The deadline of March 31st is rapidly approaching for the Canadian Agriculture Adaptation Program (CAAP) which enabled CSA to offer reduced prices on genotyping/ parentage tests for CSA members.

Paperless Options for Online Members

If you have any questions please contact the Canadian Simmental Association office toll free at 1-888-860-6051 or 403-250-7979.

EPD Averages

CE	BW	WW	YW	MCE	Milk	MWW	STAY	CWT	REA	FAT	MARB	API	TI
Current	6.3	3.7	67.5	97.7	7.3	24.4	58.1	10.1	33.3	0.61	-0.062	-0.06	101.5	63.1
Sires	6.0	3.7	66.3	95.6	6.7	25.0	58.1	9.3	32.1	0.58	-0.059	-0.06	99.0	62.4
Dams	5.5	4.2	66.9	95.7	7.4	25.1	58.8	10.5	32.8	0.56	-0.061	-0.08	99.3	61.9

Current Population - all calves born in the last 2 years (2016-2017)

Active Sire - any sire with a calf reported in the last 2 years (2016-2017)
Active Dam - any dam with a calf reported in the last 2 years (2016-2017)

More information on the CSA Genetic evaluation can be found at www.simmental.com

Ultrasound

Members interested in ultrasound are reminded that cattle must be scanned between 320 and 450 days of age.  Scanning must be done by a UGC certified technician and results must be read by an accredited lab.  For information or to find a scanning technician near you, Click here..

Barnsheets are available for printout on the online registry system.

Evaluations

BOLT single step evaluation continues to progress.  Currently the Stayability evaluation is conducted using BOLT, however testing is nearing completion on the calving ease, growth and carcass evaluations with a target date for mid-summer release.  Additionally, work is ongoing for evaluation of docility and heifer pregnancy.  These are valuable tools that directly impact profitability of users of Simmental genetics.

Calving Data

Members are encouraged to report on the entire calf crop at calving.  It is important to report on all animals so that the results are comparable.  For example, failing to report large birth weight calves means that lower birthweight cattle will not get full credit for their performance.  Additionally, members are encouraged to report udder and teat scores, calf vigour, mothering ability and other  traits of interest. CSA is working to collect a critical mass of this data so that it may contribute to our understanding and demonstrate the ease of use of Simmental genetics.  CSA is currently working on reports to assist members in ensuring that complete data is reported on the cowherd.

Example of Incomplete Reporting:

By failing to report birth weights over 100 pounds, the breeder has penalized their lighter birthweight calves (now -5 and 0, instead of -10 and -5).

Click here to see the Performance Codes

Congratulations to Beth Rankin, Registry & Member Services staff on her  (Silver) 25th work Anniversary with the Canadian Simmental Association!
We thank Beth for her continued dedication and service to the CSA membership!

We are pleased to report that Devra Leavitt, Reception/Administration, has transitioned from part to full time with the CSA office.  

Devra  joined the CSA team in spring 2014, and is the first cheery voice who will greet you as you call or walk into the office.  

 

Meghan Black joined the Canadian Simmental Association (CSA) in March  2015 and has served the CSA membership, first as Simmental Country Field Person, and most recently as the CSA Programs Coordinator. 

Meghan has been presented with a new opportunit y and will be leaving the CSA on February 9th. We thank Meghan for her service to the CSA  and its membership and wish her the very best in her future endeavors.