Beef Business September 2017

Beef Business Saskatchewan`s Premiere Cattle Industry Publication September 2017

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A Saskatchewan Stock Growers Association Publication Publication Mail Agreement #40011906

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Contents

Beef Business

Cover photo courtesy of Dwane Morvik, Eastend, SK

A Proud Saskatchewan Tradition Since 1913

A Saskatchewan Stock Growers Association (SSGA) Publication

Industry News 6

The Stock Grower First Published 45 Years Ago

7

Census of Agriculture 2016 - Farms

8

SSGA Beef Drive Awarded $10,000 from Elanco's "100 Communities" Initiative

9

Province Opens Trapping Seasons for Cougars and Black Bears

10

CCA Trade Update

11

SPP Pasture Transition Off to a Smooth Start

12

Saskatchewan Creates Rural Crime Initiative

13

Federal Tax Changes Threaten Incorporated Ranches

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 Subscriptions Box 4752, Evraz Place, Regina, SK S4P 3Y4 Tel: 306-757-8523 Fax: 306-569-8799 email: ssga.admin@sasktel.net Subscription Rate: 1 yr $26.50 (GST included) Published 5 times per year

Markets and Trade 14

Retail Meat Price Survey

15

Weekly Charts

19

Troubleshooting Nutritional Impacts on Reproductive Performance in Beef Herds

26

Soil Health and Plant Diversity are the Keys to Sustainability for TESA Winners

28

Ag Labour Shortage Has Deep Roots, But There's Hope

Advertising Sales Tel: 306-757-8523 Fax: 306-569-8799 email: ssga.admin@sasktel.net

Features

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

Science and Production 30

Challenges, Opportunities, and Obligations in 2017

31

Where's the Beef? Missing Livestock Files

Stewardship 32

Ranching and Species-at-Risk: Are They a Natural Match?

34

Northern Leopard Frogs: Another Prairie "Canary in the Coal Mine"

38

SSGA 2017 AGM Resolutions

39

SSGA Welcomes New Director Brad Howe

41

A Report from the SSGA President

42

Calendar of Events

43

Advertisers Index

44

Business Directory

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

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

Association News, Reports and Events

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

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Follow us on facebook.com/skstockgrowers @SK_StockGrowers SEPTEMBER 2017

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

Contributors Jeremy Pittman Terry Bedard Jason Pollock Fonda Froats Gina Teel Carolyn Gaudet Cheryl Waldner Jeff Gaye Jim Warren Shane Jahnke Chad MacPherson

This magazine is printed on paper that is comprised of 50% recycled paper and 25% post-consumer waste.

It is acid-free, elemental chlorine-free and is FSC certified

www.skstockgrowers.com | ŠBEEF BUSINESS | 5

Industry News The Stock Grower First Published 45 Years Ago In June, 1972 – 45 years ago – the Stock Grower newspaper was sent out to SSGA members for the first time. The Stock Grower was the predecessor of today’s Beef Business magazine.

We offer you some excerpts from that first edition. Typos have been faithfully recreated for the sake of accuracy.

An introductory article read: Your association is convinced that it’s publication will serve a much needed and long overdue service in Association communication. It too, costs money.

Accordingly, we are going to be hard pressed to afford this publication in the first year of operation.

Thanks to SSGA members, we survived that first year and are going strong.

The following excerpt from the magazine shows how things have changed over the past 45 years. Print is still important as communications media go, but it is no longer king. TV and radio are no longer “the most sophisticated version” of news media. And we’re less likely to include references to gossip in today’s magazine!

But things have also remained the same.

Distance and finances are still obstacles that have to be overcome. Today’s SSGA bridges the distance by communicating online, through local and provincial meetings, and via Beef Business.

President’s Message – Ralph Baker, Flaxcombe, SK Fellow Stockgrowers – I trust that each and everyone of you are as pleased as I am that we once more have a publication of our own.

Communication has had many forms throughout the ages. We've moved from the age of the telephone, telegraph and tell-aneighbour to satellites, radio and television, etc.

6

However, the most lasting appears still to be the printed word. How many times we have missed the point of a news release on radio or T.V. and you can’t have it repeated.

The printed word is always available for reference.”

Today we are in the most sophisticated version - satellites, radio, T.V., etc.

However, the most lasting appears still to be the printed word. How many times we have missed the point of a news release on radio or T.V. and you can’t have it repeated. The printed word is always available for reference.

into this as these things don’t happen by themselves.

Thank you members, readers and advertisers for your support of our magazine. It’s as important a communications vehicle today as it was in 1972, in spite of all that has changed.

But we have to wonder what SSGA communications will look like 45 years from now. B

Since cessation of Bill Bradley’s Westerner magazine and a short period of C.O.W. we have been without a means of communication except in news releases to the media which we still should maintain.

We, in our own organization, suffer from lack of information. Due to distances and finances, we often go as much as four months between meetings. In this interlude much work has been done by the Secretary-Manager and various committees but the remainder of the board and the membership at large are uninformed. To carry this a little further, much of the information is hear-say so that the public is ill-informed, misinformed or un-informed. We hope by means of this publication to overcome much of this.

I am pleased that we had the sanction of our entire board and the representatives of our offiliate purebred organizations in publishing this paper. I trust they will see fit to make use of it. I hope to see reports from the chairman of various committees from time to time.

At this time it is unwise to mention names in fear of leaving someone out, but I would like to extend my appreciation to our Secretary-Manager and to Eiliv Anderson, Chairman of the Ways and Means Committee for their effort in making this publication possible. I realize a great deal of time and energy have gone

| ©BEEF BUSINESS | www.skstockgrowers.com

SEPTEMBER 2017

Industry News Census 2016 - Farms Starting in 1921, the Census of Agriculture (CEAG) was carried out every ten years until 1951. Since then, the CEAG has been carried out every five years. The results of the 2016 CEAG were released on May 10, 2017. The release is important because CEAG data is used by: •

Farm operators: to formulate production, marketing and investment decisions.

•

Agricultural producer groups: to inform their members about industry trends and developments; to put the viewpoint of operators before legislators and the Canadian public; and to defend their interests in international trade negotiations.

•

Governments: to make policy decisions concerning agricultural credit, crop insurance, farm support, transportation, market services and international trade.

•

Statistics Canada: to produce annual estimates between censuses for the agriculture sector.

•

Businesses: to market products and services and to make production and investment decisions.

•

Academics: to conduct research on the agriculture sector.

•

Media: to portray the agriculture sector to the broader Canadian public.

While farm operators may be annoyed at the timing of the Census (May), this timing allows the CEAG to work with the Census of Population and save millions of taxpayer dollars during the collection process.

Through the course of several articles, I plan to share with you some of the data from the CEAG that I hope you will find interesting and informative. I will start with an overview of what farms in Saskatchewan look like.

SEPTEMBER 2017

In May, 2016, there were a total of 34,523 farms in the province. Since 1996, a census farm has been defined as an agricultural operation that produces at least one agricultural product intended for sale. The number of farms in Saskatchewan again declined, continuing a trend begun in 1941. However, the percentage decrease in Saskatchewan (6.6 per cent) was lower between 2011 and 2016 than it was between 2006 and 2011 (16.6 per cent).

dropped to 14,157 from 16,372 in 2011.

The number of acres of natural pasture dropped from 11.9 million acres in 2011 to 11.3 million acres in 2016. Looking back, it appears that the largest amount of natural pasture land was recorded in 1941 with over 20 million acres.

In 2016, the average size of a Saskatchewan farm was 1,784 acres – with an average of 1,354 cultivated acres.

Cultivated acres are equal to the total area of crop land plus summerfallow plus tame or seeded pasture acres. Saskatchewan has the largest average farm size in Canada.

More farms consist of rented land. In 2016, Saskatchewan accounted for 42 per cent of all rented land in Canada. Between 2011 and 2016, the amount of farm area rented from others (not government) rose almost 16 per cent to 17 million acres, the largest increase in Canada. In Saskatchewan, almost 65 per cent of farm operators under 35 reported renting land.

This makes sense for young farmers since it is a less capital intensive way to expand one’s land base.

The proportion of land in crops continues a generally upward trend. Part of the gain in crop land area was due to the return of land which had been idle from flooding at the time of the 2011 census, but reductions in summerfallow and conversion from pasture also contributed to the gain. The number of farms reporting natural land for pasture

At the peak in 1996, 46 per cent of Saskatchewan farms reported having paid labour. In the 2016 CEAG, 27 per cent of farms reported having paid labour.

Saskatchewan has the lowest average number of employees per farm at 2.8.

While there are fewer employees, the number of year-round employees has increased. B

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Industry News SSGA Beef Drive Awarded $10,000 from Elanco’s “100 Communities” Initiative Elanco, a manufacturer of animal health products, has awarded the Saskatchewan Stock Growers Association $10,000 USD for its annual Beef Drive for Saskatchewan food banks.

The inaugural Beef Drive began in the fall of 2016. The SSGA raised 8,525 pounds of ground beef for distribution through the food banks, with a retail value of $48,000.

Elanco wants to help break the cycle of hunger in 100 communities across the world by the end of 2020. In partnership with the United Way Worldwide they have supported 85 communities to date by providing resources and support to help local, sustainable projects that have long term benefits.

Gord Roger, Beef Business Unit Manager of Elanco Canada, identified the SSGA as a potential candidate for the company’s 100 Communities Initiative. The company announced on June 12 that the SSGA was selected to receive funding.

“Elanco is very proud to recognize and support the great work that the SSGA has done to help families in Saskatchewan,” Roger said.

The Beef Drive is one of two Canadian projects to be funded under the 100 Communities program in 2017, and one of 13 worldwide.

Steve Compton, Food Banks of Saskatchewan Executive Director, said the Beef Drive’s contribution is important.

“For many families who visit food banks across the province, access to fresh protein options is very limited,” he said.

“Under the amazing leadership of the Saskatchewan Stock Growers Association and their partners, families were able to prepare nutritious fresh meals with the incredible beef donations received in food banks across the province. We certainly cannot begin to express our gratitude for what this amazing campaign has meant to the families we serve.”

The funds awarded to the SSGA through the 100 Communities Initiative will be used to cover the cost of processing the donated animals into hamburger. This will allow the organization to donate more beef to Saskatchewan’s food banks, as processing costs will not be a limiting factor.

“We were thrilled with the way our members came through with donations last year,” said SSGA president Shane Jahnke. “And it means a lot to have the support of Elanco. They obviously share our commitment to providing good, nutritious food to people in our communities.”B For more information on the Beef Drive, contact the SSGA office at (306) 757-8523.

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SEPTEMBER 2017

Industry News Province Opens Trapping Seasons for Cougars and Black Bears Saskatchewan has established trapping seasons for cougars and black bears. The seasons will be in effect beginning this fall in select wildlife management zones in Saskatchewan’s farmland.

“Both cougar and bear populations have been expanding into the southern portion of Saskatchewan,” Environment Minister Scott Moe said. “Establishing additional trapping seasons will better manage these growing populations and help reduce human and livestock encounters for both species.”

