High Country Cattle Services

Denver Stock Show

2012-01-31T08:39:00.000-08:00

A couple of weeks ago Rob and I had the opportunity to attend the 106th National Westerner Stock Show in Denver. This was courtesy of Masterfeeds. You can read about that in the blog we wrote http://www.highcountrycattle.blogspot.com/2011/12/luck-or-good-management.html

This was only the second time that I have attended and about the fourth for Rob, although it has been many years. Lots had changed in the type of cattle and the number of Canadians that were exhibiting there, but the Yards and the Hill shows are pretty much the same as they were 20 years ago.

The five days that we were there were filled with meeting many people that we read and follow through their websites, shows and production sales. Spending time with Crystal and Jon and the Blin Family of Star Lake Herefords. Attending the American Simmental Associations events including their AGM, SimMagic on Ice and the Chairman's Gala and Foundation Auction.

Star Lake Carload Bulls getting ready.

Starlake Carload Bulls showing
Starlake won the carload for the 13th consecutive year.

It was really good to see sire groups that we may consider breeding to. Although we certainly need to do our homework when looking at genetics to buy from the USA. Many of the bulls that we liked were 7/8. Which are purebred in the ASA herdbook, but considered % in the Canadian herdbook. Good cattle but it can make a difference to your herd depending on the choices that you are making. EPD's usually entered the conversation with most of the breeders and they also played a part in most of the shows that we watched. When speaking with many of the breeders though, we all agreed that at the end of the day the cattle had to be structurally sound, with good feet, udders and testicles as well as having data that backed them up. Many were not aware that our EPD's were not the same like they were a few years ago. While at the ASA annual meeting they announced that their Spring 2012 numbers now include the first multi-breed EPD for calving ease - including data of both Simmental and Red Angus. It will be interesting to compare the change in numbers on the American sires that we have available for our use here in Canada.

Simmental heifer waiting to up to the Hill show.

Amazing Hair

Steer Displays are always
fun to go through

All in all it was a great trip. Learned lots, seen great cattle, met interesting people.

Can't ask for more than that. While all this was going on in Denver, Stacy and Dan were dealing with one of the busiest calving days we have had of 6 calves in 18 hours, while the temperature dropped to -30. I think they were very glad to see us come home. Thanks guys for all of your help and again to Masterfeeds for the trip.

Gifts

2012-01-24T08:46:00.000-08:00

I know that many of us are just getting over the Christmas gift giving season and the credit card bills that go with it, but Valentine's Day is right around the corner. For Christmas this year the girls received a special gift.... a Stockyard Friend.
These special little buddies are made by Bethany from Purplebanner Designs. If you send Bethany a picture of your favorite cow, she will replicate the color pattern and made a unique ear tag to go with it.

Christmas seen two of our families favorite cows under the Christmas Tree.

CAJS Elegant Force W24

Elle

CDY Harmony 8H

Harmony

If you are needing a special gift give Bethany a shout at http://purplebannerdesigns.blogspot.com/ She also makes wonderful unique baby gifts and children's clothes. I don't think we'll be needing order those for our girls any time soon!

Custom Baby Bibs

Custom T-Shirts and Blankets

Your Success....Is Our Success

2012-01-19T07:54:00.000-08:00

IPU Revolution 172U

There is nothing more satisfying than having your cattle or genetics work for other breeders. We have often thought that the way to prove a herdsire is to have semen used in several other herds under different environment and management conditions.

We would like to congratulate LaBatte Simmentals for the sale of their Revolution daughter to Bonchuk Farms for $12,250. She was the high selling red female in their offering.

A big shout out also goes to Willow Creek Simmentals on their Champion Pen of 3 bulls at the Peace County Bull Congress. Their pen included a son of Revolution that will sell in their spring sale in March.

66 Days Away

2012-01-18T10:43:00.000-08:00

It seems like if you are a seed stock producer the hunt for your next herd sire, never ends. In fact the day after you buy your next herd sire you had better be looking for the next one. Oh there are lots of bulls for sale and between now and the end of April thousands of them will change hands and find a new home, but herd sires are few and far between.

Everyone has there own check list of requirements and no two buyers will have the same list. He has to be the right size, color, polled or homozygous polled, birth weight, performance, pedigree, soundness, testicle measurements and the list goes on and on.

We would like to introduce a new exciting young bull that will claim a spot in our breeding program for 2012. This youngster is bred for calving ease with some performance in the package as well.

RJY First Time 18Y.
Here's the list of credentials that he brings with him:

Homozygous Black
Homozygous Polled
Low Birth weight - 80 lbs
In the top 5% for Birthweight and 20% for calving ease.
Sired by - HTP SVF In Dew Time
Backed by strong cows families like - First Date, Dream Date, Ebony's Joy 123 - L, Ebony's Antoinette, Honeydew and CNS Sheeza Dream K107W.

RJY First Time 18Y has recently sold to BS Ranch. He will walk in their pastures, but we believe so much in this young calving ease bull that we have retained 1/2 semen interest in him. We are currently getting ready to send him to stud. He has recently been added to the Bouchard Livestock "Genetics That Make A Difference" 2012 catalog. If you would like the opportunity to share in this new young sire, contact Bouchard Livestock or us at High Country Cattle. Breeding season is only 66 days away

2011 - A Year in Review

2011-12-28T18:07:00.000-08:00

Each New Years Eve we like to look back on the year and review it and also look forward to the year ahead. Never do we imagine the way that things will play out. 2011 will be a year that we will never forget for a lot of reasons. Lets have a look back.
January - We started the year with a cold snowy winter. When all was said and done we would end up with over 7 feet of snow, and several weeks of -35C.

February - A sad month at High Country; we have to put our old faithful dog - Kurt down and ship Stacy's favorite cow - Ruffles. Both were over 13 years of age.

March - We are almost done calving and very excited about the calves that we have. Some out of new cows, new sires and our donors.

April - was a wet and cold month. Cows were being bred and donors flushed with great results. Rob decides to leave his job in the Oilfield and concentrate on our cattle and farm.

May - Crystal and Jon announced their engagement on May 28. So very excited and happy for them.

June - A weekend trip to Iowa to meet the Blins and see where Crystal will make her new home.

July - A month spent painting fences and touring cattle herds. Along with viewing a few junior shows. We meet Stacy's BF - Dan. We have to put our herdsire Revolution down due to an injury.

August - A great trip to Vanderhoof and Williams Lake, BC to judge 2 4-H shows and the Angus Gold Show. Met some great people and seen some very good cattle. Williams Lake 4-H show has the only First Nations 4-H Club in Canada. The leaders and members are doing a great job. We said goodbye to legendary photographer Walt Browarny.

September - Busy with getting ready for the fall shows and we have Crystal and Jon home for their engagement party.

October - We send Rob off to the Olds Fair where he claims Reserve Champion Female, while Stacy and I head to Chicago to help Crystal buy her wedding dress.

November - Filled with shows. Reserve National Champion Bull, and all entries in the top 3 at each show. Along with Dee being elected to the Canadian Simmental Association Board of Directors and her dad is inducted into the Canadian Simmental Association Hall of Fame.

December - RJY Rival 13Y brings $40,000 at the 17th Annual Checkers Sale. Christmas and New Years is spent with family and friends.

There were babies born and weddings attended. We are so blessed with the people that we have in our lives and the things that we get to do. Thanks for reading our blog, keep coming back to see what 2012 holds. We have so many great things to look forward too. May 2012 be everything you hope it to be. Cheers - Rob and Dee.

Red is My Favorite - part 2

2011-12-22T09:22:00.000-08:00

Yesterday I shared with you some of our favorite things that come in Red - Simmental cattle, Canadian mittens, scarfs and of course Red Red Wine. But I forgot my newest favorite Red. I never thought I would say this because of Toby Keith......but Red Solo Cup makes the list.

I love this little tune and when I hear it, I think of a few things that he left out. Like:

Caesers at Agribtion with the Tableland Crew
Yukaflux at a cattle show
Red Red Wine at a cattle show
seems like beverages at almost any cattle function.

We haven't purchased JJB and CDY their wedding gift yet. Maybe a set of Red Solo Cups would be a gift they'll never forget.

"Red Solo Cup, let's fill you up. Let's have a Party!"

Red is my Favorite

2011-12-21T08:46:00.000-08:00

Now this can mean a lot of different things to different people. For Rob it would be one of his favorite colors of cattle. To Crystal it might be her Red Canadian mittens, I know that Stacy probably has a favorite Red scarf but for me my favorite Red is wine!

My love of wine and red in particular came from my first visit to Australia. We would spend our weekends touring different vineyards and spending sometime in the tasting rooms. I highly recommend this as a weekend event. I like to try different wines and though I would share a couple of my new favorites just in time for Christmas

Yalumba

The first was given to me for my birthday by Stacy's BF. They picked it because of the label and it was from Australia. Not really the most scientific way to select a wine, but a very good choice none the less. It is produced by Yalumba Winery - Australia's Oldest family owned winery.

Deep crimson purple in colour, the 2010 Y Series Shiraz Viognier has aromas that are both wild and exotic. Blueberries, violets and cherry ripe notes from the Shiraz are elevated by the subtle influence of Viognier, which brings an alluring Turkish delight character. The well rounded palate is medium to full bodied and shows Turkish delight and cherry ripe flavours that are in harmony with the silky tannins. This sells for about $18 / bottle.

Middle Sister Wines
These are a fun of wines. The fun part is to take the personality quiz on their website and find out whichof their wines is for you. I recently gifted "Rebel Red" to my friend Dawn on her 50th birthday. There really is a little Middle Sister in all of us.

the story
Did you know that birth order is commonly believed to have a profound andlasting effect on psychological development? And that the middle sister has agreater chance of having a special wine named just for her? A sassy blend ofour three favorite red varieties perfect for sipping before, during and afterour favorite family meals. Some people are just born lucky. Now give me back myblouse.
what's in it?
38% Zinfandel, 34% Merlot, 21% Cabernet Sauvignon, 5% Syrah, 2% mixed redvarietals.
100% California grapes with 42% from the Lodi appellation.

smells like...
...ripe red and dark berry fruits like plum, blueberry and blackberry. Sassydash of black and white pepper with a dollop of crome de cassis.

tastes like...
...a huge mouthful of ripe summer berries. The fruit goes on and on, ending ina luxurious finish.

yummy with...
Roasts, grilled meats, pizza, pasta, salmon, burgers, burritos, soups and sandwiches.

If you have a favorite, please pass it on. I'm always looking to try something new. Cheers!

Christmas Comes Early

2011-12-19T08:35:00.000-08:00

Wow what a weekend. This past weekend was the 17th Annual Checkers Sale. This sale has built a name for it's self as one of the top sales to purchase Simmentals genetics from. This year in addition to the 60 lots of Red & Black Simmentals 25 top end Fullblood cattle were added.

We had 3 lots consigned - a herdsire prospect - RJY Rival 13Y, a Donor female - SS Ebony's Dreamdate S27 and a bred heifer - RJY Dream's Promdate 16X.

The sale started with Lot 2 - a herdsire prospect from Meadow Acres. They purchased his dam from the sale in 2010 for $25,000. A big investment.....that looked very good when the hammer came down at $83,000 for her first calf. Congratulations Kirsten and Dustin.

Lot 47 followed - our bull calf - he commanded $40,000 from Kopp Farms and the semen syndicate of Willow Creek, Barclay Smith, South Seven Simmentals, Hanna Simmentals and Bonchuk Simmentals.

Sale Time - Rival selling for $40,000

Thank you to this group of progressive breeders for their commitment to this young bull.

Continually throughout the afternoon females sold for top dollar. The high selling bred for $18,000 and the high selling open heifer for $20,000.

We are very excited to see what our females can do for their new owners. Thank you to Scott Gosnier, Nebraska for purchasing Dreamdate and Bar L7, Calgary AB for their purchase of Promdate.

Dream Date 27S
Her new home is in Nebraska

Promdate is now owned by Bar L7

Not only was the sale fantastic, but we enjoyed seeing so many of our cattle friends, enjoying some Christmas cheer with them and all the laughs that we had over the weekend. The people in the cattle industry are the best gift of all. The sale averaged $8273 on 61 lots of Red and Black Simmentals and $7630 on 25 Fullblood lots. Congratulations Simmentals breeders on the great cattle you are raising. Merry Christmas.

Little Girls Christmas List

2011-12-14T13:19:00.000-08:00

This blog goes back a few years to December of 1997. We were consignors to the 4th Annual Checkers Sale in Red Deer. Rob and the girls had taken our animals down to the sale a few days a head of time and I was at home doing chores until sale day.

As I walked in to the sale barn, the girls came running to greet me. I thought they had missed me over the last few days. They really were just looking for information...... "Mom have your bought all of our Christmas presents?" I was actually a bit organized that year and was done my shopping. They were very disappointed to hear this. You see they had found a very special red baldy heifer calf.....GFP Gloss 12G. They proceeded to tell me that I could take all of the gifts back if they could just have "Gloss" and they would even share her. Crystal was 12 and Stacy 10.

