Lonesome Dove Ranch was named the 2023 Purebred Gelbvieh Breeder of the Year at Canadian Western Agribition on Nov. 23. Canadian Cattlemen field editor Melissa Jeffers-Bezan caught up with the winners, Tara and Ross Davidson of Ponteix, Sask., to talk about how it feels to be selected by their fellow seedstock producers and why they focus on functional cattle.

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Overby Stock Farms will be holding a field day for the association in Ste. Rose du Lac, Man., on August 13. You can find them on Facebook for more information. 

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Ian has served on the Man-Sask Gelbvieh Association board as well as the Canadian Gelbvieh Association board, having been president for each organization at different times. The Thackerays have made the effort to show at many livestock exhibitions including Canadian Western Agribition, Farmfair International, Weyburn, Brandon, Moose Jaw and many others. This year would have been the Thackeray family’s 50th year of exhibiting at Agribition, something not many can claim. They were also founding partners of the PGA Sale Group, a successful sale that has been running for 20 years now.

The entire family has participated in promoting Gelbvieh cattle, through 4-H as well as provincial and national junior programs.

The family is active in all aspects of their livestock and cattle farm, well beyond the show ring. Congratulations to the Thack­eray family!

Danny and Treena Blake of Glentworth, Sask., were awarded the 2020 Commercial Breeders of the Year by the Man-Sask Gelbvieh Association. Danny and Treena, along with their three kids Braylen, Aspen and Kohan, have been using Gelbvieh bulls on their commercial cow herd since 2002. They appreciate the breed’s ability to add power while leaving birth weights reasonably low, and improve milk while adding extra rib-eye.

The Blake family has been selling commercial Gelbvieh-cross steers each fall, and also sell some heifers in the spring, keeping top-end replacements for their own herd. They have also marketed Gelbvieh-cross bred heifers.

More recently, the family has been choosing high-quality 4-H steers from the commercial Gelbvieh herd. With the recent addition of Angus genetics to complement their Gelbvieh cattle, they have been pleased with the resulting Balancer cross. The kids are active junior Gelbvieh enthusiasts, and the entire family is active in their community.

Congratulations to the Blake family!

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Canadian Western Agribition announced a new marquee event connected to agriculture and trade last month. In partnership with TD Wealth Management and the Regina Chamber of Commerce, CWA will host a panel discussion with former Premiers Brad Wall (Saskatchewan) and Frank McKenna (New Brunswick) on Tuesday, November 20. “Food, Fuel, and Free Trade” will focus on the challenges and opportunities facing Canada’s agriculture, manufacturing and energy industries as they navigate a new free trade agreement. “Mr. McKenna is a former ambassador to the U.S. and Mr. Wall’s reputation as a trade advocate is known around the world. We’re in for something special,” noted CWA CEO Chris Lane. Tickets for this event are limited, however. More information can be found at the Agribition website.

CWA president Bruce Holmquist was as pleased as the rest of agriculture about the signing of the U.S., Mexico and Canada trade agreement. “It appears the new agreement will maintain stability for trade between Canada and our two largest trading partners, and that is a win for our livestock exhibitors as well as for the producers and companies involved in CWA’s growing grain programming. Agribition is the marketplace for 1,500 head of the best beef cattle in North America and the growers we have attending farm a combined 4.5 million acres in Western Canada,” says Holmquist. “There aren’t many issues more important at Agribition than getting those products to market.”

The Canadian Beef Breeds Council had a similar reaction to the new agreement. In a statement, the CBBC noted the United States alone represents approximately 80 per cent of the global export market for Canadian beef cattle genetics and is critical to the ongoing success of our family farms.

The Canadian Junior Gelbvieh Association recently announced Braylen Blake from Glentworth, Sask., is the 2018 winner of its annual junior scholarship.

There are a few Gelbvieh events happening at Canadian Western Agribition this year, starting with the breed association’s annual meeting on November 20, followed by the National Gelbvieh Show on November 21, and the National Gelbvieh Sale, November 22.

A few days later the Gelbvieh Wish List sale will be happening December 2 at the Westerner Park in Red Deer. New this year, junior members were being reminded to send in their Gelbvieh-influenced show photos to jessica.andruchow@yahoo.ca to qualify for a Wish List sale credit.

The Canadian Speckle Park Association has welcomed Whitney de Decker as its new business manager. Living in Roslin, Ont., de Decker and her husband, along with their three children, raise Speckle Park and Simmental cattle. She is taking over from Rod Remin who served as the breed’s business manager for the past eight years. Remin helped to increase herdbook registrations along with membership and was instrumental in getting a new performance program off the ground this year.

In the new year if you don’t see Canadian Limousin Association general manager Tessa Verbeek around many functions, don’t be concerned. She is taking maternity leave in 2019. Laura Ecklund has been hired as part-time interim general manager to fill in for Verbeek for next year. Ecklund takes over in January 2019. Meanwhile the association is looking for someone to take on the role of office manager and registry/member services assistant based out of the Calgary office on contract for a year. More details are available at limousin.com or you can just email a resume to Tessa Verbeek at tverbeek@limousin.com.

A tribute to Don Pochylko
By Mark Kihn, Calgary

Don Pochylko, Stettler, Alta., in his own brusque and boisterous way, was the leader of the Charolais breed for the better part of the ’70s and ’80s. Don, 82, died September 2, 2018.

While other breeders worked to top a $4,000 sale average, Don’s SanDan Charolais (named for wife SANdra and first son DANny) productions cleared $8,000. He was a top-notch marketer, promoter, breeder, and Charolais ambassador. Occasionally, SanDan’s sales featured diamond ring giveaways to buyers of high sellers.