Cougars may be trapped between October 15, 2017 and March 15, 2018 with mandatory reporting of animals harvested. The data will help to measure the impact of the trapping season on the cougar population’s long-term sustainability.

to also allow trapping, so the trapping has been extended to all the zones in southern Saskatchewan where bear hunting is allowed.”

Bears are increasingly involved in public safety or livestock predation incidents, according to the Environment Ministry.

Livestock producers are still permitted to destroy predators that are threatening their animals.

“If they’re protecting their livestock and their property, that’s a place where they

can actually shoot,” Lees said. Predators that are shot in such situations have to be reported. Under new provisions, the rancher or farmer may be able to keep the carcass.

“Before, they used to have to just turn that cougar in because it was a fully protected animal. But now we could issue a permit to the landowner. We just need reporting so that we understand the harvest and make sure that the animals are tracked after they’re harvested,” Lees said. B

Hunting cougars is not permitted.

Chuck Lees, provincial Wildlife Unit Manager, said the cougar population has expanded in recent years. As juvenile animals leave their mothers and set out on their own, they cross farmyards and come into proximity with people, which is a potential problem.

“Cougars have traditionally been in Saskatchewan but it wasn’t until the early 2000s that they sort of established breeding populations again and started expanding,” Lees said. “I would describe them as not really common, but locally distributed. So they have been increasing in population and starting to cause some more concern.”

The bear trapping season begins September 10 and goes until May 31.

“Bear populations are doing fairly well in Saskatchewan,” Lees said. “In those zones where we already allow hunting of bears we decided it would be appropriate

SEPTEMBER 2017

www.skstockgrowers.com | ©BEEF BUSINESS | 9

Industry News CCA Trade Update The Canadian Cattlemen’s Association (CCA) maintained a strong presence in Washington, D.C. during the opening round of the renegotiation of the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) August 16-20, 2017.

CCA Executive Vice President, Dennis Laycraft, travelled to D.C. to represent the Canadian beef industry and support the Government of Canada’s negotiations in the agriculture sector. The CCA’s John Masswohl covered the negotiations in D.C. through the weekend to ensure the positions of Canada’s beef industry are top of mind. Advocacy is essential to supplement information Foreign Affairs Minister Chrystia Freeland receives through her advisory council.

The CCA’s priorities for the beef sector include the importance of continued duty-free access for the beef trade, maintaining dispute settlement mechanisms, both within NAFTA and external dispute settlement tools at the World Trade Organization (WTO), and the elimination of US local buying preferences for government procurement. This includes “Buy American” provisions which currently exclude Canadian beef from US government funded purchasing, such as military meals and school lunch programs.

The CCA’s full priorities for NAFTA were submitted to the Canadian and US negotiators. In addition to wanting to maintain the existing duty and quota free trade, we have identified a number of regulatory issues that if addressed would facilitate cattle and beef trade across the border.

The second round of NAFTA talks will take place September 1-5, 2017 in Mexico.

Further discussions are planned for late September in Canada, to be followed by a third round in Washington in October.

The US wishes to have the talks concluded by year’s end, well ahead of Mexico’s presidential vote in 2018 and the US midterm elections that fall.

10

Leadership from beef producer organizations in Canada, the US and Mexico remain united in their view that the terms of trade for beef under NAFTA be left untouched in the negotiations, and that the historic trade agreement reflects the truly integrated nature of the North American beef industry.

We urge the Canadian government to take a leadership role in the negotiations to approve and implement the TPP Agreement with the 11 remaining TPP countries. The longer Canada remains without a trade agreement with Japan, the further we will fall behind our competitors.

Trans-Pacific Partnership

CETA

The CCA has also advised Minister Freeland of the beef industry’s acute need for a trade agreement with Japan.

Not only are we falling behind Australian beef which is enjoying tariff reductions in Japan, but recently Japan increased the tariff to 50% from 38.5% on frozen beef imported from countries like Canada that do not have trade agreements with Japan.

A similar increase applying to fresh chilled beef could follow in the next quarter.

Unfortunately, these tariff increases are within Japan’s WTO rights. They send a strong message that if Canada wishes to avoid these duties we should place a high priority on resurrecting the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP), as Japan has indicated it prefers a TPP re-do over bilateral agreements.

The Canada-EU Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA) will be implemented on September 21, 2017. As of this date, Europe will offer the Canadian industry new tariff-free quotas for importation of Canadian beef.

The CCA expects existing exporters to make use of this new access and it will simplify some of the requirements cattle producers must meet under existing quotas. The CCA is continuing to work with the Canadian Meat Council and government to demonstrate the efficacy of Canada’s food safety protocols to enable the larger facilities to export up to the potential of the agreement. The CCA will shortly be announcing new resources including videos to help cattle producers understand the requirements of the Canadian Program for Certifying Freedom from Growth Enhancing Products (GEPs) for Export of Beef to the EU. Enrolment in this program is necessary for cattle to be eligible for the EU market. We are also continuing to develop a transitional investment by the federal government to help the Canadian red meat industry take advantage of CETA.

While the Canadian government continues to show little outward sign of moving forward on the ratification of the existing TPP agreement, they are contributing constructively in a process to negotiate amendments that could bring the agreement into force by the remaining 11 members. There was a session in Japan in early July and likely will be another in late August. We are cautiously optimistic that these talks are gaining traction and hopefully aimed at a decision point when leaders of the 11 meet at the APEC Leaders’ Summit in November.

If Canada and Japan were to proceed to implement the TPP, Canadian beef would immediately have the same tariff as Australian beef and a much higher safeguard trigger volume. If Canada and Japan were to complete a bilateral free trade agreement, the CCA would press for at least the same or better access as Australia.

| ©BEEF BUSINESS | www.skstockgrowers.com

The Barton Report, a set of recommendations from the Government of Canada’s Advisory Council on Economic Growth, highlighted agriculture as a primary industry for growth and exports for Canada, with an objective to increase agricultural exports to at least $75 billion annually by 2025. Initiatives such as bringing CETA into effect and negotiating a modernization of NAFTA should help Canada’s agricultural sectors meet this target. Securing a free trade agreement with Japan would further strengthen the Canadian beef and agriculture industry. B

SEPTEMBER 2017

Industry News SPP Pasture Transition Off to a Smooth Start The transition of 13 Saskatchewan Pasture Program (SPP) pastures in northwestern Saskatchewan to patron groups is proceeding smoothly, according to Wally Hoehn of the provincial agriculture ministry.

The leases will be similar to those offered to patrons of federal Prairie Farm Rehabilitation Administration (PFRA) pastures. Hoehn says the PFRA experience has helped the SPP transitions go smoothly.

“We’ve met with all the groups at least once and several of them twice,” Hoehn said. “They’re well on their way. Lots of them have established transition committees separate and apart from their advisory committees, and our staff have been out and inspected all of the 13 pastures that are transitioning this year.

It looks like all of the patron groups are planning on taking over the pastures.”

“I can honestly say we haven’t had anything that we didn’t expect,” he said.

“We hit all those snags when the federal pastures transitioned in 2014. Our staff are very experienced at it through the federal one, and the patrons are eager to go. So it’s been awesome.”

Agriculture Minister Lyle Stewart said patron groups are being offered 15year leases on the pastures, ensuring “continued grazing opportunities and environmental stewardship of the land.”

The government received 2,000 responses to a survey on the SPP divestment process. Seventy per cent of respondents supported giving existing patrons the first opportunity to lease the lands. The ministry says there was strong support for keeping the pastures under provincial ownership.

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“We appreciate the input provided in not only the online survey, but also in the patron gatherings, meetings with industry groups and environmental organizations and in First Nation and Métis consultations,” Stewart said. “Our government wanted to hear from a wide range of voices in helping to determine future management of these pastures.”

Hunting, including the exercise of rights and traditional uses by First Nations and Métis communities, will still be allowed under the lease agreements.

Nineteen more pastures in the northeast and northwest will transition for the 2019 grazing season. The remaining 18 pastures in the northeast and south will transition by the following year. B

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www.skstockgrowers.com | ©BEEF BUSINESS | 11

Industry News Saskatchewan Creates Rural Crime Initiative Saskatchewan’s cattle producers are hoping the province’s newly-announced Protection and Response Team (PRT) will reduce the incidence of cattle rustling and other property offences.

The PRT and other recommendations from the committee will cost $5.9 million to implement. Of that, $4.9 million will come from SGI and $1 million from the Ministry of Justice.

The PRT was announced by Saskatchewan Justice Minister and Attorney General Gordon Wyant on August 22 as a means “to aid in the reduction of crime in rural Saskatchewan.” It will consist of 258 armed officers.

The Committee conducted consultations beginning in November 2016, touring 10 communities over 12 days and meeting with 58 stakeholders. The Committee also reviewed written submissions.

Some team members will be reassigned from other roles. Of the120 RCMP and municipal police officers on the PRT, 30 will be new positions. The team will also include 40 Commercial Vehicle Enforcement Officers with the Ministry of Highways and 98 Conservation Officers with the Ministry of Environment.

The Ministry of Justice is working closely with other ministries and agencies to ensure the PRT is fully staffed before the end of this fiscal year. B

“The Committee heard several issues on crime in rural and urban areas, the absence of police visibility in rural areas was a main concern,” Committee Chair Herb Cox said.

The PRT is being created in response to recommendations by the Caucus Committee on Crime. Its mandate will include improved response to property crimes in progress, enforcing drug trafficking laws on roadways and reducing collisions and fatalities on roadways.

SSGA president Shane Jahnke supports the Ministry’s efforts. “This is a huge province, and we know the police can’t be everywhere,” he said. “But dedicating another 120 officers to combating rural crime should help.” Jahnke said he hopes the increased police visibility will reduce rustling and other crimes.

“Losing animals to rustlers represents a financial loss, but it also means the time and effort that went into raising those cattle is lost. It’s really hard on a familyrun operation,” he said. “Other property crimes like vandalism and vehicle theft are also costly and frustrating. We hope more enforcement will have a deterrent effect.”

12

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| ©BEEF BUSINESS | www.skstockgrowers.com

SEPTEMBER 2017

Industry News Federal Tax Changes Threaten Incorporated Ranches Changes to federal tax rules announced in July pose a threat to the after tax incomes of many incorporated family farms and ranches. The proposed tax changes are purportedly intended to address tax avoidance strategies employed by the wealthy. However, the one size fits all mindset, all too typical of federal legislation, casts an extra-wide net that extends to financial practices employed by many agricultural producers.

The new measures are expected to make it more difficult for incorporated producers to split their farm income between family members and also threatens to reduce the number of capital gains exemptions available when producers sell land or company shares to other family members. The new rules also stand to affect the awarding of capital gains to minors and the operation’s family trusts – measures which could adversely affect a producer’s retirement income and the intergenerational transfer of farm and ranch ownership.

The National Post recently quoted a tax accountant from MNP who said that, with respect to their tax bill, producers could well wake up on January 1, 2018 and discover “they are substantially – 60 or 70 percent -- worse off than they were before.”

The government contends that wealthy Canadians, including professionals such as doctors, have been setting up dummy corporations as tax shelters. They create shares in the names of family members which allows high income earners to split their income among family members and lower their tax bill.

