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IMPORTANT NEWS |
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AGI Announcement:
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Recently the CSA Board of Directors made the decision to enter
into a service agreement with Angus Genetics Inc (AGI) for our
genetic evaluation services. This decision is effective
immediately and work has already begun. Please see
attached
MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT for further
details. |
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BEEF IMPROVEMENT
INFORMATION |
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Please note the
following breed improvement information:
Fall Evaluation Schedule:
Heading into
the fall members are strongly encouraged to complete
information on the weaning performance of their calf crops. As
well members can submit information on heifer exposures, cow
weights and temperament scores. Information on these traits
will be used in future genetic evaluation projects including
analysis of heifer pregnancy, mature size (cowherd maintenance
costs) and docility evaluation. These are all traits that
significantly impact the bottom line of commercial producers
and may be strengths within the Simmental breed. Data deadline
is October 15th.
Scrotal Evaluation:
The new scrotal evaluation is posted on
the Simmental website. These values are driven from
information submitted by members. Members are encouraged to
submit scrotal measurements on yearling bulls. Historic
measurements are also extremely useful and will be included in
the next evaluation.
Ultrasound and Carcass Rebate
Program: Funding is still
available under this program. Fall calving herds are reminded
that ultrasound rebates are paid on cattle in valid
contemporary groups. Cattle must be scanned between 320 and
430 days of age.
Genetic Evaluation:
The fall 2008 genetic evaluation results
are available online. Animal and EPD searches are available at
http://search.simmental.com
Work is progressing with AGI on the
new CSA genetic evaluation. The evaluation is multibreed and
includes animals in the Candian Simmental Association dataset.
DNA Samples:
Members are strongly encouraged to collect DNA samples on
their cowherds during fall processing. DNA collection is as
simple as pulling 15-25 tail hairs (be sure to get the roots)
and placing them in a clean envelope with the cows' tattoo or
eartag on the envelope. Be sure to wipe your hands between
cows to prevent cross contamination of samples. Samples
are eligible for the CSA program that covers the cost of DNA
storage and extraction at the lab.
Fall BIC
Meeting: The fall board meetings are coming up
and with them the Breed Improvement Committee meeting. The BIC
is a technical committee composed of breeders that give
guidance to the board on technical matters of genetic
improvement programs. If you have ideas or suggestions
regarding breed improvement programs for the committee, please
do not hesitate to contact a committee or staff member for
inclusion in the agenda.
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REGISTRY INFORMATION |
Submitting Hair Samples to the Bova-Can Lab
It is very
important to wait for the DNA application form that must
accompany the hair sample when sending it to the Lab in
Saskatoon, Sask. Reason: There are many delays in processing
breeder’s DNA requests due to the fact that the breeder does
not include both the form and the hair sample envelope at the
same time.
If the proper procedures are followed, the
turn-around time for your DNA results are drastically reduced.
When reconciling the results that are returned from the Lab,
we discover that many times the breeders penmanship cannot be
deciphered and if they would have included the application
form along with the hair sample - it would have
clarified
that information for the Lab Personnel.
Thank you for
your co-operation in regards to this very important procedure.
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COW DNA PROGRAM |
CSA is pursuing a DNA collection strategy for the cowherd to
establish a baseline DNA data set.
From now to December 31, 2008 CSA members are encouraged to
collect and submit samples from Simmental cows registered in
the CSA herd book. Here are some details:
- Helps maintain the integrity of the Canadian Simmental
Herd book
- Supports ongoing Research and Development
- CSA will fund the cost of extracting DNA from these
registered Simmental cows to be put on file
- CSA will fund a portion of the cost of parentage
verification of replacement heifers in 2009 whose dams have
samples on file
- This program is completely voluntary to CSA members
- Members are strongly encouraged to pull DNA samples on
all cows where DNA does not already exist on file
- It is as simple as collecting hair samples, putting each
sample in a separate, well identified envelope and
submitting them to the lab
For further details, please contact the CSA office
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CSA ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING
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The Canadian
Simmental Association Annual General Meeting is being held
in Regina, SK, Thursday, November 27th, in conjunction with
the Grand Finale of the 40th Anniversary of Simmentals in
Canada Celebrations, and Agribition. Please see
CSA AGM Schedule for further details.
The Saskatchewan
Simmental Association has reserved a block of hotel rooms at
the Sandman Hotel and the Days Inn. Call Carolyn at
306-697-2945 before October 25, 2008 to reserve a room!” |
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HALL OF FAME NOMINATIONS |
It is that time of
year again to think about your nominations for the CSA Hall of
Fame award. As in the past, we are accepting nominations from
the CSA membership and Provincial Associations.
