Simmental Country

Dec 6

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Volume 38, Number 5

#13, 4101 19th St. N.E. Calgary, Alberta T2E 7C4 Phone: 403-250-5255 Fax: 403-250-5121 Website: www.simmentalcountry.com Canadian Simmental Country Deadlines February 2018 “Herdsire” Issue March/April/May “Spring 2018” Issue “Queens of the Pasture” 2018 Issue October/November 2018 Issue December “Winter” 2018 Issue Commercial Country Deadlines January 2018 Issue September 2018 Issue

The official publication of the Canadian Simmental Association

Material Deadline: January 1, 2018 Material Deadline: April 1, 2018 Material Deadline: July 1, 2018 Material Deadline: September 15, 2018 Material Deadline: October 15, 2018 Material Deadline: December 1, 2017 Material Deadline: August 1, 2018

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 $40 + applicable taxes per year $75 + applicable taxes for two years (GST included) 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:

Cover Photo taken by Meghan Black

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AB, SK, MB, QC add 5 per cent to all fees for GST BC add 12 per cent to all fees for HST ON, NB, NFLD add 13 per cent to all fees for HST NS add 15 per cent to all fees for HST Box 2330, Warman, Saskatchewan S0K 4S0 O: 306-934-9696 F: 306-934-0744 www.todayspublishing.com Editor: Bryan Kostiuk Marketing: Chris Poley, Ben Wright, Shane Michelson & Ted Serhienko Accounting: Treena Ballantyne, & Carla Horatchka Circulation: Debbie Thiessen Production: Tiffany Peters, Janessa McKay, Breanne Anderson, Trystan Hill & Samantha Rimke

USA $65 per year U.S. funds Foreign $130 per year Canadian funds

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 © 2017 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.

Canadian Simmental Association Programs Coordinator

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FAX 403.946.4919

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From the Gate Post

By Bruce Holmquist General Manager, Canadian Simmental Association

T

CSA Board And Committee Meetings Update

he 2017 fall calf run is well underway and with it there are many producers who are walking around with very big smiles because of the prices they have received for their calves. Good quality Simmental calves are topping the market in all regions of the country, and are not only out selling calves of other breeds per pound, but are also heavier and putting even more dollars into the seller’s pocket. It’s a great time to be enjoying the advantages of Simmental genetics!

The 2017 calf market was just one of the many topics discussed during the recent Canadian Simmental Association committee and board of directors meetings that were held during the third week of October. These meetings also included the Friends of Canadian Simmental Association board meeting that dealt primarily with the 2017 FCSF scholarships and a recap of the 2017 Foundation auction as planning begins for the 2018 event.

The October CSA meeting are always a busy and productive time as we review the progress made since our March meetings, and also a time to introduce any new board members who are newly elected to the Board of Directors. We welcomed Frank Robblee to his first set of CSA meetings as a CSA director and know that he will be a solid addition to the discussions and decision making process.

Some of the highlights of the two days of CSA meetings were: - Simmental ads and the new CSA Commercial brochure were reviewed. There are many positive comments being passed on to us on the Simmental Making Red, Black and White Better ads.

- The Award of Excellence show recognition program was reviewed and the issue of unregistered Simmental cattle being allowed to show in some of the major shows is a great concern and was discussed.

- Updates on Simmental 50th Anniversary events in some of the Provinces held earlier were provided. They were well attended and a great opportunity to bring Simmental breeders past and present together to celebrate the successes of Simmental in Canada.

- The Breeder directory that was part of the Summer Simmental Country is popular and extra copies of the directory will be available at the fall shows.

- New CSA promotional items are well received and will also be available at the fall shows.

- A Simmental CCIA tag update was provided and approximately

5000 Simmental RFID tag buttons have been purchased. It is felt that this number will increase as people become more aware of their availability.

- Simplifying the reporting and identification of homozygous polled and homozygous black Simmental cattle was a lengthy discussion and we are working at ways to implement this in our system.

- CSA’s paperless registration option will be simplified by members wanting to opt out of receiving paper certificates.

- Correspondence was received from a few members who requested that the CSA board revisit the requirement of parentage verifying A.I sires. After thorough discussion, the Breed Improvement committee and Board of Directors unanimously supported leaving that requirement in place. Look for BIC Chair, Garth Rancier’s article on this that can be found in this issue of Simmental Country.

- Upgrading with non-Simmental sires was also on the agenda. While the committee and board recognizes that there are differences in the upgrading process from a registered or recorded Simmental female compared to a registered or recorded Simmental male, it was felt that non-Simmental sires should be held to the same standards as a registered Simmental bull. The CSA board has decided not to make a by-law change to allow non-registered bulls in the upgrading process.

- Results from a test evaluation run using the new BOLT software program were provided, and further assessment is going to be done with input provided back to International Genetic Solutions (American Simmental Association).

- The 50th Anniversary events at AgEx, the Royal Winter Fair, FarmFair and Agribition were discussed, and we are hopeful that the attendance at those events will match the enthusiasm of the events that were held in the summer and early fall.

- Planning is well underway for the 2018 Canadian Simmental Convention and National YCSA show in Olds, Alberta.

If you have any questions on the items discussed at the October meetings,or any others that come to mind, we encourage you to contact one of your CSA directors or myself for further information.

All the best with your upcoming November and December sales. I would like to personally wish you and your families a very Merry Christmas and all the best in 2018.

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Make Your Program Stand Out Advertising Contract • 4 Issues • Full Colour Page Basic Rate:

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Commercial Country $1,300.00

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Volume 15 Issue 1 January 2016 de What’s Insi n— Dave Solverso to-packer fit with pastureSimmental n ranching operatio

e The Differenc hts Make . ning Weig Market Periods Higher Wea Through Low Hart The Farm Carry

Story By Lee

Helped 200 Extra Pounds extra 150 to that wean an , having calves operation through Kevin Routledge on with his mixed-farming beef producer, helped him carry or Manitoba fall is what has over pounds in the beef markets some of the tightestDuring the lowest the past 30 years. , he figures it was prices post-BSE as 750 pounds beef market as high weaned that range), the steers 700 pound in the 650 to (more average whether he would difference of that made the cattle business. didn’t still be in the a lot of farms “In years when in the fall helped Innovations extra pounds Simmental make it, those says Routledge, who along an hour keep us going,” in Hamiota, Cindy farm , in better with his wife Brandon. Obviously helped the cow-calf northwest of pounds commercial those extra over herd of 200 and expand. market years, today runs a ment — which has expanded in improvements farm, Routledge weights The beef herd Breed Improve farm carry out on the family and oilseeds. higher weaning the early Born and raised acres of grains to produce calves with says up until roughly 3,200 l genetics 30 years. He e, but pairs and harvests d on Simmenta for more than They were productiv long-relie l Simmental cattle the years, has Charolais cattle. the mid 1980s Simmenta has been raising In Hereford and By the mothering. the fall. Routledgehad been working with cattle began. growth and good l influenced 1980s his father more milk production, influence. That to Simmenta for some Angus and the transition l cattle with Vet’s Advice he was looking face which usually d into the herd red Simmenta blaze on its bulls were introduce was striving to produce calf, or red calf with a red Routledge solid mid 1990s produces a consistently combination g winter draws top dollar. challengin with ing it can be hit produce even though that go on to What’s Happen CALVING calving season born at that time of year, EARLIER chance of favorable. a February/March pound calves with a higher Routledge favors that it is the 90 to 100 says Routledge to calve later states It’s tempting September weaning,” weather. He r weaning weights.“ lighter calves for a the higher Septembethat would produce to be done and again we want calving weather, but May.” All cows farm as well, “With the grain turn to field work in early buildings, and we yard behind us as near the farm to afford them calve close-in fields in April and heifers season out onto stubble of April the breeding are moved the end Angus bulls to Towards are exposed more space. ent heifers exposed to lowerbegins. Replacemsecond calf heifers are also run with and Simmental bulls while the first Simmental bulls. birth weight Routledge has herd. the main cow has expanded over the years, 40012794 main cow herd Agreement # As the herd at home. The Publication Mail for the summer, pasture available maxed out the remains at home are hauled to 140 head) three groups, a (roughly 130 cattle, split into herd follows while the younger pastures. The main cow fields are a bit to separate rented ed grazing system. “The page X Routledge. “It says grass-bas today,” continued on rotational have the herd we undersized for

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CHAD 403.704.4607 CHADBEAGLE12@GMAIL.COM 11/15/2017 1:55:16 PM 2017-10-27 11:13 AM

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Breed Improvement

Weaning the Whole Herd

By Sean McGrath Breed Improvement Co-ordinator For The Canadian Simmmental Association

F

all is a busy time of year, and for many of us it is the culmination of the work of our cowherds. We get to see how the calf crop has done, assess the status of our breeding programs and move forward into the next production cycle. While one may always be impressed by weaning weights and production levels, it is important to remember that fertility still trumps growth in terms of its importance to profitability.

Simmental genetics have added productivity to the commercial industry, and breeders have done a tremendous job adding performance to their cattle over the last 50 years that Simmental has been in Canada. The Simmental breed is widely recognized for their maternal strengths and have perhaps brought more to the industry in terms of overall cowherd productivity than any other aspect of the breed. It could be argued that the Simmental-cross cow has changed the Canadian beef industry.

While fertility traits are often viewed as lowly heritable (less influenced by genetics) than traits such as growth, they are still influenced by genetics. One of the historic reasons for this “low” heritability is a lack of good cowherd based data. It is difficult to figure out the influence of genetics on a trait when you don’t have good data on that specific trait. This is one of the primary reasons for the Total Herd Enrollment program where active cows are enrolled every year. Tracking the cows that are bred, and subsequently wean a calf is a key tool to identify maternal genetics.

Weaning rate is defined as the number of calves weaned per cow exposed, which is a key indicator of maternal efficiency.

The industry average weaning rate is roughly 85% when we look at data from sources such as the Agri-Profit$ program in Alberta, or the Western Beef Development Centre in Saskatchewan. For every cow that is exposed to breeding, her ability to calve and wean a calf is key to industry profitability. An 85% value means that out of every 100 cows exposed to a bull, only 85 calves are weaned. There is a large opportunity for improvement in this number. This is why, it is so important to report every result. By this I mean, that we need to report a result (success or failure) of a cow to wean a calf every year. Let’s look at the following simple example.

If we take a cowherd with 5 cows and we fail to report calves for things like unmarketable birthweights, we indirectly raise the birthweights of other calves in relation to the average.

This is shown in the Selective BWT Reporting portion of the table. By failing to report the calf with the 110 pound BWT, the remaining calves have their deviation from group average raised, thus increasing their BW EPD (Select BW). Further, we now have a reported weaning rate of only 80% (4 out of 5 cows with a calf) even though every cow successfully calved. Failure to report all calves results in a 20% loss of the most important data to profitability in this case.

If we take this one step further and the poorest weaning weight calf is not reported, we reduce the deviation for weaning weight from the average, thus reducing the WW EPD (Select WW). This may be compounded if we already failed to report the heavy BWT calf (Select WW2). More importantly, the weaning rate is now only 60% (3 out of 5 cows reported a successfully weaned calf). Even though the cowherd actually weaned 5 calves, the data shows that it is well below industry average. This is not a fair representation of what is actually occurring on the important trait of weaning rate.

If we are concerned about making genetic improvement in fertility and cowherd success, it is important to report on every calf and every cow. Weights are important; however, it is more important to ensure that calving and weaning success or failure are reported on all calves, even those that may not be weighed.

For example, if you don’t own a scale capable of weighing calves at weaning or if a calf escapes and cannot be weighed at weaning with the rest of the calves it is still important to report the success or failure of the cow to raise and wean a calf. This can be done simply through the submission of disposal codes. If a calf is still active and weaned or died pre-weaning, that information should be reported. Similarly; if a cow does not have a calf or she is sold prior to calving or weaning, this information is also important to note. It is as simple as providing a weaning date or a disposal code and date on the animals.

This fall the CSA is working on providing reporting on cows that have been enrolled but have not had a calf or disposal event reported. These will hopefully provide a useful reminder for members to ensure that each cows reproductive success is reported each year. The data can then be used to further enhance the already present benefits of Simmental as a maternal breed of choice.

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December 19, 2017

1:00 pm at Spring Creek Ranch Near Moosomin, SK

13 Black Simmental Cows, 5 Red Simmental Cows and 21 Black Simmental Heifers 6 Black Angus Cows, 10 Black Angus Heifers, 15 Black Hybrid Heifers and 1 Commercial Cow 25 Commercial Sim/ Angus Bred Heifers from Black Sand Cattle Co.

MBJ 10D

MBJ 100D

MBJ 60D

MBJ 74D

MBJ 61D

MBJ 110D

MBJ 19D

MBJ 21D

RRAR 31D

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Sons of these bulls will sell on December 28, 2017 on the farm.

Join us for our Open House

and Sale.

