An episode where we talk about something new in the cattle business! Well… maybe not new new, but I don't think lots know about the new regulations coming into effect and changes in the Livestock Services of Saskatchewan itself.
Before becoming an SSGA board member I did not know much about the LSS other than brand inspection services. Now, I heard about the new ideas and regulations coming down the line frequently and how we can do a better job in communicating these to everyday producers. These are not changes that should scare you, they are fairly straight forward and fit into the current management technologies that are being used on your ranch today, your cell phone.
The MyLifestock.ca platform could really advance how we utilize digital submission of manifests and help brand inspection processes. It is all on your phone anyhow, now you just don't have to scribble in the lines and let it self populate the repetitive information and organize the data. Cowboys swore they would never need cell phones, cowboys swore they would never need to learn how to text, cowboys swear they will now and forever fill in a paper manifest with a pen…
Thank you to Season 5 sponsors:
Klassen Industries
Bovigen Reproductive Services
RK Animal Supply
Angus World
F’d Up Farming Podcast
Thank y'all for listening. Please leave us a 5 star rating and review on your favorite app.
Kurtis Reid
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Lifestockpodcast@gmail.com
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Twitter @LifestockPod
If you’re in the Hereford Breed, Howard is no stranger. I have personal stories that could run longer than the podcast itself. Howard has helped my family along with countless others to not only source and breed with better genetics but to understand the breed, being a breeder and how to be a reputable operation. We have been so fortunate to have Howard as a mentor in this amazing breed.
Howard, Sharon and their family invite you to their dispersal sale on December 20th at the farm, Imperial SK. The entire Crittenden Land and Cattle herd will be on offer with embryos and semen too. This is an opportunity, plain and simple. If you’re interested in entering the breed, growing your herd, learning more about the breed, this is an opportunity you need to take advantage of. Multiple Donors sell, cow families with 3-4 generations and the herd bulls. Crittenden’s have been synonyms with quality herd bulls from day 1.
I tell people all the time that Howard is on my Mount Rushmore of mentors.
Thank you to Season 5 sponsors:
Klassen Industries
Bovigen Reproductive Services
RK Animal Supply
Angus World
F’d Up Farming Podcast
Thank y'all for listening. Please leave us a 5 star rating and review on your favorite app.
I would like to dedicate this episode to Edmund Williams. I could never thank the Williams family and Ed for all they did helping us through 4H and teaching us how to be cattlemen. I will always be grateful for yall sharing your home with me and taking me to check cows in that ole maroon chevy half tonne, that I smashed the back window out with the quad that one time going through the ditch. Another one of my Mt Rushmore mentors, Ed Williams. You’ll be missed.
Kurtis Reid
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We have made it to the promised land. We have our first promo code of the podcast thanks to Ashely and her PF Tallow- Perepelkin Farms business!
Go to https://perepelkinfarms.square.site/ and on check out use the code Lifestock10!
I met Ashely at a Beef Industry conference in Saskatoon. We visited about cows and kids and the fun of the business. I found her story fascinating and knew it would make a great episode. Not raised in the beef business, wanting to get in, buy cattle. The journey was not a straight path. Lots of bumps and turns in the road. Ashley built her own network of people that wanted to help her and kept growing from there. Not just growing the cow herd but her family, experience and entrepreneurial spirit.
Now as a purebred Simmental breeder her brand has expanded even further with a farm to fork beef business and her tallow business. Integrating online shopping and tradeshows along the way Ashely has let her business footprint grow slowly and sustainably.
Another detour on her journey is incoming with a Major Back surgery and herd reduction. She was so open and honest about this, it gives great insight and appreciation to being flexible in our planning and confident in our mentality.
Remember Lifestock Pod Fam, hit that promo code Lifestock10. Buy yourself some Whipped Tallow Lotion, chap stick, citronella tallow balm and so much more. Great for gifts too when your getting 10% off!
Thank you to Season 5 sponsors:
Klassen Industries
Bovigen Reproductive Services
RK Animal Supply
Angus World
F’d Up Farming Podcast
Thank y'all for listening. Please leave us a 5 star rating and review on your favorite app.
