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2016 Canadian
Bison Junior Judging Program
Click Picture for Larger Version
2016 CBJJP Registration Form HERE
Entry Deadline Today,
November 4, 2016!
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2016 CBA Photo Contest

Once again, we’re looking for photos featuring your animals throughout the four seasons (Spring, Summer, Fall and Winter).
The Deadline to Submit Pictures is Friday, January 16, 2017.
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2016-17 CBBD
October Weights are in!
As of October 17th:
Click Picture for Larger Version
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THE WEEK IN REVIEW…
Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada Bison Market and Supply Update for October is Now Available
English Version HERE
French Version HERE
Past Reports HERE
Bison Code Of Conduct Ready For Public Review
Code will cover the care and handling of bison
GRANDE PRAIRIE, Alta. — The draft code of practice for the care and handling of bison is scheduled to be released for public comment Nov. 21 and will be open until Jan. 17.
Dr. Jayson Galbraith, a veterinarian with Alberta Agriculture who serves on the code development committee, said work on the updated code began in March 2015. It is one of many livestock codes written and updated by the National Farm Animal Care Council.
“Keep in mind this code is for the on-farm component of raising the animals. It’s not to do with slaughter plants,” Galbraith told bison producers at the Oct. 22 Peace Country regional meeting of Bison Producers of Alberta. Read More HERE
30 Alberta Ranches Quarantined After Case Of Bovine TB Discovered
At least 30 ranches in southeast Alberta are under quarantine after the discovery of a single case of bovine tuberculosis, leaving producers unable to sell their animals and fearful their income for the year may evaporate.
“It’s just plain bad,” said Alberta Beef Producers chair Bob Lowe, who met with many of the affected producers in Brooks on Thursday evening. “You go out there and talk to those guys, and it’s absolutely devastating. And they can’t get any answers — they don’t know where to turn.”
In late September, the United States Department of Agriculture notified the Canadian Food Inspection Agency that a case of bovine TB had been detected in a cow from Alberta when it was slaughtered in the United States. That cow was traced to a farm near Jenner, about 50 kilometres northeast of Brooks. Read More HERE
TB Investigation Expected to Take Several Months
The Canadian Food Inspection Agency says it expects the investigation following the case of bovine tuberculosis in southeast Alberta will take several months to complete.
Around 30 farms have been quarantined following the discovery of bovine TB by U.S. officials in an animal originating from a ranch in the southeast part of the province in mid-September.
“We recognize that the quarantines and movement controls are having a significant impact on producers, especially those that planned on fall sales of their animals,” said Harpreet Kochhar, the chief veterinary officer for the CFIA, in an update on Thursday. Read More and Watch the CFIA’s Video HERE
EU, Canada Sign Free Trade Deal But Battle Not Over
BRUSSELS, Oct 30 (Reuters) – The European Union and Canada signed a free trade agreement on Sunday that aims to generate jobs and growth though it must still clear some 40 national and regional parliaments in Europe in the coming years to enter fully into force.
Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau signed the treaty along with the heads of EU institutions, a step that should enable a provisional implementation of the pact early in 2017 with the removal of most import duties.
The Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement’s (CETA) passage has not been smooth. Read More HERE
Ancient Bison Skeleton Finds Home In Jamestown
JAMESTOWN — The National Buffalo Museum in Jamestown is now home to "Samantha," a complete bison skeleton that is estimated to be 8,000 to 10,000 years old.
Samantha is one of two complete bison skeletons that were found beneath the Snake River Farm owned by Tom and Gail Barthel. The area in Sherburne County, Minn., southeast of St. Cloud, is in the Anoka Sand Plain that was created by sand deposits of receding glaciers around 12,000 years ago.
Samantha was first assembled in 1998. It is a mature cow skeleton with a 28-inch horn span and measures about 6 feet tall at the hump. That is about 25 percent larger than modern bison, with a horn core over 50 percent larger, Tom Barthel said. Read More HERE
NRCS Helps Buffalo Ranchers With Rotational Grazing
The Natural Resources Conservation Service is assisting in installing a rotational grazing system on a Missouri buffalo ranch.
Michael and Amy Billings know where their buffalo roam. They control where, too.
It is all part of a rotational grazing system at their farm. The couple, who own Buffalo Lodge along with Ryan Dunn, began working with NRCS in 2011. At the time, they had a herd of 25 buffalo roaming 80 acres, but they were looking for a better way to more effectively use the forage on their farm. Working with the USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service, the Billingses were able to design and gain partial funding for a rotational grazing system at their farm and event venue, near the boundary of Johnson and Cass counties in western Missouri.
The couple soon acquired another 105 acres, and used NRCS and Johnson County Soil and Water Conservation District assistance to install cross-fencing, a livestock water distribution system, tire tanks and pasture seeding — including conversion of some acres to native warm-season forages. Today, they are up to 100 buffalo, which rotate through 17 paddocks on 185 acres. Read More HERE
American Bison Designated As US's National Mammal
RAPID CITY, S.D. – The American bison has been designated the national mammal of the U.S. during a ceremony at Wind Cave National Park in South Dakota.