Saskatchewan Stock Growers President, Shane Jahnke, doesn’t buy the argument that agricultural producers are similarly gaming the system when they incorporate, noting that family operations that incorporate have simply been

SEPTEMBER 2017

following the advice banks, accounting professionals and in some cases their provincial ministries of agriculture.

According to Jahnke, “The proposed tax changes will penalize the income splitting that farm and ranch families use to share the proceeds of a production unit fairly among family members. Disallowing this practice would constitute a failure to recognize how agricultural units actually function and stands to increase the tax load for producers.”

“When a younger family member, perhaps a post-secondary education student, receives a share of ranch income, it may barely compensate the level of work that the young person put into the operation at much more than minimum wage – I’d hardly call that a tax dodge,” added Jahnke.

“Similarly, changes proposed to capital gains limits and conditions will increase producers tax burden and frustrate intergenerational transitioning,” observed Jahnke, “We are concerned any time we see measures that frustrate the efforts of those producers dedicated to the traditional transfer of a farm or ranch from older to younger family members.”

“No less disturbing,” noted Jahnke, “is the fact the proposed tax changes will follow on the heels of what has been a very dry and financially challenging year for many producers in southern Saskatchewan.

Crop yields, including the hay crop, will be considerably lower than average, pastures are stressed and prices for hay are doubling.”

“It appears the government’s objective is to clamp down on people who set up corporations to create tax breaks that are unreasonable,” stated Jahnke, “This is hardly the case in agriculture where families have incorporated in order to facilitate the distribution of profits and losses among family members and to facilitate the intergenerational transfer of farm and ranch units.”

Jahnke has indicated that organizing opposition to the proposed tax changes will be a priority activity for the Stock Growers during the last four months of 2017. B

An additional point of contention is the timing of the 75-day comment period the federal government has scheduled for the proposed changes that opened on July 18 and closes on October 2.

“This timeframe coincides with the busiest time of year for agricultural producers,” said Jahnke, “Farmers will be busy harvesting and ranchers will be putting up feed, weaning calves and shipping -- these are not the sorts of things producers can readily put aside in order to make their concerns known to government officials.

At the very least the government should consider extending the consultation period until early 2018.”

www.skstockgrowers.com | ©BEEF BUSINESS | 13

Markets and Trade RETAIL MEAT PRICE SURVEY as of August 31, 2017 ($/lb)

CUTS Ground beef/lean

CO-OP 4.89

SAFEWAY 5.89

SAVE-ON-FOODS 6.39

SOBEYS 5.89

SUPERSTORE 4.98

*

*

*

4.69

3.30

Roast/cross rib

5.99

6.99

7.49

9.39

*

Roast/rib

6.99

*

*

14.63

*

Roast/outside round

4.99

8.39

6.50

*

4.84

Steak/rib eye

17.91

18.49

17.49

18.49

13.15

Steak/round

7.49

8.79

6.99

8.17

8.61

Steak/sirloin

7.69

*

11.99

12.49

13.51

Steak/T-bone

*

17.28

16.99

17.28

*

24.05

*

24.98

24.98

18.18

Ground beef/regular

Steak/tenderloin

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

14

| ©BEEF BUSINESS | www.skstockgrowers.com

SEPTEMBER 2017

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

2014 260

2015 2016

210

2017

160

280

2015 2017

130

Source: CanFax

Source: CanFax

Weekly Canadian Dollar

210.00

0.98

200.00 190.00 180.00

2014

170.00 160.00

2015

150.00

2016

140.00

2017

130.00

CDN $ - US terms

Price per hundred weight

2014

180

AB Fed Steer Prices

0.88

2016

0.83

2017

0.78

5 yr avg

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

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

0.93

0.73

120.00 Source: CanFax

Source: Bank of Canada

Lethbridge Barley Price

Alberta Weekly D1 & D2 Cows 270

160 150 140 130 120 110 100 90 80 70 60

2014 2015 2016 2017

Price per tonne

250 230

2014

210

2015

190

2016

170

2017

Source: CanFax Source: CanFax

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

150

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

2014

230

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

310

Price per hundred weight

360

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 500-600 lbs Steers

Source: CanFax

For more information visit www.canfax.ca

SEPTEMBER 2017

www.skstockgrowers.com | ©BEEF BUSINESS | 15

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SEPTEMBER 2017

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SEPTEMBER 2017

Feature Troubleshooting Nutritional Impacts on Reproductive Performance in Beef Herds

by Cheryl Waldner DVM, PhD Western College of Veterinary Medicine

Nutrition is the single most important determinant of cow performance. Diet will impact whether and how quickly a cow becomes pregnant, her capacity to carry the calf to full-term and deliver a healthy calf, and calf health in the first months of life. Micronutrients such as trace minerals and vitamins, while often targeted as a potential reason for poor performance, are just one part of a diet that includes sufficient energy and protein as well as the necessary amounts and correct balance of other macro minerals such as calcium, phosphate, and magnesium. The drought in many areas of Saskatchewan during the spring and summer of 2017 has increased the need for attention to the quality and quantity of forage and supplements secured for the winter of 2018.

Several studies have been published from field work done in the past 15 years in western Canada to try to determine the extent of nutritional deficiencies and its impacts on reproduction in cows and health in calves. One of the largest studies involving 30,000 cows and 200 herds was completed during a previous drought in 2002. The micronutrients that have been most widely studied and that are most likely to impact herd productivity include copper, molybdenum, selenium, zinc, vitamins A and E. The samples examined for micronutrients have included livers from calves that died and blood samples from young calves, replacement heifers, and cows collected as part of a number of surveillance initiatives.

Findings of special interest included low vitamin A levels in neonatal calves in areas affected with severe drought in 2002 as well as an increased risk of stillbirth in the same regions. A later analysis showed that baby calves with low vitamin A levels were more likely to die before 3 months of age. Vitamin A, similar to vitamin E, is an important micronutrient found in green grass. Limited access to green grass during drought years was thought to decrease vitamin A and E stores in cows heading SEPTEMBER 2017

into the winter months. Both vitamin A and E are found in very low concentrations in stored forage and winter rations, and these vitamins should be given a bit more consideration in drought years when planning supplementation programs.

During the 2002 drought in western Canada, lower vitamin E concentrations in neonatal calves were linked to an increased risk of scours in some herds.

Vitamin E and the trace mineral selenium have very similar functions in cattle and are important to a number of antioxidant functions in tissues including the immune system. While few western Canadian studies have tested for vitamin E concentrations in adult cows due to logistical challenges, low selenium concentrations in pregnant cows have been associated with an increased risk of skeletal myopathy (or muscle damage) in young calves. While selenium deficiency was relatively rare in western Canada in a 2014 field study focusing on mature cows, approximately 1 in 5 cows had what were classified as less than adequate serum concentrations.

One of the research findings of greatest concern, however, is the relationship between copper deficiency and reproductive performance in young cows. Young cows with low blood copper concentrations at the start of the breeding season were significantly less likely to be pregnant than those who had adequate copper levels. Copper is also by far the most common deficiency identified in all Saskatchewan studies. Copper is found in very low concentrations in most Saskatchewan forages. The problem is further compounded as the small amount of copper that is there can be tied up by other compounds commonly found in feed and water and lead to secondary copper deficiency. For example, molybdenum is found at high levels in soils in some regions of western Canada and molybdenum can bind copper in cattle. Sulfur also ties up copper and

concentrations can be high in selected feeds such as canola hay or silage. Both alternative feed sources and forages shipped in from more distant regions are more likely to be used in drought years and could create unexpected challenges for producers forced to deviate from their usual rations. Feed left over from previous years or from areas with higher levels of precipitation could also be at risk for high mycotoxin levels.

While feed composition is an important consideration in managing copper status, one of the most common reasons for loss of available copper in Saskatchewan cattle are high concentrations of sulfates and iron in drinking water. Traditionally, we have focused on high sulfate concentrations in deep well water, but sulfates can also be found in high levels (> 1000 ppm) in some surface water supplies and dugouts. Evaporation of these sources during very dry years can further concentrate sulfates and other compounds in drinking water increasing the risk of production losses due to secondary copper deficiency and other health issues. High total dissolved solids (TDS) exacerbated by evaporation can also decrease voluntary mineral intake.

Producers should be aware of water quality and be cautious of the potential for other water-related threats in hot, dry years that can include salt or blue-green algae toxicities.

When faced with a suspected micronutrient problem, there are a number of factors that can be considered in determining its extent and identifying opportunities for change. Many of the most relevant questions focus on the management of trace mineral and vitamin supplementation.

1. When is the supplement provided during the production cycle? How much is provided and in what form (free choice, continued on page 20

www.skstockgrowers.com | ŠBEEF BUSINESS | 19

Feature Reproductive Performance cont. from pg. 19 mixed with salt or another supplement, or force fed)?

Cows should have access to trace mineral supplements year round, but the most important time to ensure adequate intake is during the last trimester of gestation through the start of the breeding season. There is good evidence that cows have more consistent and higher average copper levels when the mineral supplement is mixed with the feed (or force-fed) as compared to being offered free choice. The challenge with forcefeeding mineral supplements is that in large, extensively managed cow-calf herds there might be few or no practical cost effective options for force-feeding mineral mixed with other feed on a routine schedule.

The issue with free-choice feeding is that some cows will not eat any while others might eat too much. Free-choice mineral intake will vary with individual animal preferences in palatability, the physical location of the feeder, whether it is block or loose or mixed with salt, water quality, and type of feed.

2. What type of trace mineral/vitamin supplement is being provided? What are the benefits of chelated minerals and should they be used?

Some trace mineral formulations are more efficiently absorbed from the intestinal tract than others. For example, manganese sulfate supplements are more easily absorbed than manganese oxide. The content of copper, selenium, and vitamins can vary widely among different products making it important to carefully review label information. In specific situations where it is necessary to maximize absorption, chelated mineral supplements might be an option.

Additional vitamin A or E supplements may also be considered.

3. Are other forms of supplementation such as boluses or injectables an option?

Your veterinarian can provide information on what supplementation options might 20

be best in your herd. Studies with boluses have shown variable effectiveness and they are not an option for use in young calves. There is a need for research examining the cost-effectiveness of injectable micronutrient products under western Canadian conditions.

amount. The overall ratio of copper to molybdenum in the total ration should be greater than 4 to 1.

4. What should be considered when interpreting feed and water testing results? Is the objective of testing to evaluate all sources or just to examine high risk locations?

Too much copper, selenium, molybdenum, zinc or vitamin A can be toxic. Sheep are particularly susceptible to copper toxicity and should not be fed supplements intended for cattle.

The first consideration, when any micronutrient deficiency is suspected, is to rule out or address as necessary more direct causes of herd health or performance problems. Energy is the most important nutrient limiting reproductive performance and energy status is most easily measured using body condition scoring. Cows should be condition scored before breeding, before calving and at pregnancy testing. Large field studies examining body condition under western Canadian conditions found that cows with low body condition are less likely to get pregnant, take longer to get pregnant and are more likely to abort and to have a difficult calving and stillborn calf.