Deeg Mr 96A

Super Duty x Red Power

Deeg Phantom 121C

Cobra x Mumbojumbo

Jason & Trisha French and Family Mayerthorpe, AB (780)305-6354 www.luvnitcattle.com luvnitcattleco@gmail.com Outlaw Gaga Gangsta 9B

Red Texas x Red Deck 17

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From the Director’s Chair

Breed Improvement Committee Meetings

Garth Rancier – Canadian Simmental Association Director

W

hen you buy a new truck to pull your stock trailer you want to be sure that it has the horsepower, torque, and towing capacity that you require to pull a loaded trailer. Furthermore, you want to be sure that it has the high quality engine and transmission that it is advertised to have, and not a knock off that belongs in a car. The same goes for when you buy a herdsire or select an AI sire to propel your breeding program forward. You want to know that the pedigree is accurate and isn’t actually related to the cows you plan to breed to. You also want to be sure if you’re going to breed your heifer pen to the next great calving ease sire that his pedigree and EPD’s are accurate before you find out the error half way through the first calving season.

At the October Breed Improvement Committee meetings we reviewed the bylaws in regards to the rules of eligibility for registration within our herdbook; and most specifically dealing with sire requirements. By-law 17(b) specifies that AI sires must be parent verified. This is not a new bylaw. In fact, it has been in place since before the Association started keeping digital copies of the bylaws, and is well over 30 years old. The premise of the by-law from the Canadian Simmental Association’s point of view is insuring accuracy and integrity in the herdbook which is a very important responsibility.

From a breeder’s perspective that goes much deeper. A study showed that a natural service sire will average 17.8 progeny per year (with some siring 50 or more) and will average 3.4 breeding seasons with many lasting 6-9 breeding seasons. While that does

have the potential to have a major impact on a herd it is still minimal compared to the impact that an AI sire can have on a breed. Many prolific AI sires will sire thousands of calves over their lifetime, and can have a major influence on herds and even the whole breed. A pedigree error in these sires can have a major impact on a breed. This is the reason a sire’s dam must have DNA on file and AI sires must be parent verified to both sire and dam.

Not only is pedigree accuracy important for the integrity of the herdbook, but it can have a very major influence on the breed genetic evaluations across North America. Accurate pedigrees are a critical component of any breed’s genetic evaluation and an error could have a significant consequences on the reliability of the evaluations.

In doing research with the other major Canadian beef breed associations, the CSA has confirmed that they also have the same requirements regarding AI sires. Some breeds go even deeper with their DNA requirements with three European breeds requiring that all Fullblood cattle be parent verified to both sire and dam prior to registration. The Breed Improvement Committee and CSA board reviewed our requirements and after thorough discussion, supported leaving this by-law in place. That being said, DNA testing is strongly encouraged to avoid any surprises and to ensure integrity within one’s own breeding program and the CSA Herdbook.

As always, we invite anyone with any concerns, questions, or ideas for the Breed Improvement Committee to contact the CSA General Manager Bruce Holmquist, myself, or any of the other directors.

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The Year It All Began in North America - 1966 Story By: S.M. Smith [This 1966 timeline was researched, compiled, and written by S.M. Smith, daughter of B. Travers Smith, with reference to articles written by Travers Smith, as well as from original letters and carbons of letters—some of which are reproduced hereafter. Note: Quotations from Travers’ letters preserve his random capitals, haphazard punctuation, and carefree spellings.]

January

January–March

Everything Travers reads and hears about this “new” old breed sets him on fire and he becomes a man with a Simmental mission. He recruits his uncle’s business associate, B.Y. Williams, to help with correspondence to the Canada Department of Agriculture (CDA) and to the Commission of Swiss Cattle Breeders’ Federation.

February 16

A bull calf is born on the Henri Rossin farm (C 982) at Saint-Appolinaire, Cote d’Or, near Dijon, France. Someone names the new calf, Parisien.

No one knows the revolution he will initiate, the 100,000 plus miles he will travel, the penthouse ballrooms he will parade through, or the genetic heritage he will bequeath to over 15,000 progeny. He is just an exceptionally fine calf with good prospects—technically French Pie Rouge, but the equivalent of the Swiss Simmental.

April 04

Travers and B.Y. Williams write to the CDA expressing interest in importing the “Red and White Simmental” of Switzerland.

April 30

After becoming aware that Switzerland is firmly closed for direct importation because of animal health restrictions in Canada, Travers directs a written request to the CDA for “the number of Red and White Simmental cattle allowed under one permit” for importation from France.

May/June Travers continues correspondence with the Swiss Cattle Breeders’

Federation, firmly convinced that Switzerland can be opened for direct importation if Swiss and Canadian officials will just jump through enough hoops to make it happen.

Travers Smith

Travers Smith, age 49, of Mountain View, Alberta Canada, begins his 20th year of running the family ranch that his grandfather had homesteaded in 1899/1900. In the first week of what will prove an astonishing year, Travers’ long-held passion to improve his cattle herd leads him to read a 1964 report

by Hobart F. Peters about Peter’s travels in Europe to study animal breeds, including the Simmental. (Peters is a geneticist with the Lethbridge Research Branch of the Canada Department of Agriculture—CDA.) This is Travers’ first encounter with the word Simmental. He quickly encounters it again in another article and in conversation with Charlie Redd of La Sal, Utah.

June 29 Anxiety mounts as no word

comes from the CDA regarding the permit request, so the duo fire off another letter to the CDA. B.Y. Williams remembers it thus: [A few] days later Travers got a telephone call from Ottawa with apologies and the information that, due to an error, his permit application had been overlooked but had been granted. He had until August 8 to have his calf in farm quarantine in France. Not much time.

Five thousand bucks quick, and something to back it up, and a bull required within less than six weeks. We had no problem with money at the time, not having any. We just decided to raise five hundred dollars each and get the same amount from a like number of friends, and we were in business. / Travers had contacted Charley Redd previously and he had said, “If you ever get a permit, I want to pick the bull for you.” So Travers got on the phone. No dice. Charley Redd’s calendar was full. So Travers booked the next suitable reservation he could get for Berne, Switzerland.

Switzerland wasn’t open at the time for export, but he wanted a look at the native breed in the country of their origin. (SSh:March1974:30)

July 07

The “overlooked” CDA permit for the “importation of 1 cattle from France” is mailed to Travers. The date of its receipt is not recorded, but time is of the essence because an unvaccinated bull calf under 9-months of age must be in the system no later than August 8. (An approximate 30-day onfarm quarantine is required before the Brest, France quarantine which is set to begin September 1.)

July 27

Parisien

Travers boards his first-ever air flight in Lethbridge, Alberta bound for Zurich, Switzerland trusting that he can get his passport during a 5-hour stopover in Ottawa. Delays en route reduce his time in Ottawa to 3-hours, but he gets his passport and somehow finds time to also obtain “some good leads” for French contacts from the CDA Vets and from Trades and Commerce in Ottawa.

July 29

After a major airline delay in Paris, Travers arrives in Zurich and takes the evening train to Berne, arriving at 9 P.M.—7 hours behind schedule.

July 30

It is Saturday and the Swiss Cattle Federation office is closed, but Travers manages to roust a young man in the building who helps arrange a cattle guide—a Mrs. Hofer from Spiez—who takes Travers on a tour of the Simme River Valley. Travers writes home the following day, “The most Magnificant Cattle I have ever seen.” He will later recount

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I spent some hours with a tape measure measuring these cattle and jotting down the figures and just standing and looking at them. It took some time to pull myself away from this scene. (SSh:Oct1970:8)

July 31

Travers attends Church services, visits with a new acquaintance, Dr. Winzenried on his farm near Berne, and writes to B.Y. Williams: I can’t get over them. We can’t get this kind of animal in 100’s of years of breeding with what we’ve got to work with in Canada. If we can get a few over home it will be the biggest break through for Cattle in a long time. … I’m making every effort and contacted [sic] possible to see if we can’t move cattle from here to France for another year. // … I would sell ½ my herd to get a few of these over. (BYW-2:July31/1966)

August 01

Travers proceeds to Geneva; meets and travels with Mr. Roger Decre, a French cattleman from Gex, who is an importer/exporter between Switzerland and France; spends the entire day with Mr. Decre (and Decre’s cousin who serves as interpreter); and then takes the night train to Paris.

August 02–06

After spending the morning at the Canadian Embassy getting contact information, Travers arrives in Dijon at 3 pm on August 2: Met Mr. Plenat at Pie Rougue Cattle registry. he had interperater told him what I was looking for. he said to get hotel and by morn would have a list of men to see. Just as I was ready to leave Wayne Malmberg called from Nevers. He & Ray Woodward had done a lot of ground work on these cattle for me and were ready to come up with the S.E.P.A. [Société d’Exportation de Produits Agricoles] Men next morning. Next day [Wed., Aug. 3] we had 2 cars Good top men Knew Country & Cattle, we saw some Good cattle. Had a good visit with Wayne and Ray Woodward who is one of best Genetists in U.S. He helped develope the Line 1 Miles City Cattle we bought. Travelled 500 Miles and landed back at Nevers. Next day [Thursday, August 4] saw some Good Charlaise Cattle Sepa Men contacted more men [p. 3] and next day [Friday, August 5] went back North of Jidon [Dijon] Saw more good Simmintal. Picked 3 Calves to test, One has to have at least 3 to start with for some fail on health tests. Made all arrangements with S.E.P.A Organization on cattle next day [Sat., August 6]. They will handle everything to Brest France the Quarantine Station. We only pay them at end of test for the bull that gets on boat for Canada. Wayne & Ray Left for Canada Thursday [Aug. 4] I missed train for Berne Swiss Last night so am travelling today Sunday to Berne. be at sacrament meet[ing] there tonight. Want to see more cattle in Switzerland. Then back to Paris Friday [August 12]. have a reservation for Plane Sat. be home Sunday I hope. …

(BFS-6:Aug7/1966) The S.E.P.A. document dated 6 August 1966 lists Travers’ first choice as Parisien, with a farm price of 17.000 Fr. (See October 21 entry below.)

Two alternate choices are required in the event that Parisien fails the health tests. The first alternate, Orkan, is from the Langenieux farm; the second, Oranais, from the Roger farm. First-choice Parisien is found a mere five miles from the Herd Book Office of the Pie Rouge at Dijon.

With the S.E.P.A. documents signed, the animals with their dams were set to enter the requisite testing area on Monday, August 8, 1966—the deadline given by the CDA. Travers had beaten the deadline by one day, a Sunday. Things were now in process, being superintended by the well-organized Canadian Charolais Association (CCA), acting as agent for all Canadians importing from France. Everything will proceed like clockwork from one stage of testing and quarantine to the next.

August 07-12

Travers returns to Switzerland and spends his time: … making arrangements for the future, contacting all the government and export people possible, as well as their veterinarians. My inquiries for top quality cattlemen in Switzerland to do a selection job for us in the future led me to two persons—Ernst Aegerter, who had for most of his life headed up the export of cattle out of Switzerland, and a Mrs. Ida Hofer, who was a real cattlewoman in her own right, being of a famous cattle breeding family in Switzerland and also married into one. (SSh:Oct1970:9 from “Selecting the first Canadian Simmentals,” by Travers Smith, Simmental Shield, October 1970, pp. 8-10.)

August 15 onward

Upon returning home, Travers continues his telephone and letter campaign hoping to get Switzerland open for importation to Canada. At the same time, he begins directing cattle selection in Switzerland through his two

Swiss contacts (Aegerter & Hofer), trusting in their expertise and trusting that the Canadian government will open Switzerland for the upcoming importation year. (This will prove a nail-biting experience for these first Canadian Simmental believers and investors. When at last it seems too late, they will receive eight permits for France/Switzerland, dated July 19, 1967.)

Travers’ long-suffering bankers have not been overly impressed with his latest idea, so in order to finance the Simmental “gamble,” several local investors finally respond to Travers’enthusiasm. His vision of what the Simmental breed can do to improve productivity, performance, and profitability in livestock operations somehow slips into every conversation. By late August, seven men commit to help Travers finance this venture that has so captured his focus.

August 30

Six of the eight initial contributors of capital meet to determine the type of organization they want to transact the future business of the contributing group. According to the minutes, those present at the meeting are: “B. Travers Smith; Dr. Orson T. Bingham; Harold Watson; Guy Bowlby; H.J. Blackmore; B.Y. Williams.” Those not able to attend are: Dr. S. B. Williams and Franklin Smith. Each contributor’s investment is $500.00 in cash with a further $500.00 guarantee to the bank to secure a $4,000.00 loan. Thus, their working capital for the project is $8,000.00. Their Parisien venture will take almost all of it.

September 20 (abt)

The Canadian Charolais Association advises that some testing delays have occurred and that “present plans are to move the cattle from the farms to Brest quarantine station within the next few days. It is expected that the plans will then be pretty much as scheduled, arriving at Grosse Ile, late October.” (Undated CCA letter to importers)

September 25

Parisien goes into quarantine at the Brest Quarantine Station in France.

(S.E.P.A. letter dated September 28, 1966)

September 26

Simmental Breeders Limited (aka, SBL) is incorporated with B. Travers Smith, chairman; and B.Y. Williams, secretary with the remaining investors as directors.

