Simmental Country November 2012 by Today's Publishing Inc.

N ove mbe r /De c e mbe r 2 0 1 2

Si mme ntal Countr y

10/24/2012 1:31:09 PM SC nov 12_OC.indd 1

High Sellers

Lot 5 Lot 2 Lot 7 Lot 97 Lot 33

Bar 5 P SA Enticer 301Y Bar 5 SA Bartholemeu Bar 5 SA Isabelle FBMS 215M Mia 16Y PHS Polled X N Oâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s

$31,000.00 $14,000.00 $12,000.00 $8,100.00 $7,200.00

Agro Zurita Circle 3 Genetics Jaquarete/Agro Zurita Ferm Sibelle Jaquarete Simm

Watch for our... Spring Spectacular 40th Bull Sale Saturday, April 6, 2013

A Fullblood Simmental Fleckvieh Federation Endorsed Sale

Bruce Holmquist CEO of Programming and External Relations Cell: 403-988-8676 bholmquist@simmental.com

Barb Judd CEO of Office Management Phone: 403-250-7979 bjudd@simmental.com

Margo Cartwright Marketing Coordinator Phone: 403-250-5255 mcartwright@simmental.com

Darryl Snider Western Sale Representative Cell: 403-803-6532 sniderd@telus.net

Jane Crawford Eastern Sales Consultant Phone: 519-287-5286 Cell: 519-317-5263 jane.cattle@gmail.com

Volume 33, Number 5

#13, 4101 19th St. N.E. Calgary, Alberta T2E 7C4 Phone: 403-250-5255 Fax: 403-250-5121 Website: www.simmentalcountry.com Email: country@simmental.com Canadian Simmental Country Deadlines February 2013 “Herd Sire” Issue March/April/May “Spring 2013” Issue “Queens of the Pasture” 2013 Issue October 2013 Issue November/December Winter 2013 Issue

Material Deadline: January 1, 2013 Material Deadline: April 1, 2013 Material Deadline: July 1, 2013 Material Deadline: September 1, 2013 Material Deadline: October 1, 2013

Commercial Country Deadlines January 2013 Issue September 2013 Issue

Material Deadline: December 1, 2012 Material Deadline: August 1, 2013

Mailing Dates - Each issue will be mailed on or about the first of the month. Simmental Country, mailed as second class, assumes no responsibility for actual receipt date. Production & Ad Copy Changes – Special production requests and ad copy changes may be subject to extra charges. Charges will apply on an individual basis. Layouts & Proofs - Requests for special layouts should be in the Simmental Country office by the 21st day of the second month preceding publication. Although every effort will be made to provide proofs on all ads, proofs are guaranteed only if all ad material arrives in the Country office prior to deadline. Advertising Content - The Simmental Country assumes no responsibility for the accuracy and truthfulness of submitted advertising copy or electronically supplied pictures and has the right to refuse any ad copy or photos. Advertisers shall indemnify and hold harmless the Country containing pedigrees or statements regarding performance must conform to records kept by the Canadian Simmental Association. Copy deviating from official records may be changed as necessary without advertiser consent. Editorial Policy - Articles and information in this magazine represent the opinions of the writers and the information that, to the best of our knowledge, was accurate at the time of writing. Users of any information contained in Simmental Country are encouraged to validate that information by independent means. Subscription Rates Canada AB, SK, MB, QC add 5 per cent to all fees for GST USA $40 + applicable taxes per year $65 per year U.S. funds BC add 12 per cent to all fees for HST $75 + applicable taxes for two years ON, NB, NFLD add 13 per cent to all fees for HST Foreign $130 per year (GST included) NS add 15 per cent to all fees for HST Canadian funds

Published for: Canadian Simmental Association #13 , 4101 - 19th Street N.E. Calgary, Alberta T2E 7C4 Phone: 403-250-7979 Fax: 403-250-5121 Published by:

Emily Grey

YCSA Coordinator Phone: 819-875-3205 Fax: 819-564-4652 emilygrey29@hotmail.com

The official publication of the Canadian Simmental Association

4-3342 Millar Avenue Saskatoon, Saskatchewan S7K 7G9 Office: 306-934-9696 Fax: 306-934-0744 www.todayspublishing.com Editor: Bryan Kostiuk Marketing: Ted Serhienko & Chris Poley Accounting: Mina Serhienko & Treena Ballantyne Circulation: Debbie Thiessen Production: Tiffany Peters, Melissa McRae, Terra Montes & Cherise Tuzikova

Please Return Undeliverable Copies To: Canadian Simmental Association #13 , 4101 - 19th Street N.E. Calgary, Alberta T2E 7C4 Phone: 403-250-7979 Fax: 403-250-5121 Publication Mail Agreement #40012794 © 2012 Simmental Country (1997) Ltd. All rights reserved. The contents of this publication may not be reproduced by any means, in whole or in part, without the prior written consent of the Canadian Simmental Association.

From the Gate Post

By Bruce Holmquist CEO of Programming and External Relations

World Simmental Fleckvieh Federation

he World Simmental Fleckvieh Federation (WSFF) is the umbrella organization that represents 26 member countries from around the world and this year the WSFF Congress was held in the beautiful country of Germany. The pre-tour of the Congress began in Dresden and introduced the participants to German culture as well as the history and beauty that either survived or was rebuilt after the tragedy of war. Our trips to the surrounding regions led us to herds of Simmental cattle that were used for beef production and were more similar in composition and type to our cattle than the dual purpose cattle that we would see later in the main portion of the Congress. It was interesting to note that in several of the beef herds there was lower priority placed on fertility and calving interval than we are accustomed to in Canada. Herds were allowed to calve for several months of the year and when asked how they evaluated fertility in a system such as that one operator supplied the answer that calving interval was not a priority as selection for the polled gene was the focus of their selection criteria.With an answer such as that it was concluded by some that the $170 (Can) per acre support payment paid to farmers from the German government has led to some distortion in selection criteria and less importance placed on traits that may be most economically important in the longer term. Following the interesting beef focused pre-tour we traveled south to Landshut and the main portion of the Congress. In this beautiful city near Munich, we were treated to an old small town atmosphere in the downtown core as well as a beautiful venue in which to conduct the business of the WSFF. The WSFF Council Meeting and Regular Members Meeting over the next two days provided the opportunityfor member representatives to conduct the business of the WSFF. During these meetingsthere was followup to last yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s discussions in Udine Italy on the breed code designation for Simmental/Fleckvieh through the International Council of Animal Recording (ICAR) and its subcommittee

InterBull. A decision was also made for the WSFF to join ICAR as a member which provides Simmental a recognized presence within that organization and its various subcommittees. Another topic that was discussed was the current structure of the WSFF of one member per country. It was unanimously decided that the status quo of one member organization per country should remain in place at this time. The members also directed the WSFF to continue dialogue with the European Simmental Federation to work more closely in all ways possible. Through the committee reports information was shared on various research and breed improvement initiatives around the world including the Simmental Innovations project being conducted by the CSA. Further discussion followed and is described in more detail in the Simmental Innovations article in this issue of Simmental Country. (PAGE 16) During the Regular Members Meeting, a new Executive was elected due to expiring terms. The current WSFF Executive now consists of Josef Kucera, Czech Republic as President; Johan Kluyts, South Africa, 1st Vice President and Fred Schuetze, USA the new 2nd Vice President. This marked the end of my time as President of the WSFF and I was extremely honored to receive the WSFF Golden Book award along with Josef Kreilinger, Hans HĂ¤ckel, and Dr. Alfons Gottschalk who all played large roles in the advancement of the Simmental breed in the world and specifically in their home country of Germany. Canadian Simmental breeders and the Canadian Simmental Association (CSA) have always had an important presence in the development of the Simmental breed domestically as well as in other parts of the world and it was great to see a strong delegation of Canadians from all regions of the country attend this WSFF Congress. The contacts made as well as the many friendships which were renewed all play a role in the success of Canadian Simmental and the promotion of Canadian Simmental genetics on the world stage.

h t i w t i m i l 2 1 e 0 h t 2 s s i r e y k k c s e e h h T our genetics for C

RJY Pocahontas 3Z S: LFE Rochfort 3013T D: LRX Raspberry 71T Born: January 5, 2012

CDY Signature Red 25Z S: IPU Revolution 172U D: CDY Red Signature 20W Born: January 25, 2012

CDY Red Signature 20W S: MRL Talladega 15S D: CDY Signature Black 2N Bred to IPU Revolution 172U – March 29 Born: February 11, 2009

R e f e r e n JHSN The Fleck 59Y – Homo Polled c JRR Raffles P58M DS: DFM Marcus 14M e GS:Solid Red FULLBLOOD – High % Fleckvieh S i r e s

RJY Revlon Queen 3Y S: IPU Revolution 172U D: RJY Queen of the Nile 14T Bred to JHSN The Fleck 59Y – April 6 Born: January 11, 2011

High Country Cattle Services are proud to be consigning these females to the Checkers Sale on Saturday, December 15, 2012 in Red Deer, AB Watch for our bulls selling as guest consignors at “THE SIMMENTAL BULL SUMMIT,” Monday February 25, 2013 with Beechinor Bros. at Bentley, AB.

