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2004 CSA Annual General Meeting Report (Aug '04)
On July 29 - August 1, 2004
the Maritime Simmental Association hosted this year's Annual General
Meeting.
Click here to download your copy of the
report (511659 bytes).
Breed
Improvement Committee Meeting Summary
March 26, 2004 - BIC Summary (.pdf
file) is available for download
October 2004 General Manager's Report
In March 2002 I wrote the following, “The Simmental breed is one of the
many respected beef breeds around the world. In fact, not long ago a
Canadian beef industry leader was speaking about the pent up potential
for Simmental genetics in North America. He claimed that Simmental
breeders are on a wave that is just beginning to build in strength and
provided they focus, have a tremendously bright future.”
I remain firmly committed to this belief, and all the evidence around
the genetics business would point to the fact Canadian Simmental is
weathering the BSE crisis very well. Around the world, including Canada,
Simmental continues to increase in market share as well as maintaining a
fiercely loyal client base. The purebred, full blood and percentage
Simmental breeders all continue to build on the brand and maintain a
high level of integrity to the genetics and the Association.
In my opinion the CSA Board has demonstrated tremendous courage and
leadership over the past several months as they dealt with a number of
difficult challenges and decisions. The Directors continue to work
diligently on behalf of all members and seek numerous opinions and
expertise before reaching a conclusion based on best information
available. Over the last year the Directors have supported the
additional funds to marketing, breed improvement and IT that are
critical areas of service to our membership. In addition we have our
regular registry, performance and administrative areas to manage. This
article is intended to communicate some of the reasoning and thoughts
behind each area.
Marketing – in 2006 the CSA will host the Simmental World by offering a
tremendous excursion over a significant part of Canada, not an easy task
given the substantial geography of our wonderful country. That stated
the CSA has engaged the services of a marketing assistant to Alana who
is working on day to day CSA marketing issues as well as a major focus
on the 2006 event. Amanda is fluent in three languages and will be a
tremendous asset to the CSA as we work through the logistics of hosting
over 500 breeders from around the globe. Through CBBC, the Simmental
Association will receive federal government funds to host the World
Congress in addition to the contributions of many other sponsors.
On another note, Alana has published in the SC an outline of the CSA
marketing plan and the results to date have been tremendously rewarding.
We believe the future of the seedstock industry rests with the health of
the commercial industry and a significant focus for the Association
continues to be our feedlot and cow/calf customers. Membership services
and supporting marketing programs that promote the benefits of the
Simmental breed are a primary focus of the CSA marketing dollars and
that commitment is firmly entrenched in our activities.
Breed Improvement – leadership from the breed improvement committee,
under the Chairmanship of Dr. Murray Jacobsen as well as support
technical staff of Dr. Bob Kemp and Sean McGrath are critical forces
within the CSA infrastructure. The American Simmental Association (ASA)
is a major partner in our work and with Bob and Sean at the CSA stable
we are able to offer expertise and guidance around major items of
discussion in regards to our North American analysis. A number of new
management reports have been developed over the last 2 years which
membership will begin having access to in the fall of 2004.
It is difficult to think about the beef industry on a North American
basis right now given the events following May 2003. Over time the
marketplace will find itself trading live cattle on this basis again,
however, we do continue to exchange genetic materials through semen and
embryos. Our resulting performance data is that much more enhanced with
multiple data sources, including ASA data. Breed improvement activities
and direction will continue to be the cornerstone of the Associations’
services and on that note we remain very committed to the resources
necessary for Canadian breeders to be knowledgeable on this front and
using tools their commercial customers are demanding.
Information Technology – a breed association’s operating centre or heart
is IT, the computer is a major tool in our business for capturing and
utilizing performance and pedigree data. At the CSA we have a very
talented programmer who is well schooled in the beef business. We remain
committed to enhancing these systems and offering more technology driven
solutions on the farm or as you travel. Please look at our CSA website,
the on-farm program Round-Up as well as a new web based system to be
launched in November.
There is no question the CSA has been challenged financially through the
BSE crisis, just as everyone of our members’ business has as well. The
Board has been diligent to ensure the above three areas remain a
priority and we trim expenses that will not dramatically impact these
areas. In taking these steps it has become necessary for us to downsize
the office staff and bring our salary costs more in line with projected
revenues. In addition we are looking at all other operating costs and
making adjustments where we feel are prudent given the operating
environment. The cost saving decisions you are doing at home, we are
exercising in the office.
The CSA holds close to one million dollars in the bank, which provides
the membership with the financial assurance to buffer market changes
which we are using to adjust to the reality a new Canadian marketplace
post-BSE. However, it will be necessary for us to manage future cash
flows very cautiously until we know where THE and registration dollars
are going to stabilize. Unlike other Associations whose revenues have
been falling, the CSA revenue streams have remained very stable,
however, after 12 months of a closed border we believe there will be
some pull back with the 2004 enrollments. We are hoping that the numbers
will remain fairly stable, however, we feel it unwise to bank on that
reality so we are taking administrative steps today to increase
operation efficiency.
The CSA has a tremendous financial base and a vibrant membership who
sells a product that is very much in demand. Simmental is probably the
hottest breed on the globe and certainly within Canada it is the one in
most demand. We believe this trend will continue. At the CSA we deal
with membership money, so in light of the times we are taking a very
conservative approach until the uncertainty settles. We hope all members
will understand that our resources are being marginalized and with that
some aspects of our business, e.g. turn around time on papers, may
change. We would encourage all members to continue evaluating the
technology tools we offer as well as those that we are going to
introduce this fall. These tools we make are available for you allow
interaction with the office and your registry/performance data and
reports on a 24 hour basis, 7 days per week.
Thank you for your patience and understanding as we work through these
challenging times, on the farm and in the office.
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