The Saskatchewan Cattlemen’s Association is now official.
The provincial government has approved the organization as a development commission for the beef industry.
Cabinet passed the necessary regulations under the Agri-Food Act Jan. 28, the same day that livestock groups were meeting in Regina for conventions.
The approval means the SCA will gain control of the provincial beef check-off money to promote and develop the industry. The regulations set out a cattle development plan and the commission’s powers and parameters.
President Jack Hextall said some legislative changes are still required before the SCA can take over administration of the checkoff, likely in the spring of 2010.
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He expects the industry will be more proactive in how it spends that money.
The check-off money now goes into the Cattle Marketing Deductions Fund and is administered by a committee appointed by the agriculture minister. Researchers and organizations apply for grants from the fund.
In the fiscal year ending March 31, 2008, the fund allocated about $3.5 million but has not yet completed its 2009 budget.
The SCA itself has an application in to the fund for operating money.
Hextall said likely everyone would agree on one thing.
“Right now, sustaining the cow herd … would be the priority,” he said Feb. 2.
Cow numbers are dropping, but until official numbers are released, evidence is anecdotal.
“We have culled cows at this rate in the past but we’re not retaining heifers like we have in the past,” Hextall said.
Check-off funding levels depend on the number of cattle going to market. The fee is also refundable.
Anyone who pays a checkoff when selling cattle is automatically considered an SCA member except in the case of 4-H animals, which are exempt from the legislation.
Elections for the directors will be held this fall, Hextall said. Cattle producers will register and vote in one of 11 districts.
The regulations also allow the past-chair and four appointed directors on the board – two from the Saskatchewan Stock Growers Association and two from the Saskatchewan Cattle Feeders Association.
The SCA’s formation has been contentious at times, particularly within the SSGA membership.
During the SSGA semi-annual meeting last week, several members expressed concern about their ability to participate in the SCA and how interim committee members were chosen.
Hextall told the meeting that the minister had appointed the members and asked the organization to develop a policy statement.
He said the SCA is democratic because it includes all cattle marketers.