Kurtis Reid
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Lifestockpodcast@gmail.com
Facebook @LifestockPod
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Twitter @LifestockPod
YouTube: Lifestock Podcast
This is an episode with a good friend of mine Greg Gillis. Greg and his family operate 7th Valley Ranch raising purebred Angus and commercial cattle. His wife also has a farm to fork beef business called Rose Valley Beef. Plus along with raising their family, increasing their grain farming acres the Gillis’ are going to partner up with good friends to host their first annual bull sale March 21st, 2026 in Swift Current SK.
Greg and I met a while back just via the cattle world. We hit it off and have remained good friends. We always joke that we don’t raise the same breed but we had similar roadblocks along the way to navigate in developing our herds and reputations. Greg used to work off the farm, traveling in the pick up going to see customers. We would visit between stops about family and cattle. Continually bouncing ideas back and forth, knowing that we didn't have the same breed specific knowledge but we each wanted to find success on our own terms.
This is very unscripted and a little peek into what a conversation or two between Greg and I are like when we find ourselves with a little wind shield time or looking to a friend to spitball a few ideas. I hope you as listeners might think it would be good to bounce a few ideas with a friend more often. It's a great way to vocalize an idea, check yourself a bit and build lasting friendships.
Thank you to Season 5 sponsors:
Klassen Industries
Bovigen Reproductive Services
RK Animal Supply
Angus World
F’d Up Farming Podcast
Thank y'all for listening. Please leave us a 5 star rating and review on your favorite app.
Kurtis Reid
Contact us:
Lifestockpodcast@gmail.com
Facebook @LifestockPod
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Twitter @LifestockPod
YouTube: Lifestock Podcast
It is amazing how networking and visiting with people about cows works. It led me down a path of learning more about the product FerAppease. At the Canadian Beef Industry Conference in 2024 I was approached by some people wearing green shirts with a yellow cattle head outline, nothing like I had seen before. They asked if I would be interested in trying the product and giving them some feedback and maybe posting on my social media accounts. They struck my inner Ukrainian chord with a demo product. As I researched FerAppease I was very intrigued, after using it, I am a big time supporter.
Having Rodrigo Bicalho, Founder/CEO of FERA Diagnostics and Biologicals, the man that initiated the research, trial data and growth of his business on the podcast talking about his product FerAppease was special. An inside look, and yall know me. I asked a few questions and made a couple statements. Highly versed in the science but understanding that it is word of mouth and results that market products, Rodrigo and his team have partnered with Kane Vet Supplies to distribute the product in Canada.
There is a spot where even I make myself a little speechless as we talked about the usage and practical application throughout the calendar year with FerAppease, not just at weaning. Lots of info, easy to talk science and confidence in a new management tool available to Canadian producers 24hr/365 days.
Thank you to Season 5 sponsors:
Klassen Industries
Bovigen Reproductive Services
RK Animal Supply
Angus World
F’d Up Farming Podcast
Thank y'all for listening. Please leave us a 5 star rating and review on your favorite app.
Kurtis Reid
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Lifestockpodcast@gmail.com
Facebook @LifestockPod
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YouTube: Lifestock Podcast
Aaron and Joe! Joe and Aaron! A highly requested interview from the Lifestock Podcast listeners and my first Registered Gelbveih Breeders on the pod.
Aaron Birch and Joe Barnett were terrific guests.
Fun ✅
Passionate ✅
Driven ✅
PLUS
Never settling in reaching goals, a deep admiration and respect for their breed, always wanting to make a difference and to leave it better than it was before.
When you visit with people that communicate well and have self evaluated about continual improvement and mindfulness of what is happening outside of their breed/bubble it is just on auto pilot for me, I just tried not interrupting them too much!
Thank you to Season 5 sponsors:
Klassen Industries
Bovigen
Angus World
F’d Up Farming Podcast
Thank y'all for listening. Please leave us a 5 star rating and review on your favorite app.