October 21

The Royal Bank of Canada receipt of this date shows a currency exchange of .22, resulting in a total cost of $3,630.00 Canadian dollars that Travers and his fellow investors send to finalize matters with S.E.P.A. In subsequent correspondence by Travers, it appears that the original farm price for Parisien was 15.000 Fr., but is increased to 17.000 to cover extra costs relating to the transport, testing, etc., of the two alternate bulls at 1.000 Fr. each. Only one of the alternate bulls with dam is delivered to the testing area, so the adjusted price paid is 16.500 Fr. The extra 500 Fr. is for transport costs to get Parisien to Brest, France after he passes the first tests.

October, late [29th]

After a period of quarantine at Brest, France, Parisien and 228* other imports (mainly, if not totally, Charolais) are loaded onto a cattle boat for the 8-day ocean voyage to Grosse-Ile, Quebec—Canada’s quarantine facility in the Gulf of St. Lawrence. Here, Parisien will spend his first Canadian winter. (*CDA letter of Sept. 15, 1966 states cattle imports authorized for 1966 total 229.)

December

This pivotal year ends with Parisien’s anxious owners looking forward to an early spring thaw so their “great expectation” can wend his way to the Canadian mainland and overland to Alberta for his last quarantine phase—a 90-day on-farm quarantine on Travers’ ranch. In Travers’ view, things are looking up for every farm and ranch family in North America—every family, that is, who will lend him their ears and their eyes for even just a minute.

Those of you who remember Travers knew him as a man of deep faith.

In a letter to his children in 1971, he wrote of this first Simmental trip, saying “… the Lord softened the heart of a customs man that I got a passport after [brief] hours in Ottawa. He led me to the right people in Switzerland, in France; unbeknown to them He influenced men to organize trips for me to see cattle. He gave me ideas and understanding of Cattle and the attendant business far beyond my natural powers. In the past He prepared through men’s management of Genetics, a Bull that started the biggest revolution for good in the cattle industry on this continent.”

And it all began—a mere 40 years ago [now 44]. httpp://Simmental-sbl.blogspot.ca/

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n regards to both beef and dairy cattle, there have been many ways discussed and shared with producers regarding the best way to stimulate a weak calf that perhaps doesn’t want to breathe. With calving season just around the corner for purebred producers, this is a good time to share techniques and get the calving area supplied. I will share some of my experiences as to what works and what doesn’t, as well as highlight procedures that are worth doing verses others that are a waste of time. None of these mentioned procedures require much of an expense, and saving one extra calf converts into dollars down the line, plus it is doing the right thing. The rewards can feel very good.

There are many reasons calves come out slow and weak.

Recognizing when these conditions might occur could give you a heads up. Every time you must give assistance for fetal oversize, a hard pull is given or where a malpresentation occurs, one must be aware that time is running out, and a weaker, barely alive calf is a definite possibility. Other instances include where the cow has been sick and losing weight, or there has been some abnormality during pregnancy. Remember, a cow losing body condition in late pregnancy could be carrying twins, so after any assisted calving it is a good idea to carefully examine the uterus for either tears or another calf. If you find another calf assist in its delivery immediately.

There are several forms of resuscitation, or trying to make it easier to establish breathing for the calf. Often, especially if you see there is a strong heartbeat, you must establish breathing and get oxygen to the blood. One thing we know for sure is the old established hanging calves to get fluid out does no good, and in fact does harm as all the organs push down by gravity on the chest while making it much more difficult for them to breath. The fluid that does come out is generally draining out from the stomaches (rumen). You are much better to get the calf in a sitting up frog legged position, so both lungs can get air equally much as would happen in a standing calf. Extend the neck forward to open up the airways and then go to work with what I will now describe.

Any large amounts of mucous around the mouth you will want to wipe away. There are a number of good calf resuscitators out there that can simple bath the area in extra oxygen, which helps if breathing is not strong. Some of these will even provide suction as well. Mouth to mouth resuscitation pretty much does nothing as the air simply goes down the esophagus and inflates the stomach, so this doesn’t get into the lungs where it needs to go. You are best if breathing is slow with a stronger heartbeat to stimulate breathing by either sticking a straw up the nostril, pouring cold water in the ear or putting cold snow in the ear to essentially irritate the calf and get him going.

Try inserting straw in the nostril of a normal calf next time and see the quick response you get. If there is no response, the calf is in trouble and the only thing I have found that has worked is a respiratory stimulant. This used to be dopram but goes under different trade names (respisure) and is harder to come by. Your veterinarian can look for respiratory stimulants and hopefully find one, but would need to script it to you as it may only be approved for other species. In order for it to be helpful you must have it close by in your calving kit and readily accessible. Time is of the essence as a few seconds at this critical point may make the difference.

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The need to stimulate calves should be the exception in today’s cow/calf operations. Calving problems have been greatly reduced, so unless it is a hard calving or there has been a delay in getting the calf out, such as occurs with a full breech birth for instance, resuscitation shouldn’t be a routine occurrence. With hard calvings it sometimes pays to stop pulling and let the calf get a few breaths when the rib cage is out before you pull the tight hips through. The calf may bellor as they are alive then and feel the pain so be aware of this response.

If you are getting too many weak calves one must look at several factors in their herd management. Is intervention too slow especially in the case of heifers? Once the calving process has started, and regardless of if the waterbag has been broken time is a ticking. An old misconception with producers is that they have lots of time if the waterbag has not been broken. That simply isn’t true. Intervention in one to one and a half hours if no progress has been made is a good rule. With breech births (backwards with both back legs ahead), and torsions we know often that time is running out so being ready to stimulate the calf is imperative. Once the tail head of the calf comes through the pelvis in a backwards calving the navel is essentially broken and the calf tries to start breathing.

This is where a faster pull from that point forward will save the calf’s life. That is why one should always assist a backwards calf where possible.

Weak calves may be the result of nutrition, vitamin and mineral deficiencies or imbalances so we must always make sure body condition score is good on cows and heifers as well as ensuring they are on a good mineral/vitamin program. These deficiencies happen as the calf is developing, so if a deficiency is diagnosed it is not a quick fix to get it reversed. An example, selenium deficiencies can lead to weak calf syndrome and iodine deficiencies can lead to a goiter and weak or dead calves born. If a calf is stillborn or weak and shortly dies after birth, a lot can be gained by a postmortem and potentially tissues being sent away to help with the diagnosis.

This could shed light on potential problems, and allow some time to correct them. I have also seen the need to resuscitate when the water bag fails to break and the calf can drown in essentially a cup of fetal fluids. This can happen in too quick of a birth and the water bag has essentially not had enough force on it to break. Watch for these cases as well.

If placenta is starting to come first, again time is running out and you may already be to late, but if any sign of life get the calf out as quickly as possible. One last word of advice on delivering a calf and preempting the need to resuscitation. Check the viability of the calf by putting fingers in their mouth to see how good the swallowing or gag reflex is. If this is very weak you can be sure the calf will be sluggish when delivered. Also if the calf is overly active and thrashing around this could be a sign time is running out and they are starting to get oxygen deprived. There is a need to get them out as soon as possible and use your resuscitation skills.

In summary be ready with the resuscitation techniques mentioned and be ever vigilant of the cases that predispose newborn calves to need reviving. Remember in cases of resuscitation, you and your veterinarian when called can hopefully save more valuable newborn calves this spring. Now is a good time to implement changes for the 2018 calving season.

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Appuye sure la poteau de cloture

By Bruce Holmquist Directeur général - Association Simmental du Canada

Sommaire des réunions du Conseil d’administration et des comités de l’ASC

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a période des ventes de veaux d’embouche de l’automne 2017 tire à sa fin, et nous avons vu plusieurs producteurs très souriants en raison des prix reçus pour leurs veaux. Les veaux Simmental de bonne qualité obtiennent les prix les plus élevés partout au pays, et en plus de recevoir de meilleurs prix par livre vendue, ils sont plus lourds et génèrent plus d’argent dans les poches des vendeurs. Voilà une excellente occasion d’apprécier les avantages de la génétique Simmental !

Lors des réunions du Conseil d’administration et des comités de l’Association Simmental du Canada tenues durant la troisième semaine d’octobre, en plus de discuter du marché des veaux en 2017, nous avons fait le point sur plusieurs autres sujets. Simultanément à ces réunions, nous avons également tenu la rencontre du Conseil d’administration des amis de l’Association Simmental du Canada, au cours de laquelle nous avons premièrement discuté des bourses d’études 2017 des FCSF, tout en analysant les produits de l’encan de la Fondation en 2017 et en débutant la planification pour l’année 2018.

Les réunions de l’ASC du mois d’octobre sont toujours une période très occupée et productive, alors qu’on passe en revue tous les progrès réalisés depuis nos rencontres du mois de mars, tout en accueillant au Conseil les nouveaux administrateurs élus. Nous avons ainsi pu accueillir Frank Robblee qui prenait part à titre d’administrateur à ses premières réunions du Conseil de l’ASC.Nous sommes convaincus qu’il représentera une solide addition pour nos discussions et notreprocessus décisionnel.

Voici quelques-uns des faits saillants de nos deux journées de réunions: - On a passé en revue nos annonces et la nouvelle brochure commerciale Simmental. On a reçu plusieurs commentaires positifs concernant nos annonces “Simmental fait mieux paraître en rouge, noir et blanc”.

- On a revu le programme de reconnaissance “Prix d’excellence” des jugements d’animaux; nous sommes très préoccupés par le fait que des bovins Simmental non enregistrés soient présentés dans des expositions d’envergure.

- Des compte rendus de certaines activités tenues dans les provinces pourcélébrerle 50e anniversaire de la race Simmental furent présentés. Nous constatons que la participation y a été très bonne, ayant ainsi permis de réunir d’anciens éleveurs aux éleveurs actuels afin de souligner les succès de la race Simmental au Canada.

- Le bottin des éleveurs inclus dans l’édition de l’été de la revue Simmental Country est bien apprécié et des copies supplémentaires seront disponibles aux expositions de l’automne.

- Les nouveaux articles promotionnels de l’ASC sont également populaires et ils seront disponibles aux expositions de l’automne.

- Un résumé de la situation concernant les étiquettes d’oreille Simmental a été présenté, nous constatons qu’environ 5000 boucles RFID Simmental ont été commandées à date. Nous croyons que ce nombre augmentera au fur et à mesure que les producteurs prendront conscience de leur disponibilité.

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- Nous avons eu une longue discussion au sujet de la simplification de l’identification et la confirmation des statuts “homozygote acère” et “homozygote noir” des bovins Simmental, et nous étudions des manières de mettre le tout en place dans notre système.

- Nous allons simplifier l’option offerte de procéder aux enregistrements sans papier auprès de l’ASC pour les membres désirant ne plus recevoir de certificats en papier.

- Nous avons reçu des lettres de quelques membres demandant au Conseil d’administration de l’ASC de reconsidérer les exigences de vérification de la parenté des taureaux d’insémination artificielle.

Suite à une discussion en profondeur, le comité d’amélioration de la race (CAR) et le Conseil d’administration ont supporté à l’unanimité de laisser cette exigence en vigueur. Veuillez consulter l’article du Président du CAR touchant ce sujet, un texte que vous trouverez plus loin dans cette édition de la revue Simmental Country.

- L’augmentation du pourcentage de sang de race en utilisant des taureaux Simmental non enregistrés était aussi à l’agenda de nos réunions. Bien que le comité et le Conseil s’entendaient sur le fait qu’il existe des différences au niveau du processus d’augmentation du pourcentage de sang de race réalisé à partir d’une femelle enregistrée ou à pourcentage de sang Simmental, comparativement à celui impliquant un mâle enregistré ou à pourcentage de sang Simmental, on a convenu que les standards s’appliquant aux taureaux Simmental non enregistrés soient maintenus les mêmes que s’ils s‘agissaient de taureaux Simmental enregistrés. Le Conseil d’administration a donc décidé de ne pas ajouter un règlement à nos statuts afin de permettre que les taureaux Simmental non enregistrés soient acceptés au niveau du processus d’augmentation du pourcentage de sang de race.

- On nous a fourni les résultats d’une évaluation génétique pilote effectuée à partir du nouvel outil informatique BOLT, d’autres évaluations seront effectuées et des commentaires seront transmis à l’organisme «International Genetic Solutions » (American Simmental Association).

- Nous avons discuté des activités prévues pour le 50eanniversaire aux expositions AgEx, Royal Winter Fair, FarmFair et Agribition.

Nous sommes confiants d’obtenir un bon niveau de participation lors de ces manifestations, si on se fie au succès des activités de l’été et du début de l’automne.

- La planification est bien amorcée en vue de la Convention 2018 de l’Association Simmental du Canada et des YCSA, à Olds en Alberta.

Si vous avez des questions touchant les sujets discutés lors de nos réunions tenues en octobre, ou bien par rapport à tout autre sujet qui vous préoccupe, nous vous encourageons à communiquer avec l’un des administrateurs de l’ASC ou avec moimême afin d’obtenir plus d’informations.

Tout le succès espéré lors des ventes à venir en novembre et en décembre. J’aimerais personnellement vous souhaiter à vous et à vos familles, un très Joyeux Noël et tout le bonheur en 2018!

