Limousin Voice Fall 2016

fall16covers.indd 1

10/16/2016 11:12:10 AM

Riverstone Voice ad.qxp_Layout 1 10/11/16 2:36 PM Page 1

JUST A SAMPLE OF THE LIMOUSIN OFFERING....

S: PBRS 382Z

S: PBRS 382Z

S: TMCK DURHAM WHEAT

RIVERSTONE DIAMOND CUT

RIVERSTONE DAISY DUKE

RIVERSTONE DAZZLING

S: PBRS 382Z

RIVERSTONE DAPHNE

RIVERSTONE DRAMA QUEEN

RIVERSTONE DREAMBOAT

S: EXLR CHISHOLM

S: PBRS 382Z

Wulfs Zephyr X624Z X TMF Miss 186W

EPDs BW: 5.2 WW: 88 YW: 120 SC: 0.75 Doc: 24 REA: 1.12 MB: -0.12 Act. 90 lbs 733 lbs 1225 lbs 40.6 cm 17.46 2.1 Ratio 101 102 115 123 115 Rank 26/56 9/25 1/24 Homo Polled.

With a disposition second to none, we feel a duty to share this bull with the Limousin breed. He has the disposition, scrotal and depth of body a lot of cows can use. We welcome all inquiries.

Annual Production Sale February 27, 2017 Kelly and Norma Yorga (H) 306-263-4432 (C) 306-642-7023 (F) 306-263-4473 norma_yorga@yahoo.ca

Jeffrey Yorga (H) 306-531-5717 (W) 204-799-0347 (F) 306-522-2218 jeffyorga@yahoo.ca Box 14, Flintoft, SK S0H 1R0

jyorgafarms.com

fall16covers.indd 2

10/16/2016 11:12:14 AM

1 LV_template.indd LV.indd 1 1

10/17/2016 2016-10-05 10:28:51 9:35 AM AM

sells in the Limousin Advantage Sale at the National show in Brandon on Octoober 28

Rising to the

TOP

EMF Dailey 9d

BW 2.8 WW 67 YW 94 MK 25 TM 59

Sire B Bar Rust 31B

Dam RPY Paynes Bailey 30B

sells in the Solid Gold Limousin Sale

at Canadian Western Agribition on November 24

Full sister EMF Copper Top 18C

BW 3.9 WW 73 YW 99 MK 25 TM 62

Full brother EMF Denali 5D

EMF DURACELL 8D

Dam EMF Poll Your Up

TERRY & LYNETTE HEPPER & FAMILY R.R.#1 Zehner, SK, S0G 5K0 306.781.4628 or 306.536.7075

2 LV.indd 2

10/17/2016 10:28:52 AM

Selections from the “Heart of Our Herd” in the

Colours Of Autumn Sale - December 3, 2016 Featuring: The Polled Power - Maternal Traits - Calving Ease Of Richmond Wyatt - Greenwood PLD Xtra Charge - Wulfs Zolt Wulfs Spring Loaded - Wulfs Archibald - WGL Crowley 1C

WGL Bonfire Heart 34B

WGL Booty Call 32B

GREENWOOD PLD XTRA CHARGE x LAKERIDGE YER A BABE

RICHMOND WYATT SRD 48W x LAKERIDGE YER A BABE Double Polled Bred safe Wulfs Spring Loaded - Due January 2017

Double Polled Bred safe Wulfs Archibald - Due January 2017

WGL Black Betty 23B

WGL Careful 13C

RICHMOND WYATT SRD 48W x WGL YASMIN 3Y Double Polled Bred safe Wulfs Spring Loaded - Due January 2017

WULFS ZOLT X421Z x LAKERIDGE RIPPA Polled Bred safe to WGL Crowley 1C - Due February 2017

Watch for our Consignment to the Solid Gold Limousin Sale!

WGL Dancing Sexy 8D Wulfs Zolt x Pinnacles Ain’t I Sexy 1A -Hairy, big topped and maternal traits to no end like her momma!

-Maternal sibling to WGL Crowley 1C Bryce & Nathan Allen

RR 4 Box 189 Warkworth, ON K0K 3K0 LV.indd 3

Phone: 705-924-2583 Fax: 705-924-3385

WGL Crowley 1C

Current Ontario Limousin Grand Champion Bull- Markham Fair Nathan’s Cell: 705-761-9426 email: brycea@alleninsurance.ca

3 10/17/2016 10:29:01 AM

Contents

18

22

F FEATURES EATURES

Fall 2016 • Vol. 12 No. 2

Official publication of the Canadian Limousin Association

28

32

39

DEPARTMENTS 16

CLA Office Update

17

CLA President’s Report

26

CanFax Report

29

The Real World

35

Canadian Cattlemen Association President’s Report

36

Social News

30 Sustainability in the Beef Supply Chain

Needs Engaged Producers

37

CJLA News

38

CLA Office Update - French

32 10 Ways to Use Social Media in the

Cattle Industry

43

Masterfeeds Nutrition

18 The Country of 1000 Welcomes

International Limousin Congress 2016 in Ireland

22 Future of the Breed Dominic & Karlee Sklivas True North Limousin

28 Getting It Right Makes All the Difference:

Contemporary Grouping For Limousin

Breeders Part 1 of 2

39 Canadian Beef Industry Conference

SHOW & SALE RESULTS

SHOWS

40 CJLA Impact Show

SALES

54 Cattle Call Sale LV_Fall15.indd 33

47 A Breeder’s... Veterinary Perspective 48

Livestock Gentec

50

Provincial News

50 British Columbia News 51 Alberta News 52 Saskatchewan News 53 Manitoba News Limousin Voice Fall Issue 2015 33 54 Ontario News 55 Quebec News 56 Maritime News

Proudly Published By: Todays Publishing Inc. 4 3342 Millar Avenue Saskatoon, SK S7K 7G9 Ph: 306-934-9696 Fax: 306-934-0744 info@tbarc.com www.limousinvoice.net 4 LV.indd 4

10/17/2016 10:29:03 AM

HIGHLAND BOSTON WATCH FOR HIM AT AGRIBITION

Co-owner: Double 4 Farming Ltd.

Thank you to the buyers for your support of the 2016

CATTLE CALL THE SALE AVERAGED $9264 (27.5 LOTS) FOR A GROSS OF $254,750 Special thanks to our buyers: Laird Edwards (Lot 2) Dick & Bonnie Koetsier (Lot 2A) Jack Steen (Lots 19 and 20) Ken & Julie Davis (Lot 25)

LOT 2

LOT 2A

LOT 20

S AV E T H E D AT E S F O R

THE

HIGHLAND BULL SALE M A R C H 1 8 , 2 0 1 7

THE CATTLE CALL AUGUST 11, 2017 LOT 19

LOT 25

HIGHLAND STOCK FARM

Rob & Marci Matthews | 403.585.8660 Amanda & Chris Haywood | 403.470.1812 highlandstockfarms@davincibb.net highlandstockfarm.ca

5 LV.indd 5

10/17/2016 10:29:04 AM

EXCELLENCE SALE

LIMOUSIN LIM-FLEX ANGUS YEARLING & 2-YR OLDS BULLS & FEMALES

At The Ranch– Westlock AB

Ron & Barb Miller Cody & Amy Miller codymiller8@gmail.com 780-349-0644

Most talked about bull at Denver where he was the lead off bull in People’s choice, winning pen of bulls. Proven genetics. Stylish, Balanced and big quartered with a huge scrotal.

6 LV.indd 6

10/17/2016 10:29:08 AM

Delaney and Deanna Boon 306.858.7609 ddboon@sasktel.net

Cattle

Box 181 :: Lucky Lake, SK :: S0L 1Z0 306.858.2130 www.bbarcattle.com www.facebook.com/bbarlimousinc.om

Eric Boon and Terra Chalack 306.280.8795 bbarcattleco@gmail.com 7

LV.indd 7

10/17/2016 10:29:09 AM

Real Cattle - Real World - Real Results At Amaglen, we are in our 35th year in the Limousin business and the family has been in purebred cattle for over 80 years. We produce real cattle that work in the real world, yielding real results.

Pedigree

Personality

Our herd is based on a solid mix of proven bloodlines while always experimenting with cutting edge genetics to reach our goals.

We have been keeping docility records for 23 years, before it became practice. We cull hard for this trait resulting in a herd of quiet cattle.

Wulfs Zebra Fish

weaning day

Performance We have had bulls on test since the beginning, with numerous high indexing or high selling Limo bulls, including highest indexing bull of all breeds on test (550+ bulls) and the highest selling bull of all breeds at the Manitoba Bull Test Station.

Our performance is proven.

Amaglen Classic Stetson 2016 High Selling All breeds

Ian and Bonnie Hamilton Amanda and Clint Seward Box 55, Darlingford, MB R0G 0L0 8 LV.indd 8

Program We expect our cows to prove themselves, raising calves on milk and grass - no creep feed. Our females are moderate framed, friendly, maternal, easy keepers that are expected to produce.

We are a CLA Platinum Elite Herd. What you measure, you can manage. We also have many trait leading cows including the #1 Milk Leader in Canada, Amaglen Mercury HNH 17M. We raise trait leading bulls.

HNH 32T & Amaglen canadian sunrise

One of the 7 Platinum Elite Herds in Canada What You Measure, You can Manage!

Follow us on Facebook

Ph: 204-246-2312 Cell: 204-823-1240 amaglen@inetlink.ca

www.amaglenlimousin.ca 10/17/2016 10:29:15 AM

Richmond Ranch Limousin - Lim-Flex - Black Angus - Red Angus

Where quality isn't just a goal, it's a standard.

Xceller SRD 137X

SRD 6X

SRD 5Z

Zodiac SRD 29Z

SRD 69W

SRD 49Z

Bull & Female Sale Friday March 10, 2017 at The Ranch Rumsey, AB Crusader SRD 53C The Richmond Family Jim & Stephanie (403) 323-8433 Tiffany (403) 740-3748 Samantha & Brandon (403) 741-7262

www.richmondranch.com 9 LV.indd 9

10/17/2016 10:29:22 AM



B Bar Slate 17C

CE: 7 BW: 1.0 WW: 67 YW: 99

Tim & Lois Andrew Greg & Linnea Andrew 403-854-6335 403-633-6337 tlandrew@netago.ca glandrew@eidnet.org

• Homo Polled • Leptin TT • Vet Measured 40 cm Scrotal Co-owned with B Bar Cattle

Limited Semen Offered at the 2016 New Year’s Resolution Sale



10 LV.indd 10

10/17/2016 10:29:32 AM

December 3, 2016 • Cookstown, ON Red Maple Corn Syrup 13C

Red Maple Chanel #5 10C

Sire: Wulfs Trailblazer 2329T Dam: Clark’s Zap of Creativity 16Z (Willard) DOB: March 24, 2015 Due February 23 to Clarks Cracker 508C BW: 2.9 WW: 61 YW: 81 MK: 24

Sire: Wulfs Zion 9167Z Dam: Anchor B Ariel 23A (“THE BOSS”) DOB: March 7, 2015 Due approx. late March to Clarks Cracker 508C BW: 0.7 WW: 67 YW: 94 MK: 29

Red Maple Duffy 16D

Red Maple Dynasty 9D

Red Maple Damn Cute 4D

Sire: Wulfs Zion 9167Z Dam: Wulfs Zuffy 2431Z (Uppermost) DOB: March 17, 2016 BW: 1.6 WW: 66 YW: 99 MK: 29

Sire: Wulfs Amazing Bull T341A Dam: Anchor B Ariel 23A (“THE BOSS”) DOB: February 19, 2016 BW: 0.9 WW: 66 YW: 93 MK: 31

Sire: Wulfs Willard 5115W Dam: Red Maple You’re Cute 41Y (Timberwulf) DOB: January 15, 2016 BW: 2.2 WW: 62 YW: 89 MK: 26

11 LV.indd 11

10/17/2016 10:29:43 AM

Wulfs Compliant K687C ET

Homo Polled Wulfs Willard 5115W x Wulfs Soloist 6284S Bw: 3.3 Ww: 85 Yw: 109 Milk: 40 Tm: 82

We are selling semen packs in The Colours of Autumn Sale 26406 470th Avenue Morris, MN 56267 Phone: 320.392.5802 ax: 320.392.5319 Email: Wul@WulCattle.com

4344 Hy. 97 South uesnel, BC V2J 6P4 Rob's Cell: 250.991.8229 Erin's Cell: 250.991.6654 Email: erin@pvlimousin.com

David Clark 2280 McCullough Rd Port Hope, ON L1A 3V7 Phone: 905.786.2304 clarkcattle1@hotmail.ca

Don’t lose the

Watch for them on the show road this fall and at the Royal Elite Sale November 5, 2016



to this future Herd Sire!

'

Sire: MARYVALE FEDERA 0067F Dam: HOLLEE’S BLUE IVY

'

Sire: HOLLEES YUCATAN Dam: TMF ZARKANA 323Z

Holli & Brian Lee Box 6179 Neals Drive F: 705.340.520529 Janetville, ON L0B 1K0 Brian’s Cell: 905.447.5173 P: 705.340.5944 hmacsand@hotmail.com

12 LV.indd 12

10/17/2016 10:30:01 AM

Clarks Cassandra 522C

Clarks Dreamboat 601D

Selling pick of 2017 calf crop

Koyle Apache x Anchor B Allie Bred to Wulfs Archbald X624A Homo Polled • Due Late February Bw: 3.5 Ww: 65 Yw: 86 Milk: 26

Carpenters Cobalt x Koyle Black Bonnet Born February 20, 2016 Homo Polled Test Pending Bw: 3.7 Ww: 66 Yw: 92 Milk: 31

Clarks Career Gal 521C

Clarks Drop Dead Gorgeous 603D

Wulfs Usheila 8283U

Wulfs Xclusive x Wulfs Sicily Bred to Wulfs Archbald X624A Homo Polled • Due Late February Bw: 1.9 Ww: 64 Yw: 100 Milk: 23

Wulfs Xtractor x Wulfs Three Rivers Homo Polled • Born March 3, 2016 Bw: 1.6 Ww: 67 Yw: 96 Milk: 27

Wulfs Nobel Prize x Miss Wulfette 9077J Bw: 2.5 Ww: 65 Yw: 80 Milk: 33 Tm: 66

Clarks Cute Glossy 581c

Clarks Calm Cute Julie 560C

Wulfs Yonkers x Royal Glossy Bred to Wulfs Archbald X624A Homo Polled • Due Late February Bw: 4.2 Ww: 66 Yw: 91 Milk: 35

Wulfs Accumulator x Maple Line Julie Bred to Wulfs Archbald X624A Due first of March Homo Polled • Homo Black • Limflex Bw: 0.4 Ww: 60 Yw: 96 Milk: 22

LV.indd 13

Selling choice of Usheila’s embyros mated to: Wulfs Complaint Wulfs Xclusive Wulfs Willard

Sale Managed By:

Sales Consultant:

Auctioneer:

Indian River Cattle Company 1870 Settlers Line, RR1 Indian River, ON Billy's Cell: 705.761.0896 Jaunita's Cell: 705.772.2697 ircc@nexicom.net

Venture Livestock Enterprises Wayne Burgess Box 1654, Carstairs, AB Phone: 403.813.8416 vle.burgess@gmail.com

Carl Wright Phone: 519.369.7489

David Clark 2280 McCullough Rd Port Hope, ON L1A 3V7 Phone: 9 05.786.2304 clarkcattle1@hotmail.ca 13 10/17/2016 10:30:09 AM

14 LV.indd 14

10/17/2016 10:30:16 AM

15 LV.indd 15

10/17/2016 10:30:20 AM

CLA office update office or in the cattle industry in general we are all trying to do more with less. We must always keep improving, growing, and doing new things both in our operations and as a breed association. The limiting factors always seem to be time, labour, and the funds available to do all the things we want. It is up to us to find ways to be more efficient with our preciously limited resources and come up with creative ways to make the biggest impact with minimal investment. At the CLA we will continue to do this as we come up with new ideas and initiatives that will propel our breed forward in terms of commercial market share, genetic improvement, and membership support. Please read on for some important updates from the CLA office going into the fall and winter.

T

he air is crisp, the fields are abuzz with harvest, calves are being weaned and cattle are being prepared for the fall show and sale season. Fall must be upon us! Another summer has flown by at record speed and what a wonderful summer it was for the Limousin breed!

Numerous conferences and learning events such as the Beef Improvement Federation Annual Convention, Livestock Gentec Field Day, and the inaugural Canadian Beef Industry Conference took place over the months of June, July and August. We thoroughly enjoyed hosting international guests this summer and touring them to various operations. This time out at Limousin operations provided the perfect opportunity to start capturing footage for the Limousin promotional video that I will be putting together in the New Year. In keeping with our growing international promotion and relations we were very pleased to send Brandon Hertz and Braeden Weppler to Australia for the month of August on the Australian/Canadian Limousin Youth Exchange. Applications for the 2017 trip to Australia are now available on the CLA website under Juniors. The deadline to apply for this once in a lifetime opportunity is October 31st. This is also the deadline to apply for CJLA monetary scholarships. We will be welcoming a young Australian to Canada once again in November as part of this exchange program.

The Canadian Limousin Association held our annual general meeting in conjunction with the Canadian Junior Limousin Association Impact Show the weekend of July 29th – 31st in Lloydminster, AB/SK. It was a fantastic weekend of celebrating the Limousin breed and expanding our horizons. The weekend was complimented by the Alberta Limousin Association Field Day and CLA Cattlemen’s Evening which welcomed many commercial bull buyers to take part in the Limousin comradery. The summer was capped off with the International Limousin Congress which took place in Ireland. Ireland welcomed the largest ILC delegation on record to their beautiful country for eight very full days of tours and networking. You can read all about what the 26 Canadian delegates got to see and do while there in the “The Country of 100 Thousand Welcomes: International Limousin Congress 2016 in Ireland” article further in this issue.

As our focus switches from summer activities to the busy fall season we are reminded that everyone’s time is precious, more so now than ever. Whether on your operation, in the CLA

Welcome AJ Smith to CLA Office Staff Dallas Wise and Laura Ecklund have been very capably handling Registry and Member Services part-time alongside General Manager, Tessa Verbeek. Laura welcomed a new baby this fall and therefore will be taking 12 months off of her CLA duties. She will be carrying on in the capacity of CJLA Coordinator during this time. We are very pleased to announce that we welcomed AJ Smith to the CLA staff on September 26th.