As it turned out our consignments were in the sale order prior to Gloss. Rob & I decided that the girls could try and buy her, but they had to do the bidding. We sat with them for a few lots and asked if they could understand the prices they were selling for.. they had no idea. Gloss entered the ring and the bidding began. I think they just held their hand up the entire time! When all was said and done, they were the proud new owners of a red baldy heifer calf. We asked if they knew how much they had spent they replied, "Not more than $3000, because Dad didn't tell us to stop."

The girls enjoyed Gloss for 4 years and as they were soon looking at needing a college fund, they decided to sell Gloss in the 2001 Checkers sale. She was purchased by Kopp Farms for $7,500 and her bull calf brought $13,000. This cow has gone on to raise 7 more calves for the Kopp family. They also have a few daughters in their herd out of her.

It was a fun day back in 1997, seeing 2 little girls want a Simmental heifer more than anything else on their Christmas list. There enthusiasm for Simmental cattle and the agriculture industry in general has continued all these years. When we look back on the Checkers sales over the years we also see how the cattle that have gone through the ring have enhanced our own herd and the breed. Our family has a long history with this sale and it is a day each year that we look forward to. Over the past 17 years the kids have grown, the cattle improved and the friendships made cherished.

CDY Fantasy
Still in production at 17 yrs. old

Sold to Reanne Sanford

Sold to Rainalta

Sold to Huxley Colony

If you haven't finished your Christmas shopping there are some great choices on Saturday December 17, 2011 at the next Checkers Sale in Red Deer.

Favorites

2011-12-13T08:50:00.000-08:00

It seems like not matter what you talk about everyone has a favorite something. Favorite coffee, way to spend a weekend, favorite relative and here at High Country we have our favorite cows. If you have followed our blog for awhile you will know that Harmony and Fantasy were Crystal's favorites,

Fantasy

Ruffles was the favorite for Stacy

Ruffles

and Rob just likes them all. Although I think he is a bit partial to Elle and First Date

Elle

First Date

This weekend we are selling 2 of my favorites, Dream Date and Prom Date.

Dream Date

I've been banned from doing the sale cattle chores as every time I do, I tell Rob "Do you really think we should be selling Prom Date?

Prom Date

She's going to make such a great cow? How are we going to replace her? This is where he tells me that we have a full sister to her in the herd and 3 additional daughters from Dream Date so all will be fine.

He must have been thinking yesterday that I might not be 100% convinced. So he made a purchase at the Shades Sale in Manitoba. MRL Miss 644Y - soon to be named MRL Obsession 644Y is on her way to High Country Cattle.

Obsession

We haven't met in person yet but from all that we have heard about this Wheatland Predator 922W daughter she could very well be my new favorite. Might make selling Dream Date and her daughter Prom Date on December 17 just a little bit easier.

It's Starting to Look A Lot Like Christmas

2011-12-09T08:11:00.001-08:00

I know that there is always discussion on when is it too early to decorate for Christmas. For many of our American friends it is the day after Thanksgiving. For some of my Canadian friends it is after the first snow fall....but that could mean October some years. For our family it is when I (Dee) gets around to it. Rob isn't a big fan of puatting up outdoor lights, so that is usually my job as well as transforming the house for the holidays.

This year I am just a little bit behind. With Christmas falling on the weekend, it seems like I have less days to do everything. We were away most of November at shows and sales, and the first weekend in December was spent buying a dress for Crystal and Jon's wedding along with some Christmas shopping, This weekend we are excited to attend the wedding of Scott Harvie of Harvie Ranching and Kerrie Bennett and then next weekend we are at the 17th Annual Checkers Sale. Check out Lots 47, 48, and 49. Those 2 weekends will be like having Christmas with our cattle family.

My cow snow globe - handmade.

Snow globe and cows in the bathroom.

I did do a few things last night and hopefully the rest of it will get done on Sunday....depending on how the wedding goes!

A Rewarding November

2011-12-08T08:08:00.001-08:00

A couple of weeks back I mentioned that November had been a very good month. We always look forward to November as this is the start of the show and sale season. We get to reconnect with our cattle "family", see how our genetics compare to others in the cattle industry and meet some new people. It's kinda like an early Christmas for us.

We had a great show at our National Show in Edmonton. All of the cattle we exhibited placed well and the interest we had at the stall was one of the best years ever. Along with the National Simmental Show, was the AGM for the Canadian Simmental Association. There was some really good information shared about our breed and the initiatives that are happening to advance our breed and the beef industry. Along with all of the usual information that is given out they also induct a few breeders each year into the Canadian Simmental Hall of Fame. This year there were 4 inductees. My dad - Chuck Groeneveld along with Lewis Farms,

Rodney James of Transcon, and Lazy S Simmentals were all awarded this honor. It usually pretty hard to keep a secret from dad but he didn't figure it out until right before the awards.

Mom and Dad operated Highwood Land and Cattle at High River. They started to AI our commercial Hereford herd to Simmentals in the early 1970's. The F1 cross were amazing cattle and the thought was to continue to upgrade. But they were impatient and so a herd of 150 purebreds from the original SBL herd (home of Parisian) were purchased.

Through the years that they were in the business, dad was the Alberta Simmental President, on the Canadian Simmental Board and traveled across Canada and the US to many shows and sales. We showed at all the major Canadian shows as well as Denver, Houston, Ft. Worth, and Portland. He is currently the fieldman of the Alberta Simmental Association.

What was really nice about all of these inductees is that they were there to receive their awards. Congratulations to all of them and for what you have contributed to our breed. You have join a very elite group of individuals.

Understanding us Country Folk

2011-12-07T11:44:00.001-08:00

Like most farm and ranch families, most of our friends are in the business and understand the language that we speak. There is no need to define, heifers from cows or steers from bulls. When we talk about setting a cow up, they usually understand that we are talking about Embryo Transplant.

This past year we have had a visitor to the farm quite frequently......Stacy's boyfriend Dan. Dan's parent's have a farming background, but by the time he would have been old enough to visit the farm in Manitoba it had been sold. So he has had first time and first hand experiences at High Country. I must say that he is a fast learner and in no time was leading and washing show cattle. We do have to remind ourselves to talk about something other than cattle sometimes. Which is pretty hard at this time of year with all of the shows, and sales going on. Dan was great help at Farmfair. He only intended to come one day but came back for a second day.

This past year Rick Mercier visited Canadian Western Agribiton and had a first hand look at all that is involved in showing livestock. Check out his video on YouTube

I guess we have to remember that if we want Urban and non agriculture people to understand our lifestyle, we have to speak a language that they understand.

Luck or Good Management

2011-12-02T08:31:00.001-08:00

This past summer we started to do some research on new feeds. Processed feed for the cattle that we were getting ready for shows and sales and feed that we would be giving to our weaned cattle. After a lot of reading and phone calls by Rob, we decided that we would switch feed companies. Our new feed was going to be coming from Masterfeeds.

We decided on 2 different rations. The first being their Show - Stopper ration. This was for the show and sale cattle.

Show-Stopper Texturized Show Cattle Ration TM Show-Stopper® Texturized Show Cattle Ration is a 12.5% protein texturized ration intended to be fed up to 10 kg per head per day. It is a concentrated formula of selected ingredients, containing high levels of quality protein, minerals and vitamins intended to produce a shiny, healthy hair-coat.

The ration that was given to the weaned calves at home was a pelleted ration to grow them out. All of the cattle have done really well on both rations.

This was the good management piece of the story.

The rest of the story is that in November we were attending our first big show of the season and talking with our Nutritionist and feed rep - Doug Roxburgh.

Doug mentioned that he had a supplier that was wanting to give a bonus away if he sold enough of the product that Masterfeeds uses. Doug surpassed the goal and was awarded the bonus. He chose to use it as a customer appreciation draw. Doug and his wife Kate will be traveling to the NWSS in Denver in January. They will be taking with them one of their customers..........from High Country Cattle.

Rob has been down the the Denver Stock show several times, but I have not been there for 26 years. I'm sure there has been a few changes. Thanks you to Doug and Masterfeeds for this wonderful surprise and opportunity. Also to our daughter Stacy who is going to take a few days off work to come out and calve cows so that we can leave home. Can't wait to see some great cattle and catch up with our American cattle friends in the yards.

It's Really About the People

2011-11-30T08:25:00.001-08:00

Wow, November has just flown by. There are so many great things that have happened in the last month. It really has been a lot of fun. Most of them revolve around the people that we have been with at the cattle shows.

Stacy with the Sutter girls, from Kelvington, SK

There really isn't much difference raising purebred cattle and commercial cattle. In fact some of the most successful commercial operations probably have as good a records and data on their cattle as purebred breeders. For us the bonus in raising purebred cattle are the great people that we get to meet and hang out with. Sometimes we can go a whole year without much contact, but when show and sale season arrives it's like reconnecting with our "other" family.

Tom & Lizzy Baker
Australia

The Schwartz Family
3D Simmentals - our hosts for the week
Also 2011 Saskatchewan Breeder of the Year

We also enjoy the new people that we meet each year. Those that are just strolling through the barns and take the time to stop a visit with us for a few minutes. We have an unwritten rule at High Country Cattle - someone needs to be at the stall at all times! We do take turns going through and looking at the other breeders cattle, not only in our barn but the other breeds, but our "job" when we are at the shows is to have someone at the stall. It's actually as much fun as the showing part.

Thank you to everyone that took the time to look at the cattle that we displayed. The comments that we received on our breeding program and the interest in the cattle that we will be selling on December 17. It really is about the people!

With Thanks

2011-11-17T09:08:00.001-08:00

Monday night we offered 2 packages of embryos from one of our top donors. They were in the North American Select Sale in Louisville. When the hammer came down, we were very pleased to know that they had been purchased by 2 great breeding programs.

Lot 9A was purchased by Kappes Simmentals, Aberdeen, South Dakota. Bruce and his family have been in the Simmental business for over 25 years. They have a successful sale each spring and know the value of strong pedigrees.

Lot 9B was purchased by a younger Simmental breeder - Cale Toews, Beaverlodge, AB. Cale may just be developing his herd, but he has a long history of breeding cattle in his family.

He has 2 great mentors in his grandfather and his father Travis who is the president of the Canadian Cattleman's Association.

CCA President Travis Toews with
Agriculture Minister Ritz

They operate Melburn Holdings and currently run 700 cows and over 1,000 yearlings, while the Toews family also backgrounds about 1,200 head of cattle. I think Cale will have a good group of recipients to chose from.

We are excited that these two programs chose to add our genetics to theirs and look forward to seeing their results.

Like Father Like Son

2011-11-15T13:32:00.001-08:00

I mentioned earlier in the week what a great week we had in at FarmFair International and at our National Simmental Show. Simmental were the largest breed represented at the show with 140 entries. The quality in all of the classes was second to none. One of the things that impressed me the most was the number of newer (1st or 2nd time) exhibitors to the show and how young our exhibitors are compared to some of the other breeds. This sure goes to show you that our junior program works and that our breed has a great future.

A few years ago the idea of having the National show rotate across the country was discussed. The Canadian Simmental Association decided that the show would rotate between the Toronto Royal, Livestock Expo in Brandon, Canadian Western Agribition in Regina and Farm Fair International in Edmonton. We wanted to support this idea so off we headed to Brandon last year.

2 other Alberta breeders join us. We were treated royally by the Brandon Simmental Association and the facility they have is tremendous. The hotel and restaurants are connected right to the exhibition hall. No starting cold vehichles and driving across town to get to you hotel or back to the show grounds. One of the animals that we took was IPU Revolution 172U. He was named National Champion Bull.

This year the Alberta Simmental board offered to host the 2011 National show and AGM. We had a few more animals in the stall as this is our home town show. One of them was a son of Revolution - RJY Rival 13Y. He was named Junior Bull calf Champion and Reserve National Champion Bull. Not only is he following in his fathers footsteps in the show ring but he sure looks a lot like his daddy too.

We have always thought that your younger cattle should be better than their sire and dams. We think Rival is as good or better. Factor in that he is dark red in color and has been confirmed by Tru-Polled to be homozygous polled and he is a pretty exciting young herdsire.

Congratulations to all of the exhibitors at this years National show. Can't wait for it to be held at Agribiton in 2012. Hope to see you there.

Sale Time

2011-11-14T08:45:00.001-08:00

Wow the week has been a busy one. Just got home from our National Show and annual meeting in Edmonton at Farmfair International. Great week for our breed and for High Country Cattle. But more to come on that in the next few days. Today we are focusing on the North American Select Sale that is being held in Louisville.

CAJS Elegant Force when purchased
at Louisville in 2010

CAJS Elegant Force as a 2 yr old.

HC PowerDrive 88H

PVF BF 26F Black Joker

We have a very exciting lot - Lot 9 embryos out of our donor CAJS Elegant Force and your choice of either HC Powerdrive 88H or PVF BF 26F Black Joker. These embryos are currently in Canada but are exportable world wide. Elegant Force is a Steel Force daughter and a grand daughter or the strong H25 cow family.
Our daughter Crystal will be representing us at the sale.

