The CSA has been made aware of recent incidents of seedstock producers from multiple breed associations having been contacted by an individual wanting to buy cattle in a sight unseen approach.

 

The individual may make mention that they will be responsible for transportation arrangements. After several emails have been exchanged discussing the details, an authentic looking cheque is sent to the breeder for the cattle. This is then followed a few days later by notification that they would like to change the order and ask for a partial refund to be deposited to a bank account that they give you.

 

Do not refund money in this situation unless you know the other party personally or have allowed at least 10 work days for the cheque to fully clear your bank's approval process.

 

Canadian Simmental Association

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.

  

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

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