The president of the Saskatchewan Cattlemen’s Association says he doesn’t know why so few candidates came forward for this fall’s elections.
Jack Hextall said he is disappointed that no one was nominated in one district, three districts will be filled by acclamation and just one election will be held.
“The year maybe had something to do with it,” he said, referring to the weather. “They’re just trying to get something done now. Usually we’re so much further ahead.”
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Nominations closed Sept. 17 and the only election will be in District 2 where Ken Demyen of Qu’Appelle is challenging Bill Jameson from Moose Jaw. That vote takes place at the district meeting Oct. 19 in Moose Jaw.
In District 3B, Larry Grant of Val Marie was returned by acclamation. Fred Lansdall of Leross will replace Duane Thompson of Kelliher in District 5, and Paula Larson of D’Arcy replaces Leon Stang from Cactus Lake in District 7.
District 9A is left without a representative as no one stepped in to take over from Lyal Fox of Shellbrook. In this case, provincial regulations state that the board of directors must appoint someone in the district to fill the vacancy.
“There have been some calls,” Hextall said. “We will try and choose a good representative from the district.”
He said the others stepped down from the board because they thought they didn’t have enough time to devote to the SCA.
“They maybe were not doing the job as good as they would like to for themselves,” he said.
The organization formed as a development commission under provincial law last year and in mid- August took over administration of the provincial beef checkoff.
Any cattle producer in the province who pays the refundable checkoff is considered a member of the SCA and eligible to run in district elections.
Hextall said the organization still has work to do in terms of getting its word out and generating interest in things such as its election.
All districts are holding meetings this fall, beginning Oct. 18 in Carlyle. A complete list can be found at www.saskbeef.com.
