Canadian Simmental Country Queens Of The Pasture 2016 by Today's Publishing Inc.

December 3, 2016 1:00 pm Spruce Grove , Ab

LFE 30X Daughter selling out of Rich Ray

LFE 160X Granddaughter selling out of Commander

LFE 11X Sister selling out of Landslide LFE 165X Daughters selling out of Springsteen

Selling 65 Purebred Bred Heifers

Selling 200 Customer Commercial Bred Heifers LFE 630Y Daughter selling out of Commissioner

Black Angus - GGRR 18T Daughter selling out of Harvestor Red Angus - LFE 138T Progeny Selling

Website: www.lewisfarms.ca Office Ph.: 780-962-5050 Fax: 780-962-2467 Jordan Buba: 780-818-4047 Kyle Lewis: 780-220-9188 Ken Lewis: 780-818-3829 emails: jordan@lewisfarms.ca kyle@lewisfarms.ca lewis@xplornet.com Guest Consignors: Mark Land & Cattle, Lenny Mark 780-842-7207 Golden Sunset Ranch, Kyle Martin 780-581-4418 SCSummer16_Covers.indd 1

Su mme r 20 1 6 Q u e e n s o f t h e Pas t u r e S imme ntal Countr y

Leading Ladies

November/December 2015 Summer 2016

In This Issue:

A Beneficial Alliance Simmental Show Results YCSA Summit Leadership Report

In This Issue:

Queens of the Pasture Photo Contest Women in Simmental Country 2015 Top 50 THE Members & Sires List

7/14/2016 12:03:49 PM

SCSummer16_Covers.indd 2

7/14/2016 12:03:50 PM

VOLUME 37, NUMBER 3

#13, 4101 19th St. N.E. Calgary, Alberta T2E 7C4 Phone: 403-250-5255 Fax: 403-250-5121 Website: www.simmentalcountry.com

The official publication of the Canadian Simmental Association

Canadian Simmental Country Deadlines October 2016 Issue November/December Winter 2016 Issue February 2017 “Herdsire” Issue March/April/May “Spring 2017” Issue “Queens of the Pasture” 2017 Issue

Material Deadline: September 1, 2016 Material Deadline: October 1, 2016 Material Deadline: January 1, 2017 Material Deadline: April 1, 2017 Material Deadline: July 1, 2017

Commercial Country Deadlines September 2016 Issue January 2017 Issue

Material Deadline: August 1, 2016 Material Deadline: December 1, 2016

Mailing Dates - Each issue will be mailed on or about the first of the month. Simmental Country, mailed as second class, assumes no responsibility for actual receipt date. Production & Ad Copy Changes – Special production requests and ad copy changes may be subject to extra charges. Charges will apply on an individual basis. Layouts & Proofs - Requests for special layouts should be in the Simmental Country office by the 21st day of the second month preceding publication. Although every effort will be made to provide proofs on all ads, proofs are guaranteed only if all ad material arrives in the Country office prior to deadline. Advertising Content - The Simmental Country assumes no responsibility for the accuracy and truthfulness of submitted advertising copy or electronically supplied pictures and has the right to refuse any ad copy or photos. Advertisers shall indemnify and hold harmless the Country containing pedigrees or statements regarding performance must conform to records kept by the Canadian Simmental Association. Copy deviating from official records may be changed as necessary without advertiser consent. Editorial Policy - Articles and information in this magazine represent the opinions of the writers and the information that, to the best of our knowledge, was accurate at the time of writing. Users of any information contained in Simmental Country are encouraged to validate that information by independent means. Subscription Rates Canada $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 Courtesy of Mader Ranches 2

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 4-3342 Millar Avenue Saskatoon, Saskatchewan S7K 7G9 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 Hamm & Mina Serhienko Circulation: Debbie Thiessen Production: Tiffany Peters, Janessa McKay, Shyann Westby, Mikyla Sullivan, Samantha Rimke, Shae-Lynn & Shelby Evans

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 © 2016 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.

MRL CAPONE 130B

LFE THE RIDDLER 323B

Boundary Astute 4C

MR CCF VISION

LRX Royal Flush 100C

Crossroad Polled Future 35C

MRL Missile 138C

MRL Western Force 251B

MAF King Cobra 3C

MRL Red Whiskey 101B

MRL The Starter 39C

TSN Order of Duty 73C

Watch for us this summer as we travel on farm selecting for these outstanding Fall Sales!! ~ Give us a call to make sure you are on the On Farm Selection list ~ Oct 21 & 22, 2016 Canadian Red Roundup Sale Oct 26, 2016 Chinook Classic Angus Sale Nov 16, 2016 Bar 4A Cattle Co. Angus Production Sale Nov 29, 2016 Camrose Country Classic Simmental Sale Dec 1 , 2016 Peak Dot Ranch Fall Angus Bull Sale Dec 3 , 2016 Lewis Farms Leading Ladies Female Sale

Dec 5 , 2016 The Source of Elite Simmental Genetics Female Sale Dec 9, 2016 McMillen Ranching Herdbuilder Female Sale Dec 10, 2016 Hartman Cattle Co Customer Appreciation Female Sale Dec 10, 2016 Meadow Acres “Maidens of the Meadow” Female Production Sale

Dec 12, 2016 Shades of the Prairies Simmental Sale Dec 12, 2016 Stoughton Farms Complete Dispersal Sale Dec 13, 2016 Bonchuk Farms Fall Female Production Sale Dec 17, 2016 Checkers Red, Black & Fullblood Sale Dec 29, 2016 Rainalta Simmental & Charolais Complete Herd Dispersal

View sale updates & our complete fall sale calendar at www.bouchardlivestock.com

Box 1409 Crossfield, AB CANADA Office: 403.946.4999

Email: info@bouchardlivestock.com • Website: www.bouchardlivestock.com

Brian Bouchard 403.813.7999

Chad Lorenz 403.896.9585

Darnell Fornwald 403.795.8030

Doug Domolewski 403.635.1840

From the Gate Post

By Bruce Holmquist General Manager, Canadian Simmental Association

The Canadian Simmental Association & Industry Involvement

n integral part of the Canadian Simmental Association’s work is actively engaging in the broader beef industry, both nationally and internationally. Over the past few months the Canadian Simmental Association (CSA) has attended various beef industry events on behalf our membership. Through April 28th – May 4th CSA’s President Lacey Fisher, her husband Jacob, and I attended the Simmental/ Fleckvieh Conference of the Americas in Villahermosa, Mexico. This event was attended by Simmental breeders from around the globe and provided Canadian Simmental the opportunity to present the history of the Simmental breed in Canada, as well as to explain how the breed has become an important part of beef production in Canada. New contacts were made and we were able to connect with breeders from Mexico and Brazil who have purchased Canadian Simmental genetics in the past. During the event, Simmental and Simbrah cattle were on display and exhibited during the National Brahman show which featured approximately 1400 head of cattle. The Canadian beef industry is held in high regard around the world, and we are recognized for superior beef cattle genetics. It is important that the CSA attends these events, as do our Canadian beef breed associations counterparts when the opportunity is given to their respective breeds. International trade events such as this are supported through the Agriculture Marketing Program from the Canadian Government which is administered through the Canadian Beef Breeds Council. We greatly appreciate their financial and technical assistance. Immediately after the Conference in Mexico the CSA attended the Beef Value Chain Round Table (BVCRT) in Calgary. The BVCRT is a set of meetings between Government and Industry groups that represent all segments of the beef value chain including Canadian beef processing companies, the feeding and cow-calf sector, suppliers as well as various Federal 4

and Provincial Government agencies. It is important that the Canadian beef breed associations are engaged in discussions that involve the rest of our beef value chain partners as only a few years ago this was not the case and we were seen by many as being social clubs for purebred breeders who were mainly interested in combing cows. Unfortunately some still see us that way but we are making progress! The Livestock Markets Association Convention (LMAC) was held in May as well in Brussels, Ontario and Canadian Simmental represented you alongside the other major beef breed associations. The Canadian Simmental, Limousin, Hereford, Angus and Charolais Associations have supported LMAC for many years through attending their Convention and sponsoring and awarding buckles to the top five finishers in the auctioneer competition. This year the CSA presented a buckle to Kirk Goldsmith who was the second place finisher. A gift of appreciation was also given by the five Breed Associations to this year’s host Auction Mart, Brussels Livestock; Mark and Cindy Ferraro and family. The CSA is proud to work on behalf of our members with the LMAC on industry issues that affect all of our members and customers. In June, CSA staff also attended the Beef Improvement Federation conference in Manhattan, Kansas. K-State and a committee headed by Dr. Bob Weaber, played host to three days of sessions that focused on genetic improvement which began with a Simmental session hosted by the American Simmental Association and International Genetic Solutions. Canadian Simmental was part of a panel discussion along with other American Breed Associations that discussed the benefits and challenges of multi-breed evaluations, and Breed organizations working together. It was a very well attended session and approximately 200 people filled the room.

Throughout the week staff from the major Canadian beef breed associations were able to network with researchers, academia, students and producers to discuss genetic improvement for the North American beef industry. One of the highlights for Canadians, was to hear how research done by Dr. Janusz Jamrozik through our Canadian Simmental Innovations work was being used in a random regression approach to calculate stayability. It wasn’t all science though and strong messaging was heard in some of the sessions from retailers and others related to consumer expectations and demands for beef, and how our industry needs to listen and learn rather than react. Messages of note were that consumers care about our story, buying beef is an economic decision that is often made with emotion; and in order to increase beef consumption, producers need to listen, learn and to tell our story. Other major events that the CSA attended in the month of June were 4-H on Parade in Calgary and the Alberta Simmental Association’s Tour and AGM. Congratulations to all the 4-H members from across Canada who have exhibited Simmental animals in your various shows. The Alberta Simmental Association tour and Annual Meeting held in the Bentley-Breton area, south-west of Edmonton was also a huge success. Congratulations to the ASA, and especially the Beechinors, Robsons and Youngs for the tremendous job of hosting us throughout the day. It was great to meet new Simmental members and commercial producers who were in attendance.

As we move through the remainder of the summer and towards the fall shows and sales, some other events that CSA staff will be attending include the Calgary Stampede cattle activities and the International Livestock Auctioneers competition, Summer Synergy, the Canadian Simmental Convention, YCSA National and Provincial Classics, the Canadian Beef Industry Conference, as well as the American Simmental Association’s Fall Forum and meetings in Bozeman, Montana that will be held in conjunction with the official opening of their new building. One of the fall highlights, and an opportunity available for CSA members to attend, is Expo Ganadera in Guadalajara October 10-15th. This event will feature the Simmental-Simbrah Conference of the Americas hosted by the Mexican Simmental Association and the CSA has been asked to do a presentation on Canadian Simmental cattle and our programming. There have been sales of Canadian Simmental genetics into this area and this will be a great opportunity for CSA members who are interested in exploring the Mexican export market. It is expected that there will be delegates attending from around the world and if you are interested in attending feel free to contact me about possible funding support towards your travel costs. As with you on your operations, a busy schedule lays ahead as the CSA works to grow the awareness of Canadian Simmental and also to carry your interests forward to all segments of the beef industry. As the saying goes “the world is run by those who show up” and we need to continually work to keep the Simmental message at the forefront.

Livestock Markets Association of Canada Auctioneer Championship 2016

1st Place-Ryan Hurlburt who sells for Saskatoon Livestock Sales

2nd Place- Kirk Goldsmith who sells for Dryland Trading Corp.

5th Place-Tyler Slawinski who sells for the Gladstone Auction Mart

3rd Place- Ryan Konynenbelt who sells for the Southern Alberta Livestock Exchange

4th Place- Ab Carroll who sells for Ontario Stockyards Inc.

2016 LMAC Host- Brussels Livestock

Breed Improvement Better Contemporary Groups Makes Better Technology Work Even Better By: Marty Ropp, CEO Business Development Specialist & Field Representative, Allied Genetic Resources

know the title contains a lot of betters, but the statement is true. The old adage about “garbage in, garbage out” is absolutely correct and pertains to genetic improvement in a big way. It is the reason reporting data correctly and equitably is so important. If you are like me, you are absolutely ecstatic about the new “Bolt” system for calculating the next generation of improved and more accurate genetically advanced information. So much scientific advancement and hard work has gone into the new Quantum Leap Program, and we all stand to benefit from that effort. With the future in mind, I want to revisit the past a bit because this and other newer technologies still depend so much on breeder commitment to high quality data collection and reporting. In fact, one could argue that reporting data may be more important now than ever before. Don’t be lulled by the promise of new technologies making life easier. DNA diagnostics demand huge amounts of new data for re-calibration and updating so they can be effective both today and then in the future. Well-defined and reported contemporary group information is still the backbone for the data systems we rely on to make better cattle and better beef. Discussions regarding contemporary group data are often overshadowed by dreams of do-itall technology, and the sad tendency to revert to the simplistic use of raw, individual data to characterize performance and progress. The truth is, without quality contemporary group comparisons and evaluation, all the technology and marketing we use gives little hope of significant improvement or improved competitiveness. Think of contemporary groups simply as races— races that take place on thousands of farms and ranches each year. We report the results of those 8

races to the ASA. They in turn evaluate the winners and losers, and report back to us which genetics won more races for more traits than others over a huge array of environments and situations. No sire will win every race, every time. No matter how sure we are that the results at our house are the only ones that count, different progeny rank and perform differently compared to their contemporaries in different situations. Sires that win far more often than they lose build value for specific traits, those that come in below average repeatedly lose EPD value for those traits. This combined effort of technology and data reporting is like being able to ask every breeder in the world how their calves did. Remember that a sire can win and lose in different categories. It could win for growth and lose for carcass traits or win for maternal value and lose for calving ease. The more race results reported from multiple herds, the more sure we become about the results of future races; and the higher the accuracy of the predictions of the trait we are trying to measure and or improve. Our system even accounts for mating bias and our own logical tendencies for preferential matings. Fair and honest races are the key to great and accurate genetic evaluation. That is why well designed (fair) contemporary grouping is still the start and finish of great EPDs, and in turn maximizes genetic improvement. Having a lot of race results really helps, but the more reliable and well conducted those comparisons are the better the data that is returned to breeders and the more powerful the genetic evaluation. How then might we design and help guarantee “fair races”? If you look up the rules for contemporary grouping, they are quite specific as to time ranges, environment, sex and details that should be followed

to get the most accurate and useful “race” results. If it is an “uphill race”, everyone has to run uphill. If weights are taken with the cattle full, they all need to be taken with the cattle full. If one group of cattle gets special treatment, of any kind, they should not be compared against cattle that were not given special treatment or advantage. The goal is to remove as much environment from the equation as possible and only measure the differences due to genetics. As breeders, we routinely add environmental noise to our programs for a lot of reasons, and it’s not a big issue for contemporary groups as long as we separate the groups into honest, fair races. Thirty animals broken into 5 well planned contemporary groups can in fact be more informative than leaving 30 in one group even though some were creep fed, some had different pasture situations, one group got sick, etc. All of those are reasons to re-define groupings when your data is reported. Most of the time we don’t think about it, but animals at a significant disadvantage due to environment should be dropped from the groups as well. Calves raised as twins are not compared to the average of the group for evaluation purposes because of the significant environmental disadvantage they have to single calves. A calf with a broken leg, chronically ill, or orphaned should be dropped from the group because their race was not “fair” or equitable genetically due to overriding environmental influences. Those calves should be ratio-ed separately and thus their 100-ratio value will not contribute to the genetic evaluation or EPDs for their sire, dam or other ancestors. One of the most overlooked contemporary group issues is pasture groups or units. From a “Purist” point of view, different pasture or cow groups equal a different racecourse, and thus a different contemporary group. One of the more common circumstances where similar pasture situations can result in a different race is when evaluating fertility or Stayability. For example, a bull in one pasture failed to settle any cows and the one in an adjacent pasture did. If both pasture groups were erroneously reported as one contemporary group, the cows in the pasture with the bad bull would be the ones blamed for failure to conceive rather than the “environment”, even though in this case the bull, in that pasture was the culprit.

