The Saskatchewan Stock Growers Association (SSGA) expects to see a lot of happy ranchers at its Annual General Meeting June 7 to 9 in Swift Current.
“Times are good and the future is full of opportunities,” SSGA President Doug Gillespie said. “Strong domestic demand and expanding international markets offer huge potential for Saskatchewan’s beef industry.”
But as always, there are issues to address. “Farmland security has become a concern, as well as regional challenges with excessive moisture and drought,” Gillespie said. Members will also debate resolutions on species at risk, conservation easements on agricultural land and premises identification.
Sustainability will be a major topic with Cameron Bruett, president of the Global Roundtable for Sustainable Beef, among the speakers. Delegates will also hear about the McDonald’s restaurant chain’s verified sustainable beef program and learn about how to participate in the program.
At Monday’s banquet the SSGA will bestow its annual Environmental Stewardship Award on an operation that leads the way in conservation practices. Sessions on markets, technology, production practices and SSGA business round out the agenda.
“To grow our markets we will need to build on our strengths,” Gillespie said. “We’ve got a lot going for us, and if we want access to new markets, we have to meet new challenges. We’re in a great position to create an exciting future for Saskatchewan and Canadian beef.”
SSGA is a province-wide member driven advocacy organization representing independent self-reliant cattle producers’ interests for 102 years. The SSGA advocates through education, communication, and research for an economically and environmentally sustainable cattle industry where cattlemen are free to do business–within a free and open market place, free from industry limiting laws and regulation.