Given the large number of winter forage sources used by many producers, costeffective and representative feed testing can be very difficult, particularly for micronutrients. While testing well water is practical for most herds, representative testing of surface water sources can be much more difficult particularly when water quality can fluctuate widely and rapidly through the period of use and there can be a large number of potholes that cattle may be drinking from on some pastures. Most Saskatchewan pastures and forage sources are likely to be copper deficient. There may be little benefit in knowing the subtle differences between inadequate pastures and forage sources.

5. Are there issues with the stability and palatability of micronutrient supplements due to storage and feeding management?

Vitamins A and E can degrade during storage particularly when exposed to heat and light. Loose mineral mixes can cake and become unpalatable when left in open feeders for prolonged periods, particularly when exposed to precipitation.

6. What other factors might alter animal requirements for micronutrients?

Animal requirements vary with age and stage of pregnancy. For example, during pregnancy cows preferentially sequester copper in their growing fetus 7. Have the interactions among micronutrients (e.g. Cu and Mo) been considered?

As noted earlier, minerals can interact with each other. The balance must be correct in addition to having the correct

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8. Finally, there is the important reminder that too much can be as dangerous as too little.

The more expensive feed becomes the more important it is that body condition is optimized through careful feeding management. Feeding cows to a condition score of less than 2.5 on a 5 point scale consistently and significantly limits herd productivity. Cows pregnant with their first and second calf are better when they calve at 3 on a 5 point scale.

However, the optimum target body condition may vary slightly from one year to the next depending on feed prices as performance gains can be realized even for mature cows with body condition scores greater than 2.5. For example, cows with a condition score of 3 in the fall were more likely to be pregnant than those that were a 2.5 and those that were 3.5 were more likely to be pregnant that those that were a 3. Whether, the observed increases in pregnancy rate associated with higher condition are cost effective will vary between management systems and depend on pasture conditions. continued on page 22 SEPTEMBER 2017

SEPTEMBER 2017

www.skstockgrowers.com | ©BEEF BUSINESS | 21

Feature Reproductive Performance cont. from pg. 20 Cows that were less than 3 out of 5 either pre-calving or before breeding were less likely to get pregnant than cows with higher body conditions. Cows that lost weight between calving and breeding or between breeding and pregnancy testing were even less likely to be pregnant. Cows with low body condition before calving or before breeding and that subsequently lost weight were most likely to be open at pregnancy testing. Condition scoring before calving provides the best opportunity to supplement low scoring animals and improve pregnancy success.

As noted earlier, it is not just pregnancy rates that are impacted when body condition scores are low. Cows with a condition score of less than 3 in the fall were more likely to abort and to have a stillborn calf than cows with higher scores.

Cows with condition scores of 2.5 or 3.0 were least likely to have a very difficult calving and cows with a condition score of 2.0 or less being most likely to have a very difficult calving, even more so than very fat cows. Animals most likely to be thin in the fall and therefore requiring the most attention were first and second calvers and cows more than 10 years old. Cows of any age that were thin pre-calving or before breeding were also likely to still be thin in the fall.

Given there is no strong evidence that other factors are responsible for the production problem, the suggested steps for evaluating micronutrient deficiencies in cow-calf herds under conditions in western Canada, and particularly Saskatchewan, include:

or samples at pregnancy testing. Where possible, compare groups of cows with and without the reproductive problem of interest and take enough samples to account for variability of intake among animals.

check high risk feed samples including canola for sulfur concentrations. Check feed for selenium if from a new source or previously untested especially if from an area known for low soil selenium (e.g., west central Alberta).

It might also be useful to test liver samples from dead or aborted calves/animals sent to local slaughter. Caution is warranted as there are typically very small numbers of samples available and often the samples are from atypical animals.

Finding the most cost-effective solution to feeding cows for optimum production in drought years can be very challenging.

Due to the variability in precipitation and soil type there are significant differences in the problems faced by producers in different areas of the province. Consult your local veterinarian and district livestock specialist to obtain specific information for your geographic region.

• Collect representative water samples to measure sulfates and iron, which tie up copper. and TDS, which can impact free choice intake if too high.

• Collect strategic feed samples to evaluate protein, calcium, phosphate, magnesium, and potassium and, if indicated, trace mineral concentrations.

Molybdenum concentrations should be evaluated especially if feed from an area is known for high soil molybdenum. Also

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• Evaluate supplementation management Determine how much supplement the cows are consuming. Compare what they need to consume to what they actually have consumed. Recognize that this will be an average value and many cows will still be consuming either too little or too much.

• Blood test cows Spring tests before breeding are more useful for herd management than fall

22

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www.skstockgrowers.com | ŠBEEF BUSINESS | 23

Connecting Sustainability and Beef Production in Canada

Verified Beef Production in

SASKATCHEWAN DRIVING CONSUMER CONFIDENCE

A PRACTICAL APPROACH TO VERIFYING SUSTAINABILITY

PROOF OF RESPONSIBLE MANAGEMENT

Canadian Beef is Sustainable, Safe and Wholesome.

Let’s become VERIFIED and show consumers why!

E

OF: PReOdibility TH

Take the Training

Apply SOPs on the Beef Operation

Complete the On-Farm Audit

IN-PERSON WORKSHOP OR ONLINE

STANDARD OPERATING PROCEDURES

VERIFICATION OF THE OPERATION

Education on Food Safety, Animal

Industry-led practices focused on Food

Care, Biosecurity, and Environmental

Safety, Animal Care, Biosecurity, &

Stewardship Management Practices:

Environmental Stewardship during beef

•

Inject in the Neck, Reduce Broken

production are being used on the cattle

Needles, Meet Withdrawal Times

operation:

•

Keep Records (Treatments, Deaths)

•

Beef Code of Practice, Disease Prevention, Manure Management

Cr

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

•

Feedlots: 3 months of Records

This 3rd party verification gives credit

•

Cow-Calf: 6 months of Records

towards the excellent things you do.

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

VBP+ Verification Audit

WHAT IS INVOLVED?

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

Audit fees in Saskatchewan are a flat $650 for Cow-Calf and $850 for Feedlots per on-farm audit, and beef producers in Saskatchewan can get 50% back through the On-Farm Food Safety (OFFS) funding program for their First Certification Audit.

MAINTAINING REGISTRATION

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

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

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

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

NO ANNUAL FEES

(isolation/quarantine pens for incoming or sick cattle)

•

F= Full on-farm audit

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

•

R= Records Assessment (sample)

•

S= Self Declaration

•

VBP+ Registration Certificate and

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

Gate Sign are provided to the operation

•

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

•

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

•

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

towards eligible equipment (neck

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

extenders, scale with load bars,

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

record keeping software, etc.)

•

•

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

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

Feature Soil Health and Plant Diversity are the Keys to Sustainability for TESA Winners

by Jeff Gaye

For the Hoimyr family and their Box H Land & Livestock operation, sustainability runs deeper than a single innovation or a major project. It’s a details-oriented, whole-of-operation approach whose goal is to keep their land healthy and productive for future generations.

Box H Land & Livestock is situated near Gladmar on the southwest boundary of the Missouri Coteau landscape. The ranch is primarily a livestock operation made up of native mixed grass prairie, tame forages and annual cropland planted to forages.

Each spring they calve 300 Red Angus cross cows on pasture. The operation is run by Mark and Laura Hoimyr with their children Anna and Jeremy. Mark’s parents, who live just down the road, are also involved.

On every ranch there is a variety of microclimates and micro-environments.

Sustainable production involves learning to recognize how these small pockets function, what each of them offers, and what each of them needs.

The Hoimyr’s approach to sustainability means always looking for opportunities to improve. It means recognizing that in a complex ecosystem, everything has its place. Above all, they say, it means leaving the land better than they found it.

About 60 per cent of their 5,700 acres is native prairie. Soil health is a top priority for the ranch, and they have found that nature provides the best means of preserving and enriching the quality of the soil. Diverse plant life on their tame acres guards against catastrophic loss of ground cover in years where one major species fails to thrive. Annual cover crops and extended grazing through grass management are also major contributors to healthy soil.

“We have realized that in our tame rotations that we’ve seeded we don’t have a very wide variety of plants,” Mark said.

26

They have planted cover crops such as turnips and millet to build organic matter, improve soil health and help extend the grazing season.

The Hoimyr Family

“It’s largely meadow brome and alfalfa.

The stuff that we’ve recently seeded is a little bit better. The last hay we seeded we incorporated another two kinds of legumes in, sainfoin and cicer milkvetch.

“I think we were up to six or seven different kinds of grasses, as well as some grasses that grow later in the season.

We’re just trying to get all the holes filled in the fields so that there’s different little micro-environments all over the place, and we’re trying to get enough different variations of seed in the ground so that everything thrives in the area it’s supposed to.”

Rotating grazing every day or two on tame pasture protects ground cover while allowing for growth and renewal.

With careful planning, the Hoimyrs have managed to convert much of their marginal farmland to perennial forages.

They have developed buried waterlines and implemented rotational grazing systems, cross fences and alternative wintering systems, all to support their animals through the rotation cycles with minimal disruption to the native habitats.

Moisture deficits are a big challenge in this area, and the light textured soils can be prone to wind and water erosion.

Converting cropland to perennial forages has helped conserve soil and build up organic matter, improving water infiltration and soil productivity.

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The operation can’t always rely on spring runoff to fill dugouts. The Hoimyrs use their off-site watering systems and shallow buried waterlines to secure reliable water sources for the livestock. The 13 miles of water pipeline make it possible to vary grazing rotations and distribution to optimize the environmental benefits of grazing.

The Hoimyrs have also taken steps to maximize the effectiveness and efficiency of rainwater retention. Ring testing land – pouring a set amount of water into a ring pounded into the ground, and timing how quickly it is absorbed – helps them monitor how much rainfall their soils can absorb, and they use this information to guide their soil health and ground cover initiatives.

“I’ve always said that the limiting factor in our area is rainfall and it is true to a point,” Mark said. “But a lot of times we don’t capture some of the heavier rainfall we get just because the soil isn’t able to absorb it quickly enough. Part of that is keeping the cover and keeping plants growing on it is as much of the year as we can so it can deflect the raindrops. But it’s also the organic matter in the soil, the health of the soil.”

Riparian areas at Box H are mostly wetlands and seasonal sloughs. Cattle have limited grazing access to these areas to provide natural controls to the vegetation. Riparian fences are installed to protect habitat for the piping plover, an important species at risk.

The Box H ranch has also installed hawk nesting poles, and have planted eco buffers to protect species at risk.

Meanwhile, their honey bee colony serves to improve plant pollination while adding

SEPTEMBER 2017

Feature another source of farm income.

Some sustainability challenges remain, including grazing tame fields in blocks of native prairie and managing microenvironments within larger pastures. The Hoimyrs are also working to improve soil coverage on the operation’s hills.

While they have increased their annual grazing days to support a more consistent number of animals and have improved the ranch’s drought resistance, longer term goals include further extending the grazing season and ongoing improvements to soil health.

