Canadian Gelbvieh Connection

Shelby Horn, member of the National Jr. Gelbvieh Association and board member interviews Chloe Wagner. Together they discuss their experience at this years National Jr. Gelbvieh Show, Survivor Stettler edition. A variety of skills and lessons are developed and learned through extensive programming. Support and encouragement in a welcoming family friendly environment is the focus. The 2027 National Jr. Gelbvieh Show is July 22-25 in Swift Current SK. Mark it on your calendar! Thank you to our sponsors Grow Your Life with Kim and Jackie. Check out their podcast on Apple or Spotify. https://aimhealing.ca/

Today we are joined by Mike Panasiuk to discuss feeding goals and plans for a successful start to preparing cattle for fall show and sale season. As Mike said "It's Go Time". Quality forages, creep feed programs, mineral packages and feed additives are discussed to set up listeners for success. Get in touch with Mike through Country Junction Feeds or contact the CGA office with follow up questions. https://countryjunctionfeeds.com/

Healthy forage systems are the foundation of profitable and sustainable beef production. In this episode of the Canadian Gelbvieh Connection Podcast host, Walker Murphy, sits down with forage and grazing management specialist Tara Davidson to discuss practical strategies for managing pastures and grazing systems in Western Canada. Drawing from years of experience, Tara explains how grazing management decisions impact pasture productivity, forage utilization, soil health, and long-term profitability. The conversation explores matching forage species to local environments, developing resilient grazing systems, and adapting management practices to changing weather conditions. A focus of the discussion is drought management and the importance of maintaining flexibility when forage supplies become limited. Tara shares practical insights on managing water resources, prioritizing pasture recovery, and making grazing decisions that protect pasture health while supporting cattle performance. She emphasizes the value of allowing heavily grazed pastures adequate rest and recovery once moisture returns to the system. Walker and Tara also discuss how well-managed forage systems can improve efficiency, reduce feed costs, and strengthen the overall sustainability of beef operations. The episode highlights the importance of continuous learning, monitoring pasture conditions, and making proactive management decisions throughout the grazing season. Whether you're managing native rangeland or tame pasture, this episode provides valuable takeaways for producers looking to improve pasture productivity, build drought resilience, and maximize the value of their forage resources. For more resources, Tara provided the following links for producers to utilize: https://www.beefresearch.ca/topics/rangeland-riparian-health/ https://www.beefresearch.ca/topics/grazing-management/ https://saskpcap.org/rangelands/ https://www.beefresearch.ca/topics/grazing-management/ https://www.saskforage.ca/ https://www.saskforage.ca/

Canadian Gelbvieh Connection host Sarah Van Schothorst sits down with Grow Your Life With Kim and Jackie founders Kim and Jackie to explore the Animal Intuitive Method (AIM) and how observation, awareness, and connection can influence livestock management on today’s cattle operations. In this episode, the discussion focuses on practical ways producers can become more attentive stockmen by recognizing subtle behavioral changes, improving low-stress cattle handling, and strengthening the relationship between humans and livestock. Kim and Jackie share how AIM principles may support producers during challenging times such as calving season, weaning, and other high-pressure management situations. Whether AIM is a completely new concept or something listeners already practice in their day-to-day work with cattle, this episode offers a thoughtful discussion on stockmanship, producer mindset, and continuing to improve how we care for and work with our herds. Thank you to Grow Your Life With Kim and Jackie for sponsoring this episode of Canadian Gelbvieh Connection.

Sarah sits down with Dr. Claire Windeyer to discuss calving; what to expect, when to intervene; tips and tricks. This episodes highlights information useful for all producers; new to the business and seasoned producers, there are tips for everyone.

In this episode of Canadian Gelbvieh Connection, host Sarah Van Schothorst sits down with Dr. Ryan Boldt, lead geneticist at International Genetic Solutions (IGS), to break down one of the most important tools in modern beef cattle breeding: Expected Progeny Differences (EPDs). Together, they explore what EPDs are, why they were developed, and how they help producers make more informed breeding decisions beyond what can be seen through visual appraisal alone. Ryan explains how EPDs are calculated, the data that goes into genetic evaluations, and how the multi-breed evaluation system used by IGS helps improve the accuracy and usefulness of genetic predictions across breeds. Listeners will also gain a clearer understanding of EPD accuracy—what it means, how it is determined, and how confident producers can be when comparing animals. The conversation also tackles a common point of confusion: the difference between individual trait EPDs and selection indexes, and when each approach is most useful in making breeding decisions. Finally, the episode focuses on practical application. Ryan discusses how producers can use EPDs to align selection decisions with their production goals—whether they are building a strong maternal herd or focusing on terminal calves for market. Key traits such as calving ease, milk, stayability, growth, carcass traits, and feed efficiency are highlighted. Whether you are new to EPDs or looking to better apply genetic data in your breeding program, this episode provides a clear, practical guide to using EPDs to move your herd forward. Thank you to our sponsor for supporting this episode. Grow Your Life with Kim & Jackie. Follow their podcast channel on Apple or Spotify.