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50th Anniversary Past Presidents

Panel Questions

In means of celebrating the last 50 years of Simmental in Canada, Simmental Country is asking those that have been involved from the beginning of the breed for their input on the past, present and future of Simmental, Individuals involved in this panel questionnaire come from different backgrounds from various parts of the country.

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1 Explain your background and involvement within the Simmental breed – past and present. brian McCarthy: After University and a brief stint with Ag Canada I returned to the family farm in 1976. My first Simmentals had been purchased in 1973. Since then, I have been developing a polled purebred herd, Spring Creek Simmentals. Along the way, I served on many boards: Regina Bull Sale Committee, Sask. Performance Testing Association, Sask. Simmental Association and am a past president of the Canadian Simmental Association.

We showed cattle at Agribition for over 20 years. We now have Bull and Female sales annually on the ranch.

Ken Lewis: I became exposed to the Simmental Breed in the early 70’s, we artificially inseminated with Fullblood Simmental on our commercial cows which was the start of our purebred herd. We’ve shown Simmental cattle across Canada and parts of the US, had joint and on farm female sales and will host our 33rd annual on farm bull sale this February. On the political side, I have served on both the Provincial and Canadian Simmental boards and am currently the Simmental Foundation Chair.

myles glasman: I was born into a family involved in the black Angus business. Black Eagle Farms competed and sold quality cattle throughout North America and Mexico through the 1960’s and 1970’s.

The beef business had some hard times and when the ‘exotics’ came on the scene in the late 1960’s there was excitement and renewed optimism. We experimented with some of the new breeds Chianina, Maine Anjou and Simmental using them on our black cows. While traveling I had also seen some excellent Murray Grey bulls in Tasmania that could have also been very useful. The results from using Simmental genetics showed real promise to me. I could see good cattlemen from other breeds such as the Gordons, Drapers and Mitchells also getting involved. Everyone in the Simmental following had come from somewhere else... everybody wanted a change.

My father Marshall and I applied for Simmental importation permits unsuccessfully so started using AI to upgrade the herd. M & J Farms Simmentals was established. Some exciting times followed from the humble beginnings of AI-ing the neighbour’s milk cow in 1972 and getting a heifer calf to sitting as President of the Canadian Simmental Association in 1996. By then Simmentals rivalled any other breed in purebred registrations. Today we maintain a herd of 200 plus registered females and hosting an annual bull sale every February.

Rick McIntyre: My beginning was in the early 70’s as a 4-H’er, I guess it was lady luck or my Dad’s eye for cattle that had me leading my first non 4-H calf into the Agribition show ring winning Champion steer, 1972. After that we as a family were hooked. Agribition was the high point of every year. Those early years and the Agribition Simmental sale; my gosh those were crazy times. Our first bred Fullblood heifer to sell sold at one of these sales for over 40k, that was over 13 new ½ ton trucks back then. After that our involvement grew, friends in the business grew and one did their part. I followed in my Dad’s footsteps and had the pleasure of serving on area association boards, the provincial board, and the CSA board, with the honor of my livestock career as serving as a president.

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What drew you to the Simmental breed initially? What is it about the breed that has kept you involved in one way or another?

brian McCarthy: I always had a passion for cattle but saw that the industry needed something better than the Herefords of the day for milk and performance. Dan Patterson, a friend of mine at university and his Dad from Kirkwall Moor Ranch south of Moose Jaw, had imported a Fullblood Simmental cow, ‘PDJ Judiette 1B’. We talked a lot about that cow and her performance, and the seed was sewn. After graduating from Animal Science, my first job was teaching ‘Beef Production’ short courses to farmers and my teaching partner was Brian Ross who owned ‘Ross L7’ with his Dad. By this time I knew I had to get into the Simmental seed stock business. The CSA had an open herd book that allowed for upgrading.Because of this, we were able to keep that milk and performance yet ‘Canadianize’ the cattle, enabling breeders to meet our Canadian market needs. This led to a very good bull market which is the basis of a solid breeding program, and sustainability in the beef seed stock business.

Ken Lewis: With the exotic cattle boom in the late 60’s and 70’s, we felt the Simmental genetics had the most to offer to our herd and beef industry. Back then the Canadian beef herd was dominated by the Hereford breed, the white face on these imported Simmental Fullbloods provided opportunity to build some F-1 half bloods in short order and on the backs of some good Hereford cow herds. What has kept us involved with Simmental would be the on going success and positive changes we’ve been able to achieve in the development of the breed and acceptance in the market.

myles glasman: Probably the many great people that got on the Simmental bandwagon certainly influenced my personal enthusiasm for the breed along with the cattle themselves. Nothing else could compare to the breed’s disposition, sheer gainability, maternal traits and crossbreeding possibilities. Many things have changed and some mistakes were made but the breed has adapted, survived and excelled. Simmentals continue to work for us.

Rick McIntyre: 1969, I was 14 when our father Lloyd McIntyre got together with Wilf Davis and submitted for our first Fullblood importations. 1970, “B” was the tattoo year of our first import from Switzerland and 1971 was our first ½ bloods born on the farm. Sired by Galant out of Polled Herford cows. As a young teenager I still can see and visualize those first Galant ½ blood bull calves in the fall, nursing on Hereford mothers and physically lifting their back ends off the ground when they bunted them while sucking. From that point on there was no going back, production now took on a whole new meaning. Superior production was always the underlying theme. Other breeds also got introduced and they too had superior production, however the clincher took a couple of more years to realize when we saw just how good a mother the Simmental cow was and that was the real game changer.

Superior production along with top maternal traits, and perhaps it was these traits that attracted the people, true cattle breeders, genuine hard working, honorable cow boys that then took the breed to the next level.

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3 What are some significant changes that you have seen with Simmentals over the last 50 years? brian McCarthy: Today’s Simmentals are smaller framed than the original imported Fullbloods. They are also easier fleshing, are better uddered, have better hair coats and are more reproductively efficient.

And of course we have also developed solid red and black-hided animals that are also polled. Today’s Simmentals when crossed with the modern Angus produce the most popular commercial cow in the Canadian Cattle industry.

Ken Lewis: We bred Simmental cattle too big in the 80’s, but they would grow! Significant changes we’ve seen over the years would be cutting frame size while maintaining growth, lightening birth weight, developing earlier maturing cattle and incorporating the Angus breed’s polled ness and colour. We made these changes and maintained structural soundness and eye appeal. We have been very fortunate to have grass roots people breeding Simmental cattle and steering our provincial and national breed associations in a positive direction. myles glasman: The significant changes that have occurred in 50 years pretty much run the gamut. We made them too tall, too big and

then brought them back to the middle of the road focused on some solid colour patterns to fit the overall beef industry needs. The breed has been fortunate to have had good leadership that insisted on constant breed improvement that has resulted in Simmental being the envy of all beef breeds. The development of the YCSA junior program guided by many knowledgable and committed directors and committees has been a major accomplishment. That foresight has produced young people that are not only leaders in the breed but also in the cattle industry at large.

Rick McIntyre: 50 years has seen a lot of fads and fashions come and go. Hind sight is 20/20 of course and we as others and all the other breeds got caught up in the fads of the times, chasing the short-term dollar. The race for the biggest seemed unstoppable. Many discussions were had, I remember lengthy discussions on the diversity of our herdbook and how we best use it and as it turned out that is what saved us faster than any other breed. The best illustration I can think of is one of our 1982 born females, as a 2-year-old we used her as a recipient, 3-4 years later she became the donor.

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4 What are some of the main highlights or accomplishments you’ve witnessed over the years with Simmental? brian McCarthy: As a breed, we have come from a place where we didn’t have a bull market to any extent, to one where our bull sales are the envy of the cattle industry. This was accomplished despite the harm some of those early genetics created. The demand grew slowly as we had to change the perception of Simmentals and overcome the ‘bad taste’ that had been created. This was quite an accomplishment that happened only because the breeders were prepared to listen to the market signals. A large percentage of the national commercial cow herd now features Simmental blood.

Ken Lewis: There’s been a number of highlights over the years. A very vivid one that I remember like yesterday was my first trip to Agribition in the early eighties. The excitement of the sale, seeing and meeting the people you had read about in the Simmental Country confirmed in our minds that we were on the right track. Over the years there have been many highlights showing, selling and travelling the world to livestock events and congresses. The people we’ve met and the long time customers we have been so fortunate to be associated with have kept us excited about our breed and its future.

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myles glasman: Simmental are leading the beef industry by developing programs and identifying traits to enhance and ensuring that Simmentals will thrive and influence the entire beef sector. These traits will contribute to the the sustainability of the beef industry for the future. The most notable accomplishment is the overwhelming acceptance of Simmental throughout the entire beef industry.

Rick McIntyre: Looking back, without a doubt, the best accomplishments that the Simmental breed has seen is the maturity and development of family based breeding establishments that have chosen to listen to the end user. Their programs are based on solid goals of breeding and providing their customers with a product that has built in convenience traits that enhance those maternal traits even more. Not forgetting about production and striving to add more predictability using tools available thru advanced genomics.

5 Where do you see the breed sitting today within the beef industry? brian McCarthy: I see the breed in an enviable position. We have created the genetics that are well suited to our Canadian environmental conditions and will provide the best possible hybrid vigor when crossed with Angus, Canada’s other predominant beef breed. Simmental genetics have become synonymous with milk and growth in a package that has longevity and market acceptance.

Ken Lewis: I think the opportunity has and will always be abundant for the Simmental breed. With the common sense approach of many of our breeders that have always dealt with change responsibly, we add yield to the British cattle while maintaining high maternal values. The easy number one point for the Simmental breed going forward in my mind is our strength of the youth involved. For our operation as well as

many others, our youth is our future. Over the years I have witnessed many times a junior breeder marketing a top individual for the first time and being rewarded for that animal as well as any established breeder.

This does not happen in most breeds and is just another important reason why the youth is attracted to Simmental. myles glasman: Simmental is sitting in the driver’s seat in the beef industry. Our diversity is our strength...our breed has so much to offer.

Rick McIntyre: The breed is one of the main leaders, they have a very predicable sought-after product and the people are true cattle breeders.

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6

Suggestions you may have for the Simmental breed or young individual looking to start within the breed?

brian McCarthy: Breeders need to always be reading market signals as these signals will change slightly from time to time. Market signals and needs may be different from one area to another. Make sure you are producing the genetics that your customer requires and not those you think he should have and not those that another breeder may have for a different market. Remember that to improve something it must be measured. Don’t take yourself too seriously; leave that to others.

Success will only follow those who have a passion for the business. Put your heart and hard work into it and follow your convictions.

Ken Lewis: Suggestions I have for young individuals in the breed is to stay focused, select reasonable goals and don’t be scared to ask questions. Enjoy the cattle and the people. Hard work usually creates some luck. Time passes by fast so have some fun along the way. myles glasman: If I could give ay advice or encouragement to young cattle men and women, it would be to ‘stay out of the ditch’. By

that I mean try not to get caught up in breeding cattle that are too trendy or fashionable....it seems those things don’t last. Get in the middle of the road , raise good useful cattle you like to look at everyday. Keep them efficient and be proud of what you do.

Rick McIntyre: Simmental beef is not the only competitive product on the market and each and every year the bar will always be raised higher by someone else. It is only by complacency, or letting ones’ foot off the gas pedal or losing sight of the customers’ needs that continued success will be compromised.

For the young breeder starting out, there is much to learn and many places to find answers; look for integrity in seeking out advise and mentorship. How to assess breeding stock and make sound breeding decisions under all conditions is a skill that is absolutely necessary and goes far beyond the show ring.

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Correction To October Question 6 - Scott Bohrson: Do your homework - stand behind your product - market your program with consistency!

The extra time and effort that the leading breeders put into sourcing genetics and doing “homework” is mind boggling - but it pays off. Some of the best breeding decisions made are the genetics that don’t get used because of doing your homework. If we refer back to question #3, I feel there are no excuses for below-average calving ease, structure or udder quality so if you are looking to invest in new genetics whether it is a bull or female, make the effort (or send someone you trust) to view their dams, sisters, brothers or relatives to take the guess work out of your investment. This especially rings true when investing in a new herd bull or AI sire to build your program off of, find out details on their dam! I feel that in turn, by doing your “homework”, you’ll minimize the risk of acquiring genetics that bring in negative traits that won’t advance your program. Stand behind your product and communicate with your customers for long term success. Word travels quick in the

livestock community and if you ever wonder which breeders strongly stand behind their product, flip through the Simmental Country sale results and the majority of the breeders with high average/gross sales are the ones that go the extra mile to tend to their customers. A repeat customer (no matter what their budget is) will always be your most valuable customer.

Marketing with consistency is one factor that I feel is very important to building a successful business. Firstly, learn and understand the wants and needs of your current and potential customers. If you offer a quality product and your customers recognize your brand and know when and where it will be offered, they will be there to support. Obviously there are those situations where you have to address a circumstance and make a change but if you are annually changing the date, location, partners, management, auctioneer, ringmen, advertising, etc, your customer will sense your indecisiveness. I feel instead of pointing fingers at others on what is wrong with your lack of success; find the answer within the person who stares at you in the morning while you brush your teeth.