Box H Land & Livestock completed the Environmental Farm Plan, and worked with the Upper Souris Watershed Association and Long Creek AgriEnvironmental Group Plan (AEGP) to complete projects that improve both the environment and their ranching operation. Mark was the first Chairperson for the AEGP, and both he and Laura have been instrumental in the group’s success.

Mark and Laura have also worked with Ducks Unlimited Canada and the Water Security Agency on various projects.

They are in the process of completing the Verified Beef Production requirements.

In addition to the natural environment, the Hoimyrs see their community as an important part of the sustainability picture. They are involved with agriculture groups, youth sports, school community council and emergency services.

Stewardship and profitability are two sides of the sustainability coin. If they protect and nurture their land, the Hoimyrs know the land will be able to provide for their family for generations to come.

“It is a fantastic way to make a living, and we really enjoy the lifestyle we have,” Mark said. “It’s important that it does make a living for us, that it is an economically viable business.” “Basically,” he said, “it’s just trying to work with the environment you live in.”B

SEPTEMBER 2017

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www.skstockgrowers.com | ©BEEF BUSINESS | 27

Feature Ag Labour Shortage Has Deep Roots, But There’s Hope

by Jeff Gaye

Labour shortages are a serious problem in Canadian agriculture, especially in the West. Canada is in a tough competition for immigrant workers as other industrialized countries face the same pressures.

But this is not new, according to International Labour Centre Agriculture manager Bill Martin. From the very beginnings of agriculture in Canada, producers have depended on immigrant workers to get the work done. And while the current shortage has deep historical roots, Canada has solutions available to get the workers it needs.

Curiously, US President Donald Trump may be part of the answer.

The homesteaders who moved to western Canada to take advantage of free land relied on workers from the US and Ontario to get them established. Those workers, homesteaders themselves, were happy to have paid work while they were getting their own farms established.

Enormous British-owned “wheat ranches” of 20,000 to 30,000 acres also employed the settlers. But when those settlers became established on their own quarter sections, the labour supply dried up and the wheat ranches failed.

By that time a family with one or two sons could manage a farm up to about four quarter sections. But then steam power was introduced. Steam engines were used for harvest and for breaking land, and ironically the mechanized process was labour-intensive.

“There was a huge demand for labour for that. And that was all immigrant labour,” Martin said.

“Some of the immigrant labour came from overseas. And in the early period of steam power there was labour that was brought in from the Maritimes. The Canadian Pacific Railway used to run harvest trains to bring workers from the Maritimes to

28

work on western Canadian farms. So we have had a perpetual and habitual labor shortage in western Canadian agriculture,” Martin said.

It was the advent of gasoline-powered tractors and combines that allowed individual families to multiply their own labour through technology. This was around the time of World War II, and the farm economy improved dramatically through the war years and for some time after.

The margins for grain operations were such that a family could run its own section or section and a half of land and make a living. This would start to change in the 1970s and 1980s. By then, more horsepower and more sophisticated combines led to bigger farms, up to about four sections.

“All that technology comes with a cost,” Martin says.

Practices like no-till seeding call for expensive technology. To pay for the technology, operations had to increase yields.

“And so we started using more inputs, which drove up the costs even more, which created more of a necessity to increase farm size. So we start increasing farm size. And you know once you start getting beyond 3,500 acres, even though your equipment can handle it, one farmer can’t do it on his own,” Martin said.

By this point, a grain farmer needed someone to drive a truck or someone to run a grain cart. The workers who were displaced by the gas-powered machinery were again needed.

But while farms had been expanding from a quarter section to two, three and four sections, that meant fewer farm families.

“Each farm that gets bought up and absorbed into another farm is one more

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family that is leaving the rural west and going to the cities,” Martin said.

This exodus meant fewer local people available to do the work. The people who stayed in their nearby towns and villages were aging, while the young people left for urban careers.

In the early years of this century, prices were low and many producers encouraged their children to leave the farms. “We drove away a large part of the labour that was available,” Martin said.

“We are now at a point where margins are good and productivity is high, but there’s no one to do the work. The biggest competition western agriculture faces for labour is from the oil patch. Young people accustomed to earning $40 or $60 per hour aren’t going to work on the farm for $25, even during periods of oil industry layoffs. So yes, this labour shortage has been developing over a long period of time,” Martin said. “I would argue it’s been developing from day one.”

It’s not a purely Canadian phenomenon.

The same things have been happening in the US, Europe, Australia and, to a lesser extent, Argentina.

All of these places are competing for agricultural labour, and Canada has created a disadvantage for itself. While Canadian operations can pay as well as farms and ranches in other countries, it is more difficult and time-consuming for workers to be processed to come into Canada to work.

There are other factors. A Polish worker can easily find work in Germany or France, “and he can go home for the weekend,” Martin says. Mexicans have traditionally preferred to work in the US for much the same reasons.

For Canadian beef operations, South Africa is a good source of workers. “South African range practices are very similar to western Canadian range practices,” Martin

SEPTEMBER 2017

Feature

says, and South African workers speak English well.

Still, we are not getting enough South African workers to help with Canadian cattle operations. A worker who wants to come to Canada will find the H1A visa process in the United States not only less expensive, but much faster than processing an application to come here.

“You tell him it will take about six months to be processed through the Canadian embassy in South Africa, and he finds an H1A can be done in 30 to 45 days at a lower cost, and he’ll say ‘thanks, but no thanks’ to coming to Canada,” Martin said.

Even if Canada does not address this, it has an advantage it can play to – for now. Farm workers coming to Canada are eligible to apply for permanent resident status, but in the US they are not. This may be about to change.

Similar to Canada’s Provincial Immigrant Nominee program, the US is looking at giving individual states some power over farm worker immigration. Canada may enjoy its immigration advantage for another two years before the US catches up.

But the situation is not good in western Canadian agriculture, Martin says, and it’s worse in cattle than it is in grain. Put simply, “there are no cowboys anymore,” he said.

“They’ve all disappeared. The older guys that are around, well you know they do a hell of a job. But they’re getting old and they’ve been crippled and banged up and kicked around by these damn cows. And there’s nobody coming around to replace them.”

This leads to the paradox of prices and margins improving in Saskatchewan, but overall herd size declining. Martin referred to an SSGA survey into reasons for shrinking herds, and he said producers

SEPTEMBER 2017

identified three main factors.

to come to Canada.’”

“One of them was a shortage of labour.

The other one was the age of the farmer, which is essentially the same as a shortage of labour,” he said. (The third reason was increasing land prices.)

Martin says the Mexican experience in the US offers Canadian ranchers a ray of hope.

If the federal government can streamline the process for South Africans, there are good prospects for the situation to improve. But in any employment situation, attracting workers is only half the battle.

Once you have them, you have to keep them.

“They’re talking about decreasing herds because they couldn’t manage them anymore. They didn’t have the labour to manage them. So where do we find those people? It’s not easy to find a good cattle person.”

“It’s really more difficult to find a good cattle guy than is to find a guy who can drive a combine, because modern combines are pretty damn easy to drive,” Martin said.

“The cows haven’t changed. They’re still the same ornery beasts that they’ve been for the past 200 years. And you’ve still got to fight with them. Technology isn’t going to change that.”

Besides South Africa, Martin says South America – particularly Argentina and Brazil – have the potential to supply workers for cattle operations. English isn’t widely spoken in those countries, though, and there is little Canadian presence in the ag sector there.

Another, more promising, source is Mexico. Mexican migrant workers have the right skills and experience, speak good English, are reliable, and do not require visas for entry into Canada. And now many of them are more motivated than ever to find work here.

Martin thinks the US has permanently damaged its relationship with Mexican workers, and Canada stands to gain.

But it’s the employers themselves, the ranchers, who will determine whether workers stay or leave.

Many established operations have been able to rely on family members for ranch labour, which means the workers have a personal stake in the outfit’s success.

Employees are motivated by their paycheques, and if they aren’t happy where they’re working they can earn that money somewhere else.

“We’re getting the message across to producers - why do you want to be going through this recruiting process all the time?” Martin said. “When you get somebody good, make sure they want to stay. There are lots of things you can do about the work environment and incentives and things like that that. And working on a farm can be a very beneficial lifestyle. We have to sell that.” B

“Donald Trump is western cattle producers’ best friend,” Martin said, “because he has scared the hell out of all the Mexicans that are working in the United States. And we’re hearing a lot of interest from a lot of good cattle guys in Mexico who are saying ‘the US doesn’t really want us anymore. We are tired of the bullshit, we are tired of fighting, we want

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Science and Production Challenges, Opportunities, and Obligations in 2017

by Jason Pollock, CEO

Helpful Hints • Report strays of unknown ownership to LSS staff and RMs immediately after they are found • For your financial protection, when you sell your livestock to licenced Saskatchewan dealers you have the right to ask for their credentials • When completing manifests, do not market animals payable to a ranch/farm name if you do not have an associated bank account in that name

Mother Nature has once again produced a range of challenges which are making farming and ranching in Saskatchewan interesting to say the least. Whether you are hauling water, looking for pasture or feed, or hoping your late seeded crop beats the frost, chances are you are dealing with some extraordinary pressures this year.

livestock to feed in Alberta, you will also need to need to arrange for inspection

by Livestock Identification Services (LIS) inspectors prior to bringing your stock home. Manitoba does not have livestock inspection requirements, which means you do not need an inspection to bring livestock home from there to Saskatchewan.

Perhaps the challenge this year revolves around a shortage of feed and you are considering having some calves fed elsewhere, or moving the cows to feed somewhere. Chances are producers in the areas of the prairies that were excessively wet earlier, have the feed you need, or the facilities and expertise to winter livestock providing an opportunity for both parties.

There are many good calculators available online or in print to help determine what is a fair price for a feeding contract, but these may not necessarily address your asset protection needs whether that is the livestock or the feed and labour.

Should you make the choice to move livestock to a custom wintering operation or decide that now is the time to consider something longer term, like selling or leasing some cattle out there may be some regulatory obligations around the movement. There are also considerations relating to legal diligence in protecting your assets and interests.

The first regulatory obligation is simply to make sure to use a properly completed livestock manifest for each load of animals moved within the province.

The second is to remember that Saskatchewan provincial regulations requires you to have a livestock inspection completed by a Livestock Services of SK (LSS) inspector prior to movement of cattle and horses out of Saskatchewan.

The LSS inspector will provide you with a transportation permit which must accompany the livestock. If you move

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In Saskatchewan, basic party protection for custom feeding/pasturing agreements is covered by The Animal Custom Care Regulations, 2006. These regulations should be noted in an agreement, with a copy readily available to both parties. A discussion of legalities opens the subject of what you should do as a matter of diligence in preparing for and securing a fair agreement where there is some benefit for all.

The confines of article space here don’t allow for detailed discussion of the many things that make a good civil agreement, but having a legible registered brand on all your livestock is still your best protection. As well, Livestock Services of SK suggests you ask your local inspector to alert inspection staff in any area where you are sending livestock.

