Introducing the 2016 Canadian Western Agribition board of directors (photo below). Back row (l-r): Carla Schmitt*, Blake MacMillan (executive member at large), Bryce Thompson (executive member at large)*, Stewart Stone (president), Bruce Holmquist (vice-president), Reed Andrew (past president), Chris Lees (executive member at large)*, Barry Young. Front row (l to r): Marty Kratochvil*, Michael Latimer, Jodi Banks, Courtney MacDougall, Doug Fee*, Kim Hextall*, Curtis Kuchinka, Levi Jackson*. Mis­sing: Bryon Burnett, Rich Harries, Ross Macdonald*, Deb Niekamp, Kim Onrait. (*Directors elected to serve two-year terms.)

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Charolais bull sales had a record year in 2016 with the highest overall sales average and total gross dollars in the 35 years the Charolais Banner has been compiling bull sale results. There were 89 sales reporting in 2016, seven more than 2015 with the overall average up $14 per head. There were 117 more lots sold and an increase in total gross dollars by over $820,000. Higher top prices than have been seen for decades. A bull of A. Sparrow Farms, Vanscoy, Sask., fetched $107,000 and one from Wilgenbusch Charolais, Halbrite, Sask. sold for $82,500. Helge By publisher of the Charolais Banner magazine attributes the increase to the strong demand from the commercial industry to add the extra performance and hybrid vigour got from the Charolais bull. Also we have seen more white bulls going on black cows to produce more silver calves than ever before.

Candace By

Candace By of Regina was elected as the secretary of Charolais International at the organization’s recent World Charolais Congress in Guadalajara, Mexico. Char­olais International is the breed’s umbrella organization for 27 member countries. “The secretary role has never been outside of France before, so this will be quite a change,” states By, the managing editor of the Charolais Banner and Connection magazines. “It will be an honour to work for the group to implement some changes as directed by the delegates of the AGM.”

Charolais International president, David Benson, England, said, “I look forward to working with Candace to move the organization forward in promoting Charolais worldwide. Her dedication to the industry and efficiency in work and communication skills will continue to make her a great asset to the board and the breed.”

Visitors to the World Charolais Congress toured ranches, research facilities and exhibitions while networking, sharing ideas on improving and marketing the breed. Pictured above are the association managers (l-r): from U.S. (Neil Orth), France (Clement Perrodin), Canada (Mel Reekie), England (David Benson), Mexico (Gregorio Farias Mateos) and Australia (Colin Rex).

It’s full speed ahead for Doug and Linda Henderson on the new Canadian Angus Association’s Foundation history book, but interest has been expressed in the 1985 history book produced by Lloyd Pickard. The Canadian Angus Association would be grateful for any additional copies that members would like to donate. These books will be auctioned to raise funds to produce the new history book as well as support the work of the Canadian Angus Foundation. To make a donation, please contact Belinda Wagner at [email protected] or by phone 306-757-6133 or Tina Zakowsky at the CAA office.

The Canadian Junior Hereford Association will be hosting its Annual National Junior Show, Bonanza in Olds, Alta. August 9-13, 2016. Along with the Open Show, there will be competitions for open grooming and showmanship, bred and owned, semen donation, Hereford influence and a Jackpot Steer Show. As well there will be public speaking, art, literature, photography and team judging and team marketing competitions. The Canadian Hereford Association will again be hosting its annual meeting in conjunction with the CJHA National Bonanza on Friday, August 12, 2016. Please see the Canadian Hereford Association website for all the details.

It was a tremendous day for Canadian-developed Speckle Park cattle as a new record was set at the Summit 3 Speckle Park Sale for the world’s highest-selling bull in the breed (photo at top of page). River Hill 50T Crusader 025C, a son of River Hill Touchdown 50T, (shown here) achieved a valuation of $60,000 for 50 per cent interest and 100 per cent possession to the Crusader Syndicate of Minnamurra Pastoral Company, New South Wales, Australia; Sid and Anne Hollier, England, United Kingdom; Codiak Acres, Ardrossan, Alta., and River Hill Farm, Neilburg, Sask. For more details visit summit3sale.com.

The Canadian Cattle Identification Agency (CCIA) is pleased to strengthen its relationship with Canadian producers by customizing its quick and easy-to-use web store and toll-free order desk with a tab for ordering approved CCIA radio frequency identification (RFID) beef tags for the Canadian Limousin Association and its membership. “We developed the tag web store two years ago to reduce third-party data handling, maximize data integrity and make approved tags available online for non-breed-specific beef cattle only. Now, we have a section customized for Canadian Limousin producers,” says CCIA general manager Anne Brunet-Burgess. “Canadian producers work smarter every day as they continue to supply world-class beef products.