If reported correctly, as two contemporary groups, the genetics of those cows with the non-breeder bull would not be discounted for their longevity because their race was a poor one and everyone lost. Adjustment factors are there to help make races fairer. Just like you might give your child a head start in a race across the yard when they are young to make for a more “fair” race, an adjustment factor tries to make hard-to-compare data, comparable. We add birth weights to heifers to make the weight more comparable to cows because it makes for a fairer genetic comparison race. We add weaning weight to the progeny of heifers because, in general, their first calf is the smallest they will wean, and for that reason it’s hard to compare or ratio against the progeny of the mature cows in their pasture. These adjustment factors may not be perfect for every situation and boy do folks like to point that out. If you can prove through years of data that the first calf heifer adjustments for weights in your herd are always way too high or way too low, then simply report your heifer progeny data as a single contemporary group of its own. It won’t hurt the genetic evaluation regardless of which choice you make. For instance, when the heifers are treated substantially differently than the cows, the calves should be reported as a separate contemporary group for more accurate data. The decision is based on what makes for the most fair and equitable race. It is important to remember a few simple things when it comes to contemporary groupings. Once a contemporary group is broken up, it will not be put back together except in a few strange and isolated situations. There are rules for contemporary grouping, such as seasonal overlap protection, that may make your contemporary groups smaller than you remember reporting. In general, fair races are between calves of similar age, the same sex and always based on a similar chance to compete in the race. That way, the winners and losers will provide the best of information to the database and ultimately to the breeders who count on the value of the genetic information and EPDs. A lot of data from a lot of breeders always wins the day, but a lot of good data gets us where we all want to go a lot faster. Rethink your contemporary groupings and fair races for 2016 – make your data count!

December 20, 2016

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

20 bred Simmental cows born in 2009 and 10 Angus cows 60 Simmental, Angus and Half-blood bred heifers 50 commercial Sim/ Angus bred heifers from Black Sand Cattle Co.

MBJ 5X

MBJ 16X

MBJ 18X

MBJ 29X

MBJ 85X

MBJ 101X

MBJ 102X

MBJ 168X

MBJ 310X

IT STARTED IN BOZ 9W

Rainalta Complete Simmental and Charolais Herd Dispersal Bow Slope Auction 1976 Brooks, Alberta

BOZ 12Z

LOUB 798W

Cows like these BOZ 1B

BOZ 7Z

BOZ 31Z

BOZ 8C

BOZ 70B

have raised progeny like this BOZ 95A

BOZ 145B

BOZ 77A

BOZ 160Y

IT COMES TO A CLOSE December 29, 2016 at 1:00 PM Rainalta Simmentals & Charolais Bill Swenson 403.362.0854

Bouchard Livestock International 403.946.4999 Toll Free : 1.866.946.4999 info@bouchardlivestock.com 11

ith today’s tighter controls on residues in meat and milk products, we must take on the utmost responsibility on how we treat our livestock in general. Verified beef production benefits by this. With antibiotic resistance, especially in the human field increasing we, as producers must be prudent in the use of antibiotics and other drugs involved with livestock production. This article will review some areas we can all improve on, and potentially save us some money if drugs are being, in some cases, used unnecessarily. Consider with the help of your veterinarian, areas where for the size of your operation, the proportion of certain products used seems excessive. Perhaps changes to management, feeding or prevention such as vaccination, nutrition and deworming will cut usage of antibiotics down. Cattle that are healthy, less stressed, and have good nutrition have healthy immune systems and are much less likely to get sick. If we do need to treat, your veterinarian can advise in their professional opinion the best product for the job, at the proper dosage. Drugs have all been formulated, and the dosage tested for the optimal response. More is not better. This only increases the cost, withdrawal period and with no better results. Stacking drugs only works if they operate synergistically with one another. Often, they will work antagonistically and you get less response then say if one antibiotic was used by itself. Many conditions such as injuries, sprains, or strains make producers feel like they need to give something, and often antibiotics are given. With many of these foot and leg injuries, time to convalesce is what is most needed. Painkillers can be given, if in your or the veterinarians judgment they are necessary. If animals keep eating, they keep healthy, and are very able to heal. Depending on the extent of the injury, an experienced veterinarian will give you an idea of prognosis, and time given for convalescence. If pain killers remove pain, it may facilitate walking on an already injured area, and worsen the condition. Use any painkillers with caution. Without these products, you truly can see if the condition is improving. One must at the same time, think of animal welfare and the pain and suffering 14

that painkillers can alleviate. It becomes a judgment call in many cases. Very few footrot cases are actually that. Lots are injuries, cracks, arthritis, or laminitis. Some of these need hoof care, such as preventative trimming. Trimming alleviates a lot of foot treatment at pasture. Others, like interdigital dermatitis may need a footbath used. A product applied to the local area is better than systemic products. The two best examples are mastitis and pinkeye. Mastitis, if the cow is not sick, responds well to stripping and applying specific mastitis tubes up the infected quarters. This provides the maximal level of antibiotics where it is needed most. Pinkeye may respond just as well to a low dose of penicillin injected into the conjunctiva around the eye than systemic injections of tetracyclines. With these off label uses, again your veterinarian has to be involved, but they often involve much less medications. Preventative measures such as vaccination, fly control, and having cattle with dark pigment around the eyes will keep a lot of pinkeye cases in check. The tetracycline’s get into the tears well, and for most farmers the convenience is the deciding factor. With injecting the eyes, you need to have good restraints, and the head needs be immobilized with a halter. If practiced, the level of antibiotic used, is greatly decreased. A common mistake with pinkeye, is to treat long after the infection is healed. Once the eye stops running and you see the whiteness develop, the infection has been cleared. The white is the resulting scar, and may take a long time to get smaller. Some remain permanent, so further treatment is not necessary. Eye problems may be the result of eye abrasions, or the eyelids rolled in and the eye lashes abrading the eye. All carry a different treatment than just antibiotics. One must recognize some conditions such as lumpy jaw, navel infection, some injuries, and abscesses may remain as a blemish for the rest of the animal’s life. No amount of antibiotic treatment will resolve the situation. With “Lumpy Jaw”, the object is to stop the infection, and the large lump will remain. As long as the condition is not worsening, the infection has been stopped. Abscesses if large enough, need to be lanced as drugs won’t penetrate

the capsule that surrounds them. Navel infections often have the scarred navel stump and may even have a slight permanent discharge. Scarred areas, or areas where cartilage is present (such as the voicebox) have a poor blood supply, so antibiotics can’t penetrate these areas very well, so it is often pointless to give them. Try and use wherever possible, antibiotics which have on their label the conditions that you are going to treat. The pharmaceutical companies have tested them against the organisms causing these diseases, and in turn have found them effective. You may in some cases, find the older family of drugs such as the penicillin’s or tetracyclines equally as effective as the newer, potent, more expensive drugs. Save the newer products for the severe pneumonias and diarrheas where specific products are necessary. Do all this under the direction of your veterinarian, as he or she will know the best choice taking into account severity, type of organism, and geographic location. They may even recommend a culture and sensitivity. This is where the organism is grown in a lab, and the effectiveness of individual drugs are measured against it. You are then treating specifically with the product that “should” work the best. Remember antibiotics don’t work against viruses. Vaccination is the number one point in biosecurity, and works as prevention. Some producers though get

over zealous and vaccinate for diseases that animals are either unlikely to get, have no consequence, or the efficacy of the vaccine is poor. Veterinarians will select the right combination for your farm, they are competitive in price, and will shy away from products they know are unnecessary. Heed their advice you may find over vaccination is being practiced. If there is no chance of recovery as with chronic arthritic infectionsm, consider humane issues. Have the animal put down, and an autopsy performed if that can clarify things, or send to slaughter for salvage if that is possible. Both cases of chronic pneumonias and arthritis’s, producers would stop treatment earlier if they knew the impossible task of treatment. By following some of these recommendations, we will all cut down somewhat on drug usage. Our herds may be just as healthy. We will save some money and time in the process, plus it will be much easier to comply with Verified Beef Production principles. Try and revaccinate and then soft wean to minimize respiratory disease, as that is still the number one killer of cattle. Watch for further advancements in vaccines, the latest of which is more intranasal technology. Hopefully this article will have you use fewer antibiotics and yet have healthier cattle.

Where’s your

c ow f a mili es

p erformance

dis po s itio n

Thank-you to all our buyers and bidders for your continued support. 2015 Buyers: • Boisvert Simmentals, QC • Brittany Barkley, ON • Dany Bellemare, QC • Mark Land & Cattle Corp, AB • Mountain Road Simmentals, ON • Nolara Farms, AB • Operadora Genetica Bovina, Mexico • Starwest Farms, BC • Stout Brothers Simmentals, AB

FOCUS? l o ng evity

maternal

Si mmental

Consigning to:

Eastern Harvest Female Sale September 24, 2016 In conjunction with Ferme Gagnon, Chénéville, Quebec

Pictures & Videos available at:

www.elmtreefarms.com

Bull Calves For Sale By Private Treaty Starting September 2016

Glenn, Pam, Mariah & Sophie Wotten Little Britain, Ontario

Women in Simmental Country Written by Lee Hart

In-laws have a great bond at Mader Ranches

onda and Jill Mader are a generation apart, only related by marriage, but when it comes to hard work, commitment to family and the ranch business, they are like two peas of the same pod. As mother and daughter-in-law, respectively, at Mader Ranches, both ladies appreciate the challenges of sometimes being pulled in six (or more) different directions within a day — working at off-ranch careers, raising young children, attending school and sports activities, getting meals on the table, looking after a household, tending to the books and record keeping, helping out with cattle and the ranch when needed, being involved with marketing livestock, guests to welcome to the ranch, yard work to tend to; the list goes on. It is any of these activities in a combination that happen during the day. Yet when asked, both agree, “Nothing special going on here, it’s just what we do.”

The Ladies of Mader Ranches “I don’t think it is any different for me,” says Jill, who married Ryley, the youngest of the three Mader children, in 2007. The pair now have two children of their own, Stella, 6, and Hawkin, who is coming up 4. “My main focus is our children, but I still have my work with the ranch, and marketing cattle. I help out where I can; family comes first but I still want to be a part of the ranch and contribute to the decision making, so it can be a challenge to make it all work. But it just does.”

Both Ronda and Jill admit they married workaholics, so it was pretty hard to not get swept up in a non-stop routine — always another chore to attend to, to keep the family and ranch business moving forward. Mader Ranches is a second, coming-on-third, generation family operation producing and marketing prize-winning Simmental cattle, for more than 30 years. Jill, Ryley and their kids live in the main yard, while Ronda and Randy built a new home, just down the road, a few years ago. The herd has grown over the years, today standing at roughly 260 head of red and black Simmental females and they market about 100 bulls per year. Randy started with Simmentals in 1973 on his family’s ranch near Okotoks, just south of Calgary. He and Ronda married in 1977. Ronda was born and raised on a mixed ranching operation with Saler cattle near Carstairs. She obtained her degree in education, and Randy obtained his bachelor of Commerce degree, both at the University of Calgary.

“Probably the biggest challenge was trying to juggle everything,” says Ronda, a retired teacher, who along with husband Randy “We didn’t know each other at university,” says Ronda. “We established Mader Ranches, located west of Carstairs, in 1984. actually met at a cattle sale in 1976 and were married 10 months “On our ranch it doesn’t matter if it is Saturday or Sunday, if there later.” She did point out one little story about the courtship. was work to do you did it.” They met in the late fall, but Randy didn’t call Ronda again until January because he didn’t want to spend money on a Christmas present — apparently everything worked out well after that.

In their own breeding program they use a lot of A.I. and embryo transfer work to improve their own herd’s genetics at a faster rate. The ranch will be hosting its 28th Annual Bull Sale, held in mid-February in 2017. Mader Ranches has two calving seasons. This year for example, about 190 head calved in January and February, while roughly 70 head will calve in June and July. They’ve been expanding the summer calving herd over the past eight years.