You can watch and bid on line at www.edjecast.com or contact sales management Doug Parke at 859.421.6100 For more information on Elegant Force check her out on our website at www.highcountrycattle.com The sale starts at 5:00 pm est.

Shopping Time

2011-11-07T12:25:00.000-08:00

This week at the annual Canadian Simmental Meetings members will have the opportunity to do a little shopping while they are in Edmonton. Although they could go to West Edmonton Mall - the largest mall in the world, I think that they will find some unique items to purchase by just coming to the the Annual meeting on Friday November 11at 1:30 pm

During the annual meeting participants or those that cannot attend but would like to send an order will have the opportunity to bid on items in the Garth Sweet Foundation Auction.

The proceeds from this auction go to 3 areas within our breed: Research, Scholarships and the Youth program.

There are some interesting items that have been donated by breeders and supporters of the Simmental breed. Anyone like a helicopter trip over Niagara Falls, tickets to the Blue Jays, Montreal Canadians or Edmonton Oilers, artwork and 2 surprise lots a brown cash cow and a black cash cow! For a look at the complete offering, check out the catalog If you are not able to attend but would like to support this great cause, contact one of the committee members in the front of the catalog. Happy shopping.

It's Show Time

2011-11-02T14:38:00.000-07:00

Each fall the excitement grows as we prepare to attend and participate in livestock shows across Canada. This is something that Rob and I have done for over 30 years. People often say to us "Your still showing cattle?"

There are several reasons that we do this:

Rob showing at
Brandon Livestock Expo 2010

To promote our farm and breeding program
To gage the progress that our herd is making against other breeders
To network with customers and potential customers
To keep a connection between urban consumers and agriculture.

There are breeders out there that look down on the shows and the cattle that excel in them, but we would like to suggest that you celebrate the breeders that are taking the time, making the effort and incurring the costs to go to the shows. By them making this effort they are promoting our great breed - Simmental. We don't ask that you like or even agree with the judges choices at each of the individual shows, we just ask that you respect the efforts of these exhibitors and come and evaluate the cattle for yourself and your program.

Simmental Representatives
2010 Farmfair Supreme

IPU Revolution in the 2010
Farmfair Supreme Show

Each year we bring out a handful of animals that represent our herd and our breeding program. We try as hard as anyone to take home the ribbons and championship banners, but we also know that at the end of the day, most importantly we are proud of the cattle that we are exhibiting and our breed. We are excited to be showing at Farmfair International on November 10 (this will also be the 2011 National Simmental show) and Canadian Western Agribition on November 24. Stop by the stall if you are visiting one of the shows, we would love to show your our string and have a visit.

Good luck to all the exhibitors this fall who have taken the time to get animals ready to show at

Good friend Chan Phillips at the stall last year.
Chan will be judging the Toronto Royal this year.

The Toronto Royal - November 4 - 13
Brandon Livestock Exp -November 3-6
Farmfair International - November 5-13
Saskatoon Fall Fair - November 9-12
Canadian Western Agribition - November 21 - 26

Annual Meetings

2011-10-31T08:52:00.000-07:00

Going to a meeting usually isn't at the top of everyone's list of things they want to do. Often they feel like it isn't a good use of their time. But meeting can play an important role in the business that you do. Even if that business is Agriculture.

Annual meetings like the Canadian Simmental Association Annual meeting that is going to be held in Edmonton on November 11, 2011 at 9:00 am is a great place to spend a few hours. At this AGM you will have the opportunity to:

Network with fellow breeders
Meet the staff that work hard for us in the office
Learn of our associations financial position
Learn of the work that has been done in the last year to advance our breed
Give direction for the breed for the next year
Elect 3 new board members that will represent you

This year the Alberta Simmental Association Board of Directors
has asked me to run for the Canadian Simmental Board. I have been asked "why would you want to do that?" In short, I want to give back to an association that has been very good to my family and a breed that plays a significant role in the beef industry. If elected the areas that I would like to work on are:

Promotion
Working with and enhancing the great work that the Provincial associations are going
Young Canadian Simmental - our Youth program. (YCS)

I was a founding board member of the YCS and feel that with a strong youth program, we strengthen our parent association. Currently all of the directors on the Alberta Simmental Association were former members of the YCS program.

It would be great to see you out at the AGM on November 11, but if you can't attend you can either fax a proxy vote ( by November 1) to the CSA office or send an originally signed proxy with a member to the meeting. I understand that there will be an election for the 3 director positions. Let's get involved in our association. Hope to see you there.

We're Having a Girl......

2011-10-27T09:44:00.000-07:00

In the spring of 2010 we looked at using some new technology, Sexed Semen. The thought was to use the semen on a few of our heifers that were out of genetic lines that produce superior females, in order to increase the number of females born.
This would enable us to market some females out of our top cows while at the same time keeping some as replacements. We researched the Simmental bulls that had "heifer" sexed semen available in Canada.

We found out that there were very few to choose from. Although we were excited to hear that HTP In Dew Time was available.

HTP In Dew Time

Here is how the semen companies describe In Dew Time,
"In Dew Times cow family is strong and proven for many generations. His dam HTP SVF Honey Dew was a many time champion being named Reserve Grand at the 2003 National Western. In Dew Time’s full sister and litter mate HTP SVF Dew Drop claimed calf champion honors at the National show at the American Royal and the North American. Also, a full sister to Honey Dew, Makin Honey claimed champion honors at the 2004 North American Junior and open shows. In Dew Time has breed leading EPDs 8 CE being in the top 20% on calving ease, 1.2 BW in the top 35%, 47.8 weaning in the top 4%, 84 yearling in the top 2%, a positive 2,1 on maternal milk, 16 on CW in the top 1% and ribeye 0.35 in the top 3.5%. R94 is homozygous polled and Genmark tested homozygous black. a young herdsire that combines many of the positive aspects of the Simmental industry. (American Simmental Association EPD's)"

So we ordered the semen, breed 4 heifers and 3 conceived to the A.I breeding. One of those was RJY First Date 1W. (Black Joker x SS Ebony's Dreamdate S27).

Fast forward to January 29, 2011. First Date was in the calving barn. We were very excited to see the Homozygous Black heifer calf that would be arriving soon. We were checking on her regularly and walked into the barn as she gave the final push. It is natural to walk over and lift the hind leg to see the sex of the calf is. Rob was teasing me, as she was having a heifer.....or not. She had just given birth to a 80 lb BULL calf! I guess the semen companies are right when they say the semen is 90% female / 10% male.

RJY First Date 1W

RJY First Time 18Y

Although initially we were a bit disappointed with not getting a heifer out of her, (the other 3 had heifers) we certainly are not disappointed now. Here is her bull calf - RJY First Time 18Y that will be at her side when we show them at the National Show at Farmfair and also at Canadian Western Agribition. I think she was meant to have a bull in 2011. Stop by the stall at the shows and check him out.

All I want for Christmas

2011-10-25T11:17:00.000-07:00

Some of you may remember that about this time last year Rob came home and said "I know what I want for Christmas." Now this is not an unusual statement for most people, but Rob never asks for gifts. What he really wanted was Lot 3 at the NAILE Simmental Sale in Louisville, KY. I think my reply was - you and a lot of other people.

Fast forward and with a partnership formed with our daughter Stacy - CAJS Elegant Force W24 (Lot 3) found her new home at High Country Cattle Services.

CAJS Elegant Forc

Elle - as a 2 yr old - Summer 2011

"Elle" as we have fondly named her has exceeded our expectations. She has turned into a beautiful young cow and produced one of the best heifer calves to date at HCC.

RJY / SLY Southern Elegance

Her BMR Explorer daughter will be a part of our show string this fall. "Elle" has entered into our embryo program and due to the success we had flusing her this year, we have decided to consign 6 embryos (that are exportable worldwide) to the NAILE sale on November 14. Lots 9A & 9B are embryos by CAJS Elegant Force W24 (Steel Force daughter) and your choice or HC Power Drive 88H or PVF-BF-BF26 Black Joker.

HC Powerdrive

Black Joker

The genetics that the Elle embryos present are quite unique. To date, there is no SVF Steel Force semen available in Canada, her 3/4 brother - Mr. HOC Broker is the current Reserve Champion Bull at Denver,and there is an extremely limited amount of both Powerdrive and Black Joker semen available. Maybe it's time to do a little Christmas shopping for yourself.

The Boys of Fall

2011-10-24T10:53:00.000-07:00

The Boys of Fall can mean a lot of different things. It can be the great song by Kenny Chesney http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AlXDo5WhQXI&feature=player_detailpage, your own local hero's such as the Breton Cougars, or in our case the boys that we just brought home from pasture.

This past Friday night, I went out to watch the local high school football team.

Breton was one of the first small high schools in Alberta to form a six man football team. In the last few years the league has grown across the province. Friday night Breton played the Sedgewick Rams.

It wasn't a close game but it was fun to see the son of our good friends Darryl and Debbie Snider out on the field. Cooper is much younger than the other players. he's only in Junior high but has the size and ability to be playing with the big boys.

Also want to give a shout out to Darryl. He is the fieldman for the Simmental Country. He travels thousands of miles a year across North America attending sales and shows. He is the staff person representing us breeders that you see the most. He does a great job for us and it is often during these times that his boys are playing sports or participating in school activities and he is spending time on the road with us instead of seeing them. Thanks Darryl, we do appreciate all of the time in the spring and fall that you spend with us instead of your family.

Our boys of the fall came home from the pasture on Saturday. They have been weaned since September but were able to stay with their mommas since we use weaning guards, it allows them to stay on the grass for a while longer.

There are a couple of really special boys that we will be taking to Farmfair and Agribition. If you are at the shows stop by the stall and have a look at them.

The Same...Only Different

2011-10-20T09:14:00.000-07:00

October 20, 1984, Rob and I said our "I Do's" Today the weather is over cast and a few showers are expected, 27 years ago we were recovering from the first major snow storm of the year and trying to figure out where we would take our wedding pictures, since we didn't book a studio.

A few things have changed throughout the last 27 years. When we were starting out on our farm - High Country Cattle Services it was located at Bentley, Alberta. Our herd consisted of 90% Horned Hereford cattle and 10% Simmentals - the traditional spotted and yellow variety. Rob worked sales, clipping and fitting (we fitted all the sale cattle in those days) and showed for Goose Lake Cattle Company at Calgary and Kilmorlie Herefords at Bowden. We received $.75/lb for our calves that fall and the steers averaged around 670 lbs in November . The interest rate on our farm was 23.8%. This was a deal for young farmers.

Today High Country Cattle Services is located further north at Breton, Alberta. Our herd is 99% Simmental - the red and black variety and 1% Angus - recipient cows. Rob still works shows and sales but now it is for ourselves.
We concentrate more on growing and working hair on our cattle with minimal fitting. The property that Goose Lake Cattle Company was on is now a gravel pit, Kilmorie Farms is now home to Simmental breeders Saugeen Farms. Our calves this fall brought $1.40/lb and the steers and heifers together averaged 705lbs the middle of September. Today you can get an interest rate for 3.8%

In 1984 gas was $.93 compared to $1.11 today, a new 1/2 ton truck was $9,000 where today you will spend double that. Labatte's brewery came out with the twist off cap. We took hundreds of pictures for sale ads that had to be developed before you knew if you got the right picture. You anxiously awaited for the Hereford Digest and the Simmental Country to arrive to see what was the latest news in the purebred industry. Today you almost know minute to minute by following Facebook, Blogs and websites. (We haven't started to tweet yet!) Sales can be followed online and purchases made.

We are planning another wedding - no not ours, but our daughter Crystal's and Jon's.

And their herd will consist (in the beginning) of 99% Hereford cattle and 1% Simmental. Stacy and Crystal are the 4th generation in both of our families to raise purebred cattle.

So much has changed over the last 27 years, technology and running our farm more as a business with family values. But somethings have stayed the same too......our love for each other
and being a part of the Agriculture Industry!

Good Bye Summer

2011-09-23T12:47:00.000-07:00

On this first official day of fall I thought I would look back to what we did during the summer. 2011 was the summer were we didn't plan anything. Some how though it all went by very quickly.

June started off with taking a quick trip to Iowa to visit Crystal and to meet Jon's family.

Randy & Rob fishing on Sunday morning.

We also took a few animals to the Drayton Valley Livestock Show. It's a good thing this show happens early on as this is the only way that we get those first few calves halter broke.

July the weather did not cooperate and our swath grazing was very delayed being planted and then got washed away with 4 inches of rain, two days after planting. Sure not the success if was last year, so the cows have already been turned into it.

We did fit in a couple of days to the Ponoka Stampede and the Calgary Stampede for the rodeos, chuckwagon races and the CS Steer Show.

