SCA ELECTS NEW CHAIR AT THE 2020 AGM
Arnold Balicki from Shellbrook takes the reins.
The Saskatchewan Cattlemen’s Association is pleased to announce the election of Arnold Balicki as the new Chairman of the board of directors. His election comes as the SCA held their AGM at the 2020 Saskatchewan Beef Industry Conference in Saskatoon.
“It is with a great deal of enthusiasm that I look forward to working with our board and staff to better our cattle industry, and to provide our consumers with the understanding of how important a role our industry plays in their everyday lives. I want to thank our out going chair, Rick Toney, for his leadership and dedication in his term as chair. A big thank you also goes out to the board of directors for entrusting me as their new chair.”
Balicki will chair the Board and Executive of SCA. Rounding out the Executive are Keith Day, Vice Chair from Kyle. Dean Moore, Finance Chair from Paradise Hill. Brad Welter, Member at Large from Viscount and Past Chair Rick Toney from Gull Lake.
SCA would also like to welcome newly elected board members Randy Stokke District 4, Brian Cole District 8, and Garrett Poletz from SCFA.
The 2020 AGM included policy discussions, a Young Producers Forum, and a screening of the documentary Guardians of the Grasslands.
“It is with a great deal of enthusiasm that I look forward to working with our board and staff to better our cattle industry, and to provide our consumers with the understanding of how important a role our industry plays in their everyday lives. I want to thank our out going chair, Rick Toney, for his leadership and dedication in his term as chair. A big thank you also goes out to the board of directors for entrusting me as their new chair.”
Balicki will chair the Board and Executive of SCA. Rounding out the Executive are Keith Day, Vice Chair from Kyle. Dean Moore, Finance Chair from Paradise Hill. Brad Welter, Member at Large from Viscount and Past Chair Rick Toney from Gull Lake.
SCA would also like to welcome newly elected board members Randy Stokke District 4, Brian Cole District 8, and Garrett Poletz from SCFA.
The 2020 AGM included policy discussions, a Young Producers Forum, and a screening of the documentary Guardians of the Grasslands.
SCA 2020 board of DIRECTORS
New Humane Transportation Regulations
Canadian cattlemen's association
The new regulations for the humane transport of livestock including beef cattle came into force on February 20, 2020, with a two-year transition period on the feed, water and rest interval provisions for the livestock sector.
As industry transitions and adapts from the old regulations’ transport times to the new regulations, the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) will focus its activities for feed, water and rest times on compliance promotion through education and awareness measures for the first two years.
This approach will allow the CFIA and industry to continue to work together on effective solutions to identified issues and to implement any adjustments. This work could include examining the capacity of rest stop stations in Canada and reviewing the ongoing government funded livestock transportation research.
It is imperative that we get the regulations right – our goal is to maintain and improve the industry’s excellent track record.
Below is the communique released by the CFIA outlining the 2-year transition period and what it will entail:
Graduated enforcement of the Health of Animals Regulations (HAR) Part XII (transport of animals) coming in to force as of February 20, 2020.
The CFIA has a mandate to enforce Canada's Health of Animals legislation, including updates made to the Transport of Animals provisions in Part XII of the HAR. While ensuring the well-being of animals during transport remains our highest priority, we recognize that in some industry sectors significant adjustments are needed in order to meet the new transport of animal requirements as of February 20, 2020.
How will CFIA enforce the regulations?
CFIA’s enforcement approach will balance the need to ensure the well-being of animals during the entire transportation process while supporting the different industry sectors in complying with the regulations.
Enforcement actions, where applicable, will be proportionate to the animal welfare situation and the seriousness of the non-compliance and may include notices (verbal or written) or a notice of violation (with warning or with monetary penalty). Factors such as potential or actual harm, compliance history and intent are also taken into consideration.
CFIA will implement a transition period for the feed, water and rest time interval provisions for bovine and other sectors.
Will CFIA take enforcement action with respect to the prescriptive feed, water, rest time interval provisions in the amended regulations?
