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< Back Bbq Smoked Meatball Subs ​ Ingredients FOR THE MEATBALLS: -1 lb ground beef -1 lb ground pork -2 eggs -1 1/2 cups bread crumbs -6 tablespoons Parmesan cheese, grated -¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped -3 tablespoons olive oil -4 cloves garlic, chopped -1 tablespoon salt -1 tablespoon fresh ground black pepper FOR 1 SANDWICH: -Sub bun/roll -¼ cup bbq sauce (your favorite sauce or homemade) -3-4 smoked meatballs -¼ cup mozzarella cheese, shredded shredded Preparation DIRECTIONS FOR THE SMOKED MEATBALLS: -Let’s get smoker cranked up to 250 degrees F. -In a large bowl combine ground beef, ground pork, eggs, bread crumbs, parmesan cheese, parsley, olive oil, salt, pepper and mix well. Roll into 2-inch balls. -Place the meatballs directly on the smoker and cook until internal temperature hits 165 degrees. FOR THE SMOKED MEATBALL SANDWICH: -In a medium saucepan, bring bbq sauce to a simmer. Gently add the meatballs to the sauce to warm up. -Turn oven broiler on to high heat. -Load up your sub bun with the sauce and 3-4 meatballs. Top with the shredded mozzarella cheese. Place under the broiler for 2-4 minutes, until the cheese melts and bread starts to get nice & toasty. Remove from oven & get ready to be crowned CHAMP. Guess what?! It’s eatin time!!! Previous Next

Press Releases **FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE** **The Saskatchewan Cattlemen’s Association (SCA) is pleased with today’s budget** [Regina, Sk, Mar. 2024] SCA welcomes the changes and expansion of the Forage Rainfall Insurance program, as well as the increase in the number of weather stations to be located throughout the province. The expanded options to insure additional forage crops, including greenfeed, mixed forage and silage as well as additional 38 weather stations, should enable producers to select coverage that better reflects the situation on their operations. Cumulative droughts have taken a toll on many producers in the province and the call for changes to the Forage Rainfall Insurance program came directly from producers at the drought townhall meetings SCA hosted last summer. “The changes to Forage Rainfall Insurance clearly indicates that the government listened to producers’ concerns and acted to improve the program in a way that should help producers expand their coverage and protect their operation,” stated Keith Day, SCA Chair. “It is important that the programs available respond to the situation producers may face. We thank the government listening and acting.” The ongoing drought situation also highlights the need for a stable supply of water for producers and their animals. The announced funding to move forward with the large irrigation project at Lake Diefenbaker is appreciated by SCA. “SCA has been a vocal proponent of the two large irrigation projects. We believe they are transformational, with significant economic benefit not only for our producers, but the province as well,” commented Grant McLellan, SCA CEO. “We took every opportunity available to remind the province of the project’s necessity and importance, and we are pleased to see it moving forward.” For media inquiries or more information about The Saskatchewan Cattlemen’s Association (SCA) please email: Colin Hubick colin@saskbeef.com Click Here

< Back 2018-134: Simple strategies to reduce impacts of ergot alkaloids on beef cattle Researcher: Kim Stanford Funding: $23,646 Project Description: Very little information is available regarding the impacts of cereal ergot alkaloids, and the different types of ergot throughout Saskatchewan and Alberta. There is also speculation that storage and pelleting at high temperatures might decrease their toxicity. Therefore, the cost of storing and pelleting, as well as their effects on cattle, will be studied. Results: To get a representative sample of various types of ergot, fifteen samples were gathered. Five of those samples were then heated for ten minutes, before being mixed with barley chop and canola meal and pelleted. To test whether the pellets would increase of decrease the physiological effects of ergot in cattle, 48 backgrounding Angus-cross steers were fed either these pellets, a mash which also included ergot, or pellets/mash which did not have ergot. The research team found that while some of the problematic epimers which cause harmful effects on cattle increased, the negative physiological effects on the cattle did not increase. The researchers suspect that the level of ergot in the study, 1ppm, was too low to generate a reaction in the cattle, and therefore the allowable limit for ergot in feed might be too restrictive. For more information, please visit: https://www.albertabeef.org/files/site-content/8gPry24hTsKc1Hm1OrORLQrpUeYPsBkYFaMUciAI.pdf

< Back 2019-006: Genomic epidemiology and rapid detection of Mycobacterium paratuberculosis infections (Johne’s disease) in Saskatchewan cattle Researcher: Andrew Cameron Funding: $50,000 Johne’s disease reduces the ability for an animal’s intestines to absorb nutrients, causing weight loss, diarrhea, and eventually death. There are no vaccines available or effective drugs to treat animals with this Johne’s, though there are international trade risks associated with this disease. The current tests available for Johne's disease provide false positives, and are not able to detect it until the onset of the disease's symptoms. Detecting the specific pathogen is also a challenge. This study will find the DNA of various Johne's disease strains, and then develop a rapid, accurate, and cost effective diagnostic tool. Results Waiting for research results.

