The Saskatchewan Stock Growers Association (SSGA) concluded its 113th Annual General Meeting and Convention on June 9 in Swift Current, bringing together livestock producers, ranching families, industry leaders, government representatives, researchers, and partners from across Saskatchewan and beyond for three days of learning, dialogue, and celebration of the province’s livestock sector.
Held June 7–9 under the theme “Celebrating Rangelands and Ranchers,” the convention highlighted the essential role of ranchers as stewards of Saskatchewan’s grasslands while providing a focused forum for addressing the opportunities, challenges, and future direction of the livestock industry.
Over three days, delegates heard from leading experts, government officials, researchers, and producer advocates on issues shaping the future of agriculture, including market outlooks, risk management, traceability, animal welfare, succession planning, innovation, and the continued growth of Canada’s livestock sector.
“This convention reflects the strength, resilience, and leadership of Saskatchewan’s ranching community,” said incoming SSGA President Kelly Williamson. “The conversations, ideas, and relationships built over the past few days demonstrate the value of producers coming together to shape the future of our industry. Saskatchewan ranchers have every reason to be proud of the work they do on the land, in their businesses, and within their communities.”
The convention opened with the President’s Reception featuring remarks from Agriculture Critic John Barlow and continued with a diverse lineup of speakers representing Farm Credit Canada, the Government of Saskatchewan, Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, the Canadian Cattle Association, Canada Beef, and numerous industry organizations.
A highlight of Monday’s program was a producer panel recognizing the United Nations’ International Year of Rangelands and Pastoralists, underscoring the global importance of sustainable grazing systems and reinforcing the role of Saskatchewan’s rangelands in food production, biodiversity, carbon storage, wildlife habitat, environmental stewardship, and the vitality of rural communities.
There was a transition of leadership in which the board elected a new Executive to lead the Association over the coming year, including: Kelly Williamson, President; Henry McCarthy, First Vice-President; Chay Anderson, Second Vice-President; Neil Block, Finance Chair; and Jeff Yorga, Past President.
The Association also welcomed new Directors-at-Large, Clint Smith and Paul Buckingham, and expressed their appreciation to outgoing directors Gerry Delorme, Garner Deobald, Kelly Lightfoot and Kurtis Reid for their dedication, leadership, and service to Saskatchewan’s livestock industry.
Special recognition was extended to outgoing President Jeff Yorga for his leadership and commitment to advancing producer priorities throughout his two-year term. Under his leadership, the SSGA Executive and Board of Directors guided one of the Association’s most active policy periods in recent years, advancing producer-driven initiatives on traceability reform, disease preparedness, drought resilience, wildlife management, property rights, and the long-term sustainability of Saskatchewan’s ranching sector.
A key outcome of the AGM was the adoption of a strong slate of producer-driven resolutions that will guide SSGA’s advocacy efforts over the coming year. The resolutions reflect the priorities of Saskatchewan ranchers and livestock producers, including strengthening animal health preparedness and fair compensation mechanisms during disease events, addressing escalating predator and wildlife pressures, improving livestock protection tools, and expanding practical wildlife management strategies.
Members also called for greater fairness and consistency in federal agricultural lending programs, improved market access and trade safeguards, and the protection of Canadian beef interests in international negotiations. Resolutions further emphasized the importance of safeguarding livestock and forage research capacity across the province, maintaining access to applied agricultural science, and ensuring long-term investment in research infrastructure.
Additional priorities included enhancing transparency and producer engagement in national and provincial industry governance, modernizing traceability and regulatory processes, reviewing codes of practice to ensure practical implementation, and strengthening land and property rights frameworks. SSGA members also highlighted the need for more balanced occupational health and safety approaches in agricultural settings, improved rural energy affordability, and continued collaboration with industry partners to support competitiveness and long-term sector growth.
“The resolutions passed by members reflect both the complexity of the challenges producers face and the practical, solutions-oriented approach they bring to addressing them,” said Williamson. “They provide a clear and focused direction for our advocacy work in the year ahead.”
During Monday evening’s banquet, Ralph and Linda Corcoran of Langbank were presented with the 2026 Environmental Stewardship Award (TESA) in recognition of their outstanding commitment to responsible land management, environmental stewardship, and sustainable ranching practices. Aligned with the 113th event’s theme, the award celebrates producers who demonstrate that environmental stewardship and agricultural production go hand in hand while leaving a lasting legacy for future generations. In addition, Heidi Fradette of Lake Alma, SK was awarded the Rangeland Scholarship, recognizing her commitment to agriculture, community, and leadership.
The annual report for 2025-26 that was presented during the AGM highlighted a year of meaningful progress for the Association and Saskatchewan’s livestock sector, including strengthened producer engagement, continued advocacy on regulatory and policy issues, and the successful implementation of key producer-led initiatives such as Saskatchewan’s Satellite Forage Insurance Program.
Attendees also heard encouraging updates on strong cattle markets, growing international demand for Canadian beef, renewed market access opportunities, and continued investment in livestock and forage research—reaffirming the importance of maintaining a strong grassroots voice for producers while advancing practical, evidence-based solutions that support profitability, sustainability, and long-term industry growth.
“The success of this convention reflects the commitment of so many people who continue to invest their time, expertise, and resources into our industry,” said Williamson. “We are grateful to every sponsor, exhibitor, speaker, volunteer, and attendee who helped create an event that was both meaningful and memorable.”
“Ranching has always been about more than raising livestock,” Williamson added. “It is about caring for the land, supporting our neighbours, and building opportunities for the next generation. This event reminded us that when producers come together with purpose and resolve, the future of our industry remains strong. Though our annual convention has concluded, SSGA’s work continues.”