Purebred cattle are nothing new to AJ as her family has a purebred Simmental herd near Carstairs, AB. She has a passion for cattle and is a familiar face around many shows in western Canada. We wish Laura all the best with her growing family and look forward to having AJ as part of the team available to assist CLA members.

Genotyping Funding Ceased Earlier in the year, the Canadian Beef Breeds Council (CBBC) secured funding from the Canadian Agriculture Adaptation Program (CAAP) for the genotyping of Canadian beef animals. The Canadian Limousin Association was allocated a portion of these funds based on registration numbers. This funding translated into low-density and high-density (GGP-LD and GGP-HD) genotyping, in addition to some “addon” tests such as horned/polled, coat colour and Protoporphyria being made available to CLA members at a 50% discount for the past few months. This has been a fantastic cost savings to CLA members and has allowed over 450 animals in the Canadian Limousin population to be genotyped which will aid in breed improvement efforts. Unfortunately, the funding for this period has been entirely used up, therefore genotyping (as well as add-on tests) will no longer be at a 50% discount. The up to date DNA testing fee schedule can be found on the CLA website under Association.

Please remember your cattle must be recorded or registered with the Association before you can request DNA testing. You must request the testing you want from the Association before you send DNA sample to Delta Genomics. We will send you the paperwork that must accompany the DNA sample(s). DNA results can always be searched on an animal’s profile on DigitalBeef under the DNA tab. The CLA staff will only contact you if there is a problem with your DNA result, otherwise, you will not hear from us if all is well. You can also now download and print a complete DNA testing summary on any animal – simply click “Printable Testing Summary” under

the DNA tab of the animal you wish to print the document for.

Get Your Limousin Tags for Fall Limousin tag sales are picking up! 14,675 tags have been sold and that number is growing. The Canadian Cattle Identification Agency (CCIA) launched a tag ordering webstore in February which allows Limousin producers to order our pink Limousin branded CCIA tags directly from the webstore themselves. Detailed instructions on how to order online are available on the CLA website and CCIA staff are available to assist our Limousin producers. Please remember that Limousin CCIA tags will be mandatory in 2016 born calves to receive Show Cattle of the Year points in 2016. Please note if your animals already have an approved (generic) CCIA tag, tampering with and/or cutting them out is prohibited by Canadian Food Inspection Agency regulations. The CLA show point rules begin with 2016 born calves and beyond. Older animals, already identified with a CCIA tag, will earn points as before, without having a Limousin CCIA tag.

Member Survey Results A member survey was circulated electronically to members during the spring and summer and we collected 91 responses. The results were reviewed by the CLA board of directors at our summer board meeting. Some of the outcomes of the discussions generated will be put into action at our winter board meeting where we plan to have a strategic planning session. We have also selected a few specific comments to include anonymously in each upcoming newsletter with a response from the CLA – we’re referring to it as the CLA Membership Q & A! You can also watch for graph results from the survey in the October newsletter.

DigitalBeef Training We know that DigitalBeef training is a key area that has been lacking for CLA members. In an effort to better support our members in learning to use DigitalBeef we are currently working on instructional videos. They will be made available as soon as they are ready. Live webinars on specific topics are also in the works. Watch the CLA newsletter, website and social media for dates and times.

National Limousin Show & Sale The Manitoba Limousin Association is hosting the 2016 National Limousin Show & Sale at the Manitoba Ag Ex in Brandon, MB. The National Limousin Show begins at 10:00 am on October 28th and will be followed by the National Limousin Sale at 6:30 pm that evening. Come join the fun and Limousin fellowship!

Whole Herd Enrolment (WHE) Deadline January 15, 2017 Information concerning your 2017 WHE will be mailed to you in October. If you are an online user we remind you that you will not receive any paper forms for your inventory. Please remember that Whole Herd Enrolment is due no later than January 15, 2017. Online users may find instructions on how to post their inventory on our website under DigitalBeef.

Kindest regards, Tessa Verbeek CLA General Manager

16 LV.indd 16

10/17/2016 10:30:25 AM

CLA PRESIDENT’S REPORT

by Terry Hepper CLA President

A

nother busy s u m m e r has passed and I had the opportunity to attend two major events.

The first was the inaugural Canadian Beef Industry Conference in Calgary. It was a huge success and quite a few Limousin breeders were present in one capacity or another. A wide array of participants attended which allowed valuable interaction and sharing of ideas. It was a very worthwhile and successful event and I would encourage you to attend next year. I also attended the International Limousin Congress (ILC) in Ireland where a large Canadian contingency was present.

We toured many

farms and several shows and were treated royally. Limousin cattle are among the largest beef breed in Ireland and are used extensively in cross breeding. The high yield and superior carcass make them sought after by the market. In 2018, the USA will be hosting ILC in Colorado. It would sure be nice to see another large Canadian group of breeders attend. In 2020 France will be the host country.

The National Junior Show was held in Lloydminster, Alberta with juniors from five provinces participating.

Our junior members displayed a very strong set of cattle and competed in many events outside the ring. The junior coordinator job will now be held by a CLA office member. Please join me in welcoming Laura Ecklund to this position. She brings a wealth of knowledge from her previous experiences with junior events and the breed. A big thank you to the

organizers, volunteers and parents that took the time and effort to make this junior show a huge success.

Manitoba will be hosting the event next year - stay tuned for details.

The annual general meeting was held in conjunction with the junior show. Joe Epperly from the North American Limousin Foundation and John Crowley from the Canadian Beef Breeds Council gave presentations.

Joe Cooper from Nova Scotia was elected to the board of directors.

Joe’s passion for the Limousin breed along with his business knowledge make him a good fit and provides representation from the Maritimes.

I would like to welcome Joe and to thank Lynn Combest, our single retiring board member, for his time on the board. Lynn’s knowledge and experience will be missed.

I look forward to the many scheduled events this fall and the opportunity to hear from our members.

CLA Directors

#13 - 4101, 19th Street N.E. Calgary, Alberta T2E 7C4 Phone: 1-866-886-1605 or (403) 253-7309 Fax: (403) 253-1704

www.limousin.com

CLA Executive Committee PRESIDENT Terry Hepper Phone: (306) 781-4628 Email: thepper@yourlink.ca PAST-PRESIDENT Brian Lee Phone: (905) 447-5173 Email: hmacsand@hotmail.com

VICE PRESIDENT Eric Boon Phone: (306) 280-8795 Email: bbarcattleco@gmail.com TREASURER Bill Zwambag Phone: (519) 287-3219 Email: bzwambag@execulink.com

CLA Staff GENERAL MANAGER Tessa Verbeek Phone: (403) 636-1066 Email: tverbeek@limousin.com

LV.indd 17

REGISTRY/MEMBER SERVICES Dallas Wise & AJ Smith Phone: (403) 253-7309 Email: limousin@limousin.com CJLA Co-ordinator Laura Ecklund Email: cjla@limousin.com

Erin Kishkan Phone: (250) 747-3836 Email: kishkan@quesnelbc.com Tim Andrew Phone: (403) 854-6335 Email: tlandrew@netago.ca Jim Richmond Phone: (403) 368-2103 Email: stephanie@richmondranch.com

Mark Angus Phone: (204) 281-5099 Email: jaymarandy@gmail.com Matthew Heleniak Phone: (519) 537-1451 Email: matth@norpacbeef.com Joe Cooper Phone: (902) 893-0744 Email: j.cooper@balamore.com

Provincial Association Presidents MARITIMES ALBERTA John-Calvin Siddall Steve Lingley Phone: (902) 664-8008 Phone: (780) 806-0347 Email: jfsiddall@nsac.ca Email: lingleylimousin@gmail.com QUEBEC BRITISH COLUMBIA Serge Dethier Erin Kishkan Phone: (450) 454-6456 Phone: (250) 747-3836 Email: dianejoly19@hotmail.com Email: kishkan@quesnelbc.com MANITOBA ONTARIO Bill Campbell Murray Shaw Phone: (204) 776-2322 Phone: (519) 864-4030 Email:jaymarandy@gmail.com Email: bear.creek.farm@hotmail.com SASKATCHEWAN Rhett Jones Phone: (306) 629-3200 Email: jonescattlecompany@hotmail.com 17 10/17/2016 10:30:29 AM

ILC 2016 IN IRELAND

THE COUNTRY OF 100 tHOUSAND WELCOMES: ILC 2016 IN IRELAND

by Tessa Verbeek, Images provided by agriimages.co.uk Š

B

reathtaking landscapes of lush green fields filled with cattle welcomed the Canadian Limousin Association delegation as we arrived in Ireland for the International Limousin Congress August 20th to 27th, 2016. It was clear from the time we landed in Dublin that we were very welcome and about to be treated to a very full 8 days of tours, education and socializing.

ILC delegates were taken by bus for the hour and a half drive west from Dublin to Athlone. This was where we got our first taste of the vast, beautiful countryside of Ireland. The festivities kicked off with the opening reception the evening of Saturday, August 20th.

CLA President, Terry Hepper, was tasked with carrying the Canadian flag during the flag ceremony where each country

CLA General Manager Tessa Verbeek presents the Irish Limousin Cattle Society with a token of appreciation for hosting ILC 2016

in attendance was introduced. The countries in attendance included Australia, Argentina, Belgium, Canada, Chile, Columbia, Czech Republic, Denmark, France, Germany, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg, Mexico, New Caleonia, New Zealand, Scotland, South Africa, United Kingdom, and the United States of America. We enjoyed an evening of making new acquaintances and catching up with old friends. Many of the ILC attendees have rarely missed an ILC and the trip offers a chance to reconnect with Limousin friends from around the globe, while other attendees were experiencing the electricity of ILC for the very first time! Canada was very well represented with 26 delegates in attendance.

The technical conference took place on Sunday, August 21st at the Sheraton Hotel where some of the delegates were staying. Due to the large number of delegates in attendance we actually had to split up into three different hotels in Athlone. Canada is not the only country focusing efforts on sustainable production, as the opening presentation at the technical conference given by Joe Burke of Bord Bia was about Origin Green.

Origin Green is the only sustainability program in the world that operates on a national scale, uniting government, the private sector and food producers through Bord Bia, the Irish Food Board.

Independently verified, it enables Ireland’s farmers and producers to set and achieve measurable sustainability

The Canadian delegation at ILC 2016 (missing from photo Lorne & Florence Bodell)

18 LV.indd 18

10/17/2016 10:30:32 AM

targets – reducing environmental impact, serving local communities more effectively and protecting the extraordinarily rich natural resources that Ireland enjoys. We then enjoyed presentations from Professor Donagh Berry of Teagasc and Dr. Andrew Cromie from ICBF. Prof. Berry gave an informative overview of how genomics is being used to advance cattle breeding while Dr. Cromie spoke about delivering genetic improvement through the Irish Cattle Breeding Federation (ICBF). ICBF was formally set up in 1998, and is a non-profit organization charged with providing cattle breeding information services to the Irish dairy and beef industries through a national cattle breeding database. Information flows in and out of the ICBF database from/ to beef and dairy farms, herdbooks, genomic labs, veterinarians, AI companies, auction marts, slaughter plants, milk recording, milk co-ops, farm relief service, industry advisors, and the genetic evaluation system. This presentation was highly interesting to myself as the concept of a Canadian Beef Improvement Network (CBIN) is currently being explored to provide the analysis and information tools required to deliver optimal contributions from genetic improvement to the Canadian beef industry in a consolidated and efficient manner.

Professor Andrea Biondi of INGENERA introduced us to TMVet3s linear scoring technology and Pierre Berrechet of INRA, France lead us through a presentation on validation of TMVet3s

3D animal measuring using French Limousin. The afternoon sessions included an update by Alison Glasgow on the many advances the British Limousin Cattle Society is making as well as an update by Sebastian Stamane on the advances the French Limousin Society is undertaking. Joe Epperly, Assistant Executive Director of the North American Limousin Association presented on the adoption of genomics in North American evaluation, including our multi-breed IGS genetic evaluation, and strategies on the improvement of feed efficiency.

The afternoon concluded with a visit to a commercial herd that was using Limousin to cross with Belgian Blue for the Italian export market.

Our second full day began with a drive west and south of Athlone to tour the Drummin Pedigree Herd where we saw a herd of very thick Limousin females, the show string the Drummin team were preparing, and we were treated to delicious food. We then made the short drive to Bunratty where we had lunch at Durty Nelly’s and spent time touring through the Bunratty Castle before heading north to the west coast of Ireland where we were awestruck by the beauty of the Cliffs of Moher. The weather for most of our trip was a mix of rain, drizzle and some sunshine – fortunately on this day we were able to enjoy the Cliffs under sunny skies. Before long we were back on the bus again, this time for a two hour drive along part of the “Wild Atlantic Way”, through Galway and up to Glenamaddy. A Limousin

The 27th National Show took place in Cillin Hill Livestock Mart in Kilkenny

show hosted by the North West Club was taking place at Glenamaddy Equestrian Centre and this was our first look into how Limousin cattle are fit and shown in Ireland. Limousin “soap” is applied to the animal’s hair to colour and set it and then it is brushed in. The showmen and women wear white jackets and nearly all animals are shown with a large leather or rope halter and rope attached to a nose ring. The evening finished off with a supper and small dance at the show.

After spending the morning at our leisure in Athlone, we departed on Tuesday for the Newbridge Silverware Visitor Centre. The group then headed south east to the Ardlea Elite Pedigree

Roundhill Pedigree Herd

19 LV.indd 19

10/17/2016 10:30:35 AM

suckler cow and the breed is thriving in that country. It was also interesting to note that the average herd size in Ireland was 16 head. However there are a large number of purebred breeders, commercial buyers, and dairy herds that use Limousin bulls leading to a very large national herd of Limousin cattle.

Judge Duncan Hazard of England looks over the class at the National Show

Herd where we were amazed by this exceptional herd and the Beechill Farm at which the cattle were kept.

Delegates enjoyed a walk along the many paddocks in which the cattle were segregated into various groups.

Thorough information booklets were available to peruse through as you viewed each group of cattle. At the end of our walk everyone had worked up an appetite and we thoroughly enjoyed a magnificent beef blade supper and live Irish musical entertainment under a tastefully decorated marquee tent.

At the halfway point of our trip we took in the Virginia Show in Cavan, which was like a local community fair with an all-breed cattle show, horse and dog shows, baking contest, tradeshow and local vendor fair, and many other neat attractions that made for a very interesting morning. Cavan was the furthest northern destination in which we stopped. In the afternoon we were taken into the city of Dublin to the Guinness Storehouse where we toured the multi-level building and tested out the theory that Guinness tastes better in Ireland by enjoying a pint in the glass Gravity Bar which overlooked the city

below. That evening we were taken to Kilkenny which would be our homebase for the remainder of the trip. The group was once again split into four different hotels, and Canada must have drawn the long straw, as we were all put up in the elegant Lyrath Estate Hotel. The gardens and grounds were beautifully manicured and the rooms were outstanding.

On the final day of tours delegates had the option of going on a rare tour of the Coolmore Stud where some of the world’s most famous racehorses are bred or touring the Jameson Distillery.

Afterwards, we enjoyed a lunch at the Blarney Hotel and some of the group went to the famous Blarney Castle to kiss the stone! The afternoon was rounded out with a tour of the Roundhill Pedigree Herd which also had an impressive set of females and calves to show us. We enjoyed a casual barbeque supper and entertainment before returning to Kilkenny. The Limousin cattle we saw in Ireland were highly muscled and long bodied, however they tended to be larger framed than what we are used to in Canada. It was refreshing to see that Limousin is Ireland’s number one

The entertainment at the closing gala banquet was phenomenal

The 27th National Show was held in Kilkenny. Both a purebred and commercial show took place and it was clear the exhibitors had brought out the best of the best for this prestigious show.

The trip concluded on Saturday, August 27th with the ILC Elite Sale and Closing Gala Banquet, and what a conclusion it was! The banquet supper was excellent and it was followed by musical and dance entertainment that put a very memorable finish on the week. During the week there were two ILC meetings in which Bernard Roux of France was elected President of ILC and it was determined that France would host ILC in 2020. As ILC is a biannual event, the next ILC will be held July 19-27, 2018 in Colorado, USA. Canadian’s are welcomed and encouraged to attend and we hope and anticipate that some international attendees will take the opportunity to make an extended trip into Canada to tour our herds while they are in North America.

On behalf of myself and the entire Canadian delegation that took part in ILC 2016 in Ireland I would like to extend my gratitude to the Irish Limousin Cattle Society and all of the staff and volunteers who worked tirelessly to put on an outstanding event. They certainly made us feel very welcome and treated us to outstanding cattle, tours, and hospitality!

Singers and dancers were even performing right on our dinner tables

20 LV.indd 20

10/17/2016 10:30:38 AM

Friday, October 28 :: Brandon, MB

Tuesday, November 15 :: Red Deer, AB

Thursday, November 24 :: Regina, SK

Friday, December 2 :: Olds, AB

Wednesday, December 7 :: Lloydminster, SK

Saturday, December 31 :: Olds, AB

Scott Bohrson 403.370.3010

Geoff Anderson 306.731.7921

Colton Hamilton 403.507.5416

Martin Bohrson 306.220.7901

Darryl Snider 780.385.5561

Rob Voice 306.361.6775

21 LV.indd 21

10/17/2016 10:30:39 AM

Future Of The Breed TRUE NORTH LIMOUSIN

by Tessa Verbeek

D

ominic and Karlee Sklivas are some of the finest young Limousin breeders I have had the privilege of meeting. Proud Canadians with strong family ties, accomplished in their athletic and work careers, who enjoy spending time in the outdoors and working with their growing herd of Limousin cattle. Their passion for their cattle and the Limousin breed is evident, and their optimism and enthusiasm for the future is infectious!

In July of 2016 I took a pair of Australian Limousin breeders to tour the Sklivas’ newly named ‘True North Limousin’ operation near James River, Alberta, just north of Sundre. We toured their impressive herd and had a wonderful visit and as we left, our Australian guests commented on how proud and excited I must be to have such wonderful young people getting started in our breed. I couldn’t agree more – and I must say that it is people like the Sklivas’, who have chosen this breed completely on their own accord because they saw the value in the breed’s merits, that make me most excited about the future of our great breed!

Dominic & Karlee Sklivas

Dominic and Karlee grew up on opposite sides of Canada. Dominic comes from Rawdon, Quebec, about an hour and half north of Montreal.

