Ranchers’ markets, practices praised

Vernon was the venue for the BC Cattlemen’s Association’s 95th annual general meeting and convention, May 25-27.

Hosted by the North Okanagan Livestock Association, the event attracted about 400 registrants, according to NOLA president Lani French.

“I believe that is on par with the Canadian Cattle Association national that was held in Penticton last August,” French says.

French was so moved by Alberta psychologist Jody Carrington’s talk in Penticton last year, that she invited her to reprise her presentation on the importance of connecting and building relationships in the interests of wellness.

“She makes us laugh, she makes us cry, and she makes us think,” says French.

Jamie Kerr from Canfax was the second keynote, giving a very positive market update.  “These are similar prices to what we saw in 2015, but I believe that the market could be even stronger,” says Kerr.

Savona rancher and past CCA president David Haywood-Farmer recalled his families’ early years of driving cattle to stockyards on horseback.

“We were getting 10 cents a pound back in the 50s and 60s,” he notes. “And now we market on line through TEAM sales.”

Haywood-Farmer also discussed the merits of Livestock Price Insurance.

“It’s a security blanket that helps me sleep at night,” he says.

The story of BC agriculture minister Pam Alexis’ car journey to Vernon drew some chuckles when it was revealed the car’s GPS routed them north from Merritt up the old Quilchena road and through the Douglas Lake ranch by gravel road into Falkland.

“But she got to see a real working ranch and some cowboys on horses,” quipped BCCA general manager Kevin Boon.

Malakwa’s Crystal Lake Ranch and the Stump family were this year’s recipients of the BCCA Ranch Sustainability award.

“Presenting this award to one of our fellow producers is always the highlight of this convention,” says Judy Madden, chair of BCCA’s Environmental Stewardship Committee.

Each nominee receives an on-farm visit to learn about their practices and philosophy and the evaluation considers livestock management, animal care, land stewardship, benefits to the environment and the nominee’s contributions to the industry and their community, Madden explains.

“The practices that stood out to our selection committee was the commitment to range management and forage and soil health, the recognition of a multi land use approach, partnering with the Ministry of Forests researchers on range land and the recognition of those who were here before us and what practices and cultural values they have to offer the modern land owner,” Madden says.

 

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