Cattlemen’s Young Leaders
Amanda Miller spent part of her childhood on a small ranch in the Chilcotin region of B.C., which instilled a love for ranching. While attending Thompson Rivers University she found rangeland management intriguing as both a complex science and a field where the importance of grazing as an ecosystem function was celebrated. Rangeland management also tied together Miller’s childhood experiences with the scientific method. Miller went on to earn a master’s degree in rangeland and wildlife resources from the University of Alberta and become a professional agrologist. Miller worked as a rangeland specialist with the Alberta government for six years, before founding her own company, Palouse Rangeland Consulting, in B.C. Miller’s mentor is Larry Thomas, environment and sustainability manager at the Canadian Cattlemen’s Association.
Brock Larson grew up on a cow-calf operation at Simmie, in southwest Saskatchewan. He currently farms with his family on the same operation, which comprises a commercial Red Angus herd, with some Shorthorn genetics, as well as a small purebred Shorthorn herd. Larson’s involvement in 4-H inspired his passion for cattle genetics and breeding. He became an AI technician, implementing an AI program on his own farm and doing custom work for others. Larson then attended the University of Saskatchewan, completing his bachelor of science in agriculture, with a major in animal science. Off the farm, Larson has been working for Spagrud Water Well Drilling, based out of Gull Lake, Sask.
Canadian Western Agribition has announced its 2020 and 2021 scholarship recipients. Every year, Agribition awards $2,500 scholarships to students with a history of involvement as exhibitors, volunteers or competitors who are pursuing post-secondary education. The 2020 recipients are Halley Adams of Forestburg, Alta., who is in her fourth of year of veterinary medicine at the University of Calgary; and Hillary Sauder of Hodgeville, Sask., who is in her second year of animal science technology at Lakeland College. The 2021 recipients include Kaitlin Anderson of Swan River, Man., in her second year of a graduate degree in education, specializing in guidance and counselling, at Brandon University; and Megan Nicholas of Milestone, Sask., in her fourth year of secondary education at the University of Saskatchewan.
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The Barry Andrew Family Scholarship awards $1,500 to students with a history of Agribition involvement, who are pursuing a post-secondary education in agriculture. The 2020 recipient is Royce Moellenbeck of Englefeld, Sask., who is in his fourth year of a bachelor of science in agriculture at the University of Saskatchewan. The 2021 recipient is Cassidy Ross of Estevan, Sask., a fourth-year University of Saskatchewan student who is majoring in animal science, minoring in agribusiness.
The William M. Farley Memorial Scholarship awards $1,500 to students with a his- tory of Agribition involvement, with special recognition for those contributing through volunteerism. The 2020 recipient is Christin Dixon of Regina, Sask., who is in the second year of a health science degree, majoring in dental hygiene, at Saskatchewan Polytechnic. The 2021 recipient is Kylee Dixon of Arcola, Sask., a second-year veterinary technology student at Saskatchewan Polytechnic.
The Global Roundtable for Sustainable Beef announced its 2022 executive committee in January. Bob Lowe, Canadian Cattlemen’s Association president, is the vice-president of the committee. The executive also includes Ian McConnel of Tyson Foods (president), Justin Sherrard of Rabobank (secretary-treasurer), Jeannette Ferran Astorga of Zoetis (member- at-large), Lucas McKelvie of McDonalds Corporation (member-at-large) and Bob McCan of Texas ranch McFaddin Enterprises (past president).
Our condolences to the family and friends of Don Burgomaster of Peterborough, Ont., who died on December 8, 2021, at age 80. Burgomaster was a 50-year Charolais breeder in the Omemee area. He served the Charolais industry as vice-president of the Canadian Charolais Association in the 1980s. He was also a livestock judge and cattle auctioneer. Burgomaster was active with his local and provincial livestock associations and with the Royal Agricultural Winter Fair in Toronto. Together with the late Larry Leahy, Burgomaster formed Triangle Sales Management to handle purebred beef cattle sales. Burgomaster and his late wife Sharon pioneered Sharodon Farms in 1971, raising registered Charolais cattle. He and his family were long-time fixtures on the Ontario Charolais scene. Burgomaster is survived by his children, Steven (Helen) and Heather and three grandchildren.
Canadian Cattlemen is sad to report that Keith Sveinson, of Calgary, Alta. died on November 25, 2021, at the age of 90. Sveinson was a retired farmer, cattle- man and agrologist. He had served as the president of the Canadian Simmental Association and the World Simmental Federation. Sveinson was born in Innisfail and grew up on the family’s mixed farm at Markerville. After high school, he and his twin brother, Kenneth, returned to the farm. In 1957, Sveinson earned his agriculture degree at the University of Alberta. He embarked on a professional career with stops at firms like the Indus- trial Development Bank and the Royal Bank, retiring in 1994. He also owned land at Cochrane and spent time there raising Simmental cattle. Upon retirement, he sang in the Stampede City Chorus and in the barbershop quartet, Close Encounters. Sveinson was pre-deceased by his wife Edna in 2019. His three children, Bryan, Jill and John, survive him. Our condolences to Sveinson’s family and friends.