Knowing that a tossed magazine can easily land outside back-cover up, Don bought that spot in the Charolais Banner for 10 years. His ad, always noticed and always debated, promoted his cattle into the Charolais forefront. But Don added to that. He attended Charolais events and sales throughout Western Canada — selling the breed and selling his cattle.

Don also sold beef. In 1989 at a Charolais banquet at Agribition in Regina, he first bawled out the chef, then chased him back into the kitchen. The transgression? The chef was carving the hip of beef “with the grain” instead of against it. “Who wants stringy beef?” Don asked. He then found an apron, gave the hip half a turn, grabbed the knife, and proceeded to carve beef for the next 30 minutes. Properly cut, the beef fell apart nicely on the plate — and on the palate.

His feisty personality served the early days of the Canadian Charolais industry well. The Charolais history book, “White Gold,” tells of a March 1971 Ballroom Sale held at the Winnipeg Inn. In order to enter the ballroom, the cattle had to come up through a freight elevator and walk through the kitchen. Don was on the halter leading the way, walking a bull past the stoves. He even commented to the bemused chef, “Here are your steaks, Papa!”

An accompanying photo showed Don, complete with Elvis-style sideburns, in the crowded kitchen milling around with the white cattle.

Actually, Don was rarely without a comment. At Charolais meetings, his almost lyrical speaking style, emphasizing individual words, his cadence speeding up then slowing down, could turn a roomful of breeders towards his opinion. His pronouncements had the betterment of the fledgling breed at heart.

He knew he was leader. When he would bid on cattle in the auction ring, other bidders joined in knowing Don had spotted a good one. Their bids would drive the price higher. Don would then disguise his intentions to passive action: “If my feet are crossed, I’m bidding — if they’re not, I’m out” he told a ringman.

In his later years, now retired to Red Deer, Don was still involved with the purebred cattle business. He cooked up beef in big ovens, and catered events and sales. He suffered a stroke several years ago, which slowed him, but did not diminish his spirit. He was often on the phone giving opinions or gathering them.

Don was successful by many standards in the beef business. His Stettler funeral attracted hundreds from Western Canada. He had no magic formula for his success. One of Don’s favourite sayings was “the harder I work, the luckier I get.”

But more importantly, he helped others along the way. “I’ll say this — a lot of people learned a lot of things off Don,” said Hazel George, a former Alberta Charolais secretary and fellow breeder at Airdrie.

To those he knew, Don accepted the nickname of “Pooch.” Like a lovable dog, he was there for his friends — which included a large section of Charolais cattlemen. They were always stronger and more courageous with him on their side.

Don passed away while leaning against a fence looking at cattle and chatting about them at a friend’s place near Innisfail, Alta.

Mark Kihn was with the Charolais Banner magazine for 11 years, 1982-93, including many as managing editor.

Simmental cattle were one of the feature breeds at Expo Boeuf in Victoriaville, Que., October 13-15. One of the highlights of the event was when XCEL Sheeza Gem 407A, owned by Xcel Livestock, Russell Ont., was awarded the Supreme Champion female over all breeds. It was also a busy weekend in the breed in Western Canada at the Olds Fall Classic Show October 5-7. Several of the top prizes in the all-breed “Stars of Tomorrow” and commercial cattle divisions were garnered by Simmental cattle.

Plans are underway for the 2019 Canadian Simmental Association (CSA) convention being held in St-Hyacinthe, Que., August 7-11. It will feature the CSA annual general meeting, Young Canadian Simmental Association’s national show and Friends of Canadian Simmental Foundation auction.

This year the Olds Fall Classic was held October 5-7 at the Olds Exhibition Grounds. Celebrating its 9th year, the Olds Fall Classic had the most entries ever at 400 head with seven breeds represented.

New this year on the Friday evening was the Irvines Pro-Am Challenge with nine teams participating in a cattle fitting contest. Teams consisted of a junior, and a senior member over the age of 22. This was a friendly contest with many juniors working with a mentor of their choice. Another new event was the Olds Regional Exhibition’s Dessert Auction during the MNP exhibitor social that raised $7,600 for youth programming.

2018 Grand Champions — Olds Fall Classic

• Black Angus Females: Riverstone Georgina 9C, Madison Sibbald, Cochrane, Alta.
• Black Angus Bulls: 5T Bag Of Chips 6092D, Lazy MC Angus, Bassano, Alta.
• Charolais Females: ONL Miss Allie 6D, Daines Cattle and O’Neill Livestock, Red Deer County, Alta.
• Charolais Bulls: Sharodon Double Vision 1D, Kay-R Land and Cattle Ltd., Waskatenau, Alta.
• Hereford Females: FCC 2012 Betty 18E, Flewelling Cattle Co., Bowden, Alta.
• Hereford Bulls: MLL 10Y ROCKY ET 225D, MJT Cattle Company, Edgerton, Alta.
• Maine-Anjou Females: ZTA Black Ruby 488E, Wise Maine-Anjou Ranch, Irricana, Alta.
• Maine Influence Females: LSF RUBY 727X 25E, Lucky Springs Farms, Rocky Mountain House, Alta.
• Maine Bulls: KKS Special Reserve 707E, KC Stock Farm, Sangudo, Alta.
• Red Angus Females: Red Ter-Ron Diamond Mist 138D, Ter-Ron Farms, Forestburg, Alta.
• Red Angus Bulls: Red DKF Racer 8E, Shiloh Cattle Company, Craigmyle, Alta.
• Shorthorn Females: DJS Anndelle HC 712, Golden Oak Livestock, Red Deer County, Alta.
• Shorthorn Bulls: Baehr Acres Dream Maker 2D, Baehr Acres Shorthorns, Red Deer County, Alta.
• Simmental Females: Boss Lake Ms. Elle 638D, Boss Lake Genetics, Parkland County, Alta.
• Simmental Bulls: SKV Defiance 47D, Nolara Farms, Mayerthorpe, Alta.