The CFIA understands the challenges faced by some sectors in meeting the new requirements for feed, water and rest times, which could include a need for new infrastructure to be put in place or chages to marketing practices in order to meet the reduced times for feed, water and rest.
As industry transitions and adapts from the old regulations’ transport times to the new regulations’, the CFIA will focus its activities for feed water and rest times on compliance promotion through education and awareness measures for the first two years. This is part of the CFIA’s compliance continuum. This education approach will allow the CFIA and industry to continue to work together on effective solutions to identified issues and for livestock sectors to implement any adjustments.
The following figure provides an overview of the compliance and enforcement approach supporting the coming into force of the amended regulations.
Source: CFIA
CFIA has also developed tools to help livestock producers comply with the new regulations. For compliance tips, please visit here for the English version and here for the French version.
Growing Forward 2
The July Federal-Provincial-Territorial (FPT) Ag Ministers meeting indicates some progress is being made regarding CCA policy on programs under Growing Forward 2 (GF2). The CCA has been lobbying for several years to see price insurance availability expanded beyond Alberta. This is a useful risk management tool that should be more widely available. Increasing its availability will reduce interprovincial differences in programs available to cattle producers. Price insurance also addresses some of the imbalance present in risk management options available to grain producers versus what is available to cattle producers. Improved forage and pasture insurance is also needed to better level the playing field between annual crops and perennial crops. The CCA has worked with the federal and provincial governments on this file and looks forward to seeing new and improved programs rolling out.
Since BSE CCA has lobbied for solid disaster planning and programming. AgriRecovery events of the past several years have pointed out gaps in business risk management programs. Work remains to improve the business risk management portion of GF2 to be able to manage future disaster events. The CCA continues to work with federal and provincial governments in making the most of the other areas of GF 2. CCA believe that triggers should be clearly defined and science-based. This will improve the transparency and predictability of the program, and will enable producers to make timely decisions.
In CCA’s view, AgriStability will work better for all producers by redefining or temporarily eliminating the viability test, eliminate caps and allow producers to calculate reference margins on Olympic average or last three years.
Red Tape Reduction
The CCA continues its effort with the U.S. to implement the Beyond the Border and Regulatory Cooperation Council (RCC) action plans that can reduce red tape and cut costs to export to the U.S.
Initiatives under the RCC launched in 2011 by former Prime Minister Stephen Harper and President Barack Obama included roadmaps to achieve implementation of electronic border clearances, improved approval processes for veterinary drugs and other regulatory streamlining that will improve the competitiveness of the Canadian and U.S. meat sector.
Traceability
The CCA remains committed to improving and enhancing our traceability system, but believes timelines and methods must be considered carefully to ensure that we don’t simply add another regulatory cost that will leave Canadian producers less competitive.
Story source: https://www.cattle.ca/advocacy/lobbying-issues/domestic-issues/
As industry transitions and adapts from the old regulations’ transport times to the new regulations, the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) will focus its activities for feed, water and rest times on compliance promotion through education and awareness measures for the first two years.
This approach will allow the CFIA and industry to continue to work together on effective solutions to identified issues and to implement any adjustments. This work could include examining the capacity of rest stop stations in Canada and reviewing the ongoing government funded livestock transportation research.
It is imperative that we get the regulations right – our goal is to maintain and improve the industry’s excellent track record.
Below is the communique released by the CFIA outlining the 2-year transition period and what it will entail:
Graduated enforcement of the Health of Animals Regulations (HAR) Part XII (transport of animals) coming in to force as of February 20, 2020.
The CFIA has a mandate to enforce Canada's Health of Animals legislation, including updates made to the Transport of Animals provisions in Part XII of the HAR. While ensuring the well-being of animals during transport remains our highest priority, we recognize that in some industry sectors significant adjustments are needed in order to meet the new transport of animal requirements as of February 20, 2020.
How will CFIA enforce the regulations?
CFIA’s enforcement approach will balance the need to ensure the well-being of animals during the entire transportation process while supporting the different industry sectors in complying with the regulations.
Enforcement actions, where applicable, will be proportionate to the animal welfare situation and the seriousness of the non-compliance and may include notices (verbal or written) or a notice of violation (with warning or with monetary penalty). Factors such as potential or actual harm, compliance history and intent are also taken into consideration.