Kurtis Reid
Contact us:
Lifestockpodcast@gmail.com
Facebook @LifestockPod
Instagram @LifestockPod
Twitter @LifestockPod
YouTube: Lifestock Podcast
A topic I feel we must continue to discuss with one and other is mental health. I had read Cynthia’s latest article in the January edition of the SSGA’s Beef business magazine and thought it was just spot on. Then a listener and friend reached out and told me very personally that my discussions on metal health on past episodes he had enjoyed and helped him in a way.
This episode recaps portions of the article and is a conversation with an expert and friend that understand what we live day to day and the pressures of living the lifestyle we do.
You’re never alone. When you want to talk people will listen.
If you feel like now is a good time for a chat with someone, here are some
Resources we discussed in the episode:
Free Mental Heath Services in Saskatchewan
SaskAgMatters Mental Health Network Inc
Online Therapy Unit
306-337-3331
Counciling Connect Saskatchewan
councelingconnectsask.ca/crisis-services
Suicide Crisis Helpline
Telephone: 988
Thank you to the Saskatchewan Stock Growers for access to the publication and permission to share:
https://issuu.com/skstockgrowers/docs/beef_business_january_2025/32?ff
Thank you to Season 5 sponsors:
Klassen Industries
Bovigen Reproductive Services
Angus World
Thank y'all for listening. Please leave us a 5 star rating and review on your favorite pod catcher.
Kurtis Reid
Contact us:
Lifestockpodcast@gmail.com
Facebook @LifestockPod
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Twitter @LifestockPod
https://thecliffsfarm.com/
Our first discussion and venture into the Purebred Dairy sector. I asked Garry nearly a year ago to join me for an episode. We have been bouncing back and forth on some recording dates and were able to make it work.
I’ve always been intrigued by Garry's story shared from mutual friends, then when I set into making some notes there was so much to talk about I feel like we only hit on two thirds of it. From a young man that has the passion of purebred dairy cattle grown within as he shared the experience with his father, to owning an auction mart. If you've been in the business for any length of time, I think we all can attest that owning a mart is not for just anyone, it is a whole new world. From the interview I also hope you can tell that milking cows for a living is not for the faint of heart either! That's 24/365 no question.
Where Garry and I first hit it off and why I had the original idea of having him on was when we get talking about breeding stock and marketing females, semen, embryos and more. This is something we are both very passionate about, I did my best to stay on notes and keep it moving or we could have talked for another hour on just this alone.
Thank you to Season 5 sponsors:
Klassen Industries
Bovigen
Angus World
F’d Up Farming Podcast
Thank y'all for listening. Please leave us a 5 star rating and review on your favorite app.
Kurtis Reid
Contact us:
Lifestockpodcast@gmail.com
Facebook @LifestockPod
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Twitter @LifestockPod
YouTube: Lifestock Podcast
https://thecliffsfarm.com/
It was great to sit down with Dr Tyson this past summer to pre-record a topic that is always a great talking point. We have all asked friends what they do and what works best for them, we have read the online posts with opinions and results, then I bet you have done a little extra research. Flushing cows is not just automatic, there is a reason I don't gamble at a casino or hit the VLTs, I need to save my luck for other things in life such as setting up and flushing a cow to maximize results. Now, I make it sound like a crap shoot, but it is a detailed process that must be followed diligently for best results. I remember setting up my first cow, the nerves, the personal pressure and handing the unknown of the result.
I hope you enjoy Dr Tyon’s thoughts as he outlines the topic. If you have questions, reach out to your preferred service provider, they are all more than happy to answer your questions and help maximize your efforts of genetic advancement.
Thank you to Season 5 sponsors:
Klassen Industries
Angus World
F’d Up Farming Podcast
Thank y'all for listening. Please leave us a 5 star rating and review on your favorite app.
Kurtis Reid
Contact us:
Lifestockpodcast@gmail.com
Facebook @LifestockPod
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Twitter @LifestockPod
https://thecliffsfarm.com/
D&N Livestock 4th Annual Bulls sale on Feb 26, 2025
Carlin joins me to discuss the upcoming D&N Livestock 4th Annual Bulls sale on Feb 26, 2025. We did this same type of episode last year with great feedback from the D&N customers.
We recap a bit about D&N, how the bull program works, how they are selected and fed plus some of the sire groups.
Spoiler alert** we highlight the three largest groups of the 90 head offering.