IPU Revolution 172U S: LBR Crocket R81 D: LCL Miss Normac 16M

Rob & Deanne Young Crystal & Stacy Box 577 Breton, AB T0C 0P0 Res: 780-696-3643 | Cell:780-514-0758 | show12win@yahoo.ca | www.highcountrycattle.com 13

Genomic Project Update/Projet Génomique Mise à Jour

By/Par Sandy Russell CSA Genomics Project Manager/Responsable du projet de génomique de l’ACS

The Value of Collaboration

or much of the past year we have focused on the genomic research initiatives being led by the Canadian Simmental Association (CSA) as well as the projects in which CSA is a partner in an effort to provide information on the details of the research and the value that will be captured through this work. While Canadian Simmental is no doubt ahead of the pack in the number and scope of their genomic initiatives there are a considerable number of other genomic research initiatives occurring around the world as Simmental breeders around the globe realize the potential value that genomic technologies can have in assisting with genetic improvement. At the recent World Simmental Fleckvieh Federation (WSFF) Congress in Germany, representatives from around the world, including Canada, reported on and discussed their current genomic initiatives. In addition to providing updates on the current efforts to utilize DNA technology, each country acknowledged the importance of and the considerable value that could be obtained from data exchange. While some member countries have progressed further than others, all reported that they were actively proceeding with DNA initiatives of one type or another and working to ultimately incorporate resulting genomic information into existing genetic prediction tools. It has often been thought that information captured from new and innovative technologies needs to be protected in order to prevent competitors from getting a step ahead. And while this is a valid concern, there is often true value that can be captured from undertaking a collaborative approach. There is no doubt that substantial resources are being put into genotyping efforts internationally. Although collectively resources are sizeable, they are limited within each jurisdiction. In order for the Simmental breed to fully capitalize on all resources it is essential that duplication be avoided when genotyping both historic Simmental animals and current animals of influence within the population. It is for this reason that the CSA has taken a very proactive approach in communicating and attempting to work with other Simmental Associations around the globe. For obvious reasons, our American counterpart, the American Simmental Association (ASA) was the first and most important group to collaborate with as many of the influential animals within our two populations are the same. Currently, CSA is working closely with ASA on an ongoing basis to share information and make every effort to avoid duplication in genotyping and maximize the resources available to both Associations. While Canadian Simmental values our close working relationship and communicates regularly with

ASA, it is important to not limit our collaborative efforts to our closest neighbor. Additional value can be gained for CSA members in collaborating with Simmental breeders from around the world. Substantial research initiatives are occurring outside of North America. Countries such as Australia, Germany, Austria, Italy, Czech Republic and many more are all working on genomic research initiatives. One such example of this is the Gene2Farm project that is currently getting underway in the European Union. This collaborative project will sequence key animals and apply the resulting genomic knowledge in an effort to underpin sustainability and profitability of European cattle farming. In order to achieve this objective, researchers have identified the importance to exchange data with other international projects. As a result of the CSA’s acknowledgement and the Gene2Farm collaborator’s acknowledgement of the value of data exchange, CSA is currently exploring the potential opportunity and benefits that may be captured from collaborating with the Gene2Farm project. As one of the current leaders in genomic research initiatives within the Simmental breed, Canada played a key role at the recent WSFF Technical Session in the discussion of data exchange and collaborative efforts amongst international genomic research. As the result of these and previous discussions, it was agreed upon by all countries to explore the creation of a central database to be housed and maintained by the WSFF. This database will allow member countries to identify Simmental animals that have been genotyped, the level of genotyping that has been completed on the animal and the country which conducted the genotyping. This is an important first step in moving towards a truly collaborative approach to genomic research around the globe. Not only is it important for CSA to continue to focus on the existing research initiatives that are underway but it is essential that we utilize the current resources in the most effective and efficient manner to ultimately benefit Canadian Simmental breeders and the entire Canadian beef cattle industry. It is for that reason that CSA continues to explore beneficial collaborative partnerships internationally as we continue to lead genetic improvement initiatives in the Simmental breed. For more information on any of CSA’s research initiatives please contact Bruce Holmquist, CEO of Programming & External Relations @ 403.988.8676 or bholmquist@simmental.com.

Une collaboration qui a de la valeur

urant la majeure partie de la dernière année, nos efforts ont été dirigés envers de nouvelles initiatives de recherche en génomique entreprises par l’Association canadienne Simmental (ACS), de même qu’au niveau des projets pour lesquels l’ACS est partenaire. Nous voulions ainsi vous informer quant au déroulement de ces travaux de recherche et vous expliquer la valeur que pourraient avoir tous ces résultats. Bien que les Simmental canadiens soient sûrement les meneurs quant au nombre et à la portée des recherches qu’ils mènent en génomique, on constate qu’il y a un nombre important de projets de recherche en génomique en cours partout dans le monde. Un peu partout sur la planète, les éleveurs Simmental prennent conscience de la valeur potentielle de ces nouvelles technologies de génomique en appui aux activités courantes d’amélioration génétique. Lors du dernier congrès de la Fédération Mondiale Simmental Fleckvieh (FMSF) tenu en Allemagne, des délégués de partout dans le monde, incluant du Canada, ont présenté et expliqué la situation relative à leurs travaux de recherche actuels en génomique. En plus de présenter une mise à jour de leurs efforts courants en matière de technologies liées à l’étude de l’ADN, chacun des pays a reconnu l’importance et la valeur considérable qu’on pourrait retirer en échangeant nos données. Alors que certains pays membres ont progressé davantage que d’autres, tous ont fait état du fait qu’ils étaient impliqués activement et à des degrés divers dans des travaux de recherche lies à l’étude de l’ADN, et qu’ils s’affairaient à incorporer les résultats issus de leurs recherches au niveau de leurs outils de prédiction génétique. On a longtemps cru qu’il fallait protéger les informations générées par de nouvelles technologies, afin de s’assurer que les compétiteurs ne prennent pas d’avance sur nous. Et, bien que cela puisse être une préoccupation légitime, il y a très souvent plus de valeur pouvant être obtenue si on choisit plutôt d’opter pour une approche de collaboration. Il ne fait aucuns doutes que des ressources substantielles sont consacrées internationalement envers des travaux touchant l’analyse des génotypes. Même si on dénombre quelques initiatives de collaboration des ressources, elles demeurent tout de même restreintes au niveau de chaque pays. Si on veut que la race Simmental tire pleinement profit de toutes les ressources, il est primordial qu’on évite de travailler en double lorsqu’il est question d’effectuer les génotypes des sujets historiques et des sujets actuels ayant une grande influence dans la race. C’est pourquoi l’ACS a adopté une approche proactive en communiquant et en effectuant des efforts pour travailler en collaboration avec d’autres Associations Simmental dans le monde. Pour des raisons évidentes, nos collègues américains de l’Association américaine Simmental (AAS) ont été les premiers et le principal groupe à collaborer avec nous, puisque la plupart des sujets importants de la race sont les mêmes dans la population de nos deux pays. L’ACS travaille présentement de manière étroite avec l’AAS afin de partager nos informations et prendre tous les moyens pour éviter la duplication au chapitre des travaux d’analyse des génotypes et ainsi maximiser les ressources disponibles au

niveau des deux associations. Bien que les partenaires canadiens de la race Simmental apprécient leur travail en collaboration et qu’ils communiquent régulièrement avec leurs collègues de l’AAS, il est tout aussi important de ne pas restreindre nos efforts de collaboration uniquement à nos voisins du sud. Les membres de l’ACS pourraient bénéficier de gains additionnels grâce à une collaboration accrue avec des éleveurs Simmental partout dans le monde. D’importants projets de recherche sont en cours de réalisation en-dehors de l’Amérique du nord. Plusieurs pays effectuent des travaux de recherche en génomique, notamment l’Australie, l’Allemagne, l’Autriche, l’Italie et la République tchèque. Le projet en cours au niveau de l’Union européenne, soit le projet « Gene2Farm » constitue un bel exemple. Dans ce projet réalisé en collaboration, on procède au séquençage de l’ADN d’animaux clé et on utilisera les résultats de obtenus par la génomique afin de les appliquer envers la pérennité et la rentabilité à long terme de l’élevage bovin en Europe. Pour atteindre leur objectif, les chercheurs se sont entendus quant à l’importance d’échanger leurs données avec celles provenant d’autres projets internationaux. Compte tenu que l’ACS et les collaborateurs concernés du projet « Gene2Farm » sont bien conscients de la valeur potentielle des échanges de données, l’ACS explore en ce moment les opportunités possibles et les avantages qui pourraient être obtenus suite à une telle collaboration avec le projet « Gene2Farm ». Le Canada, à titre de leader actuel par rapport aux projets de recherche en génomique au sein de la race Simmental, a joué un rôle clé lors de la récente Session technique du FMSF, notamment en c e qui a trait aux discussions touchant les échanges de données et les efforts visant une collaboration entre les diverses équipes de recherche en génomique au niveau international. Suite à ces pourparlers et aux discussions antérieures, tous les pays se sont entendus afin d’explorer la création possible d’une base centrale de données, laquelle serait gérée et conservée par la FMSF. Cette base de données permettra aux pays membres d’identifier les animaux Simmental pour lesquels un génotype a été effectué, en plus de pouvoir préciser à quel degré le génotype a été complété et quel pays aurait effectué ce génotype. Voici là un important premier pas en avant vers une collaboration plus globale à l’échelle de la planète, en ce qui touche les recherches en génomique. Il demeure important que l’ACS garde le cap envers les projets actuels de recherche en génomique, mais il est tout aussi essentiel que nous utilisions le plus efficacement possible les ressources disponibles, ce qui devrait en bout de ligne être pour le bénéfice de tous les éleveurs Simmental du Canada et de toute l’industrie bovine canadienne. C’est pourquoi l’ACS continue d’explorer de tels partenariats internationaux et bénéfiques, alors que nous demeurons à l’avant-garde des initiatives d’amélioration génétique de la race Simmental. Pour obtenir plus d’information concernant ces travaux de recherche de l’ACS, veuillez communiquer avec M. Bruce Holmquist, Chef de la direction des programmes et des affaires extérieures, @ 403-988-8676 ou au : bholmquist@simmental.com.