CFIA will implement a transition period for the feed, water and rest time interval provisions for bovine and other sectors.
Will CFIA take enforcement action with respect to the prescriptive feed, water, rest time interval provisions in the amended regulations?
The CFIA understands the challenges faced by some sectors in meeting the new requirements for feed, water and rest times, which could include a need for new infrastructure to be put in place or chages to marketing practices in order to meet the reduced times for feed, water and rest.
As industry transitions and adapts from the old regulations’ transport times to the new regulations’, the CFIA will focus its activities for feed water and rest times on compliance promotion through education and awareness measures for the first two years. This is part of the CFIA’s compliance continuum. This education approach will allow the CFIA and industry to continue to work together on effective solutions to identified issues and for livestock sectors to implement any adjustments.
The following figure provides an overview of the compliance and enforcement approach supporting the coming into force of the amended regulations.
Source: CFIA
CFIA has also developed tools to help livestock producers comply with the new regulations. For compliance tips, please visit here for the English version and here for the French version.
Growing Forward 2
The July Federal-Provincial-Territorial (FPT) Ag Ministers meeting indicates some progress is being made regarding CCA policy on programs under Growing Forward 2 (GF2). The CCA has been lobbying for several years to see price insurance availability expanded beyond Alberta. This is a useful risk management tool that should be more widely available. Increasing its availability will reduce interprovincial differences in programs available to cattle producers. Price insurance also addresses some of the imbalance present in risk management options available to grain producers versus what is available to cattle producers. Improved forage and pasture insurance is also needed to better level the playing field between annual crops and perennial crops. The CCA has worked with the federal and provincial governments on this file and looks forward to seeing new and improved programs rolling out.
Since BSE CCA has lobbied for solid disaster planning and programming. AgriRecovery events of the past several years have pointed out gaps in business risk management programs. Work remains to improve the business risk management portion of GF2 to be able to manage future disaster events. The CCA continues to work with federal and provincial governments in making the most of the other areas of GF 2. CCA believe that triggers should be clearly defined and science-based. This will improve the transparency and predictability of the program, and will enable producers to make timely decisions.
In CCA’s view, AgriStability will work better for all producers by redefining or temporarily eliminating the viability test, eliminate caps and allow producers to calculate reference margins on Olympic average or last three years.
Red Tape Reduction
The CCA continues its effort with the U.S. to implement the Beyond the Border and Regulatory Cooperation Council (RCC) action plans that can reduce red tape and cut costs to export to the U.S.
Initiatives under the RCC launched in 2011 by former Prime Minister Stephen Harper and President Barack Obama included roadmaps to achieve implementation of electronic border clearances, improved approval processes for veterinary drugs and other regulatory streamlining that will improve the competitiveness of the Canadian and U.S. meat sector.
Traceability
The CCA remains committed to improving and enhancing our traceability system, but believes timelines and methods must be considered carefully to ensure that we don’t simply add another regulatory cost that will leave Canadian producers less competitive.
Story source: https://www.cattle.ca/advocacy/lobbying-issues/domestic-issues/
What is #BeefStrongSK?
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I am Beef Strong -The Beginning
Meet Joy Brown, a 71 year old grandmother, who is on a journey to become more fit and healthy. Mrs. Brown uses a combination of power lifting training and a diet which includes up to 12 ounces of protein (usually in the form of beef) to help her in her quest. She recently set a personal best at a competition and is working to get herself to the next level.
Follow along as she speaks about her training, her diet and some of the misconceptions that come with aging.
#BeefStrongSK
Meet Joy Brown, a 71 year old grandmother, who is on a journey to become more fit and healthy. Mrs. Brown uses a combination of power lifting training and a diet which includes up to 12 ounces of protein (usually in the form of beef) to help her in her quest. She recently set a personal best at a competition and is working to get herself to the next level.
Follow along as she speaks about her training, her diet and some of the misconceptions that come with aging.
