bull Sale Longview Angus Bull Sale M.C. Quantock Bull Sale

46

| ©BEEF BUSINESS | www.skstockgrowers.com

McTavish Farms Ltd with Charla Moore Farms 8th Annual Bull Sale Merit Cattle Co. Cockburn Merit Better Basics Bull Sale, M&J Glasman Farms Bull & Female Sale Moose Creek Red Creek Angus 2-Year Old Sale MRL McMillen Ranching Ltd 25th Annual Bull sale Nordal Limousin & Angus 24th Annual Bull sale Northern Progress 29th Annual Bull Sale Windy Willows Farms Palmer Charolais with Nielson Land & Cattle Co. Peak Dot Ranch Fall Bull Sale & Spring Bull & Female Sale R-Plus Simmentals 19th Annual Bull Sale Short Grass 41st Annual Bull & Female Sale Six Mile Ranch 44th Annual Bull Sale Sliding Hills Charolais & Mission Ridge Herefords South View Ranch 19th Annual Bull Sale Standard Hill Connection, Standard Hill Livestock Summit 3 Speckle Park Sale Sun Country 12th Annual Shorthorn Sale Taylor’s Red Angus Bull Sale Top Cut Black Angus 27th Annual Bull Sale Triple A Angus Bull Sale Who’s Your Daddy 16th Annual Bull Sale Wilgenbusch Charolais 16th Annual North of the 49th Bull Sale Windy Hill Livestock Bull & Female Sale Y Coulee Land & Cattle Co. Your Choice Bull & Heifer Sale

MAY 2019

Advertisers Index Allen Leigh Security & Communications Apollo Machine & Products ArcRite Welding Arm River Red Angus Arrowquip Barr & Olney Canadian Beef Industry Conference Cherry Insurance AgSecure Cowtown Livestock Exchange, Inc. D&R Prairie Supplies Ducks Unlimited Canada Edward Jones FeedMax Corporation Frostfree Nosepumps Ltd. GBT Angus Gem Silage Gemstone Cattle Grassland Trailer

49 48 48 50 3 50 33 14 49 35 2 48 49 49 50 48 37 49

Hi-Hog Farm & Ranch Equipment John Brown Farms Johnstone Auction Mart Kelln Solar Kramer Trailer Sales Kyle Welding & Machine Shop Lane Realty Corp.

Linthicum Ranch Liphatech Livestock & Forage Centre of Excellence Man-SK Gelbvieh Manitou Maine-Anjou Masterfeeds N.M. McMahon Chartered Professional Accountant New Life Mills New Vision Agro Norheim Ranching

8 50 49 48 49 49 12 50 Insert 32 50 50 49 48 48 49 52

27 32,48 48 36 45 50 43

OLS Tubs Pneu Dart/Target Cattle Concepts Prairie Dog Feeders Rod Gamble SARPAL Saskatchewan Angus Assoc.

Saskatchewan Ministry of Agriculture SCIC WLPIP Select Sires Simply Ag Solutions Smeaton Fencing Sweet Pro Verified Beef Production Vetoquinol Western Litho Young Dale Angus Youngs Equipment

11 38 48 49 48 19 4 49 50 10,15

SSGA BOARD OF DIRECTORS THE EXECUTIVE

DIRECTORS AT LARGE

Bill Huber President/Zone Chair Lipton, SK

Phone: 336-2684

Kelcy Elford 1st Vice President/Director at Large Caronport, SK

Phone: 690-5209

Garner Deobald 2nd Vice President/Affiliate Director Hodgeville, SK

Phone: 677-2589

Jeff Yorga Finance Chair Flintoft, SK Phone: 531-5717 Shane Jahnke Past President Gouldtown, SK

MAY 2019

Phone: 784-2899

Jerry Chanig, Mankota Keith Day, Lacadena Glen Elford, Avonlea Calvin Gavelin, McCord Joe Gilchrist, Maple Creek Paula Larson, D'Arcy Barry Olney, Estevan Roy Rutledge, Assiniboia Lee Sexton, Hanley Barry Wasko, Eastend

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

Henry McCarthy, Wawota Stephanie Deg, Weyburn Rod Gamble, Pambrun Brad Howe, Empress, AB Bill Huber, Lipton Brent Griffin, Elbow Kimberly Simpson, Kyle

478-2658 375-2934 436-7121 478-2558 662-3986 379-4523 421-1495 642-5358 544-2660 295-3852

739-2205 891-9894 582-2077 661-0409 336-2684 854-2050 375-5534

AFFILIATE DIRECTORS

Garner Deobald - Charolais Affiliate, Hodgeville 677-2589 John Hylkema - SaskMilk Affiliate, Hague 604-798-6450 Tara Fritz - SImmental Affiliate, Shaunavon 297-3147 Ian Leaman - Shorthorn Affiliate, Chaplin 631-3694 Laird Senft - Angus Affiliate, Fort Qu’Appelle 332-4823 Ashley Kattler - Goat Breeders, Indian Head 695-7340 Jeff Yorga - Limousin Affiliate, Flintoft 531-5717

APPOINTED DIRECTORS

Dr. Andy Acton- Veterinary Advisor, Ogema

459-2422

SASKATCHEWAN CCA DIRECTORS 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

www.skstockgrowers.com | ©BEEF BUSINESS | 47

PRAIRIE DOG FEEDERS LLC Fastest, easiest, most economical way to control prairie dogs!