The Mader family raised cattle, while Ronda taught school full time in communities near Calgary in the early days. In 1984 they bought property west of Carstairs and moved there in 1985. Randy and Ronda have three children, Robyn, 33 who obtained an agriculture business degree in Texas, Rayel, 31, a hairdresser, who owns a real estate company in the Carstairs area, and Ryley, 29. He actually completed the land agent program at Olds College, but quickly decided to focus on the beef business.

“Part of it has to do with spreading out the workload in the winter, so not everything is calving in that January and February period,” says Jill. “Part of it too, is to produce those over-age bulls, that are about 18 months of age when they go into service. More commercial operations are looking for those bigger, slightly older bulls that can service more cows.” Mader Ranches is in transition. Succession of the ranch from Ronda and Randy to Jill and Ryley is well underway. Jill and Ryley took on half of the ranch ownership in 2012, and plans are in place to complete the transfer over the coming years.

Along with the ranch, Ronda taught school for 30 years, including 16 years working part time while the children were in school. Along with the beef operation, Randy has been involved as a successful real estate agent for the past 20 years. They’ve also always had a full time employee over the years helping with ranch work. Chase Miller is now part of the team, helping Ryley with much of the day-to-day operations. Jill was born and raised on her family ranch, in Sedgewick, Alberta, south east of Edmonton. The ranch produced mostly commercial cattle with some purebred Simmental. She attended the Northern Alberta Institute of Technology (NAIT) in Edmonton, to obtain a business diploma, with a major in marketing. After college she worked as an events co-ordinator for Northlands Exhibition in Edmonton, quite involved in planning Farmfair International. The matchmakers in Jill and Ryley’s relationship were Jill’s brother Jaron, and Ryley’s sister Robyn. Jaron and Robyn knew each other, and decided that Jill and Ryley should meet. The couple will have been married for nine years in 2016. When Jill first moved to Carstairs area she worked in the office of DynAgra, a southern Alberta-based ag retailer, and services company “I really enjoyed being there, but realized my heart wasn’t in the crop side of the industry,” she says. So when she and Ryley were planning their own family, she joined Mader Ranches full time. While Mader Ranches has had Simmental cattle since the beginning, it also ran a herd of Saler cattle for several years. It’s another good breed, but with more market demand for Simmental, the Saler cattle have been phased out over the years. “We’ve always had red and black Simmentals and the focus has been on producing good quality cattle that work for the commercial cow-calf operator” says Jill. “Our focus is on producing cattle with calving ease, good feet and legs, good fertility, and being over all easy keepers.”

While Ronda says she will always be part of the ranch she is pleased to see it transferring to such a capable next generation. “I see in Jill the same commitment and values that I had when we were starting out,” says Ronda. She’s glad to be able to take things at a bit slower pace. There were plenty of hectic days of teaching school part-time and later as a substitute teacher, then picking up her own kids and getting them to sporting activities, helping with 4-H projects. Then coming home, preparing an evening meal, (the family always had dinner together), and then perhaps looking after some paper work or record keeping for the ranch. Ronda also helped out with Randy’s long-running real estate business — plenty of phone calls to answer, and around the ranch she helped out on days when needed. “I was always the other person.” “ We’ve always had lots of visitors with the purebred cattle too,” she says. “They were people coming to look at the livestock, or for other Simmental Association activities. I’ve always been a firm believer in education, so we often had students or young people (national and international) stay with us anywhere from one to three months, to learn about the beef industry in Alberta.” Ronda was also quite involved in preparing for and attending shows and sales such as Edmonton’s Farmfair, Canadian Western Agribition in Regina as well as more local events such as the Olds Fall Classic. Of course there was preparing catalogue material for their own annual sale, which for the past four years has been 19

held at home in one of the expanded, and renovated buildings on the ranch.

main yard so when visitors come, we have these great facilities where we can showcase our livestock.”

As the ranch moves through succession, Ronda’s not leaving that all behind, but she is pleased to see Jill take on many of the responsibilities. Jill’s background in marketing for example, has been a huge asset in taking photographs and organizing material for their annual sale catalogue. Jill designs their own catalogue as well as providing design services for other breeders and ranch advertising. Jill’s house is now the hosting house for buyers, visitors and longer-stay guests. “For ourselves, everyone gathers at my kitchen table every morning to plan what’s ahead for the day,” says Jill. While with two young children and other office responsibilities she’s also available to help out with the cattle as needed.

Another highlight over the years has been having the opportunity to travel and that’s something she’s hoping to do more of. She and Randy travelled quite a bit involved in the Simmental business, to attend events, meet buyers, or look at cattle in France, Australia and New Zealand as well as across Canada. In 2004 they spent 23 days on the road travelling across Canada visiting clients and commercial producers. “I love to travel and I think it is one of the best forms of education. The kids often travelled with us,” she says. “So I’m hoping we can do it more. I like just going to meet clients as we deliver bulls in various parts of Western Canada, but it is also great to get out and see other parts of the world.” She and Randy have already made trips to Africa and China as non-ranch related vacations, but there are many more locales on the list. Plans are also underway to see Jill and Ryley travel to a major livestock show in Australia in 2018. Jill and Ronda have a genuine mutual admiration and respect for each other’s talents, abilities and support. “We owe so much to Ronda and Randy for helping us to get started in the beef industry,” says Jill. “For a young couple today it is extremely difficult, and we couldn’t have done all that we have without them.”

Highlights for Jill over the years includes meeting some excellent people and establishing lifelong friendships from all beef breeds as they attend shows and sales. “It can be hectic at times, but we do it all as a family,” she says. “Sometimes we’re leaving a show while Ronda and Randy are just arriving to take on the next shift.” While they’ve placed in the top five and top 10 several times at major livestock shows such as Farmfair and Agribition, she says she’s hoping one day to have cattle in the Supreme Grand Champion spotlight. She and Ryley have also established themselves as respected livestock judges, and judge as a team at events such as Farmfair, Agribition and the Royal Winter Fair. Jill says it was also a highlight for her to see the Annual Mader Ranches Bull Sale finally held at the ranch. “We had to renovate one of the buildings, and we wondered if anyone would travel out to the ranch, but it has been a success every year,” she says. They host up to 300 buyers and guests the day of the sale. It was originally a live-animal auction with each bull moved through the ring, but they’ve now changed it to a video sale — becoming common in the industry. Jill spends weeks prior to the sale videotaping bulls that will be on offer, and those videos of each animal are played for buyers on a screen in the sale barn. Again, her marketing, communications, and public relation skills have made for an excellent fit. For Ronda, there have been many highlights over the years. She was particularly pleased to see facilities developed in just the past year to create a Bull Development Centre at the main ranch headquarters, which she can see from her dining room window. In the past bulls have been raised at another, nearby location. “Now we’ve developed the corrals and shelters right here at the 20

“It is great to see so many young, capable people involved not just in the Simmental breed but the beef industry in general,” says Ronda. She is particularly pleased to see a third generation of “Mader Ladies” taking an interest in the beef industry. Granddaughter, Stella, along with her dad took a heifer to the Olds Spring Classic, this past April. Stella will be taking part in Summer Synergy and Cow Camp in Olds this summer as well. “We are glad to encourage the next generation to be involved in the fun and camaraderie that is a big part of the Simmental and cattle business.” “There is great opportunity and potential for the future of this industry,” she adds. “And closer to home, I think we are pretty lucky — I’d say Ryley married perfect in finding someone like Jill. It is great when you can find someone who shares the same passion and love in what you’re doing.”

X-T Simmentals/Robb Farms/BLI, AB* DownHill Simmentals/Curle Farms,MB* Dequier Farms, MB* SpearGrass Cattle Co, AB* Forden FairView Farm LTD, SK K Bar Livestock, MB Brett Buckingham, SK Mandan Lake Simmentals, ND* Duckwitz Ranch, ND* David Bueligen, ND SMA Frericks Farms, SD* Shannon Pirlot, SK* Darren Johnson, ND* Storebo Farms, SK* Sonny Berndt, ND Horse Creek Ranch, SK* Cole Taylor, SK* Cameron Land & Cattle, MB Steichen Simmentals, ND* Willow Dale Simmental, AB D & S Moffatt Farms, MB Geisler Cattle Co., MB* TSN Livestock, MB* Roger Benson, ND Prairie Livestock, SK*

Korey Jorgenson, ND* Sprig Creek Colony, AB* Dana & Megan Johns, MB* Wallcraft Farms, MB G Day Holdings, SK Meadow Acres/ Bouchard Livestock,SK* RBD Ranch., SK Dennis Mauthe, MB* Morgans Canyon Ranch, AB* Chris Roppel, SK* Goudy’s Prairie Acres, SK* Glen Aldentaler, SD* Oscar & Gloria Kleven, ND* Bartel Cattle Corp, SK* Usborne Community Pasture, SK McVicor Stock Farms, SK* Oliver Farms, MB* Garry Dumaine, SK* Marin Land & Livestock, SK* Scott Paterson, MB MT Land & Cattle, SK 3MC Stock Farms, AB* K7 Simmentals, SK Wade Joorisity, SK* Bouchard Livestock, AB*

Rick Williams Farm LTD, SK* Gary Lawrence, SK LC Ranch, AB* 3K Holdings, MB* Spirit Ranch, ND Craig Dayman, SK* RS Strutt Farms, MB* Lee Rindell, ND Colven Cattle Co, SK* Judd Ag Ventures, MB Kevin Brigden, SK* Bob & Melanie Meredith, SK* Lynne Schiele, ND* Derek Palmer, SK* GlenCo Stock Farms, SK* Ryan & Missy Hull Farms,SK* Grant Simmentals, ND* Trevor Walls, SK* Nevin Sorenson, ND* Belle Plaine Colony, SK* U of S Goodale Farms, SK* Derek Isaac, MB* Steve McMechan, MB* Tecumseh Cattle Co, SK Sweet Grass Ranch, MB

Fine Line Red Angus, AB Leeuwenburg Red Angus, AB* Sun Berry Valley Ranch, AB* Darren Hanis, SK Daron Priest, SK Jason Wandler, ND* 4G Farms, MB Brigden Farms, MB* Haugan Land & Cattle, AB Dwight Flaman, Sk GDR Ag, MB* Jeff Ulrich, ND Elliott Farms, SK* Corey Flaman, SK Max Sorch, ND* Kirby Farms, SK* Ryan Redpath, SK Jason Bird, MB* Flying F Ranch, SK* Percy View Farms, SK Dorran Marketing/Bohrson Marketing, AB North Hilll Simmentals, AB Ketterling Simmentals, ND* Claude & Kim Paradis, SK*

McMillen Ranching 22 Annual Bull Sale Summary nd

March 5, 2016 | Carievale, SK 144 Bulls 28 Angus Bulls 116 Simmental Bulls 59 Red Simmental 57 Black Simmental 11 Open Heifers

Avg: $8,877 Avg: $7,143 Avg: $9,295 Avg: $8,203 Avg: $10,425 Avg: $6,227

High Selling Black Simmental Bulls Lot 79: MRL 138C S: Come As U R Red Rocket; DS: LFE Bundi 300x to Robb Farms/X-T Simmentals/Bouchard Livestock, SK for $100,000 Lot 63: MRL 100C S: MRL Discovery 21A; DS: TNT Powersurge T404 to Downhill Simmentals/Curle Farms, MB for $24,000 Lot 96: MRL 113C S: SVS Milwaukee 53A; DS: TH Black Edition 8R to TSN Livestock, MB for $20,000 Lot 80: MRL 157C S: LFE Bundi 300X; DS: Hooks Shear Force 38K to Dana & Megan Johns, MB for $19,000. Lot 62: MRL 51C S: MRL Discovery 21A; DS: TNT PowersurgeT404 to Dequier Farms, MB for $16,000.

High Selling Red Simmental Bulls Lot 32: MRL 178C S: MRL Seismic 90Y; DS: TNT On Star S312 to Sonny Berndt, ND for $25,000 Lot 27: MRL 37C S: MRL 91Y; DS: TNT Gunner N208 to Willow Dale Simmental, AB for $18,000 Lot 2: MRL 64C S: MRL Integrity 76Y; DS: G7 Mr 54P to Steichen Simmental, ND for $15,000 Lot 3: MRL 140C S: TNT Bootlegger Z268; DS: KOP Stockman 134S to Storebo, SK for $15,000 Lot 4: MRL 67C S: TNT Bootlegger Z268; DS: KOP Stockman 134S to Darren Johnson, ND for $14,000

High Selling Angus

Lot 136: MRLA 4C S: Red Brown JYJ Redemption Y1334; DS: SAV Final Answer to Fine Line Red Angus, AB for $19,000

High Selling Heifers

Lot 171: MRLA 407C S: SAV resource 1441; DS: Red MRLA 61X to Prosper Cattle Co, AB for $10,000 Lot 168: MRL 401C S: SVS Milwaukee 53A; DS: Red MRL Walk the Line 164W to TSN Livestock, MB for $7,750

Mark your calendars for: “MRL HERDBUILDERS 16” Sisters to the Bulls Fall Female Production Sale: Over 150 bred females and open females will sell! Dec. 9, 2016 at the ranch 21

PUTTING IT TOGETHER... PRODUCER FOCUSED WORKSHOPS & SESSIONS | INPUT & DECISION MAKING | ENTERTAINMENT | INDUSTRY MEETINGS

August 9 - 11, 2016 Grey Eagle Resor t & Casino in Calgar y, Alber ta HOSTED BY ALBERTA BEEF PRODUCERS

Aug 8 • Pre-conference Tour

KEYNOTE ADDRESS BY

Arlene Dickinson

LIVE MUSIC BY

Ain’t No Rodeo

PLUS

Learn about beef demand and hear perspectives from the VP of Tim Hortons and the President of Sysco Canada Listen to a panel of leading edge producers explain how they are incorporating new systems to improve productivity in their operation THE IMPORTANCE OF PUBLIC CONFIDENCE IN AGRICULTURE Trish Jordan, Monsanto Canada

facebook.com/canadianbeefindustryconference

RESEARCH & FARM PRACTICES ON PRECONDITIONING, HERD HEALTH, FORAGE PRODUCTION, GENOMICS, ANTIMICROBIAL USE, & PAIN MANAGEMENT Bov-Innovation

@CDNBeefConf

MARKET UPDATES ON KEY TOPICS AFFECTING CATTLE & BEEF MARKETS Canfax, Cattlefax, BMO & Global AgriTrends

For more details and to register, visit CANADIANBEEFINDUSTRYCONFERENCE.COM

Thank You

Abbey Road

BARLEE 680S X HUGS & KISSES

JP CRUSH ON YOU COMBUSTIBLE X ABBEY ROAD Now owned by RK Cattle Co.