34th Annual Keystone Konnection Simmental Sale One of Canadaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s longest running consignment sales 1:00 PM, December 4, 2012 Keystone Centre - Brandon, Manitoba

Keystone Sale Management Blair and Lois McRae Brandon, MB 204-728-3058 email: marmac@inetlink.ca

Sale Day Phones 204-729-5439 204-573-5192 204-726-3529

Quality Genetics - Progressive Breeders - Customer Satisfaction

Fleckvieh Bulls & Females Red Factor Bulls & Females Black Females Herd Bull Prospects Polled Genetics 4-H and Junior Show Prospects

catalogue online at www.marmacfarms.net 30

Cherry Creek Farms Once again consigns a large selection of Full Fleckvieh bulls and females at an association sale,

Keystone Konnection Simmental Sale

9 lots of polled and horned Full Fleckvieh genetics with depth of quality from one end to the other. If you want to add thick meaty proven genetics to your cowherd, look no further. Attend the Keystone Konnection Sale!

Bolt 3Z

Marriott 7Z

Shaftsbury 27Y

Reid 11Z For information contact

Cherry Creek Farms Ed & Lynne Anderson Boissevain, MB P: 204-534-6096 â&#x20AC;˘ C: 204-534-7533 View catalogue online at www.marmacfarms.net

Granite 6Z

Sale days phones 204-729-5439 204-573-5192 204-726-3529 31

Box 1597, Okotoks, AB T1S 1B5 Res: 403-938-1892 / Cell: 403-888.1928 Fax: 403-938-2833 m.imler@platinum.ca 32

66 Sheep River Cres., Okotoks, AB T1S 1T7 Ted Shacklady Brian Miller Bus: 403-860-3183 403-938-7980 Res: 403-938-4454 shackladyl@shaw.ca

Little Willow Creek Ranch Little Willow Creek Ranch Beef Bull & Heifer Sale Friday, December 7th, 2012 • 1 PM CST On the Ranch, Frenchman Butte, SK

Offering:

~ 80 Bulls (1/2 Long Yearlings and Two Year Olds, Fullbloods, Reds & Blacks, 10 Red Angus Two Year Old Y Coulee Bulls, the service sires for our heifers) ~ 200+ bred Commercial Heifers, bred Red Angus ~ 100-150 Open Commercial Heifers; from our Customers

Dam of a Fullblood in the sale. 1/2 the bulls selling are Fullblood & RWF Purebred Bulls.

LWC Dynamite 231U daughters, both bred to Stubby sell in the Source Sale.

Dam of a Black Bull in the sale. 1/2 the bulls selling are Red & Black bulls.

Watch for 6 Bred Heifers selling in the “Source Sale” December 3, 2012, Lloydminster, SK. AI’d to Stubby and Anchor D Alta’s Lore 128X.

The Harlands

Box 38, Frenchman Butte, SK S0M 0W0 www.littlewillowcreekranch.ca

Ervin & Pat (306) 344-4807 • Ted & Adele (306) 825-6109 Scott & Bev (306) 344-2027 • Blaine & Shelly (306) 344-4962

View the catalogue online at www.littlewillowcreekranch.ca or www.buyagro.com 33

Breed Improvement

Data, Delay and DNA By Sean McGrath

ne of the key focus areas of research in the Simmental would have just had his daughters wean their fifth calf this fall. breed is fertility. This includes both breeding success, This does not mean it is hopeless to try to evaluate these traits, it but also an element of sustainability or longevity. In actually means that the evaluation is critical to making progress. other words, it is extremely important that a female breeds to her The advantage to genetic evaluation is that there is a lot given opportunities, but it is also important that she maintains of information that occurs early in life that indicates what that breeding success over an extended period of time. Like all may happen in the future. For example, knowing that a sire’s biological creatures, a cow’s goal is to pass daughters have a high success rate to age 4 her genes on to the next generation. In the Year 0 - Sire born is a strong indicator that they are likely to event of environmental stress, a cow’s first Year 1 - Sire mated as a yearling make it to age 7. Knowing that a female has priority is self-preservation. She can’t pass Year 2 - First daughters born a family track record of success also provides on her genes if she is not alive. Her second an indication that she may be more likely to priority is her offspring at side. Her genes are Year 3 - Daughters mated succeed as a breeding female. already up and going and a bird in the hand Year 4 - Daughter’s first calf Of particular importance is the ability to is worth two in the bush. Her last priority remove environment from the prediction of Year 5 - Second calf and the first one that is sacrificed in the success. Remember earlier when we stated event of environmental stress is breeding and Year 6 - Third Calf that low heritability means that management maintaining a pregnancy into the next year. can have a large impact on reproductive Year 7 - Fourth Calf Initial breeding success and sustained success. This is actually detrimental to fertility is key to obtaining a return on Year 8 - Fifth Calf genetic selection, as large portions of the investment for the cost of developing a replacement female. differences we see may be due to environmental impacts. Additionally, herds with higher levels of sustained fertility require This is where DNA comes in. DNA is the genetic component fewer replacements and thus, can sell larger numbers of calves. that is passed on to offspring and impacts fertility. By using There are basically two main challenges with evaluation of historic records and DNA samples, we can identify pieces of fertility. One is that fertility traits tend to be lowly heritable. DNA that are associated with improved fertility. Since this This does not mean we can’t change them through selective DNA is passed directly forward in the Simmental population, breeding, but it does mean that there are a lot of management it then becomes possible to look for specific pieces of DNA at variables that can impact an individual animal’s reproductive an early age. If the right DNA is present, and there is a family track record. history of strong fertility/longevity; we can more accurately In fact, this low heritability is one of the key reasons why predict these traits at an earlier age. EPD development is so important. The EPD includes records This is an important component of the Simmental research and information from the larger population, thus helping to project and it may enhance the EPD and thus, selection for combat individual management differences and reducing the fertility and longevity. Fertility traits are still going to be lowly effects of raw luck. heritable, and that means that good management is essential in The second challenge is that the expression of fertility young females and across the cowherd, but the ability to make traits takes a long time. Think of the traits we are familiar progress with these very important traits that are so important with. Birthweight data can be collected when the calf is less to a commercial customer’s bottom line, position Simmental than 24 hours old, even weaning and yearling data is collected well moving forward. at 6 months and a year, respectively. At a year of age, most Data and DNA can reduce the delay in genetic selection. heifers have not even been exposed to breeding yet. If we are interested in a sire’s success at producing females that conceive as virgin heifers, we need to wait until he is at least 4 years old. If we are interested in daughters that live to have 5 or more calves, we will effectively take 8 years to collect the data. To put this in perspective, a bull born in the spring of 2004 34

Women in Simmental Country

Bonnie Glasman

hen asked how she became involved with the Simmental breed, Bonnie laughed “I married into it”. Bonnie Chinnick,from Chatham, Ontario, married Miles Glasman in 1979. Born and raised on a mixed farm in Southwestern Ontario, Bonnie went onto study nursing and became a Registered Nurse. Throughout her career she has had the opportunity to work and travel across the country, and since 1979 she has called Russell, Manitoba home. While growing up, Bonnie’s family were dairy producers milking holsteins, then fed steers raised in western Canada to finish; she participated in the 4-H program for many years showing black Angus steers. “I showed in the Queens Guinees at the Royal Winter Fair at the age of 15, it was a wonderful experience and was my first trip to Toronto,” explains Bonnie. The Glasman family history in the cattle industry can be traced back to the early 1900s. In the 1930’s Miles’ grandfather, Clarence purchased the first purebred black Angus for his sons Larry and Miles’ father Marshall. Their farm operation grew under the name of Black Eagle and they were a force to be reckoned with throughout the 1950’s, 60’s and 70’s as they travelled North America showing and promoting their cattle. In the 1970’s, after the importation of Simmental cattle into Canada, the Glasmans decided to access the new genetics through artificial insemination. “Marshall and Miles were most impressed with performance of the Simmental sired calves and could clearly see the benefits of using Simmental genetics. In 1973, Miles and his parents Marshall and Jean started breeding Simmental cattle under the name M & J Farms and we have been breeding Simmental cattle ever since,” says Bonnie. “From early on we could see the potential of the Simmental breed, their ability to be dual purpose with their maternal traits; they looked after their calves and the calves had lots of performance.” Bonnie, Miles and their two sons, Matthew and Jared, farm 5000 acres in Russell, Manitoba. Half of their acreage is used in their grain operation where they grow grain and oilseeds, the other half is hay and pasture land. They have 250 cows consisting of Red and black Simmentals as well as Red and black Angus.They are the fourth and fifth generation to work the land that has now been in the family for over 100 36

years. “We are very pleased that our sons have continued in agriculture. Jared attended Dodge City Community College in Dodge City, Kansas and Montana State in Bozeman, Montana while Matthew attended Lakeland College in Vermilion, Alberta. Both were on their school Livestock Judging Teams.” Matthew works at the Rocanville Potash mine and he and his wife Leanne also farm part time and are establishing a black Angus herd. Jared works full time with his father Miles at M&J Farms. Over the years, Bonnie, Miles and their sons have exhibited and promoted their cattle across Canada. The Glasman family has exhibited at every Canadian Western Agribition since 1971 and in 2010; at the 40th anniversary they received an award for this accomplishment. “I see the diversity in our breed as being one of its strongest benefits. We can offer so much to so many different producers. We have different types, different colors, and our genetic base is very wide compared to other breeds. We can offer what people want,” says Bonnie. “Simmental breeders have kept up and have improved our breed. They have been wise to know where things had to improve and how to do this. Our breed over the years has changed to fit in with the times.” The Glasmans have taken the opportunity to document the history of their family’s involvement in the Simmental and Angus breeds over the years. “As you document the story and see the pictures you realize how much has changed,” says Bonnie, “one of my favorite quotes is “you don’t know where you are going until you know where you have been”.” With a family history rooted in the Simmental and Angus breeds, the Glasmans find the two breeds work very well together;“they are both maternal and we can work with both as they complement each other so well”, states Bonnie. They see this as another important benefit of the Simmental breed, Simmental cattle provide the ability to cross with any breed in a commercial setting. “Out on the prairies you see the Simmental i n f l u e n c e everywhere.