As a teenager Dominic worked on a dairy farm, feedlot and briefly for a bison operation. After high school Dominic studied Farm Management and Technology at McGill’s McDonald College. In the summer of 2007 Dom decided to “temporarily” move to Alberta to see a different style of farming from Quebec’s primarily

dairy industry, as well as work in the oil patch to fund his goal of having his own farm. Dom started working on drilling rigs when he moved to Alberta and on his weeks off would work for Terry Silbernagel near Elnora, Alberta.

This is where he was first exposed to Limousin cattle and was impressed by what he saw. Dom still works in the oil patch and has done various jobs in the drilling industry from leasehand to drilling fluids technician to more recently driller, but now during his free

Dominic appreciates the many merits of the Limousin breed including the quiet disposition of today’s Limousin cattle

22 LV.indd 22

10/17/2016 10:30:41 AM

the girl he had been searching for all these years!

True North Limousin has formed as a result of female purchases from some of Canada’s leading purebred operations

time he works at progressing Karlee and his own Limousin operation.

Karlee grew up on a commercial cow/ calf operation in the James River area, north of Sundre, Alberta. Growing up, her time was split between helping on the farm and athletics. Karlee is a very accomplished all around athlete but hockey was her biggest passion and she received a hockey scholarship to the Ivy League school, Cornell University in Ithaca, New York. At Cornell Karlee competed in NCAA Division 1 for hockey and helped lead the team to two ECAC League Championships, two Ivy League Championships and two berths at the Frozen four. During

her time at Cornell Karlee studied Natural Resources and received a Bachelor of Science in 2011. Following graduation, Karlee landed a job with Shell Canada and is currently working as the Environmental Coordinator for Shell’s Central Alberta operations.

“Since I went to school out in New York and Dom is from Quebec everyone thinks we met out east. However, as luck would have it during one of my summer vacations while I was in school Dom and I met at ‘Williams Roberts’ or as its more commonly known Billy Bobs in Red Deer,” recalls Karlee. When Dom found out that Karlee was an athletic farm girl he quickly knew he had found

Dom’s goal when he came to Alberta was to make enough money to have his own cattle operation, and in 2011 the two decided it was time to start their own herd. Dom and Karlee each bought six heifers of their own; Karlee bought six high percentage black Salers, and Dom bought six Limousin influenced red heifers. Rather than purchase a bull the first year they decided to A.I. the heifers. This was their first interaction with the purebred industry and they reached out to Tim Matthews who did the inseminating for them. The following year in 2012 they purchased their first purebreds from Jim and Stephanie Richmond of Richmond Ranch. They selected ten cow/calf pairs, seven of which ended up having heifer calves. Through heifer retention and purchases from Campbell’s, Combest’s, and Monea’s dispersals they have worked their way up to their current purebred herd of forty-five registered animals in addition to twenty-five commercial cattle consisting of five of Karlee’s original Salers and many of their Limousin cross offspring. The entire operation of pasture, hay and crop is on rented land in the James River and Sundre area.

Dom and Karlee were originally drawn to the power and the muscling ability of the Limousin breed but quickly grew a real appreciation for the maternal qualities and the vigor of the calves.

Additionally, in the area of west central Alberta where the Sklivas’ reside, Limousin is not a very common breed of cattle, and this young couple views this as an opportunity for growth.

“As for the dominant color of our herd,” Dominic maintains, “there’s something sexy about red!”

Nano & Lauren Moody from Australia visit with Dominic & Karlee alongside CLA General Manager, Tessa Verbeek

When they first purchased Limousin cattle their family and friends were skeptical about what their disposition would be like. However, since their family and friends have started spending more time around their cattle they quickly realized how docile and easy to handle they really are. Karlee’s father has since purchased a couple of bulls from them and has been really impressed with the Limousin sired 23

LV.indd 23

10/17/2016 10:30:44 AM

Another critical area of concern for the pair is their time availability. Managing two different off-farm work schedules presents Dom and Karlee with the challenge of finding the adequate and necessary time to perform what needs to be done with the cows, crop and feed.

The Sklivas’ see value in using the pink Limousin tags in their cattle

calves on his commercial cow herd saying, “they are well muscled and are significantly thicker in the rear end.”

“Those who have been around our cattle quickly have a changed of perception of Limousin cattle’s temperament stereotype, and we continue to try and introduce cattlemen to today’s breed of Limousin,” says Dominic and according to Karlee it’s not just the qualities of the breed that have them hooked, “I have enjoyed the sense of community associated the Limousin ‘world’. Whether it is going to a bull sale or stopping to look at someone’s operation everyone has been very welcoming and supportive along the way.”

Although their dreams for their operation are big, it has not been an easy road to get to where they are and they continue to face the challenges that many young producers are up against in terms of securing land and finding the time to devote to the operation amidst off-farm jobs.

“Our biggest challenge starting out and still is, is land availability. As we continue to search for the right place to call home for ‘True North Limousin’ we operate entirely on rented land,” says Dominic, “For every additional piece of land that we are able to rent comes the challenge of making it work for us, putting in corrals/portable handling system, ensuring availability of an adequate water source, and fencing. Some years this work has been carried out only to have circumstances change and not have that land available the following year and have to do it all over again. While we are trying to increase herd size we must first ensure that we have the land base to accommodate that.”

“It always seems as though we are up against a tight deadline with every task.

Add weather into the equation and every hour available becomes quite critical.” Karlee shares, “An example of how our work schedule influences our herd is our calving season; we have decided to calve in mid March due to the oilfield’s ‘breakup’ slow season, where it allows Dom to be home during this crucial time on the farm.”

They believe a greater knowledge of soil management and crop production practices would be of great benefit. Applying this knowledge to their hay, crop and pasture land in hopes of maximizing production while limiting unnecessary financial overtures is one way they feel they can capitalize on their limited secure land

“What we have come to realize through our different accomplishments is that if you want to be successful in anything you have to be willing to work harder than your competitor and continue to be pushed outside your comfort zone, to learn and take on new challenges.”

Karlee shares their desire to continue to improve their herd and their business, “When you become complacent, you are no longer progressing.”

This same principle holds true for both Dom and Karlee whether on farm or off farm. They take pride in their work ethic and continue to search for new ways to grow their operation and set themselves apart from the rest.

“In addition to marketing towards a higher genetic market within the purebred industry, we feel that marketing towards the commercial producer is a great opportunity as well,” says Dominic, “We believe that including Limousin into most commercial breeding programs would greatly enhance the vigor and strengthen production on crossbred cattle.”

“We believe that including Limousin into most commercial breeding programs would greatly enhance the vigor and strengthen production on crossbred cattle.” base. In terms of marketing their calves they would like to develop a reputation of raising consistent quality, powerful cattle that backgrounding and feedlot operations seek out as they have all the qualities they are looking for in their finished product.

Their list of goals is long, however first among them is to secure their own land to have a home base. They intend to continue to grow their operation by focusing on raising powerful ranch cattle. Placing a great importance on raising quality heifers for retention purposes is helping them to reach this goal. Increasing their A.I. program in order to diversify and improve the genetic make up of their herd is also in the plans for the future. Additionally, once they are more established in numbers they have plans to grow their sales of breeding stock.

In a time where the next generation is shying away from getting into the cattle industry it is tremendous to have such a passionate young couple getting started in the Limousin breed.

It takes a lot of hard work, requires a lot of capital, and the margins are slim when first starting in the cattle business.

However, Dominic and Karlee are a true example that if you persevere through the initial challenges the opportunities are endless.

“For the both of us growing up it was always a goal of ours to have our own cattle operation. Now when we walk through our herd and see what we have accomplished together thus far on a tight schedule and budget, we can’t help but be proud of all we have achieved. We are even more excited about what’s yet to come.”

24 LV.indd 24

10/17/2016 10:30:46 AM

25 LV.indd 25

10/17/2016 10:30:47 AM

canfax market summary

by Brian Perillat Manager/Senior Analyst CanFax

T

he roller coaster ride on the cattle markets has continued in 2016.

Unfortunately, the rapid downturn has not been a fun ride. The Canadian cattle markets peaked in the summer of 2015, and have generally been on a downward slide since. Despite the fact that cattle markets have been through an extreme market correction, there continues to be caution moving forward. Growing cattle and beef supplies along with record large US pork production is expected to keep pressure on prices. In addition, much like the Canadian dollar has a big impact on the Canadian market; the stronger US dollar over the last couple of years has restricted the US meat trade balance. US beef exports are starting to slowly increase, but the stronger US dollar combined with higher meat production will result in higher per capita meat supplies in

North America, and therefore lower prices in order to work through the larger supplies. Globally, beef supplies have been slow to expand,

but the global economy has not been particularly strong. In the longer term, a growing middle class and more open markets and less restrictive trade agreements will be important for increasing the value of Canadian exports. On a global scale, pork will also continue to be a major competitor in the red meat market and continues to gain market share.

Over the last couple of years, the US herd has expanded due to strong prices and good weather conditions, while the Canadian herd has generally stabilized.

Given the large price correction, and an outlook that generally has a weaker market tone, expansion has slowed significantly in the US, and may possibly be done. Even if the US were to stop its expansion, larger numbers of feeders outside of feedlots combined with larger upcoming calf crops means that cattle and beef supplies are expected to grow for at least another two years.

Meanwhile in Canada, herd growth appears to be limited over the next couple of years given the market conditions outlined above.

While calf

prices remain at the high end of the historical range, after falling over $1/lb from the last year, these prices are disappointing for many producers. With a Canadian dollar under 80 cents, and an abundance of feed supplies, most cowcalf producers should be profitable in 2016. Through the upswing in prices and even with the major slide over the last year, cow-calf producers have generally enjoyed strong profitability.

Unlike the feeding sector which has lost a significant amount of equity over the last year.

There are many factors affecting the market, but it is important to remember that the market has priced a lot of negativity into the futures, as the US August 2017 live cattle futures have spent some time under $1/lb. The last time US fed cattle prices were under $1 was in the fall of 2010. Like it or not, the market continues to send messages that there is more downside risk as larger cattle numbers come to market in the future. When looking for market direction for your calves, three major market factors to watch are the Canadian dollar, the summer futures (for example August 2017) and feed costs. In addition, understanding your customers financial position is also important. The significant losses in the feedlot sector over the past several months will also limit some of the demand for feeder cattle this fall.

For more ongoing cattle market information and to become a CanFax member please visit www.canfax.ca

26 LV.indd 26

10/17/2016 10:30:49 AM

CONSIGNMENTS

CAM POLL CHEERLEADER WGC 23C Sire: Amaglen Zeus Dam: Cam Poll Marcie BW 3.7 WW 57 YW 81 MM 30 SC .95 DOC 17 Bred to RRA 29B

Campbell

LIMOUSIN

R A I S I N G

In order to raise the best cattle we could over the last 28 years, we strived to create only the best females … using A.I. and buying herd sires from the most reputable breeders. By using some of the best genetics out there we did just that.

We’re now introducing a few blacks for good measure! Check out our website and facebook page for more information on our lines.

Q U A L I T Y

LEE! E RY COM LATIONS L E W TU ERON GRA CON IN, CAM L N T KAI MADISO &

CHECK OUT OUR FACEBOOK PAGE

L I M O U S I N

CAM POLL DESIRE WGC 10D Sire: Cole Architect Dam: Cam Poll Beautician BW 2.3 WW 73 YW 106 MM 30 SC .92 DOC 10

Bill , Lauren & Family P O Box 92 Minto, MB. R0K 1M0 204.776.2322 or 204.724.6218 (cell) cam.limousin@gmail.com C A T T L E

S I N C E

1 9 7 4

Dave and Linda Harvey Box 1469 100 Mile House, B.C. (250) 397-2306 www.hivalleylimo.com hivalleylimo@gmail.com

Quality Polled Bulls and Females Available by “Private Treaty” 27

LV.indd 27

10/17/2016 10:30:59 AM

Getting It Right Makes All the Difference: Contemporary Grouping For Limousin Breeders, Part 1 of 2

By Bob Weaber, Ph.D., Associate Professor and Cow-calf Extension Specialist Kansas State University and heterosis effects are adjusted out as well. The idea of adjusting records is to provide as even a playing field as possible thereby eliminating bias in EPDs.

T

he process of analyzing individual performance records and converting them to meaningful predictors of an animal’s genetic merit is a process that has undoubtedly been debated in countless pickup trucks, sale arenas, coffee shops, kitchen tables and most certainly many professors’ offices. In many ways the genetic evaluation of beef cattle is very complex. However, the basic premise used to compare animals is very simple. The basis on which an animal is evaluated is how it (and/or their progeny and grandprogeny) performed against its (their) contemporaries. In other words, how did the animal perform within its contemporary group?

We know that not all the differences in an animal’s performance are related to its genetics. Part of the difference is due to environmental effects. The result of the expression of an animal’s genetics in an environment is an animal’s phenotype. Every performance measure cattle producers take of an animal is a measurement of the animal’s phenotype.

For example, we know, and adjust for the fact that the weaning weights of calves born to 2-year-old dams are lighter than the weights recorded for calves born to 5 or 6-year-old dams. An individual calf’s weaning weight is the result of the calf’s genetics for pre-weaning growth and the environment in which the calf was raised. This environment includes the herd, year and season it was born, the amount of milk provided by the calf’s dam, which was influenced by the amount of grass she ate, the age of the dam, the calf’s sex, and other effects that would also be experienced by the calf’s contemporaries. Phenotypes are subjected adjustment procedures that account for known sources of nongenetic variation. These adjustments typically include, dependent on trait, the age of dam, the age of calf, and gender of calf. Sometimes direct breed

EPDs were designed to predict an animal’s genetic value after environmental effects have been removed. Since EPDs are calculated on the basis of comparisons, it makes sense that we must make fair comparisons. In a sense, we want to compare apples to apples and oranges to oranges. When animals are appropriately grouped with contemporaries in terms of similar management and environment, then differences in performance are likely due to differences in genetic merit. Thus, proper contemporary grouping is critical for EPDs to be accurate.

The contemporary group helps animal geneticists separate genetic differences from environmental effects so that animals are compared on a level playing field. A common technical definition of a contemporary group is “a group of the same breed (not required in multibreed systems such as the IGS multibreed system), born within a specified age range, raised at the same location or in the same herd, of the same sex and managed alike from birth until time of measurement.” More simply put, a contemporary group is a group of animals that have had an equal opportunity to perform.

The DigitalBeef software used by the Canadian Limousin Association (CLA) and the North American Limousin Foundation (NALF), among others, helps breeders to define correct contemporary groups automatically according to the premise (breeder number), calving season or period, calf gender, service type (natural service and artificial insemination grouped together, embryo transfer forced to separate subgroup), a multiple birth code (more than a single birth forced to subgroup), and performance record date (records made after birth) . Producers can then further define the group by reporting a management code. Management codes for each record type are used by producers to sub-divide animals into smaller groups based on differences in management and/or nutrition.

gender and breeder number. The software then looks at the season’s already in use in the database including groups that overlap forward or backward 90 days. It chooses the one with the earliest birthdate. This enables the construction of the largest possible contemporary groups that start with the beginning of the herds calving season. Once this assignment is made, a contemporary group (CG) number is recorded. If no CG number exists that meets the testing criteria, then a new CG number is generated and recorded. This CG number is used for all subsequent performance records for a calf. Subsequent phenotypes such as weaning weight, yearling weight and ultrasound data form subgroups if animals in the original BW CG group are measured on different days. In this way, measurement date becomes part of the contemporary group definition.

The birth CG group assignment aggregates calves born in a 90 day window as a calving group or season.

Care should be taken to select appropriate dates for the collection of weaning, yearling and ultrasound data as this 90 age window is enforced around adjustment points of 205 and 365 days for weaning and yearling data, respectively. Animals with weaning performance records younger than 100 or greater than 310 days of age at measurement are not adjusted.

Likewise, animals with yearling weights collected younger than 260 days and older than 470 days don’t get adjusted performance records computed in DigitalBeef. Ultrasound records must be collected between 270 and 500 days of age. Weaning and yearling weights must be at least 60 days apart. These wide age windows provide considerable flexibility to producers for cow herd and grazing management, including early weaning, without eliminating performance recording of calves. When adjusted performance records are not computed, interim EPDs, calculated between national cattle evaluation runs, are not computed, only pedigree estimates are provided. Pedigree estimate EPDs are just the average of the individuals parents EPD.

DigitalBeef software used by CLA/NALF automatically determines a calving season by carefully inspecting each birth record including the animal’s birthdate,

28 LV.indd 28

10/17/2016 10:31:03 AM

There is a great deal of uncertainty surrounding the calf market this fall, feedlots (who were maybe a tad overzealous last fall) are experiencing record losses which are eating up record profits made just a couple of years ago. They are being very cautious, maybe a little over cautious when placing bids on calves this fall, and who can blame them. The prices being offered today are significantly less than last year but still not a total disaster and with the abundance of feed in Western Canada the cost of keeping a cow around will be significantly less, which will help narrow the gap in net profit compared to last year, when high priced hay was purchased and trucked a long way.

One thing that is very noticeable this fall (on the calf market) is heavier calves, 600 pounds and over, are netting significantly more dollars in producer pockets, versus some years when there was not a big difference in net dollars per head over most weight categories. If this trend continues and I believe it will, (it only makes sense) then there is definitely more incentive to be a better manager and use superior genetics. Heavier, high quality calves have always paid a premium but in today’s market it is even more evident than ever. The first and most influential thing you can do as a commercial producer in improving quality and weaning weight is purchase a superior bull.

Your herd bull has 50% genetic makeup of every calf he sires while the cow only contributes to her individual calf.

Then you need to implement the best management and animal husbandry practices possible enabling those calves to reach their genetic potential.

For those of you who are seed stock producers, you have an obligation to provide the best possible bulls for the commercial industry. The beef cattle industry needs breeders and not multipliers, if you are just a multiplier of below average cattle with a registration paper, then you are actually of no value to the beef industry, actually you are a detriment. Everyone has the right to be a purebred breeder if they so choose, but with that right comes the responsibility of supplying a sound breeding bull that will enhance the genetics the commercial producer already has. As purebred breeders we must continue to strive to breed cattle that excel in all desirable traits.We have more tools at our disposal than ever before to help evaluate and expedite progress in these regards.