In August we were honored to attend the wedding of Stefon and Becca Beechinor. The wedding was held in their hip roof barn that is on their farm and over 100 years old.

Becca & Stefon

Then we headed to BC to judge the Vanderhoof 4H Show and the Open show that hosted the Angus Gold Show. Some really good cattle and met some great people. (even some from Kansas!)

Tom and his Kansas helpers brought out
a great string.

Supreme Champion Female

The trip continued with us doing some golfing in Williams Lake prior to judging the Williams Lake 4H Show. Again an awesome group of kids and cattle to work with over the two days. We were able to meet the leaders of the only First Nations 4H Club in Canada. These ladies are doing a wonderful job with these kids. We also visited the BC Cowboy Hall of Fame. It was interesting to see all of the old brands in the area.

Then at the show that night some of the cattle were carrying those brands. Lots of Agriculture history and good cattlemen in that part of the county.

The Before picture

We also fit in a few of those jobs on the to do list. Painting all of our steel fences was on my list. The weather cooperated in August and September so I was able to get most of them done. Rob has started to work on the show and sale cattle. It was a good summer to get caught up on a few things and to enjoy being at home. Visitors are welcome at High County any time of the year.

Fall Run

2011-09-22T10:13:00.000-07:00

Things have been really busy here at High Country. There are the usual every day tasks of running a farm and working off farm as well. Then there are the seasonal tasks that come into play.

We were also busy this past weekend with Jon and Crystal home for their engagement party. It was a great time to get friends and family together to meet Jon and celebrate with them. We did take some time on Sunday to show him around our place, teach Stacy's friend Dan more about agriculture and to determine which calves we would sell this week.

We have marketed our steer and cull heifer calves a few different ways. Sometimes we go to the pre-sort sales, or the Simmental influenced feeder calf sales. But this year we sold privately. Last Friday we were quoted a price for both the steers and heifers in a weight range. We loaded them straight from pasture, delivered them an hour away and took a 3% shrink directly off of the truck.

Our steer calves netted us $958 and our heifers $826. The steers were in the 700 lb range and the heifers 600 lb range. This is what calves were selling for at the local auction mart the same day.

Tuesday, September 20, 2011
929 head
CALF MARKET VERY STRONG

Steers

Heifers

900 +

$111.00

$124.00

800 - 900

$122.00

$134.25

700 - 800

$131.00

$145.00

600 - 700

$135.00

$146.50

500 - 600

$145.00

$155.50

400 - 500

$155.00

$162.50

300 - 400

$172.00

$178.00

900 +

$110.00

$117.50

800 - 900

$115.00

$123.60

700 - 800

$118.50

$128.00

600 - 700

$120.00

$129.75

500 - 600

$127.00

$135.00

400 - 500

$140.00

$147.00

300 - 400

$160.00

$166.00

D1 Cows

Bulls

Bred Cows

$60.00

$72.00

$70.00

$84.00

$0.00

We also shipped a few open cows that day. Unfortunately Crystal had to say good bye to one of her old girls - Lil Signature 2N. She hurt her hip on the ice last winter but still managed to wean off a 750lb bull calf in early August. 2N topped the market that day at $.72 / lb. bringing in a check for over $1300.00

We have also been working on show cattle, deciding on consignments for the fall sales, updating pictures of the donors and preparing for winter. Watch in the next couple of weeks for some exciting announcements on what we will be consigning to the NAILE sale and also to Checkers. Until then enjoy these wonderful fall days we are having.

The Value of Junior Beef Programs

2011-09-02T09:26:00.000-07:00

There is always the discussion with Senior agriculture boards on the value of a junior beef program. How do you measure the value that you are getting for the dollars invested? We're not sure that we have the answer to this but we do know the value that it has played in our family.

Rob started his junior beef experiences with the Junior Hereford Association. He often will recall his trips to the National Hereford Bonanza. In the 70's and 80's the CJHA was one of the most envied associations. They lead the pack for the others.

In 1980 the Canadian Simmental Association formed the YCS - Young Canadian Simmental Association. I had the opportunity to be on the founding board.

When our daughters became old enough (ages 5 & 7) they couldn't wait to join the AYCS. Throughout the years this organization gave them the opportunity to fall in love with Simmental cattle and travel across Canada to the National shows. They also had the opportunity to attend 2 National shows in the US.

Again what value does this bring to the beef industry? In our opinion it develops the leaders of tomorrow. For the past few years all of the directors of the Alberta Simmental Association have been past active members of the junior association.

One year we roughly kept track of the amount of money that juniors bid or spent on cattle at the fall sales that we attended. Although we weren't at all the sales, we figured that over $100,000 was generated by junior members interested in Simmental cattle. Many of them have gone on to become successful purebred breeders and users of Simmental genetics in there commercial herds.

This past summer our daughter Crystal had the opportunity to speak at the first American Junior Simmental Association Summit. The Summit was held not only for a leadership building opportunity but also as a networking opportunity.

So whether we are building leaders in our industry, generating revenue for our genetics or just giving youth some great lifetime experiences and memories, we believe that the return is unlimited for the investment made. We hope that you will take the opportunity to support these associations in the near future.

Gone But Not Forgotten

2011-08-26T09:47:00.000-07:00

Often when someone passes on we hear the words " Gone but not Forgotten" Those words could not be truer than with the passing of Walt Browarny, on August 24, 2011

Walt is known world wide for the photographs that he has taken in the Agriculture Industry. Our family grew up with Walt. Through the cattle shows and even the horse events that Rob participated in.

Both Crystal and Stacy had the opportunity to work for Walt and Show Champions. His name is on thousands of pictures that hang on the walls of our homes, offices and exhibitions. Checkout this feature of him on Crystal's blog.

I remember one time that my mom had been really wanting to get a family picture. Dad wasn't going to take the time to get all dressed up to go to some studio, so she suggested that we get Walt to take the picture. She did make us dress up though. Walt came out to the farm and promptly told us to go and change or he wouldn't take the picture. We threw on our winter coats, grabbed the dogs and headed to the river for the picture.

This is what we will remember about Walt:

He was the best at what he did.
He had the patience of a saint, even when he was growling about an uncooperative animal.
The love of his life was his "Marie"
No one was prouder of their family.
He loved "Jack Russel Terriers" and a refreshing glass of "Scotch"
He made you feel like you showed the Champion even if you didn't

Thank you Walt for capturing the many memories that we hold close to our heart. You may be gone from this world, but will continue to live on forever.

Summer - What a Rush

2011-08-09T21:57:00.000-07:00

Well this summer has blew by and I cannot believe fall is around the corner. Crystal and Jon have got things well on the way for their wedding April 7/12 and we had a great time there in June. Met the family and everything went great. We are looking forward to having Jon and his family a part of ours.

Crystal & Jon

Independence, Iowa

JJB Cattle Company

The summer has been wet. Not tonnes of rain just rain every day it seems. That has made for lots of grass though and the cattle have come along very well. Crops are not so good in our area and it makes me happy to not have a bunch of grain in this year. Even the swath grazing does not look good ! The fellow we get hay from has made progress the last 10 days and we are hauling hay home now. Half done and will get the rest soon.

The cattle have done well. We really are excited with the bull and heifer calves that are on the ground and the young cows have made a big impression on the visitors this summer. We are working towards an exciting fall with shows and some pretty impressive sale lots even if I do say so myself. Stay tuned.

CAJS Elegant Force W24

SS Ebony's Dreamdate S27

A New Day

2011-05-29T19:42:00.000-07:00

I always say that you never know what the day will bring you. This past weekend was a perfect example. Saturday morning Rob and I were enjoying our coffee and discussing our plans for the day. He had some field work to do and I thought I should probably go to the greenhouse to get my flowers before everything was sold out. Seems like I am a bit behind with yard work this spring. We were going over to a neighbors after lunch to help some 4H members with the finishing touches on their steers before their achievement day. Stacy was also scheduled to come out for the weekend.

A few minutes later the phone rang 8:10 am. I could tell when Rob answered it that it was our daughter Crystal. He told me to pick up the other phone. Seconds later our family as we had known it changed........Crystal and Jon had just gotten engaged!

Everyone seemed to be talking at once, but we finally did learn about the proposal and were able to welcome Jon to the family. We were sworn not to tell anyone until they had made more phone calls to immediate family and close friends.

We had planned a trip back in January to go and visit Crystal and Jon and on Friday we will get to see Jon's farm and meet his family. It will be a great time to celebrate with them.

Crystal is marrying into a wonderful family.

Hereford cattle are a big part of their life.

So we have kinda come full circle as Hereford cattle are a part of Rob's heritage. I was the one that converted him to a Simmental breeder. Some how I think Crystal might have a bit more of a difficult time convincing the Blin family to raise Simmentals. Maybe they will let her keep a few in the back 40.

All in all is has been a wonderful weekend. Thank you to everyone that has sent their congratulations. We are very much looking forward to this next chapter for our family. Crystal and Jon we wish you all the best!

Bovine Divots

2011-05-19T09:05:00.000-07:00

It seems like no matter how well made your fences and corrals are, if you have livestock they will escape. For those of you that haven't had the opportunity to visit High Country Cattle, our corrals are very close to our house and lawn.

This can be a good thing. In the winter during calving it is a shorter walk to the barn to check cows. A very good thing when the temperature is -30C. The water supply for washing show and sale cattle is handy. Just connect a garden hose to the house and your ready to go.

Where things get a bit interesting is when a gate gets left open or the cows find a way to escape. Their point of entry is our front lawn. A 1500lb cow can leave some big divots on the lawn. This happened late last fall. The ground was soft and it didn't take long for the damage to be done. So last night was repair time.

It kinda looks like we have had a family of moles move in. Once we finished filling the holes with compost from the corrals and added a little grass seed, Rob thought that he should harrow it in. The only problem was that the tractor and harrows would leave more ruts then we started with. So redneck farmer Rob made his own.

Yes that would be a corral panel attached to the lawn mower. Oh well it worked and now the next divots we can deal with can be ones on the golf course.

There At The Post

2011-05-07T08:33:00.000-07:00

The first Saturday in May can mean many things. For our Urban friends it might mean the first day on the golf course or the opening of the soccer fields. But for me no matter what else we are doing ( ranch work, house work,) it means the running of the most wonderful horse race, The Kentucky Derby.

One of my most favorite horse is Secretariat.

The fastest time ever run at the Kentucky Derby’s current distance was turned in by Secretariat in 1973 when he completed the mile and a quarter in 1 minute 59 2/5 seconds. Further demonstrating the greatness of ‘Big Red’ was his astounding fractional times – every quarter mile of the race was faster than the one before it, which is virtually unheard of. The only other sub two minute times in the Kentucky Derby were run by Secretariat’s arch rival Sham, who finished 2/5 of a second behind the winner. In 2001, Monarchos turned in the only other sub two minute Derby run winning the race in 1:59:97.

Now I am not a dedicated follower of horse racing, but growing up one of my best friends dad was a trainer and jockey. I was often invited along to the races in Calgary. We got to go every where from being in the barns, the grandstand and even once in the winners circle for the post race winning picture. Our family has always had a love for horses. Rob and the girls are very good riders. In his younger days Rob had the opportunity to be a jockey but his first love was the cows.

On our recent visit to Australia we were at the Melbourne Museum and were able to see the famous Phar Lap. One of the greats for that country.

Recently we watched a documentary on the Kentucky Derby. It got us to thinking that this really isn't any different than what we are doing in the purebred cattle business. We are trying to line up generations of genetics to produce a superior animal. We put all of our hopes and dreams on a particular mating and sometimes are disappointed at the moment of birth because the calf isn't the sex that we thought would be the most optimal.

With both cattle and horses there is a history, not only in the breeding lines, but in the families and farms that for generation have made it their life and their priority to breed the best possible genetics they can. Derby day in Kentucky is like our Agribition in Regina or Toronto Royal for Canadian cattle show or the National Westerner in Denver or North American in Louisville.

It's a dream to go to the Derby one day and to stand in the winners circle in Denver and Regina.

Let's hope one of this year's matings takes us there.

Anything a Boy Can Do A Girl Can Do.......As Well.

2011-04-21T11:22:00.000-07:00

A few days ago we had a fellow cattle breeder and friend stop by for coffee. It's always nice to have these visits. During our visit we talked about how long and cold the winter had been, when we thought we would get on the land to plant the crops and how the new calves were developing. Along with the discussion of crops and pasture and moisture the topic of land and what it was renting for or selling for in our area came up.
Now your probably wondering what this has to do with boys and girls and their abilities. Our friend made the comment that they had rented a piece of land for a number of years, land that had at one time belonged to his grandfather. The land had recently come up for sale and they made an offer. The offer wasn't accepted and they decided not to offer more. That's fair enough, farming does have to be looked at as a business. But then he added "If I had a son that was interested in farming instead of a daughter, there is no way we would have let someone else get that land". Wait a minute, did I just hear correctly? Now I know that his daughter isn't interested in making farming her career but why should it make a difference if it's your son or daughter.

