first Simmental sires used were Extra, Canadian Salvator and Galant, to name a few. Over the years the Westman herd has grown to over 700 mother cows. “We have been breeding Simmental for so long that the main cow herd is very highly Simmental based,” says Derek. The main herd calves in March and April and they keep half the herd close to home and the other half goes to Mayerthorpe. The Westmans manage according to conditions. “We keep flexible with our management. Our philosophy is that the herd can go wherever the feed is. We spread out our herd according to grass conditions. It’s part of our overall risk management strategy,” explains Derek. “We started using Simmental genetics due to their structure, performance and milk and the fact that they had the ability to cross well with our cow herd. These are the same reasons we use Simmental genetics today,” said Kyle. “Simmental adds thickness, moderate frame and are easy doing cattle.” The Westmans take great pride in showing the quality and consistency of their breeding program and have been participants at Vermilion Agricultural Fair, Farmfair International and Canadian Western Agribition for a number of years. Their dedication to this program has awarded them numerous honours over the years.“We participate in these shows as an avenue to promote our cattle and our breeding program,” says Derek. “These events provide the opportunity for us to meet new buyers and develop new markets.” In 2011, Westman Farms had the Farmfair Grand Champion Overall pen of bred heifers, Grand Champion Overall pen, and Grand & Reserve Champion People’s Choice with Simmental influenced cattle. After their showing at Farmfair, they moved onto the Canadian Western Agribition and were honoured with Grand Champion and Reserve Champion pen of five, Reserve pen of ten and Reserve Champion Overall with their Simmental influenced cattle. The 2011 showing was the follow up to their excellent showing in 2010 where they were awarded the Agribition Grand Champion pen of five and Grand Champion pen of ten and Grand Champion Overall. Another tradition in which the Westmans take much pride is their annual bred heifer sale that has over 15 years of history. In this sale Westman Farms sell 500 bred Simmental influenced heifers. These heifers are bred BlackAngus for a 45 day calving period. This year’s sale will take place December 3rd at Nilsson Bros Vermilion. “The heifers we sell in this sale are sourced from our own herd and from the herds of our customers who have purchased the top endof our genetics.” Over the many years the Westmans have been in the cattle industry, the Simmental breed has continued to evolve and when asked what Simmental breeders should focus on, the Westmans provide the following insight “don’t lose sight of three key points – udders, feet and calving ease.” The Westmans attribute a large portion of their success to the partnerships and business relations they have built over the years. They work with feed nutritionists to ensure top condition on their animals, a veterinarian for herd health and livestock professionals in acquiring and selling of their animals. These relationships complement their management and operation styles. Genetics also play a big part in the success at Westman Farms. “We do not compromise on bull quality. We use only Simmental and Angus and run a higher percentage of Simmental bulls. Since incorporating Simmental genetics we have seen an improvement in the size of our cattle, their structure and performance as well a smothering ability to raise great calves. We simply make more money with Simmental.” Article written by Simmental Country in collaboration with Lee Gunderson, Alberta Beef Magazine
Canadian Western Agribtion 2010 Grand Champion Pen of Bred Replacement Heifers
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Canadian Simmental Association