There was a strong sense of pride, purpose and community in the room as cattle producers from across Saskatchewan gathered February 27 at the Dakota Dunes Resort in Whitecap, for the Saskatchewan Stock Growers Association (SSGA) 2026 Semi-Annual Meeting and Honour Scroll Banquet.
From seasoned ranchers to young producers just building their herds, members came together with a shared commitment to protecting their livelihoods, strengthening rural communities, and ensuring Saskatchewan remains a global leader in livestock production.
Members passed a comprehensive slate of resolutions focused on practical, on-the-ground priorities: traceability, regulatory reform, wildlife management, research investment, and practical tools that support day-to-day ranch operations. A central focus was opposition to expanded traceability requirements proposed by the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA). Members called for:
• A halt to increased traceability and individual animal movement reporting.
• An independent five-year study evaluating RFID tag retention, replacement frequency, administrative burden and total producer cost before further implementation.
• Creation of an industry-government working group to determine a realistic path forward.
• Returning the CFIA to the authority of the Minister of Agriculture.
• Ensuring Canadian livestock data is managed by Canadian entities.
• Fair, timely compensation with the option of private valuers for producers facing disease cull orders.
Resolutions also urged Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada (AAFC) to reverse recent research centre closures, called for moving the Pest Management Regulatory Agency (PMRA) under AAFC, and advocated for stronger provincial tools to address wildlife overpopulation, expedite e-manifests without added cost, and support forage conversion on marginal lands.
The message was clear: Saskatchewan livestock producers expect practical policy, meaningful consultation, and respect for the work they do every day.
Earlier in the day, SSGA hosted its first Young Rancher Seminar, presented by the Canadian Forage & Grassland Association (CFGA). Young producers gained practical insight into financial and tax planning, livestock marketing, and herd health indicators—fostering mentorship, networking, and the passing down of knowledge that sustains family ranches across generations.
The evening Honour Scroll Banquet celebrated individuals whose dedication has shaped Saskatchewan’s livestock industry for decades. First awarded in 1927, the Honour Scroll is one of the province’s most respected livestock industry honours. It recognizes long-standing leadership, service beyond the farm gate, and contributions that strengthen both the industry and rural Saskatchewan.
SSGA President Jeff Yorga reflected on the strength of the turnout and the tone of the meeting by saying, “We saw a tremendous crowd in Whitecap and we heard a clear, united voice from Saskatchewan livestock producers. Our members are engaged, informed and determined to protect the future of this industry. We were proud to honour Dale and Shelly Easton of Wawota, Murray and Selena McGillivray formerly of Radville, and Dr. Grant Royan of Regina—leaders whose lifelong contributions remind us what stewardship and service truly look like. With this level of unity and commitment, the future of Saskatchewan’s livestock sector is strong.”
The evening concluded with a performance by Saskatchewan country recording artist Chris Henderson, adding celebration and prairie spirit to a memorable gathering.
SSGA gratefully acknowledges the valued support of the event’s sponsors who helped make the 2026 Semi-Annual Meeting and Honour Scroll Banquet a success. The Young Rancher Seminar was proudly presented by the Canadian Forage & Grassland Association as Gold Sponsor. Silver Sponsors included the Livestock and Forage Centre of Excellence, University of Saskatchewan, and PMT Inc. Bronze Sponsors were Prosperity Credit Union, Saskatchewan Crop Insurance Corporation, and Vetoquinol.
SSGA also extends its sincere appreciation to every producer who took the time to attend, participate, and contribute to the event by helping to shape policy and strengthen our industry. Together, Saskatchewan livestock producers stand stronger; united in purpose, grounded in stewardship, and committed to building tomorrow’s opportunities.