There is one other thing I feel, that we must get more vigilant on, both purebred and commercial breeders must meld together as an industry. We need to tell our story, beef production is more wholesome, natural and “ green� than any other protein production. However people in cities are not getting that message and even some of our retailers are putting a negative spin on the way we produce beef in this country, for their own short term gain. Somehow we need to band together; breed associations, cattle feeders, stockgrowers, cow/calf producers and packers supporting and funding national advertising educating consumers.

Our advisories are getting more vigilant and better funded all the time; chicken and pork producers are not who we need to worry about...anti farm groups are.

29 LV.indd 29

10/17/2016 10:31:05 AM

Sustainability in the Beef Supply Chain Needs Engaged Producers

by Deborah Wilson, Senior Vicepresident of BIXSco Inc., cattle producer and adviser to the Verification Committee for the Canadian Roundtable on Sustainable Beef.

P

roducers are sometimes the last to be consulted on sustainability. The good news is Canadian farmers and ranchers that raise cattle are, for the most part, operating in a sustainable and responsible manner. Our industry was able to assist McDonald’s in delivering on a global commitment they made several years ago to begin sourcing their beef from verified sustainable operations in 2016. It will not end here, they plan to continue on this path globally. As producers we need to understand that McDonald’s Canada is the largest purchaser of Canadian beef, 67 million pounds annually, and is committed to sourcing Canadian beef – they are serious when they say “Not without Canadian Farmers”. Of the $1 billion they spend on food for their Canadian restaurants 85 percent is purchased from suppliers in Canada.

30

The Canadian beef industry was fortunate to have McDonald’s choose our country for the Verified Sustainable Beef Pilot Project. Prior to starting, their project management team (PMT) went through 150+ versions of the indicators that would demonstrate sustainability, ultimately arriving at 36 indicators that looked at what was good for people, planet and animals. Then the PMT went looking for producers that would put up their hands to be part of the pilot project, which meant having a group come to your farm, ranch or feedlot and ask you about your production practices, the care of your animals, the stewardship of your land, environmental awareness, your employment practices, family and community involvement. There was no pass or fail but a scoring system from

LV.indd 30

one to five, with the average being three. There were minimum acceptable levels for each indicator which could create a barrier to entry in the pilot project. The indicators used were derived from the Global Roundtable for Sustainable Beef, www.grsbeef.org, and adjusted to suit Canada’s environment, animals, people and practices, as each global geographic area has different challenges.

How can sustainability be achieved in a way that makes business sense? Some of the key statements around sustainability that stick in my mind would be “doing more with less”, “constant improvement”, “transparency in the value chain” and “willingness to collaborate”. The challenge is identifying, developing, and validating metrics to measure progress across the three global pillars of sustainability: social, environmental, and financial.

Not long ago the Irish Food Board brought together hundreds of sustainability professionals to discuss ways to increase production and consumption of food and drink, sustainably. The Global Sustainability Forum dealt with complex topics such as harmonising metrics for measuring sustainability targets, the importance of collaboration, responsible sourcing, ethical supply chains, food waste, sustainable intensification, and even what sustainability in the food supply chain looks like.

Today there are over 7 billion people with a vested interest in food on the planet and they don’t agree on much, especially not science. But one thing everyone at the forum agreed on was the importance of collaboration in order to achieve anything at all. BIXSco Inc. has always held collaboration as one of its core values.

BIXSco Inc. has been a member of the Canadian Roundtable for Sustainable Beef (CRSB) for a year now, and I have been part of the multi-stakeholder group discussions around the Canadian Beef Industry. It has given me the chance to meet sustainability managers from many of the largest retailers in Canada, sit with representatives from major restaurant chains and have open and frank discussions with them. Even

though I attend these meetings as a BIXS representative, my producer alter ego is never far away, which I believe has given me a unique perspective of the processes the CRSB has gone through creating indicators unique to Canada, that are acceptable to our customers – the retailers and restauranteurs.

Every step along the way has included representatives from each part of the production chain – cow/calf and feedlot, as well as the value chain.

What has become apparent is the need for collaboration in order to avoid the cost of sustainable practices falling solely on cattle producers, and to help consumers buy ethically-which means what they are purchasing was raised on an operation that was not harmful to the planet and the animals were treated well, while being safe for their families to eat.

Retailers need to reassure their customers that they source with integrity.

Consumers don’t want to decipher confusing labeling, they want proof points ... At the moment it’s too difficult for them to understand because of the plethora of marketing initiatives and programs; and misalignment between them. The CRSB members want a supply chain that’s fit for the future and works in a way that reduces the difficulty for busy farmers, ranchers and feedlot owners to participate.

The farmers and ranchers feel they are often the last to be consulted on sustainability and worry about the strain or demand on them to do more without getting more. We all must be part of the sustainability conversation but it must be economically sustainable as well. The primary producer must get a fair price for the product. This topic has been brought up many times in discussions at the CRSB meetings. I have served as an industry adviser to the Verification Committee, which is a sizable group of stakeholders (producer groups and producers included), which is in the process of defining how the industry will verify or validate the sustainability practices, as defined by the indicators that have gone through the public comment periods and been agreed upon.

10/17/2016 10:31:06 AM

So just how can the supply chain be more sustainable without one partner feeling they are shouldering the heaviest burden?

Collaboration and transparency are key to sustainability, it has to benefit the entire chain right down to the consumer.

We need to get all parties around the table, including policymakers to cement agreements. This is what BIXS has been working towards for the last 18 months, signing collaborative agreements with industry stakeholders, most notable of which is the master agreement with Cargill, while continuing negotiations with other packers. BIXS was the technology that delivered the chain of custody for the McDonald’s Verified Sustainable Beef pilot project – tracking the animals/beef through verified sustainable operations “from birth to burger”, to quote Jeffery Fitzpatrick Stillwell, Sustainability Manager with McDonald’s Canada. And yes, in case you were wondering, Cargill and JBS, as well as the patty plant were subjected to a sustainability assessment as well as

the farms, ranches and feedlots in the pilot project.

One key to intensifying sustainability was knowledge intensification, and in order for that to happen there has to be benefits for the producer. We know you all want carcass data, that’s a simple fact, and we continue to work towards agreements that will allow that information to flow. But just as BIXS protects the producers’ privacy, until we get another signed agreement with a major packer, we cannot allow Cargill’s information into the system as their privacy would be compromised.

BIXS promises privacy and anonymity to all participants, allowing the data to flow as permitted. We are well down the negotiating path with several additional packers so stay tuned.

Canada in 2015, but there are countries in the world where beef consumption is rising on a per capita basis. China would be one of those countries, but they are demanding verification and validation of production practices in the beef value chain. With tools like BIXS and CLTS (Canadian Livestock Traceability System), and RFID tags we have everything necessary to deliver verification and validation in the beef production chain. Wrap this up with verified sustainability practices and we have a bright future in the Canadian beef industry, with the possibility of being able to demand prices higher than those currently being paid for commodity beef on the world market.

More importantly, my comment to producers is this, “perhaps it is wise to consider that if we participate in this sustainability initiative, in years to come, we will have consumers that want to purchase and eat our product.” Per capita beef consumption dropped in

31 LV.indd 31

10/17/2016 10:31:08 AM

10 ways to use social media in the cattle industry

by Tessa Verbeek CLA General Manager

1

What are your goals?

So, you’re ready to delve into the world of social media to help promote your operation or association? Or maybe you already are using social media but want to improve on what you are currently doing. Regardless of your experience level with social media, these 10 tips will help you to succeed! The first thing you need to do is determine your goals. What are your business objectives? Who are you trying to reach? What do you want your audience to do? Once you have determined your goals ensure they continue to guide your decisions when using social media.

2

Choose your social media platform(s)

There are numerous social media platforms that you can utilize.

Some of the most common being Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest, YouTube, LinkedIn, and blogs. Of those, Facebook is the most widely used social media platform and for good reason. In the world of marketing your operation or Association Facebook rules as being the “go-to” place, next to your website, for information. Twitter can be useful for sharing quick updates and connecting with others in the agricultural industry. Instagram and Pinterest are typically used as more of a personal means of social media however in the right circumstances can be beneficial for businesses, while YouTube can be useful in the cattle industry for posting sale videos. LinkedIn is designed to be a “virtual resume” and a means of connecting with peers and potential employers.

Finally, blogs are an excellent means of connecting to your customers, and keeping them up to date on the daily happenings or important events on your operation. The key here, however, is that you do not

need to be on every social media platform, especially when it comes to your business or association.

Select one or two platforms that suit your needs and focus your efforts on doing a good job managing those.

3

Facebook page

For a purebred operation or provincial breed association a Facebook page would be my first “to-do” on the social media for business check list. A Facebook page can be created fairly simply with a few key photos, description of your business, and contact information.

In the page settings you can assign various individuals (provided they also have Facebook accounts) with page administration roles.

This is particularly useful if you are working on a provincial association page in which you may wish for multiple volunteers to have a hand in managing the Facebook page.

One word of caution – while it may seem convenient to give everyone access to being able to post on the business or association’s Facebook page, ensure everyone is on the same page as to what content should be posted and remind everyone that proper grammar and punctuation is important. Facebook pages are a great place to share photos, videos, and updates from your operation or association and for interested individuals to get in contact with you. Make sure you check your Facebook page often for messages or set up automatic notifications to your phone so you never miss replying to a message from a potential customer.

4

How to get the most exposure for your posts

There are a few simple ways to gain more exposure for your Facebook posts. First of all, include an eye catching, good quality image that is related to you post. Nothing makes people stop and look more than a

good photo. If the content of the post warrants, a cute, amazing, or funny photo will get you even more attention. People like to “Like” and “Share” posts that stir emotion. The second rule of thumb for gaining more exposure is to mention or tag individuals or organizations in your post. To mention a person or organization in your post type @ and then the individual or organization’s name after. The individual/organization’s name will turn into a link that people who view your post can click on and be redirected to that page. If you are mentioning an organization in your post that organization will receive a notification that they have been mentioned in your post. If you are mentioning an individual in your post that individual will also receive a notification that they have been mentioned in your post and the post will also show up on their Facebook timeline and their friends will see it in their newsfeed. Thus, you are reaching a larger audience. If you haven’t already, I would encourage you to please “Like” the Canadian Limousin Association Facebook page, as well as the many provincial Limousin association pages to stay up to date. Please also mention the Canadian Limousin Association in your posts about Limousin cattle or events so we can see and share your content.

5

Facebook ads

Facebook ads are a fairly inexpensive and effective way to generate more interest in your Facebook page or a particular post. If you wish to promote a particular post on your Facebook page simply click on the “Boost Post” button. Keep in mind that Facebook ads prefer for you to promote a good quality image with little or no text on the image and keep your advertisement’s text to the point. In all advertising it is essential that you get the key message out to your audience and leave them

32 LV.indd 32

10/17/2016 10:31:10 AM

with a call to action such as “for more information please visit our website www.limousin.com.” If you prefer to just promote your page in general, you can click on the “Promote” button on your page and select Promote Your Page. You will then have the option of selecting what audience you want to reach.

Do you want to reach only people who already like your page? Would you also like to reach their friends?

Or would you like to create your own parameters for the kind of audience you would like to reach?

You can further break this down into the location and age of your audience. Once you determine the audience you want to reach you can then select the budget you wish to spend on reaching those people. You can enter any amount, however of course the more you spend the larger number of people Facebook estimates you will reach. For example, at a $25.00 budget Facebook estimates that your post will reach 1,300 to 3,500 people. Finally, you can set the duration of days that you wish your advertisement to run for. You can pay for your advertisement with a credit card and your Facebook ad will show up in the newsfeed of your audience.

6

Facebook events

From your Facebook page (or as an individual on Facebook) you can create a Facebook event. This is a great idea for open houses, field days, bull or female sales, etc.

Create the event details and then you simply select the Facebook

friends you wish to invite. Individuals will then have the options of saying that they are “interested,” “going,” “maybe,” or “can’t attend.” Your event can be shared by yourself and others on Facebook to gain more interest. Every time you post an update in the Facebook event those who have indicated they are interested or going to the event will receive a notification of what you have posted.

just show that you like the tweet). An example of using Twitter effectively in the cattle industry is to post a photo of a Limousin lot you have entered in an upcoming sale and including brief information about the animal and a link to the sale catalogue. Make sure you follow @ CDNLimousin on Twitter and tag @ CDNLimousin in your tweets about Limousin and we will favourite and retweet.

7

8

Twitter account

A Twitter account can also be useful in doing quick, to the point promotion of specific events, sales, animals, etc. You are limited to 140 characters when posting on Twitter.

You can include a photo with your post. You can tag individuals/ organizations that are also on Twitter by putting @ and then their Twitter “handle” (name). Additionally, you can use hashtags to tag your content to a specific topic. To “hashtag” you need to type the pound sign # and then the words of whatever topic you are tagging. For example, you could put #Limousin behind a post about your Limousin herd or #cdnbeef for a post pertaining to Canadian beef. You can use multiple hashtags. If you are looking for tweets on a specific topic you could search #Limousin and find all posts that people have used #Limousin hashtag. As you scroll through your Twitter feed you can respond to tweets by either replying (this will allow you to tweet the person back with a comment), retweeting (this will share the tweet with your followers), or favouriting (which will

Social currency: the “deposit” vs. “withdrawal” theory

Much like you make deposits and withdrawals from your bank account, you should think of your social media presence in the same way. When we talk about social currency, a “deposit” is content that adds value to your customers, speaks to their values and emotions, but does not push them to make a purchase or do something.

This could be a cute photo of your children out feeding the Limousin cows, or sharing an informative article about calf health. A “withdrawal” is content that is advertising an animal, sale or event, asking them to make a purchase or otherwise take action on something. Use your social media pages to make numerous “deposit” posts so that when you need to make a “withdrawal” post your customers will have developed a relationship with your company. One of the biggest mistakes people make with social media is to be constantly advertising and asking their customers to do something, attend an event, buy an animal, etc. Particularly if these posts are frequent, this will do nothing more than leave a bad taste in your customers’ mouth that you are only out to make a buck and are

33 LV.indd 33

10/17/2016 10:31:15 AM

polluting their newsfeed with your sales pitches. You need to intersperse these type of “withdrawal” posts with a good amount of “deposit” posts that are just informative, funny, cute, or amazing in their content and have no strings attached to you trying to make a sale. Keep in mind as well that people want to feel like insiders and make themselves look good by sharing your content, so if you can post content that is likely to be shared by your followers all the better for both you and your followers.

9

Timing of posts

You may have identified the right target audience, composed a compelling and to-the-point message, have a fantastic image, and mentioned all the right people and organizations, however if you are posting at the wrong times you will not be nearly as effective. If you have a big event (think bull sale, open house, etc.) coming up that you want to promote it is advisable to make up a timeline to assist you in getting the most out of your social media campaign. As soon as you know the key details about the event (ie. date, time, location) you will want to let people know. If this is an annual event such as a bull sale, it is best to let people know the details of next year’s sale immediately following this year’s sale when it is still top of mind. As the date of your event approaches, in general, the frequency of your posts will increase. Don’t clutter people’s newsfeeds with multiple posts everyday, one per day is sufficient as you near the date of your event. Ensure your content is largely unique each time, so you’re not making the same generic post every day. Perhaps one day you post a photo of all of the bulls tied up together and say how quiet they are, one day you post the sale catalogue, another day you post that the sale videos are up, and on another day you post a testimonial from a previous buyer. Get creative – as long as the information is presented in a professional manner and it would be of value to your

customers don’t be afraid to share more than just your sale catalogue!

Besides the timeline of your social media campaign you also need to consider what days of the week and times of the day are going to reach the most people. Early mornings and evenings, before or after work and farm chores, are the times when the majority of people are looking at social media. Friday evening and weekends can also be good days to target as people are more apt to be on social media than during the work week. It is essential that we try to post at high traffic times, as posts get pushed further and further down the newsfeed with every new post that is made so you want to make sure maximum people see what you have shared at the time it is posted. Lastly, you can schedule posts to be published at a later time.

This is a very convenient feature that allows you to ensure your content is going to be published at the proper time on a specific date so you never have to worry about forgetting.

10

Be respectful

While social media can be a fantastic, largely free way to reach a huge audience it does come with some other considerations that you must keep in mind. One of those considerations is for people’s time and privacy. As convenient as it may be to use social media as a quick way of communicating with industry professionals, it may not be the most professional means of communication, nor the most respectful of those individuals’ time and privacy. For instance, it is rather unprofessional and frankly downright rude to be Facebook messaging your veterinarian on a Sunday evening. Depending on your veterinarian, it is probably best not to be using Facebook to communicate with him/her at all. Whenever you are dealing with individuals who do work for you, be it your veterinarian, AI technician, breed association staff, advertisement or website designers, sales management, etc. it is preferable to use e-mail and phone

to send them communication. It is difficult for those people to keep track of correspondence sent via social media platforms, and the lines of working hours and privacy can become foggy. Of course there are exceptions to this, such as if those industry professionals reach out to you via social media first. Just be considerate that in the age of cell phones and our constant connection to social media it can be easy to forget that everyone needs to “turn off” once in a while and you would probably want the same kind of respect from your clients if you were in their shoes.

Now, if you have a customer interested in one of your bulls and Facebook is their preferred means of communication that’s a different story and perfectly acceptable to use social media to communicate under this circumstance. The same caution goes for befriending people on Facebook. Just because you know who someone is doesn’t mean they necessarily want to become your friend on Facebook. A good rule of thumb is to ask yourself if you have actually met this individual in person and if you think they will know who you are. If you answered no to both of those questions I would think twice before hitting the “Add Friend” button. In addition to the business uses of Facebook, for many people it can also be a place where they share their more personal family moments, photos, etc. Granted, they have the option of rejecting your friend request but some people may be leery of doing that in fear of offending someone. Bottom line: let common sense prevail when using social media and be sensible about not abusing the instantaneous communication and connection capabilities of Facebook and other social media platforms.

34 LV.indd 34

10/17/2016 10:31:17 AM

CCA PRESIDENT’S REPORT

by Dan Darling CCA President demand due to evolving consumer trends and a rapidly growing middle class in China.