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I have also seen forms from the society of theriogenology in the U.S. as well as one used in Australia and they all have some similarities.

Since the standard was last updated in 2000 I would say the average scrotal circumference for all the breeds has increased, and since scrotal circumference is moderately to highly heritable it makes sense to try and select for it.

These changes were made based on the compilation of thousands of scrotal circumference submissions made from veterinarians across Western Canada from 2001 to 2006 so the measurements were current, covered a large geographic area and were age and breed specific.

Most of the veterinarians would have been graduates from Western College of Veterinary Medicine (WCVM) in Saskatoon and would have been trained by the key researcher on this project, Dr. Barth. He is also the inventor of the ReliaBull scrotal tape that is the only one I am aware of which operates on a spring type mechanism so measurements between practitioners have the greatest consistency. The tape even has a plunger on it that shows red when it is time to “stop” and take the measurement. A couple of other younger researchers helped on this project including Dr. Steve Hendrick so the information from this research and subsequent recommendations were derived locally from Western Canadian purebred cattle.

In my opinion, producers have done a great job of selecting for increased scrotal size and this has been reflected in what the numbers show. You may be glad to hear there were very few changes but keep in mind the values are minimum acceptable standards based on age.

Semen production and early maturity correlate to larger testicles at an earlier age in both bulls and their female offspring.

The WCABP added a new category specifically for 15 months, as this is generally the end of the rapid growth spurt in testicle size. Veterinarians generally would not start testing until a bull calf is at least a full year of age, which is why minimum requirements are shown for each breed in monthly intervals up to 15 months of age.

We as veterinarians and you as producers need to keep this in mind when purchasing purebred bulls. Comparing a 15-month bull to a 12-month bull evaluated on the same day may have differences in scrotal size and morphology of sperm even though they may end up being equivalent bulls when mature. Always be cognizant of birth dates when bulls are evaluated at a younger age.

Time of year also plays into this with increased riding and sexual activity in the spring. I have always said testing a May-born calf in May the next year on average will be better than doing February-born calves in February the next year simply because of the lack of activity during a cold winter and the fact cycling females are nowhere to be had that early in the year.

Other changes saw the Charolais and Angus breeds move up one cm to where the Simmental and Gelbvieh breeds were. This makes sense to those of us that semen test large groups of purebred bulls, as these breeds are all very similar in average size. The Here­ford and Shorthorn bulls also move up one cm in all their categories.

As veterinarians we know once the scrotal measurement is getting close to or on the minimum standard, this is when the majority of failures in semen quality occur.

Some breeds appear to have a bit lower scrotal size and yet mature size is up there with the other breeds. Remember: all breeds do not need the same scrotal size so for instance, we can’t compare Limousin with Gelbvieh as scrotal size will be different and Limousin will need less scrotal size than many other breeds to do the job. Watch those semen forms when purchasing bulls and remember the U.S. has a different system. With their system, scrotal sizes appear larger than with bulls done on our system. It is simply the way they measure and it can make anywhere from a two to five cm difference.

Keep the new minimum standards the WCABP have put forward in mind at the bull sales this year.

I commend the association for taking this approach to keep up with the improving quality of all the cattle breeds, and I’m sure the purebred producers do as well.

Purebred producers want to sell a quality, well examined, fertility-tested product. It is in their best interest to do so and even though we as veterinarians cannot identify all the problem bulls that are turned out to breeding pasture, we do go a long way toward identifying the vast majority that have or will have sperm fertility problems. A scrotal circumference evaluation is still a large part of that equation.

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The steer show was the largest ever with 25 participants. Tyler Smyth won Grand Champion steer with Reserve going to Ryan Knupp.

Congratulations to Ty Schwan on winning the “Spirit of Young Ranchman’s” award sponsored by Vern and Eileen Davidson of Davidson Gelbvieh.

The Canadian Junior Limousin Association invite all CJLA members to apply for the Australian/Canadian Limousin Youth Exchange trip to Australia as well as the many monetary scholarships that are also available. For details please visit www.limousin.com.

The Canadian Limousin Association is looking forward to their National Limousin Show and Sale on October 28 at the Brandon Ag Ex in Brandon, Man. The show will begin at 10 a.m. with the sale at 6:30 p.m. managed by Bohrson Marketing.

As a way to honour their son Cody’s memory, Russ and Cindy Sibbald of Lazy RC Ranch, Beechy, Sask., have established the Cody Sibbald Legacy Classic Junior Show in Medicine Hat, Alta. This steer and heifer show is open to juniors 21 years and under with commercial or purebred cattle. As well $20,000 in youth scholarships will be awarded annually with money raised initially last year at the Young Ranchman’s junior show and online. The show is being held March 18 and 19, 2017, with entry deadline February 1, 2017. For more information, go to www.codysibbaldlegacy.com.

The Canadian Simmental Association (CSA) is pleased to welcome Rae-Lee Erickson to their staff in the role of administrative assistant. Erickson was raised on a mixed grain and commercial cattle operation outside of Calgary and is a graduate of Olds College. She and her husband Devon currently reside on the family farm east of Balzac and have a small herd of purebred Simmental and Angus cows.

