MOOSE JAW — Farmers, ranchers, and industry leaders from across the province gathered in Moose Jaw for the 112th annual general meeting and convention of the Saskatchewan Stock Growers Association (SSGA), a long-running tradition addressing future challenges and opportunities in the cattle sector.
Held June 8 to June 10 at the Exhibition Convention Centre, the event welcomed members and guests for three days of industry panels, networking, policy discussions, awards, and a trade show — anchored by this year’s theme, Focusing on the Future.
“This is our 112th annual convention, and this is a membership-driven organization. The members come together over a couple of days to have some fellowship and enjoy and discuss the issues of the day,” said Jeff Yorga, SSGA president. “It's a good time to be selling cattle, but it's always a difficult time to be in the business.”
Yorga said the meeting was also a key moment for the association to set direction for the year ahead.
“There's a lot of policy decisions and policy direction that get decided on this week, and we're looking forward to debating resolutions, bringing them forward, and as a board, getting our marching orders for the next year,” he said.
While the association had hoped to leave drought talk in the past, Yorga said current conditions have brought it back to the fore.
“You know, a month ago, when we were thinking about this, we were optimistic that rain was going to come and pastures would be flush, and producers would be in good spirits about growing their businesses,” he said. “Unfortunately, with the wind and the heat, we're back into drought conditions and drought conversations.”
A standout moment at this year’s event was the presentation of the 2025 TESA (The Environmental Stewardship Award), which went to Mark and Karin Elford of Wood Mountain Ranch, located near the Montana border.
“We want to congratulate the Elford Ranch. That's the most prestigious award in the beef industry in the province. They're going on to compete at a national level now,” Yorga said.
Since 1996, TESA has honoured cattle producers who go beyond industry standards in conservation.
The three-day AGM kicked off Sunday evening with a tour of Top Gun Feeders and a President’s Reception hosted by Legend Livestock Carriers. Monday’s full convention agenda featured a lineup of guest speakers from across the beef and agriculture sectors, including updates from Canada Beef, the Canadian Cattle Association, and the Saskatchewan Ministry of Agriculture, along with presentations on market outlooks, risk management, and regulatory changes.
The final day focused on organizational business, with members debating resolutions, receiving updates from partner organizations, and attending presentations on wildlife management, disease prevention, and reproductive health in cow-calf herds. The event wrapped up Tuesday afternoon following elections and closing remarks.
Vendors at the trade show used the event to connect with producers and spread awareness about new and upcoming initiatives.
Mary-Elizabeth Gagnon of the Canadian Cattle Identification Agency said the show helped promote the importance of livestock traceability.
“In case of a natural disaster, we need to know where the cattle are coming from or where they are going to trace it back to minimize the risk,” she said.
Adriane Good, livestock and feed extension specialist with the Saskatchewan Ministry of Agriculture, said they had productive conversations around funding programs and water testing.
“I think we already know a lot of people in attendance, which helps, but we do make a lot of connections,” she said. “So it’s been worth it.”
Yorga closed by thanking attendees for their participation. “We've had a great turnout this week. We've enjoyed our time in Moose Jaw, and I want to thank producers for being here participating.”
To learn more about the Saskatchewan Stock Growers Association, visit SKStockGrowers.com.