however we have seen an increase in the acceptance of the Simmental breed and producers are seeing that Simmental is a strong option for their breeding programs,” explains Bonnie. As in any operation, the Glasmans have witnessed many changes over the years; however the early 2000’s proved to be a period of much change at M&J Farms. In May 2003, the discovery of BSE devastated the Canadian cattle business leaving long felt after effects. In 2005, Marshall’s health deteriorated and he passed away in August of that year. “Marshall was a very important part of M&J Farms and was very active until his death, he had been part of the cattle business forever,” remembers Bonnie.“At that time, with Jared and Matthew attending university, we decided to sell the large mature cowherd. We took the opportunity to downsize and reorganize.” The Glasmans built a new sale barn and workshop that would be the home of their future annual bull sales. “We take pride in being breeders that look at different breeds and are always evaluating if we are in the right place. We keep our eyes open and try to keep informed. We don’t necessarily follow all the trends; however we implement those changes that will work in our program.” “We believe in building cow families and in developing a program. Having cow families is a good way to provide... and have more predictability in what you produce. We see the strengths of AI’ing, and how that helped in building our Simmental herd, however we are also firm believers of the importance of a herd bull. We see more people searching for herd bulls and they have to be quality bulls. It has been rewarding to see our cows and bulls go to other operations and make a positive influence.” Bonnie is a strong promoter of the Simmental breed and has volunteered many hours supporting the provincial and national Simmental Associations. In the 1980s she served three terms on the Manitoba Simmental Association Board of Directors with many of these years as the secretary/treasurer. She organized the first MB Association newsletter and was the first female on any cattle board in Manitoba. “The primary mission of the provincial board is the promotion of the breed, to bring Simmental into the eyes of cattle people in their province. The MB Association has been very active over the years. They do a lot of advertising, organize sales, shows and field days; events that people can attend that make the breed stronger, “says Bonnie. “I am very proud of the Manitoba Association for the events and meetings that they organized for our breeders.” Bonnie was a member of the Canadian Simmental Belles. “I was introduced to the Belles when I moved to Manitoba and we were showing in Brandon. They had a booth promoting the

breed, and I was invited to be involved. I went through most of the positions on the Belle’s Board of directors and was a guest writer for the Simmental Country.” The Canadian Simmental Belles was an organization where the women got involved with the promotion of cattle and they helped to excel and put Simmental into the lime light. This association was about promoting the breed and also getting to know your fellow breeders who were also your customers. “My fondest memory of the organization was the comaraderie and fun we had,” says Bonnie. “It was not always about cattle, we had champagne breakfasts, fashion shows and different events for everyone to enjoy.” “I was President during the meetings that were held at the 1986 Expo, what a fabulous memory.” Bonnie was also the first female to sit in a director position on the Canadian Simmental Association Board. “I am extremely honoured to have been nominated by fellow breeders to sit on the CSA Board and to have had this opportunity.” While on the CSA board, Bonnie was a member of the Promotions Committee and CSA Director to the YCSA. “I enjoyed working with other directors, breeders, and the CSA staff. I was on the board during the World Simmental Congress in 2006, and could not have been prouder to have been part of it.” The Glasman Family has also been deeply involved in the YCSA program as both of Matthew and Jared were avid YCSA members. “With Miles and my involvement in the provincial and national boards, we would travel as a family unit to the YCSA events; these are some of our fondest family memories involve with the YCSA. Our sons had the opportunity to show cattle across North America with the national program. They learned so many important skills through the YCSA program that they use today in their own farming operations including public speaking, how to interact with people of all ages, how to promote and sell their product; “our two sons are far better at marketing than their parents and a lot of these skills they acquired through the YCSA program” says Bonnie. Matthew and Jared have made many contacts and lifelong friends through this program and they now have a network of breeders themselves. Bonnie concludes by saying “We are in this business because we love the cattle and we love the business. This is why we have stayed in the business; we get to promote our cattle and our program, and we get to meet people from across the country and around the world. We have made lots of great friends over the years.” Bonnie Glasman more than “married into the Simmental breed”; she has played a prominent part of the development of the breed in Canada. The Simmental Country and CSA would like to thank her for her dedication and commitment, and for the countless volunteer hours she has contributed to the Simmental breed.

Young Canadian Simmental Association Newsletter

YCSA President

My name is Tiffany Peters and I am from Perdue, Saskatchewan. My family’s operation has 80 head of purebred and commercial Simmental cattle. I was involved in the Catherwood 4-H Club for 19 years showing horse and beef projects. My family participates at many summer and fall shows including Prince Albert Exhibition, Saskatoon Fall Fair and Lloydminster Stockade.

YCSA Contacts YCSA Coordinator

Emily Grey (819) 835-0284 emilygrey29@hotmail.com

President • Saskatchewan Tiffany Peters (306) 948-8044 tpeters07@hotmail.com

Vice-President • Ontario Kaylea Donovan (819) 434-5632 kaylea.donovan@hotmail.com

Executive Officer • Nova Scotia Danielle Stewart (902) 890-5167 danic76@hotmail.com

Directors Alberta

Kolby Heaven (780) 778-1435 heaven_cattle@hotmail.com

Maritimes

Scott Gaunce C: (506) 227-4820 scottgaunce@hotmail.com

Manitoba

Emily Hickson C: (204) 570-1969 simmental_rox2005@hotmail.com

Ontario

Chelsea O’Connor (613) 880-5559 blackjeansgt@hotmail.com

Quebec

Krista Whalen (819) 679-7964 kristawhalen15@hotmail.com

CSA Director

Lacey Fisher (902) 661-0766 (506) 536-8454 timberwoodfarms@seasidehighspeed.com

I obtained a Diploma in Agriculture from the University of Saskatchewan in 2008 and currently work at T Bar C Cattle Co. and Today’s Publishing in Saskatoon, SK where I am in Production and Design. I have the pleasure of working with fellow Simmental breeders in the production of the Simmental Country magazine. I have been a member of the Saskatchewan YCSA board for 8 years. Through the years I have met many young Simmental enthusiasts who are excited about the future of the breed. This year in Truro, Nova Scotia I was elected the National YCSA President and I am honored to be part of such an enthusiastic junior program. See you at the fall shows,

Tiffany Peters

YCSA Executive Officer

My name is Danielle Stewart and I am from Truro, Nova Scotia. I am enrolled in the Pre-Vet program at Dalhousie University Agricultural Campus. I’ve shown cattle in 4H for 12 years and joined the YCSA National Board as the executive officer to be a more active part in the cattle industry and to meet people within the breed across the country. I grew up with my dad managing Atlantic Stockyards Ltd. and have always been around animals and love to learn about the industry. My goal is to become a veterinarian specializing in genetics.

Danielle Stewart

YCSA Director

My Name is Krista Whalen. I am your YCSA Quebec representative. I am the sixth generation on our family farm. We have a small herd of purebred Simmental cows that run with our commercial herd. This is my first time as a member of the National YCSA board and I am looking forward to working with the youth of this industry to help make this breed better across Canada. Thank you for this great opportunity!

Krista Whalen

YCSA Director

My name is Kaylea Donovan from Ashton, Ontario and I am in my third year at Bishop’s University, aspiring to become a teacher. I joined the YCSA program when I started showing cattle four years ago. At this time, I also rejoined 4-H as a member of the Carp 4-H Community Club. I have been a member of the Carp Beef Club for four years and a member of the Carp Swine Club for two years. My family’s farm, Donovandale Farms has a herd of Simmental and Angus cattle. My dad has been raising Simmental cattle for over 30 years. This year I was selected as YCSA vice president and I am very excited for the new experiences and learning opportunities this position will bring.

Kaylea Donovan

Thank you to past YCSA members

Thank you to Andrea Arbuckle, Francis Gagnon and Mike Godfrey for their dedication to the YCSA National board over the past years. These three YCSA members have been committed to the betterment of the youth of our industry, our breed and the success of the YCSA program. Andrea Arbuckle finished her term as National YCSA president and will be missed by the junior board. Thank you to all of you for your many years of volunteering in order to keep this program on its road to success.

Scholarships

The Dr. Allan A. Dixon and Trevor Vance Memorial Scholarships are awarded in recognition of scholastic achievement and involvement of youth in the beef cattle industry and are open to all youth who are attending a post-secondary institution in the application year. For further information about these scholarships visit the CSA website or contact Margo Cartwright. Website: http://www.simmental.com/ycscholarships.htm Tel: (403) 250-5255 • Email: mcartwright@simmental.com

Membership Announcements Britt Kaycee Fornwald

Sara-Jane Liana Ruzicka

Kirsten & Dustin Fornwald, Meadow Acres, are pleased to announce the birth of their daughter Britt Kaycee Fornwald, born on September 4th, weighing 6lbs. 7oz.