T

he countdown to a fully normalized beef trade between Canada and Mexico is nearly complete, with Mexico on target to fully re-open to Canadian beef on October 1. The Canadian Cattlemen’s Association (CCA) is pleased that a team of Mexican officials visited Canadian cattle production, feed mill and beef exporting facilities in Alberta and British Columbia earlier this summer. We do not anticipate any reason why the October 1 expansion of market access should not proceed. Mexico closed to Canadian beef in May 2003 and re-opened to beef from cattle under30-months (UTM) of age later that year, but remained closed to beef from over-30-month (OTM) cattle and some UTM offal. I was pleased to have had the opportunity to meet with Mexican President Enrique Peña Nieto in Ottawa in July when he announced that Mexico will fully reopen to Canadian beef on October 1, 2016.

The most significant remaining bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE)-related market restriction that the CCA and the Government of Canada are continuing to work on is expansion of access in China to full UTM from boneless UTM. The value of Canadian beef exports to China more than doubled in 2015 and there is further potential once access is expanded. The CCA believes there is significant potential for long term

With BSE trade issues becoming settled, the most significant continuing trade issues are the technical issues with Europe regarding anti-microbial rinses used in Canadian packing plants and implementation of the Trans-Pacific Partnership to restore a competitive balance in the Japanese market.

Once the Europe issues are resolved, we would expect to see an increase in the number of Canadian cattle raised without beta-agonists like ractopamine which has the side benefit of also meaning an increase in beef available to be exported to China.

As Canadian beef producers make their individual production decisions, expanded access to all these markets are all excellent reasons to be confident in the future.

With fall run and culling decisions comes the need to transport livestock. The efficacy of Canada’s livestock regulations was challenged recently in the context of the trial of an anti-animal agriculture activist charged with criminal mischief in Ontario. With court dates for the trail set for October and November, the issue of Canada’s regulations and whether they need upgrading will no doubt continue.

The chief concern for the Canadian cattle industry is activist language highlighting the length of time cattle are permitted to be in transit. Current regulations state cattle must be fed, watered, and rested for at least 5 hours after 48 hours in transit, unless they can reach their final destination within 52 hours. These regulations take into account factors such as cattle’s unique nutritional/water needs and the impact of stress due

to loading and unloading.

In Canada, research shows that the time for long-haul trips averaged 16 hours in length, with over 95% of cattle spending less than 30 hours in transit. Further, over 99.9% of cattle reached their destination safely.

Calls to update Canada’s livestock transportation regulations have been discussed for over a decade, and industry is aware that the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) will likely be proposing changes to the regulations in the near future.

The CCA has emphasized the importance that any regulatory change needs to be based on scientific evidence and wherever possible, use outcome based guidelines that focus on the animal.

If animals step off the truck in good shape - no injuries and minimal indicators of stress - the outcome was achieved. If avoidable negative outcomes occur, penalties are needed.

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

Arbitrary rule changes that are based solely on perception could potentially result in more negative outcomes, rather than increasing the already high industry percentage of positive outcomes in transportation today. Canadian cattle producers aren’t opposed to changing the regulations, we simply wish to ensure any imposed change actually improves animal welfare, because what is best for the animal is also best for the producer, consumer, and general public.

Until next time, Dan Darling CCA President 35

LV.indd 35

10/17/2016 10:31:18 AM

social news

Newsmakers Congratulations to Limousin’s own Bethany Storey on her graduation from the Cattlemen’s Young Leaders (CYL) Development Program on August 9th at the Canadian Beef Industry Conference! Certificate presented

by Canadian Cattlemen’s Association President and Limousin breeder Dan Darling alongside Bethany’s mentor Annemarie Pedersen.

The Canadian Limousin Association had a fantastic, large contingency of 26 members who attended the International Limousin Congress in Ireland in August!

Mark your calendars for ILC 2018 in Colorado, USA! The Canadian Limousin contingency enjoying the Canadian Beef Industry Conference banquet! CLA President Terry Hepper, CLA board member Matthew Heleniak, CLA members Jeffrey Yorga and Tiffany Richmond, CJLA Coordinator Laura Ecklund, CJLA delegate Carolyn Darling, Canadian Cattlemen’s Association President and CLA member Dan Darling, and CLA General Manager Tessa Verbeek. CLA members Brian Perillat, Anne BrunetBurgess, and Bethany Storey were also attending but not in photo. Matthew Heleniak gave an excellence presentation at the conference which saw over 650 individuals in attendance.

Congratulations to Dan Darling of Darling Farms, Castleton, ON who was elected President of the Canadian Cattlemen’s Association and featured on the cover of the Canadian Cattlemen magazine. The Canadian Limousin community is very proud to have one of our own at the helm of CCA and we have no doubt you will do an outstanding job in this role for the entire Canadian beef industry.

tying the knot Congratulations Congratulations to newly to Kyle Wright elected Alberta & Krista Zuzens Limousin of Wright Way Association Limousin, Boissevain, President Steve Manitoba on their Lingley and wedding which took his bride Jenna Donnelly of Lingley place on September 3rd!

Limousin on their September 3rd wedding!

Congratulations to young Limousin breeders TaDomi & Madeleine Hunt of Carlsruhe Cattle Company, Hanover, Ontario who tied the knot on July 23rd!

Congratulations to Kyle Boss & Brittany Papenhuyzen of Boss Lake Genetics on their July 23rd wedding!

Congratulations to the Richmond Ranch Ltd. family on the wedding of Samantha Richmond to Brandon Nemetz on June 18th!

stocking the herd Zachary (in green), Ryan (in blue), Congratulations to Anthony and and Jessica (in pink) would like to Ariel Wilcox on the birth of their announce the arrival of our new baby girl Emma Donna-Lee brother Jacob Stephen Zwambag on Wilcox on August 22nd weighing September 6th at Stratford General 5 lbs. 13 oz. and 20 ½ inches Hospital. Our parents are Andrew long. Proud Grandparents are and Katharine Zwambag and our Pat and Tracey Wilcox of Twin grandparents are Stan and Mary Ann Found and Bill & Mary Meadow Livestock and Great Grandparents are Gary Anne Zwambag. This is the 9th grandchild (7 grandsons and 2 and Josie Robinson of Twin Oak Limousin. granddaughters) for Bill and Mary Anne Zwambag of Bee Zee Acres, Glencoe, ON - that makes a ball team!

36 LV.indd 36

10/17/2016 10:31:22 AM

Congratulations to the Lingley family of Lingley Limousin on the arrival of a sweet baby girl to add to the Lingley clan. Janine was born June 13th at 11:09am. All the best to proud parents Ashley Lingley and Blake Chesterman!

CLA director Mark Angus and wife Elisabeth of Jaymarandy Livestock, Roblin, MB welcomed a handsome baby boy Owen Leonard Angus on March 11th weighing in at 10 lbs.

Congratulations Mark and Elisabeth!

Congratulations to CLA director Matthew Heleniak, his wife Kelly and their family on the birth of their fourth child on February 9th. A handsome 10 lbs. 9 oz. boy named Vincent Matthew Heleniak! Welcome to the Limousin family, Vincent!

CjLA RepoRt

Katrina and Aaron Boulter Rylee Mae Nykoliation was welcomed a baby girl, Brooklyn born May 31, 2016 at 10:51pm Marie Boulter, on September weighing 7 lb 2.2oz and 22nd weighing 7 lbs. and measuring 20.5 inches long. Proud measuring 20 inches. We know it parents are Cameron and Kaitlin won’t be long before she’s joining Nykoliation and big sister Madison the Boss Lake Genetics show of NYK Cattle Company, Douglas, crew! Congratulations!

MB. Kaitlin is a past President of the CJLA. Grandparents are past CLA President Bill Campbell and wife Lauren of Campbell Land & Cattle, Minto, MB and Jerry and Wendy We are so excited to Nykoliation of N7 Stock Farm, Crandall, MB. congratulate our CLA Registry/ Member Services Assistant and CJLA Coordinator Laura Ecklund, her husband Cody and daughter Sadie who welcomed a baby boy on September 27th! Rhett James Ecklund was born at 11:18 am weighing 8 lbs.

4oz. and measuring 19.5 inches!

by William Cooper CJLA Reporter

T

he summer of 2016 has been very busy for the Canadian Junior Limousin Association.

The national Impact Show was very successful as 31 juniors and over 50 head showed over the weekend of July 29–31 in Lloydminster, AB/SK. The CJLA annual meeting was held during the Impact Show weekend and the Association would like to welcome Jackie Wismer to the board.

From August 9-11, Carolyn Darling attended the Canadian Beef Industry Conference in Calgary, AB as a representative of the CJLA. As part of the application process, she had to submit an essay on “Where Do You See the Limousin Breed in Ten Years?” This was the first year that the CJLA sent someone and the Association hopes to continue this practice in the future.

The applications for the Australian/Canadian Limousin Youth Exchange trip in 2017 are now on the CLA website under Juniors and are due October 31. Last year was the first year for the exchange trip and Braeden Weppler and Brandon Hertz spent the month of August in Australia. There will

be pictures and details of this trip in the Christmas issue of the Limousin Voice.

The Association sends a huge thank you to the T Bar C Invitational Golf Tournament for donating $2,248 to the CJLA. Your continued support of our juniors is very much appreciated.

Please be reminded that the deadline for scholarships is October 31. There are two $500 scholarships and two $250 scholarships available to members of the CJLA. Only people who have not yet received them are allowed to apply. Application details can be found on the CLA website under Juniors.

37 LV.indd 37

10/17/2016 10:31:26 AM

Nouvelles du bureau de l’ACL plusieurs acheteurs de taureaux qui se sont joints à notre camaraderie. L’été s’est terminé avec le Congrès international Limousin en Irlande. Une délégation record s’est rendue en Irlande et a été accueillie dans ce magnifique pays, avec un programme de huit jours de visites et de rencontres. Un peu plus loin dans cette revue, vous pouvez lire tout ce que les vingt-six délégués canadiens ont pu voir et apprécié dans l’article intitulé “The Country of 100 Thousand Welcomes: International Limousin Congress 2016 in Ireland”.

Par TESSA VERBEEK¬¬

L

’air est frais, les champs bourdonnent d’activité avec le temps des récoltes, on s’affaire à sevrer les veaux et on prépare déjà les sujets qui seront présentés aux expositions ou bien vendus cet automne. L’automne doit être arrivé ! Une autre saison estivale s’est envolée rapidement et c’en fut toute une pour la race Limousin! Plusieurs congrès et autres activités d’information technique se sont déroulés en juin, juillet et août, soit la Convention annuelle du «Beef Improvement Federation (BIF)», la journée d’information de Livestock Gentec et la première conférence de l’industrie bovine canadienne. Nous avons ainsi reçu nos invités internationaux cet été et les avons accompagnés lors de visites de différentes fermes. Lors de ces visites, j’en ai profité afin de réaliser quelques images vidéos qui seront employées dans notre vidéo promotionnel de la race Limousin, prévu pour le début de l’année 2017. En lien avec nos activités de promotion et de relations internationales, nous sommes fiers d’avoir aidé Brandon Hertz et Braeden Weppler, qui se sont rendus en Australie en août, grâce à un programme d’échange Canada-Australie de jeunes éleveurs Limousin. Il est maintenant possible de vous inscrire au voyage de 2017 en Australie, en consultant la section «Juniors» sur le site internet de l’ACL. La date limite pour vous inscrire à cette formidable opportunité est le 31 octobre. Il s’agit également de la date limite pour déposer une demande pour le programme de bourses d’études de l’ACJL. Dans le cadre de ce programme d’échange, nous allons accueillir de nouveau au Canada en novembre un jeune éleveur de l’Australie.

L’assemblée générale annuelle de l’Association canadienne Limousin s’est tenue conjointement au Concours Impact de l’Association canadienne des éleveurs Limousin juniors, lors de la fin de semaine du 29 au 31 juillet, à Lloydminster en AB/SK. Ce fut une formidable fin de semaine pour célébrer la race Limousin et élargir nos horizons.

Le pique-nique de l’Association Limousin de l’Alberta et une soirée organisée par l’Association des producteurs commerciaux se sont également tenus lors de cette fin de semaine, favorisant ainsi la participation de

Alors que nous passons des activités de l’été à celles fort occupées de l’automne, nous sommes bien conscients que votre temps est très précieux. Que ce soit sur votre ferme, au bureau de l’ACL ou dans l’industrie bovine en général, nous essayons tous de faire davantage avec moins de ressources. On se doit de toujours améliorer, augmenter ou ajouter de nouvelles choses dans chacune de nos opérations, ainsi qu’à l’Association.

Le temps, la quantité de travail et les fonds disponibles demeurent constamment les facteurs limitatifs. Il est donc de notre devoir de trouver des manières d’être encore plus efficaces avec nos ressources limitées, de développer des façons créatives afin d’avoir l’impact le plus grand, avec l’investissement le plus faible. Nous allons continuer d’appliquer ce principe au niveau de l’ACL, alors qu’on proposera de nouvelles idées et de nouveaux projets qui viseront à faire progresser notre race en termes de parts de marché commercial, d’amélioration génétique et de participation des membres. Tout en vous dirigeant vers l’automne et l’hiver, veuillez s’il vous plait prendre connaissance de ces communiqués importants provenant du bureau de l’ACL.

Bienvenue à AJ Smith, nouveau membre du personnel de l’ACL Dallas Wise et Laura Ecklund se sont occupées à temps partiel et avec grande diligence des services à la clientèle et de l’enregistrement des animaux, en support à la Directrice générale Tessa Verbeek. Laura attend un nouveau bébé plus tard cet automne et, par conséquent, elle sera en congé de maternité durant douze mois. Toutefois, durant cette période, elle coordonnera tout de même les activités de l’ACJL. Nous sommes très heureux d’annoncer que nous accueillerons Mme AJ Smith parmi le personnel de l’ACL, cela à compter du 26 septembre. AJ connait bien l’élevage de race pure, car sa famille exploite un élevage de race pure Simmental près de Carstairs en Alberta. Elle est passionnée de bovins, tout en étant une figure bien connue dans les expositions de l’Ouest du Canada.

Nous souhaitons tout le bonheur possible à Laura et à sa famille, et nous avons hâte d’accueillir AJ au sein de notre équipe afin d’aider les membres de l’ACL! Bernard Doré continue d’assurer la liaison avec les membres francophones. Il peut être rejoint au:514-9104935oubernarddore@videotron.ca.

Arrêt du financement des analyses génotypiques Plus tôt cette année, le Conseil canadien des races de boucherie (“CBBC”) avait obtenu un budget provenant du Programme canadien d’adaptation de l’agriculture («CAAP»), lequel était dédié aux analyses génotypiques des bovins canadiens. Une somme basée sur le nombre d’enregistrements de sujets avait été ainsi allouée à l’Association canadienne Limousin. Avec ce budget, les membres de l’ACL ont ainsi profité durant quelques mois d’un rabais de 50 % sur le coût des analyses génotypiques de basse et haute densité (“GGP-LD” et “GGP-HD”), ainsi que pour des tests complémentaires tels que celui du caractère acère / avec cornes, de la couleur de la robe et du test de protoporphyrie. Ce budget a permis aux membres de l’ACL de faire de belles économies de coûts et cela aura aussi permis que 450 sujets Limousin de la population canadienne obtiennent une analyse génotypique, ce qui devrait nous aider dans nos efforts d’amélioration génétique. Malheureusement, les fonds disponibles pour la période actuelle ont été complètement utilisés, de telle sorte que les analyses génotypiques et les autres tests ne seront plus offerts avec le rabais de 50 %.

La liste à jour des prix des tests d’ADN peut être consultée sous l’onglet “Association” du site internet de l’Association. Rappelez-vous que vos animaux doivent être enregistrés ou inscrits auprès de l’Association, avant que vous ne puissiez demander des tests d’ADN. Vous devez également demander au bureau de l’Association le test désiré, avant de transmettre vos échantillons d’ADN au laboratoire Delta Gonomics. On vous fera parvenir les documents requis qui doivent être expédiés avec vos échantillons d’ADN. Les résultats des analyses d’ADN sont toujours disponibles pour consultation, en vous rendant dans la section du profil de l’Animal sur le système DigitalBeef, et sous l’onglet DNA. Le personnel de l’ACL communiquera avec vous uniquement s’il y a un problème avec une analyse d’ADN, sinon vous ne recevrez aucune communication si tout est correct. Vous pouvez également télécharger et imprimer un rapport sommaire d’analyses d’ADN pour n’importe lequel sujet, en cliquant simplement sur “Printable Testing Summary”, sous l’onglet «DNA» de l’animal qui vous intéresse.

Achetez vos boucles Limousin cet automne

d’oreille

Les ventes de boucles d’oreille Limousin vont en augmentant ! Un total de 14100 boucles a déjà été vendu et cette quantité continue de croître. L’Agence canadienne d’identification du bétail (ACIB) a lancé en février dernier un magasin en ligne, lequel permet aux éleveurs Limousin de commander eux-mêmes leurs boucles d’oreille Limousin roses, directement en communiquant avec le magasin en ligne.

Vous trouverez sur le site internet de l’ACL des instructions détaillées concernant la manière de commander vos boucles d’oreille en ligne,

38 LV.indd 38

10/17/2016 10:31:26 AM

et le personnel de l’ACIB demeure disponible pour aider les producteurs Limousin. Rappelezvous que les veaux nés en 2016 devront obligatoirement avoir une boucle d’oreille Limousin de l’ACIB (ou ATQ au Québec), afin que ces animaux puissent recevoir les points de la compétition du meilleur animal exposé de l’année. Selon les règlements de l’Agence canadienne d’inspection des aliments, il est absolument interdit d’altérer ou de couper une boucle d’oreille approuvée (générique) déjà posée chez l’animal. Ces règles d’identification touchant les veaux inscrits au concours de l’ACL du meilleur animal exposé de l’année s’appliquent pour les veaux nés en 2016 et après. Les sujets plus âgés et déjà identifiés avec une boucle de l’ACIB obtiendront aussi des points, même s’ils n’ont pas une boucle d’oreille Limousin.

Résultats du sondage auprès des membres Au cours du printemps et de l’été, nous avons transmis un sondage de manière électronique aux membres et nous avons reçu 91 réponses.

Le conseil d’administration de l’ACL a analysé les résultats lors de sa rencontre de l’été. Les discussions entourant certains des résultats

obtenus seront mises en application lors de la rencontre du conseil en hiver, alors qu’on planifie organiser une session de planification stratégique. Nous avons également sélectionné quelques commentaires spécifiques, qui seront inclus de manière anonyme dans chacun des prochains bulletins de nouvelles, avec une réponse de l’ACL. Nous appellerons cette section «Questions et réponses des membres de l’ACL». Vous pourrez aussi voir dans le bulletin de nouvelles d’octobre les résultats du sondage sous forme de graphiques.