Congress approved the designation last spring, and it became official Tuesday, the Rapid City Journal reported. Federal lawmakers have called the bison — North America's largest land animal — the embodiment of American strength, resilience and the nation's pioneer spirit.
The Wildlife Conservation Society worked with worked with Congress for about six years to make the designation happen, said Kelly Aylward, director of the agency's office in Washington. Read More HERE
FCC Events
Make the most of your farm business:
Practical tools, new perspectives and breakthrough moments – expand your ag knowledge at a free FCC learning event. We bring the best minds in agriculture to communities across Canada to inform, inspire and help you get the most from your business.
Why you should attend:
- Practical knowledge to take back to your business
- Free for anyone involved in agriculture
- Chance to network with industry and peers
- Learn from Canada's leading ag experts
Different Ways to Learn:
FCC Forum
- Canada’s best speakers share stories to inform, engage and inspire.
FCC Ag Outlook 2017
- A look at the industry trends that will impact you in the year ahead.
Ag Knowledge Exchange
- Farm management workshops to grow your business.
To find a session near you go HERE
One Year Later: Bison Herd Gains Hoof-Hold And Boosts Conservation Nationwide
The seed herd of 10 American bison released one year ago on northern Colorado public lands has expanded to 16 healthy animals, and the project has contributed valuable heirloom genetics to two other bison conservation efforts – with more growth ahead.
The Laramie Foothills Bison Conservation Herd galloped onto 1,000 acres at Soapstone Prairie Natural Area and Red Mountain Open Space on Nov. 1, 2015.
Since then, the project that began as a simple concept – returning an iconic species to its native landscape – is producing profound conservation and cultural rewards, both in northern Colorado and across the country.
“To see such a tremendous animal, an American icon, have its hooves touch the ground in this area again, is just beautiful,” said Ty Smith, director of the Colorado State University Native American Cultural Center. Read More HERE
Bison Number 8 and What it Means to Be a Man
He is barely noticeable in the picture, but if you look closely at the very center of the herd, you can see him: the herd bull. He’s looking straight at the camera, the only bison doing so. He’s always in the middle somewhere. He’s rarely at the edge and hardly ever in the front. I call him simply, “Number 8” because of the tag that hangs like an earring from his right ear. But I also like the name because eight is a number of spiritual significance. And for me, he is an amazing being. Read More HERE
Temple Grandin: An Animal Welfare Game-changer
"I think using animals for food is an ethical thing to do, but we've got to do it right. We've got to give those animals a decent life and we've got to give them a painless death. We owe the animal respect." - Temple Grandin
Dr. Temple Grandin has revolutionized humane handling practices in the livestock industry. She shares how the industry’s changing for the better and how producers can build trust about animal welfare. Read More and Watch Video HERE
2016 Bison Roundup - Antelope Island State Park Video HERE
Wyoming College Discovers World's Highest Buffalo Jump
They found the first bit of evidence before they left the parking lot. Flakes of rock and arrowheads littered the ground, easily missed by the casual observer but striking signs of prehistoric life to the trained eye.Students from Central Wyoming College were buoyed by their finds on the 25-mile trek from a trailhead outside Dubois to the edge of Wyoming’s biggest glaciers. But then, at the top of the state, where harsh winds blow away deep snow and temperatures are often frigid, they discovered something none of them expected: a bison jump. More HERE
Did You Know
- Wild prairie under threat, says scientist. More HERE
- Local meat preferred, but price most important . More HERE
- Buffalo Zoo celebrates National Bison Day. More HERE
- After 131 Years, Buffalo Return Home To The Wind River Reservation. More HERE
- Bison: A traveling exhibit exploring the past, present, and future of this great North American mammal. More HERE
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CBA News and Events...
The Winners Have Been Announced…
The winners of the 2015 CBA Annual Photo Contest have been chosen. Thank you to all the producers who submitted photos. You make our job hard each year trying to pick just 3 winners in each category. To see the winning photos go HERE.
Travelling? Looking for a Place to Stay?
The CBA has teamed with Choice Hotels to provide members with another benefit -- save up to 10%. Please go HERE for all the details. As well, there is a bonus offer until December 31, 2016.
1st International Symposium on Bison Health Presentations
Dr. Woodbury, one of the organizers has made it possible for us to post most of the conference presentations on the CBA Website. Go HERE
Branding No Longer Required for Shipping Bison Between Canada And The US
Effective April 8, 2015, Canadian bison exported to the USA for breeding or feeding do not have to be permanently identified with a permanent "CAN" mark as long as they are identified with a secondary dangle tag.
The dangle tag must bear the same official ID number as on the approved RFID tag. Like the RFID tags, the dangle tags can only be purchased from the Canadian Bison Association. A transitional period will take place until May 8, 2015 to accommodate health certificates that were issued prior to the effective date of this requirement.
