Your Reading List

Purely Purebred

News from across Canada’s beef sector

Reading Time: 7 minutes

Published: February 18, 2026

Manitoba-Saskatchewan Gelbvieh Association 2026 board of directors. L to R: Ian Thackeray, Kimberly Little, Eileen Davidson and Maureen Tubman. Photo: Supplied

Condolences to Gren Winslow’s and Diane Gray’s loved ones on their passing

For many years I’ve been letting readers know about cattle producers from across Canada who have passed away. A little closer to home, I have to let you know about two people who were part of the Canadian Cattlemen family who have also passed.

Many of you will remember Grenville Winslow — Gren to everybody who knew him — the former editor of Canadian Cattlemen. Working alongside Gren was Diane Gray, who worked in production working hard to get Canadian Cattlemen magazine out the door to be delivered to your mailbox. She was one of the key people who made Canadian Cattlemen the quality publication that it is. Diane was unflappable, and she was great at showing me the ropes when I was the newest member of the Canadian Cattlemen family. One thing I will always remember were the photos she would send me of many Canadian Cattlemen covers over the years. They were quite a trip down memory lane!

Read Also

L to R: Macy Liebreich, Canadian Angus Foundation board member; Dallis Sailer, heifer voucher recipient; Belinda Wagner, Canadian Junior Angus co-ordinator. Photo: Supplied

Purely Purebred: Scholarships awarded at Canadian Junior Angus Guiding Outstanding Angus Leaders conference

Canadian Junior Angus GOAL winners announced, plus updates on Angus, Charolais, Simmental and Limousin events and 2026 conferences.

I think Diane was the definition of the proverbial duck in water: calm above the water but paddling like hell underneath. She could always be counted on, and everybody in the Winnipeg office would laugh when another Canadian Cattlemen edition went out the door and she said, “It’s done and dusted.”

I got to know Gren over the years, and when I thought of the magazine he always came to mind. Luckily for me, I had the opportunity to work with Gren and experience his quiet wisdom. Gren retired in December 2018 after being editor since 1986. For more Canadian Cattlemen history and Gren’s final column, check out the December 2018 issue.

Once Gren retired, current editor Lisa Guenther and I spearheaded a campaign to get Gren inducted into the 2019 Canadian Agriculture Hall of Fame. From the likes of Charlie Gracey, Stan Eby, Ron Clarke and John McKinnon to name a few, the letters all had a common theme: they all said what every reader of Canadian Cattlemen already knew. Here was a man whose understanding and knowledge of the beef industry along with his calm demeanour and quiet leadership made him an influencer before anybody knew what an influencer was. There was no definition in the dictionary yet, but Gren told the stories that needed to be told without taking any sides in the debate. He was well respected not only in beef circles but in Canadian agriculture from coast to coast. Unfortunately, our nomination for Gren’s induction into the Hall of Fame was declined, but I think most readers would agree that in our minds he’s already there.

Thank you to Diane Gray and Grenville (Gren) Winslow for everything you did either putting ink to paper or being an unsung hero in production. You both made Canadian Cattlemen what it is today but more importantly our lives just a little bit better, and you’ll not be forgotten!

From all of us at Canadian Cattlemen, our condolences to both families.

Gren Winslow. Photo: File
Gren Winslow. Photo: file photo: file

Condolences to Glen Cartwright’s loved ones on his passing

James Glen Cartwright passed away peacefully with family at his side on Dec. 31, 2025, in Saskatoon, Sask., at the age of 63. He is survived by his wife, Carolyn (Bumphrey); children Matthew (Parker) Zmud, Danny (Brooklynn) Zmud and Laura Zmud; granddaughter Nora; sister Elna (Don) Creedon; siblings-in-law Marilyn Cartwright, Ron (Joan) Bumphrey, Wayne (Michelle) Bumphrey; numerous nieces and nephews; the family pets and friend Natalie Bessey. He was predeceased by his parents, Gordon and Meryle Cartwright, brother Ron Cartwright, and Gordon and Jean Bumphrey.

Cartwright was born on Aug. 24, 1962, in Winnipeg, the youngest of three. He was raised in Winnipeg, and in his teenage years the family built an acreage on Blackdale Road in West St. Paul, Man.. He achieved his bachelor of science in agriculture from the University of Manitoba. He worked numerous jobs in his early career and later joined the animal health industry with Hoescht, Schering-Plough and Merck, advancing to territory manager of the food animal business unit for Western Canada.

Cartwright married Carolyn in August 2004, becoming stepdad to Matt, Danny and Laura. They built a country home by Blackstrap Lake where they raised their family, along with many four-legged companions. He served on numerous boards and volunteer committees, including agricultural and veterinary events. His recent passion was volunteering with the Saskatoon Wildlife Federation.

Cartwright loved teaching, including teaching courses as a master firearm instructor. He was a football fan and loved hunting, fishing camping and spending time at the cabin, lake-time camping and at the cabin, dancing, music and playing cards. Cartwright loved all animals and had a special bond with his dogs and horses. In his youth he was an equine instructor, and as an adult enjoyed endurance racing with his beloved horse, Willy. He was a dedicated family man and loved cooking for family and friends.

A celebration of life was held at Saskatoon Wildlife Federation in January. More than 300 people attended, myself included, and it was a testament to Cartwright’s character and personality. At every Agribition you could be guaranteed to see Cartwright’s smiling face along with his quick wit at the Merck booth, and he always had time for a visit.

