CSA E-newsletter July 2007

IN THIS ISSUE

Important Online System and Website Notice AGM Information Genetic Evaluation Update Registry and Member Services News	Simmental Country Deadlines and Rates Carcass Testing Update BIF 2008 Calgary Conference Lots of Interest in SMARTags! Quote of the Month

ON-LINE SYSTEM AND WEBSITE NOTICE
We are in the process of upgrading our computer system. Please review the following schedule if you are an online user or happen to visit our website: CSA website will be unavailable from noon FRIDAY, July 27 through to 8 am WEDNESDAY, August 1. Online Simmental.com is unavailable from noon FRIDAY, July 27 through to 8 am WEDNESDAY, August 1. Online users, please process any registrations, etc. you may require for summer shows prior to this date. Registry will be down from 4 pm FRIDAY, July 27 to 8 am TUESDAY, July 31. Please note the office will not be processing any work MONDAY July 30 as they will be testing the installation of the new software. Thank your for your patience through this transition.

ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING INFORMATION
The CSA 39th Annual General Meeting is being hosted by the Ontario Simmental Association and is taking place in Metcalfe, Ontario, August 2-4th. For the agenda, visit the Ontario website: http://www.ontariosimmentalassociation.com/discography.html Please check your member message sent on Monday about meals and accommodations from the Ontario Simmental Association. For all the documents you need for the AGM, visit www.simmental.com and look for the AGM link on the right. REMINDER regarding proxy forms – fax copies are accepted provided they are received 10 days prior in advance of the AGM at the CSA office. The CSA fax number is 403-250-5121. In addition to information on the YCSA National Classic Show being held in Metcalfe, Ontario August 2-5th, the YCSA section of the CSA website has now been updated with information on the Alberta Wild Classic and the Maritime Classic. For information visit the CSA website at: http://www.simmental.com/nationalclassic.shtml and http://www.simmental.com/ycsaevents.shtml

GENETIC EVALUATION UPDATE
As you read this we are engaged in our genetic evaluation, with data having been sent to the ASA for inclusion in the Fall 2007 evaluation. CSA will also be conducting a scrotal size evaluation over the summer.
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REGISTRY AND MEMBER SERVICES NEWS
When importing Simmental semen into Canada, the office requires the following information for entry into the CSA Herd Book: A completed Import Application form. Import Applications can be obtained from the CSA office or found at www.simmental.com / Downloads / Member Forms / Import App. A copy of the certificate of registration DNA certificate with genotype markers. All import semen must be fully parentage verified before we can register him into our herd book. DNA Requests - just a reminder that when requesting any DNA kits, please indicate the reason for the test (e.g. Embryos, Donor Dam, Natural Service Sire, Sire verification for a calf). Summer Printing Schedule - please be advised that during the summer the CSA office will print certificates and transfers on Tuesday and Thursday. If you have any questions, please feel free to call the office.
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SIMMENTAL COUNTRY DEADLINE AND AD PRICES
Simmental Country is still your best bet for reaching the Simmental community! A new publishing schedule and ad rate card has been added to the website. Ad deadlines, rate card and sizes. The next deadline is September 1st for he October issue so book now!
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CARCASS TESTING UPDATE
Our carcass testing programs are going great guns. We have several breeders who are actively engaged in collecting carcass data, and we have our first calves from the CSA progeny test on the ground at Roseburn Ranches. This year we are breeding cows in 3 commercial herds and should be finished breeding by the end of July. Members interested in testing sires on the program are encouraged to contact the CSA for details.

BEEF IMPROVEMENT FEDERATION 2008 CONFERENCE
The Beef Improvement Federation Annual Conference is coming to Calgary next summer. The event will be held June 29 to July 3rd, 2008. For a review of the papers presented at the 2007 conference, please go to the conference website at http://bifconference.com/bif2007/Newsroom.html

LOTS OF INTEREST IN SMARTAGS!
There has been lots of interest and purchases made of SMARTags! Do you have yours? The SMARTag program provides an effective marketing and management tool for purebred and commercial cattle and beef producers at all levels of the beef supply chain and in any breed. At present, the SMARTag program offers ranchers/farmers who have ordered tags the opportunity to profile calves for sale on-line. Call Program Administrator Katelin Wildeman at 1-866-999-6385 (toll-free) or visit the website at www.smartagonline.com to order tags today.
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QUOTE OF THE MONTH
Ah, summer, what power you have to make us suffer and like it. ~Russel Baker
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