Bull sale season is underway! Seedstock producers make a significant investment is DNA testing animals in their herd, commonly herd sire prospects for sale. The Canadian Gelbvieh Association has repatriated our DNA testing services to within Canada to ensure the best possible security, management, and utilization of this investment. This episode is meant to shed light on the changes the CGA has made and why we have made them. It is meant to help commercial and seedstock producers read DNA results and use the information in a way that may help them to narrow down the selection for new herd additions.

Lane Wall, intermediate junior participant, discusses the benefits of the Gelbvieh breed and the traits that add to the bottom line for any cattle producer.

Ash Davidson, senior junior participant, interviews Tyler Davidson from Davidson Cattle Company. Together with his family Tyler runs a commercial cattle operation. Tyler's roots run deep in the Gelbvieh breed and he continues to utilize the breed today in his own operation.

Today Jaime Davidson, intermediate junior participant, interviews Dr. Rodney Walliser, owner of the Horse Shoe Vet clinic in Swift Current. Dr. Walliser grew up on a mixed farming operation in Saskatchewan and he was always interested in becoming a veterinarian. Bunty Allen was the first Gelbvieh producer that introduced Dr. Walliser to working with Gelbvieh cattle. In his experience, Gelbvieh is a nice breed to work with. They discuss the mothering ability, milking ability and growth that make Gelbvieh a good choice for Canadian beef producers.

Mackena Kriger, intermediate junior participant interviews Jennifer Kriger a commercial cattle producer near Springside, SK. Together with her husband, Jennifer runs 130 head of commercial Angus, Simmental, Gelbvieh cross cattle. They discuss how Jennifer and her husband were introduced to the Gelbvieh breed and why they chose to continue using Gelbvieh genetics in their herd. A great listen on the details of their operation and why they like their Gelbvieh cross.

Kylee Sickler interviews Lori Maude, previously the communications director for the American Gelbvieh Association for 12 years. Together they discuss marketing of a cattle operation. They discuss the role of data and the marketing and financial value in the data. Check out the latest MARC data on heterosis performance comparing 18 breeds of beef cattle in the US. Gelbvieh cows have a 22.7lb weaning advantage over the other breeds. In an industry where pounds pay, this can make all the difference.

Chayse Hollman, intermediate junior participant, interviews Michael York, a veterinarian specializing in reproductive technologies in the US. They discuss the regrowth of the North American cow herd and the impact that Gelbvieh and Balancer cattle can have on the industry. Utilizing crossbreeding is having a positive impact in the beef on dairy industry and profitability on the resulting calves. Gelbvieh would be a great sire source for dairy producers to increase yield on their calves.

Kaitlyn Kunze, intermediate junior participant, interviews Grant Scheirlinck from Southwest Genetics. Grant is an artificial insemination technician, selling semen for six companies; BoviGen, Alta Genetics, Select Sires, Semex, Genex, ABS. He also delivers nitrogen and teaches AI schools in the winter time. Together they discuss the availability of Gelbvieh semen at these companies and where opportunities may exist to expand Gelbvieh semen availability. Grant explains the benefits of utilizing A.I. breeding and they discuss the merits of the Gelbvieh breed and how the breed has everything producers need to be profitable throughout the entire beef production chain.

Quin Hamilton, intermediate junior participant, interviews Eileen Davidson from Davidson Gelbvieh, Ponteix SK. Vern and Eileen along with their family started using Gelbvieh bulls on their commercial cow herd and then decided to become purebred breeders after experiencing the temperament and adaptability of the Gelbvieh influenced calves. Body structure, eye appeal and easy fleshing ability of the Gelbvieh breed are discussed. Listen until the end for a fun story on how Vern and Eileen met Mel Gibson through ranching!

Today Brantley Horn, intermediate junior participant, interviews Don and Lorna Okell from Jen-Ty Gelbviehs. Together the discuss the evolution of the Gelbvieh breed and how it meets the demands of today’s beef industry and how youth involvement is helping grow and evolve the breed today.

