June 2011

 

 

#13 - 4101 - 19th St. NE
Calgary, Alberta Canada
T2E 7C4
Toll Free: 1-866-860-6051



Office Manager

Barb Judd


Director of Programming and

External Relations

Bruce Holmquist


Breed Improvement

Co-ordinator

Sean McGrath


YCSA Co-ordinator
Emily Grey


Registration / Member Services
Perry Welygan
Beth Rankin


Simmental Country


General Manager

Bruce Holmquist

(403) 988-8676

 

Sales Representative

Darryl Snider
(403) 803-6532

 

SC/CSA Marketing

Co-ordinator
Margo Cartwright
(403) 250-5255


BOARD OF DIRECTORS

 

Rick McIntyre
President

abccattleco@sasktel.net


Ron Nolan
First Vice-President

rnolan@hatch.ca


Fraser Redpath
Second Vice-President

redsim@xplornet.com


Lacey Fisher

timberwoodfarms@

seasidehighspeed.com


Don Lundberg
x-tsimmentals@xplornet.com


John Sullivan
Sullivan.simmentals@bell.net


Randy Mader
rrmader@xplornet.com


Judy Sweet

judsweet@telus.net


Kara Enright

kara_langevin@hotmail.com


Please take some time to review our privacy policy so you can rest assured that we will only every use your information for member-related communications to benefit you and your fellow members.

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CSA website| Contact Us   

IN THIS ISSUE  

REGISTRY INFORMATION  
Ordering DNA kits from the CSA:
Over the past couple of months we have still been receiving a number of email notifications from GenServe Laboratories stating that hair samples have arrived without the required DNA application form.

This notice is a friendly reminder to our membership that it is necessary for you to, phone, email or fax your DNA request to us beforehand. The CSA staff then orders the requested DNA form, forwards you the appropriate DNA Application form to accompany the hair sample, and electronically submits the animal information to GenServe.

Note: When a DNA kit is ordered, the breeder’s CSA account is charged $27 (+ applicable taxes). A non-electronic DNA fee of $45 (+ applicable taxes) will be levied if a member sends a hair sample to the lab prior to ordering the DNA kit from the CSA office. Thank you for your attention to this important Registry matter.

BREED IMPROVEMENT  
Fall Evaluation
The CSA is in the midst of conducting its’ Fall 2011 EPD evaluation. EPD are computed for calving ease, growth, scrotal and carcass traits. For information on the CSA genetic evaluation please visit www.simmental.com.

Calving Data
Members are encouraged the finish entering data on those last few stragglers in the calving pen. It is extremely important that all calves are reported at each stage as reporting only the best calves will unfairly drive their indexes and resulting EPD downward.

Weaning Information
While most cattle have just gone to grass fall is now fast approaching. Members are encouraged to review the guidelines for weaning weight dates. These age ranges ensure that animals are included in index calculations and also in the genetic evaluation. Age limits for weaning are 205 days + or – 45 days. Calves must be in a contemporary group of at least animals in order to receive a rank or an index.

Beef Improvement Federation
The Beef Improvement Federation meeting was held in Bozeman, MT the end of May. This event combines academia, extension, association and producers in a very interactive format. There was good representation from the CSA. Much discussion about breeding and genetic programs, as well as future direction was discussed. For conference proceedings and/or further information visit www.bifconference.com

DNA Samples
Most members are aware of the policy regarding walking sires and having DNA on file. Now is a great time to ensure that all sires used have DNA on file with the lab/association, and to collect DNA on any animals that may not have it. Have a good looking young bull calf? Pull hair on him and his dam so that if he enters the seedstock industry you will be able to readily parent verify him.

Cow Herd DNA Program
Members are reminded and encouraged to take advantage of the CSA Cow Herd DNA program. Members who submitted samples on their cows are eligible to parent verify their heifers. The CSA will cover the cost of extraction and the DNA panel on the heifer’s mother. The breeder only has to pay the cost to verify the heifer. This could provide a very real marketing opportunity for members.

Carcass Data Program
Just a reminder that the ultrasound/carcass rebate program is slated to end in June of 2012. If you are considering scanning your cattle, now is a great time to start planning.
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YCSA NEWS
3rd Annual YCSA Fundraising Calendar Auction goes ONLINE
The 2012 YCSA calendar auction will be ONLINE this year. With the help of LiveAuctions.tv, we are going to have the auction online for 5 days, August 14-18th, with bidding to close at 7pm CST on the 18th.

On Line Viewing & Bidding Available...
We invite you to be part of the action!
With the help of LiveAuctions.tv, we are now able to give you an ONLINE auction.
Real-time bidding will be available via the Internet for this sale.
Buyers must create an account at least 2 days prior to the sale.
Please visit http://LiveAuctions.tv to start the set-up process.
Click which type of Internet connection that you have: DSL or Dial-up
Click on the “ YCSA Calendar Auction”
Click on “Create a user name”
Once you have created a user name & password, log back into the sale and “Register for a buyer number”
Please contact Jill Mader (403) 990-9187 or Brad Fahrmeier (816) 392-9241 if you require any assistance.

The YCSA will also be selling business card ads and individual dates in the calendar. Don’t miss your opportunity for some great advertisement as the calendars will be mailed out along with the Simmental Country magazine in November.

