The Saskatchewan Stock Growers Association (SSGA) today invited its members to look to the industry’s future at its upcoming 101st Convention and Annual General Meeting. The convention, to be held at the Moose Jaw Exhibition Convention Centre June 8-10, will focus on the theme of “Emerging Market Opportunities”.
“This is an exciting time in the industry. New free trade agreements, growing wealth in some countries and growing population world-wide all add up to provide emerging opportunities for Canadian beef in high-dollar markets such as Asia and the European Union. There continues to be new niche markets opening up here in North America and our other traditional markets. Saskatchewan stock growers must be ready to take advantage of these opportunities,” said SSGA President Harold Martens.
Martens promised a range of other forums and presentations on issues of concern to the industry, including:
– Vice President of Purchasing & Distribution for A&W, speaking about the company’s “better beef” campaign.
– Information from Environment Canada on the Greater Sage Grouse emergency protection order.
– Updates from the Saskatchewan Ministry of Agriculture on the new provincial livestock strategy.
– Information on the Western Livestock Price Insurance Program.
The convention will kick off on Sunday with a town hall meeting hosted by the Canadian Cattlemen’s Association, free for any producers to attend. The convention will also feature visits from federal Agriculture Minister Gerry Ritz and his provincial counter-part Lyle Stewart.
“Our industry is at a pivotal point so it is more important than ever for our members to stay informed and stay focused on working together on issues of common interest. We need to hear our members voices so I would like to urge all stock growers to come out to this event,” Martens said.
The Saskatchewan Stock Growers is Saskatchewan’s oldest functioning agricultural organization and has represented Saskatchewan cattle producers for over a century.