Mike & Jenine Ruzicka, Jelia Simmentals, are pleased to announce the birth of their third baby Sara-Jane Liana on April 17, 2012, little sister for David and Dayna.

Alexa Rae Kopp

Scott & Emily

Steven & Amanda Kopp, Kopp Farm Simmentals are happy to announce the birth of their daughter, Alexa Rae, born on September 26th, weighing 8lbs. 6oz.

Congratulations to Emily Grey and Scott Matthews who were married on September 15, 2012 in North Hatley, Quebec. Emily is the YCSA Coordinator, and she and Scott own Keystone Livestock.

Bradley George Robblee Parents, Frank & Lynn Robblee and big brothers Rowan and Davis, would like to introduce Bradley George who was born on April 20th.

HOLMQUIST HONOURED WITH WORLD SIMMENTAL GOLDEN BOOK AWARD n September 22, 2012 at the World Simmental Fleckvieh Federation (WSFF) General Assembly, outgoing WSSF President and the Canadian Simmental Association’s (CSA) CEO of Programming and External Relations, Bruce Holmquist,was honoured with the prestigious WSFF Golden Book award in Landshut, Germany. This meeting was also where Bruce completed two terms as WSFF President and is only the second Canadian to have served in this capacity. A strong advocate of the Simmental breed across Canada and around the world, Bruce is a long time Simmental breeder and supporter of the Canadian Simmental Association (CSA). He has served as a CSA Director (2000-2006), CSA President (2004-2006), WSFF Council Member (2002 – present) and WSFF President (2008 – 2012). In addition to serving the Simmental breed, Bruce has contributed a significant amount of his time to working on behalf of Canadian beef producers and is actively involved in numerous boards and committees across the spectrum of the beef cattle industry. The prestigious WSFF Golden Book award is given to individuals who have contributed to the expansion and growth of the Simmental breed, and are leaders in the development of international trade. Recipients are traditionally nominated by their national associations and recognized for their contribution to the global Simmental industry. In this instance, Bruce was presented the award by the WSFF Council for his contributions in expanding the presence of the Simmental breed internationally. “On behalf of the World Simmental Fleckvieh Federation, I am privileged to present Bruce with this welldeserved Golden Book award,” stated Josef Kucera, incoming WSFF President. “We would like to acknowledge and thank Bruce for his years of dedication and commitment to the Simmental breed around the world and I look forward to continuing to work with him in the future.”

Thank You

for making Farmfair International a success year after year. Thank you to our Exhibitors, our Sponsors, Northlands, our Volunteers, and the ASA Board Members. We wish the Simmental Community a prosperous fall show and sale season! Look to our website for fall show and sale dates as well as location. Please join us at the 2013 Camrose Bull Congress, January 18th & 19th.

Merry Christmas and Best Wishes for 2013! 131 Stonegate Cr. Airdrie, AB T4B 2S8 40

www.albertasimmental.com

President:

Darryl Perkin Box 138, Elgin, MB R0K 0T0 Phone/Fax: 204-769-2159 Email: dperkin@westman.wave.ca 1st Vice President::

Lesley Hedley RR 1, Rapid City, MB R0K 1W0 Phone: 204-826-2765

New Years Goat Fundraiser The MSA will be raffling off a goat with the draw to be made at the AGM.Tickets will be available from any of the MSA board members at MLE or during the fall sales run. Make sure to buy some tickets for yourself, or better yet for a friend! Ticket $5 each or 3 for $10.

2nd Vice President:

Jacquie Downey General Delivery, Coulter, MB R0M 1G0 Phone: 204-649-2260 Email: ajdowney@mts.net Secretary/Treasurer:

Donalee Jones Box 142, Cartwright, MB R0K 0L0 Phone/fax: 204-529-2444 Email: donalee@midcan.com MSA Directors:

Todd Collins RR 2, Darlingford, MB R0G 0L0 Phone: 204-246-2166 Email: todd_collins9@hotmail.com Shannon Carvey Box 60, Alexander, MB R0K 0A0 Phone: 204-752-2285 Email: swindonranch@mts.net

Manitoba Livestock Expo. 2012 Banner Sponsors Heifer Calf Champion Sponsored by Perkin Land & Cattle Co. Reserve Champion Heifer Calf Sponsored by Triple R Simmentals Junior Champion Female Sponsored by Downhill Simmentals Reserve Champion Junior Female Sponsored Downey Simmentals Senior Champion Female Sponsored by 5 Corner Cattle Co. Grand Champion Female Sponsored by the Pembina Triangle Simmental Association Reserve Champion Female Sponsored by M & J Farms Champion Bull Calf Sponsored by the Prairie Partners Reserve Champion Bull Calf Sponsored by Oakview Simmentals Junior Champion Bull Sponsored by Workman Farms

David Schultz Box 1143, Neepawa, MB R0J 1H0 Phone: 204-996-3526 Email: schultz_tan@hotmail.com Rick Dequier Box 1673, Carman, MB R0G 0J0 Phone: 204-771-0280 Email: rdequier@westmansteel.ca Trevor Peters Box 385, Rivers, MB R0K 1X0 Phone: 204-328-7458 Email: trevor.peters@canadamalting.com Everett Olson RR 1, Rapid City, MB R0K 1W0 Phone: 204-826-2643 Email: everettolson@hotmail.com

Just a Reminder... Annual Meeting is slated for January 5, 2013. Stay tuned for details.

Mark These Dates on Your Calendar! 2012 Manitoba Livestock Expo Schedule November 1-3 Brandon, Manitoba Nov 01 Nov 02 Nov 02 Nov 02 Nov 03

3 PM 12 PM 4 PM 7 PM 9 AM

Nov 02 Nov 04 Nov 10 Nov 26 Dec 04 Dec 10 Dec 18

MSA 2012 FALL SALE SEASON Transconâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s National Trust Sale, Brandon Big Hills Complete Herd Dispersal, Virden Pembina Triangle Association 32nd Annual Sale, Cypress River Harvest Hoedown Simmental Heifer Sale, Neepawa Keystone Konnection Sale, Brandon Shades of the Prairies Sale, Brandon Bonchuk Farms Female Sale, Virden

YCSA President:

Emily Hickson RR 2 Box 24, Brandon, MB R7A 5Y2 Phone: 204-725-0621 Email: eltonsimm@mts.net CSA Director:

Fraser Redpath Box 121, Mather, MB R0K 1L0 Phone/Fax: 204-529-2560 Email: redsim@xplornet.com 42

Grand Champion Bull Sponsored by Keystone Simmental Association Reserve Champion Bull Sponsored by Bonchuk Farms Champion Pair of Bulls Sponsored by Swindon Ranch Champion Breeders Herd Sponsored by Milestone Simmentals Senior Champion Bull Sponsored by Crest View Land & Cattle Get of Sire Sponsored by Big Sky Simmentals Premier Breeder Sponsored by Conray Cattle Co. Premier Exhibitor Sponsored by Cherry Creek Farms Herdsman Award Sponsored by Northern Lights

Little Lady Classic Manitoba Simmental Show Transconâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s National Trust Sale All Breeds Pick of the Barn Junior Showmanship and All Breeds Heifer Show

ith the advent of the recent recall of beef at XL foods, I thought it was appropriate to run an article I first worked on several years ago when an E-Coli vaccine first came on the market. The uptake has been very minimal simply because the disease does not affect cattle, so the issue becomes who pays for the vaccine. Plants are often incriminated when in fact there are many many steps up and down the food supply chain, both before and after the packing plant where contamination could occur. People around the world still eat lots and lots of fresh meat, so anywhere temperatures fluctuate bacterial growth could occur. While e-coli is the most frequent culprit as we all learned several years ago, Listeria also can be a serious contaminant as well as salmonella bacteria. This would be a vaccine to protect against the most frequent culprit as far as food safety is concerned and that is E-Coli 0157 H7.

A new and exciting event has happened on Canadian soil with a Canadian inventor and developers. The E Coli 0157:H7 vaccine shows great promise to increase food safety by decreasing environmental contamination from this organism. The so called hamburger disease organism first recognized in 1982 from a bloody diarrhea outbreak at a fast food restaurant has more recently been associated with contaminated fruit and vegetables (recent outbreak from spinach) from irrigation water or direct contact with farm animals at shows or petting zoos. If used this vaccine could significantly decrease all these causes of human disease reduce deaths and countless human medical costs if it is implemented. The human disease causes in many cases damage to the kidneys, brain and pancreas. Sometimes this damage is irreparable with lifelong problems. Consumers are demanding food safety and this vaccine if used properly should greatly reduce the amount of ecoli 0157 fecal shedding on farms. Packing plants already use hide washing and steaming in certain locations in their plants but with such high numbers of cattle being slaughtered daily they can only do so much. The proper preventative way is minimizing the number of organisms coming to the plants. Even though cattle are primarily the carriers on our farms keep in mind evidence suggests wildlife (especially deer) may contaminate some of the food. All the more reason to keep wildlife out of feed yards to avoid fecal contamination. With deer numbers definitely increasing this as well as other diseases with wildlife need to be closely monitored. Testing may be done in the future to see if and how well wildlife respond to the vaccine. The issue is always how do we get it into them. Since this is essentially an invisible disease to the producer the packing plants and consumers are who will benefit in the long run. The question from the companies marketing people is who will pay for the vaccine. It will most surely reduce significantly human disease if used on a wide scale basis and save the medical system a ton of money. A recent U.S. study indicated the annual cost of

