The 2023 Canadian Simmental Association’s National Convention took place from August 3-5 and was hosted by the Ontario Simmental Association. Participants had the opportunity to tour the Ontario Livestock Exchange Inc., which is the largest auction market in Ontario. They also visited St. Jacobs Market District, Canada’s largest year-round outdoor market, Elora Beef Research Centre, Jetstream Livestock, Dwayann Simmentals and Drost Cattle Inc. (2,500-head feedlot).
During this year’s convention, the association also conducted its annual general meeting. The Canadian Simmental Association showed its appreciation to retiring director Bill Biglieni for his commitment and dedication to the association. Newly elected to the board were Neil Carson (Rossburn, Man.), Shane Williams, (East Garafraxa, Ont.) was elected president. Jennie Mutch, (Vernon, P.E.I.) was elected first vice-president and Scott Matthews (Cookshire-Eaton, Que.) was elected second vice-president. Continuing directors include Byron Johnson (Amisk, Alta.), Ben Farrant (Lousana, Alta.), Barclay Smith (Cherhill, Alta.), Blair McIntosh (Maymont, Sask.), and Randy Noble (Lloydminster, Sask.).
A highlight of the convention was the 2023 Friends of Canadian Simmental Foundation auction, which was once again a tremendous success, raising $132,470 to support the foundation’s programming. The feature lot was a bred heifer donated by Destiny Simmentals of Meaford, Ont., which raised $48,820.
Read Also
Pen riders still better than tech at detecting respiratory disease in feedlot cattle, says researcher
Recent research found that pen riders are better than tech at flagging signs of BRD in feedlot cattle
At the 2023 Young Canadian Simmental Association National Show, which was held the final day of the convention, the foundation presented $15,000 from the auction proceeds to the Young Canadian Simmental Association for ongoing youth activities. The show was a great success, attended by members from across Canada.
The Canadian Simmental Association looks forward to hosting the World Simmental Fleckvieh Federation for the World Congress in Calgary and Olds July 29 to August 4, 2024.
