Members of the Saskatchewan Stock Growers Association will support the idea of a new umbrella group to represent Saskatchewan cattle producers.
A resolution to support such a group, to be called the Saskatchewan Cattlemen’s Association, got approval from SSGA members at the group’s annual meeting, which wrapped up Tuesday in Saskatoon.
“The stock growers agreed that the most effective representation possible is desired by all cattle producers,” the SSGA said in a release Wednesday.
Members of the Saskatchewan Cattle Feeders Association have already endorsed the idea, voting their support at that group’s annual meeting in January.
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The SSGA and SCFA between them currently have about 750 members, according to a recent strategic plan document outlining the structure for a new umbrella group.
The SSGA, at its Saskatoon meeting, also resolved to lobby the province to endorse a program that would provide “monetary parity” compared to what Alberta livestock producers will get under that province’s new farm recovery plan. SSGA members also voted to have their directors draft a response to the Alberta government, expressing the Saskatchewan cattle industry’s concerns over the Alberta plan.
Saskatchewan Ag Minister Bob Bjornerud addressed the SSGA conference and warned members to be “cautious in their response” to the Alberta announcement, the group said in its release.
According to the SSGA, Bjornerud said countervail concerns are a big issue with the Alberta plan and producers need to know the plan’s benefits “and who is going to pay for it in the long-term.”
Bjorenrud told the SSGA a committee will be set up to advise government on where the Saskatchewan cattle industry wants to be in 10 years, to make sure “we walk before we run,” the association reported in its release.