#BeefStrongSK
Welcome to the many stories of beef, cattle and the strength they provide to the people, the land and the communities of Saskatchewan. Whether we are gathering for a family meal, investing in the economy or protecting the environment beef has a role to play. Beef can fuel our minds, bodies and spirits. The cattle industry provides us with delicious, high quality protein and many more products. It also creates jobs and great financial investment opportunities. Cattle producers are the original environmentalist, nurturing the environment while sharing the landscape with other species and people. We all have a story about how beef and cattle have shaped our life and now we have #BeefStrongSk.
To find more information about #BeefStrongSk
Click here or Follow us on Facebook
or
Click here to check out the SCA YouTube Channel
#BeefStrongSK can mean many things to each of us. It is the hashtag to help us share our stories. Saskatchewan Cattlemen’s Association is the hashtag originator and more importantly, the collector, distributor and supporter of these stories. SCA is the #BeefStrongSK cheerleader, encouraging people to come forward with their own #BeefStrongSK stories.
Whether it is a part of your diet, training and health routine, is a part of your town, your farm, ranch, if it provides you with peace of mind or generates the money to pay for tuition, beef and cattle in Saskatchewan provide a lot of strength. We hope you will share your favorite recipe or cooking tip, post a video of yourself setting your personal best or game winning shot, tweet about your new job, we want to hear how beef is helping you reach your goals
Your #BeefStrongSk Story is here please share it!
Reach out to the Saskatchewan Cattlemen’s Association and share your #BeefStrongSK message. We can be reached at info@saskbeef.com We will help you get the word out and may even have some fun #BeefStrongSK swag to share with you.
We want you to proudly wear and use the gear and to ask others what their #BeefStrongSK story is. The more we connect with each other the more we are #BeefStrongSK.
Check back often as we grow the number of stories and find out from your friends and neighbors all about beef, cattle and the strength they provide.
To find more information about #BeefStrongSk
Click here or Follow us on Facebook
or
Click here to check out the SCA YouTube Channel
#BeefStrongSK can mean many things to each of us. It is the hashtag to help us share our stories. Saskatchewan Cattlemen’s Association is the hashtag originator and more importantly, the collector, distributor and supporter of these stories. SCA is the #BeefStrongSK cheerleader, encouraging people to come forward with their own #BeefStrongSK stories.
Whether it is a part of your diet, training and health routine, is a part of your town, your farm, ranch, if it provides you with peace of mind or generates the money to pay for tuition, beef and cattle in Saskatchewan provide a lot of strength. We hope you will share your favorite recipe or cooking tip, post a video of yourself setting your personal best or game winning shot, tweet about your new job, we want to hear how beef is helping you reach your goals
Your #BeefStrongSk Story is here please share it!
Reach out to the Saskatchewan Cattlemen’s Association and share your #BeefStrongSK message. We can be reached at info@saskbeef.com We will help you get the word out and may even have some fun #BeefStrongSK swag to share with you.
We want you to proudly wear and use the gear and to ask others what their #BeefStrongSK story is. The more we connect with each other the more we are #BeefStrongSK.
Check back often as we grow the number of stories and find out from your friends and neighbors all about beef, cattle and the strength they provide.
In need of hay? Check out SCA's Feed & Forage Wanted and For Sale
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This year hay and feed is in short supply in many parts of Saskatchewan.
In addition to classified ads in local papers and The Western Producer and buy & sell sites like Kijiji.ca, the SCA is hoping to help producers connect with each other through a new Facebook group. If you have feed for sale or are looking for feed please post here. This is a free service to both buyers and sellers and we simply are here to help you make the the connection. Please feel free to share this with your family, friends and neighbours. |
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Internal parasite study of pastured yearling cattle
Researchers at the Western College of Veterinary Medicine (WCVM) and the University of Calgary Faculty of Veterinary Medicine (UCVM) are looking for cattle producers to assist in an internal parasite study of pastured yearling. We are entering into the second year of a two-year study dedicated to answering a simple but important question – Does it pay to deworm pastured yearling cattle?
In order to participate, we following criteria must be met:
What is involved?