It’s not very often that a cattle breed gains distinct breed status but July 6, 2016, marked the 10th anniversary of the Canadian Speckle Park Association doing just that. Distinct breed status is granted by the Canadian minster of agriculture according to the terms of Canada’s Animal Pedigree Act. The last cattle breed to gain this status in Canada was the Hays Converter breed developed by the late Senator Harry Hays. Developed in the early 1960s and made up of British breed stock, Speckle Park cattle are known for many traits but most especially carcass quality. This year at the Calgary Stampede Quality Beef Competition Speckle Park won Grand Champion, as well as taking second and third in this prestigious carcass competition. On the 10th anniversary, the Canadian Speckle Park Association has seen major acceptance around the globe from seedstock and commercial breeders alike. Since 2006, the Canadian herd book has more than doubled along with membership. The herd book currently sits at 7,007 and counting. Congratulations to the Canadian Speckle Park Association on reaching this distinctive milestone.

In advance of Farmfair International November 9-13 in Edmonton this year is a new two-day event, BeefTech, November 7-9 also at the Edmonton EXPO Centre. This interactive event gives producers the opportunity to explore the latest technology, tools and innovative management practices that are changing the way we raise cattle.

The Canadian Limousin Association had a fantastic large contingency of 26 members who attended the International Limousin Congress in Ireland August 20-28! Mark your calendars for ILC 2018 in Colorado! The Canadian delegation in Ireland is shown here courtesy of agriimages.co.uk.

On September 8, four Gelbvieh breeders from Paraguay spent a week in southern Alberta visiting Severtson Land & Cattle, Carlson Cattle Company, Royal Western Gelbvieh and Twin Bridge Farms as well as Bow Valley Genetics, a Hutterite Colony, Western Feedlots and the town of Banff, after which they presented Gaylene Groeneveld, CEO of the Canadian Gelbvieh Association, with gifts from their country.

Chester Patton and family held a successful herd dispersal on September 23. As a longtime member of the Canadian Charolais Association the Pattons are a shining example of what can be achieved with hard work, sustainable production and sound Full-French Charolais genetics. The Charolais family in Canada sends their best wishes.

The Canadian Gelbvieh Association (CGA) is proud to have Gelbvieh branded RFID tags available by October 1 to assist both purebred Gelbvieh breeders and commercial cattlemen using Gelbvieh bull(s) in identifying and marketing their Gelbvieh-influence calves. The Gelbvieh RFID tags are manufactured by Allflex and are distinguished by their unique “orange” coloured back with a “G” icon and Canadian maple leaf. Tags can be purchased via the CCIA web store site. A commercial cattle producer that has purchased a CGA registered Gelbvieh bull(s) since 2010 and who’s ownership has been transferred are eligible to purchase one bag of 25 tags per bull purchase. Contact the CGA office for further details.

Cattlemen’s Young Leaders for 2016-17

Grayden Kay — From Lloyd­minster, Alta., Kay comes from a family deeply rooted in agriculture. His parents currently divide their time between their machinery dealerships and restaurant, and assisting with the cattle on a regular basis. Following high school, Kay pursued an education in animal science and agribusiness marketing at Lakeland College, and is now working towards a business degree. From a young age, Kay has showed purebred cattle and attended shows and sales as he built his own herd of purebred Simmental and Angus cattle, with the aim of one day farming full time. Aside from being a beef producer, Kay is a project manager with Bellaspur Innovative Media and sits on a couple of committees at his local agricultural exhibition association.

Jesse Williams — Jesse Williams is a fifth-generation rancher at Bullpound Flat south of Hanna, Alta., where she and husband Clay operate Whiskey Creek Ranch, a commercial cow-calf and yearling replacement operation. Their focus is on producing high-quality Simmental/Angus replacement cattle for commercial breeders. Williams’ passion for agriculture was kick-started by her involvement in 4-H beef, horse, lamb and photography projects. She currently shares her love for beef and agriculture by posting photos, articles and opinion pieces about her ranch on social media (@WhiskeyCreek_AB) and her blog, Married {with Cows}. She has a bachelor of science in botany and a professional biologist designation. She also works off the ranch as a agricultural fieldman for the municipality of Special Areas 2 helping to manage noxious weed populations, promote soil conservation and liaise with local producers on pertinent agriculture issues.

Jessica Sperber — Sperber grew up near Ponoka, Alta., where she is still active on her family’s mixed grain and commercial beef operation. Her passion for the beef industry was sparked at a young age through the 4-H Alberta program, as well as countless within provincial junior beef shows. Sperber volunteers her time in the agriculture industry, from evaluating 4-H and junior shows across Alberta, to teaching urbanized Grade 4 students the importance of where their food comes from with the Classroom Agriculture Program. Sperber recently completed her bachelor of science degree with a major in biological sciences at MacEwan University. She will be undertaking a masters of science with a focus on meat quality and safety in 2017 and aspires to help bridge the gap between agriculture and the urban consumer.

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The Canadian Gelbvieh Association hosted the annual Canadian Gelbvieh People’s Choice Bull Futurity on December 4-5 at Red Deer, Alta. Fifty-one Futurity members from across Canada and the U.S. participated in judging the bulls. Twenty-six bulls were entered to vie for the prestigious title of People’s Choice Champion. The winning bull was a black purebred, DDN 39C, sired by STON Xplosive 5X. Nelson Gelbvieh of Glenwood, Alberta, was the exhibitor of the winning bull and Ellis Cattle Co./Dane Ranch of Tatla Lake, B.C., was the winner of the bull.

One of the many international guests at Agribition this year was Rachael Wheeler. “Rach” hails from Wellington New South Wales, Australia and was fitting cattle for Miller Wilson Angus, Bashaw, Alta., and promoting the Sydney Royal cattle show. Rach runs a herd Down Under consisting of Black Angus, Red Angus, Brangus cattle and likes to use Canadian genetics as much as possible. If that isn’t enough Rach was also the ambassador for the International program at Farmfair International. She said the Sydney Royal will have up to 30 breeds of cattle being exhibited. If you are thinking about going it’s being held March 17-30, 2016. Red Angus is showcased this year. For more information go to www.rasnsw.com.au.

