Greg Paranich rides ahead
Condolences to the family and friends of Greg Paranich, who came into this world in 1958 and passed away on July 12, 2025, in Red Deer, Alta. Paranich developed a lifelong passion for horses while growing up on the farm, and was well-known in Alberta and Saskatchewan for his horsemanship. He also had a knack for imparting advice in a way that was encouraging and generous rather than condescending, perhaps learned from his childhood on the farm helping younger kids halter-break foals or get ready for 4-H.
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In the ag world, Paranich was most recently known for his work as an agricultural field specialist with Alberta’s Grey Wooded Forage Association. He was also a long-time member of the Red Deer County ALUS Program partnership advisory committee and collaborated with Cows and Fish. Together, they created riparian field schools, where they discussed grazing these areas to manage invasive species and dead growth, while still protecting the streambank, nesting birds and other flora and fauna. Paranich was only too happy to chat with producers about topics such as range management, cattle and, of, course, horses. As one of his colleagues noted, he would “always arrive with a smile, a laugh and a story to share that would give you reason to consider a question in more detail or with a bit more curiosity.”
Paranich had a lot of “try.” This was apparent when he was a child on the farm and it carried him through all his life. His obituary states that he raised his children to “try and try again, with the understanding that success was more about getting back in the saddle after you’ve been bucked off; and that a trophy is nice, but a chance taken has its own unfading shine.” It was still there even as he dealt with illness in the last stage of his life. His obituary notes that “he took care to sow seeds of comfort and joy that would provide long after he was gone.” He is survived by Faye, his wife and best friend of 42 years, and their much-loved children, Colin and Harper.
Those wishing to honour Paranich’s memory are asked to donate to the Red Deer Hospice Society, at www.reddeerhospice.com.
Condolences to Ed Williams’s loved ones
Edmund “Ed” Williams passed away peacefully at the Royal University Hospital in Saskatoon on the afternoon of Monday, September 8, 2025, surrounded by members of his loving family. Williams was born in Outlook, Sask., on July 24, 1952, to Edmund and Elizabeth Williams, who farmed near Macrorie, Sask. He attended school at Titchfield, Macrorie and Outlook, but spent most of his time working alongside his father, who helped him develop his strong work ethic and general agricultural know-how. In 1973, his deep love of farming inspired him to buy his own home quarter from Carl Samuelson, and he spent the following years continuing to work the land with his dad and uncle, Marty Williams, while working for the CNR in the summers. In 1979, he met Alorie (née Bowles), whom he married in a beautiful outdoor ceremony in his parents’ yard on July 26, 1980, after which he welcomed her two sons, Len and Corey, as his stepsons.
On January 9, 1984, Williams became the proud father of Aaron, who was born at the Lucky Lake hospital. Williams became increasingly interested in raising purebred Charolais cattle during those years, and was on the board of directors for the Saskatchewan Charolais Association and was a parent advisor for the Canadian Charolais Youth Association. Aaron began working closely alongside his father at a young age. Williams instilled in him a great love of farming, and he shared with his son his vast knowledge of the profession.
Williams became a proud grandfather multiple times between 2010 and 2015, and he loved spending time with his grandchildren.
Williams was consistently active in his community; in addition to the many hours he devoted to the Charolais association and youth association, for example, he served as a councillor in the Rural Municipality of Coteau and on the Macrorie Co-op board.
In 2012, Williams surprised his family by deciding to spend the winter in Yuma, Arizona, where he returned yearly to pursue his newly found passion for driving his Jeep through the challenging terrain of the rocky Arizona desert. He also very much enjoyed organizing curling bonspiels, having introduced the northern sport to the desert community. At the time of his passing, he was eagerly looking forward to returning to the desert this fall to join his “Jeepin’” friends for their winter adventures.
Williams was known to all as a warm, generous, community-minded person. He particularly enjoyed visiting family, friends and neighbours. He is much loved as a husband, father/stepfather and grandfather and he will be sorely missed. As a farmer, he was creative, hard-working and well-organized, and he brought these skills to everything he did, whether he was working with his family at his side, raising purebred cattle, being involved with the Charolais association or organizing breakfasts and curling bonspiels at the trailer park in Arizona.
Williams is survived by his wife, Alorie; his son, Aaron (Aynsley); his stepsons, Len (Sue) and Corey (Angela); his grandchildren, Sawyer, Sterling, Sahen, Sloan, Reza, Ali, Vanya, Zefyre and Cassian; as well as his sister, Audrey; and his brother, Bruce (Karen); and numerous nieces and nephews.
