Saskatchewan Stock Growers Association hold AGM in Moose Jaw

The Saskatchewan Stock Growers Association (SSGA) held its 112th annual general meeting in Moose Jaw from June 8-10, with a number of producers, speakers and industry professionals taking part in the three-day event, held at the Exhibition Convention Centre.

SSGA President Jeff Yorga said it was a great few days, with producers coming together to discuss the issues of the day.

He noted there were tours, several engaging speakers, and around 14 different resolutions debated and discussed.

He says the event was well attended, adding a personal highlight was seeing the level of engagement by those taking part in the AGM.

This year's meeting came with beef prices at record highs, leading to an overall positive mood, though Yorga noted it was a bit bittersweet, saying the high prices are a result of a lack of cattle, with shrinking herd sizes due in large part, to continuing drought conditions.

Along with smaller herd sizes, he says other concerns raised included business risk management, wildlife management, and inter-provincial trade.

He says one exciting development was the signing of Canada's first term conservation easement, to protect grasslands, ecosystems and the animals on them.

Yorga adds the easements also give producers flexibility, when it comes to passing that land down to the next generation, who will then have the option to decide on whether or not to continue those conservation practices.

Coming out of the AGM, Yorga says the SSGA's main areas of focus in the short term will be on the ongoing issues caused by drought conditions, along with business risk management, to come up with solutions for producers affected by drought.

He says the overall mood of the cattle industry is "cautiously optimistic," adding that many decisions over the next few months will be made dependent on the weather, as many producers hope for rain, as finding feed for their herds could become a challenge, if drought conditions persist.

Yorga thanks everyone who attended the AGM, saying that he's encouraged to see so many people taking an interest and being active and engaged in discussions, looking to move the cattle industry forward, adding he's already looking forward to next year's event.