Collin Hames, intermediate junior participant, interviews his Grampa, Sam Ledgerwood, on his experience bringing Gelbvieh genetics into his commercial herd. Maternal ability, growth, longevity, fertility are highlighted in his stories.

Cameron Davidson interviews Cory Audette, the owner of Ranch House Meat Company in Shaunovan SK. Ranch House Meat Company is a butcher shop with retail store, doing custom cutting of cattle for Ranchers in the area. Cory provides his expertise on what makes for a good carcass and the traits that the Gelbvieh breed has that makes them a good choice for beef producers. One cool fact about Gelbvieh carcasses is they have the biggest ribeye in relation to the carcass size. Cameron Davidson, intermediate junior participant was awarded reserve champion for his marketing project. Congratulations Cam!

Gaby McLeod, senior junior participant, interviews Teanna Johnson who raises purebred and commercial Gelbvieh cattle near Strasbourg, SK with her husband Levi as part of Last Mountain Livestock. They have grown in producing and selling Gelbvieh seedstock and together they discuss the traits Gelbvieh brings to the herd and how Gelbvieh has impacted their commercial and purebred operations.

Today Shelby Horn, senior junior participant interviews Deanne Young who owns and operates High Country Cattle Services with her husband Rob, raising Simmental cattle. Together they discuss the direction of the North American beef industry and how Gelbvieh can play a role in commercial cattle operations by adding to the profitability and success for those producers.

Today Aspen Blake interviews Don Oberg covering marketing strategies being utilized by the Gelbvieh Associations and Gelbvieh traits to be promoted. Everything from junior programming and incentives, print, and social media promotion are covered. Don provides his expertise on what breeders and associations can utilize to gain market share.

Today Colby Hollman interviews Tannar Maschmeyer who owns and operates Maschmeye Cattle Co. They discuss the maternal instincts that maximize performance for the inputs provided, making Gelbvieh a profitable addition tothe cow herd. They discuss advocacy for terminal Gelbvieh performance in the cattle buying community and feedlot industry and how the breed is meeting today’s demand in the beef industry.

Today Cassie Chubb, senior junior participant, interviews Allison Anderson, who discusses her experience crossing Gelbvieh with Angus on their cattle operation. On this maternally focused episode, they discuss how Gelbvieh cattle excel in fertility, calf vigour, udder structure, milk production, and mothering ability.

Today Kaden Hollman interviews Scott Severtson who owns and operates Severtson Land & Cattle with his wife Lisa. Scott describes the evolution of the Gelbvieh breed and his experience breeding up an Angus base cow herd with Gelbvieh. Scott dives into the demand for Balancer genetics and the importance of marketing Balancer cattle to the commercial cattle producers to increase market share. Scott gives his advise to new up and coming breeders.

Levi Hamilton, senior junior participant, interviews Alan Jackson, a cattle buyer with Miller Livestock. Together they explore the role of cattle buyers in the beef industry and they discuss the traits Gelbvieh has to offer and how they are a profitable choice throughout the beef production chain.

Today Skyler Schmitz, senior junior participant, interviews Kelsy Schmitz, the Canadian Junior Gelbvieh Association past president. They discuss the benefits of Gelbvieh particularly for families and youth looking to get involved in showing cattle through 4-H or other junior events. Gelbvieh’s fertility, milking ability, and docility contribute to what makes Gelbvieh great for families and 4-H.

Keston Hollman, senior junior participant, interviews Michael York who owns and operates York Cattle Company in Missouri, USA. Michael dives into the science of longevity, fertility, and increased weaning performance and how that contributes to a producers bottom line.

Victoria Kunze, senior junior participant, interviews Steve from Triple Hill Farms, north of Herbert SK. Steve with his wife Connie run a cow/calf herd and backgrounding feedlot where Gelbvieh influence cattle have been used to improve structural integrity and milking ability in the cow herd and feed to gain ratios in the feedlot. Victoria was awarded Reserve Champion Senior marketing master with this submission at the 2025 National Jr. Gelbvieh Show.

Colt Hrebeniuk, senior junior participant, interviews Darcy Hrebeniuk on the positive impact that Gelbvieh has had on their beef cattle operation and the benefits that Gelbvieh brings to the commercial beef industry, particularly for those producers looking to maximize their hybrid vigour and overall herd performance. Colt was awarded champion marketing master for his submission at the 2025 National Jr. Gelbvieh show.