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Amelioration de la Race

Sevrage du troupeau complet Par Sean McGrath

Coordonnateur de l’amélioration de la race pour de l’Association canadienne Simmental

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’automne est une période très occupée de l’année car, pour plusieurs producteurs, cela correspond à la fin du cycle de production de leurs vaches. On peut alors faire une évaluation de notre production de veaux, évaluer notre programme d’élevage et planifier notre prochain cycle de production. Alors qu’on peut être surtout intéressé à analyser les poids au sevrage et les niveaux de production, il faut bien être conscient que la fertilité est un caractère encore plus important que la croissance en termes de rentabilité.

La génétique Simmental est venue apporter davantage de productivité au sein de l’industrie commerciale, et au cours des cinquante dernières années de présence de la race Simmental au Canada, les éleveurs ont fait beaucoup de travail afin d’accroître la performance de leurs bovins. La race Simmental jouit d’une reconnaissance marquée pour ses qualités maternelles, et ses attributs ont probablement permis d’apporter une contribution importante à l’amélioration de la productivité globale des troupeaux au Canada. On peut même dire que les femelles croisées Simmental ont changé l’industrie bovine canadienne.

Bien qu’on reconnaisse que les caractères liés à la fertilité possèdent une héritabilité plus faible que les caractères liés à la croissance (ils sont moins influencés par la génétique), ils possèdent néanmoins une partie influencée par la génétique. Le manque de données valables provenant de plusieurs troupeaux peut expliquer le fait qu’on ait maintenu un niveau plus faible d’héritabilité. En fait, c’est difficile d’évaluer l’influence de la génétique sur un caractère donné lorsqu’on n’a pas suffisamment de données valables pour ce même caractère. Il s’agit d’une des principales raisons venant appuyer le programme de l’enrôlement du troupeau complet, pour lequel toutes les vaches actives sont enrôlées à chaque année. Le suivi des vaches ayant été saillies et qui ont ensuite sevrées un veau est une composante importante pour identifier les influences génétiques maternelles.

Le taux de sevrage se définit par le nombre de veaux sevrés par vache exposée à la saillie, ce qui représente un indicateur clé de l’efficacité maternelle. Si on consulte les données de référence de sources telles que le programme Agri-Profit$ en Alberta ou celles du Centre de développement des bovins de l’Ouest en Saskatchewan, on constate que le taux de sevrage moyen de l’industrie est d’environ 85 %.

Pour chaque vache exposée à la saillie, son aptitude à donner naissance à un veau et à le sevrer constitue un facteur clé venant influencer la rentabilité globale de l’industrie. Avec une valeur de 85 %, en fait si on a cent vaches exposées à la saillie avec un taureau donné, seulement 85 % de celles-ci auront sevrer un veau. On a donc une bonne opportunité d’améliorer cette performance. Voici pourquoi il est si important de transmettre tous les résultats. Je veux dire par là qu’on doit transmettre un résultat (réussite ou échec) à chaque année par rapport au sevrage de toutes les vaches. Regardons l’exemple suivant.

Si on prend un troupeau avec cinq vaches et qu’on décide de ne pas transmettre les données pour un veau, par exemple ayant un poids à la naissance trop élevé, cela contribue alors indirectement à augmenter le poids à la naissance des autres veaux si on les compare à la moyenne.

Cela est illustré dans la section « PN Sélective » du tableau ci-après. En choisissant ainsi de ne pas fournir la donnée de ce veau ayant un poids à la naissance supérieur à 110 livres, cela a pour conséquence que l’écart par rapport à la moyenne du poids à la naissance des autres veaux est augmenté, ce qui vient également augmenter leur ÉPD du poids à la naissance (PN Sélective). De plus, on obtient alors un taux de sevrage

déclaré de 80 % (quatre des cinq vaches avec un veau déclaré), malgré le fait que chaque vache ait bel et bien vêlé. Avec une telle situation, en choisissant de ne pas déclarer tous les veaux, vous perdez alors 20% des données les plus importantes pour évaluer la rentabilité.

Si on poursuit la réflexion encore plus loin et qu’on choisit de ne pas transmettre le poids de sevrage du veau le moins pesant, cela a pour effet de diminuer l’écart du poids au sevrage par rapport à la moyenne, ce qui vient également réduire l’ÉPD du poids au sevrage (Sélective PS). On peut également empirer la situation si en plus on a choisi de ne pas transmettre le poids à la naissance le plus lourd (Sélective PS2). Et, d’une manière encore plus importante, le taux de sevrage est maintenant diminué à 60 % (trois vaches sur cinq avec un veau né et déclaré au sevrage). Bien qu’il y ait réellement cinq veaux sevrés dans ce troupeau, les données indiquent que le troupeau est bien en-dessous de la moyenne de l’industrie. Cela ne correspond donc pas au portrait réel de la situation concernant cet important caractère que constitue le taux de sevrage.

Si on veut faire du progrès génétique au niveau de la fertilité et de la productivité du troupeau, il est primordial de fournir l’information sur chaque veau et chaque vache. Les poids sont des données importantes, toutefois il est encore plus important de s’assurer de transmettre les données confirmant la naissance et le sevrage de chacun des veaux, et même pour ceux qui ne sont pas pesés. Par exemple, si on ne possède pas de balance permettant de peser les veaux au sevrage, ou bien qu’il n’ait pas été possible de peser un veau car il s’est échappé du groupe, il demeure important de fournir l’information quant au fait que chaque vache ait ou non réussi à sevrer un veau. Cela peut se faire simplement en utilisant les codes appropriés de disposition.

On doit absolument transmettre l’information si un veau est toujours vivant et qu’il a été sevré, ou bien s’il est mort avant le sevrage. De la même manière, si une vache n’a pas de veau ou qu’elle ait été vendue avant le vêlage ou le sevrage, ces informations doivent également être notées et transmises. Cela est aussi simple que le fait de fournir une date de sevrage ou un code de disposition et une date pour tous les animaux.

Cet automne, l’ASC s’affaire à s’assurer de la transmission des informations touchant les vaches ayant été enrôlées mais pour lesquelles on n’a pas déclaré un veau ou un code de disposition. Ces démarches devraient heureusement server de rappel aux membres afin qu’ils s’assurent de bien transmettre à chaque année l’information quant au vêlage et au sevrage de chaque vache. Enfin, ces données pourront alors être utilisées afin de promouvoir encore davantage les bénéfices de la race Simmental comme étant la race maternelle par excellence.

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Du président du directeur

Réunions du comité d’amélioration de la race

Garth Rancier – Directeur de l’Association canadienne Simmental

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orsque vous achetez un nouveau camion pour transporter votre remorque d’animaux, vous voulez vous assurer qu’il possèdera un moteur assez performant, de même qu’une capacité de remorquage et de puissance de tire permettant de transporter une chargepleine d’animaux. En plus, vous confirmerez qu’il possède vraiment le moteur et la transmission de grande qualité mentionnés dans la publicité, et pas seulement des spécificationscorrespondant à une voiture. On peut appliquer la même règle quand on veut acheter un taureau reproducteur, ou bien choisir un taureau offert en insémination artificielle afin d’améliorer son programme d’élevage. Vous voulez que la généalogie soit conforme et que les lignées ne soient pas reliées aux vaches que vous désirez faire saillir. Vous voulez vous assurer avant d’employer le prochain taureau vedette reconnu pour la facilité de vêlage que ses EPD et sa généalogie soient précis et fiables, au lieu de découvrir au milieu de la première période des vêlages que vous avez fait une erreur.

Lors de notreréunion en octobre 2017 du comité d’amélioration de la race, nous avons révisé nos statuts concernant les exigences d’admissibilité pour l’enregistrement d’un sujet dans notre livre généalogique; plus spécifiquement en ce qui a trait aux exigences touchant les taureaux. En réalité, ces exigences étaient en vigueur même avant que l’Association ne commence à sauvegarder des versions numériques des statuts, soit plus de trente ans en arrière. Les statuts de l’Association Simmental du Canada sont fondés sur la prémisse d’une responsabilité très importante, soit celle de s’assurer de la précision et de l’intégrité de notre livre généalogique.

Du point de vue d’un éleveur, cela va encore plus loin. Une étude a démontré qu’un taureau employé en saillie naturelle engendrera en moyenne 17,8 descendants par année (avec certains taureaux produisant 50 descendants ou plus), qu’il restera en service pendant une moyenne de 3,4 saisons de reproduction, alors que certains individus peuvent demeurer en service de six à neuf saisons de reproduction. Bien qu’un seul taureau ait le potentiel d’avoir une influence majeure dans un troupeau, cela demeure très peu significatif si on compare cela avec l’influence qu’un taureau offerten insémination

artificielle peut avoir sur une race. Plusieurs taureaux d’insémination parmi les plus prolifiques peuvent engendrer des milliers de descendants au cours de leur vie productive, et ils peuvent ainsi avoir une influence majeure sur les troupeaux et l’ensemble de la race. Une erreur au niveau de la généalogie chez l’un de ces taureaux peut avoir un effet considérable au sein d’une race. C’est donc pour cette raison que la mère d’un taureau doit avoir une analyse d’ADN en dossier, et que les taureaux offerts en insémination artificielle doivent posséder une analyse de parenté complète, tant pour leur père que leur mère.

La précision au niveau des généalogies est importante afin d’assurer l’intégrité de notre livre généalogique, mais cela peut avoir une influence au niveau des évaluations génétiques à travers l’Amérique du nord. L’intégrité des généalogies est une composante principale de l’évaluation génétique des sujets de n’importe laquelle race, et une simple erreur peut avoir des conséquences significatives au niveau de la fiabilité des évaluations.

Après avoir fait des vérifications auprès des autres races principales de bovins de boucherie au Canada, nous avons obtenu la confirmation qu’ils avaient les mêmes exigences que nous en ce qui concerne les taureaux offerts en insémination artificielle. Certaines races ont des exigences encore plus strictes touchant les analyses d’ADN, alors que trois races européennes exigent que les deux parents des sujets “Fullblood” aient une analyse d’ADN avant d’être enregistrés.

Le comité d’amélioration de la race de l’ASC a donc revu nos exigences et, après une longue discussion, ils ont convenu de conserver les mêmes exigences en place. Ceci étant dit, nous encourageons fortement les membres à poursuivre les analyses d’ADN afin d’éviter des surprises et d’assurer l’intégrité tant de votre propre programme d’élevage que celle du livre généalogique de l’ASC.

Comme toujours, nous invitons toutes personnes pouvant avoir des préoccupations à ce sujet, des questions ou des idées touchant le comité d’amélioration génétique, à ne pas hésiter à communiquer avec le DG de l’ASC, Bruce Holmquist, ou moi-même ou encore un autre directeur du comité.

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S E L L I N G D E C E M B E R 1 6 2 0 1 7 AT

checkers

Willow Creek 104D

offering open & bred heifers from the heart of our cow herd

opening the gate

WILLOW CREEK SIMMENTALS

Willow Creek 106D

on the keeper pen

Colby 780.832.6714 Mike 780.832.7343 Crooked Creek, Alberta Find us on Facebook

Thank You To Our 2017 Customers!

Maple Lake Stock Farms, Manitoba River Point Cattle Co., Ontario Lyndy & Bob Reid, Ontario Fred Phillips, Ontario Empire Cattle Co., Ontario MacCrostie Livestock P: 519-353-4731 Jeff, Zoe, Ava & Dale MacCrostie C: 519-708-0778 135 Con 22 RR 4 zjmaccrostie@bmts.com Paisley, ON N0G 2N0 31 DecCountry.indd 31

11/15/2017 1:56:12 PM

On the Road

Ryan Cook Simmental Country Sales Representative

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s I sit down to write my final report for 2017, I think of the great support from my fellow producers that advertised in Simmental Country.

Thank you! The magazine is owned by you, the members of the Canadian Simmental Association but I would also like to thank the Board of Directors and CSA staff for standing behind the magazine and letting us deliver an amazing magazine to you. The Simmental Country is viewed by many in Canada and around the world as a first class publication and it is an honor for myself to be working with everyone in showcasing your programs and maximizing your exposure. If you have any thoughts you would like to forward on, don’t hesitate to chat with me this fall.

As we wrap up 2017, I reflect on the 50th Anniversary celebrations throughout the country. The past and present members that shared the memories were fantastic to relive as we give thanks to the founding members that took a chance

and saw the potential of Simmental 50 years ago. We had many changes over the years but one common comment I heard is “the people made Simmental great.” This is very true, it all started with some great individuals and only got stronger as the breed developed. Another strong suit is that, “we adapted to the needs of the commercial cattlemen.” This in turn has led to some of the strongest bull sales the last decade as well as Simmental influence cattle being sourced and bringing top dollars throughout the beef sector.

I have truly enjoyed this year working for the CSA/SC during the 50th Anniversary, looking forward to chatting with all of you down the road this fall.

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The Best Way For Everyone To Know About Your Sale

Eblast

Let Customers Know About Your Event!

Contact Meghan or Ryan for more information on Simmental Country Eblasts Meghan Black 506.324.4825 mblack@simmental.com

Ryan Cook 780.818.3452 rcook@simmental.com

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Member Announcements Just Married

Terra Chalack of Ultra Livestock married Eric Boon of B Bar Cattle on October 21, 2017 at Carstairs, Alberta, on The Chalack ranch.