UNO MAS X ABBEY ROAD

Kyle & Jess Martin Tweed, Ontario

MILESTONE X ABBEY ROAD

For the continued interest & support from: Riskan Hope Farms, SK Megens Cattle Co, ON RK Cattle Co, ON Jerry Barber, PQ Regan Schlacter, SK Velian Farms, ON

MILESTONE X ABBEY ROAD

Martinvale FARMS

613-848-9150 martinvale06@gmail.com

On the Road

Ryan Cook Simmental Country Sales Representative

ince this is my first opportunity to write for Simmental Country, I thought I would introduce myself to those who may not have seen the announcement or newsletter that I joined the Canadian Simmental Association. For those of you that donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t know me, I am looking forward to meeting and getting to know you. I grew up on a cattle farm outside Millet, Alberta. Throughout my career I worked for several prominent seed-stock operations with the responsibility of marketing at shows and sales as well as in the area of herd management. I also spent time as an Alberta Simmental Association Director, and was focused on YCSA and Promotion. Currently I run a purebred and commercial Simmental operation with my wife and family near Big Valley, Alberta. Having been with the CSA for less than two months, I would like to thank all the staff at Simmental Country and the CSA for their help and guidance the last few months, as well as the breeders that have made me feel welcome. I am excited about the summer and being a part of the CSAâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s upcoming functions in Lloydminster, and I look forward to the future of the Simmental breed, from seeing 4-H kids with high levels

of success to its strong group of YCSA kids, solid bull sales, and the strength we have in the commercial sector. This spring I have seen many Simmental influenced heifers being kept for breeding and bringing top dollar as well as many high quality Simmental influenced steers filling the feedlots. Even though we have seen some prices soften, it is still solid and profitable for the beef industry. We are coming off another great bull sale season with many new Simmental bulls out roaming the pastures. There is still optimism in the industry, as growing conditions are good in many areas. Many of the breeders that I have spoken to lately were not aware of a couple of the contract options that Simmental Country offers. Please take the time to read through the magazine as in this issue we have included the information and feel free to contact any of the staff at Simmental Country if you have questions. I hope you have a great summer and are able to partake in some of the local Simmental events happening in your area.I am looking forward to working with all of you and promoting the Simmental Breed. 23

Top 50 Sires 2015 Reg# Tattoo

Name

Tot

Reg# Tattoo

Name

Tot

766965

TLAS 11Z

SVS CAPTAIN MORGAN 11Z

226

753794

ZDS 250Y

ANCHOR D IMAX 250Y

694665

LFE 322U

LFE BS LEWIS 322U

199

735481

DDDS 483X

3D BLK FULL THROTTLE 483X 68

7444464

FGN 623X

MR HOC BROKER

171

736758

WFL 23X

WFL IDENTITY 23X

755730

NEAL 47Y

NCB COBRA 47Y

164

747235

LRX 23Y

LRX HP ROCKET 23Y

782330

FGN 268Z

TNT BOOTLEGGER Z268

154

676236

FGN 208N

TNT GUNNER N208

795931

FGN 34Y

FBF1 COMBUSTIBLE

137

792160

MRL 21A

MRL DISCOVERY 21A

766393

LRX 141Z

LRX THE GODFATHER 141Z

124

760266

IE 7X

GRINALTAâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S HP ACER FF7X

791329

NUG 324A

NUG ROYAL RED 324A

123

753020

IPU 41Y

IPU DIABLO 41Y

697657

MRL 12U

MRL RED FORCE 12U

112

777318

BLSR 43Y

OLF OTIS Y43

766259

KWAF 16Z

KWA FLYF RED MOUNTAIN 16Z 102

758641

LER 176Y

WHEATLAND ULTIMATE CHOICE 54

747559

KNTZ 4Y

KUNTZ SUPER DUTY 4Y

100

718093

KOP 137W

KOP CROSBY 137W

744058

FBL 7Y

MAF R HORIZON 7Y

775543

KHG 42Z

WESTGOLD STANDOUT 42Z

727456

HAR 111X

HARVIE JDF WALLBANGER 111X 98

794111

KWA 86A

KWA BIG TIME 86A

701002

CHMP 60U

CHAMPS BRAVO

766391

MDR 27Z

MADER DICTATOR 27Z

745178

FGN 8676U

MR NLC UPGRADE U8676

751008

LFE 449Y

LFE SPRINGSTEEN 449Y

780349

MRL 70Z

MRL TO THE MAX 70Z

739602

LRPS 145X

R PLUS HARD ROCK 145X

736441

MBJ 52Y

SPRINGCREEK LOTTO 52Y

716202

ZDS 103W

ANCHOR D VIPER 103W

744279

LFE 3036X

LFE RED CASINO 3036X

774968

MBJ 66A

SPRINGCREEK OLYMPIAN 66A 46

775788

MRL 52Z

MRL EL TIGRE 52Z

786558

FGN 107W

WS BEEF KING W107

754744

WLF 51Y

WFL ABSOLUTE 51Y

785107

FGN 12T

HSF HIGH ROLLER 12T

756581

MBJ 82Z

SPRINGCREEK ANCHORMAN 82Z 87

735902

VIRS 46X

VIRGINIA BARCELONA 46X

773998

DDDS 150Z

3D RED POWER 150Z

734970

IPU 49X

IPU RED WESTERN 49X

768175

LER 202Z

WHEATLAND TERMINATOR 202Z 75

769829

KIN 2Z

KIN KIN RED ACE 2Z

729546

DCC 2X

DRAKE POKER FACE 2X

758657

RLD 181Y

DOUBLE BAR D TRUE GRIT

695165

CRF 789U

CROSSROAD RADIUM 789U

773081

STU 96Z

SOUTHSEVEN MR ADONIS 96Z 43

Top Total Herd Enrollment Members 2015

Mem#

Farm Name

THE Mem#

Farm Name

THE

3524

DOUBLE BAR D RANCH; GRENFELL, SK

1015

55898

MCCORMACK FAMILY RANCH; GRENFELL,SK

195

23624

SODERGLEN RANCHES LTD; AIRDRIE, AB

922

2718

ROBB FARMS LTD, GARY ROBB, SK

181

2587

LEWIS FARMS LTD; SPRUCE GROVE, AB

772

26007

ANDREW JANZEN; ROSEMARY, AB

181

2757

ERVIN HARLAND; FRENCHMAN BUTTE, SK

463

55418

WOLFE FARMS; VALLEYVIEW, AB

179

2970

MCMILLEN RANCHING LTD; CARIEVALE, SK

448

3769

STOUGHTON FARMS; MAIDSTONE, SK

178

29461

R PLUS SIMMENTALS; ESTEVAN, SK

407

54683

CROSSROAD FARMS; SHELL LAKE, SK

177

44519

TERRY SKORETZ; SEDGEWICK, AB

376

1979

LABATTE SIMMENTALS; GLADMAR, SK

175

3079

LAZY S RANCH INC; MAYERTHORPE, AB

370

35353

NEIL CARSON; ROSSBURN, MB

174

42171

BONCHUK FARMS; SOLSGIRTH, MB

367

101505 CASALOMA CATTLE COMPANY, ST-BRIEUX, SK

173

13182

PHEASANTDALE CATTLE COMPANY; BALCARRES, SK 359

3706

MARK LAND & CATTLE CORP; IRMA, AB

167

41427

ASHWORTH FARM & RANCH LTD; OUNGRE, SK

331

2798

BRIAN J. MCCARTHY; MOOSOMIN, SK

158

3121

MAXWELL SIMMENTALS; VIKING, AB

329

1010

DALE L. EYBEN; VERMILION, AB

155

841

PORTER RANCHES LTD; STONY PLAIN, AB

270

21993

HOEGL LIVESTOCK LTD; LLOYDMINSTER, SK

155

930

EDN SIMMENTALS; MAPLE CREEK, SK

269

11092

SEVCIK SIMMENTAL RANCH; HUSSAR, AB

151

41924

WESTGOLD FARMS LTD; MINBURN, AB

266

2037

ROLLING JN FARMS; ALIX, AB

149

56010

WESTWAY FARMS LTD; DIDSBURY, AB

262

102255

HANNAH SIMMENTALS; DIDSBURY, AB

147

20932

RENDEZVOUS FARMS, DAVID, STE. ROSE, MB

243

94895

PERKIN LAND & CATTLE CO; ELGIN, MB

147

31215

ANCHOR D RANCH SIMMENTALS; RIMBEY, AB

241

26493

KULYK SIMMENTALS; NORTH BATTLEFORD, SK

147

21594

SPRING LAKE SIMMENTALS; DAYSLAND, AB

238

44894

JAYDAWN FARMS; SEXSMITH, AB

144

68384

MUIRHEAD CATTLE CO; SHELLBROOK, SK

225

41534

VIRGINIA RANCH; CREMONA, AB

144

2835

MADER RANCHES; CARSTAIRS, AB

222

20653

TWIN BRAE SIMMENTALS; INGLIS, MB

143

101709

MEADOW ACRES FARMS; LAMPMAN, SK

216

105519

JP CATTLE CO; MCAULEY, MB

142

3666

MITCHELL CATTLE CO. INC; BARRIERE, BC

209

28861

DONNA ARTHUR; MAYERTHORPE, AB

140

95344

BEECHINOR BROS SIMMENTALS; BENTLEY, AB

205

26723

O DOUBLE E SIMMENTALS; HYTHE, AB

140

20513

ERIXON SIMMENTALS INC; CLAVET, SK

195

2942

M & J FARMS; RUSSELL, MB

138

From the Director’s Chair

The Sky is the Limit Garth Rancier - Canadian Simmental Director

t has been said that the greatest enemy to tomorrow’s success is today’s success. The Simmental breed is in an incredible position in the Canadian beef industry and it is our job as breeders to keep it there. For those of you that don’t know me, I, along with my wife, Angela, and our two kids own and operate Rancier Farms, located in Killam, in central Alberta. We live on the farm that my great grandfather homesteaded in 1905, and breed purebred and percentage black and red Simmental cattle as well as grain farm. I was not raised in the purebred business, and my first real introduction to the Simmental breed and breeders was through the Young Canadian Simmental program. Where my family was not involved in the purebred industry, I have had the privilege to be mentored on many aspects of the business from some great breeders from many different breeds and have always been very grateful for the learning opportunities and different insights this has provided me. I spent two terms as an Alberta Simmental Association Director before my opportunity to be elected as a CSA director last summer. Over the past 20 plus years that I have been involved in this breed, I have come to realize that there are many different ideas of what the Simmental breed is to different breeders; and some have very strong opinions of what those are. The good news is whether your goal is to market traditionals, reds, or blacks, 200 bulls per year or a single heifer, purebreds, full bloods or percentage cattle; we are involved in a breed that has the opportunity to do just that, and do it well. The bottom line is, that we as breeders have a job to do because no matter what kind of seed stock we market, the decisions we make every year not only affect our program, but those of our customers, and eventually the entire beef industry. Technology in the beef industry is evolving faster than ever. We have so many tools in our toolboxes that at times, it is overwhelming. The science of genomics and EPD’s give us an insight into the genetic potential at a younger age, with more accuracy of many different traits. Collecting carcass ultrasound data can show us what the very heritable carcass merit is of the cattle we sell without hanging them on the rail. Economic indexes are a combination of many different EPD’s blended, and weighted to produce one number. We have the opportunity to propagate our most elite genetics through the use of AI, conventional flushing, IVF, and in some situations

even cloning. While some may doubt the science of DNA or the relevance of genomics and EPD’s, they are all tools that we have at our disposal and thanks to the work done year round, the accuracy of every one of those tools becomes more fine-tuned and reliable every day. It is said that a chain is only as strong as its weakest link, and as breeders we need to remember that. The commercial producers depend on seed-stock producers to use all of the tools available to breed the type of cattle that will excel in the economic traits that will keep them profitable into the future. Even more importantly, they expect the seed-stock producers have first bred the cattle that excel in the convenience traits that are rarely measured with an EPD or ratio. As herds grow larger, or producers sometimes have a job in town, or are calving larger numbers on bigger pastures, they trust the culling has been already done on traits like calf vigor, udder and feet structure and disposition. These are quite often, the weakest links in the chain and the traits not pushed by the promoters or genetic marketers because they aren’t measured by a number. The rancher calving on a pasture knows that it doesn’t matter how great the EPD’s are if the calf can’t get up on his own, or has udder problems delaying its first suck. The carcass numbers don’t matter to the feedlot operator if the pen has disposition issues or has structural issues restricting getting to the feed bunk. Now, when our breed is in a very enviable position in the industry, is the time that we decide how long we will maintain that position. Now is the time we need to cull the weakest links in the chain and use all the tools to propagate the superior genetics. We, as breeders, need to have the foresight and integrity to keep the breed at the top. In any industry, those that don’t constantly improve fall behind, and quite often the urge to resist change is strongest when in a successful position. It is up to us to see where the industry is headed and be the leaders in that change. The breeders of the past saw the need for breed change and improvement to get our breed to the current position that we enjoy. We need to be mindful of that, and continue to keep the breed evolving and improving and need to do that without holding others back. The sky is the limit for the Simmental breed and we need to diligently work together as breeders to maintain and improve our market share in the future.

Thank you to all that attended, sponsored and hosted the ASA AGM and Field Day! BOARD OF DIRECTORS PRESIDENT Kyle Lewis Ph: 780-962-5050 Cell: 780-220-9188 kyle@lewisfarms.ca VICE PRESIDENT Jordan Deeg Box 63, Site 23, RR 2 Strathmore, AB, T1P 1K5 403-999-4191 jordan@deegsimmental.com TREASURER Stacy Romanyk 6030 South Terwillegar Blvd. Edmonton, AB, T6R 0K6 780-718-0622 stacy.romanyk@yahoo.ca DIRECTORS Byron Johnson Box 132, Amisk, AB, TOB OBO 780-856-2175 wjsimmentals@cciwireless.ca

This year we were able to present our annual awards at the AGM

Congratulations to...