We were saddened to learn of the passing of Harry Haney in early December. Harry spent his career in support of Canadian agriculture from his early years as a partner in the family farming business, followed by several years in the agriculture consulting business, then as owner and manager of Independent Breeders Service Ltd., and later as board chair of Alberta’s Agriculture Financial Services Corporation. He was a dedicated and enthusiastic participant and supporter of the Canadian agricultural industry. Notable among the many duties he took on in service to the industry, he spent several years as board member and chair of the international committee at Canadian Western Agribition and vice-president of the international agricultural program at the Calgary Exhibition and Stampede. He was a good mentor and above all, a really nice person. We will definitely miss Harry.

The winners of the Canadian Angus Association’s 2015 National Gold Show Program were announced last month. Gold Show winners are the animals that earn the highest number of points in the association’s three Gold Shows.

The Champion 2015 Black Angus Show Bull is PM Thunderstruck 22’13 owned by Ryan Currie of Bristol, Que., Tanya Belsham of Houston, B.C. and Peter and Andy Vos of Plainfield, Ont. The reserve ribbon went to May-Way Breakout 1310 owned by Tanya Belsham of B.C. and Caleb W. Flory of Baldwin City, Kansas.

The 2015 Black Angus Show Female is Bar-E-L Erica 74A owned by Maguire Blair of Drake, Sask., and heifer calf Blairwest Miss Erica 400C owned by Maguire Blair. The reserve banner went to Remitall F Miss Queen 123B from, Remitall Farms.

The 2015 Red Angus Show Bull is Red Redrich Aftershock 238A owned by Russell Coward of Swift Current, Sask., and Redrich Farm of Forestburg, Alta. The reserve ribbon went to Red Ter-Ron Hot Shot 10B owned by Russell Coward and Terry Adams of Forestburg, Alta.

The 2015 Red Angus Show Female is Red K Adams Zaria 091Z owned by Halley Adams of Forestburg, Alta., and bull calf Red Ter-Ron Shocker 10C also owned by Halley Adams. The reserve champion is Red Blair’s Bonita 3B owned by Baxter Blair of McLean, Sask.

Congratulations go out to 2015 Canadian Charolais Association scholarship winners. From a strong field of 16 applicants Laura Weinbender of Canora, Sask., was selected as the 2015 recipient of the $1,500 Dale Norheim Memorial Scholarship and Jessica Sperber of Rimbey, Alta., Luke Marshall of Red Deer County, Alta., and Genevieve Dubuc, St-Eulalie, Que. each receive 2015 CCA scholarship of $1,000.

The Canadian Charolais Association crowned its national champions at the breed’s national show and sale at Agribition.

The Grand Champion Female is PZC TR Desirae 012 sired by CML Diablo 2X with calf at side CML Desirae 558C sired by CML Distinction 318A exhibited by McLeod Livestock, Cochrane, Alta.

Reserve Grand Champion is Prairie Cove Miss 309A sired by HTA Vegas 134Y with calf at side Cays Moonshine 11C sired by TR MR Firewater 5792ET, exhibited by Cay’s Cattle, Kinistino, Sask. — additional owner, Prairie Cove Charolais.

The Grand Champion Bull is CML Distinction 318A sired by Merit Vintage 4065P, exhibited by McLeod Livestock, Cochrane, Alta., additional owners — Silver Spur Land & Cattle, Sunrise Charolais.

The Reserve Grand Champion Bull is SVY Grizzly PLD 521C sired by SVY Blitz 125Y, exhibited by Serhienko Cattle Co., Maymont, Sask., additional owner — Horseshoe E.

Both Premiere Breeder and Exhibitor banners went to Springside Farms, Air­drie, Alta.

HRJ Crowd Favourite 515C, a January 6th son of Sparrows Kingston 139Y was chosen Champion Bull Calf at this year’s Legends of the Fall All Breed bull calf show at Farmfair International in Edmonton, Alta. He is owned by Johnson Charolais, Barrhead.

Canadian Western Agribition posted an attendance record with 130,200 people entering the gate at the six-day event in November. Beef entries were up eight per cent with a 10 per cent increase in sale averages. The show also registered 800 international guests from 70 different countries, a 25 per cent increase.

Each year Canadian Western Agribition offers $2,500 scholarships to students with a connection to CWA. This year’s winners are: Breanna Anderson, Swan River, Man.; Megan Bergsveinson, Alameda, Sask.; Raelynne Rosso, Moose Jaw, Sask. Winner of the $1,500 Barry Andrew Family Scholarship award is Jake Rawluk, Moosehorn, Man., while Matt Bates of Cameron, Ont., received the $1,500 William M. Farley Memorial Scholarship.

The Canadian Gelbvieh Association held its annual general meeting at Farmfair in Edmonton in November.

The newly elected board is (back row, l-r): Kert Ness, Blair Bentz, Lon Carlson (vice-president). Front row (l-r): Lee Wirgau (president), Darcy Hrebeniuk (past president) Aaron Birch. Missing: Ryan Sommerfeld and Neil Overby.

The Gelbvieh Association of Alberta/B.C. recently elected its board of directors at its annual meeting held in Red Deer, Alta. on December 5.

Gelbvieh Assoc. of Alberta/B.C. board of directors. Back row (l-r): Cody Congdon, Larry Fecho (president), Nolan Pahl, Jason Muhlbach (vice-president). Front row (l-r): Nicole Hollman, Joe Ness, Lorna Okell (secretary).