405 million U.S. dollars in 2003. This money was split between premature deaths, lost productivity and medical care. The 2000 outbreak in Walkerton in which several people died and hundreds became ill really brought this serious disease to the forefront and illustrated the human toll. The public should ultimately pay for the vaccine but how do we get that done? The vaccine in trial work decreased shedding of the organism (this disease does not cause problems in cattle) by over 99% and totally decreased the cattle carrying the organism by 70%. These are very significant numbers we should all pay attention to. The trials I might add were done on thousands of cattle making these numbers quite statistically significant from a scientific point of view. Specifics of the vaccine are it is a two cc. dose given subcutaneously and it is quite syringeable. The suggested regime is three doses to minimize all forms of transmission. The times would be branding, weaning and approximately 90 days before butchering. Eventually they will try and license it as a two dose regime and you can see there can be considerable time between vaccinations. Most producers either cow-calf, backgrounders or feedlots could implement this vaccine as part of their routine program done when they are doing other processing so from a labor standpoint it wouldnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t be much more to incorporate it. The question again is who pays for the vaccine. Again it is not a health concern to the cattle but one of human health and human food safety. Do governments through subsidies or from the future savings in health care buy the vaccine for the producers? Do we use the national identification process to identify cattle which have been vaccinated and they command a premium to the feedlot and at the packing plant? There is no doubt recalls of meat or produce because of an e-coli scare cost millions and plants I know would welcome vaccinated cattle to minimize this risk. With vaccination together with all the other preventative and precautionary things plants already do there is no doubt we could reduce outbreaks to almost nil and have the Canadian product looked at as being very safe. Since the vaccine is being licensed in Canada first with plans to then work on the US we may be the envy of the world in having this technology. As is often the case we have the technology it is just how will it be implemented and paid for. I for one normally like the free enterprise system but this is one case where government help and intervention will save them tremendous money in the health care budget which ultimately is a win-win situation. Especially when innocent peopleâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s lives or health is at stake really through no fault of anybodyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s. If any readers have any ideas on how the industry should adopt this let them be known. I am sure there are some great ideas down at the grassroots level. In the meantime, we will see how this situation plays itself out. 43

Appuye sur le poteau de cloture

Par Bruce Holmquist Chef de la direction des programmes et relations extérieures

Le congrès de la Fédération Mondiale Simmental Fleckvieh a Fédération Mondiale Simmental Fleckvieh (FMSF) est l’organisme international chapeautant tous les éleveurs Simmental, constitué de 26 pays membres de partout dans le monde, et cette année le congrès de la FMSF avait lieu dans le magnifique pays qu’est l’Allemagne. Le programme de visites précédent le congrès a débuté à Dresden, où les participants ont pu se familiariser avec la culture allemande et apprécier toute l’histoire et la beauté des lieux ayant survécu ou ayant du être reconstruits après la guerre. Lors de nos déplacements dans la région avoisinante, nous avons visité des troupeaux de bovins Simmental utilisés pour la production de viande, et ceux-là démontraient une conformation et des caractéristiques très semblables aux bovins à deux fins que nous avons eu la chance de voir plus tard lors du programme du congrès.

Pour plusieurs des troupeaux visités, il fut intéressant de constater qu’on ne plaçait pas autant d’emphase que chez nous au Canada par rapport à la fertilité et à l’intervalle de vêlage. Les vêlages se déroulaient dans l’ensemble sur plusieurs mois de l’année et, alors qu’on les questionnait sur leur manière d’évaluer la fertilité dans un tel contexte, un éleveur nous a répondu que l’intervalle de vêlage n’était pas prioritaire pour eux, car leur sélection était orientée plutôt en faveur du caractère acère. Avec une telle réponse, certains d’entre nous ont été amenés à conclure que l’aide financière de $ 170. (Can) par acre versée aux agriculteurs par le gouvernement allemand a engendré une certain distorsion au niveau de la sélection génétique, conduisant à une emphase moins grande placée envers des caractères revêtant une importance économique à long terme. Suite au programme préliminaire de visites de troupeaux bovins, nous nous sommes déplacés vers le sud du pays à Landshut, pour assister au programme principal du congrès. Dans cette très belle ville située tout près de Munich, on nous a fait vibrer au rythme d’une vieille ville, en plus de nous faire apprécier la beauté des lieux où nous allions tenir les activités du congrès de la FMSF. Les affaires régulières du congrès de la FMSF se sont tenues les deux jours suivants, notamment par les réunions du conseil de la FMSF ainsi que d’autres réunions régulières des pays membres. On a présenté lors de ces réunions un suivi des discussions tenues l’année passée à Udine en Italie, relativement au code de race employé pour les Simmental / Fleckvieh, selon le Comité international pour le contrôle des performances en élevage (« ICAR ») et son sous-comité « Interbull ». Une décision fut 44

également prise afin que la FMSF puisse joindre à titre de membre l’organisme ICAR, ce qui fera en sorte que la race Simmental aura une présence reconnue au sein de cet organisme et de ses divers comités. Il y a également eu des discussions concernant la structure actuelle de la FMSF, laquelle permet d’avoir un membre par pays. Il fut ainsi convenu à l’unanimité de garder le statu quo pour le moment et de n’avoir qu’un membre par pays représenté. Les membres ont également demandé à la FMSF de poursuivre son dialogue avec la Fédération européenne Simmental et de favoriser la plus étroite collaboration possible. Lors de la présentation des rapports des comités, on a partagé des informations touchant plusieurs projets de recherche et d’amélioration génétique qui ont lieu partout dans le monde, incluant notamment notre projet d’innovations en génomique réalisé par l’ACS. De plus amples discussions ont eu lieu et elles sont décrites en détail dans un autre article apparaissant dans ce numéro de la revue Simmental Country (Page ??), et portant spécifiquement sur notre projet d’innovation. Avec la fin des mandats de certains directeurs, on a procédé à l’élection d’un nouveau conseil exécutif lors de la réunion régulière des membres. Le conseil exécutif actuel de la FMSF est donc formé : du Président, Josef Kucera, de la République Tchèque, du Premier Vice Président, Johan Kluyts, de l’Afrique du sud, et du Second Vice Président, Fred Schuetze, des États-Unis. Cela vient ainsi marquer la fin de mon règne à titre de Président de la FMSF et j’ai été très honoré de recevoir la distinction du Livre d’or de la FMSF, tout comme Josef Kreilinger, Hans Häckel, et le Dr. Alfons Gottschalk, lesquels ont tous joué un rôle majeur au niveau de l’amélioration de la race Simmental dans le monde et plus spécifiquement dans leur pays d’origine en Allemagne. Les éleveurs Simmental canadiens ainsi que l’Association canadienne Simmental (ACS) ont toujours été très présents, tant au niveau de la race Simmental au pays que dans diverses régions du monde, et il était impressionnant de voir qu’une importante délégation provenant de partout au Canada était présente au congrès de la FMSF. Tous les contacts établis ainsi que les nombreuses amitiés renouvelées ont joué un rôle important envers le succès des Simmental canadiens et pour la promotion de la génétique Simmental canadienne sur la scène mondiale.

BARRY & BRENDA LABATTE Box 72 Gladmar, Sask. S0C 1A0 www.labattesimmentals.com Ph: (306)969-4820 labatte.simm@sasktel.net Cell: (306) 815-7900

l a t n e m Sim ntry Cou ines l d a De

January Commercial Country – December 1, 2012 February Herd Sire Simmental Country – January 1, 2013 Spring Simmental Country – April 1, 2013 Summer Queens of the Pasture Simmental Country – July 1, 2013 September Commercial Country – August 1, 2013 October Simmental Country – September 1, 2013 November/December Winter Simmental Country – October 1, 2013

Auctioneer/Ringman

Trucking

Specializing in Purebred Livestock Transportation Providing Weekly service across Canada & The USA. Gooseneck service available to your farm in Ontario. Pick up & delivery points across Canada and USA.

155 King Edward St., Paris, ON, Canada, N3L 3E3 Toll Free 877-442-3106 or 519-442-6242 Fax 519-442-1122 hsknill@pppoe.ca

Industry Events

The Business Card section is now full colour! If you have an updated colour business card or would like one created please email Margo at mcartwright@simmental.com or give a copy of your card to Darryl or Jane when you see them on the road. 55

Insurance

Photographers/Marketing

Semen/Embryos

CSA Executive

President Ron Nolan Markdale, ON P: (519) 986-2450 C: (905) 330-5299 rnolan@hatch.ca First Vice-President Fraser Redpath Mather, MB P/F: (204) 529-2560 C: (204) 825-7401 redsim@xplornet.com Second Vice-President Randy Mader Carstairs, AB P/F: (403) 337-2928 C: (403) 660-1123 rrmader@xplornet.com

CSA Directors

John Sullivan Kazabazua, PQ P/F: (819) 467-2713 Sullivan.simmentals@bell.net Wes Mack Estevan, SK P: (306) 634-4410 C: (306) 421-1853 wkmack@signaldirect.ca

Lacey Fisher Amherst, NS P: (902) 661-0766 C: (506) 536-8454 timberwoodfarms@seasidehighspeed.com Kara Enright Tweed, ON P: (613) 478-3404 F: (613) 848-8149 kara_langevin@hotmail.com Deanne Young Breton, AB P/F: (780) 696-3643 C: (780) 542-0855 bfcss@telus.net Kelly Ashworth Oungre, SK P: (306) 456-2749 C: (306) 861-2013 jashworth@sasktel.net

Provincial Associations British Columbia President Lorne Webster Abbotsford, BC P/F: (604) 823-6797 Secretary: Jan Wisse P: (604) 794-3684

#13, 4101 19th St. N.E., Calgary, Alberta T2E 7C4 P: (403) 250-7979 • F: (403) 250-5121 www.simmental.com • E: cansim@simmental.com