Dakota Townsend RR#1, Site 7, Comp. 14 Sylvan Lake, AB, T45 1X6 403-505-8450 isangus@telusplanet.net Duncan Pearson Box 489, Calmar, AB, T0C 0V0 780-220-5730 dunkthehunk_10@hotmail.com Ben Farrant RR 2, Lousana, AB, T0M 1K0 403-896-4331 Jill Mader Box 1 Site 12 RR 2 Carstairs, AB, T0M 0N0 403-807-8140

Rancier Farms, 2016 Alberta Simmental Ambassador

Sargent Farms, 2016 Commercial Breeder of the year

Gaylene Groeneveld, Alberta Simmental Supporter

Barclay Smith RR #1 Site 3 Box 9, Cherhill, AB, T0E 0J0 780-305-6716 OFFICE ADMINISTRATOR Heather Saucier 131 Stonegate Cr., Airdrie, AB, T4B 2S8 Ph: 403.861.6352 saucierh@telus.net FIELDPERSON Chuck Groeneveld RR3 High River, AB, T1V 1N3 Ph: 403-938-7843 barnboss@telus.net

Thank you to our CSA Convetion & YCS Show sponsors!

Saskatchewan Simmental Association

New Holland Canadian Simmental Association Simmental Country Saskatchewan Simmental Association Nolara Farms Southwest Simmental Breeders Robb Farms/Hoegl Farms Bar-A Simmentals Spruce Grove Cattle Co. Ferme Gagnon Inc Anchor D Ranch Bohrson Marketing McCormack Family Ranch Lloydminster Exhibition & Superior Show V5 Simmentals Storebo Farm Ashworth Farm & Ranch Carson Rodgers Kulyk Simmentals Kuntz Simmentals/McIntosh Livestock/SAJ Simmentals Bull Sale Labatte Simmentals Southwest Showcase Bull Sale Beaver Ridge Ranch Meadow Acres Simmentals (Farms) Forden Fairview Farm Ltd Mar Mac Farms Peter Sweeten Foley Simmentals Aumack Simmentals McIntosh Livestock Blackâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Cattle Co Coulee Crossing Cattle Co Kuntz Simmental Farm Braithwaite Simmental Ranch Peters Simmentals Rosemead Farms Sunny Valley Simmentals Three Star Simmentals Double G Simmentals Townview Farms Blushrose Simmental Farm Deb Ecklund Erixon Simmentals Timm Cattle Co Clifford Nelson Gerald & Edith Daoust

President: Ryan Lundberg (306) 295-7999 Secretary: Carolyn McCormack (306) 697-2945 sasksimmental@yourlink.ca

Upcoming SSA DeADlineS>>> Agribition... SSA SimmentAl SweepStAkeS

Simmental Show & Sale - nov. 23/16 Contact Borhson marketing at (403)9403334 if you are interested in nominating cattle for the premier Simmental Sale event in Saskatchewan

SSA ScholArShipS...

Deadline: October 1, 2016 Scholarships are available to all students enrolled in full time post secondary education. Students are eligible to receive $1000 for first year scholarships and $500 for second year scholarships. Parents of the student or the student must be current members of the SSa. applications available from the SSa office or www.sasksimmental.com

purebred & commerciAl breeder of the YeAr...

Deadline: October 1, 2016 nominations for the Purebred and Commercial Breeders of the Year are now being accepted. the lucky recipient will be awarded a farm sign during the Simmental Show at agribition on november 23. nomination forms available from the SSa office or www.sasksimmental.com.

www.sasksimmental.com

  MYCSA Classic

September 23 - 25, 2016 Windsor, NS For more information contact Heather Creamer at (902) 694-4308 or heathercreamer@outlook.com

Salt Water Simmental Sale October 22, 2016 Nappan, NS

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For more information contact Jennie Mutch at (902) 388-1613 or jenniemutch@gmail.com

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MSA Board of Directors President: Don Godfrey, PE ~ Vice President: Trevor Pauley, NB Secretary: Jennie Mutch, PE ~ Treasurer: Bill MacLeod, NB Directors: Richard Armstrong, NS ~ Kerwin Delong, NS ~ Geraline VanAgten, NB ~ Wade Loane, PE CSA Director/President: Lacey Fisher, NS ~ Honorary Directors: Ralph Taylor, NS ~ James MacKenzie, NS

      

Title Sponsors: Canadian Simmental Association Friends of the Canadian Simmental Foundation New Holland Simmental Country Platinum Sponsors: DLMS Saskatchewan Simmental Association Nolara Farms T Bar Invitational

Thursday, July 21, 2016 All Day - YCSA Move In 5:00 – 7:00 pm - Early Registration Friday July 22, 2016 7:30 am - Registration 8:00 am - YCSA Annual General Meeting 10:00 am - Quizzes 11:00 am - Print Marketing 12:00 pm - Lunch 1:00 pm - Fitting Demonstration

Gold Sponsors: Anchor D Ranch Bar-A Simmentals Ferme Gagnon Inc Spruce Grove Cattle Co. Silver Sponsors: Aumack Simmentals Beaver Ridge Ranch Black’s Cattle Co. Carson Rodgers Coulee Crossing Cattle Co. Foley Simmentals

Forden Fairview Farm Kuntz Simmental Farm Lloydminster Exhibition & Superior Show Mar Mac Farms McCormack Family Ranch McIntosh Livestock Meadow Acres Simmental Storebo Farm V5 Simmentals Bronze Sponsors: Blushrose Simmental Farm

2:00 pm - Team Fitting 4:00 pm - Judging 5:30 pm - Supper 7:00 pm - Evening Activity

Braithwaite Simmental Ranch Clifford Nelson Deb Ecklund Double G Simmentals Erixon Simmentals Gerald & Edith Daoust Peters Simmentals Rosemead Farms Sunny Valley Simmentals Three Star Simmentals Timm Cattle Co. Townview Farms

5:30 pm - CSA Banquet – Dick Jones Pavilion 7:30 pm - Friends of Canadian Simmental Foundation Auction

Sunday July 24, 2016 Saturday July 23, 2016 10:00 am - Confirmation Show 8:30 am - Opening Ceremonies & Group Photos YCSA Awards Ceremony to follow show 9:00 am - Showmanship **SUBJECT TO CHANGE** 12:00 pm - Lunch concession available on grounds 1:00 pm - CSA AGM (YCSA attendance encouraged) – Dick Jones Pavilion

As farmers and those involved in agriculture production, we take responsibility in feeding the world. Our Juniors and our future are taking the leadership and initiative to help feed a community! Help the Young Canadian Simmental Members “Tackle Hunger” as they aid in feeding a community! This year at the 2016 YCS National Classic we will be collecting Food Bank items to pay it forward! The goal is to FILL a tack box full of non-perishable food items! If able to accomplish this there will be a suprise at the National Classic for ALL participants! For Questions & Inquiries Please Contact: YCSA Coordinator YCSA President YCSA Vice-President SYCSA President Kelsey Dust Sophie Wotten Dylan Foley Paige Holmquist 306-291-7086 705-464-1713 613-913-9423 306-864-7661

We are pleased to announce that the ninth annual T Bar Invitational golf tournament was again, an overwhelming success, surpassing the 2015 tournament and raising over $50,000.00 for youth in the beef industry. Eight national junior breed associations, representing nearly 2,200 members, will reap rewards because of the generosity of sponsors. In addition, a portion of the proceeds will be donated to Canadian Western Agribition, Manitoba Youth Beef Roundup, Summer Synergy, Stockade Roundup and the Young Ranchman’s All Breeds Livestock Show which all host junior interbreed events. A successful social sponsored by Alta Genetics was held on the night of June 28th at the office of T Bar C Cattle Saskatoon, Saskatchewan. The next morning, golfers of all ages and skill levels took to the course for golf, fellowship, and good cheer. The day concluded with an awards banquet and presentation of the T Bar Invitational champions trophy. “We are extremely happy with this year’s event which surpassed our expectations. With the ongoing commitment of the tournament participants and sponsors we have raised over $400,000.00, which has positively impacted a great amount of youth” said Bryan Kostiuk, co-chairman of the tournament. “The tournament encompasses people from all segments of the industry as well as those who supported a great cause.”

Special thank you to the Canadian Simmental Association, Saskatchewan Simmental Association, Erixon Simmentals, McIntosh Livestock, Meadow Acres Simmentals, Sunny Valley Simmentals, Peters Simmentals, Bar A Cattle Co. and Kuntz Simmental Farm for their continued support.

Hope to see you next year at the 10th Annual T Bar Invitational Golf Tournament. visit...

www.TBARINVITATIONAL.com for more information 33

From the Gate Post

Par Bruce Holmquist Directeur général - Association Simmental du Canada

L’Association Simmental du Canada et son implication dans l’industrie

’Association Simmental du Canada est engagée activement au sein de l’industrie bovine globale, que ce soit au niveau national ou encore international. Au cours des derniers mois, l’Association Simmental du Canada (ASC) a représenté ses membres en participant à plusieurs activités de l’industrie bovine. Du 28 avril au 4 mai, j’ai accompagné la Présidente de l’ASC, Lacy Fisher et son mari Jacob, à la Conférence Simmental / Fleckvieh des Amériques, à Villahermosa au Mexique. Des éleveurs Simmental d’un peu partout dans le monde étaient présents à cette activité. Nous avons ainsi pu leur présenter l’histoire de la race Simmental au Canada, et leur expliquer comment notre race est devenue une composante importante de la production bovine au Canada. Nous avons établi de nouveaux contacts, en plus de pouvoir échanger avec les éleveurs du Mexique et du Brésil ayant acheté la génétique Simmental canadienne dans le passé. Durant cet évènement, des bovins Simmental et Simbrah étaient présentés et ont participé au Concours National Brahman, lequel regroupait environ 1400 têtes de bétail. L’industrie bovine canadienne est perçue avec une grande estime partout dans le monde et on nous reconnait pour la qualité génétique de nos bovins. Tout comme nos collègues des autres associations de race le font quand ils en ont l’opportunité, il est important que nous soyons présents à de tels évènements. Une activité comme celle-ci liée au commerce international est supportée financièrement par l’intermédiaire du Programme de promotion de l’agriculture du Gouvernement canadien, lequel est administré par le Conseil canadien des races de boucherie. Nous apprécions grandement leur assistance financière et technique. Tout de suite après cette conférence au Mexique, l’ASC était présente à Calgary à la Table ronde sur la chaine de valeur sur le boeuf (TRCVB). La TRCVB constitue un ensemble de rencontres entre divers groupes gouvernementaux et de l’industrie, lesquels représentent tous les segments de la chaine de production bovine, incluant notamment des transformateurs canadiens de viande de bœuf, des représentants des engraisseurs et des producteurs vache-veau, des fournisseurs, de même que de certaines agences gouvernementales provinciales et fédérales. Il est important que les associations de races de boucherie du Canada fassent partie des 34

discussions avec tous les autres partenaires de la chaine de valeur du boeuf car, cela n’était pas le cas il y a cinq ans, car plusieurs nous considéraient alors comme membres de clubs sociaux pour éleveurs de race pure surtout intéressés à brosser des vaches. Certaines personnes nous voient toujours de cette façon, toutefois nous faisons des progrès ! La convention annuelle de l’association des marchés d’animaux (CAMA) s’est tenue en mai à Brussels en Ontario et l’Association Simmental du Canada était présente pour vous, tout comme des représentants des principales associations de races. En fait, les Associations canadiennes Simmental, Limousin, Hereford, Angus et Charolais supportent cette convention depuis plusieurs années, en étant présentes et en commanditant la remise d’une boucle de ceinture remise à chacun des cinq finalistes de la compétition des encanteurs. Cette année, l’ASC a remis une boucle à Kirk Goldsmith qui s’est classé au deuxième rang de la compétition. Les cinq associations de races ont également offert un cadeau d’appréciation au marché d’animaux hôte de la compétition annuelle, soit “Brussels Livestock”; propriété de Mark et Cindy Ferraro, et de leur famille. Au nom de ses membres, l’ASC est fière de collaborer avec la CAMA relativement aux enjeux de l’industrie qui affectent nos membres et nos clients. En juin, le personnel de l’ASC a participé à la Conférence annuelle du “Beef Improvement Federation (BIF)”, laquelle s’est tenue à Manhattan au Kansas. L’Université K-State et un comité sous la responsabilité du Dr Bob Weaber étaient nos hôtes pour cette session de trois jours de réunions traitant d’amélioration génétique, lesquelles ont débuté par une session organisée conjointement par l’Association Simmental américaine et la compagnie « International Genetic Solutions ». Les Simmental du Canada faisaient partie d’un panel de discussions, en compagnie de représentants d’autres associations américaines de races de boucherie, afin de discuter des avantages et des défis reliés aux évaluations génétiques multiraces, et du travail en collaboration des organisations de races. Cette session fut très populaire, avec la présence d’environ 200 personnes dans la salle. Lors de cette semaine, les employés des principales associations de races de boucherie du Canada ont ainsi pu tisser des liens avec des chercheurs, des académiciens, des étudiants