Jugement et Vente nationale Limousin

Formation au système DigitalBeef

Les informations relatives à votre dossier 2017 au programme WHE vous seront postées en octobre. Si vous êtes un utilisateur en ligne, nous vous rappelons qu’aucun rapport d’inventaire papier ne vous sera transmis. Rappelez-vous que votre déclaration annuelle au «Whole Herd Enrolment» doit être effectuée avant le 15 janvier 2017. Les utilisateurs du service en ligne trouveront des instructions touchant l’inscription de leur inventaire, sur notre site internet, sous l’onglet DigitalBeef.

Nous sommes conscients que la formation au système DigitalBeef est un élément important et que les membres ont besoin d’en avoir davantage. Afin de mieux supporter nos membres désirant se perfectionner avec DigitalBeef, nous travaillons présentement à la préparation de vidéos d’éducation. Ils seront rendus disponibles dès qu’ils seront complétés.

Nous travaillons aussi sur des sessions webinaires en ligne. Surveillez les annonces sur le site de l’ACL, le bulletin de nouvelles et sur les médias sociaux.

L’Association Limousin du Manitoba sera l’hôte du Jugement et de la Vente Nationale 2016, lesquels seront lors de l’exposition “Brandon AgEx”, à Brandon au Manitoba. Le Jugement National Limousin débutera à 10:00 le 28 octobre, et la Vente Nationale Limousin suivra à 18:30. Joignez-vous à la fête et à la camaraderie Limousin!

“Whole Herd Enrolment (WHE)” Date limite le 15 janvier 2017

Meilleures salutations, Tessa Verbeek Directrice Générale de l’ACL

CBiC RepoRt

by Carolyn Darling Recipient of the CJLA award trip to CBIC

CLA General Manager Tessa Verbeek, CJLA Coordinator Laura Ecklund & CJLA Member Carolyn Darling enjoying CBIC

F

irst off I want to send out a huge thank you to the CJLA for the tremendous opportunity that I received to be able to attend the Canadian Beef Industry Conference. I would also like to say thank you to CJLA Coordinator, Laura Ecklund and CLA General Manager, Tessa Verbeek for making those few

days amazing! The Canadian Beef Industry Conference was held in Calgary, Alberta from August 9th - August 11th. In the course of these few days, I had the privilege of sitting in on many interesting speakers which included the Young Cattlemen’s Council AGM, panel discussion about productivity, Canfax, Cattlefax and Global AgriTrends talks, Cameron Bruett (JBS) on competitiveness, and Douglas Porter (Chief Economist at BMO Financial Group) to name a few. The one panel talk that I was the most interested to sit in on was the Beef Demand Panel which included Mo Jessa, President of Earls Kitchen and Bar, Randy White, President of Sysco Canada, and Sam Heath,

VP Marketing, Canada, Tim Hortons. I truly believe that this conference is a very important event for youth to attend. I learnt so much valuable information from these industry professionals about what affects the beef industry. I would encourage all Canadian Limousin Association juniors to write the essay and apply for the chance to go to the 2017 Canadian Beef Industry Conference!

Best Regards, Carolyn Darling CJLA Member

39 LV.indd 39

10/17/2016 10:31:27 AM

cjla national impact show July 29 - 31, 2016 Lloydminster, SK

Conformation Market Division

Open Division

Purebred Division

Champion Market Steer Kaitlyn Davey with Tank

Champion Open Heifer Calf and Champion Open Division Female Jackie Wismer with B Bar Urban Girl 18C by EDW Attention Getter

Champion Purebred Heifer Calf Brady Scott with Skull Creek Miss Dakota 7D by Wulfs Xcellsior X252X

Reserve Champion Market Steer Cheyenne Symens with Pizza

Commercial Division

Reserve Champion Open Heifer Calf and Reserve Champion Open Division Female Carolyn Darling with EMF Candy 3C by RPY Paynes Derby 46Z

Reserve Champion Purebred Heifer Calf Curtis Bielecki with RCN Drop Dead Gorgeous by Greenwood Pld Xtra Charge

Champion Commercial Female Curtis Bielecki with RCN Lola Champion Open Division Bull Connor Rodger with EMF Denali SD by RPY Paynes Derby 46Z

Champion Purebred Yearling Heifer Calf Candace Fankhanel with Greenwood Christy by Greenwood Pld Xtra Charge

40 LV.indd 40

10/17/2016 10:31:49 AM

Bred & Owned Division

Champion Purebred Female Jayden and Jaxon Payne with Greenwood Pld Zoom Bloom by Wulfs Revolver 1219R

Reserve Champion Purebred Female Connor Wiley with Paynes Cheyenne 23Z by Kajo Responder 120R

Champion Purebred Bull Cheyenne Symens with SYC Drunk on you 523C by RPY Paynes Bud 27Z

Champion Bred & Owned Female Jayden Payne with Greenwood All About You by EXLR Total Impact

Reserve Champion Bred & Owned Female Cheyenne Porter with PLNS Cassiopia 88C by Wulfs Zane X238Z

Champion Bred & Owned Bull Cheyenne Porter with PLNS Colonel Zane 27C by Wulfs Zane X238Z

Reserve Champion 4-H Female Connor Wiley with RPY Paynes Call Girl 18C by B Bar Titanium 3Z

Overall Champion Female Jayden and Jaxon Payne with Greenwood Pld Zoom Bloom by Wulfs Revolver 1219R

Overall Reserve Champion Female Connor Wiley with Paynes Cheyenne 23Z by Kajo Responder 120R

Oral Marketing

4-H Division

Reserve Champion Purebred Bull Curtis Bielecki with RCN Doc Walker

by Wulfs Xtractor X233X Champion 4-H Female Leah Beeching with Cottage Lake Code Blue by CFLX Wild Card

Peewee 1. Whitney Labiuk 2. Cheyenne Symens Junior 1. Colton Symens 2. Colby Symens Intermediate 1. Cheyenne Porter 2. Brittany Hirschfeld Senior 1. Jayden Payne 2. Nicole Bielecki

41 LV.indd 41

10/17/2016 10:32:11 AM

Artwork

Showmanship

Show Team Judging

Peewee 1. Jayson Labiuk 2. Whitney Labiuk Junior 1. Riley Bohrson 2. Cheyenne Symens Intermediate 1. Cheyenne Porter 2. Jules Smyth Senior 1. Nicole Bielecki 2. Connor Rodgers

Peewee 1. Jayson Labiuk 2. Colby Symens Junior 1. Riley Bohrson 2. Cheyenne Symens Intermediate 1. Jules Smyth 2. Jaxon Payne Senior 1. Carolyn Darling 2. Jayden Payne

Peewee 1. Avery Bohrson and Julie Darling 2. Jayson Labiuk & Colby Symens Junior 1. Riley Bohrson and Sienna Bohrson 2. Colton Symens & Cheyenne Symens Intermediate 1. Cheyenne Porter and Jaxon Payne 2. Jules Smyth & Angus Smyth Senior 1. Jayden Payne and Leah Beeching 2. Nicole Bielecki and Curtis Bielecki

Public Speaking

Print Marketing

Industry Quiz

Peewee 1. Avery Bohrson 2. Jayson Labiuk Junior 1. Sienna Bohrson 2. Riley Bohrson Intermediate 1. Cheyenne Porter 2. Jackie Wismer Senior 1. Nicole Bielecki 2. Curtis Bielecki

Peewee 1. Avery Bohrson 2. Colby Symens Junior 1. Riley Bohrson 2. Sienna Bohrson Intermediate 1. Cheyenne Porter 2. Kaitlyn Davey Senior 1. Brady Scott 2. Jayden Payne

Peewee 1. Sienna Bohrson 2. Jayson Labiuk Junior 1. Riley Bohrson 2. Austin Porter Intermediate 1. Brittany Hirschfeld 2. William Cooper Senior 1. Nicole Bielecki 2. MacArthur Kowalchuk

Team Grooming 1. Jules Smyth, Corey Mandel and Riley Bohrson 2. Jayden Payne, William Cooper and Jayson Labiuk

Aggregate Junior 1. Riley Bohrson 2. Sienna Bohrson Intermediate 1. Cheyenne Porter 2. Jules Smyth Senior 1. Nicole Bielecki 2. Jayden Payne

42 LV.indd 42

10/17/2016 10:32:20 AM

Masterfeeds beef newsletter alternative winter feeding

by Jason Hurst Beef Technical Sales Masterfeeds

become, from my point of view, the gold standard in feeding cattle.

Blending less palatable feeds with higher quality feeds can be a good way to overcome the will they eat it challenge.

Next point to consider with straw feeding is the nutritional value delivered to the animal. Too much can drop protein and energy levels to the point where cows can start to lose condition and muscle mass.

A

s another summer wraps up, we will soon be faced with another winter and the fall calf run that precedes it. Despite what the winter may bring, one thing seems certain in the stocker market; lower pricing.

Decreased price combined with the poor growing conditions seen in many parts of Canada has led many of my conversations in recent days to focus around managing winter programs.

An easy place to start is to take stock of what you have going into the winter. Quality and quantity of feedstuffs will influence your feeding decisions. Adding more hay to inventories may be an option many farmers look toward, but this can be an expensive proposition for some.

For this article I look to explore some alternative options for feeding.

One fairly common alternative strategy that gets tabled is using straw. Straw can work well as a feed stretcher but some of the draw backs should be noted before you make this decision. First is palatability; if they don’t eat it, it doesn’t matter how well it balances or how much you feed, it isn’t going to work. Feeding the cows through a TMR mixer can help with this. TMR rations have

When looking to increase energy and protein density in the ration, cattle feeders should look to sources that can give the highest returns for the money spent. Grains and byproducts can be a good addition to rations and can help to increase nutrition delivered to the cattle.

Some concerns that are often brought up with feeding grain are undesired weight gain and increased birth weights. That said cattle shouldn’t get over conditioned if the ration is balanced to maintain condition. In many cases, a little grain can go a long way – don’t overdue it! As for the birth weights, much the same can be said. Overfeeding the cows can go back to ration balancing. With that, fetuses grow at predictable rates, with most of the growth in the last trimester. Depending on calving season, much of this concern can be managed away by changing the ration. Heavy grain use just prior to calving is not typically advised.

Many producers already feed grains without really thinking about it. Barley silage, oat silage and corn

silage can help salvage a crop that might not make it for grain. Many producers plan on using these feeds from the outset. The yields can be very attractive and the results they achieve can make them a staple in many cow diets. These feeds can however have a couple draw backs.

Mycotoxins and other mold issues can be associated with silages, and need to be monitored. Also, moisture and proper fermentation can lead to concerns as well, and need to be addressed early to ensure the cattle stay healthy.

Some of the most common concerns I see with these alternative feed options is digestibility, but as technology progresses many additives have been proven useful to help improve digestibility.

Ionophores have been proven to work and have become a staple for improving rations. Feed efficiencies gained by these, plus the added benefit of cocci control, make it an easy investment.

Recently there has been some significant research done in the field of biologicals. Yeasts and enzymes are showing a lot of promise, and look to help with fibre digestion, and unlocking energy out of the fibres in the diet.

Good luck with your winter feeding program and for more information on feeding programs please contact your local Masterfeeds representative.

43 LV.indd 43

10/17/2016 10:32:21 AM

We are pleased to announce that the ninth annual T Bar Invitational golf tournament was again, an overwhelming success, surpassing the 2015 tournament and raising over $50,000.00 for youth in the beef industry.

Eight national junior breed associations, representing nearly 2,200 members, will reap rewards because of the generosity of sponsors. In addition, a portion of the proceeds will be donated to Canadian Western Agribition, Manitoba Youth Beef Roundup, Summer Synergy, Stockade Roundup and the Young Ranchman’s All Breeds Livestock Show which all host junior interbreed events.

A successful social sponsored by Alta Genetics was held on the night of June 28th at the office of T Bar C Cattle Saskatoon, Saskatchewan. The next morning, golfers of all ages and skill levels took to the course for golf, fellowship, and good cheer. The day concluded with an awards banquet and presentation of the T Bar Invitational champions trophy.

“We are extremely happy with this year’s event which surpassed our expectations. With the ongoing commitment of the tournament participants and sponsors we have raised over $400,000.00, which has positively impacted a great amount of youth” said Bryan Kostiuk, co-chairman of the tournament. “The tournament encompasses people from all segments of the industry as well as those who supported a great cause.”

Plans for the tenth annual T Bar Invitational have begun. Watch for updates at www.tbarinvitational.com for further information on this year’s sponsors and more information on next year’s event.

Special thank you to the Canadian Limousin Association, Richmond Ranch, B Bar Limousin and J Yorga Farms for their continued support.

Hole Sponsor:

Hole Sponsor:

Hole Sponsor:

Hole Sponsor:

Hole Sponsored By: Wards Red Angus

Early Sunset Ranch

Spittalburn Farms

Blairs.Ag Cattle Co.

Wilbar Cattle Co.

Eye Hill Stock Farm

Harvest Angus

Lock Farms

Richmond Ranch

Arda Farms

Hole Sponsor:

Hole Sponsored By:

Hole Sponsored By:

Hole Sponsored By:

Steppler Farms

A. Sparrow Farms Ltd.

McAvoy Charolais

Beck Farms

Saunders Charolais

Hunter Charolais

Erixon Simmentals

Peters Simmentals

McIntosh Livestock

Bar A Cattle Co.

Meadow Acres Simmentals Kuntz Simmental Farm Sunny Valley Simmentals

Hole Sponsored By:

Hole Sponsored By: GWG Polled Herefords

NCX Polled Herefords

Hole Sponsored By:

Hole Sponsored By:

Phantom Creek Livestock Lone Pine Cattle Services Holmes Farm

Lock Farms

Double J Polled Herefords HMS Hi-Cliffe Blairs.Ag Cattle Co.

Oakridge Farms

The Cliffs Farm

AM Ranching

Libke Polled Herefords

Big Gully Farm

44 LV.indd 44

10/17/2016 10:36:33 AM

Beverage Cart Sponsor:

Hospitality Sponsor:

Canadian Shorthorn Association

PHOTOGRAPHY

O’GRADY Linden Carew O’Grady Marketing Consultant lcogrady@sasktel.net 306-823-7051

45 LV.indd 45

10/17/2016 10:36:56 AM

46 LV.indd 46

10/17/2016 10:40:44 AM

Pregnancy Checking: Sooner is Better than Later!

Biography: Dr. Colin Palmer is an Associate Professor of Theriogenology (Animal Reproduction) at the Western College of Veterinary Medicine. Originally from Nova Scotia, Dr. Palmer worked in mixed practices in Ontario and British Columbia and has owned/operated a practice in Saskatchewan. Dr. Palmer along with his wife Kim and children Lauren, Emily and Carter run a herd of purebred Red Angus cattle under the KC Cattle Co. name.

In my last article, Revisiting Cow Herd Performance, I discussed a recommended production goal of 60% of the cow herd calving in the first 3 weeks of the calving season; however, less than half of the herds participating in the 2014 Western Canadian Cow-Calf Survey reported achieving this goal. The most common explanation for falling short of this goal is that there are too many cows not cycling at the beginning of the breeding season. Inadequate pre- and post-calving nutrition, insufficient mineral supplementation, genetics, etc. may be blamed, but it is rarely a single breeding season phenomenon. I will step out on a flimsy limb and say that every reason for late calving cows can be lumped into the herd management basket. Why? Cows that calved late last season will undoubtedly calve late next season. Bull power; nutrition, including minerals and vitamins; abortion, sexually transmitted disease; twins; illness; cow age; genetics, and stress comprise a strong list of possible reasons why there may be late calving cows in a herd, but management is the reason they will remain in the herd. In the best case scenario late calving cows, if otherwise reproductively sound, can usually only be caught up by 4 to 5 weeks per season because their reproductive system needs at least 40 to 50 days to become functional again after calving. So for managers there are really only 3 choices when dealing with an open or late calving cow: 1) keep her; 2) cull her; and 3) move her to another calving season i.e. fall or next year. Any one of these choices might be plausible in certain circumstances, but generally speaking the most economically sound decision is to cull her.

Prices will continue downward for the next few years with the bottom predicted to occur in 2019. Cull cow prices have been hovering around $100 cwt for some time now, while the price of replacement females has softened considerably. The costs of maintaining an open, late calving or early calving cow are the same whether she produces a calf or not, but there is a big difference in the profit per cow.

Regardless of when you wean or when you ship your calves, the early calving cows will have bigger calves. Even when the price slide is factored in heavier calves bring more money which translates to more profit per cow.

Pregnancy checking makes good economic sense for all operations. Based on personal experience, watching for potential open cows to display heat will probably only expose half of them at most with many of these not showing up until they have consumed several months of good winter feed. Late calvers will not be identified until well ‌ it is too late! Early pregnancy checking say at, or even before, weaning is more effective as it is easier to stage the pregnancy. After 5 or 6 months of gestation, it is easy to be off by at least a month or even worse. Ultrasound does not offer any advantage at this point. The most ideal scenario is to palpate cows that are 3 to 4 months pregnant with producers wanting those less than 2 months or less and obviously open specifically identified.

Open cows can be culled immediately or fed to improve condition – you decide. The late calvers can be sold as opens or even sold as bred cows to operations looking for cows to calve in this window. Excess feed can be fed to more productive animals or sold. I won’t tell you what to do with extra money.

47

LV.indd 47

10/17/2016 10:41:01 AM

livestock gentec Breeding the best: Understanding the past to drive beef’s future

by Dawn Trautman, Project Manager and Technology Translator, Livestock Gentec at the University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB.

T

he last several installments of the Livestock Gentec/Delta Genomics article series have focused on topics ranging from carcass DNA “keys”; analyzing what consumers want; benefits of growth promotants; onfarm technology applications for beef production; and finding the right genomic test for your breeding plan.

One consistent theme of the articles was the continuous development of ideas to innovation, and ultimately into application to create value.

If we consider just one technology – genomics – nearly every week we hear of more exciting and promising advances in the study of genomics, for applications in species from humans to cattle. But how – and why – did we get here; and more importantly, where are we going?

In order to create value for the future, we must understand the past. We are descendants of our ancestors, with access to more advanced technologies. As humans and society we have progressed by striving for something better, and the same can be said for genetic progress in livestock agriculture.

