The Saskatchewan Stock Growers Association discussed the theme of “Change, Challenge, Opportunity” during its 104th annual general meeting, held in Moose Jaw on June 11-13. “That pretty much sums up ranching life right there,” noted SSGA president Shane Jahnke.
Attending the event were members from Zone 3 and 12 members, who represent ranchers around Assiniboia and southern areas. Members attended learning sessions that provided them with information to deal with evolving markets and changes to production practices. They also adopted 11 resolutions brought forward by the grassroots membership. “The resolutions are important,” Jahnke said. “They are how members direct the SSGA to represent their interests.”
This year’s resolutions reflect members’ concerns regarding the environment, labour shortages, control of noxious weeds on pastures, purchase and leasing of agricultural lands, and monitoring deer and elk for tuberculosis.
One important resolution called on the federal and provincial governments to explore a conservation banking system. This would allow producers to earn credits for expanding wildlife habitat that they would then be able to sell them to industries that cause unavoidable damage.
“The system is proven to expand habitat. Ranchers are conserving and expanding natural habitat in the normal course of doing business, so this will reward them for their efforts and encourage them to do even more,” Jahnke explained the background of the resolution.
A highlight of the convention was the awarding of The Environmental Stewardship Award (TESA) to the Box H Ranch. Mark and Laura Hoimyr of Gladmar received the award at the evening banquet.
They will now represent Saskatchewan in the running for the national TESA award. The winners will be announced at the Canadian Beef Industry Conference in August. Last year, Miles and Sheri Anderson of the Anderson Ranch in Fir Mountain won the award at the provincial and national conferences.
For the business portion of the convention, the SSGA filled one vacancy on its board of directors and re-elected all of the incumbent executive members. “We’re all grateful for that vote of confidence,” Jahnke said. “Our industry has had its ups and downs in the past year, and the board has had a lot on its plate. Every one of us is committed to serving producers’ interests, and I think our members appreciate that.”
The three-day convention included addresses from the Saskatchewan Minister of Agriculture Lyle Stewart, networking, a trade show and SSGA business reporting and presentations on the cattle industry, cattle health and consumer beef trends.