et des producteurs, tout en discutant d’amélioration génétique au sein de l’industrie bovine de l’Amérique du nord. La présentation effectuée par le Dr Janusz Jamrozik de ses résultats de recherche fut un fait saillant pour les canadiens présents. Ceux-ci ont conduit au développement, à partir de nos travaux sur les Innovations Simmental au Canada, d’une approche de calcul par régression au hasard d’une mesure de la longévité. Toutefois, tous les exposés n’étaient pas scientifiques car nous avons entendu des messages clairs dans certaines sessions de la part des détaillants et d’autres groupes, ayant plutôt rapport avec les exigences des consommateurs et la demande pour la viande de bœuf, et sur le fait que l’industrie devrait écouter et apprendre au lieu de réagir. Un important message à se rappeler était à l’effet que les consommateurs ont à coeur notre réalité. L’achat de la viande de bœuf est une décision souvent prise avec émotion et, si on veut que la consommation de viande augmente, les producteurs doivent écouter, apprendre et raconter leur histoire. En juin, l’ASC était aussi présente à d’autres activités importantes, notamment à la Parade des 4-H à Calgary et à l’assemblée générale annuelle et aux visites organisées par l’Association Simmental de l’Alberta. Nous tenons à féliciter tous les membres des 4-H de partout au Canada qui ont présenté des animaux lors de leurs expositions locales. L’assemblée générale annuelle et les visites organisées par l’Association Simmental de l’Alberta dans la région de Bentley-Breton, au sud-ouest d’Edmonton, furent également couronnées de succès. Félicitations à l’ASA, et spécialement aux familles Beechinor, Robson et Young pour tous leurs efforts afin de nous accueillir cette journée-là. Ce fut une belle occasion de rencontre, tant pour les nouveaux éleveurs que les producteurs commerciaux présents. Tandis que nous nous dirigeons vers la fin de l’été et les expositions et les ventes de l’automne, le personnel de l’ASC sera

présent à divers évènements d’importance, soit les compétitions bovines lors du Stampede de Calgary, la compétition internationale des encanteurs de bétail, le forum “Summer Synergy”, la Convention annuelle de l’ASC, le Concours national des JESC et les Classiques provinciales, la Conférence sur l’industrie bovine canadienne, de même qu’au Forum et aux rencontres de l’Automne de l’Association Simmental américaine, qui se tiendront à Bozemen au Montana, conjointement avec l’ouverture officielle de leur nouvel édifice. En automne, les membres de l’ASC auront l’opportunité de participer à un évènement d’envergure, soit l’Expo Ganadera, du 10 au 15 octobre à Guadalaraja au Mexique. La Conférence Simmental-Simbrah des Amériques fera partie intégrante des activités organisées par l’Association Simmental du Mexique, et une demande a été formulée à l’ASC afin qu’on y présente nos programmes et la génétique Simmental du Canada. Il y a eu par le passé des ventes de génétique Simmental canadienne dans cette région et cela constituera une opportunité pour les membres de l’ASC désirant explorer le marché d’exportation vers le Mexique. Nous anticipons que des délégués provenant d’un peu partout dans le monde seront présents et, si vous étiez intéressé à y participer, n’hésitez pas à communiquer avec moi concernant une aide financière possible envers vos coûts de voyage. Tel que cela est vrai pour vous et votre élevage, un horaire chargé nous attend si on veut faire croître l’intérêt envers les bovins Simmental du Canada et bien représenter tous vos intérêts auprès des divers segments de l’industrie bovine. Et, comme le dit si bien l’expression, « le monde est mené par ceux qui s’impliquent », alors nous nous devons de travailler continuellement à bien positionner le message Simmental.

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

Simmental Country $1,000.00

Commercial Country $1,300.00

Plus applicable taxes per issue

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 weaned as high the steers that the 650 to 700 pound range), in would (more average of whether he difference 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 harvests 30 years. He e, but and Simmental genetics pairs for more than They were productiv long-relied on 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 mid 1990s Routledge tly produces a solid consisten combination g winter draws top dollar. with challengin ing it can be hit produce even though that go on to What’s Happen CALVING calving season born at that time of year, favorable of March EARLIER chance a February/ . 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 end to Angus bulls Towards the are exposed more space. ent heifers exposed to lowerbegins. Replacemsecond calf heifers are with run also and bulls Simmental 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 continued on rotational grass-basherd we have today,” says the undersized for

Gate Post —

Commercial

Contract Details: • Ads will run in any 4 separate issues of Simmental or Commercial Country within a one year period of signing. • One additional page in a Simmental Country issue. • Sale attendance by a Simmental Country representative. • Sales reporting in Simmental Country. • Event listing in CSA/SC calendar for events. • One annual subscription to the magazine. • Your business card in the business card section of both magazines for one year.

Countr y

Advertising Contract • 7 Consecutive Issues • Full Colour Page Basic Rate:

Simmental Country 5 pages at $1,000.00

Commercial Country 2 pages at $1,300.00

Plus applicable taxes per issue Contract Details: • 5 issues advertisement in the Simmental Country (1997) Ltd. • 2 issues advertisement in the Commercial Country • One additional page in a Simmental Country issue and one additional page in a Commercial Country Issue • Sales reporting in the Simmental Country • Event Listing in CSA/SC Calendar of events • One annual subscription free of charge. • Sale attendance by a Simmental Country representative. • Your business card in the business card section of both magazines for one year free of charge.

Meghan Black Programs Coordinator 506-324-4825 mblack@simmental.com 36

Jane Crawford Eastern Sales Consultant 519-317-5263 jane.cattle@gmail.com

Ryan Cook Simmental Country Sales Representative 780-818-3452 rcook@simmental.com

Member Announcements

Congratulations to Jamie Buba (Lewis Farms – Spruce Grove, AB) and her husband Brock Fetting who were married June 25, 2016 on the farm! Such a fun day…we wish them nothing but love, happiness, and adventure in their future together!

Christel Warkentin from Starwest Farms married Steve Humbke in Banff on June 30, 2016!

Alex Parsons and Spencer Rice of Windy Knoll Farm, Kingston N.S are proud to announce the arrival of Riley James Rice born June 16, 2016. Weighing 9 lbs. 3 oz, 23” long. Proud grand parents are Bruce and Shelley Parsons (Windy Knoll Simmentals), Albert and Carol Rice.

March 7, 2016 at the age of 74, Richard Rusnak, the longtime director of the Association of Slovak Spotted Cattle Breeders Cooperative passed away. Honor his memory.

Simmental/Fleckvieh Congress of the Americas 2016

common expression often used is that “life is all about experiences”. This past spring, I had the pleasure of representing the Canadian Simmental Association at the Simmental/Fleckvieh Congress of the Americas, held in Tabasco, Mexico from April 28th to May 5th. This was a great opportunity to promote Canadian Simmental cattle to attendees from across the world. The biggest thing that stood out for me on this trade mission, was that whether we call ourselves farmers, cattle producers or ranchers, it doesn’t matter what corner of the world we live in, we all have a passion for our breed! By attending events such as this, we will continue to educate the world about the positive attributes, and potential that Canadian Simmental has to offer. The conference was held at the headquarter hotel, Marriott of Villahermosa, where my husband Jacob, and I joined Canadian Simmental Association’s General Manager, Bruce Holmquist, and many other producers and industry members for eight days. Many contacts were made throughout the week from Australia, Germany, the U.S.A., South and Central America, and of course Mexico including; Sally Buxkemper, Beth Mercer, Kenneth and Rhonda Airheart, Billy and Malika Hallak, Keith and Shelley Strack, Bill, Jane and Diane Travis, Dr. Brad Stroud, Dr. Wade Shafer, Fred Schuetze and Steven Bechtold. We were kept busy during our eight days in Mexico, and we were able to see cattle, tour farms, visited the Mayan Ruins in Palenque Tabasco, and learn about the people and their local culture. We had the opportunity to tour barns and view Brahman cattle that were also part of the National Brahman Show. Watching the cattle show was very educational, and with the extremely hot temperatures, combined with the very high humidity, it was easy to see why Brahman cross cattle were popular. The exhibitors of this show were very passionate about their cattle, and truly enjoy showing them off. The type of Simmental there is different from what we see today, in our country; but the passion I speak about is the same. Though these cattle carry different strengths than what we look for in Canada, they were still strong. I enjoyed watching and learning more about them. The animals exhibited in the Simmental shows were traditional Simmental/Fleckvieh cattle, or Simbrah cattle which have had the Brahman influence added to make the cattle more heat tolerant. On May the 2nd, our day was filled with information and updates from well-known speakers across the world, regarding the livestock industry in their respective countries. The meetings offered educational, and global insight about the Fleckvieh/ Simmental and Simbrah breeds, ideas and views of where the breed would grow to next. It was very interesting listening to the different presentations from World Simmental Fleckvieh Federation President, Josef Kucera, from Czech Republic, Peter Massmann, Dr. Wade Shafer, Bruce Holmquist, Dr. Thomas Grupp, Dr. Brad Stroud along with several other as well. On the 3rd, we traveled to Governor Arturo Nunez Jimenez’s mansion, where the group was welcomed and enjoyed a formal breakfast with state politicians. The organizers were

Lacey Fisher

President – Canadian Simmental Association

congratulated and the Governor shared with us information about the culture of ranches in Mexico. A Bernie Brown print, “Simmental Country”, was presented to the Governor from our General Manager Bruce Holmquist, as appreciation from the Canadian Simmental Association. The conference then concluded with shows at the exposition grounds of Simmental, Simbrah and Brahman. Overall it was a fantastic opportunity to meet people from all over the world, and to promote how Canadian Simmental can fit into the needs of other countries. Thank you to Alberto Banuet, from Rancho Buenavista and Fred Schuetze, for organizing and hosting this Conference.

Amelioration de la Race La meilleure technologie fonctionne mieux avec de meilleurs groupes contemporains. Par: Marty Ropp, PDG, Spécialiste du développement des affaires et représentant commercial, Allied Genetic Resources

e reconnais que le mot meilleur est répété dans mon titre, mais je peux vous dire que cet énoncé est bien réel. L’expression couramment employée « mauvaises données à l’entrée, mauvais résultats à la sortie » parle d’elle-même, et elle s’applique très bien au secteur de l’amélioration génétique. Voici pourquoi il est si important de fournir des données précises et fiables. Si vous êtes comme moi, vous devez également être emballé par le nouveau système “BOLT”, qui nous permettra de calculer les prochaines générations d’indices génétiques améliorés et encore plus précis. En effet, le nouveau programme « Quantum Leap » est le résultat d’avancées scientifiques importantes et de beaucoup d’efforts consentis. Nous avons tous hâte de pouvoir en retirer les premiers bénéfices. Avec ces progrès futurs à portée de nous, je tiens à vous réitérer que ces outils et les nouvelles technologies reposent toujours en grande partie sur le fait que les éleveurs recueillent et fournissent des données de performances de qualité. En somme, il serait même vrai de dire qu’il est encore plus important que jamais de fournir des données de qualité. Ne vous leurrez pas avec la promesse que ces nouvelles technologies vous rendront la vie plus facile. Si on veut obtenir des analyses d’ADN qui soient précises tant aujourd’hui que dans le futur, il nous faudra toujours disposer d’une somme importante de données requises pour effectuer de nouvelles calibrations ainsi que des mises à jour. Un groupe contemporain bien défini combiné à une information bien rapportée demeure toujours la pierre angulaire des bases de données qu’on exploite pour améliorer les bovins et la viande de boeuf. Les discussions touchant les données d’un groupe contemporain sont souvent éclipsées par nos rêves d’une technologie qui fait tout, et par une tendance bien triste et simpliste de n’utiliser que les données brutes individuelles pour caractériser les performances et les progrès. En réalité, sans les comparaisons et l’évaluation effectuée à l’intérieur d’un groupe contemporain de qualité, toute la technologie et les efforts de marketing qu’on emploie ne laissent pas beaucoup d’espoir d’amélioration significative et d’accroissement de notre compétitivité. Pensez aux groupes contemporains en termes de courses – des courses qui ont lieu à chaque année sur des milliers de fermes et de ranchs. Nous transmettons les résultats de ces courses à l’ASA. De leur côté, ils évaluent les gagnants et les 40

perdants, et ils nous informent au sujet des lignées génétiques ayant gagné le plus de courses que les autres, cela en tenant compte d’un large éventail de situations et d’environnements. Aucun taureau ne gagnera toutes les courses à chaque fois. Peu importe que nous soyons certains que seuls les résultats obtenus chez nous sont ceux qui comptent, des descendants différents obtiendront des performances différentes et se classeront différemment lorsque comparés avec leurs contemporains évoluant dans différentes situations. Les taureaux qui gagnent plus souvent qu’ils ne perdent prennent ainsi de la valeur pour des caractères particuliers, tandis que ceux qui arrivent constamment en-dessous de la moyenne voient leurs valeurs EPD diminuer pour ces caractères. Avec les efforts combinés de la technologie et de la transmission des données, c’est comme si on était capable de demander à chaque éleveur dans le monde comment ces veaux ont performé. Rappelez-vous qu’un taureau peut gagner et perdre dans différentes catégories. Il pourrait gagner pour la croissance et perdre pour les qualités de carcasse, ou bien gagner pour les valeurs maternelles et perdre au niveau de la facilité de vêlage. Plus on a de résultats de courses rapportés et provenant d’une multitude de troupeaux, et plus nous deviendrons certains par rapport aux résultats des courses à venir; et plus la précision sera élevée pour nos prédictions sur le caractère qu’on veut mesurer et améliorer. Notre système tient également compte des biais possibles au niveau des accouplements et de notre propre tendance à effectuer des accouplements préférentiels. On doit avoir des courses honnêtes et justes si on veut obtenir une évaluation génétique qui soit précise et correcte. Voilà donc pourquoi une composition bien définie (juste) des groupes contemporains demeure le point de départ d’obtention de bons EPD qui, ultimement, permettra de maximiser l’amélioration génétique. Le fait d’avoir plusieurs résultats de courses aidera sûrement, toutefois plus ces comparaisons seront bien effectuées et précises, et plus les données retournées à l’éleveur seront bonnes et meilleure sera l’évaluation génétique. Comment pourrait-on alors planifier et favoriser l’obtention de “courses justes” ? Si vous étudiez les règles de formation des groupes contemporains, elles touchent plus spécifiquement une période de temps, un environnement donné, le sexe des sujets ainsi que d’autres particularités devant être respectées