Going back to 18th century England, selective animal breeding began to be documented by Robert Bakewell. In cattle in particular, Bakewell observed

slaughter weights doubling, with a significant improvement in meat quality after introducing selective breeding. Improvements at this time were achieved using visual observations, or phenotypes, alone.

While Bakewell understood that there was some heritable factor involved in animal breeding, it was an untested theory. The science of genetics was not fully discovered until after the famous pea-breeding experiments

by Gregor Mendel in the 19th century.

However, Mendel’s work was not fully recognized until the early 20th century where his work was re-discovered and incorporated into experiments that led to the more complete understanding of the basic patterns of genetic inheritance, and the discovery of the “gene”, and applications for agriculture.

Genomics is the study of an organism’s genome. It is the relationship between genetics and traits. Variations in the DNA sequences of animals can affect how they develop diseases and respond to pathogens, vaccines, and other agents. Genomics applications in livestock production can tell us with greater accuracy who the sire is of an offspring; and therefore, can tell us some history on the origin of the animal or food product.

But, why genomics now? We’ve already made a lot of progress and changes with the traditional way of breeding livestock. Do we need more?

With current projections, it is estimated that there will be nearly 10 billion people on the planet by 2050. Of this increase, a larger proportion of people are moving to the middle class. When incomes rise, demand and consumption of animal sourced proteins also rise. Increasing income is a good thing; but there are other considerations, including where to source additional food. Raising meat requires a lot of resources and may have some environmental impact.

While there is no one solution to produce enough food for 10 billion people, genomics is one additional, and feasible option to help find a solution.

Specifically important to the science of genomics is the advancement of sequencing technology, which refers to the discovery of the entire DNA sequence of an organism. In 2003 the human genome project was completed, after 13 years and around $3 billion (about $1 for each base pair!).

Fast forward to 2009 and the bovine genome project is completed at a cost of $50 million over 6 years. Today, a full genome can be sequenced in just one day for $1000. The advancements in sequencing technology are outpacing Moore’s innovation law; it’s becoming cheaper and faster.

There are several international projects involving sequencing of influential animals. This sets the foundation of the reference population in order to “see” differences in the genetic code and match them to the phenotype.

For traits that are more difficult to measure, such as feed efficiency – where we weigh animals and feed at set intervals to estimate feed intake – genomics can greatly improve the accuracy of prediction. In the traditional method many offspring were required before the accuracy of prediction was sufficiently high to make strong breeding decisions.

With genomics the accuracy can be validated much earlier, and genetic progress made faster. This is particularly important for application in the beef industry where we have a relatively long generation interval.

Genomics can tell us if a sire or dam line is carrying a recessive or detrimental gene; this has the potential to not only save costs on culling or treating ill animals, but also improves the welfare of the herd. Genomics can help in managing the genetic health of animals and help determine the

48 LV.indd 48

10/17/2016 10:41:03 AM

potential. For instance if we can tell from the DNA that a particular bull is likely to be very slow growing but still eat a lot for maintenance, this animal might not be the best choice as a sire for a terminal line of cattle. Genomics can tell with more accuracy the ability of an animal to tolerate environmental or disease challenge (robustness); it can tell us if the meat is more likely to be tender or well marbled, or better longevity traits. The application of genomics in livestock production creates potential to more accurately select for the desired traits – healthy, efficient, and quality animals.

As we are learning more and more about how genomes define the individual, the most interesting developments in the science of genetics are very likely still to come.

Scientists have built on these concepts to create new tools, such as powerful and precise gene editing tools to

actually change the genome itself.

While this can seem to be a frightening thought, the gene-editing tool, CRISPR is actually a naturally-occurring and ancient defense mechanism found in many bacteria with the function to keep dangerous viruses “in memory” to be able to recognize and defend against those viruses the next time they attack.

The fact that this naturally occurring event can be precisely positioned to target specific genes and even repair faulty genes is phenomenal; however, even more remarkable is that this was not a scientific creation, rather a discovery of a function that already existed.

By incorporating our knowledge from Bakewell to Mendel, to present day geneticists, we are, in a way similar to the bacteria with the ancient-memory, by recalling and building on past ideas, to innovate, and to imagine some improvement, but all the while

being aware of what has already been achieved. The possibility of creating value for the beef industry through the application of genetic research is immense. By working together and remembering the strengths and weaknesses of past decisions, the industry has potential to thrive and provide the world with a safe and nutritious product. We should focus on our unique opportunities and do what we can do best – produce healthy livestock with minimal environmental impact, while reducing costs and maximizing consumer satisfaction. We want to overcome our challenges and use our strengths and history to better supply the world with animal protein.

Genomics helps us reach that goal by more accurately selecting the right animals today, which will greatly influence the genetic merit and profitability of future animals.

49 LV.indd 49

10/17/2016 10:41:07 AM

British columbia news Spring and summer 2016 has been a wet one is BC as it was in most parts of Western Canada. But, that didn’t stop breeders from representing our great breed at some of the feature exhibitions in the province. Limousin were very well represented at the Dawson Creek Exhibition, Fort St. John Fall Fair, and Interior Provincial Exhibition in Armstrong, BC. There were both Limousin bulls and females that took home multi breed champion banners, as well as several Limousin influenced 4-H projects with champion honors.

Erin Kishkan

The Pinnacle View Open House was held on September 10th in Quesnel, BC and what a tremendous event it was! Rob and Cheryl Swaan, Eric and Erin Kishkan and the rest of the Pinnacle View crew had a fantastic display of cattle, herd tours, great food and of course wonderful hospitality! Guest speaker Matthew Heleniak of Norwich Packers in Ontario spoke about his business and why Limousin is their breed of choice in his packing plant. I addressed the crowd on what the CLA is currently pursuing and specifically what we are doing for our member’s commercial customers. Attendees eagerly entered in the draw for pick of a bull or heifer calf from a selection of three of each. The lucky winners were Stewart and Diane Hopkins! Thank you very much to Pinnacle View Limousin for opening up your operation and allowing attendees to gain a further appreciation for quality, quiet Limousin cattle and promoting the Limousin breed in BC! Tessa Verbeek

The display cattle looked great at Pinnacle View Limousin’s Open House

It was a full house for guest speakers Matthew Heleniak and Tessa Verbeek

Stewart & Diane Hopkins were the lucky winners of the pick of the calves!

50 LV.indd 50

10/17/2016 10:41:18 AM

Alberta news 2016/2017 ALA Board of Directors President: Steve Lingley Vice President: Jim Symens Secretary: Amy Miller Treasurer: Carla DeJager Directors: Chris Haywood, Anne Burgess, Brad Annett, Colin Verbeek, Tiffany Richmond We would like to welcome the new board members Chris Haywood, Anne Burgess, Brad Annett and Amy Miller. We look forward to working with them and their fresh new ideas. We would also like to thank Barb Miller, Mark Porter, Donna Rowe and Jackie Payne for all their support during their time as board members.

The ALA has had a brand new facelift thanks to Laura Bodell with Bella Spur Innovative Media. We encourage you all to check out the new website (www.albertalimousin.ca) with a new breeders map listing that has been long overdue.

We think that this new website is a huge step forward for the Limousin breed in Alberta. With more and more people using the internet, a highly interactive website was definitely in need. Laura hit the nail on the head with her re-vamp!

It was a busy summer, with the AJLA hosting the Canadian National Junior Limousin show in Lloydminster. It was a great success with many Juniors from all across Canada bringing out an amazing representation of the Limousin breed.

Congratulations to everyone that was able to attend!

We were fortunate enough to have the Payne families (Greenwood Limousin and Payne Livestock) host the ALA Field Day in Lloydminster, which was a massive success again this year. They went above and beyond to host a top notch event. Keep an eye on the ALA website for location and date of the 2017 ALA Field Day.

ALA Field Day tours at Greenwood Limousin

With the colour of the leaves changing it marks the beginning of the fall show run. Good luck to all exhibitors representing their breeding programs and the Limousin breed! We invite you to attend Farmfair International November 9-13, 2016 in Edmonton, Alta.

•

Limousin Pen Show ○

•

Limousin Show ○

•

4:30 pm, Wednesday, November 9 - Hall B, Ring 2 9:00 am, Thursday, November 10 - Hall B, Ring 2

Alberta Supreme Show of Champions ○

4:00 pm, Saturday, November 12 - Hall D

Steve Lingley President Alberta Limousin Association

ALA Field Day tours at Payne Livestock

51 LV.indd 51

10/17/2016 10:41:21 AM

saskatchewan news 2016-2017 SLA Board of Directors President: Rhett Jones Vice-President: Eric Martens Secretary: Eric Boon Treasurer: Janet Hale Past President: Kevin Rea Directors: Jeff Yorga, Ryley Bielecki, Jay Bohrson, Lee Carpenter, Carey Hirschfeld The 2016 SLA AGM was held in conjunction with the Prince Albert Exhibition Cattle Show. Thank you to all exhibitors for bringing out a strong group of Limousin cattle that dominated the Interbreed Show and were highly competitive in the jackpot shows.

The SLA looks forward to having the 2017 AGM and Provincial Show back up in Prince Albert. We hope to increase the numbers for our own show and the presence of the breed.

Supreme Champion and Champion Interbreed Bull exhibited by Boss Lake Genetics

Thank you to Bob Turner and Chris Qually for your years on the SLA board! We welcomed Jay Bohron and Ryley Bielecki as our two new board members.

Canadian Western Agribition November 21-26, 2016

• Limousin Show ○

9:00 am, Thursday, November 24, 2016 - Chevrolet GMC Stadium

○

Judge: Marlin Leblanc

• Solid Gold Agribition Limousin Sale ○

7:00pm, Thursday, November 24, 2016 - Stock Exchange Sale Arena

○

Sale Managed by Bohrson Marketing Services

• First Lady Classic & Futurity - Bred Heifer Jackpot ○

Tuesday, November 22, 2016 - Chevrolet GMC Stadium

Reserve Champion Interbreed Bull exhibited by B Bar Cattle

• President’s Classic - Bull Calf Jackpot ○

Tuesday, November 22, 2016 - Chevrolet GMC Stadium

• Canadian Junior Beef Extreme ○

Saturday, November 26, 2016 - Chevrolet GMC Stadium

Please make note that both show and sale are the same day on Thursday November 24!

Be sure to watch for the ‘Silent Auction’ at the SLA booth!

5th Annual Western Select Limousin Sale

• Wednesday, December 7, 2016 • Lloydminster, SK • Sale Managed by Bohrson Marketing Services Eric Boon Secretary Saskatchewan Limousin Association

Champion Interbreed Female exhibited by Anchor B Limousin

52 LV.indd 52

10/17/2016 10:41:25 AM

manitoba news As I sit and write this report we have yet another standstill in harvest. The first half of 2016 started well with little snow and ideal seeding conditions, we were even worrying if there would be enough growth and grass for our pastures. Mid June came and it hasn’t stopped raining yet. Many areas in the province have received 150% of normal precipitation which is great for pastures but not so good for making hay.

Anyway, there should be plentiful feed resources for the livestock industry this year.

The Manitoba Limousin Provincial Summer Show was held in Lundar, MB on June 11, 2016. With new facilities and wonderful hosts the show was a great success for the Limousin breed in the Interlake region of Manitoba. Thank you to all exhibitors for your attendance. Congratulations to Jaymarandy Limousin for exhibiting the Grand Champion Bull and the Reserve Champion Female. Congratulations to NYK Cattle Co. for exhibiting the Grand Champion Female and the Reserve Champion Bull and also for being awarded Champion Breeders Herd and Get of Sire.

It has been a busy summer with 4-H achievements, summer fairs and junior activities. Hopefully you were able to attend some of these events to support or learn more about Limousin cattle. All facets of the industry have been busy as well with field days, demonstrations and meetings. At a recent Manitoba Beef & Forage Initiative Field Day, the Manitoba Minister of Agriculture stated that he wished for the number of Manitoba cattle to increase from 485,000 to 750,000, which is a lofty challenge for the Manitoba Beef Industry.

Let’s hope Limousin cattle can be a large component of this increase as the breed can offer increased yields and carcass cut ability, two areas that have been decreasing in the last decade.

As fall approaches we start to think about livestock prices and trends. We have seen a marked downturn in the cattle futures and auction market returns this year. Many producers are going to be very disappointed with the prices they receive for their calves this fall which is because feedlots have suffered heavy losses in the last half of 2015 and to date in 2016. Maybe if they had been feeding cattle that yielded and produced more meat they wouldn’t have incurred such heavy losses. JUST A THOUGHT! Lauren and I were able to attend the International Limousin Congress in Ireland from August 20-27, 2016. What a beautiful country, there is green grass everywhere. Limousin have the largest numbers of beef cattle in Ireland and are the breed of choice for A.I. in the dairy herd. Although the Irish Limousin are different in size and stature than North American cattle, they are an impressive example of Limousin cattle.

We thoroughly enjoyed our time in Ireland with farm tours and county fairs with great experiences in Irish culture and hospitality. Even the Guinness was great!

With regards to the fall show and sale season, the Manitoba Limousin Association is proud and pleased to host the Canadian Limousin Association National Show and National Advantage Sale held in conjunction with the Manitoba Ag-Ex Show. This national event will be held on October 28, 2016

with the show starting at 10:00 a.m. and the sale at 7:00 p.m.

Be sure to attend this prestigious event as some of the finest Limousin cattle from Western Canada will be in Brandon at the Keystone Centre.

The Manitoba Limousin Association extends a very warm welcome to all. See you in Brandon.

Bill Campbell President Manitoba Limousin Association

Grand Champion Bull JL Bonnet’s Thug MRA 402B

Grand Champion Female Cam Poll Xpressive 12X with NYK Hades 13D at foot

Reserve Champion Bull NYK Apollo Creed 11C

Reserve Champion Female JL Barbie 5-0 LNA 1B

53 LV.indd 53

10/17/2016 10:41:28 AM

Ontario news Fall is now here with shorter days and longer nights.

Fall harvest in Ontario is ramping up with corn silage, soybeans and grain corn. Most of Ontario has had a very dry and hot summer, with pastures drying up early in the summer, but many parts of Ontario did get some much needed rain in August and September which amazingly started re-growing the pastures.

Cattle prices this fall on the commercial side are much lower than last year, due to the fed cattle prices, and our feedlot sector having a few negative returns this past year. Quality cattle, like Limousin influenced cattle will bring some premiums as they always have, and will help producers make a few extra dollars on their calves this fall.

Ontario Limousin breeders are keeping very busy this fall at the many fall fairs across the province. Our Provincial Show is in Markham, Ontario on October 2nd and the Royal is also the final show of the year on November 6th in Toronto. The OLA puts on the Provincial Show and helps organize the show in Toronto.

2017 Day Planner. This is our biggest fundraiser for the year to help the OLA fund our association and promote the Limousin breed in Ontario.

Ontario sent several juniors to Alberta this summer for the National Junior Limousin Show and represented our province well. To help promote our breed, our Junior Association presents Ontario 4-H members who show a Limousin or Limousin influenced calf an award each year. There are over 100 4-Hers showing Limousin cattle this year.

With the fall calf sales getting underway in Ontario, the OLA will help promote Limousin influenced calves, and the pink back Limousin tags at some of the sales barns.

By promoting our breed, and showing commercial cattlemen the premiums on Limousin influenced calves, we hope that Limousin herd sires will be in bigger demand for our seedstock producers.

Murray Shaw President Ontario Limousin Association

The OLA is also very busy this time of year working on our

2016 fall sales Cattle Call at Bragg Creek

High Selling Heifer Calf Lot 14 - RPY Paynes Dream Girl 26D ET sired by Cole Architect 08A consigned by Payne Livestock sold to Eden Meadows, SK for $15,250.00 High Selling Pick of the 2016 Bull Calves Lot 8 - Pick of the 2016 Bull Calves consigned by Cottage Lake Livestock/Boss Lake Livestock sold to Nordal Limousin, SK for $10,000.00 High Selling Pick of the 2016 Heifer Calves Lot 9 - Pick of the 2016 Heifer Calves consigned by Pinnacle View Limousin sold to Clark Cattle Co., ON for $11,000.00 High Selling Bred Heifer Lot 15 - EDW Chewy Chocolate ET sired by TMCK Durham Wheat 6030, consigned by Edwards Limousin sold to Three Ridge Farms, ON for $10,500.00 High Selling Cow/Calf Pair Lot 2 - MAGS Urban District sired by LVLS Secret Weapon 4408K, consigned by Highland Stock Farms sold to Laird Edwards, SK for $5,250.00 and her 2016 Heifer calf Lot 2A, Highland Double Delite sired by RPY Paynes Derby 46Z sold to Dick & Bonnie Koetsier, AB for $5,750.00

54 LV.indd 54

10/17/2016 10:41:29 AM

Québec news ANNUAL ATTENDANCE TO THE UPA’s OPEN HOUSES Over 24 000 persons had gathered at the Montreal Olympic Esplanade to meet with Quebec agricultural producers, to attend the 2016 Quebec Farmer’s Union (UPA) Annual Open Houses on September 11th. The Quebec Limousin Association President (Mr Serge Dethier), the secretary (Mrs Diane Joly), a board member (Mr Éric Ratelle) and his spouse (Mrs Diana Lussier-Pelletier) were attending and took care of a beef cattle display, including the on-site presence of three Limousin cows and their offspring. They were busy all day long, informing all those citizens on the characteristics and qualities of the Limousin breed.

RENDEZ-VOUS ANNUEL AUX PORTES OUVERTES DE L’UPA Plus de 24 000 personnes se sont rendues à l’esplanade du Parc olympique de Montréal pour rencontrer les producteurs agricoles québécois à l’occasion des Portes Ouvertes de l’UPA. Le président de l’ALQ (Serge Dethier), la secrétaire (Diane Joly) et un administrateur (Éric Ratelle) et sa conjointe (Diana Lussier-Pelletier) étaient présents au kiosque dédié à la race bovine, accompagnés de trois vaches Limousin et leurs veaux. Tout au long de la journée, ils ont pu informer les citadins sur les caractéristiques et spécificités de la race Limousin.

Annuel aux portes ouvertes de L’UPA Limousin cattle on display at the Quebec Farmer’s Union (UPA) Annual Open Houses

With the recent introduction of a new provincial legislation regarding animal welfare, the customers living in the cities are more concerned than ever about the food they eat and the overall conditions the animals are raised on our farms. This year great success of the UPA Open Houses clearly demonstrates how our customers are caring about what they eat every day.