This was the third year for The Yards at Agribition, a spot in the Stock Exchange Commercial cattle where breeders can set up displays showcasing their program without having to enter a show string. That’s where I met Lakeland College’s Purebred Beef SMFTeam members Wyatt Harvey from Rollyview, Alta.; Ashley Hygaard, Selkirk, Man.; and Lexi Antos, Killam, Alta., who took the time to tell me more about their program. Chase Miller, head of marketing and communications on the team and also owner of Miller show cattle was also promoting the team in the barn. This is the fourth year the 13 students on the purebred team have managed the school’s herd of 30 Black Angus cows. All decisions are being made by the students but they are able to draw on the experience of instructors and previous graduates. These graduates set up a plan the students can follow and use as a guide. This year’s trip to Agribition was a success with embryos being sold from the stall. One of their goals moving forward is to get a research herd set up. If you want more information get hold of anybody in the program or contact Lakeland College at lakelandcollege.ca.

The Charolais cow PZC TR Desirae 012, sired by CML Diablo 2X with her CML Distinction 318A heifer calf at side, exhibited by McLeod Livestock, Cochrane, Alta., was chosen Supreme Champion Female in the 2015 RBC Beef Supreme Challenge at Canadian Western Agribition in November. Desirae entered the Supreme competition as the grand champion female at Agribition and the Olds Fall Classic in Alberta.

The Supreme Champion Bull was the Black Angus May-Way Breakout 1310, sired by AVF Breakout 5409 out of May-Way Lady Bando 086 and owned by Tanya Belsham of Houston, B.C. and Caleb W. Flory of Baldwin City, Kansas. This was the 17th year of this prestigious competition that saw 33 female entries and 37 bull entries compete before a five-person judging system.

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On Saturday at the Young Ranchman’s banquet, the online and live fundraising auction for the Cody Sibbald Legacy Fund was held. The fund was developed in memory of Cody with the Sibbald family (Lazy RC Ranch) to benefit qualified participants of the Young Ranchman’s Show through travel and educational opportunities. The auction lots included embryos, handmade buckles, live cattle plus a Dutch auction on a registered Angus heifer. The lucky ticket winner was Bridgette Andrews of Triple A Herefords. She in turn donated the heifer back to be sold by live auction. Merit Cattle Co. was the highest bidder taking her home for $3,100. All in all, $60,000 was raised, going towards helping qualified youth at the Young Ranchman’s Show. For more on the fund contact Mary Kate Robertson at 306-689-2597 or Russ and Cindy Sibbald at 306-859-2244.

2015 Young Ranchman’s All Breeds Livestock Show Results:

• Supreme Champion Female: Merit Socialite 48X with calf at side Merit Socialite 5038, Exhibited by: Garrett Liebreich
• Reserve Supreme Champion Female: Caught Ya Lookin, Exhibited by: Chance Jackson
• Champion Prospect Steer, Exhibited by: Double B Cattle Co.
• Reserve Champion Prospect Steer, Exhibited by: Katie Wright
• PeeWee Aggregate Champions: Kohan Kaufmann and Eric Smith
• Junior Aggregate Champions: Georgia Pawlitza and Jules Smyth
• Intermediate Aggregate Champions: Sadie Anwender and Brianna Kimmel
• Senior Aggregate Champions: Shanna Klassen and Katie Wright.

Gaylene Groeneveld, CEO of the Canadian Gelbvieh Association, tells us that their association has completed its first year of using the “Digital Beef” system to register and work with their Gelbvieh animals. “The new Digital Beef system is very user friendly and most of our members are online with it now. The system gives Gelbvieh breeders all the information they need at their fingertips, including current EPDs, customized reports the breeder can request from the system, and they can even print off their own registration certificates. Digital Beef has proven itself in many ways, including reducing time for CGA office staff, breeder information 24-7, and it offers so much more than the previous registry system.”

The Canadian Angus Association is still accepting applications for the Beef Cattle Learning Award established in mem­ory of Buddy Leachman of Big Gully Farm to recognize and reward young people who invoke the values and character he possessed. Two awards in the amount of $1,500 will be awarded annually to one young man and one young woman who may not favour school or post-secondary education, yet have a strong affinity for beef cattle education and the advancement of their skills related to a future in that professional field. Applications close Nov. 30, 2015. More details are found on the CAA website.

The Saskatchewan Simmental Association (SSA) and Bohrson Marketing Services have partnered for a new sale called “2015 Simmental Sweepstakes.” It is being held during Canadian Western Agribition in Regina, Oct. 25. The 2015 Simmental Sweepstakes is a new concept where the SSA will be selling silver memberships to cattlemen at Agribition with the top two prizes of sale credits to be used at the Agribition Simmental sale. Grand prize is a $5,000 and Reserve a $2,500 sale credit. Sweepstakes start at 5 p.m., the sale at 7.

The SSA board of directors for this year is: Ryan Lundberg (president), Eastend; Tyler Libke (vice-president), Hanley and directors: Lyle Forden, Raymore; Trevor Kuntz, Battleford; Blair McIntosh, Maymont; Kirsten Fornwald, Lampman; Dave Erixon, Clavet; Donna Asher, Grandora; Sarah Delornme, Robsart.

The Hereford Breeders’ Society of Uruguay and the World Hereford Council (WHC) together with the Rural Association of Uruguay (ARU) have announced the 17th World Hereford Conference in Uruguay April 18-25, 2016. The venue will be held at the association’s showgrounds at the Prado, Montevideo. For travel arrangements contact Monica Hillis, Independent Travel manager at 403-203-9266, toll free 1-866-703-3041, monica.hillis@TierOnetravel.com 303.