Alberta President Maureen Mappin-Smith Byemoor, AB P: (403) 579-2175 silversmithcattle@yahoo.com Office Contact Heather Saucier Airdrie, AB P: (403) 861-6352 F: (403) 948-2059 saucierh@telus.net Promotion / Fieldperson Chuck Groeneveld High River, AB P: (403) 938-7843 barnboss@telus.net

Ontario President Keitha Harris Donovan P: (613) 257-2617 donovandale_simmentals@ hotmail.com

Quebec Président Philippe Bellavance Ferme Sibelle Fleck SENC St-Sophie-de-Levard, QC P: (819) 288-5005 Secretaire: Sandra Berthiaume Saint-Garmain, QC P/F (819) 395-4453 info@simmentalquebec.ca

Saskatchewan President Manitoba Dave Erixon President Clavet, SK Darryl Perkin P: (306) 270-2893 Elgin, MB Secretary: Carolyn McCormack P/Fax: (204) 769-2159 P: (306) 697-2945 dperkin@westman.wave.ca sasksimmental@yourlink.ca Secretary: Donalee Jones P: (204) 529-2444 Email: donalee@midcan.com Maritimes President Peter Gaunce New Scotland, NB hidden_hollow_farm@hotmail.com Secretary: Ralph Taylor P/F: (902) 895-2117

CSA Staff

Processing Department Perry Welygan pwelygan@simmental.com Beth Rankin brankin@simmental.com CEO of Office Management Barb Judd P: (403) 250-7979 bjudd@simmental.com CEO of Programming and External Relations Bruce Holmquist C: (403) 988-8676 bholmquist@simmental.com Breed Improvement Sean McGrath P: (780) 853-9673 and Dr. Bob Kemp Marketing Co-ordinator Margo Cartwright Tel: (403) 250-5255 mcartwright@simmental.com YCSA Co-ordinator Emily Grey P: (819) 835-0284 emilygrey29@hotmail.com

CONTENTS Gatepost (English)...........................................................................................................................6 Project Update (English)................................................................................................................16 Project Update (French)................................................................................................................17 Breed Improvement (English)........................................................................................................34 Breed Improvement (French)........................................................................................................35 Women In Simmental Country......................................................................................................36 YCSA Newsletter............................................................................................................................38 Member News...............................................................................................................................39 Alberta News.................................................................................................................................40 Saskatchewan News......................................................................................................................41 Manitoba News.............................................................................................................................42 Vet’s Advice...................................................................................................................................43 Gatepost (French)..........................................................................................................................44 Canadian Beef Recipe....................................................................................................................45 Canadian Simmental Association Contacts...................................................................................57 Advertiser’s Index..........................................................................................................................58 What’s Happening.........................................................................................................................59 57

3D Simmentals.............................................52 ABC Cattle Co.............................................52 Afri-Can.......................................................49 Alameda Agencies Ltd.................................56 Alliance Simmental Farms...........................50 Alta Genetics................................................56 Anchor D Ranch..........................................46 Applecross....................................................46 Ashworth Farm & Ranch Ltd......................52 Aumack Simmentals....................................52 Bar 5 Farms Ltd.......................................1, 50 Beechinor Bros. Simmentals........................46 Big Rock Simmentals..................................49 Black River Farms.......................................50 Black Sand Cattle Company........................49 Blushrose Simmental Farm........26, 27, 28, 52 Bohrson Marketing Services............18, 19, 56 Bonchuk Farms............................................49 Bouchard Livestock International...7, 8, 9, 10, ......................................................... 11, 12, 56 Bow Valley Genetics Ltd.............................56 Boynecrest Stock Farm................................49 Brook’s Simmentals...............................26, 27 BS Ranch.....................................................46 C C Simmental Ranch..................................46 Canada Beef Inc...........................................45 Canadian Bull Congress...............................55 Canadian Cattlemen.....................................55 Canadian Farm Insurance Corp...................56 Carey, Brent.................................................55 Car-Laur Simmentals...................................50 Cherry Creek Farms.....................................31 Circle 3 Genetics..........................................50 Crimson Tide Fleckvieh...............................50 Crossroad Farms..........................................52 Davis-Rairdan Embryo Transplants Ltd......56 Deeg Simmential..........................................46 Delta Rho Farms..........................................50 Destiny Simmentals.....................................50 Diamond T Simmentals...............................46 Diana’s Monogramming..............................54 Don Heggie Simmentals..............................46 Donovandale Simmentals............................51 Dora Lee Genetics........................................51 Dorran Marketing Inc..................................55 Dorran, Steve...............................................55 Double Bar D Farms............................IFC, 52 Double G Simmentals..................................52 Downey Farms.............................................49 Dunc’s Cattle Co..........................................51 Dwayann Simmentals..................................51 Eagle-Ridge Simmentals..............................46 East Poplar Simmentals...............................52 Edge, Dean...................................................55 EDN Simmental...........................................52 Erixon Simmentals.......................................52 Fallen Timber Farms....................................49 Ferme Gagnon Farm........................3, 4, 5, 51 Ferme Saro...................................................51 Flying N Cattle and Feed.............................55 Fullblood Simmental Fleckvieh Federation.54 Genex Cooperative, Inc...............................29 Get-A-Long Stock Farm..............................55 GJED Simmental...................................26, 27 58

GJR Simmentals..........................................52 Grant Rolston Photography Ltd...................56 Gravandale Simmentals...............................51 Green Spruce Simmentals......................26, 27 H.S. Knill Company Limited.......................55 Hairy Hill Cattle Co.....................................46 Hallridge Simmentals...................................51 Harvie Ranching..........................................46 High Bluff Stock Farm.................................49 High Country Cattle Services................13, 46 Highway 5 Simmentals................................53 Hoegl Farms.................................................53 Indian River Cattle Company................21, 51 Janzen Brogan Embryo Services Ltd...........56 Janzen Ranches............................................46 Jetstream Livestock......................................51 JNR Farms...................................................46 Jo-Dreen Farm.............................................50 Keato Meadow.............................................46 Keet Simmentals....................................26, 27 Kelara Farms................................................53 Keystone Konnection.............................30, 31 Kin Kin Cattle Co........................................46 Kindred Spirit Cattle Company.............26, 27 Kopp Farms..................................................49 Kuntz Simmental Farm................................53 Kuzio Farms...........................................26, 27 LaBatte Simmentals...............................25, 53 Lane Simmentals....................................26, 27 Lazy Bar-B Simmentals...............................53 Lazy S Ranch Inc.........................................46 Lewis Farms Ltd................................47, OBC Little Man’s Herd.........................................15 Little Willow Creek Ranch....................33, 53 Lobster Point Farms.....................................50 Lone Stone Farms........................................47 M & J Farms................................................49 MacKenzie Cattle Company........................47 Mader Ranches.............................................47 Maple Key Farm..........................................51 Mappin simmentals................................ 11, 47 Mar Mac Farms......................................30, 49 Mark Land & Cattle.....................................20 Maxwell Simmentals............................. 11, 47 McCormack Family Ranch..........................53 McIntosh Livestock.....................................53 McMillen Ranching Ltd...............................53 Meadow Acres Farms..................................14 Meullers Nossa Terra...................................52 MI Simmentals.......................................32, 47 Mitchell Cattle Co........................................49 Muirhead Cattle Co......................................53 North Creek Simmentals........................26, 27 North Hill Simmentals.................................47 O’Grady.......................................................54 Okotoks Fleckvieh Embryo Group........32, 47 Oslanski Simmental Farms..........................47 Para-Dice Ranches.......................................47 Parkhill Ranches..........................................47 Parview Stock Farms...................................47 Pearson Simmentals.....................................47 Peters Simmentals..................................26, 27 Pheasantdale Simmentals.............................53 Phillips Farms..............................................54

Poley, Chris..................................................55 Porter Ranches.............................................47 Prospect Hill Simmentals.............................51 Rainalta........................................................47 Rancier Farms..............................................47 Rattray Livestock.........................................47 Red Rose Angus...........................................53 Redpath Simmentals....................................49 Remington Land & Cattle............................48 Rendezvous Farms.......................................49 Rimac Simmental.........................................52 River Point Cattle Co...................................51 Riverbank Farm...........................................50 Robb Farms..................................................53 Robson Acres...............................................51 SAJ Simmentals...........................................53 Saugeen Acres..............................................48 Schatz Simmentals.......................................48 Simmeron Fleckvieh Simmentals................48 Skeels, Dan..................................................55 Skor Simmentals.......................................... 11 Sniders Cattle Service..................................15 South Holden Simmentals........................... 11 Southpaw Cattle Company..........................48 Spring Creek Simmentals............................53 Spring Lake Simmentals........................ 11, 48 Spruce Grove Cattle Co...............................53 Starwest Farms.............................................49 Steen Agencies.............................................56 Stock, Mark..................................................55 Stockmens Insurance...................................56 Stone Simmentals........................................48 Stoughton Farms..........................................53 Sullivan Simmentals....................................52 Sun Rise Simmentals...................................54 Sun Star Simmentals....................................48 Sunny Valley Simmentals......................24, 54 Swan Lake Farms Ltd..................................54 Swantewitt Simmentals................................48 TD Simmentals............................................54 The Register.................................................54 Timberland Auctions....................................55 Transcon Livestock Corp........ 22, 23, 56, IBC Trevor’s Cowpix..........................................56 Tryon Simmentals........................................50 TSN Livestock.............................................50 Twin Brae Simmentals.................................50 Twin Butte Simmentals................................48 Tymarc Livestock.........................................48 Ultra Livestock.............................................48 Virginia Ranch.............................................48 W2 Farms.....................................................54 Weldehaven Farms.......................................52 Wells’ Crossing Cattle Company.................48 Westgold Farms Ltd..................................... 11 Westway Farms Ltd.....................................48 Wild Oak Farms...........................................51 Windy Knoll Farm.......................................50 WJ Simmentals............................................48 WLB Livestock............................................50 Wolfe Farms.................................................48 Wolfe’s Fleckvieh........................................48 Xcel Livestock.............................................51 Yankee Creek Ranch....................................54