YCSA Photo Competition
This year each province will be featuring a photo competition at their National Classic in order to find that perfect shot! The winning National shot will be featured on the cover of the 2012 YCSA Calendar, which is sent to every Simmental breeder across the country.
Don’t miss out on this great opportunity to show what you’ve got behind a camera!
Criteria: The photo must be taken by a YCSA member and feature Simmental influenced cattle and kids. All photos must be available in digital format and any entries automatically become the property of the Canadian Simmental Association.

YCSA National Classic 2011
The 2011 YCSA National Classic is being held in conjunction with the 2011 Manitoba Youth Beef Round Up in Neepawa, MB on July 29th - 31st.  Stay tuned for registration and scheduling details of this great event.  YCSA National Classic 2011

Summer Classic Dates
Alberta Summer Synergy - July 9-12, Olds, AB
Manitoba Youth Beef Round Up and National YCSA Classic - July 29-31, Neepawa, MB
Tiger Lily Classic - August 3-6, Prince Albert, SK
Maritime Classic - August 26th, Truro, NS, in conjunction with the Salt Water Classic.
Ontario Trillium - August 27 - 28, Cobden, ON, In conjunction with Cobden fair
Quebec Classic - October 8th, Victoriaville, QC, in conjunction with Expo Boeuf

YCSA News Makers
The CSA is proud to share the accomplishments of our YCSA members.  Youth members learn a great many developmental skills though their involvement with this program and credit their success to the lessons they've learned through the YCSA and the experiences they have had.  If you have a story that you would like to share, please send it to Emily Grey or Margo Cartwright.  We know there are more stories out there, and would like to feature as many as possible.

The YCSA is looking for New Members
Go online at www.simmental.com for a member registration form or contact Emily Grey, (YCSA Coordinator). Contact your nearest YCSA representative to find out more about upcoming events in your local area. They would love to hear from you. 

YCSA MENTORSHIP PROGRAM
Are you a YCSA member?
Do you want to explore the Simmental industry in another Canadian province?
Do you have some spare time this summer?
Do you like to travel?
If you have answered yes to all four of these questions, then you are the perfect candidate for this new program.

It is with great pleasure that the National YCSA program launches it's pilot for a National Mentorship Program.  This program would span over a two week period and provide a YCSA member with the opportunity to travel to another province and explore a Host Farm's Simmental operation.


Looking for Host Farms
The YCSA program is looking for Host Farms to participate in this pilot program.  If you are interested in hosting a YCSA member in a work program this summer, please contact Emily Grey.  The particulars of this project can be further explained. 

It is our hope that this project will blossom so that other YCSA members have the opportunity to experience the Simmental industry from different perspectives across our country.

CSA Member Letter

SIMMENTAL COUNTRY  NEWS

Correction to the Spring Simmental Country

Our apologies to Anchor D Ranch for the inclusion of the incorrect version of their ad on page #13 of the Spring 2011 Simmental Country.  Please view the attached for the correct version.

 

Queens of the Pasture Issue of the Simmental Country

Plan to advertise your Donor Females, Embryos and Flushes, and Feature Females in the Queen's of the Pasture issue of the Simmental Country, so when breeders plan their herd tours, you are on the map!  The deadline for the next Simmental Country is July 1st.  Please contact Darryl or Margo to reserve your page in this issue.

 

Please make sure to note the following deadlines!

 

ISSUE DEADLINE
January Commercial Country December 1st
February Herdsire Simmental Country Issue January 1st
March/April/May Spring Simmental Country Issue April 1st
June/July/August Queens of the Pasture Simmental Country Issue July 1st
September Commercial Country August 1st
October Simmental Country September 1st
November/December Simmental Country October 1st

Should you have any questions regarding the new online version of the magazine, or the new electronic options for advertising please do not hesitate to contact Margo, Darryl or Bruce. We would be happy to hear from you.


CSA 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 the CSA website for selection criteria and nomination form, http://www.simmental.com/history.htm.
The CSA board will be reviewing the applications in September, so please have your nomination into the CSA office by September 1st, 2011.


If you have any questions please feel free to contact the CSA office or email: mcartwright@simmental.com.

INTERNATIONAL LIVESTOCK CONGRESS - BEEF 2011
The CSA is a Sponsor of the International Livestock Congress.  Mark your calendar for the ILC Beef 2011 and the Canadian Cattlemen's Association Semi Annual meeting.  For more information and to register visit www.ilccalgary.com , email ilcreg@imcievents.com or call (403) 686-8407. Click here for a schedule of events.

"RANCHPLAN" GROUP BENEFIT PROGRAM FOR CSA MEMBERS
The Canadian Simmental Association is pleased to introduce a group insurance program for CSA members, their families and dependents. RanchPlan is marketed by Unigroup Inc. and administered by Canadian Benefits Administrators Ltd., both of whom are experienced in the Association group insurance market. For more information on RanchPlan, please go to http://www.unigroup.ca/associations/ranchplan.php.

CSA MEMBERSHIP ANNOUNCEMENTS
Please send us your Membership Announcements to have them included in the next Enews.

CALENDAR OF EVENTS
Click here for complete calendar of events

PROVINCIAL HAPPENINGS
Stay in touch with your local Provincial Association Happenings.
BC Simmental Association
Alberta Simmental Association
Saskatchewan Simmental Association
Manitoba Simmental Association
Ontario Simmental Association
Quebec Simmental Association
Maritime Simmental Association

QUOTE OF THE MONTH

"The state of your life is nothing more than a reflection of your state of mind". - Wayne Dyer

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