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History

Approximately 40 interested livestock producers gathered on November 8, 1971 at the Agricultural Centre in Brandon, Manitoba, to form the Manitoba Simmental Association. The meeting was chaired by Ross Mitchell, Manitoba’s representative for the Canadian Simmental Association. Dr. Allen Dixon, President of the Canadian Simmental Association, and Mr. Leroy Berry, Secretary of the  Saskatchewan Simmental Association, shared their views and ideas with the newly formed group. The Executive Secretary of the CSA, Mr. Sandy Sharp, spoke to the gathered producers regarding performance data, recordation applications and semen transfer forms.

Nine directors were nominated from various regions to represent the new association across the province. From these nine gentlemen, Allan Lee of Pierson was elected as President; Mel Wolfe of Douglas was elected the Vice-President, and Fred Clement of Rossburn was elected to the post of Secretary-Treasurer. And as the saying goes... "the rest is history!"

This very aggressive provincial breed association took hold in the purebred and commercial sectors of the beef industry and has grown over the years to its present number of well over 400 members. The Manitoba Simmental Association has experienced many growing pains over the years comparable to those that any newly formed organization must encounter. Times have changed, people have changed, and the most notable change of all has probably been in the cattle themselves.

Similarly to all the new exotic breeds that were imported from Europe in the sixties and early seventies, Simmental cattle had to prove themselves. It took time and various genetics to reach what seemed to be the "ultimate" animal type for that particular time. Fads in color, body type, frame score and genetics came and went. And really nothing has changed in this respect. We still chase type, color and genetics, only from different perspectives.

Simmental were well received in Manitoba as the breeders were very performance orientated. The province has variances in soil and climatic conditions (from very dry in the southwest to damp in the inter-lake regions) which become ideal in most regions to raise purebred and commercial cattle.

Export Markets

Manitoba Simmental breeders have been very successful in marketing their product abroad as cattle, semen and embryos. They have exported genetics to Great Britain, Europe, South America, Mexico and the United States. Manitoba markets more live cattle to the United States than any other province in Canada. Efforts to export Simmental around the world continue to be a part of many MSA members' programs.

Bull Test Stations

Manitoba breeders have been very successful in selling performance tested bulls. One of the main reasons for this success is that the three major test stations in the province are government supervised and are ran by Simmental Breeders and/or supporters. These test stations are the:

1. Douglas Test Station, Douglas, Manitoba. Its sale day is held on the second Saturday in April each year.

2. Gunton Bull Test Station, Gunton, Manitoba. Its sale day is the second Thursday in April each year.

3. Roblin Test Station, Roblin, Manitoba.

Steer Tests

Manitoba Simmental producers have always been very involved in providing their commercial producers with information on steer tests.

The first Manitoba Simmental Association steer test was held in 1986 at Armstrong Feeders in Carman, Manitoba. The MSA annual meeting that year was held in conjunction with a tour of the test centre for commercial cattlemen, purebred producers and other buyers in attendance to view the steers. Manitoba's first steer test was interesting and informative for all in attendance, and plans were already being made for the Association’s second steer test to be held the following year.

The 1987-88 Manitoba Simmental steer test was held at the Dennis Bowles farm at Swan River, Manitoba. Again, the annual meeting was held in conjunction with the test.

In 1994-95 a new innovative idea in steer testing procedures arose. The new concept was named the "Ranch to Retail" Steer Test. This program fed out a group of Simmental Steers at Gunton Test Station, slaughtered and graded them. Gourmet Beef slaughtered the steers and there were some very positive results from the endeavor for the Simmental breed: the steers yielded superior quality carcasses. The test demonstrated just how well Simmental steers could go from "Ranch to Retail" in a short period of time.

Livestock Shows

Just a few short years after the Manitoba Simmental Association was formed, Simmental breeders were getting involved in the first "Ag Ex" show held in Brandon. In 1975 the show was initiated as the only Fall Fair in the province. It included all breeds of beef cattle and dairy cattle, along with a trade show and the Manitoba rodeo finals. In 1995 the Keystone Simmental Association initiated the first "Keystone Konnection All Breeds Bull Jackpot Show". This new event brought all breeds of young beef bulls together to compete for the "Jackpot". This spotlight event showcases bull calves of all breeds to the purebred and commercial producers and is now a feature attraction at the Fall Fair. In 1996 and 1997 Simmental bulls were the Reserve Grand Champions.

Each spring, the "Royal Manitoba Winter Fair" is held in Brandon. The first Simmental Bull sale was held at the RMWF in 1976 and is still a major part of that event each spring. An "Esso All Breeds Heifer Show and Bull Sale" is also held in conjunction with a major horse show.

The All Breeds Heifer Show has grown to be a tremendous Junior event with close to 120 heifers of all breeds competing in showmanship and conformation classes. Ever since the Fair’s inception, Simmental breeders and YCSA members have taken part in these competitions.

New in January 1997, the "Manitoba Bull Congress" was developed, along with the "Ag Days" in Brandon. Here, the breeders and breed associations display their cattle and products to over 20,000 agricultural people annually attending the three day event. The Bull Congress along with the Ag Show has proved very successful.

During the summer, the Manitoba Simmental Association holds its annual sanctioned show. Every year the annual summer show is hosted in a different location of the province.

Manitoba YCSA

The first Manitoba Young Canadian Simmental Association was organized in 1981, with Blair McRae as its first president. At the time, young Simmental members were between the ages of 15 and 21. Their first MYCS show was held at "Ag Ex" in Brandon the same year.

A few years later, the age group changed to comply with the national YCS competitions. In 1993, Hamiota became the permanent show place for the MYCS show. The weekend is full of fun activities such as the designing of an ad, sire summary quiz, herd management quizes, showmanship, grooming, judging, sales talks and many more learning activities along with the YCS heifer show. This event has really been a great asset to the young people in Manitoba who are interested in Simmental cattle and at the same time wish to get out and meet new friends. The YCSA provides opportunities for our young people up to the age of 25 years to learn beneficial life skills.

Commercial Cattle in Manitoba

The "Manitoba Simmental Commercial Producer Award" is awarded annually by the Manitoba Simmental Association at Fall Fair. The winner is selected from entries submitted to the MSA board.  The award honors a commercial producer who uses Simmental genetics in his or her operation and runs a top rate commercial program.

Simmental cattle have done extremely well at Fall Fair in the past in the commercial steer, heifer and bull classes. Livestock producers agree the Fair is an excellent opportunity to promote the Simmental breed.

Commercial cattlemen in Manitoba demand cattle with length, growth and natural thickness. A high percentage of Simmental steers and heifers are sold each fall at weaning time. Producers want the most dollars for their calves with the best feed conversion possible.

Commercial breeders are requesting more information on carcass data, feed conversion, EPDs, and any details that will show them how Simmental cattle will fair in the grading system.

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