At the time of spring turn-out, we will randomly chose 25 animals that will be treated with both a short-acting (Safe-Guard) and long-acting dewormer (Long-Range). The animals will be ear-tagged, weighed, and a fecal sample obtained to assess the level of internal parasites. We will also tag, weigh, and sample 25 head that will not be treated. The remaining cattle will be run through the chute but not processed.
When the cattle come off pasture, we will again weigh them and take a second fecal sample. From the weights we can calculate average daily gain and relate this to parasite load. As stated, we have already completed one season (2019), and it would appear that on some farms the treated cattle did much better than the untreated cattle, but on other farms there was no difference. This could be related to many factors, including the particularly dry spring.
Why participate?
If you start and finish the trial, then we will pay $1,000 for every group of cattle enrolled in the study; last year, we had multiple farms that ran two separate groups of yearlings. We will also provide you with a general report on all the farms and a customized report on your animals (average daily gain and parasite burdens).
Lastly, we have a portable scale and squeeze with a head-gate. However, we require handling facilities that will accommodate the scale and squeeze, particularly for when the cattle are coming off pasture.
If you are interested, then please contact either:
Dr. Murray Jelinski: murray.jelinski@usask.ca Office (306) 966-7166 Cell (306) 270-9118.
Dr. Grant Royan: grantdoc@accesscomm.ca Cell (306) 527-2441.
In order to participate, we following criteria must be met:
- Cattle can be either yearling heifers or steers.
- There must be at least 100 head per group.
- The cattle cannot be dewormed within 2 months of turn-out.
- Must have facilities to weigh and sample the cattle at turn-out and again at round-up.
What is involved?
At the time of spring turn-out, we will randomly chose 25 animals that will be treated with both a short-acting (Safe-Guard) and long-acting dewormer (Long-Range). The animals will be ear-tagged, weighed, and a fecal sample obtained to assess the level of internal parasites. We will also tag, weigh, and sample 25 head that will not be treated. The remaining cattle will be run through the chute but not processed.
When the cattle come off pasture, we will again weigh them and take a second fecal sample. From the weights we can calculate average daily gain and relate this to parasite load. As stated, we have already completed one season (2019), and it would appear that on some farms the treated cattle did much better than the untreated cattle, but on other farms there was no difference. This could be related to many factors, including the particularly dry spring.
Why participate?
If you start and finish the trial, then we will pay $1,000 for every group of cattle enrolled in the study; last year, we had multiple farms that ran two separate groups of yearlings. We will also provide you with a general report on all the farms and a customized report on your animals (average daily gain and parasite burdens).
Lastly, we have a portable scale and squeeze with a head-gate. However, we require handling facilities that will accommodate the scale and squeeze, particularly for when the cattle are coming off pasture.
If you are interested, then please contact either:
Dr. Murray Jelinski: murray.jelinski@usask.ca Office (306) 966-7166 Cell (306) 270-9118.
Dr. Grant Royan: grantdoc@accesscomm.ca Cell (306) 527-2441.
2020 ANNUAL REPORT IS Now ONLINE
The Saskatchewan Cattlemen's Association's 2020 Annual Report is now available. Click here for a PDF version. Find financial statements, year end reports and more.
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the Check-Off working for all Cattle Producers
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Private Sale Check-off Forms
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Do you hold on farm cattle sales or sell your beef locally? The SCA now has two quick and easy Check-Off Remittance forms for you.
One form is for cattle sold after April 1st, 2018 and the second is for sales that took place prior to the national check-off increase. Every cattle seller (including sales by private treaty) in Saskatchewan is required to pay the provincial and national levies on each animal sold. The provincial levy is $2.00 and as of April 1st, 2018 the national check-off is $2.50 for a total of a $4.50 per head check-off. Click Here for the Private Treaty Sales Check-Off Form to be used by individuals on Sales AFTER APRIL 1st, 2018. Click Here for the Private Treaty Sales Check-Off Form to be used by individuals on Sales PRIOR TO APRIL 1st, 2018. |
QUESTIONS?