Growth Fund, 19 lots
American Made, 20 lots
Alcatraz, 21 lots
Check out the book:
For more details contact the Rajotte’s:
Dave (306) 736-8698
Ben (306) 495-7727
Carlin (306) 495-7292
Check out their Facebook and Instagram pages for more updates and on farm videos.
I did a thing, I signed the Cliffs Farm up to be VBP+! Yes it was easy, yes the process was very smooth, it was painless and very productive.
After going through the process and having a pre-audit checklist call with Erika I mentioned about doing a short Podcast episode and thankfully she agreed! A program that is beneficial to improve on farm practices and opens up access to additional funding when thinking about upgrading your ranching operation.
In the entire process I never felt like they were telling me I needed to be better or what to do. I approached it as a process that will help my family get better. Become more efficient in record keeping. Open the opportunity to some government grant funding, a vast portfolio of industry expert knowledge and an achievement in certification.
The on farm Audit itself was actually enjoyable. We talked about cows the entire time! We are proud of our operation so I took it as an opportunity to do an in depth tour. Our auditor was so professional and personable. She pointed out what she would like to highlight, the picture she would like to take for verification and was an overall wealth of knowledge about on farm practices and record keeping.
I hope you enjoy this episode and maybe consider signing up to begin the VBP+ process too. If you would like more information feel free to reach out to me or visit https://verifiedbeef.ca/.
Thank you to Season 5 sponsors:
Klassen Industries
Angus World
Thank y'all for listening. Please leave us a 5 star rating and review on your favorite pod catcher.
Kurtis Reid
Contact us:
Lifestockpodcast@gmail.com
Facebook @LifestockPod
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Twitter @LifestockPod
https://thecliffsfarm.com/
Dennis Ericson. I'm not sure I need much more to describe this episode. If you have visited with Dennis previously you know his passion for quality stock and marketing. I feel like he was always ring side, ready for a bid, ready to win you that animal! If you haven't had the chance, you will feel it listening to his stories and descriptions.
A lifetime of experience, I wish I could fit it all in one episode! A lifetime of mentoring young people in the cattle business and sales management. He has seen a few things over the years and enjoyed every step along the way.
A fellow that many in the business put into the category of life long friend and Legend.
Thank you to Season 4 sponsors:
BoviGen Reproductive Services
Klassen Industries
Angus World
Thank y'all for listening. Please leave us a rating and review on your favorite pod catcher.
Please help to get us on the Sullivan’s Best of the Barns list this year!
Kurtis Reid
Contact us:
Lifestockpodcast@gmail.com
Facebook @LifestockPod
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Twitter @LifestockPod
https://thecliffsfarm.com/
Happy Canadian Western Agribition travel day everyone! I hope the wind is still and the roads are dry making it a fast trip with the trusty truck and trailer headed into Regina.
Hereford content inbound! It was a treat to visit with Duncan Lees. A man of great standing in his community, his beloved Hereford Breed and for that matter across the Canadian Beef business. Duncan has been dedicated to his family, their generational legacy within ranching, improving the Hereford breed and volunteering in the Hereford Breed and local community.
Duncan and Val Lees raised their 4 children outside of Arcola SK. Blair Athol Farms have been in the Hereford breed for over 100 years. The 6 generations of their family have been dedicated to always improving their breeding stock and the land they utilized. Herefords are in Duncan’s blood, his kids blood and now his grandkids blood! The Cattle industry afforded the Lee’s family numerous opportunities with travel, trade missions, quality stock and most importantly life long friendships.
Duncan’s dedication to building up youth and leading 4H or Junior Hereford projects has left a lasting impression on a generation of cattle men and women. When you ask others about Duncan you will hear it over and over that he is revered as one of the good ones, honest to the core and hard working.
Thank you to Season 4 sponsors:
BoviGen Reproductive Services
Klassen Industries
Angus World
Thank y'all for listening. Please leave us a rating and review on your favorite pod catcher.
Please help to get us on the Sullivan’s Best of the Barns list this year!
