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The Saskatchewan Stock Growers Association (SSGA) is looking to honour a few notable farmers from around the province.
They're hosting the Semi-Annual Meeting & Honour Scroll Banquet this week on February 7th.
SSGA President Jeff Yorga says that the event is historically a big part of Saskatchewan and they want to give it the credit it deserves.
"Historically, the Saskatchewan Livestock Association gave out their honour scrolls annually to producers who have made a significant contribution to the industry. When the SLA disbanded, they left that role to the Saskatchewan Stock Growers to carry on the tradition."
"It's been something that has been done maybe on the periphery the last couple of years and it's been a focus of our organization to bring those awards back front and centre to make sure that the people are receiving them are getting the recognition that they deserve not only locally but throughout the province as well."
The three recipients include Matthew Flaman, who grew up in Vibank and with an operation which has been running since 1932. He has been involved in 4-H and sports and has transitioned the farm to a purebred Holstein operation. He has contributed to numerous agricultural organizations, serving as a director, vice chair, and chair for entities like Saskatchewan Holstein Branch, CanWest DHI, and Lactanet Canada.
Wayne and Linda Libke of Sunny Valley Simmentals also received an award for their work in Hanley for the agriculture and livestock industries. The two have dedicated themselves to the breeding and showing of purebred Simmental cattle along with help from their children and grandchildren. They have received numerous accolades, including selling the high-selling Simmental bull in Canada in 2013. Wayne has served as a director on the Saskatchewan Simmental Association Board, while Linda has been a committed 4-H leader.
The final award goes to Lloyd & Jean Thompson, who operate the 1200-strong cow-calf feedlot at T Four Ranch from Carnduff. The two have shown leadership in various agricultural associations, including the Saskatchewan Stock Growers Association and the Grazing and Pasture Technology Program. As well they've made their mark mentoring local 4-H Clubs and the Agricultural Society.
The night will feature more than just awards with Yorga saying they'll also look to hold a meeting on the day to see how the stock growers of Saskatchewan are doing.
"Our semi-annual meeting is an opportunity to allow our membership to set priorities for our board for the next six months. It's very important that membership shows up so that they can voice their opinions and make sure that they are heard by the entire board. There's a wide range of topics that are going to be discussed. From the ongoing border issues as well as the ongoing provincial regulatory issues that seem to creep up and we don't wanna let those disappear with some of the news that makes headlines. We want to make sure that we are on top of that type of thing and that's what our Members expect from us, right?"
Yorga encourages people to head to skstockgrowers.com for any info on the banquet or other events coming for the organzation.