si on veut obtenir des résultats de « courses » précis et utiles. S’il s’agit d’une “course en hauteur”, tout le monde doit alors courir vers le haut. Si les poids sont mesurés avec un animal plein, tous les bovins doivent être pesés avec l’estomac plein. Si un groupe de bovins reçoit un traitement spécial, peu importe lequel, ces animaux ne devraient pas être comparés avec d’autres sujets n’ayant pas reçu ce traitement spécial ou cet avantage. L’objectif doit demeurer de retirer le plus d’effets possible dus à l’environnement et de ne mesurer que les différences causées par la génétique. En tant qu’éleveurs, nous apportons de façon routinière et pour plusieurs raisons une touche propre à nos programmes d’élevage, ce qui n’est pas en soi un problème, pourvu qu’on sépare correctement nos groupes contemporains pour obtenir des courses qui soient honnêtes et justes. Par exemple, on obtiendra de meilleures informations en divisant un groupe de trente sujets en cinq, au lieu de laisser les trente sujets dans un seul groupe, même si certains sujets ont reçu une alimentation à la dérobée, d’autres ont profité de conditions différentes de pâturage, qu’un groupe ait été malade,…etc. Toutes ces raisons sont valables pour redéfinir vos groupes au moment de votre prise de données. De même, nous ne pensons généralement pas à retirer un sujet d’un groupe donné, lorsque les conditions d’environnement sont désavantageuses pour celui-ci. Les jumeaux ne sont pas comparés à la moyenne du groupe pour les fins d’évaluation, car ils ont un désavantage environnemental significatif par rapport aux veaux nés individuellement. Un veau avec une patte cassée, ou qui est malade chronique ou encore orphelin devrait être retiré d’un groupe, car dans ces cas, la course ne sera pas « juste » et équitable au point de vue génétique, en raison de l’influence de facteurs environnementaux. Les indices des ces veaux devraient être calculés séparément et, par conséquent, leurs indices ne contribueront pas à l’évaluation génétique ou aux EPD de leurs pères, leurs mères ou leurs ancêtres. L’un des aspects le plus négligé au sujet de la problématique des groupes contemporains est la répartition des groupes de sujets aux pâturages. D’un point de vue strictement de “puriste”, différents groupes ou pâturages de vaches correspondent à une course différente, et devraient donc faire partie de différents groupes contemporains. Avec des conditions semblables de pâturages, on peut tout de même avoir des résultats de course différents, c’est-à-dire lorsqu’on mesure la fertilité ou la longévité. Par exemple, un taureau dans un pâturage donné ne réussira pas à saillir aucune de ces vaches, alors qu’un autre taureau dans une section voisine aura un succès complet. Si on faisait l’erreur de considérer les deux sections de pâturages comme un seul groupe contemporain, les vaches se trouvant avec le mauvais taureau seraient ainsi jugées responsables du faible taux de conception au lieu que ce soit une cause liée à leur « environnement » et bien que dans ce cas-ci, le taureau était le coupable. À l’opposé, si on avait bien rapporté ces vaches comme faisant partie de deux

groupes contemporains, la génétique des vaches en présence du taureau non fertile ne serait pas affectée négativement au niveau de leur longévité, car leur course n’était pas bonne et tout le groupe avait perdu. Les facteurs d’ajustement sont là afin de rendre les courses plus équitables. Tout comme vous pourriez donner quelques pas d’avance à vos jeunes enfants lors d’une course à travers votre terrain afin de favoriser une course plus juste, un facteur d’ajustement fait en sorte que des données difficiles à comparer pourront l’être. Nous ajustons à la hausse le poids à la naissance des veaux de taures, afin de pouvoir mieux les comparer à ceux des vaches et de favoriser une course plus équitable. Nous ajoutons des livres au poids de sevrage des veaux de taures car, en général, leur premier veau sera le plus léger qu’elles sèvreront et, pour cette raison, il est difficile de les comparer ou de calculer des indices en incluant les veaux des vaches adultes dans le même pâturage. Ces facteurs d’ajustement ne peuvent pas être parfaits pour toutes les situations possibles et je peux vous assurer que plusieurs se font un plaisir de nous le rappeler. Si vous êtes en mesure de prouver à partir de données prises sur plusieurs années que les facteurs d’ajustements pour le poids chez les veaux des taures sont soit trop élevés ou encore trop bas, alors faites en sorte de considérer tous les veaux issus de primipares comme faisant partie d’un seul groupe contemporain. Peu importe les choix que vous ferez, cela ne viendra pas déranger l’évaluation génétique. Par exemple, lorsque vos primipares sont traitées de manière substantiellement différente de celle des vaches adultes, les veaux devraient être rapportés dans des groupes contemporains distincts, si on veut obtenir des données plus justes. Une telle décision est prise en fonction de s’assurer d’obtenir une course juste et équitable. Au niveau des groupes contemporains, il faut se rappeler quelques éléments bien simples. Lorsqu’un groupe contemporain est défait, les sujets du groupe ne seront pas ramenés ensemble, sauf dans quelques cas particuliers et isolés. Il existe des règles pour la confection des groupes contemporains, telles que le chevauchement entre les saisons, et cela peut faire en sorte que vos groupes contemporains seront plus petits que ce que vous vous rappelez avoir déclaré. En général, on aura des courses équitables avec des veaux d’âge comparable, étant du même sexe et qui auront toujours des chances égales de participer à leur course. De cette manière, les gagnants et les perdants permettront de fournir de meilleures informations à la base de données et, en bout de ligne, aux éleveurs qui comptent sur une évaluation génétique juste et des EPD fiables. À la fin de la journée, il est toujours gagnant d’avoir beaucoup de données provenant de nombreux éleveurs, mais une somme importante de bonnes données nous permettra à tous de se rendre plus vite ou on veut aller. Revoyez vos groupes contemporains et assurezvous d’avoir des courses justes en 2016, faites en sorte que vos données puissent compter !

Ashworth Farm & Ranch 13th Annual Bull Sale Oungre, SK March 7, 2016 Auctioneer: Jerry Kanewischer

Sale Summary

Lots

Gross

Average

Bulls 72 $758,550.24 Raised for STARS $13,885.50 Sale Total 72 $758,550.24

High Selling Lots

Lot 1 - KWA Authority 59C S: CDI Authority 77X DS: KWA Red Rock 5T Buyer: Double Bar D Farms

$10,535.42 $10,535.42

$160,000.00

6th Annual Hwy 16 West Multi-Breed Bull Sale Mayerthorpe, AB March 19, 2016 Auctioneer: Robert Lind

Sale Summary Yearling Bulls Sale Total

Lots 33 33

Gross $136,600.00 $136,600.00

High Selling Lots

Lot 1 - SKV Carbon 14 31C S: TLSS Avenger 124Z DS: CDI Shear Force 41T Consignor: Nolara Farms Buyer: Triple MP Farms

Roast Beef with Peppercorn Wine Sauce Prep: 5 mins Cook: 2 hours Yields: 6 servings

Average $4,139.00 $4,139.00

$10,000.00

2 lb (1 kg) 5

Lot 9 - KWA Mountain 83C S: KWA Fly F Red Mountain 16Z DS: MRL 127Y Buyer: Triangle Stock Farms

$28,000.00

Lot 54 - KWA Odyssey 62C S: KWA Odin 29A DS: IPU Red Western 49X Buyer: Gerald Maloway

$18,000.00

Lot 20 - KWA Currency 257C S: WAGR Currency 210Z DS: KWA Red Rock 5T Buyer: City View Farms

$15,500.00

Lot 16 - KWA Integrity 148C S: MRL Integrity 76Y DS: KWA Red Rock 5T Buyer: Mandan Lake Farms

$15,000.00

Lot 2 - LNS Cueball 39C S: TLSS Avenger 124Z DS: MFR Red Thunder 820U Consignor: Nolara Farms Buyer: Walt Miller

$6,000.00

Lot 25 - Hornbank Clipper 4C S: TJ Easy Money 101W DS: RC Club King 040R Consignor: Hornbank Simmentals

$5,500.00

Lot 9 - LNS Cheaptrick 5C S: LNS Gravity 212A DS: PRL Tiller 372T Consignor: Nolara Farms Buyer: Walt Miller

$5,000.00

Lot 21 - SKV Conquest 21C S: CDI Authority 77X DS: Virginia Red Texas Consignor: Nolara Farms Buyer: Lyle Adams

$4,500.00

Beef Premium Oven Roast (e.g. Top Sirloin, Boneless Rib or Prime Rib) cloves garlic, cut into slivers Sea salt and coarsely ground pepper Peppercorn Wine Sauce (recipe follows)

1. Cut shallow slits all over roast; insert garlic slivers into slits. Rub all over with coarse salt and pepper. Place, fat side up, on rack in shallow roasting pan (no water is necessary). Insert oven-safe meat thermometer into centre of roast, avoiding fat or bone. Oven-sear by placing uncovered roast in preheated 450°F (230°C) oven for 10 minutes. 2. Reduce heat to 275°F (140°C). Cook until thermometer reads 145°F(63°C) for medium-rare, about 2 hours. Remove from oven. 3. Place roast on cutting board; cover with foil and let stand for at least 15 minutes. Meanwhile, make Peppercorn Wine Sauce. Carve roast into thin slices and serve with hot sauce. Peppercorn Wine Sauce: Drain off all but 2 tbsp (30 mL) fat from pan. Heat pan drippings in roasting pan over medium-high heat. Stir in 2 tbsp (30 mL) all-purpose flour; cook, stirring constantly, for 1 minute. Gradually stir in 1 cup (250 mL) EACH sodium-reduced beef broth and red wine or Madeira and 2 tsp (10 mL) cracked mixed peppercorns. Cook, stirring up any browned bits from bottom of pan. Whisk until sauce boils and thickens, about 4 minutes. Makes 1-1/4 cups (300 mL).

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

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

Dave and Krista Erixon 306-270-2893

erixonsimmentals@sasktel.net www.erixonsimmentals.com Box 156 Clavet, SK S0K 0Y0 Red & Black Simmentals

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

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

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

Industry Events

Insurance

LOOKING FOR

WOOD! SLAB BOARDS, SPLIT RAIL, ROUGH SAWN (ANY SIZE)

RANDY TOOTH HOME: 403-533-3985 â&#x20AC;¢ RANDY CELL: 403-809-1795 SHELAGH CELL: 587-888-4111 TWO LOCATIONS ROCKYFORD OR SUNDRE

Auctioneer/Ringman

Photographers

Semen/Embryos

Trucking

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 arke M k c o t s e Liv - Sale Managment - Consulting - Order Buying - International Export Approved Semen & Embryo Storage Facility

Brian

Darnell

Chad

WWW.BOUCHARDLIVESTOCK.COM

Semen/Embryos

DATA FOR GENETIC EVALUATIONS The CSA always welcomes members to supply us with data that is useful for genetic improvement and encourages them to work with us to include it in our Genetic Evaluations. For many years the CSA has worked with members interested in providing carcass data to enhance their programs and the Simmental breed. Please refer to http://www.simmental.com/resource.html or contact us for further information.

GENOTYPING INCENTIVE PROGRAM

Tel: (403) 250-7979 Fax: (403) 250-5121 Email: cansim@simmental.com Website: www.simmental.com #13, 4101-19th St. NE., Calgary, AB T2E 7C4

What’s Happening July

October

Jul. 21-24 Canadian Simmental Association Annual Convention & YCSA National Classic Lloydminster, SK Jul. 23 Saskatchewan Simmental Association AGM Lloydminster, SK Jul. 23 Friends of the Canadian Simmental Foundation Auction Lloydminster, SK Jul. 29 Expo de Saint-Hyacinthe Show Saint-Hyacinthe, PQ Jul. 29-31 Manitoba Youth Roundup Neepawa, MB

Oct. 1 November/December Winter Issue Advertising Deadline Oct. 1 Bar 5 Farms Dispersal Sale - Cattle & Frozen Genetics Markdale, ON Oct. 2 River Point Cattle Co. Internet Sale Glencoe, ON Oct. 7-9 Expo-Boeuf Victoriaville, PQ Oct. 10-15 II Congress Simmental & Simbra of Americas Jalisco Oct. 14 Anchor D Ranch Pasture Treasures Female Sale Rimbey, AB Oct. 15 Ottawa Valley Simmental Club Harvest Sale Metcalfe, ON Oct. 16 Quality Control I @ Indian River Cattle Co Indian River, ON Oct. 27-29 Manitoab Ag Ex Livestock Show Brandon, MB Oct. 29 Edam Fall Fair Commercial Cattle Show Edam, SK Oct. 31 Rust Mountain View “Queens of the Pasture” Female Sale Turtle Lake, ND

August Aug. 1 Commercial Country September Issue Advertising Deadline Aug. 2-6 Prince Albert Exhibition Prince Albert, SK Aug. 4-7 Alberta YCSA Wildrose Classic Lacombe, AB Aug. 9-11 Canadian Beef Industry Conference 2016 Calgary, AB Aug. 21 Cookshire Show Cookshire, PQ Aug. 28 Ayer’s Cliff Show Ayer’s Cliff, PQ

September Sept. 1 October Issue Advertising Deadline Sept. 1 Canadian Simmental Association Hall of Fame Nomination Sept. 2 Expo de Brome Show Brome, PQ Sept. 10 Ontario Autumn Simmental Classic Sale Hanover, ON Sept. 23-25 Maritime YCSA Classic Windsor, NS Sept. 24 Ferme Gagnon & Guests Production Sale Cheneville, PQ Sept. 24 Eastern Harvest Sale Cheneville, PQ Sept. 24 Pacific Invitational All Breeds Female Sale Williams Lake, BC Sept. 30 Friends of the Canadian Simmental Foundation Scholarship Deadline

November Nov. 1 Spring Evaluation Data Entry Deadline Nov. 2-5 Lloydminster Stockade Roundup Lloydminster, SK Nov. 4 Stockade Roundup Fall Fusion All Breeds Sale Lloydminster, SK Nov. 4-13 Royal Agricultural Winter Fair Toronto, ON Nov. 4 Royal Elite All Breeds Sale Toronto, ON Nov. 9-13 Farmfair International- National Simmental Show Edmonton, AB Nov. 12 Pembina Triangle Simmental Association 36th Annual Sale Cypress River, MB Nov. 16-19 Futures One Online Simmental Sale Nov. 17 Western Harvest 3rd Annual Simmental Bred Heifer Sale Innisfail, AB Nov. 18 Jewels & Diamonds Simmental Production Sale Ponoka, AB Nov. 21-26 Canadian Western Agribition Regina, SK Nov. 23 46th Annual Agribition Simmental Sale Regina, SK Nov. 28 Harvest Hoedown 22nd Annual Simmental Heifer Sale Neepawa, MB Nov. 29 Camrose Country Classic Camrose, AB