Kurtis Reid
Contact us:
Lifestockpodcast@gmail.com
Facebook @LifestockPod
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Twitter @LifestockPod
https://thecliffsfarm.com/
After reading "A Cattleman’s Walk Down Memory Lane" I knew I had to put something together and tell Mr Gordon’s story on the podcast. I sent out a quick message over social media to a couple of his daughters and we worked it out. After reading the book for the first time I had questions and ideas. Prepping for the episode reading the book for the second time I took that much more from it again. If you’re going to get the book make sure to read page 180 a few times, I sure did.
I never met Mr Gordon but have heard numerous stories about him. He would have been an extremely interesting person to visit with in real life. I imagine he would have seen me coming from a 100 yards looking like I was going to ask a million questions.
This episode was a lot of fun and with interviewing the 5 Gordon children you can surely tell they all have a passion for Agriculture and the cattle business. Plus, a strong pride for their heritage and family.
THANK YOU - Lois McRae, Shirley Kaufman, Sheila Jensen, Lynn Gordon and Bruce Gordon for all their time and efforts in making this episode come together.
Thank you to Season 4 sponsors:
BoviGen Reproductive Services
Klassen Industries
Angus World
Thank y'all for listening. Please leave us a rating and review on your favorite pod catcher.
Please help to get us on the Sullivan’s Best of the Barns list this year!
Kurtis Reid
Contact us:
Lifestockpodcast@gmail.com
Facebook @LifestockPod
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Twitter @LifestockPod
https://thecliffsfarm.com/
Sitting in the historic Canadian Western Agribition boardroom with Kylie Beck and Shawna Fuchs was cool. Surrounded by pictures of the founding board, the past presidents, past CEO’s and the Marketing posters/Logos of all 50+ years of show history.
We talk a little about the foundation of Agribition, its first board (Chris Sutter, Barry Andrew, Bill Small, Ken Halverson & Gordon Hollinger), some of the changes over the years and did our best not to get lost in the weeds of our favorite stories and times. Talking about Agribition with anyone that has attended just puts a smile on your face and always stirs up some of those great memories.
The 25th anniversary of the Beef Supreme is a big topic for CWA 2024! 25 years of winners and fun. 25 years of excellence and unique recognition for the best of the best. Being an Agribition Beef Supreme Champion is as close to Show Ring Immortalization as you'll find in the business.
The future vision of Agribition is strong with a great plan behind it. President Shaun Kindopp wraps up the episode talking about just that.
Remember to check out the new Junior Steer Jackpot, Friday November 29 in the John Deere Sale arena at 2:00pm. Over $7,000 in cash will be given out.
Thank you to Season 4 sponsors:
BoviGen Reproductive Services
Klassen Industries
Angus World
Poplar Park Shorthorns
Thank y'all for listening. Please leave us a rating and review on your favorite pod catcher.
Please help to get us on the Sullivan’s Best of the Barns list this year!
Kurtis Reid
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Lifestockpodcast@gmail.com
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https://thecliffsfarm.com/
Yes they are the Reid’s, but we are not related. If we were related I would be a pain in the butt third removed cousin insisting I get the highest level family discounts!! Just kidding.
I wanted to shake things up a bit and bring on someone young. Gus Reid was at the top of my list. A young man with a passion for cattle and wears a big ole grin of optimism. We all remember being young and having plans, I thought it was a great opportunity to reconnect with those though my conversation with Gus. The generations behind RK Cattle Co will be respected and learnt from by the generations that will continue it forward.
In the second part we tap into as I call it, ‘The RK’. Sandy Reid reviews the history of his family, their love for breeding cattle and how starting RK Animal Supply came about. When we talk about the handling equipment and how they had to make the decisions to stay afloat, there are some lessons to pay attention too. You can chase your passion unless you are financially stable and decision to put the business over pride must be made.
Evertime I go to a zoo now I always think of the specialized equipment and seeing it stored in every day fashion at the RK shop.
Thank you to Season 4 sponsors:
BoviGen Reproductive Services
Klassen Industries
Angus World
Thank y'all for listening. Please leave us a rating and review on your favorite pod catcher.