ATQ LIMOUSIN EAR TAGS We are reminding not to forget to order your ATQ Limousin ear tags. To place your order, you would find the instructions on the ATQ website at: https://www.atq.qc.ca/ fr/producteurs-intervenant/formulaires.

SAINT-MARTIN BULL TEST STATION For the 20th year, a group of young bulls made their entry on September 20th at the Saint-Martin Test Station in La Beauce region. Those bulls will get evaluated on several traits and you can follow their performances on the AgriReseau web site at: https://www.agrireseau.net/.

The best bulls will be sold in the Annual Bull Test Station Sale, on February 18, 2017.

Diane Joly Secretary Quebec Limousin Breeders Association

Avec l’arrivée de la nouvelle loi sur le bien-être animal, l’alimentation devient une préoccupation pour des millions de consommateurs et leur curiosité quant aux conditions dans lesquelles les animaux sont élevés est bien naturelle. Le succès des Portes ouvertes témoigne donc de l’intérêt des citadins pour ce qu’ils mettent dans leur assiette.

BOUCLES ATQ LIMOUSIN Nous aimerions vous rappeler l’importance de vous procurer des boucles d’identification ATQ Limousin. Vous retrouverez toute l’information concernant la façon de les commander sur le site ATQ à l’adresse suivante: https:// www.atq.qc.ca/fr/producteurs-intervenant/formulaires.

ENTRÉE DES TAUREAUX EN STATION C’est le 20 septembre dernier que la Station St-Martin en Beauce accueillait pour la 20ième année de jeunes taureaux pour leur évaluation. Il vous sera facile de retrouver l’évolution des taureaux sur le site de Agri Réseau sur le lien suivant: https://www.agrireseau.net/.

Les taureaux seront en vente lors de l’encan du 18 février 2017.

Diane Joly Secrétaire Association des Éleveurs Limousin du Québec

55 LV.indd 55

10/17/2016 10:41:30 AM

maritime news Balamore Farm Limited in Great Village, Nova Scotia was the setting for the 2016 Maritime Junior Limousin Show, held on Saturday, September 10th and Sunday, September 11th.

The warm sunny weather was special ordered by Joe and Carolyn Cooper of Balamore Farm, for the two-day event.

On Saturday evening competitors, judges and guests all enjoyed some social time while served smoked beef brisket, coleslaw, vegetable salads, rolls, and a wide variety of desserts.

Balamore Farm hosted two bus tours of the farm over the two day show, offering an inside look at their farm including crops, cattle and so much more.

Junior Limousin members would like to thank Joe and Carolyn Cooper of Balamore Farm as well as the Maritime Limousin Association for this opportunity. We would also like to thank the judges, Eric Boon and Terra Chalack, who came from Lucky Lake, Saskatchewan. These two judges gave all juniors individual tips and advice on showing our cattle that we will take into every show ring for years to come!

Sidney Patton Maritime Junior Limousin Show Exhibitor

With 34 junior competitors ranging in age from 8 to 21, and 36 Limousin cattle participating, it was a busy weekend filled with ice breaker games, bathing, clipping, fitting, showing, while forever friendships were made amidst all the fun!

The farms represented at the show included: Blue Diamond Limousin, Fred Porter, Lindencrest Farms, Othberg’s Limousin, East Coast Limousin, Balamore Farm and Top of the Hill Farm.

The list below indicates the winners in the various classes and competitions offered over the weekend: Photography - Makayla Hunter Fitting Team - William Cooper, Mitch Best, Eryn Lorraine and Grace Reynolds

Grand Champion Male Balamore Dark Knight 608D shown by Ashley Higgins

Judging Team - Taylor Stewart and Camryn Patton Junior Showmanship - Mackenzie Thorne Intermediate Showmanship - Jenna Mattatall Senior Showmanship - Emily Ross Grand Champion Showman - Jenna Mattatall Reserve Champion Showman - Emily Ross Grand Champion Male - Balamore Dark Knight 608D shown by Ashley Higgins Grand Champion Female - RLF 802A with calf at side Balamore Dark Knight 608D shown by Taylor Stewart Grand Champion Yearling - East Coast Cowgirl 524 C shown by William Cooper Grand Champion Heifer Calf - Balamore Daisy 606D shown

by Jenna Matattall Grand Aggregate - Taylor Stewart Runner Up Grand Aggregate - William Cooper

Grand Champion Female RLF 802A with calf at side Balamore Dark Knight 608D shown by Taylor Stewart

56 LV.indd 56

10/17/2016 10:41:34 AM

Advertising Rates:

One Page $1,000.00 One Half Page $650.00 One Quarter Page $375.00 Annual Card Rate $250.00 All ads will be in full color All Prices Plus GST Yearly contract discount 10% (Card Ads Exempt) For More Information Contact Bryan Kostiuk 306.934.9696 Editor C: 306.292.7763 Chris Poley Marketing

Deadline & editorial calender Fall (Late Sale Issue) Ad bookings by September 20 Ad copy by September 30 Christmas (Herd Bull Issue) Ad bookings by November 20 Ad copy by December 1 Winter (Herd Bull Issue) Ad bookings by January 15 Ad copy by January 25

306.933.4200 C: 306.220.5006

57 LV.indd 57

10/17/2016 10:41:35 AM

Breeder Section BRITISH COLUMBIA

Rob & Cheryl Swaan Erin & Eric Kishkan & Family Jeff & Amber Swaan & Family 4344 Hwy 97 S. Quesnel, B.C. V2J 6P4

Fouillard Limousin

2713 33 Ave. South Lethbridge, AB T1K 1J8 (403) 327 9327 (H) (403) 308 6171 (C)

Tel: (250) 747-3836 • Fax: (250) 747-0436 mail: swaany@quesnelbc.com www.pvlimousin.com

southbridgelimousin@theboss.net

Murray & Bev Stewart Box 1326 Tel: (403) 742-5226 Stettler, AB T0C 2L0 Fax: (403) 742-5242 Imperial Ranch Ltd. E-mail: irl@telusplanet.net

ALBERTA

HARVEY & DONNA CADIEUX

Dale & Carole Barclay Box 21, Erskine, Alta. Canada T0C 1G0 (403) 742-4825 DALE

(403) 742-3882 RICK

Box 1352 Ph: (780) 623-2468 Lac La Biche, AB Fax: (780) 623-4169 T0A 2C0 Fullblood & Black or Red Polled

(403) 742-5916 TERRY

Box 127, Erskine, Alberta T0C 1G0 Ph: (403) 742-5211 Fax: (403) 742-6139 Cell: (403) 740-7621

Mark Sugimoto & Family

780-879-2105 glendh@telusplanet.net Bob, Dorothy, Colin and Glenda RR #1, Hardisty, Alberta T0B 1V0

58 LV.indd 58

10/17/2016 10:41:42 AM

Lonny McKague Box 171, Ogema, SK SOC 1YO

SASKATCHEWAN www.hockridgefarms.ca

(306) 459-2788 • (306) 459-7801

(306) 459-2202 (Fax) email: lonnymckague@hotmail.com

Box 450, Roblin, MB R0L 1P0 email: lrangus@xplornet.ca

Kevin Rea 306/463-7950 The Rea Family Ken Rea 306/968-2923 Marengo, SK S0L 2K0 r3bar@hotmail.com

MANITOBA

Len, Ruth & Mark Angus: 204-937-4980 Todd, Jay-Dean, Jules & Angus Smyth: 204-937-4384

www.jaymarandy.com

H LIMOUSIN W The “Fuchs” Family A Bethune, Saskatchewan S0G 0H0 Y Purebred Red & Black Limousin Cattle Visitors Welcome Ed & Doreen (306) 638-4422 Warren (306) 789-8863 Darcy (306) 638-4800 Email: wfuchs@sasktel.net

Stan & Pat

204-855-2214 204-729-1772 204-855-2633 204-724-0892 Darby & Kelly 204-855-2191 204-573-6529

Kyle & Erin

Raising Limousin for over 30 years RR#1, Alexander, MB R0K 0A0 Fax: 204-855-2472 • Email: csf@westman.wave.ca Website: cochranestockfarms.com

Lazy A Limousin t he HIR SC HFELD family Brent

●

Carey

P.O. Box 279 Cando, SK S0K 0V0

●

Steven

●

Brittany

home ● (306) 937.7553 cell ● (306) 441.3723 email ● bchirsch@hotmail.com

Specializing in Polled Fullbloods and Purebreds

Lionel & Sharon, Alicia, Riché, Melanie Patrick, Brody & Diane Fouillard

P.O. Box 3, St. Lazare, MB R0M 1Y0 Home/Fax: (204) 683-2353 Cell: (780) 719-3894 Email: lionelfouillard@yahoo.ca

ONTARIO

Arcon Cattle Company

Arley Cattle Company

59 LV.indd 59

10/17/2016 10:41:46 AM

Bill & Mary Anne Zwambag Nick, Andrew & Matt

41410 Glendon Dr., Glenco, ON N0L 1M0 Res. (519) 287-3219 Fax: (519) 287-5248 www.beezeeacres.ca email:bzwambag@execulink.com

727 458 21st Sideroad RR#1 Clarksburg, Ontario NOH 1JO

Kym and Carole Anthony - Owners Mike Geddes - General Manager Farm Office: 519 599 6776 Farm Fax: 519 599 1079 Mike Geddes cell: 519 375 6230 Mike Geddes - email: mike@topmeadowfarms.com Darrell Saunders - email: dsaunders@topmeadowfarms.com Visit our website at:

WWW.TOPMEADOWFARMS.COM

Haystack Acres Purebred Limousin Cattle John and Michelle McLean Res:519.738.0453 haystacklimousin@yahoo.ca

3114 Walker Rd RR# 2 Harrow, Ontario N0R 1G0

1366 - Windy Gables:Layout 4

4250 King Rd. King City, ON L7B 1K4 Ray, Stacie, Will Meg & Liz Stanton Mobile: (416) 505-0707 rays@londonproperty.ca

Wanted: Harvest Olympus, Pub, Punch, Orion or Goldnview Krugerrand semen and embryos.

06/11/2007

Breeders of polled purebred and fullblood Limousin

Bryce & Nathan Allen P.O. Box 189 Warkworth, Ontario K0K 3K0 Tel: (705) 924-2583 Fax: (705) 924-3385

ercial Attention comm Advertise your Limousin influence calves for cattlemen free on the CLA website

http://limousin.com/sale-barn/list-commercial-calves/

60 LV.indd 60

10/17/2016 10:41:48 AM

Services Section   Auctioneer 4-3342 Millar Avenue Saskatoon, SK S7K 7G9

Cell (306) 220-5006 chris@tbarc.com

Davis-Rairdan Embryo Transplants Ltd. Davis-Rairdan International P.O. Box 590 Crossfield, Alberta Canada T0M 0S0 Phone (403) 946-4551 Fax (403) 946-5093 Website: www.davis-rairdan.com E-mail: embryos@davis-rairdan.com services offered: - On-farm freezing & collection - Donor care facility - Recipient herd - Licensed facility for embryo exports - Genetic marketing & selection

61 LV.indd 61

10/17/2016 10:41:51 AM

Advertisiers Index 777 Cattle Ltd. 6 Amaglen Limousin 8 Andrew Ranches Limousin 10 Arcon Cattle Company 59 Arley Cattle Company 59 B Bar Cattle 7 Bar 3R Limousin 59 Bar-Dale Limousin 58 Bee Zee Acres 31, 60 Bohrson Marketing Services 21 Bova-Tech Ltd. 61 Bow Valley Genetics 61 Campbell Limousin 27 Cherway Limousin 59 Clark Cattle 12, 13 Cochrane Stock Farms 59 Combest Limousin Farm 58 Davis-Rairdan Embryo Transplants Ltd. 61 de Jager Limousin Cattle Co. 58 Diamond C Ranch 58 Eden Meadows Farm 2 Excel Ranches 6 Fort Ellice Limousin 59 Fouillard Limousin 58 Gardiner Limousin 60 Grant Rolston Photography 61 Greenwood Limousin & Angus 64 Hansen’s Limousin 58 Haystack Acres 60 Highland Stock Farms 5 Hillside Farm 60 Hillview Farms 58 Hi-Valley Limousin 27, 58 Hiway Limousin 59 Hockridge Farms 59 Hollee Limousin 12

Horizon Limousin 58 Hudson Limousin 58 J Yorga Farms IBC Jaymarandy Limousin 25, 59 Jaymarandy Livestock 25 Karwandy Limousin 59 Lazy A Limousin 59 Lisle Limousin 60 Murphy Ranch 14, 15 Northlands 37 Payne Livestock BC Pine Haven Farm 60 Pinnacle View Limousin 1, 12, 58 Poley, Chris 61 Poplar View Stock Farm 59 Posthaven Limousin 60 Red Coat Cattle Station 59 Red Maple Farms 11 Revolution Cattle Co. 10 Richmond Ranch 9, 58 Riverstone Cattle Company IFC Rocky View Livestock 58 Skeels, Dan 61 Smart Limousin 60 Southbridge Limousin 58 Stewart Limousin 58 Stockmens Insurance 61 Team Auction Sales 61 Top Meadow Farms 60 Triple “R” Limousin 60 Willowcrest Limousin 58 Windy Gables Limousin 3, 60 Wulf Cattle 12

62 LV.indd 62

10/17/2016 10:41:51 AM

upcoming events

October 27-29 National Limousin Show at Manitoba Ag Ex, Brandon, MB 28 National Limousin Advantage Sale at Manitoba Ag Ex, Brandon, MB

November Published By: Today’s Publishing #4-3342 Millar Avenue, Saskatoon SK S7K 7G9 Phone: (306) 934-9696 Fax: (306) 934-0744 info@tbarc.com www.buyagro.com Published 3 times/year: Winter, Fall & Christmas Careful consideration has been placed on production of this magazine and we are responsible for the value of the advertisement; however, we assume no responsibility for errors or omissions.

Return Undeliverable Canadian Addresses to: Today’s Publishing Circulation Dept. #4 3342 Millar Avenue Saskatoon, SK S7K 7G9 Email: info@tbarc.com Our Staff: Bryan Kostiuk - Editor Chris Poley - Marketing Ted Serhienko - Marketing Treena Ballantyne - Controller Mina Serhienko - Accounting Carla Horatchka - Accounting Angela Selsky - Accounting Debbie Thiessen - Circulation Tiffany Peters - Lead Design Mikyla Cliffe - Design Samantha Rimke - Office

Printed in Canada by: Western Litho, Regina, SK Publication Mail Agreement: 40021107

2-5 4 4-13 5 6 7

9 9-13 10 15 20 21-26 24 24 25

JTL Stockade Roundup, Lloydminster, AB Stockade Roundup Fall Fusion All Breeds Sale, Lloydminster, SK Royal Agricultural Winter Fair, Toronto, ON Royal Elite All Breeds Sale, Toronto, ON Limousin Show at Royal Agricultural Winter Fair, Toronto, ON Limousin Junior Showmanship at Royal Agricultural Winter Fair, Toronto, ON Limousin Pen Show at Farmfair International, Edmonton, AB Farmfair International, Edmonton, AB Limousin Show at Farmfair International, Edmonton, AB Murphy Ranch Complete Limousin Dispersal, Red Deer, AB Limousin Voice Christmas Issue Deadline Canadian Western Agribition, Regina, SK Limousin Show at Canadian Western Agribition, Regina, SK Solid Gold Limousin Sale, Regina, SK Champions By Design Club Calf Sale, Regina, SK

December 2 3 3 7 31

Riverstone Cattle Co. Forged in Fire Elite Heifer Sale, Olds, AB Colours of Autumn Limousin Sale, Cookstown, ON Manitoba Limousin Advantage Sale, MacGregor, MB 5th Annual Western Select Limousin Sale, Lloydminster, SK New Year’s Resolution Frozen Genetics Sale, Olds, AB

January 15 15

Manitoba Limousin Advantage Sale, MacGregor, MB Limousin Voice Herd Bull Issue Deadline

February 16 27

Nordal Limousin and Angus Bull Sale, Saskatoon, SK JYF Annual Production Sale, Flintoft, SK

March 9 10 17 18

Excel Ranches “Excellence” Sale, Westlock, AB Richmond Ranch Grass Country Bull & Female Sale, Rumsey, AB Anchor B/B Bar Cattle/Carpenter 16th Annual Bull Sale, Saskatoon, SK Highland Bull Sale, Bragg Creek, AB

April 17

Bee Zee Acres 3rd Annual Open House Bull & Heifer Private Treaty Sale, Glencoe, ON 63

LV.indd 63

10/17/2016 10:41:53 AM

64 LV.indd 64

10/17/2016 10:41:54 AM

Riverstone Voice ad.qxp_Layout 1 10/11/16 2:36 PM Page 1

JUST A SAMPLE OF THE LIMOUSIN OFFERING....

S: PBRS 382Z

S: PBRS 382Z

S: TMCK DURHAM WHEAT

RIVERSTONE DIAMOND CUT

RIVERSTONE DAISY DUKE

RIVERSTONE DAZZLING

S: PBRS 382Z

RIVERSTONE DAPHNE

RIVERSTONE DRAMA QUEEN

RIVERSTONE DREAMBOAT

S: EXLR CHISHOLM

S: PBRS 382Z

Wulfs Zephyr X624Z X TMF Miss 186W

EPDs BW: 5.2 WW: 88 YW: 120 SC: 0.75 Doc: 24 REA: 1.12 MB: -0.12 Act. 90 lbs 733 lbs 1225 lbs 40.6 cm 17.46 2.1 Ratio 101 102 115 123 115 Rank 26/56 9/25 1/24 Homo Polled.

With a disposition second to none, we feel a duty to share this bull with the Limousin breed. He has the disposition, scrotal and depth of body a lot of cows can use. We welcome all inquiries.

Annual Production Sale February 27, 2017 Kelly and Norma Yorga (H) 306-263-4432 (C) 306-642-7023 (F) 306-263-4473 norma_yorga@yahoo.ca

Jeffrey Yorga (H) 306-531-5717 (W) 204-799-0347 (F) 306-522-2218 jeffyorga@yahoo.ca Box 14, Flintoft, SK S0H 1R0

jyorgafarms.com

fall16covers.indd 2

10/16/2016 11:12:14 AM

fall16covers.indd 1

10/16/2016 11:12:10 AM