If you don’t currently brand or don’t have a brand registered in Saskatchewan, you can apply for one with your local LSS inspector, by calling the Brand Registrar directly at 306-546-5086, or get LSS district office contact information online at www.lssc.ca B

SEPTEMBER 2017

Science and Production Active Missing Livestock Files September 2017

Area Missing From

Ft Qu’Appelle

Margo

Paynton

Number of Head

Animal Description

2

Cows

Brand Description

X C

<D>

1

Steer

6

3 cows and 3 May 2017 born calves NVB

__ PH

Brand Location

RCMP Subdivision

LSS Regional Office

Date Reported

Branded X over C left rib

Fort Qu’Appelle

Yorkton 306-786-5712

July 7, 2017

Branded HAF DIA OPL D HAF DIA OPR right hip

Wadena

Yorkton 306-786-5712

July 31, 2017

Bar over PH, right rib SL over SHL right rib

Cutknife

North Battleford 306-446-4704

June 6, 2017

Information provided by Livestock Services of Saskatchewan

SSGA Belt Buckles Please contact the Saskatchewan Stock Growers Association office for orders:

$275 plus shipping and GST

SEPTEMBER 2017

Box 4752, Main Floor, Canada Centre Building Evraz Place, Regina, SK S4P 3Y4 TEL: (306) 757-8523 FAX: (306) 569-8799 Email: ssga@sasktel.net www.skstockgrowers.com www.skstockgrowers.com | ©BEEF BUSINESS | 31

Stewardship Ranching and Species-at-Risk: Are They a Natural Match?

by Jeremy Pittman

Cattle ranching has a clear role in the future of sustainable food systems.

Notwithstanding its benefits to rural communities and livelihoods, beef raised on grasslands – especially native grasslands – provide many acres of habitat for wildlife, including birds, deer, insects and other species.

However, an often overlooked, yet incredibly important, role of cattle ranching is the benefits it provides to species-at-risk, in particular. Species-atrisk are those species that have proven especially vulnerable to changing land uses, etc. On the Saskatchewan prairie, these species include the Sprague’s pipit, the Swift fox, and the Greater Sage Grouse.

Habitat loss is often cited as the most important factor contributing to these species’ vulnerability. But a thriving cattle sector helps keep intact the same grasslands these species need to survive.

The synergies between cattle ranching and species-at-risk protection are obvious.

However, very few – almost no – institutions or markets are in place and functioning to recognize any other benefits that cattle ranching provides society. In this context, species-at-risk habitat is another potential benefit that ranchers provide the public, but they are often expected to provide it without any acknowledgement from the public.

The challenge is that providing habitat sometimes comes at a cost to ranchers.

The practices required to preserve or enhance habitat are not always costneutral. With this in mind, I have been working with the Saskatchewan Stock Growers Association and the South of the Divide Conservation Action Program Inc. to get a better sense of what practices ranchers undertake to provide species-atrisk habitat and what these practices cost ranching operations. Based on a literature review and interviews with ranchers, we have developed a list of practices ranchers use to contribute to grassland conservation.

Yet we, in Canada, currently do not have a clear and consistent policy framework that recognizes these synergies (Figure 1). The policy context for species-at-risk conservation has historically worked against these synergies by imposing top-down, authoritative conservation measures on the very people who have protected the remaining grasslands for generations – the hard-working ranching families who earn their living from prairie landscapes.

A major problem is that the policy framework requires a complete shift of perspective. Currently, the framework recognizes one single stream of goods provided by ranchers that benefit the public – food. In other words, we have a wealth of institutions and market-based mechanisms to support ranchers as they produce food, which is consumed both domestically and internationally.

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Leaving enough grass for nature Probably the most well-known practice for producing habitat is to make sure there is enough grass left over for nature, which means that there is enough grass for other species to use. Essentially, this boils down to appropriately managing stocking rates to avoid overgrazing and leaving enough carry-over. Different species require different amounts of grass left over, but generally not overgrazing is a good thing for wildlife. These benefits are achieved by managing for conservation-appropriate stocking densities, which vary somewhat by location. At times, conservationappropriate stocking densities mean that ranchers are leaving behind grass they could otherwise feed to their cattle. This grass left behind – or the lost opportunities – represent one form of cost to the ranching operation.

However, valuing these lost opportunities is complicated by the potential benefits that reduced stocking can also bring to a cattle operation in terms of drought preparedness. Leaving enough grass out there for the dry years is a common

Figure 1. Multiple values from rangelands and ranching in Saskatchewan.

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SEPTEMBER 2017

Stewardship strategy – especially in the southwest portion of the province – to provide a bit of a buffer for the inevitable dry years. In some ways, reduced stocking for drought preparedness has become part of the status quo for the savvy ranchers operating in this area, which also provides the co-benefits of habitat creation for species-at-risk. When we asked ranchers approximately what proportion of their reduced stocking was for habitat conservation versus drought preparedness, their responses ranged from 50/50 to 100% for habitat conservation. The high variability is due to differences in each rancher’s operation and specific context.

Making sure the grass is there at the right times The second strategy for habitat conservation that was apparent relates to making sure there is enough grass to support wildlife at the proper times.

Typically, this involves having alternative feeding strategies for the spring, which allows the native grass to green-up before it is grazed later in the summer. A common alternative feed source was areas seeded to tame grass. The tame grass greens-up quicker in the spring and allows ranchers the flexibility in their operations to make sure the native grass remains in good shape for the wildlife in the spring – a time when they need it most. The costs associated with managing for temporal availability of habitat included lease costs and lost grazing value of the tame grass.

In some cases, costs also included lost opportunities associated with seeding the lands currently under tame grass to crops, assuming the land was suitable for such use. As with reduced stocking in general, managing for temporal variability also includes a drought preparedness element, and ranchers suggested the practice was undertaken about 50/50 for habitat conservation and drought.

Keeping pastures heterogenous Heterogeneity – or having difference in plant composition, litter, etc. across a pasture – is another important feature of wildlife habitat. Ranchers can produce heterogeneity on their lands through

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several techniques, including luring cattle (with water, salt, etc.), hazing and training, and, in some cases, cross fencing. The costs associated with these different techniques range widely based on the strategy adopted, but they typically include costs associated with time, hired help, material, and checking and maintenance. Ranchers suggested maintaining heterogeneity was completed about 50% to 80% of the time for wildlife, with the remainder completed for other benefits to their operations (e.g., improved grass management for production).

Learning, monitoring and continual improvement Finally, a significant cost to ranchers who conserve wildlife habitat is something intangible: the time it takes to learn about and monitor species-at-risk to continually improve habitat management. Ranchers spend considerable time learning about species, observing them on the landscape, documenting their presence, and participating in workshops or meetings in order to improve habitat on their operations. And these time costs can be considerable! One rancher estimated spending 60 days per year on learning, monitoring and improving, which could translate into $12,000 per year assuming a valuation rate of $200 per day – a common rate used in such calculations.

The willingness of ranchers to undertake such an investment demonstrates a commitment to habitat management.

Where to from here?

“There is no reason to believe that bureaucrats and politicians, no matter how well-meaning, are better at solving problems than the people on the spot, who have the strongest incentive to get the solution right” – Dr. Elinor Ostrom, Nobel Memorial Prize Winner in Economics in 2009 The above quote is from Dr. Elinor Ostrom, who won the Nobel Memorial Prize in Economics in 2009. Her work demonstrated the important role that local people can have in solving some of today’s most pressing sustainability

changes – such as conserving species-atrisk. In the Canadian prairie context, her work suggests that local management and innovation are key to reducing the vulnerability of species-at-risk. In Canada, we need policies and programs that are able to support local management and innovation to advance conservation across the landscape. The Saskatchewan Stock Growers Association, in collaboration with the South of the Divide Conservation Action Program Inc. and with funding from Environment and Climate Change Canada, are currently implementing such programs as part of their Species-atRisk Partnerships on Agricultural Lands (SARPAL) suite of program tools. But these programs need to become the norm rather than the exception to ensure the grasslands are conserved. The SARPAL suite includes many innovative tools – such as the results-based agreement, term conservation easements, and niche marketing – that could represent a significant and beneficial policy shift towards more appropriate programming.

However, many questions remain as to the longevity of such programs and more broad public support is needed in Canada to ensure these programs survive.

Conclusion The key to thriving grasslands into the future is thriving cattle operations now. The broad public must recognize the value of ranching for grassland conservation in order to support the sector into the future. The types of livestock operations continually called for in the international discourse on sustainable food – those that raise livestock outside, conserve native species and ecosystems, and help harvest healthy food from the environment – are found right now in rural Saskatchewan. We must find policies and markets that recognize the contributions made by Saskatchewan’s ranchers to domestic and international sustainable food systems. A starting point is finding species-at-risk programs capable of rewarding the ranchers whose efforts have kept species-at-risk from becoming extirpated or extinct. B

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Stewardship Northern Leopard Frogs: Another Prairie “Canary in the Coal Mine”

by Carolyn Gaudet

Northern leopard frogs are a distinctive species that are often heard in the spring among the croaks of all frog species heard in Saskatchewan. Northern leopard frogs, however, are declining and are currently listed as special concern under the Species at Risk Act. They are green or brown, or a mix of the two colours and have dark leopard-like spots with light borders on their back and sides, which gave the frog its name. They also have two lightcoloured ridges on their back. Adults are 6-11 cm (2.5-5 inches) long with females being larger than males.

Although occurrences are reported to the Saskatchewan Conservation Data Centre, there have been no long-term monitoring programs for Northern leopard frogs in Saskatchewan. Therefore there are no population estimates or population trends available for the province. Northern leopard frogs are found throughout most of North America, and the Western Boreal/Prairie population covers 35% of the species’ total range in Canada. This species is associated with major river drainages include the North Saskatchewan, South Saskatchewan, Qu’Appelle, Frenchman and Souris rivers.

Northern leopard frogs are semi-aquatic and they require three habitat types for their life cycles that are connected or in close proximity. In winter, they will hibernate in oxygenated water bodies that do not freeze solid, such as ponds, lakes, rivers, streams and springs. During their April through June breeding season, the frogs will travel up to 1.6 km to breed in shallow, warm waters like wetlands or slow moving streams. Their ideal breeding areas are non-acidic and contain no predatory fish but have protective cover and vegetation (e.g. roots, stems, or leaves) to attach egg masses. After the breeding season, the frogs can disperse up to 8 km from the breeding site to forage in riparian or upland habitat (pastures, riparian corridors, ditches). The

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loss of any one of the three necessary habitat types in close proximity could disrupt the species’ life cycle and may lead to local population loss.

Like many other species at risk, habitat loss, degradation and fragmentation are responsible for the decline of Northern leopard frogs. In Saskatchewan, continual wetland drainage, pipeline and highway construction reduces suitable and stable habitat. Climate change and variable weather can also lead to population declines as prolonged drought can prevent breeding and lead to population loss in localized areas. Livestock grazing can also impact Northern leopard frogs, including shoreline grazing that may disturb adults, trample eggs, or reduce water quality. Overgrazing habitat, including the removal of vegetation structure or reducing plant litter, can further affect the species as litter is required to maintain soil moisture and cover is necessary during dispersal and for hiding from predators. Additionally, Northern leopard frogs are also vulnerable to diseases.