Kurtis Reid
Contact us:
Lifestockpodcast@gmail.com
Facebook @LifestockPod
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Twitter @LifestockPod
https://thecliffsfarm.com/
We stick out east in Quebec for episode 41 having Shadybrook Shorthorns with Kevin Dempsey on to talk shop.
The story of Shadybrook is fun to review. The passion that this business can ignite and the love of the breed Mr Pathy charge ahead with, it’s about the goals to improve. Celebrating their 50th year is a tremendous feat and from all of us at the Lifestock Podcast I want to extend a congratulations to the entire Shadybrook operation.
Kevin has always worked in what he loves, Shorthorn Cattle. His belief on cow quality is consistent, the appreciation of where things started to where they are as a team are working towards in very insightful. Working as a team is different than just individual decision, plus that opportunity arising from established networks is key.
Kevin and his family have developed the Shadybrook brand and also utilized opportunity within their own small herd and business ventures.
Thank you to Season 3 sponsors:
- BoviGen Reproductive Services
- Klassen Industries
- Angus World
Thank y'all for listening. Please leave us a rating and review on your favorite pod catcher.
Kurtis Reid
Contact us: Lifestockpodcast@gmail.com Facebook @LifestockPod Instagram @LifestockPod Twitter @LifestockPod https://thecliffsfarm.com/
We are Quebec bound to talk a little Herefords and Simmental chatter with Paul and Jennifer Mastine. Plus, raising high end show dogs is not for the faint of heart!
As long time breeders of Hereford and Simmental cattle it was fun listening to some history on the development of each herd. How the goals of each are similar but the timing for growth and marketing can change for each. Paul and Jen have also been instrumental in bringing youth into the livestock show world and really encouraging the opportunities it opens up.
Laid back and fun this episode has a pile of great insight to ponder on. Be safe out in the fields putting up hay, getting home in good health will always beat out getting things done faster. Best of luck to everyone!
Thank you to Season 3 sponsors:
BoviGen Reproductive Services
Klassen Industries
Angus World
Thank y'all for listening. Please leave us a rating and review on your favorite pod catcher.
Kurtis Reid
Contact us:
Lifestockpodcast@gmail.com
Facebook @LifestockPod
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Twitter @LifestockPod
https://thecliffsfarm.com/
My dad is the best! If you have met him, I know you understand what I mean and why my family will all stand behind that. An amazing father figure growing up, dedicated to his family and always had a love for Hereford Cattle and people David set great examples for us. Plus, since turning 23 and getting married, he has become the smartest person I know, my siblings around those same time frames in their lives echo that comment.
I am fortunate to work with him developing our cow herd, learning business, my family history and most importantly how to treat people the right way. His patience is unmatched. He is genuine and heartfelt. He is my dad, my best friend and my hero.
Thank you to Season 3 sponsors:
BoviGen Reproductive Services
Klassen Industries
Angus World
Thank y'all for listening. Please leave us a rating and review on your favorite pod catcher.
Kurtis Reid
Contact us:
Lifestockpodcast@gmail.com
Facebook @LifestockPod
Instagram @LifestockPod
Twitter @LifestockPod
https://thecliffsfarm.com/
I've always associated Bruce Holmquist with just being everywhere! It seems like no matter the event or gathering, he is sure to be there. It was great to hear from him about the World Simmental Fleckvieh Conference and how he will be a part of two of these events in Canada. A wonderful accomplishment for the Simmental breed as a whole on the world stage highlighting Canadian Seed Stock.
Bruce’s list of organizational affiliation and board activity is very long and impressive. I sure appreciate him talking to us about those positions and how some opportunities came around. I also think him highlighting some of the sacrifices along the way is important too.
It is clear that the Simmental breed and Agribition hold a special place in Bruce’s heart. He has dedicated most of his adult life to being a part of the industry and working to leave it better for the next members or exhibitors to come.
Thank you to Season 3 sponsors:
BoviGen Reproductive Services
Klassen Industries
Angus World
Thank y'all for listening. Please leave us a rating and review on your favorite pod catcher.
Kurtis Reid
Contact us:
Lifestockpodcast@gmail.com
Facebook @LifestockPod
Instagram @LifestockPod
Twitter @LifestockPod
https://thecliffsfarm.com/