Saskatchewan cattle producers can expect to pay a higher provincial checkoff later this year.
Those attending the Saskatchewan Cattlemen’s Association annual general meeting voted in favour of the proposed 75 cent increase, effective Aug. 1.
The move comes after last year’s hike of $1.50 was later rescinded. Some thought that was too big a jump.
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The board intended to halve that to 75 cents but had to take the decision back to the membership.
Chad Ross, who represents the Saskatchewan Cattle Feeders on the SCA board, told the annual general meeting that the original resolution came from District 1, where he raises cattle, in 2022.
“The board did take some criticism on that amount, and we did ratify the amount to 75 cents going forward,” he said.
However, the SCA operates under the Saskatchewan Agri-Food Council and had to take that motion to the AGM floor.
The increase in checkoff was deemed necessary as the development commission struggled with budget issues. It cut its budget by 15 per cent last year because it expected less revenue as marketing declined.
Ross said Livestock Services of Saskatchewan has reported marketings were down nine per cent last year.
“Fiscally, the board has been very responsible and every spending decision that the board makes is met with scrutiny,” Ross said.
The board now meets every other month instead of monthly and is holding more meetings online instead of in person.
The organization has also decreased its research funding and sponsorships.
“I’m sure some of you have felt that, but we’ve had the need to do that,” he said.
According to the SCA financial statements, check-off revenue for the year ending July 31, 2024, was $5.3 million, down from $5.7 million in 2023.
The current check-off levy is $4.50 per head. The national portion, which is non-refundable, is $2.50 and funds Canada Beef, Beef Cattle Research and Canadian Beef Public and Stakeholder Engagement.
The provincial portion is $2 and is voluntary. Of that, 53 cents goes to the Canadian Cattle Association and $1.47 goes to the SCA to use for operations, provincial research, industry partners and collection administration. Last year, refunds totaled $38,878, which was down $2,220 from 2023.
The checkoff was a topic at district meetings last fall.
District 4 producers wanted all future check-off increases to go to regional meetings for review before decisions are made, said director Randy Stokke. That resolution also passed at the AGM.
Another from District 3B asking the SCA to review the checkoff every five years so that any change could be discussed by producers in advance did not come to the floor after no one stood to move it.
In addition to changing the organization’s name to Saskatchewan Cattle Association, members agreed to motions calling for an ear tag system that would ensure traceability but also provide more carcass and health information for producers, an investigation of on-farm ranch safety protocols and a program to better control rodents and compensate producers.
A resolution from District 5, in east-central Saskatchewan, asked the SCA to develop better guidelines for aerial applicators to “ensure conscientious work around animals, forages, yard sites and habitat in the vicinity of their applications.”
The meeting marked the departure of chief executive officer Grant McLellan after 2 1/2 years. Policy manager Christina Betker replaces him.
After the AGM, the board selected Ross as the new chair. Keith Day moves to past-chair.
Jolean Shea from District 7 is vice-chair. Kyle Hebert from District 1 remains finance chair and District 2 director Wade Beck is the member at large.
Contact karen.briere@producer.com