< Back 2017-148: Dugout management for improved water quality Researcher: Kerri Finlay Funding: $45,043 Could farms and ranches construct and better manage their dugouts to limit blue-green algae (cynobacteria), toxins, salinity, sulfates and nitrates? As cattle have been shown to increase their weights and body condition through better water, and as there have been significant herd health problems even leading to death in the past year alone, these improvements could greatly improve your herd health. Samples from dugouts throughout Saskatchewan will evaluate the relationship between dugout characteristics and water quality. The researchers will report their findings to cattle producers after their research is complete in 2019. Results: Kerri Finlay and her research group sampled 101 dugouts in August 2017 and 2019, as well as 20 dugouts in 2018 to note the algal growth, (in particular blue-green algae), nitrates, total dissolved solids, and sulfates. While algal growth was very high in dugouts and blue-green algae were present in over half of the sties, blue-green algae toxin production was generally acceptable across the province. Sulfates were noted as a concern as it was frequently above recommended limits for cattle exposure in 20-30% of the sites. While many would guess that water quality was worse in dry years, others might be surprised that water quality measurements did not differ based on geographical regions - problems were consistent throughout the province. Further research is ongoing to determine how dugout location, relative to soil type or groundwater input might impact sulfate concentrations in water.

< Back 2019-119: Field evaluation of one catalytic seed treatment inducing multiple agronomic responses in forage crops. Optimization of a novel catalytic seed treatment inducing higher germination rates and nodulation in Cicer milkvetch cultivars. Researcher: Karen Tanino Funding: $30,000 Project Description: Cicer milkvetch is difficult to establish in any areas of Saskatchewan. The seed is also comparatively expensive. However, once this crop has established, this non-bloat legume has demonstrated long term stand health. Previous research has indicated that soaking the seeds in a catalytic solution allows for much greater germination and root growth, with nodulation. This research will concentrate on cicer milkvetch to determine the best dose for these seeds, and then conduct field trials. Results: Instead of an inoculant, this work would use a catalytic seed treatment that could increase germination, especially under cool temperatures in spring while also increasing root and shoot growth. Dr. Karen Tanino expanded her previous work on the catalytic seed treatment beyond germination in petri plates to work that also studied cicer milkvetch growth in a soilless media int he phytotron as well as in the field. Oxley II seed was used in this process, in which the seed was soaked at several doses under a cooler temperature (10°C) and a warmer temperature (23°C). The most optimal doses were then evaluated in the College of Agriculture's phytotron at the University of Saskatchewan at the same temperatures. Finally, the field trial started with the best results from the previous studies. The researchers found that the catalytic seed treatment was notable at 23°C, but not effective at 10°C. Root growth and nodulation was significantly increased at the 1200% dose under lab and phytotron conditions, but it didn't translate into the field study. There were also significant differences based on the year. The research team plants to develop a field soil system in pots under a controlled environment to better understand the significance of these differences. They then hope to plan the treated Cicer milkvetch seed into fields in with black soil, evaluate fertility needs, and note the interaction with inoculated for enhanced nodulation. For more information, please visit: https://lfce.usask.ca/documents/tanino_cicer_milkvetch_in_progress.pdf

< Back 2019-124: Barley Lodging – Getting to the Root of the Problem Researchers: Aaron Beatie & Allan Feutado Funding: $25,000 Project Description: An average of $6.6 million acres has been seeded into barley each year since 2010. However, lodging is still a significant problem with this crop. While seeding rate, seeding date, and nitrogen application has tempered this issue, genetic resistance has not been a great focus. While stem strength is important, the value of the root system architecture is as well. Developing upon international research showing the value of root system architecture in other plants, this project will assess malt and feed barley varieties to associate root structure difference to lodging observed in the field. Results: Waiting for research results.

< Back 2019-005: The use of sensory additives to boost feed intake and immune function of newly arrived feedlot cattle Researcher: Diego Moya Funding: $49,777 This study will determine whether feed additives like cinnamon or sweeteners help newly arrived calves adjust to feedlot bunks. As calves travelling between farms, auction marts, and back can be stressed, causing potential illnesses. To reduce this possibility, calves will be provided cost-effective flavours along with standard diets and compared to those without the additives. Their body weight, stress levels, and health records will be compared to note any differences. The Research Committee and Board were interested in methods to reduce this stress on arrival, as cattle which turn to the feed bunks earlier are more likely to be healthy. Results: Waiting for research results.