Glen Cartwright. 
Photo: Supplied
Glen Cartwright. Photo: supplied

2025 Canadian Junior Shorthorn Association scholarship winners

Congratulations to Sigga Vigfusson of Lundar, Man., and Mackenzie Nunn of Uxbridge, Ont., the 2025 recipients of the Canadian Junior Shorthorn Association’s scholarship program.

Vigfusson has been an engaged member of the Canadian Junior Shorthorn Association for the past three years and is currently serving on the board of directors. She is studying animal science technology at Lakeland College, with the goal of becoming a livestock nutritionist focused on feed efficiency, animal health and sustainable beef production. Her dedication to the Shorthorn breed, youth involvement and continued education highlights her strong commitment to the future of the association and the Canadian beef industry.

Sigga Vigfusson. Photo: Supplied
Sigga Vigfusson. Photo: supplied

Nunn is a dedicated and enthusiastic member of the association who has built strong leadership, teamwork and advocacy skills through active involvement in provincial and national shows. Nunn plans to pursue a bachelor of arts in psychology beginning in fall 2026, followed by a master’s degree in occupational therapy. Her goal is to combine her love of agriculture and health care by supporting an individual’s physical, emotional and social development through hands-on interaction with farm animals.

Mackenzie Nunn. Photo: Supplied
Mackenzie Nunn. Photo: supplied

Canadian Simmental Association appoints new CEO

The Canadian Simmental Association is pleased to announce the appointment of Roxane Lieverse as its new chief executive officer, effective Jan. 5, 2026.

“We are excited to welcome Roxane Lieverse to the Canadian Simmental Association,” said Randy Noble, chair of the association’s board of directors.

“We’re impressed with what Roxane brings to CSA from her previous experience and her understanding of high-performance teams, the importance of looking after our membership and her diversified knowledge and experience across the ag industry, both in Canada and globally.”

Lieverse was raised in a northern Alberta Simmental ranching family and grew up showing Simmental cattle. She maintains a deep connection to agriculture and her family farm. Lieverse has more than 20 years of experience in leadership, financial services, corporate governance, building partnerships and agricultural banking, and a proven track record of advancing organizational, board and team effectiveness. As the former executive vice-president and founding head of Rabobank Canada, she built the global co-operative’s Canadian agricultural banking franchise from the ground up.

In this role, Lieverse will lead the association’s national efforts to support Simmental breeders, strengthen industry partnerships and work with the commercial cow industry, and promote innovation and sustainability across Canada’s beef sector.

Roxane Lieverse. Photo: Supplied
Roxane Lieverse. Photo: supplied

Canadian Simmental Association welcomes new staff members

The Canadian Simmental Association is pleased to welcome Carrie MacDonald to its staff in the role of registry and member services. MacDonald’s primary responsibilities will be to provide customer and data entry support to members across Canada.

The association is also welcoming Rae-Lee Erickson back to its staff in the role of Young Canadian Simmental Association programs co-ordinator. Erickson’s primary responsibilities will be administering and further developing the YCSA program.

Rae-Lee Erickson. 
Photo: Supplied
Rae-Lee Erickson. Photo: supplied

Canadian Red Angus Promotion Society AGM

The Canadian Red Angus Promotion Society held its annual general meeting in Olds, Alta., in December and elected its 2026 board of directors.

  • president: Lois McRae
  • vice-president: Jeffrey Bloom
  • past president: Brad Chappell
  • finance chair: Dennis Lastuka
  • junior directors: Roseanna Bradshaw and Quinn Pedersen
  • directors: Parker Allison, Matt Criddle, Ty Dietrich, Kim Pohl, Jonathan Scott, Jay Sibbald, Kevin Taschuk, Jill Wildman and Mike Zoller

Details on the new membership program will be coming soon on the society’s site and social media channels.

Canadian Red Angus Promotion Society 2026 board of directors. Photo: Supplied
Canadian Red Angus Promotion Society 2026 board of directors. Photo: supplied

Canadian South Devon Association board of directors

The Canadian South Devon Association elected its new board of directors in October.

  • president: Noah Olson, Medstead, Sask.
  • first vice-president: Elsie Beddoes, Duchess, Alta.
  • second vice-president: Betty Sampson, Bonnyville, Alta.
  • secretary: Linda Hlusek, Williams Lake, B.C.
  • treasurer: Hannah Sampson, DeBolt, Alta.
  • directors: Nettie Hughes, Drayton Valley, Alta.; Shane Hines, Buck Lake, Alta.; Amber Helle, Czar, Alta.; Calvin Kirby, Rockglen, Sask.; and Louann Fraser, Jennings, Kansas.

Manitoba-Saskatchewan Gelbvieh Association celebrates 50 years

The Manitoba-Saskatchewan Gelbvieh Association marked its 50th anniversary in 2025, with a celebration of pizza, cake and champagne at Agribition.

The 2026 board of directors is made up of president and treasurer Ian Thackeray, vice-president Braylen Blake, secretary Kimberly Little, Maureen Tubman and Eileen Davidson.

About the author

Mike Millar

Mike Millar

National account manager

As National account manager for Canadian Cattlemen, I work with all major accounts including equipment manufacturers, ad agency's and national breed associations. When I'm not busy working and promoting Canadian Cattlemen magazine, my family and I are running a purebred herd of Simmental cattle at Grandora, Sask.

explore

Stories from our other publications