Northern leopard frogs, like all amphibians, have thin, permeable skin,

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that allows water and air pollutants to be easily absorbed into their bodies, causing physical abnormalities, diseases and death. This makes amphibians a useful indicator of ecosystem health. They are essentially a ‘canary in a coal mine’ for prairie wetlands. According to Lea Randall, a Northern leopard frog researcher with the Calgary Zoo, these frogs have a key role in the ecosystem as they control insect and invertebrate populations and the tadpoles can limit algae growth and oxygen depletion, which can kill other wetland species. They are also prey species for a number of predators.

Although the species seems to be found in several locations in the province and can at times be counted in the thousands in certain locations, multiple threats could lead to localized population losses, leading to overall population declines.

The loss of one species, especially a species that has a central role in the food web, in addition to being sensitive to aquatic contaminants, can indicate future problems that may lead to the collapse of that wetland ecosystem. By conserving frogs, producers can have a positive impact on the entire ecosystem.

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Stewardship Producers can improve the situation for Northern leopard frogs by implementing a few simple actions, including leaving wetlands intact, using moderate stocking rates and preventing riparian areas from being overgrazed. Land managers can also be habitat stewards by learning about the species present in their area. There is at least one program available in Saskatchewan that may provide funding for work to improve frog habitat and that is the Saskatchewan Species at Risk Farm Program, administered

by Simply Agricultural Solutions. More information is available at simplyag.ca.

Nature Saskatchewan also has a Stewards of Saskatchewan banner program that includes all prairie species at risk. You could join 97 private landowners and land managers who are participating in the program and conserving approximately 36,000 acres of habitat. Nature Saskatchewanâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s website is www.naturesask. ca.

FrogWatch is a citizen science initiative that collects frog sightings and provides more information on all the amphibian species in Saskatchewan. Northern leopard frog sightings can be reported to FrogWatch (https://www.naturewatch.ca/frogwatch/ saskatchewan/). B For more information on Northern leopard frogs, you can see the Environment and Climate Change Canada Management Plan here: http://www.registrelepsararegistry.gc.ca/document/default_e. cfm?documentID=1929

2017 SSGA Board of Directors

SEPTEMBER 2017

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SSGA

AGM & CONVENTION June 11 - 13, 2017

Mosaic Place, Moose Jaw, SK

Change, Challenge, Opportunity Thank You to Our Sponsors Heritage Crescent Point Energy ILC Agriculture JGL Cattle

Visit Moose Jaw Saskatchewan Cattlemen’s Association Saskatchewan Ministry of Agriculture

Vétoquinol Canada Inc. Western Litho Printers Western Producer

Gold Ducks Unlimited Canada Elanco Animal Health Gibson Livestock (1981) Ltd.

Golden West Radio Merck Animal Health Real Agriculture

Western College of Veterinary Medicine Zoetis

Silver Allflex Canada BMO - Bank of Montreal Canadian Cattle Identification Agency Canadian Western Agribition

Farm Credit Canada Great Western Brewing Company Livestock & Forage Centre of Excellence Nelson Motors & Equipment

TD Canada Trust Westway Feed Products Young’s Equipment

Bronze Assiniboia Livestock Auction/Weyburn Livestock Exchange Bio Agri Mix LP Boehringer Ingelheim Canada Ltd. Canadian Hereford Association Cattle Care CIBC

Cows in Control Inc. Edward Jones Federated Co-operatives Ltd. Heartland Livestock Services Johnstone Auction Mart Ltd. Mankota Stockmen’s Weigh Co. Ltd. Masterfeeds Real Estate Centre - Gord Kozroski

Red Coat Cattle Feeders Inc. Saskatchewan Bison Association Saskatoon Livestock Sales Ltd. SaskTel Solvet South Country Equipment TEAM - The Electronic Auction Market VIDO-InterVac

Thank You to Our Tradeshow Exhibitors Agriclear LP Canadian Cattle Identification Agency Canadian/Saskatchewan Angus Association Elanco Animal Health Grain Millers Canada Corp.

ILC Agriculture Paysen Livestock Equipment Inc. PCAP Range Ward Inc. Saskatchewan Cattlemen’s Association Saskatchewan Charolais Association Saskatchewan Crop Insurance Corporation Saskatchewan Forage Council Saskatchewan Ministry of Agriculture Saskatchewan Verified Beef Production Inc. Savory Institute Simply Agriculture Solutions Inc. SODCAP Tru-Test Group Union Forage Western Beef Development Centre Western Producer Young’s Equipment

Chad MacPherson, General Manager Box 4752, Regina, SK S4P 3Y4 P: 306.757.8523 F: 306.569.8799

E: ssga@sasktel.net W: www.skstockgrowers.com

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

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

Carried

WHEREAS the impact costs of quarantines are huge for producers.

in Saskatchewan is a competitive free market; and

BE IT RESOLVED that the SSGA lobby the SK Ministry of Environment to cooperate with random testing of elk and deer for TB.

WHEREAS there are private environmental conservation organizations that receive federal and provincial funding to purchase agricultural lands in Saskatchewan.

Carried Resolution #4 WHEREAS the Saskatchewan Pastures Program (SPP) will be phased out over the next few years; and WHEREAS grazing disturbance is critically important to maintaining range health.

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

Carried

Resolution #2 WHEREAS SK Parks is proposing to conduct a prescribed burn on 320 acres of native grassland on the Matador Prairie Protected Area prior to a chemical application; and WHEREAS the SSGA has offered to provide funding and expertise in finding a solution that works for local producers, SK Parks, native grasslands and species at risk.

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

Carried

Resolution #6 WHEREAS the SK Pasture Program (SPP) is winding down; and WHEREAS some of these of pastures have ongoing issues with noxious weeds; and WHEREAS the Ministry of Agriculture has been responsible for controlling noxious weeds on SPP lands.

BE IT RESOLVED that the SSGA lobby the Government of SK to include programming in the Next Policy Framework to assist with controlling noxious weeds.

Carried

Resolution #3 WHEREAS Bovine Tuberculosis has been identified; and

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Resolution #7 WHEREAS the competition for land

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BE IT RESOLVED that environmental conservation groups that receive government funding not be allowed to purchase agricultural lands.

Carried Resolution #8 WHEREAS targeted grazing isnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t currently an eligible expense for noxious weed control under Growing Forward 2; and WHEREAS targeted grazing is a valuable tool as part of a integrated noxious weed control.

BE IT RESOLVED that the SSGA lobby the Government of Saskatchewan and SARM to include targeted grazing as an eligible expense in the Next Policy Framework.

Carried Resolution #9 WHEREAS the transport of soil and aggregate materials from areas contaminated with invasive weeds results in the further spread of invasive species to unaffected areas; and WHEREAS equipment used to load and transport soil and aggregate materials is not always cleaned and inspected.

BE IT RESOLVED that the SSGA lobby the Government of Saskatchewan to require outside contractors to clean and inspect their equipment and use approved materials that are not contaminated with invasive weed species.

Carried

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Association News, Reports, and Events Resolution #10 WHEREAS other jurisdictions are introducing burdensome legislation to address farm and ranch workplace safety; and WHEREAS there are currently gaps in agriculture safety education and training programs in Saskatchewan.

BE IT RESOLVED that funding be provided in the Next Policy Framework to proactively develop an agriculture specific workplace safety education and training program.

Carried Resolution #11 WHEREAS agriculture has a severe shortage of workers.

BE IT RESOLVED that the SSGA lobby the federal and provincial governments to work with industry to facilitate access to an adequate work force.

Carried Resolution #12 WHEREAS the SSGA has an interest in providing habitat; and

WHEREAS the Governments of Saskatchewan and Canada and industry want sustainable development with minimal impact to the environment; and WHEREAS conservation banking provides a situation where there is a net gain in habitat; and

WHEREAS conservation banking allows for the creation or enhancement of habitat

prior to the occurrence of unavoidable damages as a result of development; and WHEREAS conservation banking is recognized in the US and other parts of the world; and

WHEREAS conservation banking creates opportunities that allows producers to market the creation of habitat to industry who may incur unavoidable damages to the environment.

BE IT RESOLVED that the SSGA lobby the federal and provincial governments to recognize and enable conservation banking as part of a mitigation strategy in the province of Saskatchewan.

Carried

SSGA Welcomes New Director Brad Howe along the river hills between the Red Deer and South Saskatchewan Rivers, west of Leader, SK. The ranch consists of a 350 head commercial cow/calf operation, a few purebred Black Angus cows and a Quarter Horse breeding program. Brad and Mona have two children, Georgia and Hayes.

Brad joined the SSGA Board in June 2017 as the Chair of Zone 4.

Brad and his wife Mona are the fourth generation to operate Two Rivers Ranch,

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Brad’s involvement with the SSGA began as a Director at the Zone level which led him to his position on the SSGA Board. From 2014 to 2017, Brad was a Mentee in the SSGA’s Youth Mentorship Program where he was able to further expand his experience and involvement in the industry. Brad’s other industry involvement includes being the Transition Committee Chair for the Mantario

Community Pasture and Vice-President of the local Ag Society. Brad also volunteers for the local fire department.

Brad feels that it is important to stay current with what is happening in the beef business and feels that the SSGA will provide him with the opportunity to do so. Brad says his goals will be to stay on top of industry issues as they arise, ensure that producer views are heard and to work hard at shaping positive outcomes for the industry. B

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Association News, Reports, and Events

Congratulations to the SK High School Rodeo team who competed at the National High School Rodeo Association Finals July 17-23, 2017 in Gillette, WY.

Congratulations to Laramie Greenwood for receiving the SSGA sponsored show halter for youngest 4-H Beef exhibitor at Frontier Days in Swift Current.

Brad Howe, Zone 4 chair donating $2500 to the SSGA on behalf of Zone 4.

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SEPTEMBER 2017

Association News, Reports, and Events A Report From Shane Jahnke President, Saskatchewan Stock Growers Association Another issue that everyone needs to be prepared for with the dry conditions is wildfires. We do not have to look very far this year to see the devastation that can result from a wildfire. With the tinder dry conditions it wonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t take much of a spark to start a fire. So I encourage everyone to take extra caution when driving or working around your operation and be prepared by carrying firefighting equipment with you at all times so that you can put out a small fire before it gets out of control.

One thing about living in Saskatchewan is that you learn never to take anything for granted. This growing season in particular has been challenging with the widespread dry conditions in much of the province and excessive moisture in the northern parts of the province. I have come to the conclusion that the only constant in the agriculture business is change and we as producers need to be able to adapt to these changes in order to make our operations run smoothly and to succeed.

With hay prices continuing to rise in my part of the world I might be kicking myself for not enrolling in the forage insurance program this year. However, these conditions are not something new to most of the cattle producers in our province. As a child of the 80s I do remember having to bale for 27 minutes until I could actually wrap a bale.

The record dry conditions are also creating challenges with water quality and quantity in parts of the province.