The Canadian Simmental Association (CSA) has updated the Expected Progeny Difference (EPD) numbers reported through its Genetic Evaluation as of September 18, 2015. As a result, there may be a difference in some of the numbers that were printed in sale catalogues that were produced prior to that date. The updated EPDs can be searched on the CSA website.

Our thanks go out to Duncan Livestock in P.E.I. for posting the results of the Heritage Classic Beef Show at Windsor, Nova Scotia in late September.

The banner winners are:

Simmental:

• Female, Grand Champion, Windy Knoll
• Reserve Grand Champion & Junior Champion, Mutch Farms, also named Reserve Supreme Champion Female
• Male, Reserve Grand Champion, Lil’ Ker Simmentals

Angus:

• Female, Grand Champion, JEM Farms, also named Supreme Champion Female
• Reserve Grand Champion, MacKinnon Homestead

Commercial:

• Female, Grand Champion, Morseview Farms
• Reserve Grand Champion, Morseview Farms

Hereford:

• Female, Grand Champion, W.G. Oulton & Sons.
• Male, Grand Champion, W.G. Oulton & Sons, also named Supreme Champion Male.

Cattlemen’s Young Leaders

Brandon Sparrow, Vanscoy, Sask.
Mentor: PJ Budler, Fort Worth, Texas

Brandon Sparrow grew up on a family farm at Vans­coy, Sask. The mixed farm of cropland, purebred Char­o­­­lais and commercial cattle fostered his interest for agriculture. He has had an interest in beef cattle from a young age and this was established through the 4-H program and junior movements such as the Canadian Charolais Youth Association. He now passes the knowledge he gained through these programs by volunteering as a Senior 4-H leader, as well as judging numerous Junior events throughout the year.
Bran­don graduated from the University of Sask­atchewan with a degree in agribusiness. He currently works at a John Deere dealer in the Integrated Solutions department. Purebred livestock and show cattle are of interest to him and he attends many sales and shows throughout the year. Brandon is currently growing his cattle numbers through select embryo offerings and hopes to have a small herd of his own in the future.

PJ Budler was raised on a cattle and sheep ranch in the Eastern Cape province of South Africa. He founded BonHaven Beef Cattle which is now a multinational seed stock company specializing in Hereford, Angus, Red Angus, Brahman and Braford breeds. He was the first to export Hereford genetics from Africa to North America. He was also the first to export Herefords to Mauritius and Uganda. He still holds the auction record in South Africa for an Angus Bull. In 2012 he founded HerefordBreeder.net and AngusBreeder.net and has since relocated to Fort Worth, Texas. PJ has travelled to 49 different countries and has judged major shows in Uruguay, Paraguay, Colombia, U.S., Canada, South Africa, Sweden, Norway, Netherlands and England. He most recently evaluated the U.K. National Hereford Show and is excited about being involved in the CYL program.

Breanna Anderson, Swan River, Man.
Mentor: Andrea Brocklebank, Calgary

Breanna grew up in Swan River, Man., where she is still active on her family farm, Anderson Cattle Co. Breanna’s parents, Bruce and Ione, and brother Austen run a 150-head purebred Red and Black Angus herd and hold a bull sale on the last Saturday of March at the farm where they sell both yearling and two-year-old bulls. She became an active 4-H member at a young age and continues to volunteer both with the Saskatchewan 4-H alumni and the Minitonas 4-H beef club. Breanna is a livestock director on her local Agriculture Society where she volunteers each summer with the “Down on the Farm” exhibit. The exhibit allows the public to learn about farming practices in their community and across Canada. She has also been involved in the Angus association and had attended numerous shows and conferences.

She recently completed her B.Sc. agriculture from the animal science department at the University of Saskatchewan. She starts her master’s degree this fall focusing on extensive grazing practices in Western Canada. Aside from school Breanna has worked as a crop scout, a summer research assistant as well as a labourer on her family farm. Breanna hopes that through both her education path and the CYL mentorship experience she will be better suited for a career focusing in research and agriculture extension.

Andrea Brocklebank is the executive director of the Beef Cattle Research Council, a division of the Canadian Cattlemen’s Associ­ation (CCA). She has worked in various roles within the CCA over the last 10 years. Andrea works collaboratively with the industry to oversee the delivery of a research program through the BCRC and Beef Science Cluster that funds research projects in areas of importance to the Canadian beef industry. She has played a key role in the development and implementation of the National Beef Research Strategy through her role as chair of the National Beef Value Chain Roundtable (BVCRT) research committee.

Andrea completed a BA in agricultural studies at the University of Lethbridge and M.Sc. in agricultural economics at the University of Saskatchewan. She was raised on a farm in southern Alberta and prior to working with the CCA, worked in the cattle feeding sector, finance and lending.

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He was named Grand Champion Limousin bull at the Olds Fall Classic this year and for 2014 and 2013 at Lloydminster Stockade Roundup, Farmfair International and Canadian Western Agribition Regina, Sask.

The Canadian Charolais Association would like to commend the youth that applied for the 2014 CCA Scholarships; the applications are getting tougher to narrow down each year as the calibre of submissions keeps getting stronger! Congratulations to Shae-Lynn Evans of Kenaston, Sask. as the 2014 recipient of the $1,500 Dale Norheim Memorial Scholarship, and to both Chloe Gresel of Erin, Ont. and Jade Marshall of Red Deer County, Alta. as the successful applicants receiving the two $1,000 Canadian Charolais Association Scholarships.

Our condolences go out to David Bolduc, and family, on the unexpected passing of their wife and mother, Margaret Bolduc, in mid-November. Margaret was a familiar hostess at the annual Cudlobe Angus Sale, and one of the key components of the sale was the pies baked by Margaret and Dyce’s wife. David is past president of the Canadian Angus Association and is the current president of Canadian Beef Breeds Council.