< Back Crockpot Taco Soup If you’re like me, snowed in and shoveling a ton of snow this winter, your probably ready for a nice hearty meal. One of my favorite hearty meal is Crockpot Taco Soup. This soup consist of simple ingredients, super easy, & packed full of flavor. It will guarantee to warm the soul & body after shoveling and playing in the snow. Ingredients Crockpot Taco Soup Ingredients: -1 yellow onion, diced -2 tablespoons of olive oil -4 garlic cloves -1 (28oz) can of corn, drained -1 (28oz) con of black beans, rinsed & drained -1 (28oz) can of diced tomatoes -1 teaspoon salt -1/2 teaspoon of black pepper -1 teaspoon of cumin -2 tablespoons of chili powder -1/4 cup of fresh cilantro finely chopped -2 pounds of lean ground beef -Topping: cheese, sour cream, avocado, tortilla chips Preparation Crockpot Taco Soup: In a large skillet, heat olive oil. Sauté garlic & onions together. Add ground beef to skillet and brown until cooked through. Drain the beef mixture and add to crockpot. Add the corn, black beans, & diced tomatoes into crockpot. Add salt, pepper, cumin, chili powder, & fresh cilantro. Stir all those ingredients together until mixed well. Cook on low setting of crockpot for 6 hrs. Grab you the biggest bowl you can find. Serve with cheese, sour cream, avocado, & tortilla chips. Grab beer while you’re at it. Guess what?! It’s eatin time!!! Previous Next

< Back 2020-106: Sulfate removal from agricultural ponds for improved cattle health: evaluating regional and local controls Researcher: Kerri Finlay Funding: $30,000 Previous research projects studying dugouts in Saskatchewan found that 1/ 4 had poor quality, while another 10% were unsuitable for livestock. This result could be show increasingly poor quality due to drought conditions. Past work, however, also noted that recharge ponds have lower sulfate levels, and respond differently to climate changes. Dr. Kerri Finlay and her research team will investigate how sulfates enter agriculture ponds and dugouts. This includes understanding how riparian and floating plants can mitigate or bioremediate water contaminants, as well as whether they can be planted for this purpose. Dugout dredging will also be evaluated. Finally, the team will conduct an economic evaluation to provide comprehensive recommendations for Saskatchewan producers. Results: Waiting for research results.

< Back 2020-108: Identifying mycorrhizal fungi to enhance field crop and forage salinity tolerance Researcher: Jonathan Bennett Funding; $20,000 Project Description: Mycorrizal fungi allows for better nutrient uptake in plants, through a symbiotic relationship with plant roots that takes advantage of the larger reach of fungi within the soil. While you might have purchased soil that contained mycorrizal fungi, it's important to note mycorrhizal fungi have unique ecologies adapted to regional conditions, and much more varied that those on the market. As some mycorrizal fungi could have adapted in saline soil conditions, Dr. Jon Bennett will mycorrhizal fungi that increase salinity tolerance in plants. He will collect soil samples from saline areas in different soil zones to isolate and culture, then create conditions to create more mycorrhizal fungi spores and growth. Finally, mycorrhizal fungi in saline soils will be compared to marketed fungi. Various crops will be tested to evaluated whether they grow better with the collected mycorrizal fungi than commercial mycorrhizal inoculants in saline soils. Results: Waiting for research results.

< Back 2016-084: A field comparison of intranasal versus injectible BRD vaccination on beef calf titres, ADG, morbidity and mortality Researcher: Nathan Erickson Funding: $15,000 Beef producers have several vaccination choices when ensuring the health of their animals. However, concerns about efficacy have been raised, which is further complicated by various protocols recommended for each type of vaccine. Given new information available on the Bovine Viral Disease, these researchers wanted to compare live modified, nasal injectable protocols to traditional injectable vaccines and their protocols. Results This study shows that vaccination with injectable/parental Bovine Viral Diarrhea vaccines in the face of high maternal antibodies does not result in a priming immune response and therefore, mucosal vaccination options should be pursued in the future. Mucosal vaccination of neonatal calves with BVD antigens will bypass the interference that maternal antibodies and will be more likely to prime calf immunity to BVD. There was no notable difference in weight gain for cow-calf producers, but it was assumed that there would more likely to be a difference in weight for the feedlot. At this time intranasal vaccines have a greater cost, though these costs might be worth it for a producer.