The newlyweds reside outside of Lucky Lake, Saskatchewan, operating a purebred Limousin herd. The couple is extremely grateful for all the well wishes and congratulations they’ve received!

Julie Denison and Ross Giles of Fusion Livestock in Metcalfe, ON finally made it official on August 26, 2017 in a hay field on their farm. Julie has been a member of the CSA since the age of 15 when she purchased her first Simmental. The Fusion name came to be, seven years ago, as a way of paying tribute to their blended family of six children and also the blending of their two different breeds of cattle- Simmental and Angus. The pair are looking forward to many more years of sharing their passion for cattle with each other and their family.

Jazmin Goudy, daughter of Greg Goudy of Swan Lake Simmentals married Mitch Getzlaf on October 14th in Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan

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Saskatchewan Beef Industry Conference 2018

What’s Your Piece of the Puzzle?

January 24 and 25, 2018 Saskatoon Inn & Conference Centre For more information or to register visit: www.saskbeefconference.com

Conference SASKATCHEWAN’S PREMIER BEEF EVENT 35

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The Alberta Simmental Association wishes to extend a sincere

“Thank You”

to all the sponsors, exhibitors, volunteers, staff and everyone who made the 2017 Farmfair Simmental Show a great success.

Congratulations to SKOR Simmentals for winning the Grand Prize Breeders Select Draw of $10,000 Sales Credit. They have until May 15th to purchase a Simmental(s) from one or more of these breeders who were our Breeders Select Contributors.

Beechinor Bros Farms Clearwater Simmentals Czech Mate Livestock Deeg Simmentals Double R Farms Hannah Simmentals High Country Cattle Services Lewis Farms

Mader Ranches Maxwell Simmentals New Trend Cattle Co. Pearson Farms Rancier Farms Red Top Livestock Robb Farms SIBL Simmentals

SKOR Simmentals Sun Star Simmentals Ultra Livestock Sara VanSickle/Nolara Farms Virginia Ranch Willow Creek Simmentals Westway Farms Ltd. WJ Simmentals

Prize Winners

Early Bird Draw – 50th Anniversary Buckle WJ Simmentals Contributor Draw – Canadian Cattleman Magazine Virginia Ranch Full Page Ad Simmental Country Westway Farms $600 Credit at Bow Valley Genetics Rancier Farms $500 Credit at Alta Genetics WJ Simmentals $500 Gift Card – Country Junction Feeds Virginia Ranch

Congratulations to Riskan Hope Simmentals for winning the heifer donated by Mader Ranches

Along with other great prizes from Alberta Beef, Beef Illustrated, CSA, Bouchard Livestock and Semex

Thank you to our Major Show Sponsors Canadian Simmental Association, Bohrson Marketing and Bouchard Livestock and to all of our Banner and Buckle Sponsors!

FEMALE SHOW Junior Champion Heifer Calf Reserve Junior Champion Heifer Calf Senior Champion Heifer Calf Reserve Senior Champion Heifer Calf Junior Champion Female Reserve Junior Champion Female Senior Champion Female Reserve Senior Champion Female

SIBL Simmentals WJ Simmentals Willow Creek Simmentals Westway Farms Virginia Ranch Simmentals Hannah Simmentals High Country Cattle Services Sara Van Sickle

BULL SHOW Junior Champion Bull Calf Reserve Junior Champion Bull Calf Senior Champion Bull Calf Reserve Senior Champion Bull Calf Junior Champion Bull Reserve Junior Champion Bull Senior Champion Bull Reserve Senior Champion Bull

Pearson Farms Double R Farms Red Top Livestock Skor Simmentals Mader Ranches Rancier Farms Lewis Farms Clearwater Simmentals

FEMALE BUCKLE SPONSORS Grand Champion Female Reserve Grand Champion Female

Bohrson Marketing Services Deeg Simmentals

BULL BUCKLE SPONSORS Grand Champion Bull Reserve Grand Champion Bull

Bouchard Livestock International Czech Mate Livestock

Th a nk yo u to Tra nscon L ive stock Corp. for spon sorin g our P izza P a r t y!

Katie Deeg 403-899-2291 info@albertasimmental.com www.albertasimmental.com

Tracy Kimmel 780-875-2089 asabreedersselect@outlook.com www.albertasimmental.com

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Thank You!

SSA ScholArShip DonAtion heifer Boundary Ranch Darby & Sarah Delorme of Robsart, SK for donating the 2017 Scholarship Heifer!

Boundary Natalia 88E will be sold by Dutch Auction before the Agribition Simmental Sale - for every $10 donated you get 1 ticket in the draw drum. One lucky winner will be selected! Tickets available on DLMS starting at 6:30 PM, Nov. 22, 2017

Boundary Natalia 88E

reg. #: 1201197 bd: Jan. 19, 2017 HOMO POLLED s: NUG ROYAL RED 324A d: MMP RED RIZZLE 396B mgs: LRX THE GODFATHER 141Z

SweepStake$ SSA SimmentAl wedneSday, november 22, 2017 Canadian weStern agribition

$30,000 in prize money and prizes! :: $15,000 in Sale Credits to Agribition Sale ::

Over

Secondary prizes drawn throughout the event!

:: Silver Memberships only $100!

Saskatchewan Simmental Association

Box 591 Grenfell, SK S0G 2B0 (306) 697-2945 fax (306) 697-2942 email: sasksimmental@yourlink.ca

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Agribition Simmental Show Schedule Tuesday, November 21, 2017 6:00 PM Canadian Simmental Association 50th Anniversary Banquet Wednesday, November 22, 2017 9:00 AM National Simmental Show 5:30 PM Beef On a Bun 6:15 PM Draws for $15,000 in Sale Credits and secondary prizes 6:30 PM Scholarship Heifer Auction 7:00 PM 50 for 50 Edition Agribition Simmental Sale Friday, November 24, 2017 9:00 AM Commercial Cattle Show Saturday, November 25, 2017 8:00 AM Bull Pen Alley Show 9:00 AM Junior Beef Extreme 10:00 AM Commercial Cattle Sale 37 11/15/2017 1:56:29 PM

President Andrea Bartholet Box 307, Hartney, MB R0M 0X0 Phone: 204-483-0319 Email: adbertholet@hotmail.com

Secretary/Treasurer Laurelly Beswitherick Box 274, Austin, MB R0H 0C0 Phone: 204-637-2046 Email: b2@inetlink.ca

Vice President Everett More Box 1754, Virden, MB R0M 2C0 Phone: 204-748-1225 Email: vahequine@yahoo.com

Second Vice President Tracey Wilcox Box 351, Treherne, MB R0G 2V0 Phone: 204-723-2386 Email: pwilcox@mymts.net

MSA Director Dana Johns Box 188, Kenton, MB R0M 0Z0 Phone: 204.838.2003 Email: johnsdm@goinet.ca

MSA Director Gordon Delichte

Box 26, St. Alphonse, MB R0K 1Z0 Phone: 204-836-2116 Email: g.delichte@gmail.com

MSA Director Tom Marchant Box 263, Arden, MB R0J 0B0 Phone: 204-841-2046 Email: tristarcattleco@gmail.com

CSA Director Blair McRae RR1 Box 57, Brandon, MB R7A 5Y1 Phone: 204-728-3058 Email: marmac@inetlink.ca

Pembina Triangle Rep Eric Theroux Box 215, Notre Dame De Lourdes, MB R0G 1M0 Phone: 204-526-7360 Email: eric.theroux@cpsagu.ca

Manitoba Simmental Bulls Taking Care of Business on Pastures this Fall Fall Show & Sale Schedule

Pembina Triangle Simmental Association 37th Annual Sale - November, 18, 2017, Cypress River, MB Harvest Hoedown 23rd Annual Heifer Sale - November, 27, 2017, Neepawa, MB Maple Lake Stock Farms Production Sale - November, 30, 2017 at the Farm, Hartney, MB Keystone Simmental 37th Annual Sale - December, 6, 2017, Brandon, MB Shades of the Prairies - December, 11, 2017, Brandon, MB Bonchuck Farms Female Production Sale - December, 12, 2017, Virden, MB Workman Farms Complete Herd Dispersal - December, 21, 2017, Virden, MB

AGM - December 6, 2017, Kemnay, MB Alternate date (due to weather) to be December 20, 2017 Updates will Be posted on our Facebook page

Thank You to Tri-Star Cattle for Donating this year's MSA Scholarship Heifer. Tickets are $10.00 Each and Draw to be made at Shades of the Prairies Sale.

THOM 7E Dam - TCM MS Gladiator 19B (Tattoo THOM 19B) Sire - Silver Lake Ceasar 100C (Tattoo MARC 100C) Dam Sire - MFI Gladiator 116T Sire Sire - R Plus Prairie Fire

Keystone Association Rep Jennilee Stewart RR 2 Minnedosa, MB R0J 1E0 Phone; 204-763-4580 Email: rainbowriversimmentals@gamil.com

YCSA President Gracie Falconer Phone: 204-576-0163 Email: gmfalconer@hotmail.com

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50th Anniversary History Books Will Be Available Agribition and Manitoba sales this fall

Tried, Tested, Proven For 50 Years Invest in Manitoba Simmental Bull Power and Cash in for Years to Come 11/15/2017 1:56:32 PM

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

Look for Simmental bull consignments on April 7, 2018 at the Maritime Beef Test Station in Nappan, NS.

2017 SALT WATER SIMMENTAL SALE RESULTS High Seller: TBF811Z Eclipse 7E Consigned by: Thunderbrook Farms (Mark Trueman), NS

THANK YOU TO BUYERS, CONSIGNORS & ORGANIZERS!

The Maritime Simmental Association AGM will be held in January 2018 in Nappan, NS. The date and time will be advertised on our website: www.maritimesimmentassociation.com MSA Board of Directors President: Don Godfrey, PE - Vice President: Trevor Pauley, NB Secretary: Jennie Mutch, PE - Treasurer: Bill MacLeod, NB Directors: Laura Parsons, NS - Kerwin Delong, NS Geraline VanAgten, NB - Wade Loane, PE - Lacey Fisher, NS 41 DecCountry.indd 41

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I would like to thank the CSA and YCSA for sending me down to Nebraska to be part of the International Genetic Solutions Summit Conference. I would also like to say thank you to the American Junior Simmental Association for being such great hosts and giving us such a warm welcome. This award provided me the opportunity to meet so many amazing people who have similar interests. Our days were jam packed with great speakers, fun evenings and many wonderful tours all around Nebraska. I really enjoyed learning more about genetic testing, herd management and consumer communication. Thank you again!

- Arika Kathol, Drayton Valley, AB I would like to thank the Young Canadian Simmental Association for giving me the opportunity to attend the IGS Summit Conference in Lincoln, Nebraska. On this trip, I learned so much about the beef industry and the direction in which it is thought to be heading. Throughout the conference we listened to a number of key note speakers discuss topics such as genetics, meat grading, social media, and beef advocacy. We also toured facilities including the US Meat Research Center, and the University of Nebraska Lincoln campus. I am so appreciative of all the knowledge I gained, however I believe the hospitality and welcoming of the other participants really completed the experience for me. I feel extremely privileged to have met 85 other participants that are just as captivated by the beef industry as I am, and for this, we connected immediately. It is the friendships that were created that made leaving so difficult. I am beyond grateful for this experience and cannot express the impact this trip has had on me.

An incredible opportunity, and even better experience.

- Tia Schram, Bruderheim, AB

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GARTH CUTLER

ANNUAL BULL SALE 3rd Saturday in February

PO Box 5177 Lacombe, AB T4L 1W9 Ph: (403) 304 - 0896 email: circleg@telus.net

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Ryan Gylander Box 809 Wildwood, AB T0E 2M0

ryan_gylander@hotmail.com

1.780.621.2737

Simmeron Ranch Martin Skaret 1-56021 RGE. RD. 261 Sturgeon County Alberta, T8R 0V9 Ph: 780-939-3248 Cell: 780 913 7963 mskaret@xplornet.com www.simmeronranch.ca

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Shane & Shannon Wolfe and family Site 11, Box 47, RR 1 SUNDRE, AB T0M 1X0 PHONE & FAX (403) 556-8584 e-mail: wolfepack@airenet.com www.wolfesfleckvieh.ca

Red and Black Simmental Kelly & Jenna Waltz Vermilion, AB 780-853-3834

Where only 2 year old bulls sell

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BARRY & BRENDA LABATTE Box 72 Gladmar, Sask.