Our daughters Crystal and Stacy have played a role in our farming enterprise from day one.

The each owned their own cattle before they reached their first birthdays. They were by our sides daily helping out where they could. Now that they have grown up and are not living at home they still continue to own cattle, help with marketing and advertising and with Stacy being closer she often spends her weekends and holiday time helping with work at the farm or at the show and sales.

Crystal also plans her Thanksgiving holiday to come to one of the Canadian shows with us.

We never treated our daughters differently than if we had 2 sons. OK maybe we did. I don't know if we would have wanted our sons to be out feeding hay in their Carhart coveralls with pink rollers in the hair, because they had a ballet recital to go to later that morning. Rob certainly is stronger and has abilities that me and the girls don't have. We might do the job differently or take a little longer, but the job does get done, and we always gave the girls all the opportunity to learn and be a part of the farm.

Our farming operation is not large. We own 60 purebred cows and 185 acres of land along with some rented land. It's not enough to sustain 2 or 3 families but it is ours and what we are building today is for our children............our daughters. We hope that they will continue to play a role in Agriculture and even more specifically High Country Cattle. It was never a thought that we wouldn't pass on what we had built to the next generation just because they were female.

We're proud that they have their careers, that they love fashion, fine dining, shopping and all the things that girls usually love. But we also love that they will walk through the muck and grab on to a slimy new born calf, drive a tractor, or haul a load of cattle to the pasture.

If Agriculture and the family farm is going to be sustainable we need both our sons and daughters to want to continue in this field and we need to support them any way that we can.

Treasure Hunt

2011-04-16T12:29:00.000-07:00

A few years back we thought that we would try to find a Simmental heifer in the US and flush her to HC Power Drive 88H as there was no qualified semen available to come to Canada. We contacted a fellow that had some Power Drive semen for sale, (better get the semen before you buy the heifer). After visiting with him for a while he said" Why don't you just buy the semen and flush one of your donors to him?" We explained the situation with the semen not being qualified for Canada. He suggested we contact his semen distributor. After several phone calls we discovered a reasonable amount of semen that was available to come to Canada. Jackpot! Within a few weeks we had secured the remaining amount of semen that was Canadian qualified. Fast forward a few years and we now have several outstanding HC Power Drive daughters in our herd.

HC Power Drive 88H

We're looking forward to flushing our new donor's CAJS Elegant Force W24 to him in the near future. There was Power Drive semen sold in the Denver 2011 sale that brought $800/straw.

In the spring of 2010 I suggested to Rob that we buy a few straws of PVF-BF Black JokerS36.

Again an older Black Simmental bull but one that is leaving some tremendous daughters, and 2 of our best bull calves this year are Joker sons.

RJY First Date 1W - Black Joker Daughter

We checked our inventory and had 4 straws in the tank. We thought that was enough for our smaller herd. And there was lots of semen available so we didn't make the purchase. Again fast forward to the spring of 2011. We were browsing through he AI catalogs deciding on which sires to use this year. We added Black Joker to the list. When we phoned in our order we were surprised to hear that Joker was sold out and we were about the 10th person to call looking for some. Now what? Again we started our search on the web and began making some calls. The treasure hunt had started again. I'm not sure who has been looking out for us, but again we were able to find 30 straws of Black Joker........qualified for Canada.............the last in existence. Jackpot!

Through lots of phone calls and some very cooperative staff at the semen distribution centre our semen arrived 18 hours prior to breeding 3 of our donors, SS Ebony's Dreamdate SS27, CAJS Elegant Force W24, and CDY Signature Black 2N. Nothing like cutting it close. We now have 33 Black Joker Embryo's, a few were implated fresh, a few will be the start of Crystal's US Simmental herd, and the rest we'll just have to see what happens with them. It's nice to know you can get lucky once in a while.

Road Trip - Learning Day.

2011-04-10T10:32:00.000-07:00

Sorry for the long time between blog but things have been really busy around here for the last few weeks. Since the last posting we have:

Finished calving
Sold all the bulls
Bought a bull ( which can be a long process)
Bought a new tractor (old one died)
Replaced our furnace ( A very cold Friday night until the service man arrived)
Have almost 1/2 the herd bred on the first cycle
Set up 4 cows for transplant (April 14)
And delivered all but one bull.

These were just the things that we squeezed into our days along with our full time jobs and all of the wonderful winter weather we have had this year.

Yesterday was delivery day for 3 of the bulls in central Alberta. Since I wasn't able to attend our bull sale day in Red Deer I decided to leave all of my laundry and house cleaning for a day and tag along with Rob. Our frist stop was at Moose Farms. We were greeted by Jerry and his daughter Emily (8). While the guys got to discussing calving and markets, Emily gave me a tour of the farm.

First stop the chicken house where we found her brothers hens and the one she caught in the local Chicken Scramble, next we were of to see Granny her first cow who had calved that morning. Then there was the pen of cows that had either lost a calf or dad just doesn't like anymore. You certainly can learn a lot about a farm by talking with the kids. Emily had to go to school the day of the sale, but seemed to approve of Grandpa's choice, SLY Overdrive 5X

Similar truck to the one at the Hogg Farm

Next we headed south east to the Hogg Farm. They have been in the Agriculture business for 107 years. At the gate we were meet with a 1936 truck with Hogg Bros. painted on the side.

Here we met Presley (7). Presley was playing outside with her stuffed sheep

and was having a hard time keeping him clean. By the time we had a good visit in the sunshine on the front porch Presley had used a roll or two of toilet paper to clean him up. When we went to unload RJY Austin 9X, she came along as she is the gate keeper and responsible for watching it when the big guys need to go into the pasture.

Further south we travelled again to the Hannah Farm. This is another well established farm family. Dad was ready to cut back and lighten the work load, but son Wade is enthusiastic about the cattle business and has added 100 cows to the operation. Thus the need for a few new bulls this spring. SLY PowerPlus 2X should be a good addition to their program.

We ended our day with a great Canada AAA steak dinner on the way home. We seen some new country, had great visits with each of our purchasers and learned a bit about the people that purchased our bulls. It was a great day building new relationships with both the younger and older members of each family. Thank you for supporting our program and having confidence in our cattle.

It's Better to Give than Receive.... the rest of the story

2011-02-15T08:48:00.000-08:00

Like many families I am the gift buyer. Shopping, unless it is for a new heifer or bull, it one of Rob's least favorite things to do. So when it is time for baby, wedding, or Christmas gifts I usually take care of it. Not that I mind, I like to shop and I think my girls learned that from me.

Once the girls became adults Rob thought that the gift giving could stop. But I like to spoil them and so they still usually get things for holidays. With Crystal living so far away we miss out on things like going for lunch or having a girls day. Stacy and I do get to do this once in a while. So I thought I would send her a treat for Valentines Day. This was her gift.

Thanks to the staff at Delish Bakery and Coffee Shop for making these custom cookies. I really wanted them to say I Heart Simmi's but thought that might not go over well at the AAA ( American Angus Association). So here is the rest of the story..... for the record there were some questions on the AAA Facebook page as to whether they were CAB (Certified Angus Beef).

They really are SimmBeef!

I am glad that everyone enjoyed them. If you want your own BEEF cookies here are a couple of places to purcharse a cookie cutter. For a cow or for a steer.

It really was better to give this gift. Glad everyone enjoyed them.

It Must Be Love

2011-02-14T08:16:00.000-08:00

Happy Hearts Day. From what I have observed and read from some of the other farm / ranch women, most Ag boys are not hopeless romantics. Asking them to put on a suit and tie and taking you out for a fine dining experience (more than one fork on the table), showering you with roses and candy is a little bit out of their element. But they do have their own special way of showing you how much they care.

I remember growing up how my dad would bring my mom Crocuses when they first appeared in the spring. They are still one of my favorite flowers......maybe after a winter like we have had I just want to see any sign of spring.

Rob's not really big on flowers either but there are signs that we both really must care about each other.

How many wife's would go for this if it wasn't love:

Baby calves on their new kitchen floor
Turning the garage into a calving barn (the first winter we owned our place and had no barn)
Walking across the freshly washed kitchen floor to get medicine out of the fridge.
Transferring the reno / holiday budget to the new bull / tractor budget.

How many husbands would go for this it it wasn't love:

Spaghetti or Mac n Cheese more than once in a week during calving season
The lovely sight of you with no makeup and toque hair
Baking consisting of a bag of Oreo cookies
The piles of laundry that decorate our bedroom

In any relationship its the little things that make a difference. I do love flowers, but the small things matter the most. Enjoy your Valentines Day and I hope that everyone has someone special in their life to think about today.

If you are dining out order a great steak or prime rib and show how much you love BEEF!

Rules aren't always bad.

2011-02-13T11:10:00.000-08:00

Many ranchers in Canada were up in arms when it became mandatory that we give our livestock permanent identification tags. I think for the most part they weren't against the idea of permanent ID but that once again the producers were the ones that were responsible for all of the costs. Although the paper work can be confusing for some producers that don't use a computer often. The process of printing a birth certificate for your cattle when they change ownership is really quite simple.

In the 1800's nearly all producers used a hot brand to identify their stock. Although if a cow changed hands many times she could be quite branded up.

Freeze brands look great especially on black cattle, but are very time consuming to do.

When I first visited Australia I was intrigued with their ear notching. The owner would cut a specific shape out of the ear when the animal was a young age. It could be a V in the bottom of the right ear or something similar. From a distance you could tell the owner as neighbors had different notches.

Identification had come into the modern age with RFID tags. These can be read with a hand held scanner or a scanner at a auction mart. We seen one of the most up to date systems when we visited the Hamilton Sale yards in Victoria, Australia.

With the resent natural disasters in Australia, miles of fence were destroyed. We had friends that had over 10 miles of fence to repair and initially had no idea where all of their stock was. Stock fled the flooded paddocks and ended up who knows where. Here is a great article by George Luker from his blog. .

Australia’s National Livestock Identification System (NLIS) is adding more value and purpose beyond its original intent of tracking cattle diseases. Identifying cattle and livestock that have wandered off of farms is being done, quickly and efficiently since they are tagged with RFID ear tags.

Cyclone Yasi that hit and went through north Queensland last week caused so much destruction in the small town and rural area. In the path of destruction are many farms, which have had fences and posts damaged by the cyclone. With the added damages all around, are wandering livestock in the streets and on properties of fellow farmers and neighbors.

The National Livestock Identification System (NLIS) is helping in the recovery of wandering and stranded livestock, which now roam freely along streets, fields, and farms. Since all livestock like cattle and sheep have mandatory RFID ear tags, it is making identification of individual animals that much easier, and livestock are being returned to their rightful owners and farm of origin.

RFID ear tags provide tamper proof identification, which cannot be manipulated, providing secure and reliable identification of livestock. Cattle and sheep have typical EID button tags, while horses have an implanted microchip for equine identification. All these different type of RFID tags provide the exact same purpose, unique identification.

With natural disasters like cyclone Yasi that has hit Australia, Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) technology along with a national database is proof that the system works. Australian cattlemen begin to round up livestock after cyclone Yasi.

With the cattle recovery in process, this opens a Pandora’s Box on a possible animal disease epidemic. State veterinarians will be monitoring all livestock closely over the next few months for signs of diseases in cattle and sheep.

I know if something similar happened here in Canada. I would be able to eventually get my stock back, because of the RFID tags. Canada is one step ahead of our cattleman friends to the south by making this mandatory. Now all of our beef is identified by herd of origin and by age. This has started to open up new markets for us.

Although I do think everyone involved in the meat industry should have shared the initial costs. It is good to see our governments pitching in for the upgraded technology so that the costs are not just handed down to the producer.

Canadian beef producers are very fortunate that we have not been placed in a situation where large numbers of stock have to be identified and returned to their owners. I know that it was scary in the beginning with the Canadian Identification Agency being formed and who would own all of this information. But I think this is one mandatory program that is going to work out for the best.

What's Cooking?

2011-02-04T07:45:00.000-08:00

I love to read cookbooks. Rob will tell you that I probably read them more than use them. I seem to have a lot of them but there are a few that are my favorites.

If you have ever been invited to a gathering of my family (especially the Groeneveld side) then you will know how much we enjoy our food and how many great cooks we have in the family. The one who got us all started on down home comfort food cooking would be my Grandma Groeneveld. "Daisy" was known to always be cooking a meal or baking. I probably remember her the most for standing at the kitchen sink peeling potatoes. A few years ago My Aunt Betty published her own cookbook - "Hand Me Down Recipes - For the Joy of Cooking"

Now the only way to get one of these is to be family. It's almost worth it to marry into our crazy family to get the cookbook. Two of my favorite's are the Cinnamon Buns and the Corn Chowder.

Aunt Betty turned 75 this week. She is a great lady with so many talents from cooking, sewing, our annual family calendar and recording the family history. Not sure what we would do without her.

There are other family members that have their specialty recipe's too. Uncle Jack is known for his ribs and wings on Christmas Eve. He has now extended that to anything that you can deep fry. Pickles and onion rings, were added this year.