What’s Happening November

November 1-3 Manitoba Livestock Expo, Brandon, MB November 2 Transcon’s National Trust Chapter V Simmental Sale, Brandon, MB Manitoba Livestock Expo Simmental Show, Brandon, MB Transcon’s National Trust Chapter V Simmental Sale, Brandon, MB Royal Winter Fair Simmental Show, Toronto, ON November 3 Royal Elite All Breed Sale, Toronto, ON November 4 Big Hills Simmentals Complete Herd Dispersal, Virden, MB November 4-11 Farmfair International, Edmonton, AB November 8 Farmfair Simmental Show, Edmonton, AB November 9 The Headliner All Breed Show & Sale, Edmonton, AB November 10 Pembina Triangle Simmental Sale, Cypress River, AB November 11-13 North American International Livestock Expo FSFF Annual Membership Meeting The Pinnacle International Fullblood Show North American Select Simmental Sale, Louisville, KY November 17 Transcon’s Simmental Cow-A-Rama XIII, Innisfail, AB November 18 Central Invitational Simmental Sale, Woodville, ON November 21 Canadian Western Agribition National Simmental Show, Regina, SK November 22 Canadian Western Agribition National Simmental Sale, Regina, SK November 26 Harvest Hoedown Simmental Heifer Sale, Neepawa, MB Westwood Land & Cattle Co Complete Cowherd Dispersal Sale #1 Heartland Livestock, Swift Current, SK November 29 Westwood Land & Cattle Co Complete Cowherd Dispersal Sale #2 Balog Auction Services, Lethbridge, AB

December 7 Spring Creek Simmentals and Guest Consignors Bred Female Sale, Heartland Livestock, Virden, MB December 8 McMillen Herdbuilder Female Sale, Carievale, SK Westwood Land & Cattle Co Complete Cowherd Dispersal Sale #3 Nilsson Bros Livestock Exchange, Vermilion, AB December 10 Shades of the Prairies, Brandon, MB December 12 Westwood Land & Cattle Co Complete Cowherd Dispersal Sale #4 Provost Livestock Exchange, Provost, AB December 13 Southern Alberta Simmental Round-Up Group 19th Annual Bull & Female Production Sale, High River, AB December 14 Friday Night Lights Simmental Sale, Olds, AB Spring Creek Simmentals & Guest Consignors Bred Female Sale, Virden, MB December 15 Checkers & Fullblood Perfection Sale, Red Deer, AB December 16 Transcon’s Fleckvieh Equation Fullblood Simmental Sale, Red Deer, AB Transcon’s Ultimate Red & Black XV Simmental Bull & Female Sale, Red Deer, AB December 18 Bonchuk Farms Female Production Sale, Virden, MB December 20 Camrose Country Classic Sale, Camrose, AB December 31 New Years Resolution Frozen Genetic Sale, Red Deer, AB

January January 18-19 Camrose Bull Congress, Camrose, AB January 26 Lazy S Bull & Cow Power Sale, Mayerthorpe, AB

December

February

December 3 The Source of Elite Simmental Genetics, Lloydminster, SK Midwestern Simmental Breeders Female Sale, Lloydminster, SK December 3-9 Indian River Cattle Company 2012 X-mas Internet Sale, www.indianrivercattlecompany.com December 4 Keystone Konnection Sale, Brandon, MB December 6 Transcon’s 35th Annual Simmsational Simmental Sale, Moose Jaw, SK December 7 Little Willow Creek Ranch 26th Annual Beef Bull & Heifer Sale, Frenchman Butte, SK

February 5 Bata/Olafson 16th Annual Production Sale, Rugby, ND February 8 Genetic Edge Bull Sale, Rimbey, AB February 9 M&J Farms Simmental & Angus Bull Sale, Russell, MB Kenner Simmental 16th Annual Production Sale, Bismarck, ND February 11 Rendezvous Farms 9th Annual Simmental Bull & Female Sale, Ste. Rose, MB 59

February 14 Janzen Ranches 20th Annual Simmental & Red Angus Bull Sale, Rosemary, SK February 15 24th Annual Mader Ranch Bull & Female Sale, Olds, AB February 16 Double Bar D Best Of Both Worlds Bull & Female Sale, Grenfell, SK Rainalta’s 19th Annual Bull Sale, Brooks, AB Timberlind Auctions Annual Bull & Female Consignment Sale, Buck Creek, AB February 18 Kopp Farms 9th Annual Simmental Bull & Female Sale, Amaranth, MB February 20 Crossroad Farms 7th Annual Bull Sale, Shell Lake, SK February 21 8th Annual Robb & Hoegl Bull & Female Sale, Lloydminster, SK February 22 Lone Stone Farms Simmental & Red Angus Bull & Female Sale, Westlock, AB February 23 Lewis Farms 28th Annual Bull Sale, Spruce Grove, AB February 25 Ace in the Hole, 2nd Annual Production Sale, Turtle Lake, ND Beechinor Bros & Guests Simmental Bull Sale, Bentley, AB 11th Annual Muirhead Cattle Co. Simmental Bull Sale, Shellbrook, SK February 26 Bonchuk Farms Bull Sale, Solsgirth, MB February 27 Erixon Simmentals 2nd Annual Bull & Female Sale, Saskatoon, SK 18th Annual Herd Master Bull Sale, Camrose, AB

March

March 1 Labatte Simmentals 33rd Annual Bull & Female Sale, Moose Jaw, SK 8th Annual Bull Fest Simmental Sale, Camrose, AB March 2 Cutting Edge Bull Sale, Rimbey, AB Mappin Simmental Bull Sale, Veteran, AB 19th McMillen Ranching Production Sale, Carievale, SK Westgold Farms & Guests Annual Bull Sale, Vermilion, AB March 3 R Plus Simmentals 13th Annual Bull Sale, Estevan, SK March 4 Ashworth Farm & Ranch & Guests Bull Sale, Oungre, SK March 5 Transcon’s Bull Spectrum Simmental Sale, Innisfail, AB March 6 Skor Simmentals 11th Annual Red & Black Simmental Bull Sale, Camrose, AB Sunny Valley Simmentals 23rd Annual Bull & Female Sale, Saskatoon, SK Mar Mac Farms and Guest Annual Bull Sale, at Mar Mac Farms, Brandon, MB March 7 Spring Creek Ranch In Pursuit of Perfection Bull Sale, Moosomin, SK Westway & Deeg Annual Bull Sale, Olds, AB March 8 McCormack Family Ranch Genetic Destination Bull Sale, Grenfell, SK 10th Annual Northern Classic Bull Sale, Grande Prairie, AB

March 9 Synergie Bull Sale, Ste-Sophie de Levrard, PQ Swantewitt Simmentals Bull Sale, Mayerthorpe, AB Ranchlands Bull Sale, Stavely, AB Place Your Bets Bull Sale, Veteran, AB March 10 Rebels Of The West Simmental & Angus Sale, Virden, MB March 11 Genetic Source Simmental Bull & Female Sale, Brandon, MB March 12 Kuntz Stoughton - McIntosh Bull Sale, Lloydminster, SK Prairie Partner Meat & Muscle Bull Sale, Killarney, MB March 13 Transcon’s Premium Beef Simmental Bull Sale, Neepawa, MB Inner Lake Bull & Female Sale, Moose Jaw, SK March 14 Rocky Mountain Simmental Bull Sale, Olds, AB March 15 15th Annual Northern Alliance Bull Sale, Spiritwood, AB Porter Ranches Bull Sale, Stony Plain, AB March 16 Skyridge/Boynecrest Bull & Female Sale, St. Claude, MB Ferme Gagnon Inc. Annual Bull Sale, Cheneville, QC March 17 Bonchuk Farms Annual Bull Sale, Virden, MB March 18 Transcon’s Red Deer Simmental Bull Sale, Red Deer, AB 9th Annual Butts, Gutts & Nutts Simmental Bull Sale, Lloydminster, SK March 19 Spruce Grove Bull Sale, Tisdale, SK March 20 Transcon’s 18th Annual Advantage Simmental & Red Angus Bull Sale, Saskatoon, SK March 21 Get-A-Grip Bull and Female Sale, Forestburg, AB March 23 Transcon’s Mountain View Angus, Charolais & Simmental Bull Sale, Innisfail, AB March 24 Cattleman’s Classic Bull Sale, Virden, MB March 25 4th Annual Harvie Ranching Bull Sale, Olds, AB March 26 17th Annual U2 Ranch Bull & Female Sale, High River, AB WLB Livestock 9th Annual Bull Sale, Douglas, MB March 28 Wheatland / ANL “Focus of the Future” Bull Sale, Alameda, SK March 30 Transcon’s Proudly Western Simmental Bull & Female Sale, Whitewood, SK

April April 1 Southwest Showcase Simmental Bull Sale, Swift Current, SK April 6 Black Diamond Simmentals & Guests Bull & Female Sale, Virden, MB Bar 5 40th Annual Spring Spectacular Bull Sale, Markdale, ON April 9 Transcon’s Cattle Country Charolais & Simmental Bull Sale, Neepawa, MB

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