Feeder distributes bait from 4-wheeler! www.prairiedogfeeders.com Feeder can be used to control Richardson's Ground Squirrels!

Call Austin at 303-621-5967 www.edwardjones.com

Your AD could be here!

Call now!

306-757-8523

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

Member – Canadian Investor Protection Fund

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

Working to create opportunities for farmers in Saskatchewan We are a Canadian distributor for Pneu-Dart Habitat Protection & Enhancement Phone: 306-955-5477 / 1-866-298-7222 www.simplyag.ca

48

| ©BEEF BUSINESS | www.skstockgrowers.com

Pneu-darT

Graham McKenzie

306.861.7074

INC.

Dale Watson

306.861.4618 MAY 2019

STOCK WATER TROUGHS Made of 12 gauge galvanized metal

All types of commercial and purebred livestock auctions and farm sales.

Wash rack facilities for livestock

www.johnstoneauction.ca

Popular sizes: 400, 500, 1000 Imperial gal.

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

Your AD could be here!

Contact 306-757-8523 Kyle, SK 306-375-2271 kylewelding@sasktel.net | www.kylewelding.com

CT

Cowtown Livestock Exchange Inc. Maple Creek, SK

Regular Sales every Tuesday @ 10:00 a.m.

Locally Owned & Operated Call for info on Presort & Other Sales Phone 306-662-2648 Toll Free: 1-800-239-5933

www.cowtownlivestock.com

Your AD could be here!

Contact 306-757-8523

COWCAM

Wireless & IP Systems Makes your calving €easier, safer & more profitable!

• Smartphone compatible • Save more calves • Stop disturbing them and check more frequently Allen Leigh

Security & Communications Ltd.

Cam

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

www.precisioncam.ca Trusted Quality,

Trusted Support,

Trusted Service!

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

Custom orders available!

GOOSENECK, BUMPER PULLS

Financing & Leasing

DUMP, UTILITIES, CAR HAULERS

aVaiLaBLe

15’, 20', 25' LENGTHS

GOOSENECK, PECKOVERS

kramertrailersales.com

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

“Masterfeeds is the only brand we trust.

It just works.”

MASTERFEEDS CUSTOMER SASKATCHEWAN:

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

NEW VISION AGRO Box 479 Hague, SK S0K 1X0

BEEF & BISON FEED AVAILABLE IN: COMPLETE FEED PELLETS SUPPLEMENTS MASH FEEDS

CALL TOLL FREE 1-866-FEEDMAX (333-3629)

MAY 2019

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!

Smeaton Fence Supplies Ltd. Box 222, Smeaton, SK Canada S0J 2J0 Phone or Fax (306) 426-2305

TOM JENSEN, President

SUPPLIER OF AG FENCING & GAUCHO CATTLEMAN HIGH STRENGTH REVERSE TWIST BARBED WIRE

www.skstockgrowers.com | ©BEEF BUSINESS | 49

B R E E D E RS Saskatchewan Stock Growers Associa�on, Advoca�ng for Independent Ca�le Producers in Saskatchewan for 106 Years.

SSGA MEMBERSHIP

The Saskatchewan Stock Growers Association has entered into a partnership with Flaman to increase Memberships and Subscription readership.

Drive

(306) 567- 4702

Box 688, Davidson, SK S0G

Helen Finucane

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

As of September 1, 2008 the Saskatchewan Stock Growers will be offering a major prize Annual Online draw for all paid new and renewal of existing 12’ BERGEN STOCK TRAILER 2 Year Old Bull Sale memberships as follows: Specs: Full rear door, side door,3rd Friday in March The sponsored membership prize by Flaman will be a

slots for side window slides, rock guard, 2-3,500 lb toreflex axles

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

New or Existing Memberships:

The member that sells the most SSGA new memberships will receive a free registration for two to the2009 SSGA AGM.

1 year

$105.00

1 entry

2 year

$194.25

2 entries

2 year spousal

$97.12

1 entry

3 year

$262.50

3 entries

3 year spousal

$131.25

2 entries

$1050.00

10 entries

$525.00

4 entries

Life be here!

Your AD could Life spousal

Call now!

All draws will be made at the 2009 SSGA Annual Convention

306-757-8523 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

50

Name _______________________________________________ _ Address_ ____________________________________________ _ City/Town______________ Prov_____

Postal Code _________

SSGA MEMBERSHIP

Drive

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

| ©BEEF BUSINESS | www.skstockgrowers.com MAY 2019 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

TRUSTED BY GENERATIONS...

FOR GENERATIONS. Join us at our

106TH AGM & CONVENTION

Strategies for Success JUNE 9-11, 2019

Exhibition Convention Centre Moose Jaw, SK

BECOME A

SSGA MEMBER Engage with like-minded producers, industry partners and government on policy, industry issues, animal health and environment.

Participate in grassroots democracy with leading-edge professional development Attend educational, networking events

Receive timely communications through social media, weekly newsletters and our Beef Business magazine Get member discounts on key products and services

HAVE YOUR VOICE HEARD. ENJOY THE BENEFITS.

ADVOCACY • EDUCATION • COMMUNICATION • RESEARCH

SASKATCHEWAN STOCK GROWERS ASSOCIATION Tel.: (306) 757-8523, Fax: (306) 569-8799 • Email: ssga@sasktel.net Box 4752, Regina, Saskatchewan S4P 3Y4 www.skstockgrowers.com • Find us on @SK_StockGrowers www.facebook.com/skstockgrowers

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