Uncle Jack on Christmas Eve 2010

Kim's Shrimp Jambalaya is out of this world and also part of the Christmas Eve menu. And I never turn down Aunt Gaylene's chocolate fudge.

Heather has taken her cupcakes and started a business with them. You can find her at Original Jane's Cupcakes

My dad Chuck is always thinking of new marinades and sauces to whip up for the Steak Challenges he does for the Alberta Simmental Association and Beef demonstrations that he does for the Alberta Beef Producers.

2011 Steak Challenge Champions at Camrose Bull Congress

Rob's brother Murray is one of the best when it comes to serving up a Prime rib. It was a great meal to have on Boxing Day this year along with the traditional ham.

As far as actual recipe books here are some that I use and love the most.:

The Alberta 4H Cookbooks
4-H Potlucks are the best

The Pioneer Women - A Christmas Gift in 2009
from Crystal - Great Chicken Fried Steak

Cooking for the Rushed Series
Sandi Richard

Mini Cookbooks from the
Beef Information Centre

Give me a heads up when you are in the area and I will find something special to serve.

I Do.....

2011-02-02T08:25:00.000-08:00

Today is my mom and dad's 49th wedding anniversary and the 43rd wedding anniversary for my Aunt Gaylene and Uncle Jack. My dad and uncle farmed together for many years, with the support of their wife's. Now I know that marriage takes work for all couples and that their are lots of compromises along the way, but I don't know if it is the same for other wife's as it is for a wife of a farmer or rancher.

Chuck & Lorraine

When you marry someone that works a regular 40 hour work week, whether it be shift work or a regular 9 - 5 there are things that you can pretty well count on.

There will be a regular income
You will usually have evenings and weekends to spend together and socialize with your friends and family
You will have at least two weeks each year where you can get away from things, maybe go on vacation.
Your success will be determined by your efforts and hard work.

The difference for a farm wife when she says I Do is that she is agreeing to support her husband in many unknowns. I am sure that if you didn't grow up on a farm that the task is even that much more difficult.

There will be an income it just may be inconsistent at times
Your socializing will be scheduled around calving, seeding, breeding, haying, harvest and weaning.
You will get away from the farm but in all likeliness it will involve a farm show or livestock sale
You will work hard and your successes will often be in knowing that, because there will be many things out of your control, like the weather and the markets.

Jack & Gaylene

I know most farm wife's have put the holiday or home renovations on hold because the motor just went out of the tractor or that new herd bull was just a bit over budget.

So today we say Happy Anniversary to Mom & Dad ( Lorraine & Chuck) and Aunt Gaylene and Uncle Jack. We know that you have made sacrifices over the years, but we admire you for all the fun that you have had along the way. For raising great families and for enjoying being a part of the Agriculture world. You have been great role models for all of us.

Why do we do it?

2011-01-31T14:53:00.000-08:00

Rob and I both work off of the farm. At calving time this keeps us both very busy. Only one of our co-workers is also involved in Agriculture. Usually during our coffee breaks the discussion of how we spent our evening or weekend comes up. My input at this time of the year often involves a calving story. Details can include one of us getting up during the night, the cold weather, bringing a calf into the house to warm up (that was this morning, when it was -32C). Over the past few years the topic of what we sell our cattle for has also entered into the discussion. There have been some really lean years for people in agriculture. Whether you have been raising beef, pork, or crops. One co-worker in particular usually asks, "Well why do you keep doing it then?" Good question - "Why are we still in Agriculture?' Some days I wonder that my self, but most days these are some of the reasons that keep us going:

Knowing that we have a connection to the land and that we are a part of feeding the world
Seeing a calf being born and taking it's first drink of milk.

Finding the beauty in a cold winter morning by seeing the calves run through the snow.

Being able to raise our children and someday our grandchildren in an environment that is healthy and where they are able to learn values and responsibility.

With every job there are sacrifices and hard work along the way, but I don't think either of us would be any happier just working a day job and giving up the farm. We know that each year may bring successes and hardships and no matter what we do sometimes that end result will be taken out of our hands. It's not a glamorous job, but we sure do need people to want to do it. I hope that those that are not directly connected to agriculture can have an appreciation of what we do and why we do it.

I’m Just a Farmer, Plain and Simple

By Bobby Collier

I’m just a farmer,

Plain and simple.

Not of a royal birth

But rather, a worker of the earth.

I know not of riches

But rather, of patches on my britches

I know of draught and rain,

Of pleasure and pain.

I know of the good and the bad,

The happy and the sad.

I am a man of emotions.

A man who loves this land,

And the beauty of its sand.

I know of a spring’s fresh flow

And autumn’s golden glow,

Of a newborn calf’s hesitation,

And the eagle’s destination.

I know of tall pines,

And long, waiting lines.

Of the warmth of campfires,

And the agony of flat tires.

But I am a man who loves his job

And the life I live.

I am a man who works with God,

I cannot succeed without his help,

For you see,

I’m just a farmer

Plain and simple.

Man's Best Friend

2011-01-27T17:25:00.000-08:00

"KURT" - March 1998 - January 2011

Earlier this week, I wrote about A Girls Best Friend, today it's Man's Best Friend. Our family has always had a dog or two. Usually purebred Border Collies that we use as working dogs. Not only are they a part of our family, they also take the place of a hire hand and they are our best friend too.

Kurt came into our family 13 years ago. He was the second dog that Rob got and trained to work the cattle. He was very different from our first dog Jade. She had tons of courage, and sometimes a mind of her own. Kurt on the other had always had a gentleness to him. He was so willing to please and when not out working with you was content to lie by your side. He just wanted to be near you. He was a great working dog as he would listen to any of us that needed to use him, but his favorite companion was Rob.

When we first got Kurt and needed to name him, Rob instantly said - Kurt. Now this is not the most common name for a dog, but it was the name we would have used if we would have had a son. So Kurt it was.

Kurt passed away today. His health had been failing in the last year. Crystal asked that if possible not to have him go before she came home at Christmas, so she could see him one more time. We have a son of his Bud who is full of energy and willingness to work and be with you. He won't ever replace Kurt but looks so much like him, he will be a reminder of our good friend.

Here is the story behind the saying - Man's Best Friend - The Phrase "Man's Best Friend" originated in a court of law. Back in October 28, 1869, A man's dog (named old drum), was shot to death by a neighbor. Animals had no rights back in those days, but the man wanted justice and so he hired 3 lawyers to sue the man who shot his dog. One of these lawyers, named George Graham Vest, is given credit for originally coining the phrase "Man's Best Friend" during his final summation to the jury. By the time he was finished with his speech, the jury only took 2 minutes to reach a verdict. The jury awarded the victim $5 (a very large amount of money back then). The jury also wanted the man to be sent to prison, but there were no laws governing this type of incident back then so the judge was not able to honor the jury's request for prison time.

This is a record of the final summation given by the lawyer...

Gentlemen of the Jury

The best friend a man has in this world may turn against him and become his enemy. His son and daughter that he had reared with loving care may become ungrateful. Those who are nearest and dearest to us, those whom we trust with our happiness and our good name, may become traitors to their faith. The money that a man has, he may lose. It flies away from him when he may need it most. Man's reputation may be sacrificed in a moment of ill considered action. The people who are prone to fall on their knees and do us honor when success is with us may be the first to throw the stone of malice when failure settles its cloud upon our head. The only absolutely unselfish friend a man may have in this selfish world, the one that never deserts him, the one that never proves ungrateful or treacherous is his dog.

A man's dog stands by him in prosperity and poverty, in health and sickness. He will sleep on the cold ground, when the wintry winds blow and the snow drives fiercely, if only he can be near his master's side. He will kiss the hand that has no food to offer, he will lick the wounds and sores that come in encounter with the roughness of the world. He guards the sleep of a pauper as if he were a prince. When all other friends desert... he remains.

When riches take wings and reputations fall to pieces, he is as constant in his love as the sun in its journey through the heavens. If fortune drives the master forth an outcast into the world, friendless and homeless, the faithful dog asks no higher privilege than that of accompanying him to guard him against danger, to fight against his enemies, and when the last scene of all comes, and death takes his master in its embrace and his body is laid away in the cold ground, no matter if all other friends pursue their way, there by his grave side will the noble dog be found, his head between his paws and his eyes sad, but open in alert watchfulness, faithful and true even to death.

Thanks for all of your hard work Kurt and for being such a good friend. You will always be a part of our family and forever remembered. It was hard to go out to do chores tonight and not have you by our side.

Take care Good Friend.

A Girl's Best Friend

2011-01-26T09:17:00.000-08:00

I am sure that we all grew up hearing the phrase "a girls best friend is a diamond." While I wouldn't ever turn something sparkly down, diamonds are not what I am referring to today.

Just over eleven years ago Miss Westway 669K was born at Westway Farms. That December Tom and Carol Hadway offered her for sale in the Checkers Sale. Stacy purchased her for her YCS and 4H project. Although her registered name was Miss Westway 669K the Hadway kids had affectionately named her "Ruffles".

Ruffles as Simmental Champion
Provincial 4H Heifer Show 2001

Ruffles exceeded our expectations. She showed very well for Stacy claiming many championships in 4H at the district, regional and provincial levels. She then went on to be a great momma cow. Her first 4 calves were bulls. They all made the bull pen and were usually the first ones to sell for some of the highest prices.

SLY Top Notch - herdsire for Darrell Moranda

SLY Dirty Money 119W
Granddaughter of Ruffles that sold to Colt's Cattle Co

She then started to give Stacy some females, again all of them were of high enough quality to stay in our herd or be offered through a breeding sale.

Ruffles paid for Stacy to go to college, bought her 2 cars (that's another story), and was a consistent source of agriculture income for her. But more importantly Ruffles was Stacy's best friend. I believe that they were soul mates. Ruffles could be any where in the pasture and if Stacy called her name, she would come over for a scratch. Stacy could get her to do things that no one else could. I know that over the years they have had many heart to heart talks.

Miss Westway 669K - Ruffles

This morning was a sad one. Ruffles got on the trailer for the last time. She slipped her calf late in the fall and is open. Although Rob had promised Stacy that she could stay on the farm forever, we all know that tough decisions have to be made. It's not realistic to feed open cows - even if they are your best friend. Stacy made the hard decision yesterday and last night I gave Ruffles a good combing and I took out her ear tag. Stacy will have that and so many memories of her. Her daughters continue to make a big contribution to our herd and we will have fond memories of her. She really has been a girl's best friend.

Thanks Ruffles for being a part of our family. We will miss you.

The Most Feared People

2011-01-17T13:57:00.000-08:00

Studies have shown that some of the most feared people are Dentists. For those of you that cringe at the thought of going to the Dentist you can relate to this. I think that currently the most feared people should be the weatherman. For the past 9 days they having been giving us HOPE that the weather will break tomorrow - Tuesday January 18. The snow will stop falling and the temperatures will climb to normal or above normal.

Here is what we have had for the last 8 days
High Low

Jan 10 -17 -18
Jan 11 -20 -35
Jan 12 -23 -36
Jan 13 -22 -24
Jan 14 -23 -26
Jan 15 -22 -26
Jan 16 -21 -25
Jan 17 -21 -23

Average for this time of year is about -9C for a high and -19 for a low. Throw in over 2 feet of snow and some wind and you know what we have been dealing with. I just hope they are right about the next two weeks.

The cows are tired of this and so are the cow boss's.

Beef It's Whats for Dinner

2011-01-14T13:16:00.000-08:00

The slogan "Beef...it's what's for Dinner" is one that you can find all across America. Evidently people in Canada are thinking the same thing. The lifestyle magazine Canadian Living just released their food trends for 2010. Here is what their research found:

CanadianLiving.com December 2010 Food Trends Report

Decadent cheesecake and beef tenderloin moving up in the trends is a good reflection that Canada's healthier economy is making its way to the dinner table.

Toronto, ON (Vocus/PRWEB) January 12, 2011

The Food Trends Report is a monthly review of food trends among Canadian home cooks. CanadianLiving.com has been an authority in the Canadian online food community since 1996 and welcomes over 1.3 million visitors monthly.

CANADIAN FOOD CRAVING OF THE MONTH
Searches for Beef Stew increased 2000% over 2009. "What I’ve seen across the board is continuing resurgence in recipes that your grandmother would have made for you – core Canadian recipes like beef stew,” explains Canadianliving.com Food Editor, Colleen Tully.
WHAT’S IN

NEW TREND for 2010 - Beef Tenderloin
NEW TREND for 2010 - Making your own bread
NEW TREND for 2010 - Italian cooking
Cheesecake - Up 4000%
Cookies - Up 2000%

BEHIND WHAT’S IN
“Decadent cheesecake and beef tenderloin moving up in the trends is a good reflection that Canada’s healthier economy is making its way to the dinner table,” suggests Tully.
WHAT’S OUT

Appetizers - Down 35%
Christmas cookies - Down 30%
Chicken - Down 15%

BEHIND WHAT’S OUT
“The appetizer boom of 2009, which saw a huge increase in interest, looks like it's finally slowing down. Home cooks are rediscovering the rustic flavors of heartier meats after a solid year of increased interest in poultry. “
For further information and interview opportunities please contact Canadian Living Food Director Annabelle Waugh at 416-733-7600, extension 4819. For the latest recipe and food trends visit http://www.canadianliving.com/

Here is a great recipe from the Beef Information Centre.