Please
see attached for the
information on selection criteria and a nomination form.
The CSA board will be reviewing the applications in October,
so please have your nomination into the CSA office by October
15, 2008.
If you have any questions please feel free to
contact the CSA office or email:
mcartwright@simmental.com. |
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40TH ANNIVERSARY INFORMATION |
40th
Anniversary Commemorative Wine Sets
As part of celebrating
the Simmental’s 40th Anniversary in Canada, the Canadian
Simmental Association has partnered with Jost Wineries to
offer a commemorative wine set to members of the CSA. These gift
boxed sets, especially designed for the CSA, are available in
limited quantities. For more information or to order the CSA
Commemorative Set, please contact Michelle at Jost Wineries,
toll free at 1-800-565-4567 or email
info@jostwine.com.
40th Anniversary Celebrations
Events celebrating the 40th anniversary of Simmental in
Canada are happening across the country this year. Contact
your local Provincial Association to find out what is
happening in your province.
- Quebec 40th Anniversary Celebration, Expo-Boeuf,
Victoriaville, Quebec, October 11-12th
- Manitoba 40th
Anniversary Celebration, Manitoba Livestock Expo, Brandon, MB,
November 6-9th
- Ontario 40th Anniversary Celebration, Royal Winter Fair,
Toronto, ON, November 7-8th
- CSA Annual General Meeting and
40th Anniversary Celebration, Agribition, Regina, SK, Nov
25-27th
Simmental In Canada History
Books
There are still some Simmental in Canada History Books for
sale from the CSA. They are priced at $25.00 + GST +
$3.70 Shipping & Handling. Please contact the CSA for
more information.
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YCSA NEWS |
New YCSA Board Members
We would like to introduce the new members to the YCSA Board.
President: Robert Godfrey - Maritimes
mr_robgodfrey@hotmail.com
Tel: (902) 940-7397
Vice-President: Jenna Holmquist - Saskatchewan
jholmquist@farmworld.ca
Tel: (306) 864-2276
Executive Officer: Katie Wood - Ontario
redribbonlivestock@yahoo.ca
Tel: (519) 821-6654
Thank you to Stacy Young for her time and her dedication to
the YCSA organization through her many years in the YCSA and
during her time as President. |
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Thank You to TBar and their
staff!
The first annual TBar Invitational Golf Tournament was an
overwhelming success. The CSA and YCSA would like to
thank TBar and their staff for organizing such a
tremendous event, and for their support of the YCSA.
This event raised $5,913.60 for our YCSA program. |
Take a look at our first ever 2009 YCSA
Calendar initiative!
Don’t miss
your opportunity to be a part of the 2009 National YCSA
Calendar. Spots are limited and will sell quickly. To
purchase a spot in the calendar, contact Emily Grey or Stacy
Young at:
Advertise your
Program, Sale or Special Event all across Canada. Don’t
miss this great opportunity and support the YCSA by purchasing one of
the following package options:
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Calendar Option #1 |
Calendar Option #2 |
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Business card size
ad |
One date to
advertise an event |
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One date to
advertise an event |
One free calendar |
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One free calendar |
$50.00 each |
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$300.00 each |
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CSA MEMBERSHIP ANNOUNCEMENTS |
The passing of a Friend
Benny Vance, a great friend to the Simmental community, passed
away peacefully after working the fields on his beloved
acreage on Sunday August 3rd, at the age of 79. Benny was an
avid supporter and participant of the Cattlemen’s Association,
Ottawa Valley Farm Show, many agricultural fairs, and the
local and provincial Simmental Clubs. He was a proud recipient
of a spot in the Canadian Simmental Association’s Hall of
Fame. Our condolences go out to his wife, Barb, his children,
grandchildren, family and friends.
Please
send us your Membership Announcements to have them
included in the next Enews. |
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SIMMENTAL
COUNTRY 2008 DEADLINES |
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Please make sure to note the
following deadlines!
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ISSUE |
DEADLINE |
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October |
September 1st |
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November/December
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October 1st |
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February |
January 1st |
Issues for Commercial Country
are January and September. Deadlines are December 1st
for the January Issue and August 1st for the September
Issue. |
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CALENDAR OF EVENTS |
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Click here
for complete calendar of events |
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QUOTE OF THE MONTH |
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“LIfe's greatest
accomplishments are those that at first seem impossible."
... Thomas Edison |
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