Canadian Western Agribition, hosted a roundtable meeting Nov. 25 focused on improving dialogue between Canadian and American beef producers. Producers from Colorado, Minnesota, Montana and Nebraska met with their Canadian counterparts through this program organized by the Canadian Consulates in Minneapolis and Denver and the Saskatchewan Stock Growers Association (SSGA).

Discussion topics focused on the integration of meat and livestock industries, sustainability and innovation, intergenerational succession planning and key trade issues such as U.S. mandatory country-of-origin labelling (COOL) and regulatory cooperation. “The North American cattle industry operates as an integrated market and by working together on shared issues and eliminating trade barriers such as COOL both our countries can benefit greatly,” said SSGA president Doug Gillespie.

On Nov. 4, Canadian Beef Breeds Council hosted a delegation from Turkey. It was looking for information regarding the beef production system in Canada, as well as on specific breeds of beef cattle. It is anticipated that live cattle access to Turkey will occur in the near future.

Canadian Beef Breeds Council also sponsored a luncheon in co-operation with Alberta Agriculture and Rural Development at Farmfair International. This included a seminar to inform international attendees about Canadian livestock production. Specific topics were genomics, traceability, and reproduction techniques.

Canadian Western Agribition CEO Marty Seymour said their 2014 show “shot the lights out on beef sales,” which were at least 50 per cent higher than last year. (This doesn’t include results from Saturday’s commercial and prospects sales.)

Angus Sale

• Total sales — $283,325; 46 lots for an average of $6,159.
  Highlights — $31,000 for choice of 2014 bull calf and $24,000 for pick of any 2014 calf; buyers from across Canada with one heifer calf going to Oklahoma.

Speckle Park Sale

• Total sales — $132,900; 20 lots for an average of $6,645.
  Highlights — $13,250 heifer calf; $12,900 bull calf; package of three embryos to Dorchester, England.

Gelbvieh Sale

• Total sales — $71,550; 14 lots for an average of $5,111.
  Highlights — high-selling heifer calf for $11,000.

Shorthorn Sale

• Total sales — $117,625; 26 lots for an average of $4,524.
  Highlights — high-selling heifer calf sold to an Ontario buyer for $18,750.

Charolais Sale

• Total sales — $157,450; 17 lots (all females) for an average of $9,262.
  Highlights — Pick of herd — cow $32,500; bred heifer $18,000; heifer calf $13,000.

Hereford Sale

• Total sales — $136,750; 23.5 lots for an average of $5,819.
  Highlights — high-selling heifer calf for $10,300; half interest in a bull calf for $7,500; embryo package to Texas.

Simmental Sale

• Total sales — $126,800; 17 lots for an average of $7,459.
  Highlights — high-selling heifer calf to Alberta for $15,000.

Limousin Sale

• Total sales — $173,450; 21 lots for an average of $8,260.
  Highlights — half interest in a bred cow for $16,000; half interest in a bull calf for $12,500; bull calf for $15,000 with several head going to buyers in Ontario and Nova Scotia.

Angus Power and Perfection Sale

• Total sales — $361,350; 33 lots for an average of $10,950.
  Highlights — mature bull sold for $62,000; bred heifer for $20,000; heifer calf for $26,000.

As noted earlier, CBBC nominee and legendary livestock photographer, Walt Browarny was inducted into the Canadian Agriculture Hall of Fame. The ceremony took place on November 9 in Toronto, Ontario in conjunction with the Royal Winter Fair.

The Royal Agricultural Winter Fair wrapped up its 92nd season of agricultural fun and competitions including its famous Queen’s Guineas Show and Sale. This year, Ryan Scott of Brant County took home the top prize in the Queen’s Guineas competition and earned the first spot in the sales ring for the 2014 Queen’s Guineas auction later that night. His steer, High Hopes, was purchased by Cargill for $11,440. Cargill was one of the biggest supporters of the youth participants in the competition as top buyer in the 2014 Queen’s Guineas sale, followed by MacNeil Farms and Premier Farm Equipment.

The Queen’s Guineas is now in its 68th year of operation, making it the longest-running youth competition at The Royal. The competition first took shape when money was released from a grant given to the Province of Ontario in 1946 by the Prince of Wales. From this money, a new competition and prize called the King’s Guineas was created at The Royal Agricultural Winter Fair. In 1952, when Elizabeth II came to the throne, the competition was renamed as the Queen’s Guineas.

“The Queen’s Guineas is one of The Royal’s most storied competitions, with many past competitors who still carry fond memories of their own days as a competitor,” said Peter Hohenadel, director of agriculture and food at The Royal Agricultural Winter Fair

Canadian Beef Breeds Council, Canadian Angus Association, National Cattle Feeders and the Canadian Cattlemen Association presented briefs to the Standing Senate Committee on Agriculture and Forestry. The committee was gathering information regarding international market development for various aspects of Canadian agriculture.

In efforts to increase positive messaging around beef in human health and wellness, Canada Beef works with the International Meat Secretariat’s (IMS) Human Nutrition Committee. With an exciting nutrition story to share, Canada Beef’s participation with IMS is a highly valuable addition to advocacy and education work done by Canada Beef to promote beef’s role in a healthy diet. Backed by science and a global platform of experts, co-ordinating efforts with the IMS Human Nutrition Committee makes an important contribution towards ensuring attitudes and policies regarding beef consumption reflect scientific fact.

“Nutrition is a core piece of our brand story. Canadian beef is packed with essential nutrients and is an anchor to healthy eating, and we need to leverage opportunities like collaboration with the IMS Human Nutrition Committee to advocate for positive beef messaging,” said Rob Meijer, president, Canada Beef.

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