Slow-Cooker Beef Goulash

Serve this hearty dish with a dollop of sour cream if you like and steaming hot egg noodles or mashed potatoes. This recipe makes enough for casual entertaining or make the Small Batch Version (below) to serve a small family (serves 2 with leftovers).

2 tbsp (30 mL)	all-purpose flour
½ tsp (2 mL)	EACH salt and pepper
2 lb (1 kg)	1-inch (2.5 cm) Beef Stewing Cubes
2 tbsp (30 mL)	vegetable oil
2	onions, sliced lengthwise into eighths
2	cloves garlic, minced
¾ cup (175 mL)	red wine
1 cup (250 mL)	bottled chili sauce
1	can (28 oz /796 mL) diced tomatoes
¼ cup (50 mL)	paprika

Combine flour, salt and pepper in slow-cooker. Add beef and toss to coat. In large skillet, heat 1 tbsp (15 mL) oil over medium-high heat; brown seasoned meat, in 4 batches and adding oil as necessary. Return meat to slow-cooker.
Add remaining oil to skillet; cook onions and garlic for 1 minute. Add wine and bring to boil, scraping up brown bits from bottom of pan. Pour over beef; stir in chili sauce, tomatoes and paprika.
Cover and cook on Low for 8 to 10 hours or on High for 4 to 6 hours, until meat is tender.

Small Batch Version: Prepare recipe as above, substituting 1 can (19 oz/540 mL) seasoned tomatoes for the plain tomatoes and reducing all ingredients by half. Cook on Low for 5 to 6 hours or High for 2 to 3 hours. Makes 4 servings.
BRIGHT IDEA: No slow-cooker? Use a Dutch oven pot to brown meat and then simmer, covered, in 325°F (160°C) oven for about 2 hours.

So the next time one of your friends is "dishing" beef, you can let them know that not only is it healthy for you it is also "Trendy". Let's keep the trend going for 2011. Have a great weekend and stay warm.

Change....the one thing you can count on

2011-01-13T10:46:00.000-08:00

There are so many things that happen in your day that you don't count on happening....both positive and negative, but the one thing that we can all count on is change. This is especially true in the Agriculture business, sometimes that is all that keeps you going when you energy levels are low. That things will change, maybe not as soon as we would like but they will change.

Back in October we had the opportunity to visit with our good friends Anton and Allie Volker from Texas, Queensland. There property is Maidenhead Station where they raise Red Simmental and Shorthorn cattle, along with their two children Sebastian & Charlotte.

They have a beautiful home and property. Here are some photos of when we were there.

It was a bit wet when we were there.

You can see how the homes are built at ground level,
not much to stop the water from coming in.

These are some of the photos of their property last week. Quite a difference.

Although they are feeling blessed as their stock and family are all safe. Their paddocks are under water and a mess along with broken fences and irrigation equipment that has been whisked away, but all of those things are replaceable.
Here are some more photos that Australia Simmental Breeders have sent into their association

Our hearts go out to everyone that is effected by this natural disaster. We will keep our Australian friends in our thoughts and prayers through this difficult time.

Four Seasons

2011-01-05T12:21:00.000-08:00

The one thing that makes Alberta and probably Canada different from many other regions of the world is that we usually get 4 distinct seasons. Although some seem to run longer than others. Spring is filled with the leaves coming out and the grass turning green, our summers can have some hot days but not too many that you dread the heat and we usually don't get the humidity, fall is beautiful with the colors of the leaves changing and the harvest of the crops and winter although we usually complain about it, can have some of the most beautiful days of the year.

Over the Christmas holidays our daughter Crystal was home. She loves to take pictures and has gotten very good and creative with this medium. Here is how she spent her last morning at the farm before leaving to go back to Missouri.

Yearling Heifers

Frosty Morning

Cows grazing on swaths

RJY Joy's Firstdate 1W
in her working clothes

2010 - Successful Year at High Country, Welcome 2011

2011-01-01T16:22:00.000-08:00

I once read that a farmer looks for a perfect year......the right weather at the right time, good buys when making purchases and high markets when it's time to sell. I don't know that we have ever had a perfect year, but we sure do strive to each year.

2010 was a very good year for High Country Cattle. Some of those highlights were due to the time and dedication that each of our family members have put in over the last 27 years and the rest was due to friends, family and clients believing in what we are doing.

RJY Lady May 16W - Purchased by Connor Beech, MB
$4200.00

RJY Signature Move 4X
Purchased by Annette Cross, Nova Scotia
for $6250

Thank You Annette

Peter and Charmaine Cook - Coohla, NSW
9 Bulls resulting from High Country Embryos
averaged $6300 at their 2010 sale

CDY Frontrunner 14X
Blk Joker son purchased by
Perlinger Simmentals, SK
for $5000.

Crystal with Carl & Nicole
Thank You for your purchase of Frontrunner.

SLY Sexy Money 119W

Thank You to Colton Draves
of Colt's Cattle Company, AB
who purchased 119W at Checkers
for $4200.

RJY Natalie 9W
purchased by Brian White, BC
at Checkers for $4100.

Thank you to each and everyone of you who has expressed an interest in our Simmental cattle. Your support whether it be a comment, phone call, stopping by to visit at the farm or at an event we are attending, an email, viewing our website or blog, making a purchase or passing our name on to someone in the business, it is all greatly appreciated.

We are really excited for the calves that are due to arrive any day. For the opportunities that are available to us in the Simmental business and to be part of the Agriculture family. There are no better people than those that are making their living off of the land and livestock. 2011 is full of opportunities and we look forward to them.

"Success is a journey, not a destination." Ben Sweetland

Year in Review

2010-12-31T11:58:00.000-08:00

2010 is almost come and gone. Another decade finished. If someone would have told us a year ago that we would be writing a blog in 2010 we probably would not have believed them. Sometimes the year goes so fast or we are looking forward to events in the next year that we sometimes forget the things that were memorable in the current year. So let have a look back at 2010.

January

First calves of IPU Revolution 172U arrive......we are very pleased.
Old man winter makes sure we remember what winter can be like

Rob gets a new calving shed

February

Simmental bull sales are going strong
Tickets to Australia are booked

We say good bye to good friend "Auger" His family honors us by giving us his show stick.

March

We get to listen to Crystal speak at Lethbridge College on Agriculture Advocacy and Social Media in Agriculture
Rob's dad has a massive stroke....family is in shock

April

April Showers and more rain. Thank you Mother Nature.
Bulls are all out working

May

April showers bring Grass and lots of it.

Lots of 4H shows to judge
We say good bye to Rob's dad - "Howard Young"

June

Champion Bull and Res. Champion Female at Drayton Valley Show, great night for a BBQ and tunes by Ty Wilson

Cows and calves are out to pasture, no grasshoppers this year.

Excellent Alberta Simmental Tour through Central Alberta

July

Fun times showing steers at Calgary Stampede. Res. Champion Charolais

Honored by the AYCS (Jr. Simmental Association) as the Friends of YCS
Great visit with Buddy and Francis Leachman while watching Lance judge at Synergy

August

Great long weekend at the Saunders reunion on Vancouver Island
a few games of golf
Starting fall work so we can be away for a few weeks

September

World Simmental Congress in Melbourne Australia

Sale cattle selected for National sale, Agribiton and Checkers
Spending some time with Crystal down under

October

Res. Senior Bull at Olds Fall Fair.....thanks Stacy for taking care of things

Wine tasting in Australia along with snorkeling on the Great Barrier Reef and Kangaroo hunting
Great visits with friends at National Trust Sale

November

National Champion Bull at Brandon - IPU Revolution 172U
Grand Champion Bull at Farmfair - IPU Revolution 172U

Won a Featherlite Stock Trailer for being a contender in Super Saturday at Farmfair - Thanks Warren from Allan Dale Trailers, Red Deer. Ab
Res Sr Bull - Agribition along with a class winner - RJY Joy's Firstdate 1W.
Meeting "the Boy" Crystals friend Jon.

December

Being a part of the $8400+ average Checkers Sale
Adding "Elegant Force" to the herd and having her arrive all the way from Kentucky.

Spending time with friends and family at Christmas

The Difference Between Commercial Cattle and Purebreds

2010-12-03T10:46:00.000-08:00

A long time cattleman Rodney James once defined the difference between Purebred and Commercial cattle as "the amount of $$ you could get for an animal over market price." Now I certainly agree with Rodney but I do think there is more to this that just the bottom line.

We have been extremely busy the last 3 months. From attending the World Simmental Congress, to traveling to 3 major livestock shows in three provinces and now preparing for our final Simmental event of the year the Checkers sale on December 18, 2010.

Our co-workers often ask why do we go to all the trouble? Why not just have a few cows, calve them on grass, sell some calves and be done with all of this nonsense of shows, sales, registrations, following pedigrees etc. Our answers to them is that we enjoy all of those events, the anticipation each year of the new calf crop from the sire you selected the year before, the ability to showcase your program and breed at shows and sales, belonging to a fraternity of like minded cattle people. But probably the one aspect that keeps us going are the PEOPLE. We have so many amazing people in the purebred cattle industry, and specifically our Simmental Breed.

There are 4 families that we would like to mention here today. They are all from different countries and we have known them for different lengths of time.
The first is John & Danita Brogan.

We have known John for over 25 years. He is from Orange, NSW...well kinda, he has fallen in love with Canada and relocated for an undetermined time to Cochrane, AB John assited us with selling some embryos downunder. Through John and Danita we have met Peter and Charmaine Cook.

We had the opportunity to spend a few days with Peter and Charmaine on our recent trip to Australia. They are so much fun. Peter is one of Australia's great cattleman. If you are ever in the Coohla area it is defiantly worth your time to call in for a visit. Charmaine might even share a glass of "Farmers Daughter" with you. Highly recommend it.

The next group of people we have only know for about a month. The Schneider's from Kentucky.

We purchased a heifer from them at the Simmental Select Sale in Louisville, KY. Although we have never met in person, we already feel like we have a connection with them and it is the purebred cattle that has done that. Here are a couple of videos about their son Cramer, a truly amazing young man that has a passion for cattle. Great people to have in the Simmental Breed. I hope that we can visit each others farms one day.

The third group of people are Dean, Monica, Kara and Kelsey Schwartz from 3D Simmentals.

I am not sure how long we have known them, but I sure am glad that we do. They raise some great cattle, and are a lot of fun. They also go above and beyond to extend hospitality to us each year when we come out to Agribition. They offer their home to us to stay for the 8 days that we are in the Regina area. It means so much to us for them to alter their schedules and mess up their house. The best part are the late night chats and getting to spend time with their girls.

So when the weather turns really cold this winter and things are breaking or not going right and none of this seems worth while, we just take a few minutes to think of these people and so many more that have come into our lives thanks to the purebred cattle. They make a big difference.

"The better part of one's life consists of his friendships." - Abraham Lincoln,

Back to the land of Oz - South Tahara

2010-12-02T13:41:00.000-08:00

Our next destination was Colraine, Victoria. We were meeting up with Wayne from Alva Downs. Wayne is the manager for Cam Emerson. A what a character. Certainly tells thing like they are, although he did tame down the colorful language with us girls present. We had a great afternoon with him and wish it could have been longer.

They have run two herds for many years. One is a purebred Simmental herd and the other is a purebred Hereford herd. They have not kept up the papers on them but they do keep them purebred. They also have a crossbred herd.

The F1 Simmental x Hereford is one that is hard to beat. The countryside is beautiful at their property - South Tahara. With all of the rain that they have had in 2010, the hills are green and the pastures lush. A nice change after the 10 year drought.

The Emerson family is the family that I stayed with on my first visit to Australia. David and Liz and their daughters, lived near Hamilton at Branxholme. David managed the herds along with a purebred herd of Simmentals. David is a recipient of the Golden Book Award through the World Simmental Fleckvieh Federation

David purchased a Ute (Utility vehicle), the year after I was there. It has seen better days, but is still running after 26 years.

Alva Downs has topped the market at Casterdown for many years with their feeder calves. Wayne gave us a great tour. He had some really good looking lambs that were also ready for market. We left with a package of lamb chops. Now just had to find a bar-bie to cook them on!

Going Once , Twice, SOLD

2010-11-23T07:39:00.000-08:00

The fall is an exciting time for the shows, but the really interesting part is all of the sale. Starting in September the coffee table is full of sale catalogs. Usually our conversations revolve around what we are offering for sale, what other breeders have available and the prices and buyers from the latest sale.