He was predeceased by his parents, Eddie and Betty Williams; his uncle, Marty Williams; his aunt, Dorothy Evoy (Arthur); and his brother-in-law, Glen Wing.
Donations can be made to the Macrorie Curling Club, Box 204, Macrorie, Sask., S0L 2E0, or via e-transfer to [email protected], or to the Village of Macrorie for the community hall.
New hire at Canadian Speckle Park Association
Raised in the beef and dairy industries, Herrema has been involved in showing and supporting breed organizations for nearly 20 years. She is also the owner of a growing livestock photography business, working with both individual breeders and national shows across Canada and the U.S. Herrema is passionate about supporting breeders and looks forward to helping promote Speckle Park cattle with professionalism, creativity and enthusiasm.
4-H Canada announces scholarship recipients
4-H Canada is excited to announce the recipients of the John Deere Canada 4-H Scholarship.
This scholarship supports 4-H members as they pursue post-secondary goals, helping them gain the skills and experience to make a lasting effect in their communities.
The 2025 recipients include:
• Allison Morse, Quebec
• Brooklyn Piasta, Manitoba
• Christine Adams, New Brunswick
• Gabrielle Naddy, Prince Edward Island
• Hannah King, Nova Scotia
• Jackson Corner, Ontario
• Zoe Tjepkema, Ontario
• Kate Hadwin, Alberta
• Kierra Hawreluik, Saskatchewan
• Makenna Sumner, Manitoba
• Max Burris, Alberta
• Mercedes Trefenanko, Alberta
• Sophie Jolevet, British Columbia
Congratulations from Canadian Cattlemen to all of this year’s winners!
Cowboy Medicine
This spring I had the chance to sit down with Dr. Paul Christianson at the recent Alberta Beef Industry Conference and have a visit with him about his book, Cowboy Medicine. In it we learn about his 50 years of rich history as a large animal veterinarian in central B.C. and the stories only he can tell. Anybody in the cow business will laugh along with Christianson as they read some of his stories, knowing full well these things could have happened on their operation. This book is a great read because it reminds us that truth can be much stranger than fiction. I highly recommend reading this book this winter in front of crackling fire with a big cup of coffee, it will be that much better. Check it out on Amazon or Café Books, www.cafebooks.ca, which is on main street in Canmore, Alta.
Brian Good Memorial Scholarship
The Canadian Angus Association reminds readers not to miss out on applying for the Brian Good Memorial Scholarship. The scholarship offers $3,000 for first place and $2,000 for second place. For more information go to www.cdnangus.ca/foundation/scholarships-bursaries-and-awards.
Semex tour
Back in September a group of representatives from Semex Brasil had the opportunity to tour and check out Canada’s beef industry. Stops included the Semex head office in Guelph, Ont., and many seedstock producers and feedlots across Canada. Part of this tour included a day of learning in which Kajal Latimer, Canadian Angus Association’s director of science and technology, brought insights into Canadian Angus, genomic research, genetic evaluation and commercial herd management. Craig Scott, general manager of the Canadian Charolais Association, shared the history of Charolais, the development of herds in the country and other matters of utmost importance.
It was a day full of knowledge about genetics, herds and international best practices!
Animal Health Canada appoints executive director
Animal Health Canada is pleased to announce the appointment of Dr. Cassidy Klima as its new executive director. Klima brings more than 15 years of leadership experience in livestock health, food safety and One Health innovation to this national role.
Klima has built her career at the intersection of research, industry and policy, most recently serving as assistant professor at Texas A&M AgriLife Research and Extension and previously as technical director of the Beef Cattle Research Council under the Canadian Cattle Association. She has worked extensively with governments, producers and regulatory agencies to address emerging threats, strengthen biosecurity and support science-based trade policy.
She holds a PhD in veterinary microbiology from the University of Saskatchewan, a master’s of science in microbiology and a bachelor’s of science in biological sciences from the University of Lethbridge.
“Animal Health Canada plays a critical role in uniting industry and government to protect animal health and food security,” says Klima. “I am honoured to join Animal Health Canada and look forward to building trust, advancing national priorities and positioning the organization as a leader in One Health collaboration.”
“Dr. Cassidy Klima’s leadership, vision and values align with Animal Health Canada’s mission to safeguard animal health and support Canada’s agricultural resilience,” says Dr. Leigh Rosengren, Animal Health Canada industry co-chair. “Her proven track record of collaboration and innovation makes her the right choice to guide Animal Health Canada into the future.”