S0C 1A0 www.labattesimmentals.com Ph: (306)969-4820 labatte.simm@sasktel.net Cell: (306) 815-7900

Dave & Krista Erixon Box 156 Clavet, SK S0K 0Y0

306-270-2893

Red & Black Simmentals

www.erixonsimmentals.com

Jim (306) 928-4636 Dave (306) 483-8660

Lee (306) 928-4820 Fax (306) 928-2143 The Stamp Of Quality Simmental Genetics For Over 40 Years

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K

BAN R E RIV ARMS F

Ray Comier PO Box 141 LaSalle, Manitoba R0G 1B0 Ph: (204) 736 - 2608 Cell: (204) 782 -1191 Fax: (204) 736 - 4654 Email: r.r.comier@xplornet.com Website: www.riverbankfarms.com Red & Black with Fleckvieh Influence

BOOMER

CREEK LIVESTOCK

Owen Martin 4550 Ament Line Wallenstein Ont. N0B 2S0 C. 519-501-2207 E. owenmartin4550@gmail.com

Purebred Red & Black Simmentals

Tyler, Jen, Emma, Margaret Brooks 142 Clarke Rd. • Paris, ON N3L 3E1 • 519.770.9664

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23401 Big Bend Rd. Newbury, ON N0L 1Z0 Ron & Linda 519.695.6124 Mike & Melissa 226.268.0520

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Industry Events

Insurance

Auctioneer/Ringman

Photographers

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Semen/Embryos

Trucking

Semen/Embryos

Marketing

BLI Bussiness Card Double 2015_Layout 1 2015-07

Box 1409 Crossfield, AB T0M 0S0 Office: 403.946.4999 Brian Bouchard: 403.813.7999 Darnell Fornwald: 403-795-8030 Chad Lorenz: 403.896.9585 Doug Domolewski: 403.635.1840 Email: info@bouchardlivestock.com

e Full Servic ting rk e a M k c o t s Live - Sale Managment - Consulting - Order Buying - International Export Approved Semen & Embryo Storage Facility

Brian

Darnell

Chad

WWW.BOUCHARDLIVESTOCK.COM

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Advertiser’s Index

ABC Cattle Co........................................................ 48 Adair Ranch............................................................ 44 Alameda Agencies Ltd............................................ 54 Alliance Simmental Farms...................................... 51 Alta Genetics.......................................................... 55 Anchor D Ranch..................................................... 44 Applecross Cattle Co.............................................. 44 Ashworth Farm & Ranch Ltd.................................. 48 Aumack Simmentals............................................... 48 Bar CL Livestock.................................................... 44 Beagle Simmentals........................................... 10, 44 Beechinor Bros. Simmentals.................................. 44 Big Rock Simmentals............................................. 44 Black River Farms.................................................. 51 Blacksand Cattle Company.................................... 50 Blushrose Simmental Farm.................................... 48 Bohrson Marketing Services..........8, 9, 10, 11, 16, 55 Bonchuck Farms..................................................... 50 Boomer Creek Livestock........................................ 51 Bouchard Livestock International............... 3, 4, 5, 55 Boundary Ranch..................................................... 48 Bova-Tech Ltd......................................................... 55 Bow Valley Genetics............................................... 55 Brooksland Farms.................................................. 51 BS Ranch............................................................... 44 Canadian Bull Congress......................................... 54 Canadian Cattlemen............................................... 55 Carey, Brent............................................................ 54 Car-Laur Simmentals.............................................. 51 Cattle Cures............................................................ 54 Circle G Simmental & Angus.................................. 44 City View Simmentals............................................. 48 Clearwater Simmentals.......................................... 44 Crimson Tide Fleckvieh.......................................... 51 Crossroad Farms.................................................... 48 Czech-Mate Livestock............................................ 44 Davis-Rairdan Embryo Transplants Ltd.................. 55 Deeg Simmental..................................................... 44 Destiny Simmentals................................................ 51 Diamond T Simmentals.......................................... 45 Don Heggie Simmentals......................................... 45 Donovandale Farms............................................... 51 Dora Lee Genetics.................................................. 51 Dorran Marketing Inc.............................................. 54 Dorran, Steve......................................................... 54 Double Bar D Farms........................................IFC, 48 Double G Simmentals............................................. 48 Double R Farms..................................................... 19 Downey Farms....................................................... 50 Dunc’s Cattle Co..................................................... 52 Dwayann Simmentals............................................. 52 Eagle Ridge Simmentals........................................ 45 East Poplar Simmentals......................................... 49 Edge, Dean............................................................. 54 EDN Simmentals.................................................... 49 Elm Tree Farms...................................................... 52 Erixon Simmentals.................................................. 49 Fallen Timber Farms.............................................. 44 Ferme Gagnon Farm.............................................. 53 Foley Simmentals................................................... 52 Genex Cooperative, Inc.......................................... 55 GJR Simmentals..................................................... 49 Grant Rolston Photography Ltd.............................. 54

Gravandale Simmentals......................................... 52 Grinalta Farms........................................................ 45 H.S. Knill Company Ltd.......................................... 55 Hairy Hill Cattle Co................................................. 45 Hannah Simmentals............................................... 45 Harvie Ranching..................................................... 45 High Bluff Stock Farm............................................. 50 High Country Cattle Services........................... 19, 45 Hi-Tech Farms........................................................ 52 Hoegl Livestock...................................................... 49 Indian River Cattle Co............................................ 52 Janzen Brogan Embryo Services Ltd..................... 55 Janzen Ranches..................................................... 45 Jetstream Livestock................................................ 52 JNR Farms............................................................. 45 Keato Meadow Simmentals.................................... 45 Kin Kin Cattle Co.................................................... 45 Kuntz Simmental Farm........................................... 49 LaBatte Simmentals......................................... 15, 49 Lazy Bar-B Simmentals.......................................... 49 Lazy S Ranch Inc................................................... 45 Lewis Farms........................................................... 45 Little Willow Creek Ranch....................................... 49 Lobster Point Farms............................................... 53 Log & Tin Forest Products Ltd................................ 54 Lone Stone Farms.................................................. 45 Luv-N-It Cattle Company.................................. 17, 45 M & J Farms........................................................... 51 M & R Cattle Co...................................................... 46 MacCrostie Livestock............................................. 31 MacKenzie Cattle Company................................... 46 Mader Ranches................................................ 13, 46 Maple Key Farm..................................................... 52 Mar Mac Farms...................................................... 51 Masterfeeds............................................................ 54 Maxwell Simmentals............................................... 46 McCormack Family Ranch..................................... 49 MCG Simmentals................................................... 46 McIntosh Livestock................................................. 49 McManus Simmentals............................................ 51 McMillen Ranching Ltd........................................... 49 Meadow Acres Farms....................................... 15, 49 MI Simmentals.................................................. 29, 46 Mitchell Cattle Co................................................... 44 Muirhead Cattle Co................................................. 49 New Holland............................................................. 1 Nolara Farms.......................................................... 46 North Creek Simmentals........................................ 49 North Hill Simmentals............................................. 46 O Double E Simmentals......................................... 46 O’Brien Farms........................................................ 52 O’Grady Steel......................................................... 54 Oberg, Don............................................................. 54 Okotoks Fleckvieh Embryo Group.................... 29, 46 Oslanski Simmental Farms..................................... 46 Parkhill Ranches..................................................... 46 Parview Stock Farms.............................................. 29 Pearson Simmentals.............................................. 46 Pheasantdale Simmentals...................................... 49 Phillips Farms......................................................... 53 Pine Creek Simmentals.......................................... 46 Porter Ranches....................................................... 46 Rancier Farms........................................................ 47

RDG Simmentals.................................................... 47 Rehorst Farms Ltd.................................................. 52 Rendezvous Farms................................................ 51 Ricochet Stock Farms............................................ 29 River Point Cattle Co.............................................. 52 Riverbank Farms.................................................... 51 Robb Farms............................................................ 50 Robson Acres......................................................... 52 Rosebud Simmentals............................................. 47 Rust Mountain View Ranch.................................... 53 SAJ Simmentals..................................................... 50 Saugeen Acres....................................................... 47 Seven-M Livestock................................................. 47 Silver Smith Farms................................................. 47 Simmeron Fleckvieh Simmentals........................... 47 Skeels, Dan............................................................ 54 Skor Simmentals.................................................... 47 Southpaw Cattle Company..................................... 47 Spring Creek Simmentals................................. 16, 50 Spring Lake Simmentals......................................... 47 Starwest Farms...................................................... 47 Steen Agencies....................................................... 54 Stewart Simmentals................................................ 52 Stock, Mark............................................................. 54 Stockmens Insurance............................................. 54 Stone Simmentals.................................................. 47 Storebo Farms........................................................ 50 Sullivan Simmentals............................................... 53 Sully’s Farm............................................................ 52 Sun Rise Simmentals....................................... 47, 50 Sunny Valley Simmentals....................................... 50 Sunset Simmentals..................................................11 Swan Lake Farms................................................... 50 Swantewitt Simmentals.......................................... 47 T Bar C Cattle Co. Ltd...............................IFC, 19, 55 The Register........................................................... 53 Timberlind Auctions................................................ 54 Todd Simmentals.................................................... 53 Transcon Livestock Corp.............. IBC, 14, 29, 55, 60 Trevor’s Cowpix...................................................... 55 Triple Rose Simmentals......................................... 53 Tryon Simmental.................................................... 53 TSN Livestock........................................................ 51 Twin Brae Simmentals............................................ 51 Tymarc Livestock.................................................... 47 Ultra Livestock........................................................ 23 Verleysen Farms..................................................... 48 Vernon Properties Ltd............................................. 29 Virginia Ranch........................................................ 48 W2 Farms............................................................... 50 W2 Land & Cattle................................................... 48 Weldehaven Farms................................................ 53 Wells Crossing Cattle Company............................. 47 Westway Farms Ltd................................................ 48 WHR Simmentals................................................... 29 Wild Oak Farms...................................................... 53 Willow Creek Simmentals....................................... 31 Windy Knoll Farm................................................... 53 WJ Simmentals....................................................... 48 Wolfe Farms........................................................... 48 Wolfe’s Fleckvieh.................................................... 48 Wright’s Pro Rich Seeds......................................... 51 XRC Simmentals.................................................... 50

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#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 CSA Executive

CSA Directors

President Lee McMillen Carievale, SK P: (306) 928-4820 C: (306) 483-8067 mrbulls@gmail.com

Dan Skeels Rimbey, AB P: (403) 843-4756 C: (403) 783-1217 anchordranch@albertahighspeed.net

First Vice-President Garth Rancier Killam, AB P: (780) 385-2425 C: (780) 385-5313 rancierfarms@xplornet.ca Second Vice-President Blair McRae Brandon, MB P: (204) 728-3058 C: (204) 729-5439 marmac@inetlink.ca

Francis Gagnon Cheneville, QC P: (819) 428-3502 C: (514) 975-3722 francis_gagnon0407@hotmail.com Roger Deeg Strathmore, AB P: (403) 901-5305 rbdeeg@gmail.com Marlin LeBlanc Estevan, SK P: (306) 634-8031 C: (306) 421-2470 marlinleblanc@sasktel.net Larry Barkley Ingleside, ON P: (613)537-2441 C: (613)360-2443 larrybarkley@sympatico.ca Frank Robblee Crapaud, PEI P: (902)432-0596 frobblee@gmail.com

Provincial Associations British Columbia President Lorne Webster Abbotsford, BC P/F: (604) 823-6797 Secretary: Jan Wisse P: (604) 794-3684 Alberta President Byron Johnson Amisk, AB P: (780) 856-2175 wjsimmentals@cciwireless.ca Field Person Dwayne Martin Box 1066, Stettler, AB P: (780) 940-3510 dmartin3510@gmail.com Secretary: Katie Deeg P: (403) 899-2291 info@albertasimmental.com Saskatchewan President Ryan Lundberg Eastend, SK P: (306) 295-7999 ryan_lundberg2@hotmail.com Secretary: Carolyn McCormack P: (306) 697-2945 sasksimmental@yourlink.ca

Manitoba President Andrea Bertholet Cartwright, MB P: (204) 483-0319 adbertholet@hotmail.com Secretary: Laurelly Beswitherick P: (204) 637-2046 Email: b2@inetlink.ca Ontario President Tina Hiddink Bloomfield, ON P: (613) 399-3239 wildoak@xplornet.ca Quebec Président Sylvain Lambert La Presentation, PQ P: (450) 796-5914 Secretaire: Sandra Berthiaume Saint-Garmain, QC P/F (819) 395-4453 sandra.berthiaume@sympatico.ca Maritimes President Don Godfrey Meadow Bank, PEI P: (902) 566-3613 Secretary: Jennie Mutch P: (902) 388-1613 jenniemutch@gmail.com

CSA Staff General Manager Bruce Holmquist C: (403) 988-8676 bholmquist@simmental.com Office Manager Barb Judd P: (403) 250-7979 bjudd@simmental.com Programs Coordinator Meghan Black P: (506) 324-4825 mblack@simmental.com Processing Department Perry Welygan pwelygan@simmental.com Beth Rankin brankin@simmental.com Receptionist & Member Services Devra Leavitt reception@simmental.com Administrative Assistant Rae-Lee Erickson rerickson@simmental.com YCSA Coordinator Kelsey Manske P: (306) 291-7086 kmanske@simmental.com Simmental Country Sales Representative Ryan Cook P: (780) 818-3452 rcook@simmental.com

December 2017 Publication Information ......................................... 2 From The Gate Post (English) .............................. 6 Breed Improvement (English)............................12 From The Directors Chair ....................................18 The Year It All Began in North America ........20 Vet’s Advice ..............................................................22 From the Gate Post (French)..............................24 50th Anniversary Past Presidents Panel Questions ......................................................25 Breed Improvement (French) ............................28 From The Directors Chair (French) ..................30 On the Road .............................................................32