With modern day technology you don't even have to leave the comfort of your home in order to add top end genetics to your herd. Just a click of the mouse and she could become apart of your herd. There are several good sites, including LiveAuctions.TV, Edjecast.com and DMLSL.com Although there is nothing nicer than to hear the chant of the Coronal and to feel the excitement in the air.

RJY Signature Move 4X

Our next sale will be Thursday November 25, 2010 at Canadian Western Agribition. RJY Signature Move 4X is a compilation of the Signature cow family that we have been building over the years. her maternal sister was the high selling lot at the 2006 CWA Simmental Sale. Add in the exciting sire of Wheatland 680S and you have a very exciting prospect.

JDN Prairie Signature 19L

CDY Signature Black 2N

CDY Black Signature 9S - Dam of Signature Move 4X

High Selling Lot CWA Sale 2006 - $15,000

You can check out the entire sale offering at http://www.bouchardlivestock.com/upcomingsales-cwa.html. Signature Move is Lot 469. The sale is also being broadcasted by Live Auctions

Hope to see you at sale time. If anything catches your eye and you can't attend, give us a call at 780-514-0758.

Homecoming......Bovine Style

2010-11-20T16:41:00.000-08:00

The third week of November, ask anybody in the livestock business and if they are not going to be home, then you will probably find them at Canadian Western Agribition in Regina, Saskatchewan. 2010 marks the 40th Anniversary of this prestigious Agriculture Event.

The Mission Statement they have created is
To create and maintain an effective, hospitable and entertaining atmosphere to market Canadian agriculture products and expertise to the world.

And for the past 40 years they have accomplished this and more. Prior to the 1970 cattle producers from Western Canada make the trek, usually by train to the Toronto Royal. This was very costly and time consuming. You were one from home for up to 3 weeks. The dreamer and visionary of CWA was Chris Sutter. Long story short Chris made it happen. The first Agribition took place in November of 1971.

As as younger person, I dreamed of attending Agribition. Each November my parents and Aunts and Uncles would head off to this great cattle show. The stories they told on their return of the hospitality, the cattle show and the prices that cattle sold for only made me want to go more.

We have many memories of the past Agribitions that we have attended. This year marks the 34th for Rob and 30th for me. Here are some of the show highlights.

Being a part of the Alberta 1982 4H Judging Team - being named Reserve High Point Individual
Showing multiple champions for Lewis Farms in the mid 1980's
Showing the heaviest bull in Agribition history - TCCL Firefox 53T - 3020 lbs.

TCCL Firefox 53T

Owning the 1989 Champion Simmental Female
Rob judging there in the 1990's
Selling the High selling lot in the 2006Simmental Sale - $15,000

Now in addition to the show end of the event, there are the many friends that we get to see each year and the social part of Agribition. Some events can't be mentioned on here, but I thought I'd reflect on a few that may bring memories back for some of you that have attended and the things that make Agribition unique.

The SWAMP - the most famous exhibitor lounge. Bull have been rode through her, Jimmy Joe's rendition of Cinderella in Pig Latin, and the many stories that have been shared.
Tie Outs and Peppermint Schnapps
The Weather
Bum Darts - This event has been discontinued due to Dawn Miller Wilson winning too many years in a row. Although I am proud to say that our daughter Stacy is the reigning Farmfair Champion.

The creators of Yuccaflux

Yuccaflux Parties - created by the Simmental Exhibitors
The Agribition Crud

You never get enough sleep

Things have changed a lot in the past 40 years. We sure don't go to the barn at 3 am each morning. There use to be a breed banquet and dance to attend each night. We used to tie out at 7 pm, get showered and changed in to our best clothes and dance until 2:00 and then go to the barns. We have cut our show stings down to 7 from 30. And they have a few new barns. I also hope that our cattle have gotten better.

Agribition has now become our family reunion for Rob and I and our daughters Crystal and Stacy. With the American Thanksgiving falling during the week of the show, for the past 7 years Crystal has met us in Regina.

CDY 9S - High Selling Lot 2006 sale - $15,000

I think what the best thing is about Agribition is that everyone there is excited to be in Agriculture and for us the livestock sector. Having an Agribition Champion is like no other. It has been 21 years since we were part of the Supreme Championship and this year we are honored to be a part of it again. A place where anything can happen. We'll let you know how it goes.

Thank you to the men and women that had the vision and didn't let challenges keep them from seeing their dream to reality. One of these men was Mr. Bill Small.

Bill was the first Vice-President of CWA. He was also a member of the Simmental fraternity. Bill passed away yesterday and won't get to participate in this 40th Anniversary celebration. We sure will be thinking of him though. Thanks Bill for all that you did and for the great memories.

Christmas Comes Early to High Country

2010-11-17T14:43:00.000-08:00

A few weeks ago, Rob came into the house and announced that he knew what he wanted for Christmas. Now this may not sound unusual, but Rob never asks for Christmas or birthday gifts, so I was quite intrigued to hear what had caught his attention. It was in a catalog ........ not the Sears catalog, or any of the others that arrive in the mail during November, but the North American Select Simmental Sale catalog.

It was Lot 3 that had his attention. He almost said like a little boy "I won't ask for anything else for Christmas, if I can just have her."

Well sale day rolled around and the family discussion began, do we try to own her or not. I thought she would be way out of our budget, but said to give it a whirl. So we called up Crystal, who was in Louisville with her job at the American Angus Association and asked her to go have a look. Along with a phone call to Darryl Snider from Simmental Country. We logged on to edjecast to watch the sale and hoped for the best.

Christmas has come early as we are now the proud owners of CAJS Elegant Force. She was consigned by the Happy 6 Simmentals, the Schneider family of Georgetown, Kentucky. This is what they had to say about their sale consignment.

This is one we hate to part with. She is a beautiful package. You can’t make one much smoother than this. She is big-butted, strong topped, jet-fronted, and stout. You have to admire her fore rib and smooth shoulder. “Elle” comes from a legendary cow family, being a maternal sister to last year’s $33,000 high seller KenCo Miley Cottontail, she is a granddaughter of the great H25(dam of JM Steel My Heart and many others). Throw Steel Force in the mix and you can’t go wrong! Elle has gathered many ribbons and banners in her extensive show career, turning heads all across the country. Homo black with a perfect blaze and a baby doll disposition. To top it all off, she’s expecting a heifer calf by Explorer in January. We are reserving a flush within the next 2 years, with a minimum of 6 embryos, to be done at the buyers convenience and at our expense.

Crystal had the opportunity to visit with Joe, Paige, Cramer and Ally Jo. They are a very nice family and were very excited to have their heifer come to Canada. They are already planning a trip north to visit her. Cramer and Ally Jo love to show cattle. To read more about them go to http://www.happy6simmentals.com/aboutus.html

So I have one Christmas gift bought. Now to figure out what to get the rest of the family.

Winning Weekend.

2010-11-15T09:10:00.000-08:00

This past week we loaded up the trailer again and headed into Farmfair International in Edmonton, AB. The trip was a lot shorter than last week. Because of the long haul to Brandon the previous week, we only took in one entry - IPU Revolution 172U. Edmonton is our local fall show and we still wanted to support it. The numbers were down this year, but the excitement and interest from commercial cattleman was really good. It seems like all many breeders in all breeds went home with numerous names to add to their bull sale mailing list. We had a great show with Revolution being named Grand Champion Simmental Bull.

Our Simmental show may have been smaller in numbers but the quality was very high. We had four strong representatives in the Supreme Saturday Showcase. Supreme Saturday sees all of the breed champions along with the breed representatives from Legends of the Fall - calender year bull and heifer calves, and the commercial cattle pen representatives compete for $130,000 in cash and prizes. It is an honor just to be a part of this day, as it is the best of the best cattle in Western Canada of all breeds.

High Country Cattle, Rancier Farms, and Mader Ranches represented the breed.

The sponsorship for the show is second to none, with 2 Dodge trucks and an Allen Dale Trailer up for grabs. The panel of 6 judges had there work cut out for them.

When the score cards were completed, the Grand Champion Female was claimed by the Simmental entry of Rancier Farms with RF Flirtin For Certain 37U, congratulations Garth, Ang, Kyle and Chase. The Bulls division went to the Bullick family with their Charolais entry. Although we didn't get to take the truck home, we were honored to finish second, only 2 points out of the running.

For all of the entries in Supreme Saturday, Allan Dale Trailers donates a new aluminum stock trailer. Which we were very fortunate to win. Thank you to Warren Fertig, for your continuous support over the last 22 years.

It has been a great couple of weeks. Now it's time to regroup, reload, add a few more head and take off for Canadian Western Agribtion in Regina. Revolution will lead the show string, but we are really excited to have 2 of his daughters at his side, RJY Firstdate 1W, an interesting Blk Joker bull calf, and a daughter of 680S and RJY 9S in the sale on November 25. Check out the sale catalog at Bouchard Livestock or on our sale page.

Remembering........

2010-11-10T10:50:00.000-08:00

For many of us, well probably most of us, the idea of war is something that we see on the evening news that is happening in a far off country. We know that there are men and women from our county that are representing us and our best interests, but we are very much removed from the actual event. We also probably do not know many people that have been in a war. November 11 is a day for us to stop and REMEMBER. To thank those that have lost their lives and served their country for us to have the FREEDOM and PRIVILEGES that we do.

In 2007 Rob & I attended the Annual meetings of the Canadian Simmental Association in Ottawa. Part of our time there was a tour to the Canadian National War Museum. If you ever have the opportunity to visit Ottawa, make this a part of your plans. We only had a few hours there, but could have spent a couple of days. The displays are wonderful. It really makes you stop and think of the role that Canada has played as peace keepers and allies to our fellow countries. It also makes you realize the losses that we have suffered.

On our recent trip to Australia, we again had the opportunity to visit their Australian War Memorial in Canberra. Although not as familiar with their history and the roles that they played in some of the same historical events as Canada, the messages were the same. Men and Women have given so much of themselves for the greater good and for their fellow citizens to enjoy PEACE and FREEDOM.

Tribute to an Australian Soldier that help wounded soldiers down to medical help with his donkey.
He died just a few days into battle.

Wall of Remembrance for soldiers killed in the various wars Australia has been a part of

Memorial with eternal flame in Hyde Park, Sydney, Australia

So on November 11, please take a few moments to reflect on the quality of life that you have and why we enjoy the freedoms that we do. If you know someone who is serving for their country, let them know how much you appreciate what they are doing.

Tim McGraw's song - If Your Reading This .......

If you're reading this

My Mommas sittin there

Looks like I only got a one way ticket over here

Sure wish I

Could give you one more kiss

And war was just a game we played when we were kids

I'm laying down my gun

I'm hanging up boots

I'm up here with God and we're both watching over you

So lay me down

In that open field out on the edge of town

And know my soul

Is where my momma always prayed

That it would go

And if you're reading this

I'm already home

If you're reading this

Half way around the world

I won’t be there

To see the birth of our little girl

I hope she looks like you

I hope she fights like me

Stand up for the innocent and weak

I'm laying down my gun

I'm hanging up boots

Tell dad I don't regret that I followed in his shoes

If you're reading this

There’s going to come a day

When you'll move on

And find some one else

And that's OK

Just remember this

I'm in a better place

Where soldiers live in peace

And angels sing amazing grace

A Return Visit to the Manitoba Livestock Expo

2010-11-08T18:22:00.000-08:00

Last week Rob headed East for the Manitoba Livestock Expo held in Brandon, Manitoba. Years ago when the National Simmental Show was hosted by a different province we used to try and attend as many as possible. This gave us the opportunity to see different parts of Canada and to meet breeders that we often only had the opportunity to read about.

A few years ago it was suggested to the Canadian Simmental Association board of Directors that we should go back to that format. Since then the show has been hosted at the Toronto Royal, Farmfair International in Edmonton Canadian Western Agribtion in Regina and this year the Manitoba Livestock Expo in Brandon.

The last time that Rob & I attended a National Show in Brandon was 26 years ago.

It was on our honeymoon. Not only did we have 10 head of cattle to take care of, we also shared our room with the show help. This time Rob made the trip on his own.

He had a great week of catching up with old friends and meeting many new breeders. The facility is wonderful, having the hotel attached to the exhibition hall. He never had to start a truck to drive to eat or go to the hotel. The organizing committee did a great job. Our display of cattle was well received. The heifer calf was 4th in a strong class, the bred heifer that we sold in the sale was 2nd in class

Thank you to Conray Cattle Co, Pilot Mound, MB for purchasing her

and our bull IPU Revolution 172U was senior and Grand Champion Bull.

National Simmental Champion Bull 2010

The Simmentals as a breed had a great week, winning the interbreed heifer calf champion, the interbreed bull calf and res. bull calf champion, Supreme Champion Female and 9 out of the 11 Commercial Cattle classes were Simmental influenced.

For a complete run down of the show results check them out here. It was a long 15 hour drive but we are very glad that we went and invite everyone out to next years National show at FarmFair International in Edmonton as we host the 2011 National Show and Canadian Simmental Association Annual Meeting.