IF YOU HAVE ANY QUESTIONS ABOUT THE SCA LEVY AND THE FEDERAL LEVY, PLEASE CONTACT CEO@SASKBEEF.COM
OR
THE SCA OFFICE AT (306) 585-2333
IF YOU HAVE ANY QUESTIONS ABOUT THE SCA LEVY AND THE FEDERAL LEVY, PLEASE CONTACT CEO@SASKBEEF.COM
OR
THE SCA OFFICE AT (306) 585-2333
Warning to Cattle Producers
The Saskatchewan Cattlemen's Association wants to alert you to a scam that is making the rounds.
Recently, cattle producers in Alberta and other parts of the country having been contacted by an individual wanting to buy cattle.
The individual may make mention that they will be responsible for transportation arrangements. After several emails discussing the details, an authentic looking cheque is sent to the breeder for the cattle. This is then followed by notification that the order has changed and asking for a partial refund to be deposited to a bank account that they give you.
This is a variation of bogus cheque frauds using a variety of email, telephone and banking schemes all designed to cheat the victim.
The RCMP is aware of the fraudulent activity and is investigating, it is not known if any reports are from Saskatchewan but officers want to make people aware of the issue.
We encourage you to use your best judgement when dealing with new or unknown buyers.
By PhoneToll Free
1-888-495-8501
Monday-Friday
9:00 am - 4:45 pm
Eastern Time
or call your local detachment of the RCMP
Click Here for a complete listing of RCMP in Saskatchewan
Please feel free to share this information with your contacts. Please keep us posted if you hear of any similar suspicious activities.
Recently, cattle producers in Alberta and other parts of the country having been contacted by an individual wanting to buy cattle.
The individual may make mention that they will be responsible for transportation arrangements. After several emails discussing the details, an authentic looking cheque is sent to the breeder for the cattle. This is then followed by notification that the order has changed and asking for a partial refund to be deposited to a bank account that they give you.
This is a variation of bogus cheque frauds using a variety of email, telephone and banking schemes all designed to cheat the victim.
The RCMP is aware of the fraudulent activity and is investigating, it is not known if any reports are from Saskatchewan but officers want to make people aware of the issue.
We encourage you to use your best judgement when dealing with new or unknown buyers.
- Criminals will say anything to part you from your hard-earned money - always use your best judgement and be cautious. If a deal seems to good to be true it probably is and you should trust your intuition.
- Ask for and confirm the details of the people you are doing business with.
- You have the right to check out any potential buyer by requesting written information, a call back number, references and time to think over the offer.
- A quick online search of people and company names might confirm contact information like addresses, telephone numbers websites, etc. but all can be easily set up to cover for criminal activity.
- Although banks will release cash to you within days it may take weeks for a cheque to actually clear and you may be responsible for any missing money. Be aware of this when overpayments are made and refunds are requested.
By PhoneToll Free
1-888-495-8501
Monday-Friday
9:00 am - 4:45 pm
Eastern Time
or call your local detachment of the RCMP
Click Here for a complete listing of RCMP in Saskatchewan
Please feel free to share this information with your contacts. Please keep us posted if you hear of any similar suspicious activities.
Enhanced Crop Insurance Program Is Good For Saskatchewan Cattle Producers
SCA Teams Up To Fight Tax Proposals
Saskatchewan Cattlemen’s Association (SCA) is teaming up with The Saskatchewan Association of Rural Municipalities (SARM), the Agricultural Producers of Saskatchewan (APAS), and the Saskatchewan Stock Growers Association (SSGA) to ensure that the concerns of rural Saskatchewan are heard as it relates to the Federal Government’s proposed changes to the taxation of private corporations. The proposed changes will impact all Canadians who use private companies, including family businesses.
The partnering organizations understand the Federal Government’s intention to level the playing field to ensure that the Canadian tax system is not unfairly benefitting the wealthiest Canadians; however, this change could have adverse effects on farmers, ranchers, and small business owners across Saskatchewan and the rest of the country.