The tragic event at the Shamrock pasture should be taken as a reminder for all producers to be on the lookout for water quality issues and to take the time to get your water sources tested. For more information on water testing call the AG Knowledge Center at 1-866-457-2377.

SEPTEMBER 2017

This past June we held our 104th AGM in Moose Jaw and it was another huge success. Hats off to our staff, Chad, Fonda and Sharon for putting together another tremendous convention. We had a great line up of speakers and presentations as well as a great chance to catch up and discuss the latest issues that are impacting our industry. One big announcement that came out of the convention was Elanco Animal Healthâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s generous donation of $10,000 toward processing costs for the SSGA Beef Drive for the Food Banks of SK.

have significant impacts on agricultural operations. There is a detailed article on the proposed changes on page 13 of the magazine or you can visit the government website https://www.fin.gc.ca/activty/ consult/tppc-pfsp-eng.asp. I would also encourage all producers to send written comments to fin.consultation.fin@canada. ca and to contact your local MPs and voice your concern regarding the proposed changes.

I wish everyone a safe and successful weaning season and as always if you ever have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to pick up the phone and give me a call B

On August 22nd the Government Caucus Committee on Crime released their much anticipated report on crime. The report included several recommendations that should help address crime in rural Saskatchewan. Within the report there is a commitment from the government to determine the best mechanism to address cattle rustling. For the past few years we have been working with like-minded organizations to address cattle theft and we believe this continued commitment to address the problem is a step in the right direction and we look forward to working with the government and the RCMP to help identify solutions to this issue.

As many of you are aware the federal government is currently conducting consultations on tax reforms that will

www.skstockgrowers.com | ŠBEEF BUSINESS | 41

Calendar of Events SEPTEMBER September18-20

Public Trust Summit: Tackling Transparency – the Truth about Trust

September 27

Integrated Approach to Leafy Spurge Management

Calgary, AB Craik, SK

OCTOBER October 10

Advertising deadline for November issue of Beef Business

October 17-18

Annual Livestock Gentec Conference

October 18-19

Cattle Marketing Workshop

Edmonton, AB Melfort, SK NOVEMBER

November 1-4

Yorkton Fall Cattle Show

Yorkton, SK

November 8-12

Farmfair International

November 14-16

Canadian Forage and Grassland Association Conference

Guelph, ON

November 20-25

Canadian Western Agribition

Regina, SK

Edmonton, AB

DECEMBER December 5-7

Western Canada Conference on Soil Health and Grazing

December 11

Advertising deadline for January issue of Beef Business

December 13-14

Farm & Food Care SK Annual Conference

Edmonton, AB Saskatoon, SK

JANUARY 2018 January 24-25

SK Beef Industry Conference

Saskatoon, SK

January 25

SSGA Semi-Annual Meeting

Saskatoon, SK FEBRUARY

February 1

SSGA Zone 1 Scholarship Application Deadline

February 1

SSGA Zones 3 & 12 Scholarship Application Deadline

February 6-9

Western Canada Feedlot Management School

February 7-8

Native Prairie Restoration & Reclamation Workshop

Saskatoon, SK

February 8-9

Manitoba Beef Producers AGM

Brandon, MB

February 12

Advertising deadline for March issue of Beef Business

Regina, SK

SSGA BOARD OF DIRECTORS THE EXECUTIVE

Shane Jahnke President/Director at Large Gouldtown, SK

DIRECTORS AT LARGE Phone: 784-2899

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

Phone: 690-5309

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

42

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

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

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

| ©BEEF BUSINESS | www.skstockgrowers.com

478-2658 375-2934 394-4211 436-4688 478-2558 662-3986 379-4523 642-4961 544-2660 421-1495 642-5358

AFFILIATE DIRECTORS

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

APPOINTED DIRECTORS

Dr. Andy Acton- Veterinary Advisor, Ogema

459-2422

SASKATCHEWAN CCA DIRECTORS

739-2205 891-9894 582-2077 661-0409 336-2684 854-2050 375-5534 582-6102

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

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

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

SEPTEMBER 2017

Advertisers Index Allen Leigh Security & Communications

44

Kyle Welding & Machine Shop

45

Northstar Seed

45

Apollo Machine & Products

46

LLB Angus

47

Paysen Livestock Equipment

21

Arm River Red Angus

47

Lane Realty Corp.

SSGA MEMBERSHIP 22

Saskatchewan Angus Assoc.

23,46

47

Saskatchewan Cattlemen's Association

INSERT

45

Saskatchewan Ministry of Agriculture

12

46

Saskatchewan Verified Beef Production Inc.

24-25

47

Saskatoon Livestock Sales

35

45

Simply Ag Solutions

44

47

Solar West

45

N.M. McMahon Chartered Professional Accountants

45

Sweet Pro

45

New Life Mills

46

Target Cattle Concepts

45

New Vision Agro

44

Terra Grain Fuels

44

Norheim Ranching

2,48

Titan Livestock

44

The Saskatchewan11Stock Linthicum Growers Assiniboia Livestock Ranch into a Products 47 Barr & Olney Association has entered Luck Now 9 Benchmark Angus Man-SK partnership with Flaman to Gelbvieh 3 Bayer Animal Health Manitou Maine-Anjou increase Memberships and 16-17 Canadian Cattle Identification Agency Masterfeeds Subscription readership.

18 Canadian Western Agribition McCaw Livestock Cowtown Livestock Exchange, Inc.

46

D&R Prairie Supplies

8

Ducks Unlimited Canada

4

Edward Jones

45

Elanco

27

The sponsored membership Northlands 14 prize by Flaman will be a

Farmfair International

45

Federated Co-operatives Ltd.

44 12’ BERGEN STOCK TRAILER

FeedMax Corporation

44 Specs: Full rear door, side door, 47 slots for side window slides, rock guard, 2-3,500 lb torefl44 ex axles

Frostfree Nosepumps Ltd. GBT Angus Gem Silage

Western Litho As of September 1, 2008 the Saskatchewan 14 Stock Growers will be offering a major prize draw for all paid new and renewal of existing memberships as follows:

44 most SSGA new Gibson LivestockThe 2017member Ltd. that sells the

1 year

$105.00

1 entry

Golden Thread Livestock Imageswill receive46a free registration for memberships

2 year

$194.25

2 entries

2 year spousal

$97.12

1 entry

3 year

$262.50

3 entries

44 AGM. two to the2009 SSGA

Grayson & Co.

46

New or Existing Memberships:

45

Gem Silage/Morley Ag Sales

Drive

Hi-Hog Farm & Ranch Equipment

7

John Brown Farms

47

Johnstone Auction Mart

46

3 year spousal

$131.25

2 entries

Kelln Solar

45

Life

$1050.00

10 entries

Kramer Trailer Sales

44

Life spousal

$525.00

4 entries

All draws will be made at the 2009 SSGA Annual Convention

For more information or to become a member, please contact the SSGA office at 306-757-8523

Membership type: Member

Associate

Membership status:

Affiliate (call for rate)

Renewal

New

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

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

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

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

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

Name _______________________________________________ _ Address_ ____________________________________________ _ City/Town______________ Prov_____

Postal Code _________

SSGA MEMBERSHIP

Drive

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

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

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

www.skstockgrowers.com | ©BEEF BUSINESS | 1143

NEW LI STI N G

Give us a call when it’s time to market your cattle.

NS

LE

titanlivestock.com

TT CA

TO

RE

R TU

John Lawton President C E 780-487-8769 NN Cell: 780-712-0140 CO john@titanlivestock.com G TIN

COWCAM

RYAN GIBSON BUS: 306.692.9668 CELL: 306.631.0070

FAX: 306.692.3252

TOLL-FREE: 1.800.667.7176

STOCK TRAILER DEALER

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,

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

7 YEAR STRUCTURAL WARRANTY

15’, 20’, 25’s in stock

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

Trusted Service!

Working to create opportunities for farmers in Saskatchewan

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

Integrity Commitment Results

Proudly providing legal services since 1883

(306) 693-6176

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

NEW VISION AGRO 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)

44

PH: (306) 225-2226 FX: (306) 225-2063

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

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

Check with us before you buy!

| ©BEEF BUSINESS | www.skstockgrowers.com

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

SEPTEMBER 2017

Pump Kit

There is a Dealer near You!

Solar West 500

BeefBusiness_1.pdf

Calmar, Alberta

1

12/14/15

7:25 PM

C

FOR ALL OF YOUR BEEF NUTRITION SOLUTIONS CALL:

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

M

Y

CM

MY

CY

CMY

K

STOCK WATER TROUGHS

Kyle, SK

Forage Seed Mixes

306-375-2271

Corn Seed Neil McLeod 306-831-9401

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

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

kylewelding@sasktel.net | www.kylewelding.com

www.lucknowproducts.com

TMR MIXER FEEDERS VERTICAL & HORIZONTAL

Snowblowers Also Available Contact

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

Proud to provide all your livestock needs.

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

We are a Canadian distributor for Pneu-Dart

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

Pneu-darT

Moosomin: (306) 435-3331

INC.

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

Graham McKenzie

306.861.7074

Dale Watson

306.861.4618

SEPTEMBER 2017

Know your goals so you can choose your investments.

Tyler Knibbs

Financial Advisor .

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

IT’S HERE Member – Canadian Investor Protection Fund

www.skstockgrowers.com | ©BEEF BUSINESS | 45

Machine & Products Ltd. All types of commercial and purebred livestock auctions and farm sales.

Wash rack facilities for livestock

www.johnstoneauction.ca

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

• 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

LIKE us on Facebook!

CT

For Upcoming Gelbvieh Sales and Breeders in your area contact:

Cowtown Livestock Exchange Inc. Maple Creek, SK

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

Regular Sales every Tuesday @ 11:00 a.m.

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

www.gelbvieh.ca

www.cowtownlivestock.com

sbuchanan@gold-bar.com 306.681.5340 SARAH BUCHANAN

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

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

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

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

46

| ©BEEF BUSINESS | www.skstockgrowers.com

SEPTEMBER 2017

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

Contact 306-757-8523

(306) 567- 4702

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

Box 688, Davidson, SK S0G

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

www.llbangus.com

Saskatchewan Stock Growers Association, Advocating for Independent Cattle Producers in Saskatchewan for 104 Years.

Your AD could be here!

Annual Online 2 Year Old Bull Sale

Contact 306-757-8523

3rd Friday in March Trevor, Cheryl, Brett & Carter Branvold Box 205 Wawota, Saskatchewan S0G 5A0 Ph: 306 739 2924 | Cell: 306 577 9141 gbtangus@sasktel.net | www.gbtangus.com

SEPTEMBER 2017

www.skstockgrowers.com | ©BEEF BUSINESS | 47

WORK IT WEIGH IT WRAP IT FEED IT

HAUL IT

MIX IT

SPREAD IT

NEED IT!!

Whether youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re looking to put up some hay or spread manure, Norheim Ranching has you covered.

Our full line of livestock products are focused on you.

Visit us online or give us a call anytime.

NORHEIM 1-306-227-4503

RANCHING

Your Livestock Equipment Specialists

norheimranching@sasktel.net

WWW.NORHEIMRANCHING.COM