FCSF Director’s Message
Deanne Young Director of FCSF
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ifty years for a breed association is a relatively short time in the history of breeding livestock which makes the impact that the Simmental breed has made on the Canadian beef industry look even that much more remarkable. People who are history buffs, will be able to look back in our history and identify the herd letters of those that bred the cattle that influenced the Simmental breed over the years, however have you ever thought of other ways that you can leave your legacy in the breed and livestock industry? The evolution of the Friends of Canadian Simmental Foundation (FCSF) began through discussion between the Canadian Simmental Association (CSA) and a handful of its members, some of whom were former Directors of the CSA. They shared the interest of creating a registered charity that would support further learning opportunities, scholarships, and research projects for the benefit of the Canadian Beef Industry through the Simmental breed, while also being able to recognize the donations in a charitable environment. By working closely with the Canadian Simmental Association (CSA) and National Young Canadian Simmental (YCS) boards, the FCSF has been able to support youth activities by offering more than $12,000 in scholarships each year, as well as through leadership development opportunities; and most recently, bursaries for further learning outside of formal post-secondary education. Each year 15% of the funds raised through the FCSF auction have been allocated to the National YCS program. The Friends of Canadian Simmental Foundation works with the CSA as our shared values and philosophies reinforce the work that the CSA carries out for our membership. As one of the directors of the FCSF, it has been gratifying to see the support we have gathered through our annual auction held in conjunction with the National YCS show and CSA conference. Breeders and industry leaders from across Canada have supported the auction with generous and at times unique donations. The auction itself is one of the yearly events that brings many Simmental enthusiasts together either on site or through the internet to bid on the sale items and support the Foundation. Each year a Friend of the Foundation is recognized through the donation of Lot 1, a bred heifer. We have received donations from breeders from across Canada and this year’s donation is from Barlee Simmentals – Jerry and Laurie Barber from Shawville, Quebec. While Jerry and his family have a relatively small herd of 15 purebred Simmentals they recognize the valuable role of the Foundation so have generously donated a bred heifer from their quality herd. We thank them for this significant gift. During the 2018 auction, a young Simmental enthusiast commented to his “Papa” upon purchasing his new toy cow and stall set that is was “the most per pound” they had ever spent on a cow. He was a very eager bidder and very pleased when he gave the winning bid to own this new treasure. The auction is always an entertaining time to support a great cause. I wonder how much the famous perogies donated from Bonchuck Farms will bring this year, or who will be in the running for the Montreal Canadian hockey tickets from Keystone Livestock? As always I am sure there will be a battle between sets of Grandparents during the bidding on the toy cows. The fundraising auction is an excellent opportunity for everyone to become involved in the Foundation. Donators receive a charitable tax
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receipt, while purchasers receive exposure through their purchase and the advertising that follows the event, not to mention the opportunity to often purchase exclusive genetics, art, experiences, and other valued items. The FCSF is more than just a fundraising auction each year. It is about leaving a legacy for future generations that have the similar backgrounds and beliefs; the belief in agriculture, Simmental cattle and supporting our youth as productive citizens. Consider this question “If your life was to end tomorrow, would you be proud of what you had left behind?” I am proud to say that through my volunteer work with the FCSF, my legacy in the agriculture industry will continue. Future generations may not have a direct connection to any of us but we will have played a small part in creating an asset that will continue to pay it forward for years to come. The Foundation has also been the recipient from several families that wished to have memorial donations made in the memory of their loved ones. I can’t think of a better way to acknowledge and continue the passion that our loved ones had for the Simmental breed and beef industry. These gestures have served in building the assets of the Foundation. As a board,we are committed to investing and dispersing those assets in a responsible way to ensure that the FCSF serves its purpose long into the future. The FCSF board also works with the CSA in reviewing the YCSA budgets to ensure that they meet our requirements of our support for their programming. No matter what the amount is that you have contributed to the Foundation, we are very conscious of the responsibility we have to managing and utilizing the funds to the very best of our ability. Succession planning has been a current topic at recent Agriculture industry events and estate planning is an important part of any long-term business plan. As you consider how you would like your farming assets to be distributed in the future, you may want to consider bequeathing some of the assets of your estate to the Friends of Canadian Simmental Foundation. What a tremendous legacy to leave knowing that you will be aiding youth in their skill development and education for generations to come. To some a judging competition or a show heifer project might not look like skill development, but we know that youth who participate in events such as these are learning responsibility, how to win or lose graciously, and the ability to work as a team along with effective communication and planning skills. The networking and skills learned at these events will last a lifetime. With so many ways for you to be a part of the Friends of Canadian Simmental Foundation we would love to hear from you. If you have an item that we could add to this year’s auction on August 10th in Saint-Hyacinthe, Quebec, please contact any of the FCSF or CSA board or staff members on this process. If you would like to discuss becoming a Friend of the Foundation, or the possibility of working with you in your estate planning please feel to contact the FCSF President, or the CSA General Manager and the discussion will be handled with the strictest of confidence. Each and every one of us can be a part of this long-lasting legacy in some way. The Friends of Canadian Simmental Foundation belongs to all of those that had the vision to believe in bringing the Simmental breed to Canada, those that supported and have developed it over the past 50 years, and those that see the value it brings to the generations of the future. By working together the possibilities are endless. What will your legacy include?