“98% of Saskatchewan farms are family owned, and incorporation is an important tool for transferring farms between generations and saving for future investment,” said APAS President Todd Lewis. “We are very concerned about the future of our family farms if these changes go ahead.“
“These proposals, if implemented, make it more difficult to keep family farms and ranches within the family as generations turn over,” explained the Chair of SCA Ryan Beierbach. “They will also make it more difficult to manage risk on farms that incorporated to include more family members in the business. There needs to be a way to achieve the government’s goals without negatively affecting cattle producers and all of agriculture,” Beierbach stressed.
“Additionally frustrating, is that the Federal Government has scheduled the public consultation period for the proposed changes to run from July 18th until October 2ndof this year. This timeframe coincides with the busiest time of year for agricultural producers,” said SSGA President Shane Jahnke. “Farmers will be busy harvesting and ranchers will be putting up feed, weaning calves and shipping -- these are not the sorts of things producers can readily put aside in order to make their concerns known to government officials. At the very least the government should consider extending the consultation period until early 2018.”
The organizations will work with other like-minded groups and experts in the field to clearly articulate to the Federal Government the negative impacts these proposed changes would have on many Saskatchewan farm families and business owners.
“The agriculture industry and small business are critical to the sustainability of rural Saskatchewan,” stated Ray Orb, President of SARM. “Rest assured that SARM is investigating the matter and will ensure that rural concerns are brought to the attention of the Federal Ministers of Finance and Agriculture.”
The partnering organizations understand the Federal Government’s intention to level the playing field to ensure that the Canadian tax system is not unfairly benefitting the wealthiest Canadians; however, this change could have adverse effects on farmers, ranchers, and small business owners across Saskatchewan and the rest of the country.
“98% of Saskatchewan farms are family owned, and incorporation is an important tool for transferring farms between generations and saving for future investment,” said APAS President Todd Lewis. “We are very concerned about the future of our family farms if these changes go ahead.“
“These proposals, if implemented, make it more difficult to keep family farms and ranches within the family as generations turn over,” explained the Chair of SCA Ryan Beierbach. “They will also make it more difficult to manage risk on farms that incorporated to include more family members in the business. There needs to be a way to achieve the government’s goals without negatively affecting cattle producers and all of agriculture,” Beierbach stressed.
“Additionally frustrating, is that the Federal Government has scheduled the public consultation period for the proposed changes to run from July 18th until October 2ndof this year. This timeframe coincides with the busiest time of year for agricultural producers,” said SSGA President Shane Jahnke. “Farmers will be busy harvesting and ranchers will be putting up feed, weaning calves and shipping -- these are not the sorts of things producers can readily put aside in order to make their concerns known to government officials. At the very least the government should consider extending the consultation period until early 2018.”
The organizations will work with other like-minded groups and experts in the field to clearly articulate to the Federal Government the negative impacts these proposed changes would have on many Saskatchewan farm families and business owners.
“The agriculture industry and small business are critical to the sustainability of rural Saskatchewan,” stated Ray Orb, President of SARM. “Rest assured that SARM is investigating the matter and will ensure that rural concerns are brought to the attention of the Federal Ministers of Finance and Agriculture.”
National Beef Strategy Update
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The National Beef Strategy www.beefstrategy.com is designed to position the Canadian beef industry for greater profitability, growth and continued production of high quality beef.
The aim of developing the strategy, and the outcome of that development, was to get the whole industry committed to improve the industry across the country: better connections with consumers and among producers, increased competitiveness relative to our competitors, improved productivity and increased beef demand are ways to improve the resilience and profitability of beef cattle producers of all kinds across Canada. The pillars and goals of the National Beef Strategy by 2020 are:
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SIGN UP FOR THE PREMISE IDENTIFICATION PROGRAM
The Saskatchewan Cattlemen’s Association is encouraging producers to register with the Premises Identification program (PID). According to the Association’s chairman Ryan Beierbach PID is an important tool for improving the traceability in the Canadian beef industry.
Click Here for more Information
Click Here for more Information
IF YOU HAVE QUESTIONS FOR CFIA ABOUT THE BOVINE TB SITUATION, PLEASE CLICK HERE.
THE PRODUCER HANDBOOK IS NOW ONLINE!The SCA Producer Handbook, is packed with great information about programs available to producers, Click here to download a PDF copy
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