During the transitional period, only the approved RFID tag is required for bison. Read More HERE
Read Press Release sent out by CBA and NBA HERE
Advance Payments Program improved under the Agricultural Growth Act
Effective April 1, 2016 the Manitoba Livestock Cash Advance Program has been expanded to offer advances on a select number of crops in Manitoba and Saskatchewan, which allows producers to obtain cash advances for more than one commodity. This improves service to producers. http://manitobalivestock.com/
More details can be obtained on the following links including other including other organizations that may have expanded the commodities for which they offer Cash Advances. (ENGLISH: http://bit.ly/XqeLPZ or FRENCH: http://bit.ly/1oKxhPK)
Advance Payment Program Now Available To Producers Who Market Their Products To The Retail Market
The Advance Payments Program (APP) is a federal loan guarantee program that helps livestock producers meet their financial obligations and benefit from the best market conditions by improving their cash flow throughout the production period. The Manitoba Livestock Cash Advance issues producers a cash advance on the anticipated value of their livestock that is being produced. Producers can receive a cash advance on up to 50% of the expected average market price of the livestock.
The Canadian Bison Association worked with producers and the Manitoba Livestock Cash Advance managers to make the Cash Advance Program available to producers who market their bison to the retail market from their farm. Producers who have their animals slaughtered will have 30 calendar days from the date on the slaughterhouse receipt to repay their advance. The number of bison slaughtered must be included on the slaughterhouse receipt. For additional information and application forms go to http://manitobalivestock.com/ or call 1-866-869-4008
Le Programme de paiement anticipé est maintenant offert aux producteurs qui commercialisent leurs produits sur le marché de détail
Le Programme de paiement anticipé (PPA) est un programme fédéral de garantie d’emprunt qui aide les producteurs de bétail à respecter leurs obligations financières et à bénéficier des meilleures conditions du marché en améliorant leurs liquidités tout au long de la période de production. Le programme Manitoba Livestock Cash Advance fournit une avance en espèces sur la valeur prévue du bétail qu’ils produisent. Les producteurs peuvent recevoir une avance en espèces pouvant atteindre 50 % du prix moyen prévu du marché du bétail.
L’Association canadienne du bison collabore avec les producteurs et les gestionnaires du Manitoba Livestock Cash Advance afin de mettre le PPA à la disposition des producteurs qui commercialisent leur bison sur le marché de détail à partir de leur ferme. Les producteurs dont les animaux sont abattus disposent d’un délai de 30 jours civils pour rembourser leur avance, et ce, à compter de la date indiquée sur le récépissé délivré par l’abattoir. Le nombre de bisons abattus doit figurer sur le récépissé remis par l’abattoir. Pour de plus amples renseignements et pour obtenir les formulaires de demande, visitez http://manitobalivestock.com/ ou téléphonez au 1-866-869-4008.
Through the Lens of the Producer
Over the past years the CBA has asked its members to send in pictures of their bison in the four seasons. HERE then are the Seasons of the Bison-through the lens of the Producer.
Malignant Catarrhal Fever
The SBA along with the sheep industry have created a video that will support education and awareness of Malignant Catarrhal Fever (MCF). To View the Video Go HERE
Do You Want Big Travel Insurance Savings
The CBA has partnered with ATI Insurance Inc. to provide members with another benefit -- Comprehensive Travel Insurance at a discounted price. Please go HERE and make this insurance program part of your annual travel plans. Service is offered in English and French.
Mycoplasma in Farmed Bison Survey 2014 - 2015
The Mycoplasma in Farmed Bison Survey intends to supply the bison industry with much needed knowledge, so that evidence-based decisions can be made to protect herds and control the spread of this emerging disease.
The Survey is a collaborative effort of the University of Calgary Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Saskatchewan, Alberta Department of Agriculture and Rural Development, Canadian Bison Association, veterinarians, and bison producers. It will be launched in May 2014 and is designed to provide valuable information.
For more information go HERE (scroll down to News & Events)
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Markets...
Weekly Price Summary
November 4, 2016
Finished Bison Prices Remain Firm
With the Canadian dollar fluctuations, please confirm prices offered by buyers as they may change daily.
Canadian buyers continue to offer $6.00/lb. - $6.25/lb. HHW for Grade “A” bison bulls with reports of higher prices for finished bulls meeting specific parameters. Prices are being driven by strong U.S. demand and exchange rates favouring the U.S. Carcasses that do not fall within buyers’ specifications are discounted. U.S. buyers are offering up to $4.60/lb. US for Grade “A” bison bulls with some prices higher. Returns to the producers are dependent on exchange rates, quality, export costs, and freight adjustments.
Grade “A” bison heifers in the desirable weight range are selling for up to $5.75 - $6.00/lb. HHW to Canadian buyers. U.S. buyers are offering $4.40/lb. HHW in U.S. dollars.
**Producers should research what parameters the prices are based on. Parameters such as Canadian or US delivery, weight ranges, age etc. This will assist them in comparing prices on an even basis.**
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