December Dec.1 Commercial Country January Issue Advertising Deadline Dec. 2 SimPower Bred Female Sale Innisfail, AB Dec. 3 Lewis Farms 2016 Leading Ladies Female Sale Spruce Grove, AB Dec. 5 The Source of Elite Simmental Genetics Lloydminster, AB Dec. 6 38th Annual Keystone Konnection Simmental Sale Brandon, MB Dec. 7 Double Bar D “Sharing the Herd” Production Sale Grenfell, SK Dec. 8 Transcon’s Simmsational 39th Annual Simmental Sale Moose Jaw, SK Dec. 9 McMillen Ranching Herdbuilder Female Sale Carievale, SK Dec. 10 Meadow Acres “Maiden of the Meadow” Production Sale Alameda, SK Dec. 12 Stoughton Farms Ltd. Complete Herd Dispersal Lloydminster, SK Dec. 12 Shades of the Prairies Simmental Sale Brandon, MB Dec. 13 Bonchuk Farms Female Production Sale Virden, MB

Dec. 13 Southern Alberta Simmental Roundup 23rd Annual Bull & Female Sale Stavely, AB Dec. 15 Total Herd Enrollment (THE) Deadline Dec. 16 5th Annual Friday Night Lights Simmental Sale Olds, AB Dec. 17 Checkers Red, Black and Fullblood Sale Ponoka, AB Dec. 17 Transcon’s National Trust “On Ice” Chapter IX Simmental Semen & Embryo Sale Red Deer, AB Dec. 18 Transcon’s Fleckvieh Equation Fullblood Simmental Sale Red Deer, AB Dec. 18 Transcon’s Ultimate Red & Black XIX Simmental Sale Red Deer, AB Dec. 20 Spring Creek “Golden Opportunity III” Female Sale Moosomin, SK Dec. 21 Twin Brae Simmentals Bred Female Dispersal Virden, MB Dec. 29 Rainalta Complete Simmental and Charolais Herd Dispersal Brooks, AB Dec. 31 New Years Resolution Frozen Genetics Sale Olds, AB

Table of Contents Publication Information........................................2

Ontario Simmental Association News................29

From the Gate Post................................................4

Quebec Simmental Association News................30

Livestock Markets Association of Canada............5

Maritimes Simmental Association News............31

Breed Improvement..............................................8

Young Canadian Simmental Association............32

Queens of the Pasture Photo Contest..................12

From the Gate Post (French)...............................34

Vets Advice.........................................................14

Member Announcements....................................37

Women In Simmental Country...........................18

Simm/Fleck Congress of the Americas 2016......38

On the Road........................................................23

Breed Improvement (French)..............................40

Top 50 Herd Sires...............................................24

Sale Results.........................................................42

Top 50 T.H.E.......................................................25

Did You Know....................................................55

From the Director’s Chair...................................26

What’s Happening...............................................56

Alberta Simmental Association News................27

Advertisers Index................................................58

Saskatchewan Simmental Association News......28

CSA Contacts......................................................59

ABC Cattle Co.........................................47 Adair Ranch.............................................43 Afri-Can Simmentals................................49 Alameda Agencies...................................53 Alliance Simmental Farms.......................50 Alta Genetics...........................................54 Anchor D Ranch......................................43 Applecross Cattle....................................43 Ashworth Farm & Ranch Ltd...................47 Aumack Simmentals................................47 Bar 5 Farms.........................................7, 50 Bar CL Livestock.....................................43 Beagle Simmentals..................................43 Beechinor Bros. Simmentals...................43 Big Rock Simmentals..............................43 Black River Farms...................................50 BlackSand Cattle Company.....................49 Blushrose Simmental Farm.....................47 Bohrson Marketing Services....7, 10, 54, 60 Bonchuk Farms.......................................49 Bouchard Livestock International..3, 11, 54 Boundry Ranch........................................47 Bova-Tech Ltd..........................................54 Bow Valley Genetics................................54 Bristolview Farm......................................60 Brooksland Farms...................................15 BS Ranch................................................43 Buschbeck Ranch....................................15 Canadian Beef Industry Conference.......22 Canadian Bull Congress..........................53 Canadian Cattleman................................54 Carey, Brent.............................................53 Car-Laur Simmentals...............................15 Casa Branca..............................................7 Casaloma Cattle Compay........................47 Cattle Cures.............................................53 Cedar Creek Simmentals........................60 Circle 3 Genetics.....................................50 Circle G Simmentals & Angus.................43 City View Simmentals..............................47 Clearwater Simmentals.....................35, 43 Cornerview Simmentals...........................60 Crimson Tide Fleckvieh...........................50 Crossroad Farms.....................................47 Czech-Mate Livestock.............................43 Davis-Rairdan..........................................54 Deeg Simmentals....................................44 Destiny Simmentals.................................50 58

Diamond T Simmentals...........................44 DJ Farms.................................................60 DLSO.......................................................15 Dobbie Simmentals.................................15 Don Heggie Simmentals..........................44 Donovandale Farms............................7, 50 Dora Lee Genetics...................................51 Dorran Marketing Inc...............................53 Dorran, Steve..........................................53 Double Bar D Farms........................47, IFC Double G Simmentals..............................47 Downey Farms........................................49 Dunc’s Cattle Co......................................51 Dwayann Simmentals..........................7, 51 Eagle-Ridge Simmentals.........................44 East Poplar Simmentals..........................48 Edge, Dean..............................................53 EDN Simmentals.....................................47 Elm Tree Farms.................................16, 51 Erixon Simmentals...................................48 Fallen Timber Farms...............................43 Ferme Gagnon........................................52 Ferme Saro Farm....................................52 Foley Simmentals....................................51 Genex......................................................54 Gibbons Farms........................................15 GJR Simmentals......................................48 Grant Rolston Photography Ltd...............54 Gravandale Farms.............................15, 51 Grinalta Farms.........................................44 H.S. Knill Company Limited.....................54 Hairy Hill Cattle Co..................................44 Hallridge Simmentals...............................51 Hannah Simmentals................................44 Harvie Ranching......................................44 Hidden Hollow Farms..............................60 High Bluff Stock Farm..............................50 High Country Cattle Services..................44 Hi-Tech Farms...................................51, 60 Hoegl Livestock.......................................48 Indian River Cattle Co.............................51 Janzen Brogan Embryo Services Ltd......54 Janzen Ranches......................................44 Jetstream Livestock.................................51 JNR Farms..............................................44 Keato Meadow Simmentals.....................44 Kin Kin Cattle Co.....................................44 Kuntz Simmental Farm............................48

LaBatte Simmentals................................48 Lazy Bar-B Simmentals...........................48 Lazy S Ranch Inc....................................44 Lewis Farms.....................................44, BC Little Willow Creek Ranch........................48 Lobster Point Farms................................52 Log & Tin Forest Products Ltd.................53 Lone Stone Farms...................................44 M&J Farms..............................................50 M&R Cattle Co.........................................45 MacKenzie Cattle Company....................45 Mader Ranches.................................13, 45 Maple Key Farm................................15, 51 Mappin Simmentals.................................45 Mar Mac Farms.......................................50 Martinvale Farms.....................................23 Masterfeeds.............................................53 Maxwell Simmentals................................45 McCormack Family Ranch......................48 MCG Simmentals....................................45 McIntosh Livestock..................................48 McManus Simmentals.............................50 McMillen Ranching............................21, 48 Meadow Acres Farms..............................48 MI Simmentals.........................................45 Mitchell Cattle Co....................................43 Muirhead Cattle Co..................................48 New Holland..............................................1 Nolara Farms...........................................45 North Creek Simmentals.........................48 North Hill Simmentals..............................45 Norwood Family Farm.............................15 O Double E Simmentals..........................45 Oberg, Don..............................................53 O’brien Farms..........................................51 O’Grady Steel..........................................53 Okotoks Fleckvieh Embryo Group...........45 Oslanski Simmental Farms......................45 Parkhill Ranches......................................45 Parview Stockfarms.................................45 Pearson Simmentals...............................45 Pheasantdale Simmentals.......................48 Phillips Farms..........................................53 Pine Creek Simmentals...........................45 Porter Ranches........................................46 ProRich Seeds.........................................50 Rainalta Simmentals..........................11, 46 Rancier Farms.........................................46

RDG Simmentals.....................................46 Red Rose Angus......................................49 Rehorst Farms...................................15, 51 Rendezvous Farms.................................50 Rick-Sha Farms.......................................15 River Point Cattle Co...............................51 Riverbank Farm.......................................50 Robb Farms.............................................48 Robson Acres..........................................51 Rosebud Simmentals..............................46 Rosemead Farms....................................15 Rovin Acres.............................................15 Rust Mountain View Ranch.....................52 SAJ Simmentals......................................49 Sanmar Simmentals..................................7 Saugeen Acres........................................46 Simmeron Ranch.....................................46 Skeels, Dan.............................................53 Skor Simmentals.....................................46 Somerled Farm..........................................7 Southpaw Cattle Company......................46 Spring Creek Simmentals..................10, 49

Spring Lake Simmentals..........................46 Starwest Farms.......................................43 Steen Agencies........................................53 Stewart Simmentals.................................51 Stock, Mark..............................................53 Stockmens Insurance..............................53 Stone Simmentals...................................46 Storebo Farm...........................................49 Stoughton Farms.................................6, 49 Sullivan Simmentals................................52 Sully’s Farm.......................................15, 52 Sun Rise Simmentals..............................49 Sun Star Simmentals...............................46 Sunny Valley Simmentals........................49 Swan Lake Farms....................................49 Swantewitt Simmentals...........................46 T Bar C Cattle Co. Ltd.................6, 54, IFC The Register............................................52 Timberlind Auctions.................................53 Todd Simmentals.....................................52 Transcon Livestock Corp.....17, 54, 60, IBC Trevor’s Cowpix.......................................54

Triple Rose Simmentals..........................52 Tryon Simmentals....................................52 TSN Livestock.........................................50 Twin Brae Simmentals.......................17, 50 Twin Butte Simmentals............................46 Tymarc Livestock.....................................46 Vail View Farms.......................................15 Virginia Ranch.........................................47 W2 Farms................................................49 Weldehaven Farms...........................52, 60 Well’s Crossing Cattle Company.............46 Weppler Cattle Co. .................................15 Westford Farm...........................................7 Westway Farms Ltd.................................47 Wild Oak Farms.......................................52 Windy Knoll Farm....................................52 WJ Simmentals........................................47 Wolfe Farms............................................47 Wolfe’s Fleckvieh.....................................47 Xcel Livestock....................................52, 60 XRC Simmentals.....................................49

#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 Lacey Fisher Amherst, NS P: (902) 661-0766 C: (902) 664-6206 timberwoodfarms@ seasidehighspeed.com

Maureen Mappin-Smith Byemoor, AB P: (403) 579-2175 C: (403) 321-0501 silversmithcattle@yahoo.com

First Vice-President David Milliner Dundalk, ON P: (519) 923-9188 C: (519) 375-0122 dgmilliner@everus.ca Second Vice-President Lee McMillen Carievale, SK P: (306) 928-4820 C: (306) 483-8067 mrbulls@gmail.com

Provincial Associations

British Columbia President Lorne Webster Abbotsford, BC P/F: (604) 823-6797 Secretary: Kelly Ashworth Jan Wisse Oungre, SK P: (604) 794-3684 P: (306) 456-2749 Alberta C: (306) 861-2013 President jashworth@sasktel.net Kyle Lewis Spruce Grove, AB Blair McRae P: (780) 220-9188 Brandon, MB kyle@lewisfarms.ca P: (204) 728-3058 C: (204) 729-5439 Office Contact marmac@inetlink.ca Heather Saucier Airdrie, AB Garth Rancier P: (403) 861-6352 Killam, AB F: (403) 948-2059 P: (780) 385-2425 saucierh@telus.net C: (780) 385-5313 Promotion / Fieldperson rancierfarms@xplornet.ca Chuck Groeneveld Dan Skeels High River, AB Rimbey, AB P: (403) 938-7843 P: (403) 843-4756 barnboss@telus.net C: (403) 783-1217 Saskatchewan anchordranch@misslink.ca President Ryan Lundberg Francis Gagnon Eastend, SK Cheneville, QC P: (306) 295-7999 P: (819) 428-3502 ryan_lundberg2@hotmail.com C: (514) 975-3722 francis_gagnon0407@hotmail.com Secretary: Carolyn McCormack P: (306) 697-2945 sasksimmental@yourlink.ca

Manitoba President Everett Olson Minnedosa, MB P: (204) 826-2643 everettolson@mymts.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 YCSA Coordinator Kelsey Dust P: (306) 291-7086 kdust@simmental.com Simmental Country Sales Representative Ryan Cook P: (780) 818-3452 rcook@simmental.com

SCSummer16_Covers.indd 2

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December 3, 2016 1:00 pm Spruce Grove , Ab

LFE 30X Daughter selling out of Rich Ray

LFE 160X Granddaughter selling out of Commander

LFE 11X Sister selling out of Landslide LFE 165X Daughters selling out of Springsteen

Selling 65 Purebred Bred Heifers

Selling 200 Customer Commercial Bred Heifers LFE 630Y Daughter selling out of Commissioner

Black Angus - GGRR 18T Daughter selling out of Harvestor Red Angus - LFE 138T Progeny Selling

Su mme r 20 1 6 Q u e e n s o f t h e Pas t u r e S imme ntal Countr y

Leading Ladies

November/December 2015 Summer 2016

In This Issue:

A Beneficial Alliance Simmental Show Results YCSA Summit Leadership Report

In This Issue:

Queens of the Pasture Photo Contest Women in Simmental Country 2015 Top 50 THE Members & Sires List

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