Sask. winners | Ivey family looks forward to meeting couples from across Canada who have been recognized for their contributions to agriculture
ITUNA, Sask. — Since being named Saskatchewan’s Outstanding Young Farmers in June, Aaron and Adrienne Ivey have been busy doing what they do: raising their children and cattle in east-central Saskatchewan.
They’ve also had to prepare their presentation for the national competition in Quebec City Nov. 26-30.
They see their provincial win as recognition for what beef producers have come through since BSE was discovered in 2003, and as a chance to speak on the industry’s behalf.
“That was one of the biggest reasons for choosing to step forward,” said Adrienne, who strongly supports agriculture on Twitter.
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On a summer day, cows and calves alike are bawling as Aaron, his dad Bob, and two hired men run the youngsters through the chutes.
Branding day is always a noisy, smoky affair but Noelle, aged 8, and her brother Cole, 6, are unfazed. The likelihood that three generations will work cattle together is strong.
“Cole is a farmer,” said Adrienne. “He could spend 10 hours in the equipment. Noelle, she likes the animal side. But they’re both starting to become useful.”
Bob was a cattle industry spokesperson and adviser to the provincial government during BSE and later served on the Canadian Cattlemen’s Association board. Aaron has served as chair of the Saskatchewan Forage Council and has a strong interest in research.
“The forage in my mind is the key to us remaining competitive,” Aaron said.
Adrienne grew up on a grain farm near Tisdale and met Aaron while both studied agriculture at the University of Saskatchewan.
Until a year ago, she managed a small ag retail outlet, then worked in several positions for Brett Young, and as a financial solutions manager for Blair’s Fertilizer.
The decision to stay home came after changes to Evergreen Cattle Co., which they share with Aaron’s parents.
Initially, the younger Iveys started their own operation after marrying 10 years ago but the two couples formed a corporate partnership in 2007.
“The cow herd really expanded after I got back (from school),” Aaron said.
Grain land was converted to grass and forage and a small feedlot grew to 2,800 head. Around that same time, BSE was discovered and expansion seemed a logical choice while prices were low. The cow herd of 60 ballooned.
This year, they calved out about 1,100 cows in mid-May on pasture but the feedlot is far from full. The closure several years ago of the packing plant in Moose Jaw made feeding less attractive.
“Last year was the first year we didn’t finish at home,” Adrienne said. “It was difficult for us to do marketing on a small scale.
They shipped their steers to Pound-Maker for finishing instead and didn’t bring in any custom feeders, which at one time made up to half of the number in the lot.
They bale graze and practise extended weaning. Calves are kept over and on grass for the following summer before heading to the feedlot.
“We’ve had fairly rapid growth from when we started,” Aaron said. “Managed growth is where we’re at right now. We assess opportunities as they come along but we have family priorities.”
Those include 4-H and hockey and, following in her mother’s footsteps, Noelle’s passion for horses and competing in horse shows.
Even if they aren’t one of the two couples selected from among seven regional OYF honourees, the Iveys believe they have already won.
“We’re excited about the diversity of the nominees and the quality of conversations we’ll have,” Adrienne said.
“It’s a chance for us to talk about the beef industry in general and advocate for what we see.”