Member Announcements ...................................34 Alberta Simmental Association.........................36 Saskatchewan Simmental Association ...........37 Manitoba Simmental Association ....................38 Ontario Simmental Association ........................39 Quebec Simmental Association........................40 Maritime Simmental Association .....................41 YCSA AJSA ................................................................42 YCSA Conference ...................................................43 Advertiser’s Index...................................................56 CSA Contacts ...........................................................57 What’s Happening .................................................58

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What’s Happening November Nov. 15

Nov. 16-18

Nov. 17

Nov. 18

Nov. 18

Nov. 20 - 25

Nov. 22

Nov. 25

Nov. 27

Nov. 28

Nov. 29

Nov. 30

Nov. 30

Chittick Farms Production Sale Mayerthorpe, AB Futures One Online Simmental Sale LiveAuctions TV Jewels & Diamonds Simmental Production Sale Ponoka, AB Pembina Triangle Simmental Association Female Sale Cypress River, MB Central Ontario Cattlemen’s Choice Sale Hoard’s Station, ON Canadian Western Agribition Regina, SK Agribition Simmental Sale - 50 For 50 Edition Regina, SK Marywood Classic Sale Listowel, ON Harvest Hoedown 23rd Annual Simmental Heifer Sale Neepawa, MB Camrose Country Classic Camrose, AB Windy Hill Livestock Bull & Female Sale Moose Jaw, SK Ashworth Farm & Ranch Female Production Sale Oungre, SK Maple Lake Stock Farms Production Sale Hartney, MB

December Dec. 1

January Commercial Country Advertising Deadline

Dec. 1

Dec. 1

Dec. 2

Dec. 2

Dec. 4

Dec. 5

Dec. 5

Dec. 6

Dec. 7

Dec. 8

Dec. 9

Dec. 9

Dec. 11

Dec. 11

Dec. 12

Dec. 12

Dec. 14

Dec. 15

Dec. 16

Dec. 16

Lone Stone Farms Invitational Female Sale Westlock, AB SimPower Bred Female Sale Innisfail, AB Beagle Simmentals Dispersal Sale Rimbey, AB Wolfe Farms 13th Annual Bull & Production Female Sale Valleyview, AB The Source of Elite Simmental Genetics Lloydminster, SK Keystone Konnection 39th Annual Simmental Sale Brandon, MB Western Harvest 4th Annual Simmental Bred Heifer Sale Innisfail, AB Double Bar D “Sharing the Herd” Production Sale Grenfell, SK Transcon’s Simmsational 40th Annual Simmental Sale Moose Jaw, SK McMillen Ranching Ltd. Herdbuilder ‘17 Carievale, SK Hartman Cattle Co. Customer Appreciation Female Sale Tecumseh, NE Westgold Farms Bred Heifer Sale Vermilion, AB Shades of the Prairies Brandon, MB Y Coulee “You Be The Judge” Fall Bull & Heifer Sale Vermilion, AB Southern Alberta Simmental Roundup 24th Annual Bull & Female Sale Stavely, AB Bonchuk Farms Female Production Sale Virden, MB Double R Farms Dispersal & High Country Cattle Production Sale Innisfail, AB Friday Night Lights 6th Annual Simmental Sale Olds, AB Checkers Red, Black & Fullblood Simmental Sale Ponoka, AB Transcon’s National Trust On Ice Semen & Embryo Sale Red Deer, AB

Dec. 17

Dec. 17

Dec. 19

Dec. 21

Dec. 21

Dec. 28

Dec. 31

Transcon’s Fleckvieh Equation, Fullblood Simmental Sale Red Deer, AB Transcon’s Ultimate Red & Black XX, Simmental Sale Red Deer, AB Spring Creek “Golden Opportunity IV” Female Sale Moosomin, SK Sunset Simmentals Dispersal Sale Vermilion, AB Workman Farms Complete Herd Dispersal Virden, MB Luv-N-It Cattle Co. Open House Sale & Private Treaty Bull Sale Mayerthorpe, AB New Years Resolution Frozen Genetics Sale - Volume V Saskatoon, SK

January Jan. 1 February Country Advertising Deadline Jan. 13 Sim Magic on Ice - Volume 10

Denver, CO Jan. 15 The One Simmental Sale XXV

Denver, CO Jan. 25 Saskatchewan Beef Industry Conference

Saskatoon, SK Jan. 26 Lazy S Bull Power Sale

Mayerthorpe, AB Jan. 27 MC Quantock “Canada’s Bull” Bull Sale

Lloydminster, SK Jan. 29 The Genetic Vault Online Frozen Genetic Sale DLMS

February Feb. 3

Feb. 4

Feb. 8

Feb. 8

Feb. 9

Feb. 10

Feb. 11

Feb. 13

Feb. 14

Feb. 16

Feb. 17

Feb. 17

Feb. 18

Feb. 19

Feb. 19

Feb. 21

Feb. 21

Feb. 22

Hill 70 Quantock Ranch “Barn Burnin” Bull Sale Lloydminster, SK Hartman Cattle Co Bull Sale Tecumseh, NE Rust Mountain View Ranch 7th Annual Bull & Female Sale Virden, MB Janzen Ranches 25th Annual Simmental & Red Angus Bull Sale Rosemary, AB Anchor D Bull Sale Rimbey, AB Kenner Simmentals 22nd Annual Production Sale Leeds, ND Diamond M 7th Annual Bull Sale Estevan, SK Jeans & Genetics Simmental Bull Sale Ponoka, AB Outlaw Cattle Co 2nd Annual Bull & Female Sale Hussar, AB Mader Ranches 29th Annual Bull & Female Sale Carstairs, AB Circle G Simmental/Angus and P&H Bull and Horse Sale Innisfail, AB Timberlind 10th Annual Bull Sale Buck Creek, AB Bonchuk Farms Annual Bull Sale Virden, MB Select Opportunity 4th Annual Simmental Bull & Female Sale Innisfail, AB Rendezvous Farms 14th Annual Simmental Bull & Female Sale Ste. Rose du Lac, MB Crossroad Farms 12th Annual Bull Sale Shell Lake, SK M&J / Glasman Farms Simmental & Angus Two Year Old Bull & Female Sale Russell, MB Robb/Hoegl 13th Annual Bull Sale Lloydminster, SK

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Feb. 22 - 24

Feb. 22

Feb. 23

Feb. 24

Feb. 26

Feb. 26

Feb. 26

Feb. 27

Feb. 27

Feb. 28

Feb. 28

2nd Annual YCSA Leadership Conference Calgary, AB 16th Annual Bull Rush Simmental Bull Sale Rimbey, AB Lone Stone Farms Simmental & Red Angus Bull Sale Westlock, AB Lewis Farms 33rd Annual Bull Sale Spruce Grove, AB Beechinor Bros. Simmental Bull & Female Sale Bentley, AB Muirhead Cattle Co 16th Annual Simmental Bull Sale Shellbrook, SK Ranchman’s 2nd Annual Simmental Bull Sale Vermilion, AB Double Bar D Best of Both Worlds Bull & Female Sale Grenfell, SK Transcon’s Peace Country Simmental Bull Sale Beaverlodge, AB Erixon Simmentals Bull & Female Sale Saskatoon, SK Herd Master 23rd Annual Bull Sale Camrose, AB

march Mar. 1

Mar. 1

Mar. 2

Mar. 2

Mar. 2

Mar. 3

Mar. 3

Mar. 3

Mar. 4

Mar. 5

Mar. 5

Mar. 5

Mar.5

Mar. 6

Mar. 7

Mar. 7

Mar. 7

Mar. 8

Mar. 8

Mar. 9

Mar. 9

Mar. 10

Mar. 10

Mar. 10

Mar. 11

Mar. 11

Pheasantdale 14th Annual Bull & Female Sale Balcarres, SK JP Cattle Co. / Stewart Cattle Co. Annual Simmental & Angus Bull Sale McAuley, MB LaBatte Simmentals with Guest Meadow Acres Farm, 38th Annual Bull & Female Sale Moose Jaw, SK 13th Annual Bullfest Sale Camrose, AB Cattleman’s Connection Bull Sale Brandon, MB McMillen Ranching 24th Annual Bull Sale Carievale, SK Lockhart Valley 14th Bull Sale Rimbey, AB Ontarion Simmental Association AGM Peterborough, ON R Plus Simmentals 17th Annual Bull Sale Estevan, SK Ashworth Farm & Ranch Simmental Bull Sale Oungre, SK Transcon’s Bull Spectrum Simmental Sale Innisfail, AB Canadian Central Bull & Female Simmental Sale Winnipeg, MB Severtson Land & Cattle 25th Annual Bull Sale with Guest Trendsetter Livestock Innisfail, AB Built Right Bull Sale Provost, AB Sunny Valley Simmentals 28th Annual Bull & Female Sale Saskatoon, SK Mar Mac Farms Red Angus, Black Angus & Simmental Bull & Commercial Female Sale Brandon, MB Skor Simmentals 16th Annual Red & Black Bull Sale Camrose, AB Westway / Deeg 15th Annual Bull Sale Olds, AB Spring Creek’s “In Pursuit of Perfection” Bull Sale Moosomin, SK Northern Classic Charolais & Simmental Sale Grand Prairie, AB Blushrose Simmental Farm’s 14th Annual Bull and Female Unity, SK Next Generation 5th Annual Bull Sale Lloydminster, SK Ranchlands Simmental Bull Sale Stavely, AB Swantewitt Simmentals, Annual Bull & Female Sale Mayerthorpe, AB Rebel of West Simmental Bull Sale Virden, MB Synergie 6th Annual Bull Sale Ste-Sophie de Levrard, QC

Mar. 12 Transcon’s Winnipeg Simmental Bull Sale

Winnipeg, MB Mar. 12 South Sask Simmental & Angus Sale

Moose Jaw, SK Mar. 12 Place your Bets 12th Annual Bull Sale Veteran

Veteran, AB Mar. 13 Prairie Partners Bull & Female Sale

Killarney, MB Mar. 13 Kuntz-McIntosh-SAJ 19th Annual Bull Sale

Lloydminster, SK Mar. 13 9th Annual Harvie Ranching Bull Sale

Olds, AB Mar. 13 On Target Bull and Female sale

Barrhead, AB Mar. 14 The Ultra Czech-Mate Bull Sale

Innisfail, AB Mar. 14 Transcon’s Premium Beef Simmental Bull Sale

Neepawa, MB Mar. 16 Family Tradition Simmental & Charolais Bull Sale

Dropmore, MB Mar. 16 Porter Ranches Bull Sale

Stoney Plain, AB Mar. 16 Duralta Farms Angus & Simmental Bull & Female Sale

Vegreville, AB Mar. 17 Ferme Gagnon Inc. & Guests 19th Annual Bull Sale

Cheneville, QC Mar. 17 Oakview / Perkin / Triple R Simmental Bull Sale

Brandon, MB Mar. 17 Proudly Western Simmental Bull Sale

Whitewood, SK Mar. 17 Hwy 16 West Multi Breed Bull Sale

Mayerthorpe, AB Mar. 19 Maple Lake Stock Farm Kick Off to Spring Bull Sale

Hartney, MB Mar. 20 WLB Livestock’s 14th Annual Simmental & Polled Hereford Bull Sale

Douglas, MB Mar. 20 March Madness Online Semen & Embryo Sale DVAuction.com Mar. 20 Cityview Simmentals / Ivanhoe Angus Bull Sale

Moose Jaw, SK Mar. 21 Herter Simmentals “Paint ‘em Black” 3rd Annual Sale

Maple Creek, SK Mar. 22 Wheatland Focus on the Future 14th Annual Bull Sale

Bienfait, SK Mar. 22 Anchor B & Carpenter 17th Annual Bull & Female Sale

Saskatoon, SK Mar. 22 Transcon’s Red Deer Simmental Bull Sale

Red Deer, AB Mar. 23 Come As U R / Perrot Cattle 1st Annual Bull Sale Alameda,SK Mar. 24 Transcon’s Mountainview Bull Sale

Innisfail, AB Mar. 25 Best of the Breeds Bull Sale

Yorkton, SK Mar. 26 Southwest Showcase Simmental Bull Sale

Swift Current, SK Mar. 26 Riverstone Cattle Co Bull Sale

Olds, AB Mar. 27 McCormack Family Ranch Annual Bull Sale

Grenfell, SK Mar. 31 Transcon’s Advantage Bull Sale

Saskatoon, SK Mar. 31 Mid Western Ontario Simmental & Angus Bull Sale

Hanover, ON

April Apr. 1 Apr. 7

Apr. 7

Apr. 9

Apr. 12

Apr. 14

Spring Country Advertising Deadline Transcon’s Cattle Country Simmental Bull Sale Neepawa, MB Maritime Beef Test Staion Bull Sale Nappan, NS Spirit of the North Bull Sale Spiritwood, SK Daines Cattle 23rd Annual Bull Sale Innisfail, AB Cattle Capital Bull Sale Ste. Rose du Lac, MB

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